Truth Magazine

By Billy Boyd

You cannot buy your way to heaven with money, but you can pave your way to hell with it. The misuse and abuse of money and material blessings is one of the greatest assurances of eternal condemnation. The teachings of Christ have more to say about money and the material things for which it is used than any other one subject. The reason that the Bible says so much about this subject is quite simple.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Tim. 6:10.)

In order to make the right use of his material possessions the Christian should give careful attention to what the Bible teaches on this matter. Here are ten guides to giving, which are set forth in the word of God and which should govern each of us both in what we give and in what we retain.

 

Our Giving Should Be Governed By These Ten Guides

 

1. Every material blessing which we have comes from God.

Scriptures: “The earth is Jehovah’s, and the fullness thereof; The world and they that dwell therein” (Ps. 24:1). “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle of a thousand hills” (Ps. 50:10). “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights . . .” (Jas. 1:17)

Application: Since everything we have comes from God, we are simply stewards of that which God has committed into our care. As stewards, we must strive to handle aright that which in reality belongs to God. “Here, moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” (I Cor. 4:2). Jesus teaches us that we must one day give an account of our stewardship, and he says: “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon (money), who will commit to your trust the true riches” (Luke 16:2, 11).

2. We, as Christians, belong entirely to God.

Scriptures: “Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; for ye were bought with a price: Glorify God therefore in your body” (I Cor. 6:19, 20). “For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” (Rom, 14:7, 8).

Application: Since we belong entirely to God, our lives, everything we are and everything we have, should be dedicated to his service. Everything we do will be done to the glory of God. “And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17). With this concept, all that we have will be given to the service of God in one-way or another. What we retain for our own personal use will not be retained for selfish purposes, but to enable us to more effectively serve God with our lives. Our first consideration at all times will be: “How can I best use my material blessings to advance the cause of Christ.” Surely this concept will cause us to be much more liberal in what we lay in store on the Lord’s day.

3. We can rob God of what is rightfully his by the way we use our money.

Scriptures: “Will a man rob God? yet ye rob me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with the curse; for ye rob me, even this whole nation” (Malachi 3:8, 9). “There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he was wasting his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, What is that that I hear of thee? Render the account of thy stewardship; for thou canst be no longer steward” (Luke 16:1, 2).

Application: In Romans 2:22 Paul asked “Thou that abhorrest idols, cost thou rob temples? ” Even among men, robbery is a very serious crime and punishable by imprisonment. How much more serious when the robbery is committed against God! Yet, when we use for personal pleasure, that which should have been used to the glory of God, we are guilty of robbing Him.

4. We must plan and purpose our giving if it is to be acceptable.

Scriptures: “Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart . . .” (II Cor. 9:7a). “…make up beforehand your afore-promised bounty, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, arid not of extortion” (II Cor. 9:5b). “…. for this is expedient for you who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will” (II Cor. 8:10b).

Application: To purpose means to choose beforehand. God expects us to study and plan our giving so that it will not be a matter of extortion. The Christians at Corinth were commended because they had promised their bounty a year in advance. The person who does not spend some time and thought in planning his giving cannot give so as to please God.

5. Our giving is measured by God by the degree of sacrifice we make.

Scriptures: “And he sat down over against the treasury and beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury: for they all did cast in of their superfluity; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12:41-44). “How that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (II Cor. 8:2). But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13: 16).

Application: Our giving is measured, not so much by the amount we give, as by the amount we have left after we give. Jesus commended the poor widow, not because she gave little but because she gave all that she had to give. She retained nothing. The contrast between the widow and the rich who cast in of their superfluity was in the amount, which was retained for self. The rich cast in much but they kept much more. The widow cast in little but she kept nothing. Unless our giving represents a personal sacrifice, it amounts to little in the sight of God.

6. Our giving must be according to our prosperity.

Scriptures: “Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come” (I Cor. 16:2). “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hash, not according as he hath not” (II Cor. 8:12).

