Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

How we use our tongue has a grave impact on our present life. The wise man wrote,

A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction (Prov. 13:2-3).

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles (Prov. 21:23; cf. 17:20; 18:6-7,21).

Those who sin with their tongue bring distress to themselves in a variety of ways. More importantly, however, sins of the tongue will cause souls to be lost in hell. Jesus said.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matt. 12:36-37).

Consequently, we must learn to avoid committing sins of the tongue.

Common Sins of the Tongue

1. Talking too much. Some people talk too much, earning for themselves the descriptions of “motor mouth,” “chatterbox,” etc. Such speech pours out foolishness (Prov. 15:2,28) because no forethought is given to what is said. “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards” (Prov. 29:11). There are some things better left unsaid.

2. Whispering and talebearing. Whisperers and talebearers dig up evil stories about things which others have committed so they win have something to tell on that person (Prov. 16:27). Too, they tell secrets (Prov. 11:13). As a result,, they wound people, inflicting pain with their tongue (Prov. 18:8), and separate friends (Prov. 16:28; 17:9). Talebearers and whisperers are fools (Prov. 10: 18 – from nabal which describes one who has no respect for God).

When I perceive that one of my friends in a whisperer or gossip, I must quit listening to his stories. The listening ear must share in the blame of the gossiping tongue. The wise man wrote, “The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue” (Prov. 25:23).

3. Lying. Another sin of the tongue is the sin of lying, telling a deliberate falsehood. Some men lie to cover their sins, to avoid hurting the feelings of someone else, to take advantage of others, and many other reasons. God hates the “lying tongue” (Prov. 6:17; 12:22). Eventually, a liar will be exposed. “The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (Prov. 12:19). His friends will eventually catch him in his lie. When that occurs, his word no longer will be trusted. Liars must tell lies to cover their life. Sooner or later, they are caught in their lies, either because someone heard the other story that he told, he forgot to whom he told what, or some other reason. One can protect himself from having to have a perfect memory of what he told whom by always telling the truth.

4. Flattery. Some people flatter a person when in his presence and then attack and destroy him behind his back. The proverbs say that such a person hides hatred with lying lips (Prov. 10:18) and warns of the danger of the “kisses of an enemy” (Prov. 27:6). Eventually these flatterers will become known for what they are (Prov. 28:23). Men have little respect for this kind of character.

5. Angry words. Some words are described as “grievous words” because they stir up anger (Prov. 15:1). Frequently, they are words spoken in haste and without forethought (Prov. 12:16); they gender strife (Prov. 15:18). Little thought is given to the damage these angry words do to the various relationships of life. Read the words to “Angry Words” by H.R. Palmer:

Angry words! O let them never

From the tongue unbridled slip;

May the heart’s best impulse ever

Check them ere they soil the lip.

Love is much too pure and holy,

Friendship is too sacred far,

For a moment’s reckless folly

Thus to desolate and mar.

Angry words are lightly spoken,

Bitt’rest tho’ts are rashly stirred,

Brightest links of life are broken,

By a single angry word.

“Love one another,” thus saith the Savior;

Children, obey the Father’s blest command;

“Love one another,” thus saith the Savior;

Children, obey the blest command.

6. Biting, sarcastic speech. “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health” (Prov. 12:18). We sometimes say, “He really cut you down!” What a misuse of the tongue when its only function is to hurt someone else.

7. Profanity andfilthy stories. The Ten Commandments warn us not to take the name of the Lord in vain (Exod. 20:7). James deplored those Christians who “bless the Lord” on the one hand and “curse we men, which are made after the image of God” on the other hand. He said, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (Jas. 3:10). Many who profess to be Christians use profanity regularly.

“Filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting” (Eph. 5:4) were among the sinful uses of the tongue condemned by Paul. Those who have heard filthy jokes know what Paul was condemning. Jokes which are vulgar and filthy reflect a mind that is in the gutter and drags others down to the same level.

