Truth Magazine

By Raymond E. Harris

As we read the first three chapters of the book of Romans, we find the apostle Paul declaring in no uncertain terms, the fact that Jew and Gentile alike, stood condemned before God.

In Romans 1, Paul indicts the Gentiles by saying “. . . when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (v. 21). Hence, he tells us that, “God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lust of their own hearts” (v. 24), “God gave them up unto vile affections” (v. 26), “God gave them over to a mind void of judgment” (v. 28). One might say God “washed His hands” of the Gentile world when they so utterly departed from His righteousness.

On the other hand, in Romans 2, we find the Jews possessed an unbelievable capacity to doubt, murmur and sin against Jehovah. This was true, despite all the special instruction and treatment they had received. In the Old Testament, God lamented the fact that even the cattle of the field knew their master, but Israel did not seem to be mindful of God (Isa. 1:3).

So when Jesus was born into the world, He arrived upon the scene to find the whole population lost in sin. What was to be done? How could mankind ever be saved? Prophets of old and even the angels of heaven had wondered throughout the centuries, how mankind – God’s prize creation – could ever be saved. Was it possible to restore peace? Was there any way for an honorable and just reconciliation to come about? What was man to do? Was there any way man could be forgiven? It seemed doubtful.

Not even the angels of heaven can fathom the mind of God! However, in 1 Peter 1:20, the apostle explains that God had foreordained, before the foundation of the world, that Jesus would come in these last times. He would come not only to reveal the Father, and give a new law; but, He would also give Himself upon the altar of the cross, as a lamb without spot or blemish. Yes, the Almighty Father allowed His Son to come and “stand in,” to die for you and me and everyone. God did not want His prize creation, the whole human race, to be lost eternally. Hence, He set in motion a grand scheme whereby men could be justified and forgiven.

That is what Christianity is all about! The gospel points to Jesus as man’s only hope. The gospel sets forth the terms of salvation. The church has been established. Now all responsibility rests with man. Man sinned against God! Man is not at liberty to legislate the terms of his own forgiveness! Man’s only hope for forgiveness and salvation is in compliance to God’s terms.

For the sake of your own eternal welfare, won’t you look to Jesus as your Savior? Won’t you repent of your past sins (Acts 2:38), confess that Jesus is the Christ (Rom. 10:10) and be baptized (Mark 16:16)? The Bible explains that when we do these things we are born into the family of God, we are Christians, members of the Lord’s body, the church. This is all possible in that through these acts of obedience all past sins are forgiven. What a glorious thought! Won’t you act now! Behold, today is the day of salvation!

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 9, p. 270
May 7, 1987

By Hoyt H. Houchen

Question: I do not believe that it is scriptural for benevolent institutions to be supported out of the church’s treasury. As an individual, is it right for me to help such a home?

Reply: The Scriptures do not authorize churches to build and maintain any human institution, whether it be a school, a hospital or a benevolent home. This issue, along with others, has resulted in division among the Lord’s people. Faithful brethren oppose this practice because the New Testament does not authorize it. They oppose it on the same ground that they oppose instrumental music in worship. There is no scriptural authority for it. The issue of churches contributing funds out of their treasuries to human institutions has been discussed on the polemic platform several times, and as yet, the Scripture has not been produced that will authorize the practice. We do not question the sincerity of brethren who favor this practice nor those who are involved in it. Their motive is not the issue. The issue is: do the Scriptures authorize it? If all brethren would be guided by the Scriptures instead of human reasoning and sentiment, we would not have division over it.

There are some organizations which cannot even be scripturally supported by individuals. Even though they do much good, they nevertheless donate to unscriptural religious bodies such as the Roman Catholic Church; and for that reason alone, brethren with conviction will not contribute their money to them.

The last part of our question is: “As an individual is it right for me to help such a home?” The reference, of course, is to benevolent institutions as referred to in the first part of the question. If our querist means is it right to donate money to such a home in order to support and maintain it, the answer is “no”; for the reason that it is being financially supported by churches out of their treasuries, as well as by individuals. However, if our querist has in mind buying services from the home, the answer is “yes.” Churches and individuals may buy services from a utility company or purchase books and supplies from a Baptist bookstore. Such institutions have services to sell, and there is a vast difference in buying their services and in donating money to their support. No effort is made here to establish a parallel between the structures of benevolent homes and utility companies, etc. The point involved is the difference between making contributions to them and buying their services.

Churches in the New Testament did benevolent work by caring for the needs of saints for whom they were responsible (1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8,9; Rom. 15:26; etc.). They did not build and support benevolent institutions through which to do the work that God authorized them to do. When we all submit ourselves to the authority of the Scriptures, a “thus saith the Lord” in all matters of faith and practice, we shall have the unity for which our precious Lord Jesus Christ prayed (Jn. 17:20, 21).

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 9, p. 261
May 7, 1987

By Irvin Himmel

When the Rich Are Poor and the Poor Are Rich

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath riches (Prov. 13:7).

It is paradoxical that some are rich, despite their poverty, and others are poor who five in affluence. There are people who are poor “because all they have is money!” And there are people who are rich, in spite of privation, “because they do not measure wealth by monetary standards” (George Kufeldt).

The Rich Are Poor

(1) When they do not use wealth to God’s glory. It is not to be supposed that wealth itself is an evil. Abraham was “very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Gen. 13:1). Job had great substance (Job 1:3). Both these men were faithful servants of God. It is the failure to use wealth properly that makes people barren before God.

