Truth Magazine

By Robert F. Turner

While working in a foreign land a preacher painted a sign in the native language and put it on their place of worship. Translated, the sign read, “The Church Meeting Here Was Established in Jerusalem, 33 A.D.” A few days later a native said, “Surely you do not expect me to believe that sign. I know who makes up this church, how it was started, and when.” So the preacher tried to explain this was but a congregation of the universal church established in Jerusalem. The task was hard enough, for he wished to avoid teaching a universal church made up of local churches. But he was told, “Then you have the wrong word on your sign. We have a separate word for ‘congregation. “‘ The story ends, with the preacher learning a lesson in language; but I wonder if we should not learn a lesson in “establishment” -and the nature of the local church.

We are trying to “Get To The Bottom Line” on the nature of the church. In a previous article we discussed the nature of the universal church (the saints), and we also showed what is obvious to unprejudiced readers; viz., saints are expected to form “teams” to carry out authorized collective obligations; and these “teams” are called “churches.” Most brethren believe the local churches are scriptural, but some may be confused about their establishment and their nature, as compared with the so-called ” universal” church. The concept of the Son of God as Priest, King, Advocate, etc., was established in the mind of God from eternity; but became functional after the cross – was preached as viable and operative the first Pentecost following the resurrection. When people submitted to this established “rule” they were the Lord’s flock, citizens, army, and church (“called-out” ones). That is how He “established His church” (in universal sense). How does He establish the local churches?

I believe the Lord established the Oaks-West church in Burnet, but He did so in much the same way He established marriage. He gave and sanctioned the concept, supplied instructions (via command, example, implication) as to its coming into being, and its function; all this in the New Testament. But brethren in Burnet established this particular “team,” just as Vivian and I established our particular marriage. The nature of the two “institutions” as respects their coming into being are very similar. They are the products of God’s plans, but await the exercise of our will and conduct. If we would have the blessings that accrue to each, we must form the unions each institution requires. This human instrumentality no more lessens the importance of the local church than of marriage. Nor is there an acceptable substitution for God’s plan in either.

The mechanics of a local church are simple. (1) It takes a plurality of saints to form a team. (2) Each saint must will to join the team, and be willing to accept the others; i.e., mutual agreement is necessary (study 1 Cor.5:1-7; 3 Jn.9-10). (3) They can not function as a team without agreeing to some common mind (direction and guidance); and overseers (elders, bishops, pastors) serve in this capacity (1 Thess.5:12; Heb. 13:17). In their absence, there still must be some way devised for reaching a common mind, or confusion will reign. (4) Team work necessitates a pooling of means and abilities; and in most cases this is done by a medium of exchange – money. This is the reason for the “treasury,” and it exists whether pooled money, canned goods, or efforts, (Treasury discussed in another article.)

The purpose of a local church is (1) mutual assistance in getting to heaven (“consider one another to provoke unto love and good works,” Heb.10:24); and, (2) assisting one another to meet physical needs, and to carry out the work of preaching to others (2 Cor.8; 11:8; Phil.4:15). This purpose is determined by noting things commanded of local churches, and taught by approved examples and necessary implications. When we look carefully and objectively at churches of the first century, the “team” work of saints is seen as a “tool” for carrying out the purpose of each individual saint. I must preach the gospel, regardless of what others do. I must help my brethren, regardless of others. But by pooling my means and abilities, as authorized to do by Scriptures, both I and others are benefitted. God has given us a “tool” for our work.

We should emphasize the local church as a “tool” for each of us in God’s service; rather than as some sacramental, ceremonial institution, after the order of the topology of the Old Testament institutions. Here is an essential difference in concepts concerning the local church. It is not counterpart to the tabernacle or temple; for that is in heaven (Heb.9:11-12, 24). We do not meet in a “sanctuary” (holy place) made with hands; but present our petitions in heaven itself – in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man” (Heb.8:2). N.T. church “service” is not “outward regulations for the body, that only hold till the period of the New Order” (Heb.9:6-10, Moffatt); for we are now in the “New Order.” Our worship is not validated, nor presented to God by or through official administrators (priest or “church”); for each of us is a priest (holy and royal) in the N.T. priesthood (1 Pet.2:5,9; Rom. 12:1). We need to think seriously on these things, and revise our “local church service” concepts, if necessary.