Application: To prosper means to be well provided for the journey of life. The degree to which one has been provided for life’s journey determines the extent to which he should lay by in store. This, of course, would include a person’s total income from all sources. If a person has two jobs, then his giving should be based on the income from both jobs, not just one. If two members of a family work, the family’s prosperity is the combined income from both sources. If they give as they have prospered, they base their giving on the total income from both sources. If a man works overtime, his prosperity is increased by the amount he receives above his regular wages. Unless his giving is based upon his total pay, he is not giving as he has prospered. It is at this point that many people are actually robbing God.

7. Our giving should be with liberality.

Scriptures: “…he that giveth, let him do it with liberality…” (Rom. 12:8b). “But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (II Cor. 9:6). “And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness: ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God” (II Cor. 9: 10, 11).

Application: There is no place in our giving to the Lord for stinginess and penny-pinching. There are some who have misapplied the fact that the New Testament does not teach tithing, and they have wrongly concluded that they can give anything they want to. While the New Testament does not teach tithing as such, it does teach giving with liberality. It is doubtful if many of us can give liberally while giving less than a tenth. Jesus told his disciples, “freely ye received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8). This should be true of us in our material blessings.

8. Our giving should be done with cheerfulness.

Scriptures: “Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7). “How that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (II Cor. 8:2).

Application: Someone has said, “The gift without the giver is bare.” This is true. The attitude of the one giving is of equal importance with what he gives. Paul said the Christians of Macedonia besought with much entreaty to be allowed to give (II Cor. 8:4). We need a resurrection of such cheerfulness.

9. Our giving should be for the purpose of laying up a good foundation against the time to come.

Scriptures: “Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not high-minded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed” (I Tim. 6:17-19). “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust cloth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).

Application: “Use your money while you’re living, do not hoard it to be proud. You can never take it with you, there’s no pocket in a shroud.” There is only one way to benefit eternally from our temporal blessings. Use them in the service of God and for the advancement of His cause.

10. Our giving, when directed by God’s word, will bring rich returns into our lives.

Scriptures: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). “For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God; seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all” (II Cor. 9:12,13.)

Application: We have not been truly and completely blessed until we have known the joys of giving. God has promised to richly bless those who live lives of service and sacrifice. Through the prophet Malachi he challenged his people with these words: “Bring ye the whole tithe into the store-house, that there may be food in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith Jehovah of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there will not be room to receive it.” We will never know the fullness of giving until we accept this challenge from our God.

Conclusion: Here then are the principles of giving which are set forth in the word of God. What will we do with them? They are of little value on this paper, but they can be of immense worth both to you and to the church of our Lord if each of us will govern our giving by God’s guides.

Truth Magazine VI: 5, pp. 4-6
February, 1962

By Melvin Curry

This is the final article in this series. It is our prayer that the brief summary of material found herein will be useful to those who are called upon to oppose the errors of the United Pentecostal Church.

Jesus Is More Than Flesh

In addition, brother Belue completely destroyed Mr. Childress’ contention that Jesus was merely “a human bodily form.” He asked his opponent three questions: (1) Is a being with the ability to pray composed of flesh only or of flesh and spirit? (2) Is the body without the spirit dead? (3) Can a dead body pray?

Mr. Childress gave no significant answer to the first question. Perhaps he sensed the dilemma. But he could not avoid the last two. He agreed that the body without the spirit is dead, and that a dead body cannot pray.

In proof of the fact that the body without the spirit is dead, he quoted the words of Jesus on the cross, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mt. 27:46). According to Mr. Childress, when the Father forsook Jesus, the Spirit of God departed from the dead body suspended on the cross.

