Truth Magazine

By Irvin Himmel

Do Thy Diligence

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want (Prov. 21:5).

The contrast in this proverb is between diligence and haste, thoughtful action and thoughtless hurry. “Extremes meet, and undue hurry is as fatal to success as undue procrastination” (E.H. Plumptre).

Diligence

The following are some of the ingredients of diligence:

(1) Care. A hasty person is often careless. The diligent individual gives due attention to details. He pays attention and takes precautions. He exercises care to do his best in whatever he attempts.

(2) Thoroughness. Unlike the hasty fellow who glosses over many things, recklessly skips along, and overlooks important matters, the diligent person is painstaking, exact, and accurate.

(3) Hard work. Diligence demands laborious effort in the face of difficulties. It requires staying with an undertaking when the going gets rough.

(4) Steady improvement. One who is diligent in his work patiently strives for progress. He sees advancement as the fruit of persistence and toil. He tries to do a better job, for quality means something to him.

(5) Thoughtfulness. To be diligent necessitates planning, giving thought, taking heed, showing consideration, and being attentive.

Thoughtful Activity

“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness . . . ” Thoughtful diligence is needed in many areas. I mention three categories in particular.

(1) In business. There is no substitute for honorable industry in the commercial field. Honest labor is a better basis for success than “get-rich-quick” schemes. Gambling appeals to people who look for a short-cut to prosperity. Flashy schemes are usually just that. Quick as a flash the scheme can leave one in poverty! The person who diligently pursues his occupation with dedication and integrity is building on a good base.

(2) In learning. Some young people are attracted to shortcuts in education. The only way to learn is through diligent study, effort, and application. Getting a good, solid education is hard work.

(3) In the Lord’s work. Some brethren are attracted to popular fads that are supposed to convert a lot of people with little effort. Serious, persistent, and regular teaching does not satisfy their whims. They want to hurry up the process and convert the world without personally doing what the Lord has commanded. Oh how we need diligence in the lives of all the saints! The whole world would have been converted already if the schemes of men would do what some claim, but fads come and go. In the meantime, faithful Christians keep working diligently to do what they can, each trying to shine as a light in his little corner of the world.

What does our proverb mean when it refers to being “hasty”? The fundamental meaning is “to throng, to urge (Ex. v. 13), here of impatient and inconsiderate rashness” (F. Delitzsch). Haste may be defined as undisciplined impulse.

The hasty person gives himself no time to think. He plunges quickly, and often rashly, into some activity.

It is important that we think carefully before we jump into something. “But although it is wise an necessary to think before we act, thinking must only be preparatory to action, and must not take its place. It is good for a man to make a good plan of his house before he begins to build; but a house on paper only will not shelter him from the winter storms. It is advisable for the captain to study his chart well before he embarks upon his voyage, but if he does no more he will never reach the desired port” (W. Harris). After careful thought there must be action-diligent action.

Hasty people often come to poverty because the shortcut approach does not work; “get-rich-quick” schemes are often “lose-it-all-hurriedly” if we look to the ultimate results.

Although I believe this proverb is referring to one’s attitude toward success in temporal affairs, I see a principle that can be applied spiritually. A congregation can become spiritually bankrupt if it is under the leadership of elders who “act in haste” rather than with thoughtful diligence. Many churches have jumped on a bandwagon that hurriedly carried them into apostasy. They took a short-cut, then another and another, finally cutting themselves off from adherence to the word of God. They were swallowed by human schemes.

Let us pursue our goals with the dignity of calm diligence, avoiding rash haste. Steady plodding is to be preferred over a wild runaway.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 20, p. 620
October 16, 1986

By Ron Halbrook

Anyone who teaches publicly, whether in a pulpit or a paper or any other medium, can expect some response. We appreciate your questions and your comments, even when you disagree. No preacher is infallible or above question. The word of Jesus and not of some preacher will be the final standard of judgment (Jn. 12:48). We are to test and to examine all teachers by the Word of God (1 Jn. 4:1-6).

We are willing to share critical comments and the following is the warmest one we have received in a long time:

You free loader, why don’t you look up where your church started in public books. A woman started it. You are putting your . . . (expletive deleted) . . . in the paper and expect people to believe it. Just because you don’t get down and find out the facts, you got a one track mind.