If man, not God, established a particular local church, is it (that local church) a perfect institution? No, it is not! Can it be rightly used as a standard for others? No, it can not (2 Cor. 10:12f)! Is it rightly a source of divine authority (i.e., are its judgments matters of faith)? No, they are not! The pattern determined by information in the Scriptures is perfect, and is bound upon us as a matter of faith; but we are fallible, and our compliance must never be regarded as a standard for others. Will God measure our compliance, and pass judgment upon our collective work? He will indeed, just as He does on all things commanded saints, distributively or collectively. Notice the warning to the church at Ephesus, regarding removal of her candlestick (Rev.2:1-5). Each saint is judged individually, with respect to individual and collective responsibilities (Rev.3:1-6). A weak church (about to have her candlestick removed?) may have “a few . . . worthy.”

It is hoped that these observations may help us see “the bottom line” concerning the local church and her nature. We can neither deny the institutional aspect of a local church, nor can we place our hope in that aspect. We must use what God has given us as a “tool” for service; without pinning our hopes on the “tool” itself. It is the Lord we must serve – first and always; and our loyalty to “the church” must exist only as loyalty to Christ makes that loyalty possible and necessary. Why should this be such a hard thing to understand? Why should we have to “throw out the baby with the wash water” of correction? An iconoclastic spirit – tear up and destroy – should give way to a teaching, encouraging, and exemplary spirit which shows others the better and right way of the Lord. May God help us to love Him first, and show that love by our concern for brethren who make up the blood bought “church.”

Guardian of Truth XXX: 20, pp. 615, 631
October 16, 1986

By Mike Willis

An English proverb says, “Honesty is the best policy.” Another says, “Honesty pays,” as one considers the long-lasting fruits of honesty in life. Another quipped, “Honesty pays, but it doesn’t seem to pay enough to suit a lot of people” (Kin Hubbard, The New Book of Unusual Quotations, p. 162b).

What is “honesty”? Webster defines the word as follows:

1. Originally, (a) honorable; held in respect; (b) respectable, creditable, commendable, seemly, etc.: a generalized epithet of commendation.

2. That will not lie, cheat, or steal; truthful; trustworthy.

3. (a) As showing fairness and sincerity; straightforward; free from deceit… (b) gained or earned by fair methods, not by cheating, lying, or stealing.

Honesty is a character trait which is repeatedly emphasized in the book of Proverbs.

Honesty Will Guide and Deliver You

The wise man wrote, “The integrity of the upright shall guide them . . . The righteous of the perfect shall direct his way” (Prov. 11:3,5). These verses indicate that integrity will direct and guide one in life. How does this occur? If a man will decide to only do what is right, to be honest and fair with his fellow man and before God, many decisions which face him in life will already be answered. Should anyone seek to persuade him to become involved in crooked business deals, he has no trouble making his decision. His decision to be honest guides him in that decision and directs his path. Hence, honesty will guide you.

Later the wise man added, “The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them” (Prov. 11:6). Here righteousness is said to deliver one from harm. There are many problems in life which come to those who are dishonest and crooked: some are arrested for shady business deals, some have conflict with their neighbors because of their lying and stealing, etc. Heartache comes from walking in the path of wickedness. The man who resolves to be honest is delivered from these pains and heartaches.

Honesty Is A Blessing Passed Down To One’s Children

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children. . . (Prov. 13:22).

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him (Prov. 20:7).

The fate of all men is to pass into oblivion. Millions of people who once inhabited this earth have passed on and no one remembers their name. My fate will be to die and be forgotten by those who live after. About the most that one can hope for, from a strictly temporal point of view, is that his name will be remembered among the just (Prov. 10:7). When I am gone, may my name be remembered alongside that of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Paul, Peter, Mines, and John; let it not be mentioned alongside of Ahab, Jezebel, Judas, Adolf Hitler, and Jesse James.

I can pass down to my children a good name – a name synonymous with honesty, integrity, righteousness, holiness, etc. By living righteously, I can provide a good example for my children and grandchildren to emulate. I can guide the moral training of my children.

Areas In Which Dishonesty Is Common

1. Business. Business is renown for dishonest practices. “Buyer beware” warns of the danger of dishonest merchants. The proverbs say, “A false balance is abomination to the Lord” (Prov. 11:1; 16:11; 20:10). The balance was the means of weighing goods for buying and selling. By using false weights, a trader could cheat those from whom he bought and sold. We can be thankful that we live in a country where weights and measures are closely regulated by civil law to protect us from dishonesty in business.

Usury is another form of dishonesty in business condemned in Proverbs (28:8). Usury is charging excessive interest rates on money. The rich abused the poor, taking advantage of them, by charging excessive rates of interest on loans. Our government regulates the lending institutions to protect men from such abuses.

