Truth Magazine

By Hoyt H. Houchen

Question: Paul refers to the apostles or early preachers as “ambassadors of Christ” in 2 Corinthians 5:20. Does this term refer to preachers in general, both now and then, or is it limited only to the apostles?

Reply: The term “ambassadors” referred to the apostles and was limited to them. The term in the New Testament is applied to apostles, and not to preachers in general. Let us notice 2 Corinthians 5:20. Here Paul said, “We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.” Paul, an apostle, includes himself and the other apostles by the pronouns “we” and “us,” but he refers to the Corinthians by the pronouns “you” and “ye.” Thus Paul makes a distinction by the use of these pronouns. He says “we are ambassadors for Christ” (KJV), that is, we the apostles. It is therefore a misnomer for any preacher, or anyone else, to be referred to as an “ambassador for Christ.” I recall that several years ago there was a quartet on the West Coast that referred to itself as “The Ambassador Quartet.” Brethren today are heard to say, “we are ambassadors of Christ.”

What is the meaning of the word “ambassador”? Webster defines it, I ‘an official envoy” (Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, p. 77). The word implies an embassy, “a mission abroad undertaken officially esp. by an ambassador” (Ibid., p. 405). So, by the very definition of the term “ambassador” it is the idea of one acting for another in an official capacity. The apostles were the embassy of Christ. They were inspired and their mission was to deliver the message of Christ to the world and saints. They represented Christ in an official capacity. Since they were the official representatives of Christ no one upon earth today holds such an office.

The gospel message was in the apostles because they were inspired. This is why they also were referred to as “earthen vessels. ” In 2 Corinthians 4:7 Paul wrote, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.” This treasure was “the light of the gospel” in verse 4. The word was in the apostles and they confirmed that word by the miracles which they performed (Heb. 2:3,4). Just as the light was in the vessels or pitchers used by Gideon and his men when they defeated the Midianites by the hand of God (Judges 7), so “the light of the gospel” was in the apostles. Today, the word is not in us but in the Bible; we confirm what we preach, not by miracles, but by Bible book, chapter and verse. This is the difference between the apostles and us.

Another designation which applies only to the apostles is “witness.” The apostles were the witnesses of Christ. Jesus told them, “ye shall be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Paul was the last witness of Christ (1 Cor. 15:7). This eliminates the Jehovah Witness cult and anyone else who claims to be a witness of God or Christ today. The Lord chose the apostles to be His witnesses (Lk. 24:48; Acts 1:8). Today, we preach what the apostles witnessed.

So, there are three designations in the New Testament which are to be applied to the apostles only – “ambassadors,” “earthen vessels” and “witnesses. ” They cannot be applied to Christians (including preachers) today, and they could only be applied to the apostles then. All Christians (including preachers) are to preach the word of God; but we do not do so in the same capacity as did the apostles who were the official representatives of Christ with His message in them.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, p. 229
April 17, 1986

By Larry Ray Hafley

Mr. William Pile, editor of Good News, the bulletin of the Highland Park Church of Christ, Los Angeles, California, wrote an article under the title above in the December, 1985 issue of that paper. The Highland Park church is a conservative Christian Church. Editor Pile writes of his conversion regarding the commemoration and celebration of Christmas. He used to be, he says, “a ‘Christian’ Scrooge.” This was because he denounced Christmas. But let him tell his story. Please read his article on the opposite page.

Here’s My List

Mr. Pile requested that we exchange lists of passages on Christmas celebration. As requested, here is my list. Surely, the former Scrooge will send, as promised, his list of “all the Bible verses that justify (his) change.”

(1) Matthew 28.20. This verse says disciples are to be taught to “‘observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. ” Since the Lord did not command them to observe His birth, how can we do it and obey Him?

(2) 1 Corinthians 4:6. This text instructs us “not to think of men above that which is written.” Mr. Pile, is Christmas above and beyond “that which is written”?

(3) Colossians 3:17. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” To do a thing in the name of Christ is to do it with His authority (cf. Matt. 7:22, 23 with emphasis on the word, “iniquity,” or lawlessness). How can Christmas be observed in the name of Christ since the Bible is silent about it?

(4) 2 John 9. This passage says that if we do not abide in the doctrine of Christ, we have not God. Is Christmas in the doctrine of Christ? If so, where?

(5) 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. These verses say that the word of God completely, thoroughly equips us “unto all good works.” Where do the Scriptures equip or outfit us with Christmas?

(6) Galatians 1:8, 9. Though Mr. Pile or an angel of heaven should preach any other gospel, “let him be accursed.” Is the observance of Christmas part of the gospel of Christ?

Now, it is no longer a “draw,” Mr. Pile. The tie has been broken, and you are in debt to the tune of six “Bible verses that justify (your) change.” That is a heap of work for Mr. Pile to stack up. Perhaps we shall see if he pays his debts, or if he reverts to being a miserly Scrooge.

