Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

Acts 3 relates how opposition to the Lord’s church began and presents the second recorded sermon of Peter in which he instructed men in what they must do to be saved. Our primary interest in this chapter will be Acts 3:19. However, let us set the events in their context.

Healing the Lame Man

Acts 3:1-11 records the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. As Peter and John were entering the Temple, a man who was forty years old (Acts 4:22) and lame from his mother’s womb (Acts 3:2) asked alms of them. Peter replied, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). Immediately his feet and ankle bones were strengthened, he stood up, began walking and leaping, and praising God. A crowd assembled to whom Peter preached.

Before moving to the sermon, let us take note of the purpose of this miracle. The miracles of the New Testament occurred to authenticate the message being revealed from God in fulfillment of the promise made by Jesus. He said,

These signs shall follow them that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following (Mk. 16:17-20).

The healing of the lame man was only one incident in which the Lord’s promise was fulfilled. It served the purpose of confirming the message delivered by the apostles (cf. Jn. 20:30-31; Heb. 2:14).

This miracle contrasts with those of modern Pentecostalism in many respects. (1) The lame man begged money from the healer instead of the healer begging from the lame. (2) The lame man was instantly healed (Acts 3:7). (3) The lame man was completely healed (Acts 3:8); there is no indication that he relapsed. (4) There was no doubt that the man was lame (Acts 3:9-10). (5) There was no doubt that he was healed (Acts 4:14-16). (6) The one doing the healing did not exalt himself (Acts 3:12-13; 4:10).

Peter’s Sermon (Acts 3:12-26)

There were several points which Peter emphasized to this audience We list some of them:

1. The lame man was healed by the power of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:16). Peter stated that Jesus was the one who was responsible for this man being healed. The miracle becomes proof of his later teaching that Jesus was raised from the dead.

2. Jesus, whom they crucified, was the Messiah sent from God. Peter laid the guilt for crucifying Jesus squarely at the feet of the Jewish people. They chose to release the murderer Barabbas and asked that Jesus be crucified. They chose a murderer over the Holy One and the Just (Acts 3:14i. They chose one who took another’s life over Jesus, the Prince of Life (Acts 3:15).

The Jews crucified Jesus in ignorance (Acts 3:17), although that did not release them from guilt. In what sense were they ignorant? Paul said that they were not aware that they were crucifying the Lord of glory (1 Cor. 2:8), the Messiah. Being influenced by their leaders, the mob chose the murderer to be released and asked for the death of their own Messiah.

The suffering of Christ was part of God’s predetermined plan and counsel (Acts 2:13; 3:18). His death was no accident. He had foreordained that Jesus’ blood should be shed for the sins of the world. Through the shedding of his blood, we can be redeemed from sin.

3. Jesus has been raised from the dead. As proof of this, Peter stated that “we are witnesses” (Acts 3:15). Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus was confirmed and proven by the healing of the lame man (Acts 3:13). Jesus is now ascended to the right hand of God awaiting the second coming. “And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heavens must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:20-21).

4. Salvation is conditioned upon obedience to Jesus. Jesus is the prophet foretold by Moses of whom he said, “A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people” (Acts 3:22-23). “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby you must be saved” (Acts 4:11-12).

There is only one way for men to be saved – through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He who does not obey the gospel cannot be saved; he will be destroyed from among the people of God.

Conditions For Salvation

Peter revealed how man can be saved through the blood of Christ. He said,

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19).

To those Jews who heard the sermon and believed it, Peter gave two conditions for salvation: repent and be converted. Because our salvation depends upon meeting these conditions, let us be sure that we understand the meaning of the terms.

1. Repent. The word “repent” is translated from the word metanoeo. Repentance is distinguished from “godly sorrow” in 2 Corinthians 7:10 which teaches that “godly sorrow worketh repentance.” John the Baptist distinguished repentance from change of conduct when he said “bring forth fruits worthy of repentance” (Matt. 3:8). J.W. McGarvey summarized the meaning when he wrote, “Seeing that repentance results from sorrow for sin, and leads to reformation of life, we can have no further difficulty in ascertaining what it is; for the only result of sorrow for sin which leads to reformation is a change of will in reference to sin. . . . Repentance then, fully defined, is a change of will caused by sorrow for sin, and leading to a reformation of life” (New Commentary on Acts of the Apostles, pp. 60-61).