When a certain man asked Jesus to speak to the man’s brother about dividing the inheritance, Jesus warned, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk. 12:15). He spoke a parable about a rich man whose ground brought forth plentifully, but in his prosperity he thought only of himself and the accumulation of more and more goods. God said to the man, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?” Jesus remarked, “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Lk. 12:21).

(2) When they trust in riches. The inclination of some people is to put their time, efforts, and powers into amassing a fortune. Money becomes their god. They rely solely on material prosperity. Jesus said to the disciples on one occasion, “Children, how hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Mk. 10:24, 25).

(3) When they are spiritually miserable and empty. Behind seeming wealth there may lie spiritual poverty and wretchedness. This was the case with the church at Laodicea. The members of that congregation were saying, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” The Lord saw them as “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). “Instead of being rich, as they thought and claimed to be, He declares that they are in a distressing condition, worthy of pity, having the cringing attitude of a beggar, unable to see, and without clothes to cover their shame” (C.H. Little).

The Poor Are Rich

(1) When they lay up treasurers in heaven. Just as Laodicea was the rich poor church, Smyrna was the poor rich church. The Lord said of the brethren at Smyrna, “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich). . . ” (Rev. 2:9). Their destitution “was offset by a far greater wealth than silver and gold; they were rich in faith and favor with God and in all the attendant blessings of glory that belong to the heavenly citizenship. Their treasure was in heaven (Matt. 6:20), which is the true riches of life (Lk. 16:11) that cannot be touched by the world” (H. Hailey).

(2) When they are rich in faith. In the apostolic age, many Christians were in poverty and were victims of oppression by wealthy men. James said, “Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?” (Jas. 2:6) He also said, “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him?” (Jas. 2:5) One may be poor in temporal goods but rich in faith. This is to be rich in a higher and more important sense. To be an heir of God’s kingdom through the exercise of faith in Jesus Christ is more valuable than hoarding piles of gold and silver.

(3) When they abound in good works. After warning against the danger of riches and the love of money, Paul wrote, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, 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 eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:17-19). Any Christian can be rich in noble deeds, even if he is poor in worldly wealth.

(4) When thy possess the treasures of wisdom and knowledge found in Christ. Paul taught that in Christ “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). The gospel makes known the hidden purpose of God that centers in Christ. Those who share in the eternal blessings provided in Christ possess all things. They are truly rich. Paul, in devoting his life to serving Christ and preaching the gospel, was “as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Cor. 6:10). In Christ we have riches that kings and princes do not bestow, that banks do not exchange, that misers do not hoard, and that thieves cannot steal.

Indeed, the rich (in material things) are often poor (spiritually), and the poor (in temporal goods) are sometimes the richest people on earth!

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 9, p. 263
May 7, 1987

By Charles E. Davis

Paul, the apostle for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, said “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor. 16:9, KJV). After participating in the recent historical debate, which occurred in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 21-22, 1987, between brother Hugh Manus and brother Ron Daly, I now more fully comprehend the above statement made by the apostle “called out of due season.” The Great God, who dwells above the azure blue, through His infinite mercy and providential wisdom, has opened a great door in the most highly neglected field in America. For too long, my brother, Black churches of Christ have been virtually impregnable to sound doctrine. Due to neglect, and an attitude of apathy, the Black churches of Christ have been for so long entrenched in liberalism.

I realize to many the issue of fellowship halls and church sponsored recreation may seem somewhat redundant. But there are literally thousands of Black Christians who have never heard the whole council of God on these vital issues. One reason being, is that Black preachers who embrace liberalism would never agree to a public discussion. This is why 95 percent of the Black Christians in America are liberal minded. But the highest praise be given to Jehovah, for a great door is now opened. Brethren, this debate is the vehicle through which many souls which are engulfed in liberalism will have access to the truth.

I am sure that many still doubt the effectiveness of a debate on the “issues” as was clearly evidenced by the lack of support from area congregations in Memphis who know the circumstances. We averaged 200 each night and we also received support from visitors from as far as Kentucky and Texas. Except for an occasional “amen” from the large number of liberal preachers, the audience was well behaved.

Brother Hugh Manus, who affirmed both nights, was pitifully weak in his argumentation. He was pathetically unprepared and lacked depth. On several occasions, brother Daly appealed to the other preachers in the audience to assist brother Manus. However, it became very apparent they too were shallow and lacked fortitude. Brother Daly kept the real issues before brother Manus and before the audience with his detailed charts. Brother Daly did a masterful job in presenting the truth in a forthright manner. After Brother Daly’s second negative, the crowd noticeably were in agreement with him and the truth. I am a little reluctant to project the overall effectiveness of this debate, but at least 15 people showed strong interest in future study and some have already publically denounced the social gospel.

Per our agreement, I was the general moderator for the last night of the discussion. I took that opportunity to read a set of propositions, which I also sent to brother Nokomis Yeldell, who preaches for the Vance Avenue congregation in Memphis, which challenges him to prove scripturally that the preacher is over the elder. Brother Yeldell has written a book entitled 77se Big Issue, in which he asserts that the evangelist is not under the oversight of the elders but rather he is equal in the authority of the elders. If brother Yeldell will accept my challenge, there could be another debate in Memphis before 1988.

For more information concerning the Daly-Manus discussion, please feel free to contact Ron Daly, P.O. Box 401, Millington, Tennessee 38053-0401 (901-873-4254) or contact Charles E. Davis, P.O. Box 40031, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 (612-222 0872 or 645-0092).

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 9, p. 267
May 7, 1987