The K.K.C. needs to get you and prove to you how stupid you really are. Because you don’t know any better, you expect the rest of the people to believe as you do. Remember, people are not crazy. If you want to believe your nonsense, O.K. but don’t try to preach to others that you are the only one that is right. Your Bible is all fouled up and you never took time to go into public books and find out the truth about your church. Wake up and do so while you have time to do so. Remember some people know the facts while others don’t. Watch yourself. Don’t you try to mislead others because you are wrong.

The Origin of the Church of Christ: The Real Facts

The reader confuses “Church of Christ” with “Church of Christ, Scientist,” which indeed was started by a woman named Mary Baker Eddy. She claimed revelations which were published as Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and in 1879 started the first Christian Science Church in Boston. She was a “mental healer” who denied the existence of sin, sickness, and death, which are only “errors” of the mind according to her, She said the Bible is fouled up with impurities and is not a complete or final revelation. She taught that Jesus was not incarnated in flesh, He did not actually die, and He will not return in bodily form. The true church of Christ did not teach such theories in Bible times and does not teach such theories today. These are the real facts.

The true church of the Lord did not start in Boston in 1879 but started in Jerusalem 50 days after Jesus arose from the dead, as recorded in Acts 2. When people believe, obey, and teach the same gospel today that was preached in the beginning, they constitute the same church. If not, why not? What would it take to have the same church, if not the restoration of the original gospel? Corn seed produces the corn plant and apple seed the apple tree. If we wish to produce the original gospel and church of Christ, “the seed is the word of God” (Lk. 11:8). The church of Christ of which I am a member preaches the same facts, commands, and promises of the gospel which were preached in the beginning. We obey the same conditions of pardon – faith, repentance, confession of Christ, and water baptism (Acts 2:38; Rom. 10:10). Our worship, doctrine, organization, and discipline is taken directly and literally from the Bible. So long as we follow the Bible only, we are Christians only members of the church you can read about in the Bible. If not, why not? Those are the real facts.

Historically in America, in the early 1800s people from Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and other backgrounds gave up their human names, creeds, doctrines, and denominations in order to follow the Bible only. You can read of this restoration effort in public books like encyclopedias under “Churches of Christ,” or in more detail in Homer Hailey’s Attitudes and Consequences in the Restoration Movement (Edited for out-dated information). We will gladly give anyone a free copy of the booklet “A Short Study in Church History” by William E. McDaniel (contact the author). You will find that “restoration” did not mean starting a new denomination with a new human name. It simply meant forsaking all denominations, opposing them as sinful, and going back to New Testament Christianity as the only right way in religion. This means to take the Bible as the final standard without addition, subtraction, or substitution.

These are the real facts about the origin of the church of Christ. Our reader who wrote added heat but no light to correct us if these are not the facts.

Just One Right Way: What Does the Bible Say?

The reader seemed to think that I “expect people to believe” whatever I write just because they read it in the paper. No, not any more than he can expect me to believe what he says just because he writes it on paper. We constantly urge people not to take our own word or that of any other man, but to be like the noble Bereans who “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). It would help if critical readers would send us the Scripture references they have been searching in order that we might be corrected and better informed. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:21-22). The only standard of testing and proving is, what does the Bible say (1 Jn. 4:1-6; 1 Pet. 4:11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)?

Our reader primarily objects to our teaching that there is only one right way in religion. He says, “. . you got a one track mind . . . you expect the rest of the people to believe as you do . . . don’t try to preach to others that you are the only one that is right.” First, we have already pointed out that I do not claim to be the infallible standard or one right way but am pointing away from myself and all other human standards to Jesus Christ and His Word as the one right way in religion. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6).

Second, the reader wants me to believe as he does that there are many right ways. So, the truth is that there are many right ways to God, not just one, according to him. Since he is trying to persuade me to his view of many right ways, I guess I could say to him, “You got a one track mind. You expect the rest of the people to believe as you do. Don’t try to preach to others that you are the only one that is right (on the point of many right ways)!” Why is it right for him to persuade me but wrong for me to persuade him?