Some people try to be saved without repenting, including some among us. They have acknowledged their belief in God and have been baptized. However, they have never fully changed their mind with reference to sin or obedience to God. They will do what the Bible says so long as that is what they want to do; however, whenever what the Bible says is something they do not want to do; they do what they please. These are the baptized among us who ignore what the Bible teaches about worshiping God because it interferes with the pursuit of pleasure or ambition. These are the baptized among us who ignore God’s word to participate in dancing, drinking, and other forms of revelry. These are the baptized among us who reject Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage in order to be joined to someone other than whom God would approve. These have never seriously repented – never genuinely rejected the pursuit of their own self-will in order to submit to the will of God. Without repentance, one cannot be saved (Acts 17:30; 2 Pet. 3:9).

2. Be Converted. The word “convert” is translated from the Greek word epistrepho. This active verb in Greek is translated by the passive verb “be converted” in the King James Version. This conveys the false impression that “conversion” is something that is done to you rather than something you do. Later translations reject the passive translation “be converted” in favor of the active verb “turn again” (ASV, RSV) or “return” (NASB). Man is active in his conversion, not passive. The word epistrepho “properly means to turn – to return to a path from which one has gone astray; and then to turn away from sins, or to forsake them.” This word points to the change of conduct which results from repentance.

Let us compare Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 with his sermon in Acts 3. In both chapters he lists the conditions for salvation from sin. Compare these two accounts:

Acts 2:38 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 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Acts 2:38 Repent Be Baptized Remission of Sins

Acts 3:19 Repent Be Converted Sins Blotted Out

What Peter preached in Acts 2:38 is not in conflict with what he preached in Acts 3:19. Rather, the term “convert” or “turn” is a more general word to denote the change in life which occurs when one becomes a child of God. Every turn has a beginning and baptism is the beginning of the change in life which occurs when a person begins to do what God commands him to do. This is the first act of obedience for the person wishing to obey the Lord – to, be baptized. Hence, the two verses are teaching the same conditions for salvation from sin.

Conclusion

If you have never obeyed the gospel, why postpone obedience any longer? The salvation which Christ has offered is available to every man upon the same conditions. If you were able to wait a thousand years, the conditions for salvation would be exactly what they are today – faith in Christ, repentance from sin, confession of your faith in Jesus, and baptism in water for the remission of your sins. You have no assurance that you will ever have another opportunity to obey the gospel. Today is the day of salvation. Why not obey the gospel today?

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 24, pp. 738, 753-754
December 17, 1987

By Clinton D. Hamilton

Introduction

With awesome consequences that are determinate, comprehensive, and eternal, preaching is a serious undertaking. For this reason a preacher should approach his work conscious of the fearful issue of judgment. James said, “Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment” (3:1). This he said to cause one to think of the awesome responsibility, not to cause no one to teach. However, if one does teach, he should do so only after having assessed the responsibility it bears.

The preacher or teacher must be aware that the tongue is difficult to control. James says of it, “And the tongue is a fire; the world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the wheel of nature, and is set on fire of hell” (3:6). In fact, he says that no man can tame the tongue (3:8). “It is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison” (3:8).

Whoever in this context undertakes to be a teacher must be serious-minded and conscious of the need to exercise due care to control the tongue in teaching. The preacher, therefore, should be reverential, serious, and dedicated as a person with a full understanding and acceptance of his ominous responsibility. Flippancy, lightheartedness, and inadequate preparation have no place in the pulpit. One who preaches must be studious, serious-minded, sincere, and genuine in his quest for truth and righteousness.

Conduct in the pulpit and other arenas of teaching should be characterized by the dignity, worth, and purpose of the message which is proclaimed. One is not pursuing the work to entertain but to convict of sin, encourage in righteousness, and motivate to seek eternal life through the Son of God. Accordingly, the very demeanor of the message-bearer should convey the majesty of God and the value of the message. It should be no trivial pursuit to preach nor to hear the message. The demeanor of both speaker and hearer should so agree.

James W. Adams in his teaching and preaching of the gospel conveys such demeanor and reflects such understanding about the gospel and the preacher of it.

