Truth Magazine

By Carl Curry

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common (Acts 2:44).

The above passage portrays a most blissful scene of the early church. This peacefulness was soon to be interrupted by internal commotion and external persecution. This turmoil demanded more than ever that the Christians come together for periods of mutual exhortation.

Do you ever stop and ask yourself why you assemble with Christians? What can you do to make your presence in worship more meaningful for yourself and others? I intend to suggest one determination that you can make which will multiply many fold the benefit you receive from attending Bible studies and other worship assemblies.

How much time does the church spend each week in worship and edification? A time analysis demonstrates that at most the church comes together in a normal week only four hours out of a possible 168. This is less than 2.4 percent of the hours available in a week. Some are only able to take advantage of one of these hours, while others choose to do so. A simple analogy may shed new light on the importance of these hours.

What would you do if your doctor informed you that you have developed a very serious medical disorder? He indicates that there is an effective treatment which if followed precisely will arrest the illness. His treatment plan includes a change in diet; sugar, coffee, salt, and greasy foods are to be eliminated from your diet. A change in your behavior is necessary; you must get at least eight hours of sleep and thirty minutes of exercise everyday. Finally, you must receive three shots a week. He sternly warns that any departure from this treatment plan may result in serious physical problems and possibly premature death.

The assemblies of the saints are analogous to the three shots required each week. There are many teachings of Jesus which combined together form parallels with the change of diet and the modifications in behavior. Jesus has also issued the same warnings as the physician. Failure to comply with his instructions places your spiritual well-being in jeopardy and may cost you eternal life. Assembling with the saints is as necessary to your salvation as is putting on the new man.

What can you do to increase the value you derive from assemblies? For too many saints, worship has been reduced to nothing more than a mental exercise or a psychological game. Like many Athenians they spend their time “in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21). The Greeks boasted of their ability to participate in the lengthy philosophical discussions. They appreciated the intellectual stimulation. Jesus died leaving his last will and testament for much more than a topic for mind games. Although the Greeks were impressed by such, Jesus never reduced himself to that level.

The game proceeds something like this. The preacher rants and raves thoroughly raking those in the assembly over the coals. After letting loose with both barrels, he concludes his address feeling great because he really gave it to them today. The listeners feel good also because they really had it given to them today. Somehow, the ranting and raving exercises all shortcomings out of the speaker and the hearers. Then, all involved gear up to do it again next week.

A major problem with this scenario is that no one has experienced lasting benefits. Even though a biblical lesson may have been presented, it was delivered in the wrong spirit, and the listeners likewise received it in the wrong manner. The whole process was exercised in the mind, and the message never left the pew.

True religion according to the gospel of Christ is not a psychological game. True religion is characterized by action (Jas. 1:27). Jesus intended that his audience would take his message home with them. Certainly, they were to think about it and try it (Acts 17:11), but, as soon as it was established in the heart and mind as the truth, it was to be manifested in the speaking and the doing of the hearer.

The single most important change that you can make in your current practice of worshiping with the saints is to take what you learned and put it to good use in your life. This will change your whole attitude towards worship. You will arrive expecting to learn something that will be of use to you, and you will be amazed at how this expectation can change the entire appearance of the assembly. Your zealousness will have a profound effect on the others in attendance and also will make an impression upon those who witness your changed manner of life. You will be surprised at the response you will receive from your peers.

Now, all of this may sound too good to be true, but it comes with a divine guarantee. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. . . But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (Jas. 1:22,25).

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 18, p. 562
September 17, 1987

By Don R. Hastings

Like so many other Americans, I have heard some of the testimony given by Lt. Col. Oliver North. He is answering questions asked by an Iran-Contra Committee. Among other things, these Congressmen are trying to find out what role Mr. North had in supplying military aid to the Nicaraguan rebels.

What I have heard greatly disturbs me. Mr. North has stated that he has lied over and over again in an effort to keep Congress and others from finding out what he was doing. He shredded incriminating documents and fabricated others. In spite of all this deception, he maintains vehemently, “I have done nothing wrong.” He also said, “I want you to know that lying does not come easy to me . . . I think we all had to weigh in the balance the differences between lives and lies.”

Mr. North assured the committee that he was not lying to them because he was under oath. Is it right to lie if you haven’t taken an oath? Is it right to lie to protect others? The answers to both questions is – No!

