Truth Magazine

By Tommy L. McClure

Widely held in the religious world is the idea that God’s word is so obscure and complicated that the common people cannot understand it. Many are led to believe they have to depend upon their priest, rabbi, or pastor to tell them what to do in religious matters. Therefore, they have little use for the Bible, and their faith stands in the wisdom of men rather than in the wisdom and power of God (see 1 Cor. 2:1-5).

That some parts of the Bible are difficult to understand is readily admitted. Peter declared this to be true (2 Pet. 3:16,17). Some things mentioned in the Bible may never be fully understood because God has not seen fit to fully reveal them to man. Secret things belong unto the Lord; the revealed belong unto man (Deut. 29:29). Many waste their time wondering and worrying about parts of the Bible which have not been fully revealed and questions upon which God has not spoken. When asked, “Don’t the passages which you do not understand worry you?” one man wisely and tersely replied, “Not nearly as much as those I do understand!”

This lesson is designed to show that God’s will for man – what God expects man to do in this world – is plain and understandable. When men are turned from it by concerning themselves with unrevealed matters, thereby wasting the time which should be devoted to doing the plainly revealed will of God, and stand before God’s judgment in an unprepared condition, surely the devil will laugh with satanic glee! This lesson is designed to prevent that.

The Gospel Is For Every Creature In All The World

To His apostles, Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15). They were told to teach all nations (Matt. 28:19). By the commandment of the everlasting God, the gospel was to be made known to all nations for the obedience of faith (Rom. 16:25,26). According to Paul, this was accomplished in the first century (Col. 1:23).

Thus, it is evident that the gospel is not intended for a select few, but for all responsible beings of earth educated or uneducated, wise or unwise, Ph.D. or grade school dropout, sophisticated or simple. This being true, the gospel must be simple, easy of comprehension, and applicable to the masses!

Can any thinking, God-respecting person believe that God gave all what only a few can understand? If God’s message to man, the gospel, is so complicated that the common man cannot understand it, “Yes, ” is the only answer possible to the question here posed, That would put God on the level of an idiot! Consider: If a publishing company were to print and distribute to the masses a message which only a few can understand, would not that be idiotic? Certainly so! That is the very position to which those who occupy the position opposed by this article are driven!

All Who Obey Not The Gospel Are To Be Punished

Paul speaks of this fact by saying, “. . . the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (2 Thess. 1:7-9).

Surely all will agree that understanding is necessary to obedience. A son cannot obey his father’s instructions unless he understands that instruction; a contractor cannot build according to the blueprint unless he understands the blueprint; the druggist cannot fill the prescription according to the doctor’s orders unless he understands the orders; just so, man cannot obey God unless he understands God’s requirements!

Question: How can God consistently punish man for not obeying the gospel if God Himself made the gospel so complicated that man cannot understand it? How?

Paul Plainly Says We Can Understand

He told the Ephesians, “. . . by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (Eph. 3:3-5). The “mystery” was not something mysterious in the sense of being beyond man’s capability of understanding it; rather, it was God’s plan which had not been revealed in ages past, but “is now” revealed unto the apostles and prophets, “Now” refers to the time Paul was writing. Note carefully the parenthetical expression above – in it Paul was telling the Ephesians that when they read what he wrote they could understand what he knew! They did not have to depend on an educated priest, rabbi, pastor or reverend to explain it to them – they could understand by reading! Hence, what Paul wrote must have been understandable. Question: Did Paul, guided in his teaching by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12,13; Gal. 1:11, 12), lie or tell the truth in Ephesians 3:3-5? Answer that question and the matter is settled. He told the truth, therefore the word of God is understandable!

Paul Commanded The Ephesians To Understand

“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). That is a command, if one ever existed! Would a Spirit guided apostle give such a command if the will of the Lord is incomprehensible! No! John tells us, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 Jn. 5:3). “Grievous” here is from the Greek barus which “. . . denotes heavy, burdensome. . . of God’s commandments, 1 Jn. 5:3 (causing a burden on him who fulfills them). . . ” (W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary Of N. T. Words, Vol. 2, p. 179). But, if the gospel is incomprehensible so that man cannot understand his obligations to God, the command of Ephesians 5:17 is grievous! It demands man to do what he cannot do, if the theory under consideration is correct! That theory is surely wrong. Let it not keep you from a diligent study of God’s word any longer!

Shall We Impugn God’s Intelligence Or His Goodness?

