Truth Magazine

By Kenneth E. Thomas

No married man may reach his full potential for service to God and man without the proper kind of woman to encourage and share his trials, tribulations and victories. Many men have been made great men just because of the woman chosen for a lifelong companion and helpmate. Other men have been held back and lived a life of mediocrity and some complete failure both as to this world and in the one to come because of marrying a woman of the wrong disposition and attitude.

During the Jewish exile period, Nehemiah laments the sad conditions of his people and lays some of the blame on the wives they had chosen.

In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: And their children could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish (foreign) women cause him to sin (Neh. 13:23-26).

What Bible student isn’t familiar with king Ahab of Israel who, on top of walking in the steps of wicked king Jeroboam, added insult to injury by marrying Jezebel the daughter of an idol worshiper of the Zidonians? He was influenced to build a house for the false god Baal in Samaria. (See 1 Kgs. 16-31-33.) In 1 Kings 21 we are treated to an example of just how wicked Jezebel, wife of king Ahab, really was. Ahab tried to buy a vineyard from Naboth. Since the vineyard was his inheritance, Naboth was not disposed to part with it, even if the king did want ft. The king pouted, would not took at anyone and refused to eat. When his wife Jezebel found out what his problem was, she conspired a way to have Naboth put to death for, of all things, blaspheming the true God (whom she did not even believe in), knowing the law of God that the penalty was death by stoning. The charge was made, the penalty paid by this innocent man, and Ahab got his vineyard as his possession (1 Kgs. 21:1-13). A prophecy was issued against Ahab that the dogs would lick his blood which later literally came true (v. 19). See 2 Chronicles 21:5-6 and 2 Chronicles 22:14 as an example of a son doing evil because of his mother’s influence. John the immerser’s head was cut off at the instructions of a mother who had been burned by John’s preachings against her adulterous marriage to Herod, Philip’s (her real husband’s) brother (Matt. 14:1-9).

It is difficult enough, to say the least, to live as we are enjoined to do and train our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, when both parents are faithful, dedicated Christians. It becomes virtually impossible when there is division or even a lack of commitment to the principles of New Testament religion for this to be accomplished! There are, of course, exceptions to even this general rule. For example, there are cases when one, whose parents are far from being Christians, hears and later obeys the gospel and serves the Lord in faithfulness. Then there are cases when, so far as we can see, both parents are totally dedicated to living as Christ’s word directs, and their children never obey the gospel or go away from everything they were taught as children. But the general rule is, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6; see also Eph. 6:4).

Too many parents and some who profess to be Christians have a great desire to see their children popular in school and among their peers and will not set their foot down against a number of things commonly practiced in the various school systems of our land. If our children aren’t taught to forego those questionable or actually sinful practices while under our care in grade school or high school, don’t expect them to gain conviction enough later in life to be a peculiar person and try swimming up stream against the tide of popular opinion, practices of society and false religions. It will rarely happen! You see if they are allowed to dress immodestly and to participate in religious holiday activities at school or go to the prom, etc., they are forming the habits and convictions that will likely follow them the rest of their adult lives, again with few, rare exceptions.

Someone said, “Give a boy and a pig everything he wants, and you will have a fat pig and a bad boy.” That’s just about the case, don’t you think? Children hear the preacher as he talks about “taking up the cross,” “giving yourselves to the Lord,” “sacrifice,” and “be not conformed to this world,” and they watch their own parents leave off important spiritual matters and do just about what they want to, when they desire to, with little attention to modesty, sacrifice, and influence! What do you think they think when this is the case? You know! You may not want to admit it, but you know what they think. Also, as far as they are concerned, the preacher is just an “old fogy” who is out of touch with real life and wants to take away all of our fun. The happy, fun-filled fife, my friends young and old, is a life lived wihin the rules of the religion of Christ. It is then that we can, “rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4).

Just imagine how wonderful it would be in eternity to be one like Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, of whom revelation speaks through the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 1:5, whose faith was such as to influence this son and grandson to obey Christ and become a companion to Paul, one of the greatest men and gospel preachers (except Jesus) ever to walk among men! The man wrote by inspiration the greater portion of the New Testament Scriptures and “labored more abundantly than they all by God’s grace” (1 Cor. 15:10).