I have heard people, who knew Mr. North when he was growing up, say that he was an honest boy. What a shame that he has learned to be a very convincing liar. What a shame that he no longer views lying as wrong under many circumstances. What a shame that our government has encouraged him to change his values. What a shame that many Americans would encourage him to keep his present values by telling him how proud they are of him. Haven’t we called “evil good” (Isa. 5:20)?

Many people believe that if you are told to lie by someone in authority over you, then it is not wrong. Even if the President of the United States had told Mr. North to lie, he should have refused. We all must obey a higher authority than man and that is God! We must have the courage to follow the example and belief of the inspired apostles. They said, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Not only does Mr. North think that his lying was justified, so do a lot of Americans. Mr. North showed some of the telegrams he has received which praised him for his work over the last five years. The Bradenton Herald (Friday, July 10, 1987 edition) has in bold print, “Floridians Rallying in Praise of North. ” This is one Floridian who does not praise him.

Someone prepared a sign which read, “Col. North Is A Hero.” If Mr. North is a model for our young people to idolize and imitate, then our nation must consider deception to be honorable. Does this concern, sadden or upset you?

I know of one Christian, who said that if she had been in Mr. North’s place, she would have acted as he did. She justified his lying because she said he was doing it to protect lives. There may be many other Christians who agree with her.

Like Jeremiah, I weep for my nation (Jer. 9:1). I believe that many people, both in and out of the government, are very careless with the truth. How can we trust officials in government when they lie to us and lie again to cover up other lies? How long can a government stand when her foundation is not truth and righteousness, but dishonesty and moral corruption? How long will God spare a nation which praises the things which he abhors? How can children of the Most High praise wickedness?

One of the things that the Bible has impressed upon my mind is that God hates lying! “There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven, which are an abomination unto him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue . . . a false witness that uttereth lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:16-19). “Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; But they that deal truly are his delight” (Prov. 12:22). Jesus said of the devil, “When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father thereof” (Jn. 8:44). Jesus is “full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1: 14). There was “no guile found in his mouth” (1 Pet. 2:22).

Do you think God’s attitude toward lying has changed? If you do, you are in for a great surprise at the judgment day. “But for the fearful, and unbelieving. . . and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). Did you notice that “all liars” are going to be in a lake of “fire and brimstone”? That includes those who tell “white lies” and any other kind of a lie. “Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie” (Rev. 22:15).

Honesty is the best policy because it is God’s policy! Lying destroys our trustworthiness, credibility, faithfulness, respect, reputation, and our soulsl Be not deceived, lying is not honorable. “Righteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 13:34). Tell the truth all the time.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 18, p. 558
September 17, 1987

By Raymond E. Harris

An instance of reconciliation always brings joy to the heart of the godly. The terms “reconcile,” “reconciled,” seed of “reconciliation” and “reconciling” are found a total of 13 times in the New Testament. The passages speak of four areas of reconciliation.

Brother To Brother

In Matthew 5:24, Jesus explained that it was futile to attempt to worship God if we were at enmity with a brother, Hence, he stresses the importance of being reconciled immediately. If there arises dissension between two brethren, both have a responsibility, and should desire, to achieve reconciliation at the earliest moment. In the passage mentioned above Jesus is simply saying, they must “make up.” There had been mutual hostility. Now there must be concession on the part of each, that they might be reconciled and at peace again.

It should be noted that this is the only passage in the New Testament using a term denoting mutual hostility and mutual concession. In every other passage dealing with reconciliation, a term is used denoting one-sided hostility, demanding one-sided change. In other words, in such a dispute the innocent party has nothing to repent of and need not make concessions. Only the guilty has to adjust his course of action!

Wife To Husband

In 1 Corinthians 7:11, Paul explains that a woman who departs from her husband (when he has not committed adultery) has but two choices. She must remain unmarried or “be reconciled” to her husband. The word “reconciled” in that passage is used as a verb denoting action. The very nature of the term here indicates that the woman having departed, must make the concession or adjustment and come back.

Jew And Gentile

In Ephesians 2, Paul explains that by abolishing the law of Moses, the wall between the Jews and the Gentiles had been broken down. Hence, for the first time in 1,500 years, there could be a reconciliation between the seed of Abraham and other people. In Ephesians 2:16, we learn that this reconciliation was made possible by the cross of Christ. As Jews and Gentiles obeyed the gospel and were baptized into Christ, they adjusted their lives, came into fellowship with God and so in the one body, the church, they had fellowship one with another.