Third, it is right to convince and to persuade people that the one right way is found in Jesus and His Word. Jesus said we should make disciples of “all nations” (Matt. 28:19). “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:15-16). “If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins . . . . And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin?” (Jn. 8:24, 45-46) Was Jesus wrong in telling us to preach the gospel to others and wrong for saying that those who reject the gospel are lost in sin and doomed to hell? Does our reader convict Jesus of wrong in this? If Jesus was wrong for teaching only one right way, let someone produce the evidence which convicts Him of wrong! It has not been done in 2,000 years and it will not be done now!

People living in sin and error have always protested against the teaching of Christ on only one right way. Atheists and evolutionists object when the Bible says, “In the beginning God. . . .” Murderers (including abortionists), thieves, adulterers, those who covet (as in gambling), and liars all object to the condemnation of their sins, “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor” (Rom. 13:9-10). They do not believe there is only one right way to live.

Modernists and liberals do not believe there is only one right way when it comes to believing that the Bible is the inspired Word of God (word for word, 1 Cor. 2:13), that God created Adam and Eve by miracles in one day (Jesus said He did, Matt. 19:4), that Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and lived to tell about it (Jesus confirmed it, Matt. 12:40), or that Jesus arose from the dead (Matt. 28). Denominations teach many bodies or churches, many baptisms, and many faiths – they reject the Lord’s Word when it says just “one” (Eph. 4:4-6). People who wear denominational names and attend denominational churches are embarrassed at the Bible teaching that we should be “Christians” only without using human names (Acts 11:27; 1 Cor. 1:10-13).

Yes, Jesus abundantly taught one right way in religion and said, “Few there be that find it.” Most people will believe in many ways and be lost, He said (Matt. 7:13-14).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 21, pp. 643-644
November 6, 1986

By Daniel W. Petty

The first known persecution of Christians by the Romans came at the hands of the emperor Nero, according to ancient historians. Before this, the Jews seem to have been the source of all persecutions of the Church, as recorded in the New Testament.

In the books of Acts, the Christians had little to fear from the Roman government. Roman magistrates and soldiers often saved Paul from the wrath of Jews and pagans alike. From the Roman perspective, Jews and Christians were indistinguishable in the early years, the latter generally thought to be but a sect of Judaism. Since Judaism was held to be a religio licita (“legal religion”), Christianity naturally enjoyed the same status.

Nero became emperor in AD 54, at first a reasonable ruler who was fairly popular. Becoming increasingly infatuated by his dreams of grandeur and lust for pleasure, he lost this popularity, so that by AD 64 he was despised by the people; rumor had it that he was mad.

In June of AD 64, a great fire broke out in Rome. Though it seems that he was away at the time, it was rumored that Nero himself started the fire so as to rebuild the city according to his fancy. The Roman historian Tacitus seems to believe the fire was an accident. But no matter. The rumor spread, and more and more the people suspected the emperor. One of the rumors, which Nero tried to allay, was that he played his lyre during the fire atop a tower. But the rumors continued, and Nero knew that he needed someone else to blame for the fire. Two areas not burned had a high population of Jews and Christians; since the Christians were not popular, he decided to blame them.

Tacitus tells the story (Annals 15.44):

But all human efforts, all the lavish gifts of the emperor, and the propitiations of the gods did not banish the sinister belief that the conflagration was the result of an order. Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilate, and a most mischievous superstition thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome,. . . Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty [of being Christians, DP]; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred of mankind [they abstained from most social activities, since these were so connected with pagan worship, DP]. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination when daylight had expired. . . . It was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man’s cruelty, that they were being destroyed.

Peter was written very near the time of this persecution. It is clear from the epistle that they were facing various trials (1:6). They were being falsely slandered as evil-doers (3:16); they were being tested by a “fiery ordeal” (4:12). Peter was urging his readers to submit their souls to God in their suffering (4:19), and to be sure their suffering was for righteousness’ sake – “as a Christian” – and not for ungodly conduct (3:13; 4:15-16). They were to be encouraged by the facts that in their sufferings, they shared in the same experiences as brethren throughout the world (5:9), and in the sufferings of Christ Himself (4:12-14).

The popular indignation endured by the Christians made them Nero’s natural scapegoats. All kinds of slanderous reports about Christians had been circulating. The Lord’s Supper gave rise to rumors that they held secret cannibalistic meetings where they ate someone’s body and drank his blood. Christians were despised because they refused to participate in the wicked pagan festivals of the Gentiles.