Do you as a parent ever attempt to influence your son or daughter to consider giving themselves in a lifetime of service to the Lord’s work as a preacher or the wife of a preacher? How about working to qualify as a deacon or elder or as the wife of either of these? Actually, many mothers have discouraged their children from this noble work simply because too often the pay isn’t nearly what they could make in another line of work. Secondly, they have to be out all hours of the day and night dealing with spiritual problems or teaching the gospel of Christ, and the women have to stay home and keep things in order or many times go along to assist in babysitting, etc. Then since the women of such servants of Christ know that criticisms of their husbands work will always be a factor to contend with, some say, “I’ll never marry a preacher or an elder or a deacon, etc.” And as I said above, many times a mother will tell her daughter what a sorry, sad life such would be and discourage her. Brethren, is it any wonder that we aren’t, setting the world on fire for the Lord? Why, it’s amazing that we do as well as we do I Our greatest enemy isn’t the denominations fighting against us. We are being defeated from within by the very ones who should be holding up the banner of truth against all odds, and in the face of every kind of opposition and persecution!

Besides, we should rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer and sacrifice for the cause that cost the blood of God’s only Son (Acts 5:41-42). Thank God there are still many godly mothers and grandmothers, faithful elders, deacons, preachers and members.

Here is a poem I composed to all the good mothers.

Good Mothers

Good Mothers, my friends
Are hard to find.
No one ever had one
As good as, mine.

She’s ahead of most,
And of none is she behind.
I’m so happy there are
Mothers almost like mine!

Mothers who are Christians
Have a place to fill;
To guide and keep the house
And with godliness fill.

To be an “help-meet”
To the head of that home.
Be there for the children
Not cause them to roam.

“The hand that rocks the cradle
Rules the world” it’s been told,
That’s how great a woman’s influence
Can have on her fold.

So mothers take warning,
For good or for bad,
What you do or don’t do
Will be seen in that lad.

That lassie will also
Mimic your traits;
They’ll see you, in her
In dozens of ways.

What a joy if you are
The mother Christ wants!
What a horror if you are not,
It will come back to haunt.

God bless you good mothers
On this your special day.
God help all others
To seek out your way!

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 12, pp. 365-366
June 20, 1985

By S. Leonard Tyler

Solomon wrote a long time ago, “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded . . . . Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard . . . . A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health” (Prov. 13:13,15,17).

Most of the difficulties and differences in religion today could be solved or settled by a proper attitude toward the word of the Lord. Solomon could have had more in mind in his statement than just God’s word, but it definitely is included and seems to be the primary thought. To me, it has direct reference to God’s word and commandments. The “honor” must refer to both man and God. To respect the advice of wise men will bring honor from them. The same is true with God. But to despise either is disrespecting and dishonoring toward them. Adam Clark, in his commentary on Proverbs, makes, this observation: “The revelation which God has given to man — ‘shall be destroyed,’ for there is no other way of salvation but that which it points out.” This is a very true observation of God’s word.

The conclusion and consequences are here given of two choices which express two attitudes. “Whoso despiseth the word” and “he that feareth the commandment.” The contrast is absolute. To despise the word is to disrespect, refuse to reverence, or reject its authority. To “fear,” as here used, means to respect, revere, to regard with love and honor, accept. To “despise” the word of God is to refuse it as being from God and/or to reject its message, commandments, or direction.

We are living in an age and society where all established religious truths are looked upon with scorn and distaste. “Orthodoxy” of any kind is considered trite in nature and narrow in application. Those who teach a true commitment and fidelity to any established rule or standard of measurement for a life style are classified as “legalists” or “behind the times,” or seeking to become “judges. ” Yet, the Book of God claims to be from God and to reveal His eternal and divine will for man’s salvation. To reject or “despise” this claim is a blatant refusal to accept God’s revelation.