The Proper Use of the Tongue

The tongue, which is so frequently guilty of sin, can and should be used for the accomplishment of good. Consider what an impact for righteousness the Saviour’s tongue had on this earth. Here are some good uses of the tongue:

1. To calm anger. “A soft answer turneth away wrath” (Prov. 15:1). Rather than using the tongue to stir up anger, we should use it to calm anger.

2. To disperse knowledge. “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge. . . ” (Prov. 15:7). The tongue can be used to teach someone how to be saved, to live better, to do a job easier, and many other useful purposes.

3. To rebuke sin. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Prov. 27:6). “He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the tongue” (Prov. 28:32). The tongue should be used to point out the sinner’s evil ways, while calling him to repentance (cf. the work of John the Baptist in Matt. 3).

4. To encourage others. “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! ” (Prov. 15:23) We can render service to our fellowman by encouraging the downhearted and depressed, the weak and sickly.

When the tongue is used in these ways, it is pleasant to others (Prov. 15:26). These uses of the tongue make friends (Prov. 16:13; 22:11).

You can understand why this kind of tongue is compared to:

A tree of life (Prov. 15:4).

A well of life (Prov. 10:11).

A honeycomb (Prov. 16:24).

An apple of gold in a network of silver (Prov. 25:11).

Choice silver (Prov. 10:20).

Good food (Prov. 10:21).

Conclusion

You control your tongue. “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips” (Prov. 16:23). Though the tongue can never be tamed (Jas. 3:8), it can be bridled and controlled. You should begin right now to control your tongue.

Don’t allow yourself to abuse people when angry. Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain. Be truthful. Learn to speak an encouraging word, to comfort those who are suffering, and to express your love. You will enhance the quality of your life here and have the hope of eternity in heaven later.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 18, pp. 546, 568
September 18, 1986

By Larry Ray Hafley

And he said onto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which be possesseth. And be spoke a parable unto them, saying, the ground of certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou bast much goods laid up for many years; take thine emu, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be which thou bag provided? So Is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (Lk. 12:1521).

The word “beware” is an intensive term. Because it is inherently emphatic, it is rarely followed by an exclamation mark. We would not expect to see a sign, “Beware of wet paint,” or “Beware, new grass sown,” because the word is too strong for the occasion. But we have all seen signs saying, “Beware bad dog,” or “Beware bridge out.” Thus, when Jesus used the word “beware,” He was indicating great danger (cf. Matt. 7:15; Lk. 12:1; 2 Pet. 3:17).

The Lord also treats us to the essential, fundamental evil and error of covetousness; that is, covetousness makes one think that the life is comprised and composed “of the things which he possesseth. ” And do we not judge it so? If we have material goods, we are “better off” or even just plain “better” than those who do not have them. This is what the Lord was attacking when He asked the rhetorical question in the sermon on the mount, “Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” (Matt. 6:25) Your life’s value, your soul’s worth, is not measured by what you own. “For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mk. 8:36) That question could never have been posed if covetousness’ theme (my life does consist in what I possess) were true. It is not what you own, it is what owns you that really matters.

The Rich Fool

The parable of the rich fool is given to illustrate and demonstrate the truthfulness of Jesus’ opening statement.

It is not wrong to be rich. Abraham, Solomon and Job were not simply rich; they were “very rich” (cf. Gen. 13:2). The rich man of our text is not criticized or condemned because he was wealthy. Wealth itself does not damn. Poverty does not save. Wealth is not a vice. Poverty is not a virtue. Many will go to hell over riches who never had money in the bank. At least, Paul intimates as much when he says, “they that will be (not, “they that are”) rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Tim. 6:9). It is not riches but the “trust” in riches that dooms men (Mk. 10:23-35).

It is this trust, this belief in material substance, that condemned the rich man. Five times he used the personal pronoun “my.” He referred to “my fruits, my barns, my fruits, my goods, my soul. ” That is not evil, either, for there is a sense in which things do belong to us; we “own” them (Acts 5:4; Matt. 20:15). However, it was the absorbing, consuming thought of his life, and that is wrong. He acted wisely in building greater barns for his surplus lest it rot or be devoured by scavengers. He acted foolishly in allowing his goods to secure, as he thought they did, his soul.