Student and Scholar

Studious and thoughtful, brother Adams is a careful scholar and student in the preparation of that which he plans to present in a lesson or in his writings. Careful attention to detail and argument characterize what he presents either in writing or speech. His study, research, reflection, and wide reading enable him to demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of particular elements of a subject in relation to the whole of truth. Meticulous in research and in the expression of his understanding, he conveys thoughtfulness and clarity of expression. His preaching is thoroughly biblically based and shows respect for the origin of Scripture and perception of both what is and is not said. His teaching and preaching in whatever medium show him to be reflective meditative, and concerned about what God intended us to learn from His word.

Style and Substance

What is brother Adams’ style of preaching? Well, it i certainly straight-forward and forthright. One does not, wonder or agonize over whether he understood what his message is. He speaks with clarity of expression in word or pen. The message is conveyed with a minimum of words but with a clear statement of premises, proof, and conclusions. What is said is well organized and easy to follow in thought processes. Liberally supported by scriptural references correctly interpreted and applied, his preaching is rich in reflections of hours of meditative reading and research about what God’s message is.

Wherever and in whatever circumstance he may teach, there is revealed in his teaching and preaching a deep conviction, fearless expression, and courage of heart in the face of however fierce opposition may meet him. Independent, yet respectful of others, he is not hesitant to stand upon and express what he conscientiously believes God revealed. Fearless of untoward consequences, he takes refuge in truth and the strength of God.

The Man

What sort of man is James Adams? One would have to say that he has a complex personality that does not typically convey frivolity. At the same time one would have to say that typically his emotions are controlled by a keen intellect, yet he is easily touched emotionally and has a great ability to relate to problems and concerns of others. Pleasant in conversation, he reveals a person of wide interests and knowledge. He also expresses good will and personal concern for others.

A man of unquestioned integrity and good character, he has little patience with hypocrisy, sloppy scholarship, and illogical reasoning. This not because it is affront to him but because it is an affront to God and his cause. He is most conscious of consistent and inconsistent behavior. Very perceptive in observance, he is keenly aware of his surroundings.

A good friend and colleague, he extends himself to these ends and will be to any who associate with him a trusted advisor and fellow student and conversationalist. He is delightful to have as a friend and to associate with in the work of the gospel.

Dedicated to family members and the responsibilities that grow out of these, he is a source of strength. His confidential expressions to friends reveal a depth of his convictions, the breadth of his love, a tenderness of heart, the aspirations of his soul, and the graciousness of his person. He is a good man.

Conclusion

James W. Adams, the preacher, is complex, yet simple in dedication to truth. He is many faceted in interests, yet undeterred from truth. He is loyal in friendship, yet unmoved from his conviction. He is tender of heart, yet never loses sight of what is right. He is intellectually inclined, yet ever so willing to understand the problems of those not so inclined. He is a man of his word and staunch in his dedication to the truth of God.

He is a great preacher, a good friend, a kind family man, a good student and scholar, a careful writer, and a formidable opponent of error but an effective proclaimer of the gospel.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 23, pp. 714-715
December 3, 1987

By Randy Harshbarger

Brethren, by ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample” (Phil. 3:17). Taking to “heart Paul’s divine injunction to “mark” (“behold, watch, contemplate,” Vine, Vol. 3, p. 43), those faithful men who provide examples worthy of imitation, we use this opportunity to call attention to the life and work of James W. Adams. For fifty plus years, brother Adams has devoted his life and energies to the proclamation and defense of the Truth. His concern has ever been for the spiritual health and prosperity of God’s family. Such an example needs to be noted. Such I believe, will help encourage those who have lived during the same time and under some of the same circumstances as brother Adams; it will also help inspire younger preachers and younger Christians everywhere to press on faithfully in the Lord’s cause. Several years ago, Cecil Willis wrote an article, “Putting Old Preachers on the Shelf” (Truth Magazine, Vol. XVII, No. 5, pp. 3-6). Among other things, brother Willis pointed out the tendency of some brethren to reject certain preachers solely upon the basis of age. This in my judgment is a mistake. It is sad and alarming to hear some second and third generation preachers (and other Christians) deride and criticize those of the past. Faithful men who fought many battles for truth are rejected and their preaching is criticized as being out of date. With this attitude present in too many, I am afraid we are headed in the wrong direction. In brother Adams’ own words:

What churches of the Lord need is not technical experts to streamline their activities and oil the wheels of complicated organizational activity, but men thoroughly schooled in the gospel of Christ and dedicated to the salvation of the souls of eternity-bound men and women … Instead, give us more John the Baptists, schooled in the rude wilderness of study, prayer, and meditation, clothed in camel’s hair and eating locusts and wild honey, but animated by holy fire from off the altar of purity and truth (from Timberland Drive church of Christ bulletin, November 2, 1985).