The attitude most emphasized from Genesis to the close of Revelation is that of absolute trust and unwavering devotion to the will of Go4 which the Bible claims to set forth. To reject the Bible as being inspired, the very word of God, is to reject God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and every divine principle or revelation set forth. A rejection of God’s will is a rejection of God. This leaves man to his own will, plans, and design for life. However, and what a tragedy it is, such an attitude towards God and His will robs man of every spiritual blessing or aspiration he has. It leaves man a barren, unprofitable, spiritless mortal and robs him of every hope of living after death. He becomes his own God or accepts some other creature’s philosophical theory of man’s evolving from nothing to live and return to nothing. If that is education, wisdom and progress, I don’t want “none” (any) of it. But thanks be to God that is not education, wisdom or progress!

Look at these terms: “feareth the commandment . . . . Good understanding . . . faithful ambassador.” These expressions promise blessings, rewards, favor, and health. These are for the ones who look to God for guidance and direction, and who faithfully accept and adapt them to practice. They keep God’s commandments with love. They understand God’s will and gladly grasp it by faith. They arise with zeal and tell others of God’s way.

We believe that God is alive. Jesus Christ is His only begotten Son who came to this earth, lived, died, was buried, arose from the dead, ascended back to the Father, and then sent the Holy Spirit to reveal and confirm His word so that it could be understood for man’s salvation. We believe it, love it, obey it, and teach it for the salvation of man. All men “whosoever” will hear, believe, and accept it — have life.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 12 p. 353
June 20, 1985

By Olen Holderby

Once again we are permitted to consider some things that deal with both our happiness here and our eternal welfare. This thought places a high degree of importance upon our subject. The lesson will, in the main, deal with the relationship of young Christians to older Christians.

Age Groups

In the physical realm there are, as normally expressed, five age groups: infancy, childhood, adolescence (youth), maturity, and old age. However in the spiritual realm there are only two groups: babes in Christ and mature Christians. These are related to growth, rather than to years.

When Jesus issued the Great Commission, He included all alike when He said, “every creature” or “all nations.” Young Christians are members of the church just like others; they must not be considered a distinct group separate from all others. Such practice makes them a “sect” within the church. There is no such thing as “junior church,” “junior worship,” or “minister of youth,” so far as God’s Word is concerned. We need to remember that young people are just young Christians, developing toward maturity, spiritually as well as physically. Paul expressed this thought like this, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male or female: for ye all are one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

Further, we may be able to see a profitable balance by having the young and old together: the enthusiasm of youth with the wisdom of old age. Surely no young person thinks himself wiser than the old soldiers of the Cross. On the other hand, the old soldiers cannot think of themselves as having the “spunk” of youth. The utilization of both this zeal and this wisdom is, within itself, a safeguard against much that is wrong. Zeal without proper knowledge is bad (Rom. 10:1-3) and knowledge without zeal is no more profitable. Proper respect, in both directions, will add strength to any congregation of God’s people. I understand James 2:9 to forbid any other conclusion, “But if, ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” God gave the same plan for all to obey to become Christians, the same plan by which all are to worship after they become Christians, and the same set of rules to govern the lives of all. Let us find satisfaction, and profit, with God’s arrangement!

All Christians have obligations to all other Christians. “‘And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Heb. 10:24). Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Phil. 2:3). “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you, be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Pet. 5:5). I believe these passages clearly establish the point that all Christians have obligations to all other Christians.

The Older

Whether parents or those merely older, all have obligations toward the young. The very fact that these two groups exist establishes this fact. Every child deserves a home composed of Christians, with godly guidance and influence. Along with this must go the proper example for youth to follow, for the young are imitative. Faithful instruction in the precious truths of the gospel must be consistent. We may see all these things in the instructions given in Ephesians 6:4 and 1 Timothy 5:8.

I recently saw the results of a survey taken in one section of Chicago; seventy-five per cent of all grammar school children had never attended a Bible class of any kind. Ninety-nine percent of all criminals from this section of Chicago were from this seventy-five percent. These kinds of statistics are going to produce other statistics which are going to be more fatal to the society in which we live. Mark that well!

We, see a growing tendency among parents to neglect the necessary discipline, parents who send their children to Sunday school, but never go themselves, parents who are saying, “Do as I tell you, but not as I do.” Parents, this will not work! I heard someone say recently, “Young people spend much time on the street because they do not want to stay home by themselves.” And, from another source, “They would rather be led to do wrong than driven to do right!” Those of you that are older, listen carefully, our young people are going to be led! The question is, “Who shall do that leading?” And, “To what shall they be led?”