He imagined “many years” of solace, succor and security. “Take thine (another possessive pronoun) ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” How does the rest of it go? “For tomorrow we die” is how it ends, but the rich man did not consider death. He stopped with “merry.” He forgot, “for tomorrow we die.” But even if he had said it, he would still have been in error. It was not, “tomorrow, ” but “this night thy soul shall be required of thee.”

“Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” Neither the devil nor this world can give you one itern that will not be snatched and taken from you the moment you die. We go into bankruptcy at death. We leave and lose it all (Eccl. 5:15). The wise man of Ecclesiastes wondered whether his riches might not go to a fool who would throw it all away (Eccl. 2:18,19). “He heapeth up riches and knoweth not who shall gather them” (Psa. 39:6). The rich man did not foresee this eventuality. He was oblivious to eternity. “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him . . . that he should still live for ever, and not see corruption” (Psa. 49:6-9).

Being “rich toward God” is the antidote to covetousness. It is the man who has his priorities in order who sees to the wealth and prosperity of his soul. “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” (1 Tim. 6:17). Do not ever forget who the real beggar turned out to be in the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 16:19-31). Ironic, is it not, that the rich man of our narrative will also be the impoverished beggar in spiritual rags in the day of Judgment?

Guardian of Truth XXX: 18, p. 549
September 18, 1986

By Kenneth E. Thomas

Of all Bible subjects, perhaps none has been debated more than has the subject of Baptism. Who should be baptized? When should one be baptized? How does one go about obeying this command? What is the design or purpose in Bible baptism? Into what does baptism place one? I suggest that the New Testament answers very simply each of the above.

Who Should Be Baptized?

There is a common practice among various denominations of “baptizing” infants. This practice was not engaged in by the first century disciples of Christ. It is without scriptural authority. Children have no sins and the gospel plan of salvation given in the “great commission” excludes them because it says, “. .. . go teach . . . baptize and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). In Mark’s account of this commission he says, “. . he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16). Again we see the prerequisites cannot be met by one not old enough to be taught and incapable of believing! Peter told believers to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). So, in this passage, we see repentance must precede baptism in Christ’s scheme of redemption and again an infant or one mentally incapable of meeting the requirements prior to baptism is not a fit subject for baptism. When the treasurer of Queen Candace of Ethiopia was taught Jesus, he requested baptism at the hands of Philip the evangelist to which Philip replied, “If you believe you may.” To which he answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Upon this confession made with the mouth, they both went down into the water and he baptized him (Acts 8:26-39). An infant cannot make the confession required (Rom. 10:10; Acts 8:37; 1 Tim. 6:13). Some say they believe that a “saved person” is who should be baptized, but Scriptures say that the alien sinner is the one commanded to be baptized (Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:20-21).

When?

One’s attitude toward this command of Christ may be seen by the urgency or lack of the same in people’s minds relative to baptism. Some claim one is saved before and without obedience to this command and they later set a date for the baptizing ceremony. These folks believe that if they never get around to baptizing one, he is still heaven bound having “accepted Christ as his personal Savior.” Don’t they know that since these same people also claim that one is baptized into a local congregation of that particular denominational fellowship, that they are thereby not only missing the scriptural boat on baptism, but admitting that one is saved before membership in “their denomination,” thereby admitting that it can’t possibly be the New Testament church? You see, the same thing that saves one (the blood of Christ) in gospel obedience also places him in the church which Christ’s blood purchased (Acts 2:38,41,47). One is not baptized into the local church, not even into a local church of Christ. One is baptized into the one body which is the church universal, and must later “join” himself to a local congregation (1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2:13-16; Acts 9:19-20,26-28).

