Truth Magazine

By Dick Blackford

What A Challenge By Satan! What A Defeat For Him!

Not all congregations begin with a big splash. The church at Philippi had an humble beginning. It happened in a province where nearly all the inhabitants were Romans (thus pagans) and a Roman garrison was there. This was the first European city visited by an apostle. When Paul and Silas came into this citadel of error, Satan was in charge. From all indications not even Judaism has much strength for no mention is made even of a synagogue, which was Paul’s customary place to begin. A group of Jewish women met on the sabbath outside the city gate to pray by the Ganges River. As a result of their preaching in this obscure place one woman was converted, along with her household. She was a foreigner from Thyatira.

And now the action begins!

Satan’s First Attack And First Defeat

Satan’s interest is stirred when even one person obeys the gospel and he began immediately to stamp out Christianity in this country which he had totally dominated. Paul and Silas couldn’t say “no” to Lydia’s offer of hospitality (“she constrained us,” Acts 16:16). So they used her home as a basis for their operation.

Lydia’s conversion took place in a time of ignorance and idolatry when Satan could lead men captive at his will. While Paul and Silas were traveling to the scene of her conversion in hope of teaching others, a witch drew unwanted attention to them by announcing, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim unto you the way of salvation” (v. 17). They didn’t need her as advertisement, lest those who would receive the apostles’ doctrine would be turned off by her and thus be prejudiced against the gospel of Christ. So Paul treated it as a case of demon possession and cast out the evil spirit. It came out that very hour and Satan’s plan utterly failed (v. 18).

Satan’s Second Attack And Second Defeat

Satan doesn’t give up easily. The masters of this soothsayer were not thankful for the kindness to the maiden but were upset at their loss of income received from her services. So they suddenly became “conscientious” and stirred up the higher powers. Paul and Silas were dragged into the marketplace to the governors of the city and were misrepresented as being “disturbers of the peace” and stirred up the higher powers. Paul and Silas were dragged into the marketplace to the governors of the city and were misrepresented as being “disturbers of the peace” and “teaching new and unlawful forms of religion,” though it is obvious the maiden’s masters cared nothing for Judaism or the Roman religions.

The two evangelists had their clothes stripped off and were beaten with rods and cast into the Philippian jail. Now here they sit, racked with pain and fastened in the stock. No doubt Satan was thinking, “That’ll teach them!”

For a moment it seemed that Satan had succeeded in shutting them up. What better way is there to stop the gospel than to put its proponents behind bars! But Satan underestimated the power of praying and singing. Before long the prisoners were listening and a man’s life was saved by the main principle of Christianity – love. Upon hearing the gospel, he and his household were baptized into Christ immediately. They rejoiced greatly (Acts 16:25-34). That wasn’t the way Satan planned it at all!

Satan’s Third Attack And Third Defeat

In spite of Satan’s fierce opposition, a church was established in this Roman colony. And when they were released from jail they went back to Lydia’s house and comforted the brethren (16:40). In the intervening years between that event and the writing of the book of Philippians, Paul again finds himself in prison. But every effort of Satan to squelch the gospel only caused it to spread – this time through the praetorian guard, even to Caesar’s household (Phil 1:13; 4:22)! Paul said that the things which had happened to him had resulted in “the furtherance of gospel” (1:12). Satan surely didn’t plan that!

Sure Signs Of Victory!

The church in Philippi (1) grew, (2) was characterized by love, (3) supported gospel-preachers, and (4) was scripturally organized with elders and deacons. Satan must delight in keeping churches from being scripturally organized. In such cases the spiritually immature and unqualified person has as much say so as one who may qualify for the eldership. This usually causes problems, completely immobilizing a congregation or, at best, leaving it without a clear sense of direction while brethren wage war with one another. It has to be a happy moment for Satan when he can thwart God’s design for the organization of the church. But Satan found none of these things in which to glory at Philippi. He is crafty, but not all-wise or all-knowing.

In spite of all of Satan’s efforts the church was such a source of joy to Paul that the words “joy” and “rejoice” seem almost overworked. Philippi – what a challenge for Christianity! What a resounding defeat for Satan! “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice!” (4:4).

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, p. 717
December 6, 1984

By Lewis Willis

The problem becomes more critical with each passing day. The domestic and civil havoc it is producing is unmeasured and immeasurable. And, there seems to be no significant national outcry against it.