This was all brother Belue needed. Matthew 27:46 teaches that the Father had already forsaken Jesus at the time He spoke those words. The Eternal Spirit had already departed from the Lord. He was left alone. But He wasn’t dead yet! Why? Because He had a spirit of His own. After lamenting His abandonment by the Father, Jesus “cried again with a loud voice” (v. 50), “and yielded up the ghost.” Luke records what Jesus cried, “Father into thy hands I commend my spirit” (23:46). Certainly this wasn’t a dead body praying to the Father! Yet, the Father had already forsaken Jesus. The truth is that Jesus possessed a personal spirit in addition to a “human bodily form.” This spirit was still within Him and He commended it to the Father. Jesus was more than flesh.

Another passage which teaches that Jesus is more than flesh is Hebrews 10:5. Mr.

Childress had more difficulty with the argument based on this verse of Scripture than he did with any other argument on the entire Godhead question. Mr. Welch offered him no help; neither could any of the Pentecostal people engaged in friendly discussions offer any refutation of the argument. Its effectiveness was felt by all. Jesus said to the Father, “A body hast thou prepared me.” This was diagramed as follows:

Whose Body Was It?

Mr. Childress contended that Jesus was the “bodily form” of God. But if Jesus is the “body,” who is the Me? It is an utter impossibility to make one person out of the Thou, the body, and the Me. Mr. Childress, desperate for an answer, perverted the passage making it read, “I prepared a body for myself.” Brother Belue demonstrated the absurdity of such sophistry. James teaches, “the body without the spirit is dead” (James 2.26). Since Jesus is the “bodily form,” and since the body is distinguished from the spirit (Me) in Hebrews 10:5, then Mr. Childress was forced into the position of believing in a dead God. This is the logical consequence of attempting to prove that there is only one person in the Godhead.

Conclusion

This was a splendid discussion in every way. Both men behaved themselves in a spirit conducive to honorable controversy, and the interest gained momentum from night to night. Much good has come as a result of the debate. Truth has nothing to lose and everything to gain in an open and honest public discussion.

Truth Magazine VI: 5, p. 13
February 1962

By William E. Pierce

When Jesus told his disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature,” it was his plan that Jerusalem would be the beginning point. From Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and finally that “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in (his) name among all nations.” (Lk. 24:47) We know from the book of Acts that this plan was executed. The church was so zealous that the band of Christians grew to several thousands. Persecutions could not stop them, but rather, it only enlarged the member of Christians, “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). The Gospel spread with such swiftness that Paul could write to the Colossians, “Be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every, creature which is under heaven” (1:23). Think about it! What a great statement to make! Paul could say this as the result of zeal, faith, determination and untireless effort on the part of the Christians to fulfill the great commission. THIS WAS THE CHURCH IN THE FIRST CENTURY.

Now, let us look at the church in the 20th century. If my figures are correct, we have 8,000 gospel preachers in the United States or one preacher to every 25,000 people. The United States only composes 7 percent of the world’s population. In 93 percent of the world’s population, there are only 210 men and 215 women or one gospel preacher to every 19,000,000 people. These figures may vary a little, but not enough that we cannot see how miserably the church in the 20th century is failing in fulfilling the great commission. The Gospel is to be preached to every nation and the United States is only one nation out of many. Think of the modern modes of traveling in our day compared to the first century. From this, it would seem that we could be more effective in our reaching people of all nations with the gospel.

Why is it then that more nations aren’t hearing the pure Gospel? IS THIS CHALLENGE TOO GREAT OR ARE THE COMFORTS AT HOME TOO EASY? When I hear and see preachers who are looking for a “good church” with whom to work, when I hear of and see bigger and finer church buildings being built when I hear of older preachers, experienced and seasoned for foreign fields, move from one large church to another of equal size: and when I hear the reasons (perhaps excuses), offered for not going to foreign fields then I begin to understand why more nations haven’t heard, why even other parts of the United States haven’t heard the Gospel. I begin to see the extent of our dedication.

You who are reading this article, what are you going to do about this situation? Will you as a congregation intensify your efforts and send others to foreign fields and will you as gospel preachers make plans to enter another nation and preach the Gospel?