The fact that the examples we have of people obeying this command illustrate that they did it as soon as was possible shows the importance placed on baptism. On Pentecost for example, “they therefore that gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41). In the case of the queen’s treasurer they stopped the chariot and both went down into the water and he baptized him there on the Gaza Strip (Acts 8:38-39). The jailor in Acts 16 and his entire household were baptized after having been taught and that past midnight (Acts 16:30-33). One other example is that of Saul of Tarsus who was told, ” . . . why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins – – . ” (Acts 22:16). I just wonder why all the rush to be baptized if, like we are so often told by religionists of varying stripes, it is just an “outward sign of an inward grace” or “a way we show (confess) to the world we have accepted Christ.” You see, sectarians believe you can be saved and never be baptized as we have said. Proof is their doctrinal creedal statements and their running to the thief on the cross when this subject is under discussion. See Hebrews 9:15-17.

How?

Our next question comes over the diversity in the “how to” concerning baptism? Really, there is no such thing as a “mode” of baptism. Baptism is only one action. The meaning of the word translated baptize is to immerse. Baptize is a verb denoting only that action of immersion. To say that one may be baptized by sprinkling or pouring of water over the candidate is about as silly as saying that one may walk by flying. But again we apply the wording of Scripture and see the truth of this. Philip and the treasurer went down “both” into the water and came “up out of” the water. Paul in Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:12 refers to baptism as a burial and a resurrection. Such terms cannot be properly applied to other actions called baptism. I should add that the Spirit through Paul also said that there is only “one baptism” valid today (Eph. 4:5).

Baptism’s Purpose?

Paul reminded the Romans how the blood of Christ was connected to their conversion and how they had been obedient to a form of Christ’s death, His burial and His resurrection in obeying Him in baptism as taught in the Scriptures (Rom. 6:1-6,16-18). If we had no other Scripture to study, we would be forced to conclude that baptism was to reach the benefits of Christ’s blood and that it is “into Christ.” Since all spiritual blessings are in Christ (Eph. 1:3), and one as a penitent believer is to be immersed into Christ where these blessings are located it shouldn’t take much to see that baptism is essential to one’s salvation from alien sins!

Scriptural Baptism Is Into The Name of Christ

That’s correct, “scriptural baptism” is into the name of Christ. Really every baptism practiced is into some name. Example: if one is baptized into the Baptist church, he then wears the name Baptist. If one is baptized by a Methodist preacher into the Methodist church, he then begins wearing the name Methodist. Each of the above says one is saved before submitting to “their baptism.” This proves that since one according to them is saved outside of “their church” and without taking on “their name,” “their church,” as well as “their name,” are unnecessary to one’s salvation. Of course those who understand God’s plan of salvation know that salvation is “in Christ” and “in the one body” and “in the name of Christ” (Rom. 6:34; Gal. 3:26-27; 1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 4:11-12; 1 Cor. 1:10-12; Eph. 1:3).

Scriptural Baptism Unites; Others Divide

CATHOLIC: Baptism = Salvation + Belief. Wear name Roman Catholic.

BAPTIST: Belief = Salvation + Baptism. Wear the name Baptist.

The Bible Position: Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess Christ, Baptism= Salvation (Mk. 16:15-16; Rom. 10:9-17; Acts 2:36-38,41,47; Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 3:26-29; 1 Cor. 1:10-12; 1 Pet. 3:20-21). Then wear the name Christian (Acts 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 4:16; Acts 26:28; 11:26; 1 Cor. 1:10- 12).

So you can plainly see from the above that if folks would be content to just follow the Bible’s teaching, the alien sinner, upon confession of faith in Christ, would submit to immersion into Christ for the forgiveness of past sin and error. The Lord will add him to the one body, the church, and he will be united with all others of like precious faith as the Lord Himself prayed we should be (John 17:17-20,21). See? Isn’t it simple? Only the baptism of the New Testament has the ability to unite; denominational so-called baptisms can only divide and cannot be scriptural (2 John 9-11; Gal, 1:6-10; Rev. 22:18-19; John 12:48; Matt. 7:21-23).

Where Are You?