That “Old ‘Origins’ Argument”

Let us see if we cannot up-date “the old ‘origins’ argument.” “The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven, or of men?” (Matt. 21:25) “The religious observation of Christmas, whence is it? From heaven, or from men?” He may reason with himself saying, “If I shall say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say unto me, ‘Why did you not then cite the passage? But if I shall say, ‘Of men,’ I fear the people; for all hold Christmas as divine.” And Mr. Pile may answer, “I cannot tell.” To which a Catholic might respond, “Neither tell I you by what authority I light candles, chant the Rosary or sprinkle water on little babies.”

Scrooge Pile will favor us with the origin of “All Saints Day, ” the lighting of candles, the burning of incense, holy water, the counting of beads and Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day? Yes, I really want to know if “the old torigins’ argument” will stand up or not. According to Editor Scrooge, it will not hold up concerning Christmas. I wonder if “the old origins’ argument” will eliminate the “many ‘true Christians'”. who want to light candles and burn incense in the Catholic Church (or even in the Highland Park Church of Christ). Pagan origins do not keep Christmas from Mr. Pile. Do they keep him from beads, incense and holy water? If so, why?

“Even a flashing thought of a world without Christmas now scares” Mr. Pile. Well, Mr. Pile would have been scared to death all of the time had he lived during the days of the apostles! They never had “a flashing thought of a world with Christmas.” Mr. Pile, would a world without beads, candles, incense and holy water scare you? Also, say, “Boo!” to yourself when you have a “flashing thought of a world without” the Pope. Mr. Pile, you would have been a nervous wreck during the first century unless someone could have laid hands on you and driven out your “flashing thought” demons.

Remember, however, a thing that has a “pagan” origin is not a problem to Mr. Pile. He practices the magical art of ‘”Christianizing'” items like Christmas which has a “pagan” origin. Mr. Pile, let us see you turn back to being “Brother Scrooge” again. That is what you win have to do if you dry up the holy water and snuff the candles of pagan Catholicism, or can you wave your mystical, magical “‘Christianizing'” wand and sanctify those things?

Scrooge Sold “Christian Exclusivism”

Mr. Pile once “bought heavily into Christian exclusivism.” That meant that the “Observance of religious holidays not specifically mentioned in the Bible” were “outright condemned.” But he has sold out his stock in that market. Mr. Pile, did you sell all of your stock, or did you keep a little bit? Do not be like Ananias and Sapphira and keep back part of the price. Since you sold your shares of the argument that “religious holidays not specifically mentioned in the Bible” are “outright condemned,” did you sell out on infant baptism, too? Since you “bought heavily into Christian exclusivism,” I suppose you excluded the sprinkling of babies. Opposition to baby baptism has been part of your portfolio, has it not? Well, now, since you have seen the error of your ways on Christmas, how about infant baptism? Is the observance of infant baptism “outright condemned” because it is “not specifically mentioned in the Bible”? Is it, Mr. Pile, or are you still secretly trading in “Christian exclusivism” in this area?

Mr. Pile, you have opened the door for Christmas as a religious observance. Through that same door I can bring infant baptism, holy water and the Pope himself. Try me and see if I can.

A Parallel Conversion

Suppose, using Mr. Pile’s premises, I experience a conversion regarding infant baptism. “You may not agree with my conversion. You may see it as compromising with evil. And you may be wondering where all the Bible verses are that justify my change. I already thought of that. My list is composed of one passage encouraging infant baptism for every passage denouncing it. Send me yours and I’ll send you mine. In the meantime, we’ll call it a draw.”

Mr. Pile, do you care to answer that last paragraph concerning infant baptism (or candles, beads, holy water, the Pope)? Or will you remain a “Brother Scrooge” in those areas?

Blame It On The Holy Spirit

Experience with denominational preachers will teach one thing; namely, if it cannot be found in the Bible, then, “The Holy Spirit reveals it to me.” They always say the Spirit “led” them into this “new” awareness, this “new” light. It never fails. If it cannot be found in the word of God, blame it on the Holy Spirit. It is funny when you think about it. After all, who wrote the Bible? Who revealed the mind of God in the Bible? Why, the Holy Spirit, of course! Strange that the Spirit did not reveal things like Christmas when He guided the apostles into “all truth,” but He had a “dramatic” “impact” on the late Scrooge, Mr. Pile.

Note Mr. Pile’s meanderings as he attempts to put the blame on the Spirit for his “change.” He is “not sure of the dynamics,” the processes of his “change,” “but He (the Spirit) certainly changed me.” So, the Spirit operated on Mr. Scrooge apart from the word of God. If the Spirit’s sword, the word of God (Eph. 6:17), had been the instrument of Pile’s conversion, he would have been sure “of the dynamics” of his “change,” but since he is “not sure,” then the Holy Spirit worked outside of His word.