Young people need social activities. This is a personal and parental responsiblity, not a church function, nor is it a church obligation. Parents need to see to it that their children have the proper activities, guided by the proper principles. Our young people will have problems in this, as well as in other areas. They will need encouragement from the older set; they will need the wisdom of age. Perhaps enough of this godly assistance will help us avoid some broken hearts and lost souls.

The Younger

Let me just briefly touch upon the obligations of youth to their elders. Of course, children are to obey their parents (Eph. 6:1-2). The young are to respect their elders (1 Pet. 5:5; 1 Tim. 5:1-2). But, how do we apply these thoughts?

Once proper teaching is done, young people, you have the obligation to follow that teaching, to say “No” to temptations. You do not have to search far into the Bible for good examples in this. Moses, Joseph, Daniel, and even Jesus serve as good examples. School activities furnish wonderful opportunities to demonstrate “Christian” character. Young people, you do not have to engage in unchristian things in order to be popular. I knew of a football captain back in Oklahoma who was a Christian. He was the son of a deacon in the church.

When games were scheduled on Wednesday nights, he refused to play. He would not stir up a mess and conduct himself foolishly, but merely informed the coach that he would not be at the game and why. The games were changed to a different night. When he crowned the Homecoming Queen, the audience shouted for him to kiss her. He declined. “What a snob! ” No, not hardly! At the end of the school year he was voted the “allaround” boy of the school and was valedictorian of the graduating class. The idea that “everybody does these things” is not only deceptive, but it simply is not true!, For Christians do not do those things that reflcCt unfavorably upon their, character as Christians. This is true whether we are talking about young Christians or old Christians.

Each of us must exercise his senses to’be able to discern right from wrong (Heb. 5:14). Each of us must examine himself and make sure he is living in harmony with the gospel (2 Cor. 13:5; Phil., 1:27). For each of us must give an account of himself to God (2 Cor. 5:10). Seek Him while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near, hold to His hand as you walk through this life, and even if all others forsake you, you can still go home with Him after a while. Once again, may God bless each of you that you may never be ashamed to stand before Him, for it is certain that you shall.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 11, pp. 340-341
June 6, 1985

By Mike Willis

How does one measure success in preaching the word of God? Frequently, the primary criterion used to measure success is the numerical growth of the church. Where churches are baptizing a considerable number of people, those who are preaching the gospel are viewed as Successful; where few or no baptisms are occurring, some begin to imply that something must be wrong with the preacher, the elders, or the church in general.

Numerical Response Is Not A Good Measuring Stick

Although I do not intend to excuse laziness or failures of another nature on the part of Christians in cases where no baptisms are occurring on a regular basis, I want to remind our readers that numerical growth is not always an accurate measurement of whether or not one is being successful in preaching the gospel. A number of biblical examples will demonstrate that this is so.

When God sent Ezekiel to Israel, He knew that Israel would not obey His word. Israel was “a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. For they are impudent children and stiff-hearted” (Ezek. 2:3-4). Although Ezekiel preached and labored faithfully, he had very few converts. If he was measured by the stick of numerical growth, he was a failure. Nevertheless, God considered him to be a faithful prophet, one whom I sincerely expect to see in heaven.

In a similar fashion, one might consider Noah. Noah was a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Pet. 2:5) who labored more than a century in calling the wicked men of his day to repentance. When the flood came, only eight souls entered the ark. That is not much numerical response to a -century of preaching! If Noah is measured by the stick of numerical growth, he was a failure. Nevertheless, the Bible honors him as a man of faith whose example we should follow (Heb. 11:7).

The Attitudes Of Men

The success of the preaching of the gospel depends upon the hearts of men. Inasmuch as men have free will, they can accept or reject the divine revelation of God. Even Jesus Himself was not always successful in converting mien. You will recall that the rich young ruler, for example, rejected the Savior’s teachings and went away sorrowful (Lk. 18:18-24).

