Truth Magazine

By Frank Jamerson

Do you enjoy family reunions, or just endure them? Do you enjoy visits from your relatives? Your answer to these questions tells your attitude toward your family. Many ignore family reunions and spend little time with relatives because they have little in common with them.

One of the beautiful descriptions God has given to his people is the figure of “family.” God is the Father and obedient believers are children. W.E. Vine comments on Patria (family, or tribe), “in Eph. 3:15, R.V., ‘every family,’ for A.V., ‘the whole family,’ the reference being to all those who are spiritually related to God the Father, he being the Author of their spiritual relationship.” Every child of God shares the same Father and should share responsibilities with other children in the family.

How do you feel about your spiritual family? Do you enjoy being with them, or do you just endure it? Do you share the same mind with them? How do you feel about a brother, or sister, “dropping by” for a visit? Do you visit your family?

I realize that there are times when a person may be inconvenienced by someone “dropping by” for a visit, but I am afraid that hospitality has gotten “out of date” with many brethren. Yes, I know that “times have changed,” and people have telephones, etc., but the three angels that visited Abram did not notify him ahead of time that they were coming (Gen. 18), and the two angels that visited Lot did not write a week early (Gen. 19)! The New Testament still says, “Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb. 13:2). It also says that we are to be “given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:13).

Some of my brethren have become so “stiff” that they insist on being called ahead of time, and then it is never convenient for them for you to come tonight! (I know a man who called ten families one week and every one of them had excuses why it would not be a good night for them to have “company.” He used his visitation time listening to excuses over the telephone!) This attitude indicates a self-centeredness that is contrary to the attitude that a Christian should have. If someone calls and asks about visiting you tonight, and you say “tonight would not be convenient for me,” whose convenience are you considering first? The fact that he called and asked about tonight shows that this is most convenient for him. If tomorrow night would have been better for him, he would have asked about tomorrow night! The fact is, at least in too many cases, the person had rather not be visited any night. He has little in common with the fellow member, does not know him very well and is not really interested in learning much about his family.

In addition to being obedient to God’s word (1 Pet. 4:9), hospitality has a number of practical benefits.

First, getting acquainted is associated with getting along. Have you not heard the expression: “They would have to be friends to talk to one another like that”? You can say nearly anything to a friend, but you had best be careful about what you say to a stranger. If a friend does not speak when he walks by, do you conclude that something sinister is going on in his mind? Do we “backbite” friends? Will Rogers said: “There goes a man I don’t like; I think I’ll get acquainted with him.” We usually “don’t like” those we do not know. Many church fusses are simply demonstrations of ignorance. We jump to conclusions because we do not know the facts, and we do not know the facts because we do not know the person. I might add that you can come to the meeting house with an individual for the rest of your life and never really get acquainted with him! If you want to get acquainted, get in his home, or have him in yours!

Second, it is a means of preventing apostasy. If “evil companionship corrupt good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33), what should good companionships do? In describing the early church, Luke said: “And all that believed were together, and had all things common. . . And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with singleness of heart” (Acts 2:44,46). This clearly indicates that their association was not limited to “the first day of the week.” Paul told the Corinthians to “have no company” with the fornicator among them, and “no, not to eat” with him (I Cor. 5:9-11). There are too many places where this warning is not needed todayl Brethren never “had company” nor “ate” with him before they withdrew from him! There is, therefore, no pressure put upon the man when he is disciplined. If we associated with one another like we should, many who have fallen away would have been encouraged to remain faithful and those who did fall away would feel a loss when they were no longer included in our friendly associations.

Third, it is a means of influencing those who are not Christians. People are not “converted with kindness,” but many may be lost because of a lack of it! Many churches, and even some that claim to be “of Christ,” have decided that since individuals will not practice hospitality, they will turn the church into a “hospitality house.” This is without scriptural justification, and I oppose it, but brethren it is also against Scripture for us to ignore our responsibilities toward our family, and those who are not yet children of God.

Remember that visiting, and getting acquainted, is a two-way street. You must be willing to visit, but you must also be willing to accept visitors. I do not believe that God is sending angels today, but those who obey God’s word will surely be blessed. Try it!

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 17, pp. 513, 535
September 3, 1987

By Mike Willis

The Lord gave the Great Commission to his apostles, charging them with the responsibility of taking the gospel into all the world.

Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matt. 28:18-20).

And he said unto them, Go ye into a the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believed not shall be damned (Mk. 16:15-16).

This commission charges us with the responsibility of teaching every creature of every nation the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is but one way for every man to be saved; there is not one way for a Jew to be saved, another way for an Iranian, and another for an American. The one gospel is to be taken to every creature of every nation under heaven.