Let us try this argument on the Pope and see if it fits.

It didn’t happen overnight, my conversion, that is. I’m not sure of the dynamics of my change, actually. I know that no body, no person, changed my mind. People don’t un-scrooge a Scrooge. I know that for a long time I’d been questioning whether the fact that the Bible didn’t mention the early Christians honoring the Pope meant that it was wrong to do so. I was wondering about the “origins” argument. I could think of some things that used to have an evil connotation, but now didn’t.

The Holy Spirit’s impact on my life wasn’t quite as dramatic as the ghosts in Scrooge’s, but He certainly changed me. He began to strip my robes of righteous exclusivism from me while re-focusing my attention from the negative to the positive. Those were two radical moves! I discovered many “true Christians” who honored the Pope in a genuinely Biblical spirit, and if anything they were better for it. They knew the early Christian probably didn’t honor him, and they knew that the office of the Pope was just a guess at his true function. They don’t worship the man, the crown he wears or the golden cross he carries.

Mr. Pile, would you excuse me while I bow to kiss the Pope’s ring?

“A Genuinely Biblical Spirit”

How does one do a thing that is not authorized in the Bible in a “genuinely biblical spirit?” That “genuinely biblical spirit” will make you feel “better,” not only toward Christmas, but also toward beads, candles and ham and cheese on the Lord’s table. If you cannot find it in the Bible, simply do it in a “genuinely biblical spirit,” and “Presto!” it becomes acceptable. Do not forget, Mr. Pile, that through the same portal that you bring Christmas, I will bring in a myriad of other things in a “genuinely biblical spirit,” of course.

Mr. Pile, are you still wearing your “robes of righteous exclusivism” regarding the Pope and infant baptism? Has the Holy Spirit taken those musty clothes off you yet? Are you still in “negative” focus concerning holy water, or are you positive about it? Are you “negative” or “positive” about coke and saltine crackers on the Lord’s table (provided, of course, they are partaken in a “genuinely biblical spirit”)? You need to tell us if the Spirit has you in focus on these matters.

Conclusion and Commentary

Surely, there will not be a Scrooge response to the issues and questions raised here. It will be easier to dismiss this article as the bigoted, narrowminded ranting of a legalist than it will be to answer it. It is easier to accept things that are “pagan” in origin than it is to answer scriptural questions.

We are seeing the same stages of digression among churches of Christ – ask Guy Woods, Garland Elkins and Tom Warren if it is not so. Be warned, brethren.

The truth is that William Pile is simply becoming more consistent. He accepts mechanical instruments of music in worship. He does so without divine authority. He has merely dusted off some of his arguments for mechanical instruments and applied them to Christmas. He may have unwittingly done so. But he has done it. There is no need to blame the Spirit, or Ebenezer Scrooge. It is a process of theological evolution. When you go beyond the word of God in one area, the next step is easier, and the next, and so on. Now, Mr. Pile may stop at Christmas. However, his spiritual descendants will not. They will eventually take the next steps. They will shed more coats of “Christian exclusivism.- Mr. Pile may not live to see it, but they will do it. The Christian Church itself is proof of this evolutionary development societies to do the work of the church, mechanical instruments, social gospelism, recreation and entertainment sponsored by the church, Christmas, Easter, and, finally, the Disciples of Christ denomination. The chain of apostasy is there in the strata. There is no historical missing link in the “dynamics” process Mr. Pile is fostering and following.

To those brethren who have been smitten by the siren song of unity with the Christian Church, does the acceptance of Christmas sound a sour note? Apparently, some are ready to swallow pianos and organs in worship, or at least not burp against them (Rubel Shelly, for one), but just when they have gulped down a “Baby Grand,” along comes the sound of “Jingle Bells,” with mistletoe and holly, jolly old Saint Nick and Christmas! Is that too much for them to swallow? And what next? At first, it was just a little organ music to overlook or grow deaf to, but now William Pile has added Christmas to the menu – and if you put it on your plate, what is for dessert? Does this meal never end? Yes, eventually, it does. See the lumbering, humanistic, modernistic Disciples of Christ denomination? It is the end of the feast. It is the result of swallowing all the traditions of men that you have to gorge yourself with in order to have your “unity.” Bon appetite.

Stay within the pages of God’s book. If it is not in the word of God, have neither part nor lot with it. If you cannot read about it in the Bible, either from general or specific authority, do not preach, present or practice it. “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). It is that simple. It is that sure.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 7, pp. 205-206, 211
April 3, 1986

By Irvin Himmel

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).

A person’s outlook depends on the state of his heart, not outward circumstances. One may be cheerful in the face of depressing conditions, or he may be miserable in the face of encouraging conditions. One’s character depends on the state of his heart.