The problem is alcoholism. The latest figures I have seen come from the The Proclaimer, edited by Leon Odom in Midland, Texas. He said there are ten million alcoholics in America today! I would assume these are admitted alcoholics. Just how many million more there are who think they do not have the problem would be impossible to estimate. Odom reported that a Gallup Poll taken in 1977 found that 71% of American adults (almost three-fourths of the population) consume alcohol to some degree. This means that approximately 165 million people in this country can be classified as occasional, moderate, or heavy drinkers. Odom noted that this means that 1,000 people “reach the alcohol dependent stage every single day.” In 1972, the Royal Society of Medicine in Great Britain reported that, of the 50,000 people killed in traffic accidents each year, 28,400 are alcohol related. Each day we hear of another major traffic accident claiming the lives of innocent people because some drunk is on the street trying to drive a car. Occasionally a train accident is reported in which the engineer was drunk at the time of the accident. How long will it be before we read of a major airplane crash because the pilot was drunk? In 1972, there were 60,000 non-highway accidental deaths in this country and alcohol was involved in 34,800 of them. In 1972, Americans were spending $21,700,000,000 for alcoholic beverages. (The above figures are from an article by Garland Elkins, entitled, “What Liquor Costs.”) Johnny Richardson of the East Florence Church wrote (6-84), “Alcohol Destroys Internally, Externally, and Eternally.” He was absolutely right in this observation.

The tragic effects of alcoholism are destroying the moral fiber of this great society. Most social programs address the symptoms of the problem and not the problem itself. A suburb of Cleveland recently tried to get the drunks off the street by setting up road blocks to test drivers for alcohol consumption. There was such a furor over these police tactics that the chief of police called off the action after only one weekend of effort. Since almost three-fourths of the people drink, they naturally would cry out against such actions. The bar owners complained that their businesses were being destroyed. And, the 25% of people who do not drink can only wring their hands in frustration.

One would think that religion would address such a desperate problem with all of its might. However, such is not the case. The Cleveland Plain Dealer (8-4-84) printed an Associated Press article about what a Catholic church in Miami, Florida intends to do about it. They recently built a building with a partition separating the new parish hall from their parish bar! The church is St. Henry’s Roman Catholic and the bar is called Henry’s Hideaway. At St. Henry’s bar, you can get “scotch on the rocks or plain cranberry juice,” along with “a few holy words” from the Reverend James Reynolds, the parish priest and bar proprietor. He said he set up the place to provide his parishioners with “wholesome conversation and merrymaking.” He explained that God made us body and soul, and we should socialize . . . I think God intends us to have a good time on earth.” In the average bar, prostitution and homosexuality are available in order to have “a good time.” I wonder if this priest intends to incorporate those activities with his bar and contend that “God intends us to have a good time” engaging in these things as well?

“The venture has the blessing of Edward A. McCarthy, archbishop of Miami.” He wrote to Reynolds and said, “It seems to me you are pioneering in something that may prove very effective pastorally.” So, the bar obviously has the approval of the archbishop of Miami! Reynolds said his effort is to bring “country-club living to the average parishioner . . . our jobs as priests and spiritual leaders is to inspire the people and assist them in their problems and afford them the opportunity to be joyous.” This dumb jokes does not have enough sense to see that he is inspiring people to joyously develop the problem of alcoholism, and, he is not alone in his stupidity! Every week we can read of local churches of various flavors that are conducting drinking parties. This is part of the natural outgrowth of a “social gospel concept” which tries to meet the needs of people. If three-fourths of them are drinkers, then most churches are going to cave-in to the desires of such people. Instead of helping to solve the problem, they help perpetuate it! Therefore, the national tragedy will find no solutions within those religious organizations.

It is a matter of grave concern that many within the Lord’s church see nothing wrong with having a social drink. Having a beer or two every now and then is viewed as innocently as having a cup of coffee every now and then. Some preachers and elders simply see nothing at all wrong with social drinking. These things seem to mushroom, instead of going away, so we might just as well expect to see some church of Christ (?) conducting beer drinking activities one of these days. It will not matter at that time that Solomon wrote, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20: 1). Nor will it mean anything that Paul said “be not drunk with wine” (Eph. 5:18). 1 doubt that it will even matter with some that they cannot go to heaven when they practice “drunkenness” and the “revellings” of the social drinking party (Gal. 5:21).

I was just thinkin’. if we continue our efforts to conform to this world (Rom. 12:1), how long will it be before right thinking people will view us with the same disgust with which they view the Catholic church in its systematic production of more drunks who are going to be turned loose in our homes and on our streets? I think I’ll do all I can to expose such messes and those who create them!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, pp. 718-719
December 6, 1984

By Donald Willis

The central theme of the Bible is salvation from sins through the blood of Christ. There are none who are totally righteous. Thus, one cannot claim heaven by virtue of his own merit. Each needs one to save or redeem him.

One is ” . . .justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. . .” (Rom. 3:24-25). Jesus Christ is the world’s only Savior. The blood of Jesus is the only redemption price. God’s supreme love is clearly manifested in that one great sacrifice for lost mankind! Oh, how He loved me!