The attitude of the Roman government toward the Church gradually changed from indifference to hostility. They had come to see that Christianity and Judaism were different. Christianity came to be regarded as a religio illicita (“prohibited religion”). It is clear that though in AD 64 the Christians were charged with arson, soon they were being persecuted for the mere fact of being Christians, and for the supposed abominations connected with that name.

Peter and Paul soon became martyrs under the reign of Nero, according to early tradition. It is likely that this persecution was limited to the city of Rome. Most persecutions were isolated and local until just before AD 250, when the first “general persecutions” would begin. Even so, the gateway to persecution had been opened, and ever after Christians were to live under threat. The slanderous rumors multiplied, and popular hatred and distrust of Christians led to many a persecution. Besides the Neronian persecution, the first century also witnessed the persecution of Christians under the reign of Domitian (AD 81-96). It was this later persecution that probably provided the background for the message for the Book of Revelation.

“By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God” (1 Pet. 4:15-16).

For further reading: W.H.C. Frend, Martyrdom and Persecution in the Early Church (Oxford, 1965).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 20, pp. 617, 633
October 16, 1986

By Hoyt H. Houchen

Question: What is the main Point of Matthew 19.30 and 20:16 in light of the context? What is the application for us?

Reply: A parallel passage of Matthew 19:30 is Mark 10:31 (see also Lk. 18:28-30). Matthew’s account is: “But many shall be last that are first; and first that are last. ” Mark records it: “But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.” Jesus closed the parable of the laborers in the vineyard with the words: “So the last shall be first, and the first last” (20:16). This parable (Matt. 20:116) continues the thought of Matthew 19:30, because following this verse, Jesus begins in chapter 20, verse 1, with the word “for.” Commentators differ as to what is the main teaching of these verses. Our attention is therefore given to several considerations.

First, the Jews had been the chosen people of God – they were the first in the eyes of God. The Gentiles had not been in His favor; therefore, they were the last. But later, when the Jews rejected the gospel and the Gentiles accepted it, the situation was reversed. The Gentiles who had been last in God’s favor became first This is the interpretation given by several commentators.

Second, there is possibly a reference to the apostles themselves. Peter had responded to the teaching of Jesus about the rich by saying, “Lo, we have left all, and followed thee; what then shall we have?” (v. 27) We recall the disputes of these disciples as to who would have the highest position in the kingdom (18:1). Perhaps they were thinking that those who had first followed the Master (Peter, Andrew, James and John) should be given the honor of highest rank. With them, it would seem that the issue was the order of time. But God according to His greatness and prudence, will reward as He deems wise. Paul is a case in point. Paul entered the service later than the twelve apostles, but it cannot be presupposed that his reward will be less than theirs. In the parable that follows, regardless of when the workers entered the vineyard (whether it was the sixth, ninth or twelfth hour) the wages were the same. The amount had been agreed upon, “a shilling a day.” Jesus assured His disciples that they would be rewarded for their faithfulness. Addressing those who had followed Him (28a), He then projected to their future by assuring them, “in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (28b). This is the period between the day of Pentecost and the second coming of Christ. It is the present period, when men are regenerated by the new birth Qn. 3:5); it is the age when people become “new creatures” (2 Cor. 5:17) by “the washing of regeneration” (Tit. 3:5) which refers to baptism (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3,4; etc.) These apostles are now judging members of the church (Spiritual Israel) by their inspired teaching — the word of God. Jesus promised them the richest blessing of all — eternal life (v. 29). Yet, those who entered His service later, would not receive any less reward. This seems to be the main point of the verses in the view of the context.

There is another suggested idea. Those that are first in the eyes of the world are last in the eyes of God, if they have not entered into His service. Those who are last are those who are in the kingdom but who are esteemed the lowest by those who are in the world. But these are first in the eyes of God.

Whichever view is the main point, the application for us is that we must enter into the kingdom of God at the first opportunity. In the parable given by our Lord, all the workers entered the vineyard at their first opportunity. We are by no way encouraged to procrastinate. To do so can be fatal to the soul. God will reward all who will enter into His family, the church, and serve Him faithfully. All will receive the same reward – an eternal home with God in heaven.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 20, p. 613
October 16, 1986