There are opportunities here in Norway and we need workers badly. We need men and women who are dedicated, who are willing to live as do the people, who are willing to learn a difficult language and who are willing, as the Norwegians say, to “drive themselves down” (settle down) for a few years. We would be happy to correspond with anyone who would like to know of the opportunities here and who would be interested in coming here. Will you accept the challenge and let us hear from you?

Truth Magazine VI: 5, p. 1
February, 1962

By Ray Ferris

Recently some questions were submitted to this writer to be answered from the pulpit where he regularly preaches the word. The following is submitted as an outline of the material given from the pulpit in reply to the questions. It is hoped these printed copies may be studied profitably by all who will read them; that they may encourage us to pursue a course that is safe, and that can not be wrong.

I. The New Testament teaches us in four ways.

A. By commands–either negative or positive.

B. By statements of fact–either negative or positive.

C. By examples–either divinely approved or disapproved.

D. By NECESSARY inference–note the emphasis on necessary.

II. When we have every commandment, statement of fact, example, and necessary inference concerning any subject we have all of the mind of God on that particular subject. It is the complete pattern set forth in the Bible. Everything we teach and practice on that subject must be authorized in the word of God by one of the above-mentioned ways. If not, we are acting in presumption and without the approval of God. We have a pattern to show us what God desires. When that which we desire is not a part of the picture (pattern) given in God’s book, we must not deviate from the pattern simply because God has not expressly forbidden it, but must change our desires and plans to fit the pattern set forth.

III. Five questions that have been asked concerning current controversies among brethren (Note: This is not to indicate that these controversies are the only ones prevalent. However, they are the issues that are causing the greatest disturbances among the Lord’s people in many places the world over. The only way we can ever hope to gain peace with regard to them is by a careful study of the principles involved as measured by the scriptures, and a resolution to have peace with the Lord and all who will be united on the pattern He has given.)

A. Can we distinguish between the individual and the church in our responsibilities and privileges?

B. For whom and what is the church responsible; that is, for what can the Lord’s money be spent?

C. Who shall do the work of the church– the church or some man-made institution?

D. To whom can the church make contributions?

D. Can one church perform its work through another church in such arrangements as the Herald Of Truth, the “Lubbock plan of mission work,” Orphan homes under the “sponsorship” of an eldership, etc.?

IV. Can we distinguish between the individual and the church in our responsibilities and privileges?

A. Read 1 Timothy 5:1-16.

1. Note the responsibility of the home in verse 4.

2. Note the seriousness of the offense “if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house;” note that “he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (Verse 8, Emphasis mine, REF).

3. “Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old…” is a statement to prohibit the enrollment of such a widow as a permanent responsibility of the church. Verse 9. (This is not to be taken as a prohibition of the church ever helping any widow at all who does not meet the qualifications, as demonstrated by the accounts of help given in Acts 6:1-8 to widows, and in many other places to needy saints in general.)4. Verse 16 specifically forbids the church to be charged with the sustenance of widows who have relatives as described, who can provide for them. “Let not the church be charged” is the commandment of the Lord by Paul. Before the church could possibly help such an individual disciplinary action must be taken against the Christian who “is worse than an infidel” in this matter.5. The distinction between the church and the individual is clear in this passage. God made it for us.B. Acts 5:1-11 also makes this distinction clear.

1. Review the situation in this context. Many disciples were in need and individuals were selling their possessions and bringing the money to lay at the feet of the apostles that it might be distributed to those who were in need (Acts 4:34-37). Ananias and Sapphira also sold a piece of land and pretended to bring all the proceeds to the apostles, but in reality withheld part of the funds received. Now notice the words of Peter.