Get-rich-quick schemes have been a temptation to men of all ages. Men want to be rich without earning their money. In get-rich-quick schemes, the natural process of labor is circumvented and the desire to be rich causes one to compromise principles of honorable business. The quality of materials is reduced and descriptions of what the product can do are exaggerated. Fraud is committed. “He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent . . . He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye” (Prov. 28:20,22).

Taking advantage of the poor is another form of dishonesty condemned in the Proverbs (cf. 22:16,22). When some see a man in extreme circumstances, they see his unfortunate condition as a means of making an easy dollar. Widows, orphans, and poor people are the victims of the wealthy.

One of the first lessons to learn about dishonesty in business is that it will bring unhappiness (Prov. 20:17). “Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” Though one might win a temporary advantage, soon his business tactics become known and men shun doing business with him. You can fool all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. The end result is that dishonesty hurts the man committing it.

The proverbs exalt the value of honesty in business when they teach that poverty with integrity is better than riches with dishonesty (Prov. 16:8; 19:22; 22:1; 28:6). Not everyone believes this. The man who submits his life to the direction of God’s word believes this and lives his life in compliance with the demands of honesty.

Some of the areas in which many are dishonest in business today include the following: misrepresenting the product they are selling (e.g., a person who rolls back the odometer on a car which he is selling); padding expense accounts, labor charges, or material costs; accepting kickbacks; paying bribes; refusing to pay one’s just bills (cf. Rom. 13:8).

As Christians, we must bend over backwards to be sure that we are honest in business. We need not only to obey the demands of the law of God, but also to provide things honest in the sight of all men (Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21).

2. Speech. Our speech should manifest that we are honest. Some of the ways in which men show dishonesty in speech are: (a) Lying (Prov. 12:22); (b) Being two-faced (Prov. 10: 18; 23:6-8); (c) Bearing false witness (Prov. 14:5,25). A man’s word should be his bond.

3. Stealing. The Scriptures condemn stealing (Eph. 4:28 – “Let him that stole steal no more. . .”). One test of a man’s honesty is whether or not he will steal. His honesty is not demonstrated by the fact that he will not steal when someone is watching. “The thief who finds no opportunity to steal thinks himself an honest man” (Talmud). However, he is not an honest man; he simply has not had an opportunity to steal.

Our society is plagued with thieves. Some rob the neighborhood convenience store; some shoplift; some steal hubcaps, tires, etc. Among teenagers, cheating on tests is a common form of stealing. One person will steal the answers from another’s paper; others become accomplices in stealing by helping a friend steal answers. Some people tamper with cable television devices in order to receive pay channels without paying for them.

Another area in which dishonesty is rampant is stealing from the government on income tax returns. Some misrepresent their income; others misrepresent their deductions. In both ways, men steal from the government by failing to pay their legislated taxes.

Fruits of Dishonesty

Dishonesty brings its own reward. The law of retribution (“whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap”) cannot be escaped. Dishonesty will cause a man to have a bad reputation in the community in which he lives. His neighbors will not want to have anything to do with him and will not respect him.

Many times dishonesty will lead to violation of the civil law. In such cases, dishonesty can lead to fines and imprisonment (e.g. in stealing, fraud, etc.).

Whether or not one’s dishonesty is ever known by his friends or neighbors and whether or not one’s dishonesty brings civil fines and imprisonment, it will bring eternal damnation from the hands of a just God. Lying, stealing, and cheating are sins before God which will keep a person out of heaven and cause him to suffer the torments of hell.

Conclusion

“Honesty is the best policy.” When my life is over, may it be said of me, “Every man has his fault, and honesty is his” Burns wrote, “An honest man’s the noblest work of God” (The Cotter’s Saturday Night via The Pocket Book of Quotations, p. 137).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 20, pp. 610, 632-633
October 16, 1986

By Larry Ray Hafley

According to the Associated Press in an article entitled, “Falwell Gets Travel Advice,” “Former President Jimmy Carter said . . . that television evangelist Jerry Falwell, . . . ‘can go to hell'” (Peoria Journal Star, September 12, 1986, p. A2).

Really, Mr. President? And how do you propose he get there, assuming, of course, he wants to go? You see, both Carter and Falwell are Baptists and neither believes the other can “go to hell.” Baptist doctrine teaches “that a child of God can do anything he wants to and go to heaven anyhow” (Vernon L. Barr; Albert Garner). “If I killed my wife and mother and debauched a thousand women I couldn’t go to hell – in fact I couldn’t go to hell if I wanted to” (Bill Foster, The Weekly Worker, March 12, 1959).