Now, by the blood, one understands the following premises:

(1) The New Testament is dedicated by the blood of Christ. The Hebrew writer speaks of the “blood of the everlasting covenant” (Heb. 13:20). It is only after one is dead that the testament (will) becomes effective (Heb. 9:17). Therefore, Christ had to die on the cross before His will, the New Testament, would become operative over the lives of men and women. We do not live under the Old Testament laws, but under the blood-dedicated law of Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1: 16). The law made no one perfect (Heb. 7:19).

(2) Sins are cleansed by the blood of Christ. “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. . .” (Rev. 1:5). “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. . .” (1 Cor. 15:3). The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Christ loved mankind so much that He died in our stead. He is the propitiation for our sins; i.e., He perfectly satisfies God’s demands and atones for our sins. Now, through His blood, God is both just and the justifier.

(3) The church is purchased by the blood of Christ. Jesus’ people are called ” . . .the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts. 20:28). The importance of Christ’s church is evidenced in the price that Christ paid. It does make a difference to which church one belongs! Christ’s blood was paid only for His church. Churches with human heads, human origin, and human laws are not the Lord’s church. The church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23); therefore, since Christ is the head of the church, and the church is the body, He thusly has only one body governed by the one head (cf. Eph. 4:4).

(4) Inner peace comes through the blood of the cross! “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross. . .” (Col. 1:20). The world searches for inner peace. But, one cannot have lasting peace until he accepts the atoning sacrifice of the blood of Christ. In Christ’s death, His blood was shed. One who loves God, repents of his sins, is then “buried with him by baptism into death” (Rom 6:3-4). Then the blood cleanses him, and he can have the peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7).

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, p. 716
December 6, 1984

By O.C. Birdwell, Jr.

On the next page in this magazine on the “Letters” page there is printed a response to my article “How To, in Administering Church Discipline” (Vol. XXVIII, wish to No. 19). I read the letter before its publication and make a few observations concerning the letter and my article.

I welcome constructive criticism, and stand ready to make correction anytime I have misused Scripture or have contrary New Testament teaching. On the other hand, I do not delight in being accused of misapplying Scripture in order to make a point. Especially is this so when such is clearly not the truth. I am accused of misapplying Acts 9:26. I am charged as follows: “He implies that the decision to be ‘joined’ to a church rests solely in the will Of the individual seeking membership.” I did not imply any such thing. Here is what I wrote. “The local church may accept, or reject, such a person. The account in Acts 9 shows both actions.” Does that sound like I taught that membership rests solely in the will of the individual seeking membership”?

I believe, and taught, that either can terminate the member ship without agreement from the other party. In the I which disagrees with my article, disappointment is expressed that “voluntary rescission of membership” was not discussed in the special issue. Concerning this question I forthrightly state that I believe anyone can, of his own free will, sever his relationship with a church. I do not have to have the church’s permission before I can have my membership from that church. Rescission of membership may be honorably or dishonorably done, but in either case, it may be done! I want no part with any group, in any fashion, anywhere, from whom I cannot separate myself if I so desire. I simply reject on its face, and also as being false and dangerous, the doctrine of “you cannot leave until or unless we say you may leave. ” How in the world is this kind of teaching “hamstringing churches in their efforts to those who have erred and have even caused divisions in some places”? Do you want these people, unrepented, in your fellowship? If one leaves, goes into worldliness, into denominationalism, or denies the faith, what are you going to do to him? You say “discipline him,” but I again ask what are you going to do to him? Are you going to have an inquisition and burn him at the stake? If he says, “I am sick of you people, stay away from me” (this has been said) what are you going to do? Refuse to have fellowship with him? This is foolishness. There is no fellowship to withdraw. He wants nothing to do with you, and is saying “stay out of my sight.” One was recently overheard to say, “I have difficulty withdrawing fellowship from someone with who I have no fellowship.”

Good brethren, let me tell you something. If anything is “hamstringing churches” relative to this subject, it is the teaching and practice of “discipline” that has no basis in Scripture.

Concerning those who leave a congregation, I wrote the following: “Should there be those who ask to be no longer a part of the congregation, make a public congregation announcement to that effect. If they go back to the world or into denominationalism, let everyone do all within their power to teach and convert the sinner from the error of his way (James 5:19). If they go to a faithful church, bid the God’s speed, and wish them well.” Thus, when one leaves and goes into sin, brethren are so informed and understand that he is no longer a part of the congregation. Such an announcement serves every purpose which the Bible demands and probably is all that brother Asher practices he “withdraws” from those who have quit attending. Effort is made to convert the lost brother (this is discipline.) This is what I said in my article. What else does Scripture teach must be done? Please, my friend, cite me the book, and verse.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, p. 726
December 6, 1984