Why The Heart Needs Guarding

The following are a few basic reasons why everyone needs to keep watch over his heart:

(1) Thoughts are formed there. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts. . .” (Matt. 15:19). The word of God is a “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. . . ” (Prov. 23:7). “And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” (Matt. 9:4) Since all thinking is done in the heart, it must be guarded with all vigilance.

(2) Purposes are planned there. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat. . . ” (Dan. 1: 8). “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give” (2 Cor. 9:7). Barnabas exhorted the new converts at Antioch “that with purpose of heart they would cleave to the Lord” (Acts 11:24). Whether good or bad, all purposes and plans are made in the heart.

(3) Desires are produced there. “For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire. . . ” (Psa. 10:3). “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psa. 37:4). Paul said, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Rom. 10: 1). Desires arise in the heart, hence it must be guarded carefully.

(4) Decisions are reached there. All determinations, judgments, and conclusions are made in the heart. “Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God. . .” (Deut. 4:39). “Judge in yourselves. . . ” (1 Cor. 11:13). “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed. . . ” (Psa. 57:7). All the reasonings, ponderings, and considerations on which decisions are based, and all the verdicts reached, call for guarding against wrong conclusions.

(5) Actions are generated there. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: Ali these evil things comes from within, and defile the man” (Mk. 7:21-23). “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Lk. 6:45). The words of the mouth and the deeds of the life are but a reflection of the heart. Whatever else might be worth guarding, the heart demands close watchfulness.

How to Keep the Heart

Each person must be his own heart keeper. Someone else might serve as his housekeeper, shopkeeper, or ground keeper, but no one else can be the sentinel of his heart.

(1) Keep the understanding. Solomon asked that he be given an “understanding heart” (1 Kgs. 3:9). God gave him “a wise and understanding heart. ” But in later years Solomon did not guard his heart. He married foreign women who “turned away his heart after other gods” (1 Kgs. 11:4). The proper way to guard the understanding is to keep the mind enlightened by the word of God.

(2) Keep the will. The volition is that faculty of the heart that purposes, chooses, and decides. To guard it is to keep it in submission to God’s authority. “. . Not my will, but thine, be done” (Lk. 22:42).

(3) Keep the memory. This is the part of the heart that stores information. It should be kept free of rubbish and stocked with valuables. The Israelites remembered the onions and garlic that they had in Egypt and forgot the mighty power of God.

(4) Keep the conscience. This is the faculty of the heart that approves or condemns. Paul was careful “to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16).

(5) Keep the emotions. All our feelings and passions must be controlled according to the will of God. Holy emotions should be stirred by the promises of the gospel. “Rejoice in the Lord alway. . . ” (Phil. 4:4).

Every faculty of the heart must be kept under constant watchfulness. “The power to talk straight, look straight, and to walk straight comes only from the heart that is right with God” (George Kufeldt).

The Wellsprings of Life

The heart is like a reservoir which feeds the streams which flow from it. Whatever is in the well of the heart will show up in the bucket of deeds.

If the source, whether a fountain, spring, or reservoir, is polluted, the streams which flow from it will be polluted. A corrupt heart produces a corrupt life.

The heart is the control center of one’s life. There can be no real change in character without a change in heart.

“Fill your heart so full of the word of God that it becomes the controlling force of your life. This is the secret of the easy way to speak and to live as you should. . . ” (R.L. Whiteside).

Unbelief makes the heart evil and leads it away from God. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, p. 232
April 17, 1986

By Hayse Reneau

Harmony of 1 Corinthians 7, Bringing Passages Referring To The Same Subjects Together

To The Married

(1) “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. . . . (7-9) For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as 1. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. . . . (17) But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called everyone, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. . . . (28) But and if thou marry thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.. . . . (32-35) But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. . . . (39-40) The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment [i.e. unmarried]: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God. . . . (25,36-38) Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful…. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin [by not giving her in marriage], if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. . . .

Purpose Of Marriage, In Addition To Procreation

(2-4) “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto his wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. . .

Sexual Duty In Marriage

(5, 10,11) “Defraud ye not one the other except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. . . . And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried [apart], or be reconciled [return] to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

Christians Married To Unbelievers

(12-16) “But to the rest speak 1, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath a husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save they wife?. . . .

Don’t Obey This Ordinance Of The Jews Trying To Escape Distress

(17-19) “But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called everyone, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. Is any man called being circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. . . .

Suffering Is Same For Freemen And Servants

(20-24) “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? Care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called being free, is Christ’s servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God . . . .

Fathers Withholding Daughters From Marriage

(25,36-38) “Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. . . . But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

Nevertheless he that standeth steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. . .

Try To Ignore This Present Distress, It Won’t Last Forever

(29-31) “But this I say brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had not; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they had buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use the world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

(26) “I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man [person] so to be.”

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 230-231
April 17, 1986