2. “Whiles it remained, was it not shine own? ” (Verse 4.) Who owns your car, washing machine, radio, house, etc.– you or the church? We can all distinguish between the church and the individual in this type of matter, can we not?3. Peter continued, “and after it was sold, was it not in shine own power?” (Verse 4.) How much money will be the church’s money after we complete our Sunday worship–what is in the collection plates, or that plus all that is in our pockets?

We do not have a bit of trouble seeing the difference between the church and the individual here either, do we?

4. From these passages, and many others that could be cited, it is manifest that privileges and responsibilities of the church and the individual are two entirely different fields of study. There is, of course, much overlapping. The church has obligations, as the church, to preach the gospel, edify the saints and help needy saints with material things, as we shall notice in greater detail later. The individual has obligations and privileges along these same lines. However, this does not mean that anything the individual can do the church can do, and that anything the individual does the church does. For example: Each individual has responsibilities in purity of life. No Christian can go to heaven who dies as a drunkard, fornicator, thief, idolater, etc. — Note 1 Cor. 6:9-10. Individual Christians have died in each of the sinful conditions mentioned. Does that mean the church will be lost because certain Christians sinned? Who can believe it? Paul teaches parents to train their children (“bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”), which would include discipline as needed. Who can believe that this makes the church responsible for, or gives her the privilege to, discipline my children and yours? Aren’t you glad there is a distinction made in the word between the church and the individual?

5. How do I determine the responsibilities and privileges of the church and the individual? Do I try some complicated reasoning process such as that of brother Monroe Hawley who theorizes that anything the Christian does because he is a Christian the church also is authorized to do? Must I struggle with a reasoning process, such as that in which brother Foy Vinson answered brother Hawley, by trying to determine just what the individual Christian does only because he is a Christian? No! As we noted in the beginning, we need only study all that God has taught us in His word on each of these two subjects and we will have the mind of God on it.V. For whom and what is the church responsible; that is, for what can the Lord’s money be spent?

A. The church is to preach the word–the gospel of Christ.

1. In 1 Timothy 3:15 we read that the church is “the pillar and ground (stay) of the truth,” which would surely indicate the responsibility of the church to uphold the teaching of the truth. Jesus said God’s word is truth–(John 17: 17).

2. In Philippians 4:15-16 we have approved example of the church supporting a preacher of the word in material things so that he might be able to live while he preaches.

3. 2 Corinthians 11:3 states that Paul took wages of churches to preach the word to the people of Corinth.

4. 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 establishes the principle laid down in the last verse of the passage: “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”B. The Church is to edify itself and maintain worship for the saints.

1. Ephesians 4:11-16 emphasizes the works set in the church by the Lord, and their purposes. Note verse 12 — “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Note that the body is the church–Eph. 1: 22-23; 5:23; and Col. 1:18.) Verses 13-16 express the purpose of growth of Christians as that which is to be accomplished by the church, and concludes with the thought that the whole body if functioning properly “maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

2. Hebrews 10:23-25, although addressed to the church in its distributive capacity necessarily involves the collective church, as it expresses the necessity of assembling of the saints. This necessarily implies a place for the assembly.

3. Acts 20: 7-8 gives us an approved example of such a place for assembly, including the provisions of such expediencies as lights. We do have authority for a building and those things needful to provide a comfortable place for our worship. Whether we buy, rent, or borrow, and how much we pay are matters of judgment and expediency.

C. The church is authorized to help needy saints.

1. We cannot note in detail every passage that provides such authority, but the reader is encouraged to note and read all of these passages.

a. Acts 2:44-46–Believers were together and had things common. (verses 44-45.)

b. Acts 4:32-37–Distribution was made to those among them, verses 34-35. Note the word believers in verse 32.

c. Acts 5:1-11–Illustration of statement of giving in 4:32-37.

d. Acts 6: 1-8–Widows in the church were helped.

e. Acts 11:27-30 Relief was sent to the brethren in Judea.

f. Romans 15:25-33 — Note these statements: “Minister unto the saints; “

“contribution for the poor saints,” “service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints.” (Verses 25, 26, & 31.)

g. 1 Cor. 16: 1 -4–“Now concerning the collection for the saints . . .” (verse 1.)

h. 2 Cor. 8:1–9:15 Notice 8:1 and 9:1, 12. “Receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints;” “For as touching the ministering to the saints; ” and “supplieth the want of the saints.”