If God gave to the world the gospel requirements in incomprehensible language, one of two possible conclusions must be reached: (1) Either God would have made it clear but couldn’t, which impugns His intelligence and ability; or (2) God could have made it clear but wouldn’t, which impugns His goodness. Face it! ye who have glibly mouthed the idea that the Bible is not understandable and have discouraged men from reading it! Tell us what you think of God! in light of your theory about His word. Is He so unintelligent and verbally weak that He cannot speak clearly? Is this your position? If you are unsatisfied with this conclusion, try the second, the only alternative: Will you say God could have made His will clear but wouldn’t? If so, God was mean not good at all! Is this what you think of God? Reader, men should hang their heads in shame for taking a position which drives them to either of the above conclusions. The only way out of the predicament is the way of repudiation!

If they will repudiate their false position as did those of Ephesus (Acts 19:18,19); hate every false way as did the Psalmist (Psa. 119:128; cf. Rom. 12:9); encourage the reading and study of God’s word as did Bible writers (Isa. 34:6; Psa. 1:1,2; Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27; Acts 20:32); respect and speak well of it as did holy men of God (Job 23:12; Psa. 119; Prov. 30:5; Isa. 8:20; Jer. 15:16; Acts 11:13,14; Heb. 4:12; 1 Pet. 1: 22-25); if they will encourage men to obey it as Bible writers repeatedly did (Deut. 28:1-45; Matt. 7:21; 28:20; Jn. 14:23,24; 15:14; Rom. 6:17,18; Acts 10:34,35; Heb. 5:8,9; Rev. 22:14); defend it against the onslaughts of Satan and his ministers as did Stephen, Paul, Jude and others (Acts 6:9,10; 15:1,2; 17:16,17; 19:9,10; Phil. 1:15-17; Jude 3,4); if they will fear God and keep His commandments which is the whole duty of man (Eccl. 12:13,14); then, the world will be a better place, more people will turn to God, escape the horrors of hell, and enjoy the bliss of heaven eternally!

Objections Considered

“If the gospel is so simple, why all the conflicting preachers, doctrines and churches?”

Whatever might be said for or against the validity (?) of this objection, it does not nullify the arguments just made. Read those arguments again at this point so they will be firmly fixed in your mind.

First, the objection places the blame for religious division on the wrong doorstep. It implies that religious division is the fault of the Lord — He gave a complicated message, men could not understand it, so division exists. The objection was spawned in the infernal regions and is trumpeted by Satan’s ministers. They have called upon us to answer their wording of the matter, and we have answered it hundreds of times and will continue to do so. But, it is time for us to do some wording, as follows: If man has been following the plainly revealed will of God with no deviations, why so much division? Ah! Now, in which direction does the arrow of blame fly? Answer it! ye religionists who have tried to lay the blame at the feet of the Lord! Man, not the Lord, is the culprit in this case! The Lord prayed for unity (Jn. 17:20, 21), and I have enough faith in my Lord and Master to reject, denounce and abhor the idea that He nullified that prayer by giving a message so complicated the common man cannot understand it, thereby creating all the religious division which plagues this sin-cursed earth! And, if your religious leader priest, pastor, reverend, elder or whatever – does not have that kind of faith, he is leading you to Hell! You should cease following him and retrace your steps.

It would be as sensible to argue that the rotation of the earth around the sun is out of kilter, thereby creating all the “divisions” between timepieces in a given time zone, as to argue that the Bible is responsible for our religious divisions! Actually, both arguments are nonsensical and idiotic!

Men have said, “We can’t understand the Bible alike,” then preached doctrines not in the Bible! It is about these doctrines that we are divided. Example: We are not divided on salvation by faith and the Bible so teaches (Jn. 3:16; Mk. 16:16; Gal. 3:26,27; Eph. 2:8,9); we are divided on salvation by faith only, a doctrine of man not taught by the Bible! Multiply that by hundreds of other unscriptural and anti-scriptural doctrines, and the cause of division is as easy to see as the largest billboard on earth.

The word of God (the seed) is what is to be preached (Acts 8:4, 2 Tim. 4:1,2; Lk. 8:11). If all had done so the last 100 years we would now be united; division shows some have sown tares (cf. Matt. 13:24-30).

“What about Peter’s statement of Paul’s writings (2 Pet. 3:15,16)?”