That is potent stuff. Devout Baptists may recoil and be repulsed by its bluntness and by its logical consequences, but it fairly represents Baptist doctrine and is consistent with their belief that it is impossible for a child of God to go to Hell. So, how shall Falwell expedite Carter’s advice? Perhaps a Baptist could enlighten us.

It will do no good, however, to blast President Carter for his out burst. Even he cannot go to hell, as per Baptist theology. He can tell a fellow Baptist to do something he cannot do; namely, “go to hell,” but not even he, as a “born again believer,” can “go to hell” for his vulgarism and implied impeachment of Baptist doctrine.

All of the above concerns would be amusing if they were not so serious. Going to hell is not a joke (Heb. 10:31). It is an awesomely horrendous prospect. Numbers of people are going there (Matt. 7:13,14), and it will not be because of President Carter’s consignment (Matt. 10:28; Jas. 4:12).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 20, p. 614
October 16, 1986

By W. Frank Walton

What is the greatest invitation ever given? Hear the profound words of Jesus: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My load is light” (Matt. 11:28-30, NASB).

1. The Great Invitation Is Given To All, Without Distinction Or Exception. This invitation is universal and timeless in scope, available to anyone at anytime. To be “somebody” in Hollywood or a “bigwig” in politics, you must be at all the right parties and functions to be with all the right people. When Prince Charles and Lady Di recently visited Washington, D.C. and a social gala was given in their honor, the hot topic was, “Who will be invited?” The “have’s” get an invitation; and the “have not’s” don’t. Haven’t we all felt the sting of being left out when others were invited and we weren’t? On the school yard, who wouldn’t have felt a little insignificant if picked last when choosing up sides for a ball game?

Jesus calls everyone who will respond, regardless of your name, your past, your accomplishments, where you live, how much money you have in the bank, where you work, what you look like, your education or the color of your skin. No one is insignificant! Everyone is important, whether great or small. To God, you are just as important as anyone who has ever lived. Jesus plays no favorites (Acts 10:34).

2. The Great Invitation Centers Upon Christ. The combined philosophies of the greatest, most brilliant and powerful men who ever lived cannot answer life’s greatest questions, “Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? What is the purpose of life?” Only Jesus can say with authority, “Come to Me” and “learn of Me.” He alone boldly proclaims to be the one and only answer in life’s quest for meaning (Jn. 14:6). He is unique – the Jesus of history, the Christ of salvation and the Lord of life. He will be the standard and Judge of human conduct on that final Day (Acts 17:31; 2 Cor. 5: 10). Apart Iroin Him, there is no solution to the problem of sin.

In coming to Jesus, it’s much more than just intellectual agreement to a series of religious facts, but it ultimately focuses upon complete loyalty to His person (Jn. 14:15; 15:14). He is the center of this living relationship. Sin is a personal betrayal of our allegiance to Him. So, we must trust and obey Him in view of all that He is: Immanuel (“God with us”), the Lamb of God, the Prince of life, the Lord of glory, the Bread of Life, the Light of the world, the First and the Last, the Resurrection and the Life, and the King of kings and Lord of lords. What an exclusive and exhaustive relationship this is!

3. The Great Invitation Solves Man ‘s Greatest Problem. Jesus summons the “weary,’ 1 those fatigued by exhausting struggles and toils. “Heavy-laden” conveys the idea of those overloaded with crushing burdens too heavy to bear alone. Such refers to the bitter fruit of sin.

Sin is man’s greatest problem. It’s the only thing God hates. It’s the only thing that can forever condemn one to hell. It’s the only thing that caused Jesus to be crucified.

It basically maw “to miss the mark,” which conveys falling short of God’s glory (the potential good for which God created man). It’s an addicting, cruel enslavement to Satan. We’re held in “the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will” (2 Tim. 2:26). Satan (Gr. satanas. “an adversary”) seeks only our harm. He works to blind men to their true spiritual condition or to be inflated with pride over their “learning” or self-importance.

For example, Jacque Monod, a Nobel prize winning molecular biologist and an evolutionist, echoes the “enlightened” elimination of man’s eternal dimension. What’s man’s origin? He says, “Our number came up in a Monte Carlo game.” What does this mean? “Man must at last . . . wake to his total solitude, his fundamental isolation. Now does he at least realize that, like a gypsy, he lives on the boundary of an alien world. A world that’s deaf to his music, just as indifferent to his hopes as it is to his suffering or his crimes” (quoted in The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer, 1:359). Such a world-view that man is an accident of blind chance which arose from the slime and not the sublime, taken to its logical end, leads only to despair. There’s no standard to determine the ultimate meaning of life. Bertrand Russell, agnostic philosopher, said, “We stand on the shore of an ocean, crying to the night and the emptiness; sometimes a voice answers out of the darkness. But it is a voice of one drowning; and in a moment the silence returns.”