2. Every time there is a record of money being spent from the treasury of the Lord’s people–the Lord’s money — for the purpose of helping those in material need, the scriptures specify that such help was for the saints. (Note that Peter and John, who were two of the leading men in the early church– apostles at whose feet money was laid that money might be distributed–refused financial assistance to the lame man at the gate of the temple–Acts 3: 1-11. Why? The scriptures do not say in so many words except to say, “Silver and gold have I none…” But the disciples were living out of the common fund given by Christians–Acts 2:44-46 and 4:32-37! This man was a deserving man in need who was refused help from the common fund of the saints by the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 3:1-6).

3. Misuse of passages applicable to individuals will not prove anything concerning the responsibility of the church. Note prior points on this matter.

a. Galatians 6:1-10 manifestly applies to individual Christians. Note such expressions as thyself, thou, a man, he, himself, every man, his himself alone, and another. All are singular in their form.

(1). The letter was addressed to churches of Galatia, but it is manifest that these expressions contemplate all in the churches as individuals. We can all see the difference in the church and the individual Christian in verses 7-9. We reap as we sow as individuals — vs. 7-8. We must not be weary or faint in well-doing for our reaping depends upon it–v. 9. Aren’t you glad your reaping does not depend upon the weariness and faintness of the church as a whole? The same subject and the individual is spoken of in v. 10. Note the word therefore which ties these verses together.

(2). Verse ten authorizes every Christian to do any good for any man, but places special emphasis upon responsibility to the Christian. If this verse applies to the collective church it would authorize the church to do anything good for any men who have need and as the church has opportunity.

b. James 1:27 is also a passage that contemplates action on the part of the individual rather than collective church action.

(1). Begin reading with Jas. 1:18. Were churches or individuals begotten with the word of truth? Note the expressions of a singular nature again–every man, any, he, a man, his, man, whoso, this man, any man, and himself.

(2) The sentence in Jas. 1:27 says religion is to visit and to keep. Whoever it is that is involved in keeping “himself” unspotted from the world is the same one contemplated in the visiting of the fatherless and widows, for this sentence has only one subject and one verb. Can the church keep me unspotted, or is that something I must do myself? This verse also teaches individual Christians to visit the unfortunate of the world. (As we have noted already the New Testament teaches the church [collective] to relieve the needs of saints under certain circumstances.)

c. Passages such as Matt. 5:43-48 do not apply either since they are manifestly to the individual, and were addressed to individuals before the church was ever established.

d. 2 Cor. 9:13 is sometimes claimed by some to indicate that help was given to all men, since the expression “for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men . . .” is found in the latter part of the verse. However, note first that in every place this gift is mentioned it is specified that is was collected for and sent to the saints. (See again section V., C., I., a-in.) Verse twelve indicates that two things would be accomplished by the gift–supply the want of the saints and bring about thanksgiving unto God. This thanksgiving and the prayer mentioned in verse 14 would manifestly be that of Christians rather than people of the world. The word all (Note the word men was supplied by the translators and is not found in the original language) is used here to indicate all of a class or kind; that is, those who were in need of help in the church. These Christians would glorify God for two reasons–the subjection of the Corinthians to the gospel and for their help to Christians in need, both those in Jerusalem who received help and all other Christians who needed and received such help.

D. There is no authority in the scriptures for the church (collective body) to engage in social recreation and pleasure, physical recreation, secular education, hospital care for the world, etc.

(More to Follow)

Truth Magazine VI: 5, pp. 7-8, 21-23
February 1962