Occasionally one will use this passage to try to convince some that the Bible is beyond human comprehension. When we see what the passage actually says in contrast to what they try to make it say, their effort collapses under its own weight!

Peter referred to “some things” in Paul’s writing that were hard to understand; he did not make that statement about all things Paul wrote. Note also the words “hard to be understood”; he didn’t say they were impossible to understand. Further, Peter said the wresting is done by the “unlearned and unstable” – not by everybody. I can well see how one who is so ignorant of God’s word as to think the epistles were the wives of the Apostles or that Dan and Beersheba were husband and wife “like Sodom and Gomorrah” might misunderstand and pervert some of Paul’s writings. Some try “strong meat” before they are ready for it (Heb. 5:12-14), before they have received the nourishment of “the sincere milk of the word” (1 Pet. 2:1,2). If an infant cannot digest meat, this does not prove meat cannot be digested at all, is bad for everyone, and is not needed by anyone!

Peter gives no indication in the passage that the Scriptures should be withheld from the masses, the we need an infallible interpreter, that Bible study is unprofitable or injurious (see 2 Pet. 3:18), nor that belief and teaching are matters of indifference (see vv. 16,17).

Every Step The Sinner Must Take Is Plain

(1) Faith. What he is to believe is made plain (Jn. 20:30,3 1). The necessity of faith is given in understandable terms (Jn. 8:24; Heb. 11:6). How faith is produced is given in terms that any fourth-grader can understand (Rom. 10: 17; Acts 14:1; 18:8). What makes faith avail is clearly stated (Gal. 5:6; cf. Jn. 14:23).

(2) Repentance. Its meaning (Jonah 3:10 with Matt. 12:41; Matt. 21:28,29; Rev. 9:20,21), and its necessity (Acts 17:30; 2 Pet. 3:9) are given in terms any accountable person can understand.

(3) Confession. What is to be confessed (Matt. 10:32,33; Rom. 10:9; cf. Acts 8:37), and how and why confession is to be made (Rom. 10:9, 10) are as easy to understand as the most simple column in the daily newspaper.

(4) Baptism. The element (Acts 8:36-38; 10:47), the scriptural subjects (Mk. 16:16; Acts 3:38; 8:12), the action (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; cf. Acts 8:36-38), as well its design or purpose (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:26,27) are all given in simple words.

Duties Of God’s Children Are Plain

Characteristics which are to be added after conversion (2 Pet. 1:5-11), life (Tit. 2:11,12), relation to the world (2 Cor. 6:17-7:1; 1 Jn. 2:15-17), worship (Jn. 4:24), service (Heb. 12:28; Col. 3:16), assembling with the saints (Heb. 10:24,25; Matt. 18:20) are clearly stated. At the judgment, no child of God can honestly say, “Lord, thy will was so difficult I could not, after hours of sincere study, understand what thou wanted me to be and do.” Saying that would be the lie of the ages!

Conclusion

We of the religious world are not divided over nor confused about what the Bible plainly authorizes! The ground of strife, confusion and division is unauthorized doctrines, practices, organizations, names, etc. The serpent beguiled Eve (Gen. 3:1-6; 2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:14), causing her to believe what God had not said (Gen. 3:4) and disbelieve what God had said! She understood the command (Gen. 3:2,3), but the serpent told her something else which she liked better! The same is true today – men are led to believe what God has not said which often necessitates disbelief of what He has said! As Peter of old, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said, “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness” (2 Pet.3:17).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 2, pp. 48-50
January 16, 1986

By Nina R. Helterbrand

According to Webster’s Dictionary, humanism is “a doctrine, attitude, or way of life, centered on human interests or values; especially: a philosophy that asserts the dignity and worth of man and his capacity for self-realization through reason and that often rejects supernaturalism.” As a teacher in the public school system, as well as a Christian, I agree that this doctrine is untrue and has no place in the belief system of a Christian. Nevertheless, I am very disturbed at the “near panic” that prevails in the minds of some, concerning our public schools and humanism.

Our educational system is an institution of society, designed to teach children to be successful as a member of that society. This includes the mastery of the basis laws and values of the society. At this point in time, Americans believe that teachers in the public school system should not be religious instructors or influence children in respect to a particular religious philosophy; yet, teachers must correct and advise the typical human being in his first experiences with society and basic human relationships outside the family. When a kindergartner takes another child’s crayons, the teacher cannot say, “We must not take Johnny’s things because that is stealing and Jesus said it is wrong to steal.” Instead, the teacher must explain why the child should not take these things by talking about the feelings of others, and the consequences of such an act. On this level, one could say that the kindergarten teachers begins to teach humanism. The laws of our land, fearing interference with the parents’ right to teach their child religious beliefs and/or values, forbids the teaching of moral decisions based on God or the Bible, so the teacher must teach these decisions based on man and his limits and consequences, in relation to other members of society.