Early Life

James Wallace Adams was born August 27, 1914, in Brawley, California. His parents were Felix A. and Mary Roberta (Mittie) Adams. In 1920 the family moved to Texas. Some of brother Adams’ ancestors were early settlers of Texas. His grandfather, R.L. Bates was a pioneer preacher of the gospel. Brother Adams graduated from high school at La Pryor, Texas (1931), and later attended Freed-Hardeman College, Henderson, Tennessee. Brother Adams obeyed the gospel in 1926. Being encouraged to preach by Walter Leamons, he preached his first sermon on December 31st, 1933. Dedicating himself to the Lord’s cause, he has never looked back. For over fifty years, James W. Adams has been preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. When brother Adams started his life’s work, he preached for several churches in the Hill country of Texas (Menard, Brady), but he considers Vivian, Louisiana, as his first located work.

James W. Adams was married to Gertrude Leamons of Grapeland, Texas, on July 30th, 1936. Brother and sister Adams have three children’, two daughters and a son. Jimmie Nell McLemore and her family live in San Augustine, Texas. Patricia Spivey resides in Lufkin, and Robert L. Adams lives in Humble, Texas. With great pride (but pardonable!), brother and sister Adams speak of their children and grandchildren often (especially the grandchildren!).

Brother Adams has done local work in the following places: Temple, Longview, Beaumont (twice), San Antonio, Baytown, Nacogdoches (twice), Huntington, Center, Henderson, Terrell (all in Texas); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Paducah, Kentucky; Selmer, Tennessee; and Senatobia, Mississippi. As you can see, brother Adams has been primarily a “Texas” preacher. Meeting work has carried him into some twenty-five states. In 1975, he and Foy Vinson made a preaching trip to Italy. For many years the Pruett and Lobit church in Baytown, where brother Adams preached in the early 1970s, has supported preachers in Italy and Sicily. Brother Adams continues his interest in the work in Italy.

Retiring from local work in 1983, brother and sister Adams moved back to Lufkin. They are members of the Timberland Drive church of Christ. Of course, brother Adams hasn’t really retired. He continues to teach a Bible class at Timberland Drive and preaches when needed. At the present time he is driving every Sunday to Broaddus, Texas, to preach for the church there. Timberland Drive has had a two-preacher arrangement for some years, in which a younger man can work with an older, mature preacher, thus gaining much needed experience and instruction. Brother Adams helps with this program. What a great benefit to those who can learn from him!

As A Preacher and Writer Gospel Guardian

Others will look at the preaching and writing of James W. Adams in this special issue, but permit these few observations. Believing the printed page to be an effective medium for teaching vital truths of God’s word, brother Adams began writing for papers published by brethren in the mid 1930s. However, it was not until the mid 1940s that he stepped up his writing efforts. In fact it was at the insistence of Foy E. Wallace, Jr., that brother Adams began writing regularly for the Bible Banner, being being made an associate editor in 1947. While brother Adams has never sought controversy for its sake alone, neither has he ever turned away from any issue, when truth was at stake. Controversy has often been thrust upon him. Due to his keen intellect and diligent preparation he has addressed himself time and again, to live issues that have sought to destroy and harm the Lord’s church. Hence, his writings in The Bible Banner were of a controversial nature, dealing mainly with efforts of some to get the college into the budgets of churches, and premillennialism. Clear and precise in his writing (as in his preaching), brother Adams can get to the heart of a matter, and bring pertinent passages to bear on whatever subject he might be discussing.

Even now, brother Adams is working on a book dealing with hermeneutics. After many years of study, he is certainly able to write such a book. It will be a welcome addition to those who love the truth and desire to understand and apply it properly. Too, he is working on a devotional type book, that will contain short articles of an inspirational, reflective nature.

I have had the privilege of hearing brother Adams preach many times. I have many of his sermons on tape. After hearing him preach, you know you have heard a Bible-filled, true-to-life sermon. With little sympathy for watered down, soft-soap “sermonettes,” brother Adams is first and last a preacher of the gospel! His sermons are filled with Scripture after Scripture, properly used and applied. What an example to this generation of preachers!