In the light of the preceding, “where are you?” to use the words of God to Adam in the long ago. What about your baptism? Was it in keeping with the principles set forth in this article from God’s word or was it like the sectarian baptisms! Your eternal destiny is at stake! You cannot afford to be mistaken or to take any chances! Why not humbly submit to what you know is true and cannot possibly be wrong and with thankfulness stand upon the solid ground of eternal truth a free man or woman under Christ?

Where are you spiritually right now? Where will you be in eternity?

Guardian of Truth XXX: 18, pp. 547-548
September 18, 1986

By Webb Harris, Jr.

Are you disgusted with modern religion?

In recent years, multitudes of men and women have turned their backs on the religious world and the shameful “divine” charades that have invaded the airwaves and the printed page. On the one hand we are faced with the cults which glorify some spaced-out guru or a wild-eyed radical and call upon us to migrate to a communal paradise established for our perpetual pleasure. On the other hand we are confronted by the “mainstream” religionists who, too often, are nothing more than money-beggars or shysters pan-handling cassette tapes or posters. Psychiatry has replaced prayer; the Bible has been discarded for self-help books; and the all-too-familiar clarion-call of the T.V. evangelist is, “more money, please!”

Though many religious publications report to us that more people than ever before are espousing religious convictions and boasting church membership, it is obvious that increased numbers are disenchanted with today’s style of religion and are growing weary of the endless spectacle. They view every Bible-toter as a hypocrite and respond to all preaching with suspicion. And these disgruntled people are not to be blamed. The religious world is reaping what it has sown.

What has been described above is very sad. In a nut-shell, people are turning away from Christianity, when true Christianity is not at fault. Today’s philanderers, cultists, pretenders and dollar-chasers are not true Christians at all! They are counterfeits. They are frauds. Today’s monstrous religious organizations and conventions are not representative of the true church of Jesus Christ! People are disgusted with a sham and are blaming Jesus of Nazareth. But Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” The very founder of Christianity taught emphatically that religion was never to be a show or a put-on. It was to be heart-felt and personal. Jesus also said “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth . . . you cannot serve God and mammon (wealth).” The Christ spoke zealously against the covetousness and greed that has infected the hearts of too many “preachers.” Please be aware that when men turn their backs on all religion, because of the nauseous antics of the phonies, they are throwing out the baby with the bathwater. Jesus Christ and His church stand separate and apart from the gross debacle that 20th century “Christendom” has become.

The New Testament presents a portrait of Jesus Christ and His people. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (commonly referred to as the Gospels) reveal to us important events in the earthly lifetime of the Saviour. They also tell of His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. The book of Acts tells of the establishment of Christ’s church and the first preaching of the gospel. The remaining twentytwo books are actually letters, or epistles, that give us insight into the beliefs, practices and teachings of the first century saints. A reading of the New Testament is very revealing.

For instance, did you know that the church of the New Testament met its financial needs by free-will offerings on the part of its own members? (See Acts 4:32-37; 1 Cor. 16:1,2.) No bake-sales, cake-walks, car washes or covereddish galas were ever a part of the church’s function. The first Christians never dreamed of begging the uncoverted community to support their work financially!

Did you know that Christ’s church had no ecclesiastical hierarchies; no denominational super-structures; no nationwide, or even state-wide, organizational schemes? There was a congregation of brothers and sisters in a given community. And each congregation had its own elders and deacons. (See Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. 5:1-3.) The head of the true church is Jesus Christ, not some board of directors.

Are you disgusted with modern religion? Maybe so. But don’t confuse modern religion with the religion of Jesus of Nazareth. Do not confuse today’s counterfeit churches, preachers and doctrines with the real things.

The message of the church was a simple one: “Jesus is Lord” (Matt. 28:18-20). Their mission was clear-cut: To win souls for Jesus by their plain teaching and godly examples. Their lives and their work were filled with joy, humility and gracious deeds. Real Christianity was, and is, a beautiful and wondrous thing.

Jesus lives today. He reigns at the right hand of God. And His church exists on the Earth. It is easy to recognize, for it is described in detail in your New Testament. Seek it out. The Lord awaits you and His people are searching for you. They are interested not in your pocket-book, but in your soul.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 18, p. 560
September 18, 1986