Most humanism taught in school is this – choices of behavior and values based upon man and his environment, the society in which he lives.

Parents who are teaching their children to make moral decisions based upon God and His Word, should be aware of the use of humanism in our schools; but they should have no unreasonable fear of it. Humanism is used to teach children the choices allowed them within their society. One of those choices is that of religion. We need to be sure we are teaching our children at home, to make moral decisions and value judgments based on the Scriptures and then we can send them to school to learn that Christians, a “peculiar people,” must live in this world while not being of this world. Children who are being taught these things within the home, are not easily led astray by humanism. While humanism cannot cover a spiritual aspect, the Scriptures can and do cover the human aspect, teaching us to obey the laws of our government (Rom. 13), and various admonitions concerning human relationships. Thus, our children, if they are being taught at home (as they should be), will be well equipped to meet the challenges of role playing, values clarification sessions, situation ethics, and other methods implemented in teaching humanism. Open lines of communication between parents and children at home will insure that these experiences become an opportunity for the parent to see how much the child does understand concerning Scripture and to expand on that understanding.

Let us devote time and energy to the flip-side of this issue – teaching our children and helping them to teach others in their peer group, the necessity and wisdom in loving God and keeping His commandments.

This article has not been written in defense of humanism; but to put it into perspective as a part of our society, that we cannot run away from, or hide our children from. Like all other worldly philosophies, we must stand and fight with our knowledge, clothed in the whole armor of God.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 2, p. 47
January 16, 1986

By Mike Willis

Denominational attitudes tend to creep into the church as members are converted from denominationalism and the influence of the religious world around us spills over into the church. Christians must constantly re-emphasize the fundamentals of the gospel lest a generation arise which cannot distinguish the Lord’s church from those denominations which have been founded by men. Understanding what the church is makes identifying the Lord’s body possible.

When you ask, “What is the church?” men will give you a variety of answers. Some think the church is a building; some think that the church is composed of all of the saved of all denominations; some use the term to refer to a part of the saved who rally around a certain body of doctrines and form of organization. Some view the church as a spiritual option, somewhat like air conditioning on a car. Each of these ideas manifests a misunderstanding of what the church is.

Meaning of “Church”

The English word church is derived from the Greek word kyriakon which meant “belonging to the Lord.” The English word “church” is used to translate the Greek word ekkiesia, a noun derived from the preposition ek (out) and the verb kaleo (to call). Hence, the word ekklesia means “the called out ones.” It can be used in a non-religious sense (cf. Acts 19:32, 41 – “assembly”) to refer to any called out (assembled) body of people. However, it is used in a special sense to refer to those who have been called out by Jesus. When used with reference to those called out by Christ, the word is used in these senses: (a) universal to refer to everyone whom Christ has called out (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 5:23-25); (b) local to refer to those in a given place who have been called out by Christ (1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1).

The Called Out Body

Why are God’s people referred to as a “called out body”? Let us consider the pertinent facts.

1. They have received a divine calling. God Himself has “called us with an holy calling” (2 Tim. 1:9). “God hath called us . . . ” (1 Cor. 7:15; cf. 1 Pet. 5:10). If the President of the United States called together his special friends for a celebration, those gathered would have come as a result of a special invitation issued by the President. Those who gathered together in the Lord’s church have received a higher and more important invitation – they have been called by God.

2. They have been called into fellowship with God. “‘God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9; cf. 1 Jn. 1:14). Even as those invited to the White House have the opportunity to fellowship with the President, those called out by God have been invited into the fellowship of God Almighty, Jesus Christ our Lord, and the Holy Spirit.

3. They have been called out of darkness into light. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). God’s calling is a call to turn from sin and wickedness to walk in the pathway of righteousness. When Paul was commissioned to go to the Gentiles, he was sent “to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. . . ” (Acts 26:18). Christians have forsaken the works of the flesh in order to enjoy the fruit of the Spirit.