A Personal Note

My friendship with brother Adams goes back some seventeen years. He performed the wedding ceremony when Marilyn and I got married. Since that time we have been in contact often. When I first started preaching (in Alto, Texas), brother Adams was living in Beaumont, but soon moved to Lufkin, and was editing The Gospel Guardian. I sought his advice and counsel many times. He was always willing to instruct, study with, and guide me in some decisions that had to be made, or some problems that often faced younger preachers. Bother Adam has always been willing to help younger men, just staring out as preachers, in spite of the immaturity displayed by some. For this I will ever be grateful.

James Adams is sometimes depicted as cold and aloof. Nothing could be further from the truth. He is a serious man, who carries himself with assurance and dignity. However, he appreciates the lighter side and good human as much as anyone. Of course, his humor is never coarse or out of place. And no, he doesn’t always wear a tie (but it would be alright if he did)! One day we went out fishing for catfish on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. It was time for lunch, I inquired about some soap to get the “stink bait” off my hands. Brother Adams replay was, “Go ahead and eat, and ask no question for conscience’s sake.” A man of the Book, even on the lake. I have heard brother Adams preach with great emotion, concerning the death of our Savior. With great tenderness I have heard him speak of days gone by, of former friends who have departed from the faith, and of fellow soldiers of the cross, who hand in hand fought valiantly in the Lord’s army. A few years ago, I listened for some three hours as he detailed the institutional controversy from beginning to present. It brings great pain to his heart to remember once faithful preachers who have turned away from the truth. All of this is my way of saying, that there is another side to James W. Adams that many perhaps have not seen. This is a shame.

I have been in brother and sister Adams’ home many times. I have always felt “at home” and have appreciated the warm hospitality extended to me. Sister Adams has ever been a source of strength and encouragement to brother Adams. This past July 30th, they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Their love for each other is strong and unspoken, but seen by all. Sister Adams has always encouraged me in my efforts to preach and I am thankful for her friendship and counsel.

When not in meetings or preaching elsewhere brother and sister Adams are at home at 1402 Robinwood Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75901. My prayer is for their continued good health and well being. While inadequate, I say thank you for your friendship, your life, your example.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 23, pp. 712-713
December 3, 1987

By Mike Willis

The concept of “total commitment” has become associated with the Crossroads movement. Although we oppose “total commitment” in its specialized meaning to refer to an unbiblical commitment to the Crossroads philosophy, we certainly do not want to oppose the total commitment taught by the word of God. We certainly are not opposed to total commitment, though we stand opposed to the Crossroads movement. As Christians, we must be totally committed to Christ.

The word “commitment” means “an agreement or pledge to do something in the future . . . the state of being obligated.” We understand the meaning of commitment in various areas of life. When I purchase an automobile or house, I commit myself to making monthly payments for a specified period of time. When I married Sandy, I made certain commitments to her. Even our teenagers understand commitment when they start “going” together. Jesus also demands a commitment if we intend to be his disciple.

The Commitment of Discipleship

Jesus taught men to count the cost of discipleship. Read this account of his conversation with three would-be disciples:

And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God (Lk. 9:5762).

I have often thought how I would have reacted had I met these three would-be disciples. Would I have been ready to take their confession and to baptize them into Christ, rejoicing in their decision to serve Jesus? Jesus paused to teach these disciples to count the cost of their decision. To be a disciple of Christ requires self-denial. Even as Jesus did not have a place to pillow his head, his disciple will have to deny himself of temporal pleasures. The kingdom of God must take precedence over everything else in one’s life – over his commitment to bury his father. The kingdom’s business is urgent, not even allowing one time to bid farewell to his friends.

One another occasion Jesus taught men to count the cost of discipleship saying,

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple (Lk. 14:26).

This verse teaches us that one’s obligation to Christ must be put ahead of his obligation to his parents, his spouse, his siblings, and even self-preservation. The man who puts his obligations to his parents, mate, children, siblings or self-preservation ahead of his obligations to Christ cannot be a disciple of Jesus Christ. No wonder Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24).

Paul’s Example of Commitment

The apostle Paul understood commitment and applied it. On one occasion, he responded to his critics, mentioning what being a Christian had cost him. He described his sacrifices like this:

. . . in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches (2 Cor. 11:23-28).

The apostle endured innumerable sufferings for the Lord Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, he did not become discouraged, throw up his hands, and quit. Instead he wrote,

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body (2 Cor. 4:8-10).