How Well Are We Doing?

Having recently read some requests for support from foreign evangelists, I am concerned that churches not develop an attitude of preaching only in their backyard. There is a tendency for churches to send money only to support a preacher working with a congregation within easy driving distance in order that the elders can better judge whether or not to continue supporting him while he is doing a local work. While I am concerned about pouring money down a dry hole, I am also concerned that we not eliminate preaching on foreign soil. There are good men preaching the truth in Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Nigeria, South Africa, Japan, the Philippines, Canada, and other places. These men need and deserve our support. We need elders with enough concern for the lost in other nations that they will commit themselves to supporting gospel preachers who are willing to labor there.

Having worked with local congregations in several states, I am also concerned about how well we are taking the gospel to the home towns in which we live. Too much of our preaching is limited to the pulpit. Too few alien sinners are visiting our services. Consequently, we are baptizing very few every year. The gospel is the only power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16). Unless we can bring the sinner into contact with the gospel, we cannot teach him the way of salvation. If he will not come to the building to hear the gospel preached, we are going to have to take the gospel to him.

Home Bible studies are an effective way of taking the gospel to a person who will not come to our meetings. Most of the people whom I have baptized have resulted from a private study in their homes. All of us preachers will verify this same fact. Yet, how many Bible studies are in progress among the members of the congregation where you preach? Once you determine this figure, you may be well on the way to realizing why so few are being baptized.

What Can We Do?

1. Accept personal responsibility. I can accept my personal responsibility to take the gospel to others. Paul said that “faithful men” will “teach others” (2 Tim. 2:2). If I am going to be a faithful Christian, I must accept my obligation to teach others the gospel. Like the early Christians who were scattered abroad as a result of Jewish persecution in Jerusalem and “went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4), we who are going every where need to be preaching the word. I cannot excuse myself from this obligation saying, “That is the preacher’s job.” The preacher has his responsibility but so do I. I need to accept my responsibility to teach others.

2. Organize a Bible class. Each of us can organize a home Bible study in our neighborhood. While each of us may not be qualified to teach a Bible class, each can talk to his friends and neighbors about getting together for a Bible study. We can use our influence with our friends to encourage them to study God’s word.

3. Pray for the spread of the gospel. Each of us can pray for open doors for the gospel. We can pray for our friends who need to obey the gospel. No doubt there are Christians attending where you worship whose mates are not Christians. You can pray for these mates that they might obey the gospel.

4. You can open your home to visitors. When someone begins to visit the services, you can open your home to them in order that they might feel welcome and loved by the members of your congregation.

5. You can look for opportunities to do good to your friends and neighbors. Jesus said that our good works cause men to glorify the Father (Matt. 5:13-16). By doing good works, I open doors which enable me or someone else to teach the word.

6. You can live a life consistent with the gospel of Christ. Your life should be an example of what being a Christian means. Too many times (once is too many) the gospel is hindered by the moral character of those who profess to be Christians. You can live in such a way that the beauty of holiness is displayed in your life.

Conclusion

Sometimes we convince ourselves that nothing we do will accomplish anything. This becomes our excuse for doing nothing. I would hate to think that our reason for not reaching someone with the gospel was our unwillingness to work. I hope that we have not become so involved in the affairs of this life that we are neglecting our opportunities to teach others the gospel.

Brethren, let us renew our zeal for taking the gospel to this lost world. There are some who are still desiring to learn the word of God, although that number may be smaller than in some other periods of time. The soul we save in taking the gospel to others may be our own (read Ezek. 3:17-19).

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 17, pp. 514, 535
September 3, 1987

The following excerpts are taken from the Gospel Advocate and the Times Daily.

19 December 1985, Gospel Advocate: LCGI Conducts Leadership Training Program

The leadership training program which was initiated in 1983 under the oversight of the elders of the Darby Drive Church of Christ, Florence, Ala., is now being conducted under the auspices of Leadership and Church Growth, International, Inc. LCGI is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization formed for the exclusive purpose of training church leaders and helping churches of Christ to grow. The initial members of the board are . . . with . . . as president . . . It is supported by contributions from churches and individuals.

21 March, 1987, Times Daily. LCG International Enlarges Operations:

LCG (Leadership and Church Growth) INTERNATIONAL has enlarged its staff and relocated its offices in larger space at 119 Helton Court. LCG has become a comprehensive international ministry reaching into many countries . . . LCG will begin an International School of Leadership and Church Growth . . . Degrees and diplomas will be awarded . . . avenues will be open to students: training centers, congregational classes, and home studies . . . to learn how to do effective work for Christ.