4. They have been called into the Lord’s kingdom. Paul wrote, “. . . that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you into the kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12). Those who have heard the Lord’s call and answered it are fellow citizens with the saints. They are no longer under the authority and dominion of Satan; they have become citizens of the eternal kingdom and under the authority of Jesus Christ. As citizens of the kingdom, they enjoy all of the joys and privileges of citizens.

5. They have been called to inherit heaven. The hope of our calling is heaven. “. . . knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing” (1 Pet. 3:9). “. . . that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:18; cf. 4:4). Those who have been called by God have a rich and abiding hope that they shall live eternally in the presence and fellowship of God in heaven.

These facts demonstrate for us that the church is composed of those people who have heard the calling of God and answered it. Hence, the church is the saved people of the world. Those who are not part of the church are not part of the saved. A man cannot be saved without becoming a part of the called out body of Christ.

How We Are Called

If a man must be a part of the called-out body of Christ in order to be saved, he needs to learn how to be called of God. Paul wrote,

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 2:13-14).

God calls us through the gospel. This is the same gospel which is to be preached to every creature of every nation of the whole world (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16). Those who hear that gospel preached hear the call of God. Those who respond in obedience to the gospel answer the Lord’s invitation.

Hence, God does not call us through some still, small voice in mysterious ways and circumstances. He calls us through the gospel. The invitation is not limited to a few “elect”; the invitation is extended to every man.

While on earth, Jesus called men saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30). This invitation to come has been extended to all men in the preaching of the gospel.

The conditions for answering that call are: (a) hearing, for one cannot answer an invitation which he has not heard (Matt. 28:18; Mk. 16:15); (b) belief in the gospel of Christ (Mk. 16:15-16); (c) repentance of sins (Lk. 24:47); (d) confession of faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10); (e) baptism in water (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16). Those who have done these things have answered heaven’s call and are a part of the called out body of Christ – the church.

Conclusion

All of those who have obeyed the gospel are members of the Lord’s called out body – the church. None of those who have not obeyed the gospel are members of the calledout body. The denominations of men do not teach the gospel plan of salvation; they delude men into thinking that they can be saved by “faith onfy,” before and without water baptism. To speak of those who have never obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ as being members of the church deludes people into thinking they are saved when they are lost. Those who have never obeyed the gospel are not members of the Lord’s church, although they may be members of the church established by Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Smyth, Joseph Smith, and other men.

Some have suggested that we ought to fellowship the Christians in all denominations. First of all, we ask how can one become a Christian without obeying the gospel? Hence, are the denominations filled with Christians (men who have obeyed the gospel)? Secondly, if these people are not Christians whose doctrine and practice are pleasing to God, we should not fellowship them (Eph. 5:11). Joining hands in fellowship with them endorses their errors in violation of 2 John 9-11.

The Lord’s church is not made up of the good people of all denominations. It is composed of those who have obeyed the Lord’s gospel in order to become a Christian and who continue to abide in Christ through faithful living. Instead of joining hands with the denominations, we need to be preaching the Lord’s call for men to forsake humanly devised religion in order to become members of His church.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 3, pp. 66, 86
February 6, 1986

By Dale Smelser

Christians who have been involved in new or young works in areas remote from most brethren know how demanding such work can be. Working with babes in Christ in such places can be quite different from working with babes in Christ whose environment and background have always been influenced by the gospel. The demands upon spiritual leaders were surely quite different in Jerusalem from those in Corinth. Compare just the number of things the Corinthians had to unlearn.

In spite of those demands in new and remote works, the responsibility to establish and confirm is often left to one man because of the scarcity of workers. That was the case when Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica and had to remain alone in Athens (1 Thess. 3:1-2). But the fact is, Paul felt the need of Timothy and Silas with him in Athens (Acts 17:15), and was greatly helped when they joined him at Corinth (Acts 18:5). Similarly, when Barnabas earlier saw the new work at Antioch, he went to Tarsus to find Saul. The two of them then taught many people in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26). Two or more laborers in such places is better than one.

While we see benefit in two men working together in larger well-established groups where there are elders and many mature Christians to help carry the load, if we calculate preacher responsibility by congregational size, we might assume it extravagant for two men to work in places where new or small congregations exist. But the amount of work to be done by an evangelist is not related to the size of the congregation where he is. The principle extra occupation of a preacher in association with a larger congregation is that he will make more hospital calls. (It is good that preachers find time to comfort the afflicted. Some other members could follow their example.) Otherwise, the frequency of training disciples whether few or many can be about the same. And in places with fewer mature Christians the preacher has less help. Likewise, a disproportionate number of congregational responsibilities and burdens of members fall upon preachers where there are not as many to share the work. And there are as many lost souls to evangelize in one place as another. It appears that just as much, and maybe more, might be accomplished by supporting two men in a virgin area as in one where the gospel is well represented.