Some turn to the fleeting fun of sin. But since we’re built for another world, worldly pursuits can’t satisfy the spiritual needs of man. It’s like trying to run a diesel car on gasoline. Sin’s deceitfulness is seen in its emptiness and self-defeating futility, being devoid of enduring satisfaction. Ernest Hemingway killed himself at the height of his literary powers. He said, “I’m as empty as a radio tube with no current and the batteries dead.” Ralph Barton, a cartoonist, wrote, “I have difficulties, many friends, great successes; I have gone from wife to wife, and from house to house, visited great countries of the world, but I’m fed up with inventing devices to fill up 24 hours of the day.” This was from his suicide note. Is life worth living?

Only Jesus can make life worth living by His offer: “I will give you rest.” In Him, we discover the gift of refreshing rest from worry, uncertainty, and despair. He frees us from the tyranny of sin. He gives peace of mind, enduring joy and a satisfying purpose.

4. The Great Invitation Gives Man Direction. Jesus says, “Take My yoke upon you.” A literal yoke was a wooden frame placed upon animals’ necks to help evenly distribute the weight of pulling a heavy load or plowing. In Jesus’ day, the rabbis commonly used it symbolically illustrating assumption of the Law’s total obligations. Jesus uses it as a metaphor for the challenging discipline of learning to be a disciple. Yoking with Jesus is to learn of Hirn,

We Put Christ on at baptism (Gal. 3:27). We “learn” (Gr. Mathete) to be a “disciplo” (Or. mathaw) a we look to Jesus as the model of what we can become (2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 4:19; Lk. 6:40). This life is the classroom for eternity. His yoke joins us to Him in an obedient relationship of personal devotion (Acts 11:23). Do I ask myself, “What would Jesus do in this situation?” Learning is a permanent change of behavior. Do I really have “the mind of Christ” or am I only outwardly conforming to a religious maze of man-made traditions or handed-down procedures while being devoid. of true, inner spiritual change?

Seeing His glory in the Gospels, I see how He dealt with the weak, the slow, the hurting, the nfisguided, and the false teachers. I learn the practical side of compassion, courage, kindness, understanding, and a forgiving heart. I see him face and overcome temptation. I gain bold confidence as I meditate upon His powerful example, trusting the Father in face of great obstacles and discouragement. “The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as he walked” (1 Jn. 2:6). Am I His co-laborer?

Gentle and Humble

We enjoy this daily walk with Him because He’s “gentle and humble in heart.” “Gentle” or “meek” (KJV) means “power under control.” His yoke doesn’t chafe, nor is it an oppressive burden. He’s not unduly harsh, but understanding and patient with all men. Being “lowly” or “humble in heart,” He’s not abrasive, intolerant or unforgiving. Although He has high standards, He won’t give up easily on us. He always cares (Heb. 2:18). His humility shows us how to be a servant that God will exalt. He served others and the Father above selfish considerations in meticulous obedience (Mk. 10:45; Jn. 8:29).

A New Way of Life

By learning of Him, He promises, “You shall find rest for your souls.” His rest isn’t inactivity or exemption from difficulties. It’s rest from struggling to “get ahead in life,” anxiety over the future, frustration in circumstances, and the miserable futility of sin’s gnawing cravings. His rest eliminates bitterness, hate, grudges to “get even,” envy, ego battles, irritability, and stress. His rest is peace, joy, hope and love manifested in a radiant Christ-like lifestyle. Nietzche, the atheist philosopher, critiqued “Christianity”: “They would have to sing better songs to me that I might believe,in their redeemer: his disciples would have to look more redeemed!” Are we glad we’re Christians? Let’s inform our face about it! The world is watching.

His yoke is “easy” (good, comfortable, pleasant, kindly). It fits well. It was custom-made by our Creator for man’s good. Corporations pay millions for insight from expert consultants. Yet God’s infinite wisdom for the better life is free. God’s purpose for men is in the yoke of Christ. Trusting obedience is delightful, since this is how we’re designed to work best. It yields the greatest quality of life known to man (Jn. 10:9-10). His load isn’t a harsh burden but “light.” We gain the needed strength in following Him as we’re “renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 Jn. 5:3). We grow in the power to change ourselves and the world when we take up the yoke of Christ. He can make us all we’re capable of becoming.

Jesus is offering us a challenging invitation. Will you accept it?

Guardian of Truth XXX: 20, pp. 611-612, 631
October 16, 1986