The above news items tell a tragic story that saddens the heart of every true believer. It is always disappointing to learn when brethren depart from the Word of God. However, it is especially disheartening when it occurs in one’s community among brethren well-known and loved for many years. It is evident from the above that apostasy continues unabated in the Shoals with brethren at Darby Drive in the front ranks. Like others from ancient to modern times, they became dissatisfied with God’s order and formed plans of their own. In doing this, “they asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord” (Josh 9:14). One of the principal lessons of the Old Testament is the folly of disobedience. Yet, in this 20th century, we have not learned. Disobedience to God originates in ignorance or willful defiance of authority. Either of these disqualifies any eldership. Hence the need for qualified elders.

LCGI has the earmarks of a Missionary Society. Another name does not alter identity. It is an international incorporated, non-profit, tax-exempt organization under a board of directors, “formed for the exclusive purpose of training Church leaders and helping churches to grow. It is supported by contributions from churches.” It operates nationwide training centers in the U.S. and some foreign countries. A school is planned that “opens avenues to students, training centers, congregational classes and home studies.” LCGI is not a method. It is an incorporated entity – an organization.

Teaching the Word of God is a worthy work and is the mission of the church. Teaching is essential to church growth. Since God has fully and adequately equipped the church, why substitute or change God’s plans? To do so is presumptive and rebellious, and speaks in loud tones that the church is insufficient, and impeaches God’s wisdom. This attitude spawned A.C.M.S. in 1849, which alienated the Lord’s people and brought bitterness and strife. No doubt Dr. H. Christopher stated the underlying principle that devises human organizations, when, in 1867, he said, “The M.S. had its origin in false pride and shame, and a desire to be like the denominations around us.” How much better to be Noah-like. “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so he did” (Gen. 6:22; N.K.J.). – Lindsay A. Allen, reprinted from The East Florence Contender, April 1987.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 16, p. 500
August 20, 1987

By Johnny Stringer

The home is a divine institution (Gen. 2:18-24; Matt. 19:4-6). God established marriage as the relationship in which human reproduction is to occur. Children are to be brought into the world by a father and mother who are married to each other and are committed to caring for their children together.

Modern man has little regard for God’s arrangement. Through artificial insemination, mothers are having children by men to whom they are not married and with whom they have no intention of rearing their children. This is contrary to God’s plan. When a woman, through artificial means, has a child by some man other than her own husband, perhaps the term “mechanized adultery” is applicable.- Whether that terminology is in order or not, the practice is sinful.

When the Mother Keeps the Child

Sometimes the mother keeps the child for herself. She is married, but her husband is unable to father a child, so she is impregnated by donor sperm from a sperm bank. Or she may not be married, but wants a child, so by-passing God’s arrangement for having children, she receives donor sperm.

In either case, sin is involved. Fathers have responsibilities to their children (Eph. 6:4; 1 Tim. 5:8), but the fathers of these children do nothing toward fulfilling their responsibilities as fathers. Usually, they do not even know who the mother is. It is difficult to understand how a man who has donated his sperm to a sperm bank could sleep at night, knowing that he has a child somewhere whom he knows nothing about. He does not know his child’s circumstances or needs, but he knows that he is doing nothing for his own child. To father a child he has no intention of caring for is sinful; it makes him worse than an infidel (1 Tim. 5:8). A Christian cannot have any part in wickedness.

When the Mother Sells the Child

Sometimes a married woman is unable to have a child, so the husband fathers a child by another woman, who receives his sperm by artificial insemination. This woman is the mother of the child, but she has arranged to seel her child to the couple for several thousand dollars. She is called a “surrogate mother.”

The practice stinks to high heaven. A woman has a responsibility to love her children (Tit. 2:4). One who is able to care for her child, but instead sells her child to others, surely is not acting as a loving mother.

People in our society are often rewarded for unusual abilities. Athletes, for example, are paid high salaries for their rare athletic abilities. Similarly, surrogate mothers are paid well for an unusual ability they possess: the abnormal ability to reject their own flesh and blood.

There has been a court case involving a woman who thought she had that ability, but was not as lacking in natural affection (Rom. 1:31) as she thought. She signed a contract to have a child by another woman’s husband and then sell that child to the father and his wife. But after carrying her child within her body for nine months, she found it too difficult to reject the child. Consequently, there was a court battle over who would get the child – the father and his wife or the mother and her husband.

Such problems are inevitable when two people have children together while they are married to others. If two people have not formed a home with the intention of rearing their child together, they have no business having a child. When they do have a child, God’s plan is violated; and when men violate God’s plan, there are sure to be complications.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 16, p. 501
August 20, 1987