And while we see it as good training for young preachers to work in established groups with older preachers, and I concur, we not quite accurately cite the work of Paul and Timothy as an example of such a program. Paul trained Timothy and they worked together, but they were out on the spiritual frontier and often separated. And I wonder if some young preachers surrounded by prestige and pleasant association will see going into remote areas as demotion, and rather seek position and recognition comparable to what they have experienced? After such advantage let us hope they seek not merely security. Let those that are capable accept challenge, remembering it was the young, though not inexperienced, Timothy who was sent to help rescue Corinth (1 Cor. 4:16-17).

This is not to question the propriety of good men presently working where there are many brethren. Most of us have been there. But how encouraged I am when someone chooses a place because of the challenge, such as when Lloyd Barker chose to move to Beckley, West Virginia, knowing there would be opposition to him because the institutional question had not been settled there. Preaching the truth in love, long suffering, and much patience turned the tide, and his beginning was continued by Aubrey Belue. Aubrey is back there again. And what a joy it is to visit that active church with 150 attending, and remember it is where it is because someone thought more of the need and challenge and the glory of God than security or proximity to family. Or one can think of great men who moved really far into new cultures to spread the good news.

It is true that sometimes inept men have attempted such admirable endeavors. But is one necessarily so because of his youth? A look at the New Testament says youth can be effective. Of course, let each one who attempts such work make sure he is willing to abide by Paul’s instructions to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:12-16). Those unwilling to do that should not pose as preachers anywhere.

Well, those are reflections about preachers working together, the capability of young preachers, the need for some dispersal. Now for some plans pertinent to them. Jeff and Scott Smelser have for some time discussed going someplace where no congregation exists and together with their families beginning one while evangelizing that area. They ultimately chose Providence, Rhode Island, an hour out of Boston. The nearest churches struggling for the New Testament order are at Sutton and Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. They have chosen a populous area of sparse churches. I don’t know if my enthusiasm about the possibilities in the northeast influenced their decision. But this area of the nation is ripe, especially for young preachers, because it is largely young people who are being converted here. Several works are thriving.

You would rejoice to visit Milton, Vermont where Jeff and Anna Kingry are and see an attendance of 75-80 of mostly young couples and their children, couples young in age and faith. In northern New Jersey the churches at East Orange, Fair Lawn and Succasunna support or help support 18 preachers. Washington’s meeting place is bursting at the seams. And in central New York State the work of Larry and Sharon Bailey causes me to stand in awe, the ever growing congregation in New South Berlin recently having to expand its building and spawning another congregation.

And young preachers, with all the recent immigration from all over the world into the northeast, if you have a second language, you can preach to other nationalities without going overseas, though such work may lead you there for important visits. Gardner and Beverly Hall are valuable here as Gardner works among Hispanics. Through this, doors have been opened in Puerto Rico that he has effectively used.

Yes, the struggle of transforming minds to conform to the gospel here is challenging even after people have been baptized, because such an entirely different way of thinking predominates. I am glad that Jeff and Scott are coming together. They will need one another. I hope more pairs of young preachers will come and that churches will send them.

My response to having sons move to a remote area to begin a work from ground up is mixed, as the response of many of you would be. As a father I see them secure in good works in Akron, Ohio and Decatur, Alabama where they each will have been for the past five and a half years when they move, and where they are known and used by others in their respective areas. It would be a comfort to my mind for them to stay where they are. But as a Christian and as a preacher I applaud their intention. And I surely love and admire their wives who stand with and encourage them.

And as for support given for preachers to work in pairs, the efficiency quotient will likely be more than just double what one could do by himself. So it was with Paul at Corinth. With support sent from Macedonia (2 Cor. 11:8-9), and the added presence of Timothy and Silas (Acts 18:5; 1 Thess. 3:6-8), Paul was strengthened, turned to the Gentiles, and the work at Corinth took off (Acts 18:8). Let us consider more evangelism where teams of workers go.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 2, pp. 46, 55
January 16, 1986