If we should conclude that we are living in an age in which men’s hearts are hardened toward the gospel, entangled in the cesspool of sin, and obstinate toward God, we should expect that numerical growth would be minimal. On the other hand, if we were to conclude that men generally are “hungering and thirsting after righteousness,” we should expect that the harvest will be more abundant.

At any rate, we need to realize that few baptisms is not necessarily a reflection upon our own faithfulness to God I As preachers, we must be careful not to castigate and berate the saints because we are baptizing so few. Those who are faithful need to be encouraged to remain that way-not condemned and ridiculed because the world will not obey the gospel.

Some Other Measuring Sticks

Inasmuch as I have suggested that numerical growth is not a good measuring stick for whether or not we are successful in preaching the gospel, let me suggest some better criteria to use.

1. Has the whole counsel of God been proclaimed? Paul was free from the blood of all men because, he said, “I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). There are churches which are growing numerically which are not successful in teaching the word of God. They have sought to water down the gospel so that it might be more palatable to the world. They dare not imply that there is only one church or that divorce and remarriage for reasons other than fornication are sinful; other messages which might “offend” the general public are reserved for Bible classes or not taught at all. They glory in the number of responses they are getting to the invitation but are still failures in their preaching.

2. Have we been “instant in season and out of season”? Paul commanded Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2). When we seek to measure whether or not we are successful in our work of preaching, we need to be sure that we have used every opportunity which God has opened to us to teach. Have we been willing to go — even when it was not convenient to go? Have we worked with the contacts we have? Have we sought to teach them both publicly and from house to house?

3. Have we spoken the truth in love? The growing child of God is expected to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). This obligates us to be careful to learn how to teach, as well as what to teach (Col. 4:6). Everything which is unnecessarily offensive needs to be removed from my preaching so that, if one is offended, he will be offended by the message rather than the messenger. Sometimes Christians are so caustic and hateful in what they say that men are alienated by their manner of presentation. There is no place in the pulpit or home Bible study period for arrogance, bitterness, wrath, clamor, strife, and such like things. If we have spoken the truth in love, this is one mark of successful preaching.

4. Have we confronted and opposedfalse teaching? Those who teach the gospel have the obligation to stop the mouths of false teachers (Tit. 1:11; 1 Tim. 1-3). In the minds of some brethren, the work of confronting and opposing false teachers is below their dignity. That work is to be reserved for those brethren who are “guardians of the truth” and “keepers of the orthodoxy,” whom they hold in contempt. They continue their work in peaceful, pleasant pulpits, preaching a positive gospel, and leave such unplesantries to others. Frankly, I have never understood Oat I had any choice in whether or not to oppose false teaching, wherever and whenever I was confronted by it. That is a part of my work as a preacher. Hence, resisting false teaching is another criterion for successful preaching.

Conclusion

These are certainly not all of the measuring sticks which we should use in determining whether or not we have been faithful in proclaiming the gospel . Others could be cited by those more experienced and knowledgeable than I. However, these should serve to warn us that the measuring stick of numerical growth is inadequate.

Perhaps this will warn us concerning the danger of berating ourselves because men have not obeyed the gospel. Our responsibility is to plant and water, leaving the increase in God’s hands (1 Cor. 3:6). When we have done an effective job of planting and watering, we have done a good work in preaching.

The yardstick of numerical growth, therefore, more nearly measures the hearts of the audience than it does the effectiveness of the gospel preacher. Though this article is not designed to comfort those who are “bench-warmers” and “pew sitters,” maybe it can encourage those who are faithfully proclaiming God’s word to a world which is engrossed in materialism and worldliness to keep persevering.

In closing, another word needs to be added. Men do not have the same abilities. Some are more effective exhorters, than others; some are better-Aniters than others; some know more about family life, others about doctrinal issues, others about personal work, etc. We must be careful not to criticize and minimize another’s work because he is more effective in one area than we are. We complement each other’s workst Each of us will convert some whom the other may never reach. Those who are experienced exhorters need to encourage those who can effectively discuss doctrinal issues with precision; those who are better students of the word need to encourage those who are bettei experienced in converting others and encouraging saints to be faithful. There is no room in the kingdom of God for petty jealousy and rivalry.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 12, pp. 354, 373
June 20, 1985