He taught others the necessity of living for Christ.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not 1, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Gal. 2:20).

Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. . . . And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again (2 Cor. 5:9,15).

In the face of death, he wrote,

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Truly, the apostle Paul understood commitment to Christ, as exemplified in his life.

The Devil’s Effort To Destroy Commitment to Christ

The Devil is trying to prevent a person from becoming a disciple of Christ. Many are deterred from becoming a Christian by false doctrine – doctrines which teach some way of salvation other than the gospel of Christ. The Devil tries to destroy the commitment of those who learn the truth, using various temptations. Many are lost to immorality’s temptation. However, most of our readers are more likely to be ensnared by the “cares of the world.” In the parable of the sower, Jesus described the seed which fell among thorns as the disciple who was choked by “cares and riches and pleasures of this life” (Lk. 8:14).

Many Christians become so involved in things not sinful in nature that they put them before their commitment to Christ. Paul referred to such men who “seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s” (Phil. 2:21). These are the “enemies of the cross . . . whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things” (Phil. 3:18-19). I have witnessed those who allowed temporal concerns and pleasures to choke out their devotion to Christ. They “glory” in that of which they should be ashamed. One tells of the bass he caught fishing on Sunday morning; another tells of the bowling score he made on Wednesday night; another tells of the enjoyment he got at a movie he saw during a meeting. These are the kinds of “enemies of the cross” Paul described in Philippians 3:18-19.

Churches Suffer From Lack of Commitment

All across America, the Lord’s churches are being destroyed by lack of commitment. One evidence of this is the lack of attendance at the regular worship services, gospel meetings (at home and in the area), number not reading their Bibles, and many other things. Members excuse themselves from worship to attend school functions, business matters, recreational activities, and to rest. How can I look my Savior in the eye and tell him that I have placed my commitment to him above father, mother, mate, children, siblings, and even life itself, knowing that I excuse myself from worship to attend ball games, school activities, and business functions? To even suggest that being a faithful Christian requires that we “deny” ourselves some of these activities raises eyebrows among the membership.

Preachers need to be alert to their temptations regarding commitment to Christ. A preacher might be tempted to close his eyes to problems within the congregation because dealing with them might jeopardize his job and require a move. Here are some sermons which need to be taught because of the immorality in our society: divorce and remarriage, social drinking, mixed swimming and other forms of immodest dress, dancing, gambling (lottery tickets and all other forms), etc. Are we preachers willing to boldly proclaim what the Bible teaches on this subject, even though preaching on these subjects might alienate influential members where we worship? Is preaching a commitment to a job or a commitment to Christ’? Preaching a good “positive” sermon on love and grace might “win friends and influence people,” but will I fulfill my commitment to Christ without addressing these sins?

The Cost of Lack of Commitment

The lack of commitment which we witness among churches is costly to the Lord’s work – not so much in a financial way (although this too reflects commitment) – as in many other areas. We will pay the price for lack of commitment in these ways:

1. Worship services will be lifeless. Uncommitted people have no enthusiasm in their worship. The songs, prayers, and sermons of uncommitted people are lifeless rituals, easily detected by visitors.

2. The church will have poor attendance. The difference in attendance between Sunday morning and other services during the week will be distinct and growing greater.

3. The church will have few conversions. Whereas the early church baptized people regularly, a church filled with Christians who place the Lord’s work low on their list of priorities will convert few people.

4. The children of Christians will be lost to Christ. The children of uncommitted members will perceive the lack of commitment of their parents and frequently will decide not to waste their time going through the motions of worship. (One should not generalize to say that every unfaithful child was raised by an uncommitted parent.)

5. The church dies. As the membership grows old, members die, and few conversions occur, eventually the churches cease to exist.

Perhaps others can think of other consequences of an uncommitted membership, but these seem apparent to me. Those in the church who are upset by half-converted Christians are good seed-bed for Crossroads brethren. They sense something is wrong and sometimes fall for the Crossroads philosophy of commitment to a prayer-partner system rather than restoring New Testament commitment to Christ. Unless we can rekindle the first love of half-committed Christians, our lack of commitment portends sad days for the Lord’s people. May the Lord help us to awaken those sleeping Christians so that they may join in the work which Christ committed to us.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 23, pp. 706, 726-727
December 3, 1987