Man To God

Even though we are pleased to see brethren, marriage partners and nations reconciled, it is infinitely more important to see people reconciled to God. The person who has never been a Christian, and unfaithful church members, need to be reconciled to God. Until our sins are removed, we are separated from God. In Isaiah 59:2, the prophet explains, “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” We remind you that God has never sinned against man. God has never separated himself and left man. No, God is not at fault. The problem is always with man. Man sins, he departs, he alienates himself from his Creator, the loving heavenly Father. It is not up to God to make concessions to bring about a reconciliation.

However, the Bible makes it plain that our heavenly Parent so desired a reconciliation that he went to great lengths to work out a system whereby peace could be restored and there could be an honorable reconciliation. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, the apostle Paul wrote, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us (Christians R.E.H.) to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Yes, dear friend, God so wants you to be reconciled! He allowed Jesus to die in your stead. He has given mankind the gospel and the church. God has done his part – won’t you do yours?

If you have never been a Christian, believe in God and Jesus (Heb. 11:6), repent or turn from your sins (Acts 17:30), confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Matt. 10:32), and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38). These are God’s terms of reconciliation for you. God loves you! He calls you in this way! Won’t you come?

If you are a child of God, but have become unfaithful, and drifted back into the world, God also wants you to be reconciled. How is this effected? You must consider the goodness of God, be sorry for past sins, and truly repent of them (Acts 8;22). You must confess your sins to God and to your brethren, and pray earnestly for God’s forgiveness (Jas. 5:16; 1 Jn. 1:9).

Brethren and friends, life is short and judgment is certain – “Be ye reconciled to God.”

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 18, p. 559
September 17, 1987

By Larry Ray Hafley

The expression, “the beauty of holiness,” appears several times in the Bible (1 Chron. 16:29; 2 Chron. 20:21; Psa. 29:2). Though the meaning may not be the same, there is beauty in holiness. There is ugliness in unrighteousness.

Our world sees no evil in alluring apparel. Television advertisements are notorious for dressing up ungodliness and making it appear appealing. The liquor industry is especially adept at camouflaging the monster of alcohol and making it seem harmless and desirable. Sin does not cavort in nakedness. No, it wears a fine dress. Sin does not frown and snarl. Rather, it smiles and laughs and promises you joy and happiness. Sin does not mention tomorrow. It only thinks of today, of this moment. Sin does not regard consequences. It sees only the pleasure of the moment. Sin does not make its entrance with flashing lights and a siren. It comes in with candlelight and soft music. Sin does not shout and order you to act. It whispers and reassures. Sin does not introduce itself. It never tells you its real name. It gives you an alias. It wears a nickname. Drug addiction and alcoholic sins are merely “chemical dependency problems.” Whores are never, named; they simply had an affair.

The nature of sin could not be otherwise. Eve saw that the tree in the garden was good for food and pleasant to the eyes. She did not pause, reflect or think beyond the enticement. And that is the way of sin.

Joseph exemplified the beauty of holiness. Yes, he was tempted. But he regarded consequences. Strictly speaking, the consequences for doing right went against him on earth, but the beauty of holiness has blossoms that never fade in heaven (Gen. 39).

Moses is another in whom we may see the beauty of holiness. “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible” (Heb. 11:24-27).

There is pleasure in sin. Moses knew it. You and I know it. But Moses knew that the pleasures of sin are temporary. They cannot last. Sometimes, you and I do not recognize that fact. Moses considered the consequences, the reward. Again, from an earthly standpoint, Moses suffered. He rejected the pleasures and treasures of Egypt for the beauty of holiness. There is nothing that the world and the devil can give you that will not be taken from you the second you die. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Heb. 10:35,36).

Sin and unrighteousness pay wages (Rom. 6:23; 2 Pet. 2:15). They have never missed a pay day. They always deliver. Of course, they do not pay off as expected. They offer sugar, but. you must eat ashes. They promise sighs of comfort, but they bring cries of pain. When one reaches for the soft bunny rabbit of temptation, he grabs the porcupine of sin.

The beauty of holiness is beneath the skin. It abides and resides within. “But though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). Are the ornaments of your heart those of a meek and quiet spirit which, in the sight of God, are of great price? Or are you dressed in the filthy rags of ungodliness? Are you an old hag of unrighteousness or are you a picture of the beauty of holiness? Inquire within.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 18, p. 557
September 17, 1987