Truth Magazine

By William C. Sexton

When the 52 Americans came home from Iran, we as a nation and in various communities celebrated, expressing appreciation for their safe return. We have heard them referred to as “heroes.” We have heard some of those who returned relate that their captors wanted to be martyrs!

The Christian is challenged by what takes place in his nation and community, to analyze and evaluate behavior in terms of God’s will. Each child of God needs to ask, what is involved in the terms and concepts of heroes and martyrs? Is there value ascribed to such by God’s revelation? How can I act appropriately to such? Is there a danger related to behavior in regard to such?

Recognition Of Noble Character And Courageous Action

Jesus told us to fear God above every other force (Lk. 12:5-9) and to find inner strength to be faithful to God in the face of opposition! He affirmed that a person who confessed Him before others, even if in doing so he lost his life, would be honored by Him before the Father. Many times we are faced with the possibility of losing (in one way or another) by being loyal to Christ in our verbal and nonverbal behavior! Also, we often view responses to this challenge in others. What should our response and evaluation be?

Paul pointed to Stephen (Acts 22:20; 7:54-60) as a “martyr. ” He had stood by and given his consent to the “death” of that faithful disciple. His response was not noble or commendable! The “church in Pergamos” had remained loyal as they had seen one of their brothers named Antipas be a “faithful martyr” (Rev. 2:13). The Harlot (Rev. 17:6-one of the deceitful and successful enemies of God’s faithful) was “drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.”

The word for “martyr” is maturon and is translated “witnesses”(Heb. 12:1). They formed a “cloud,” great number, of faithful people (mentioned in Heb. 11: 140) surrounding us. We refer to Hebrews I I as the chapter on “heroic faith.”

These many individuals from different parts of history are displayed there for us, as persons who have achieved by faith, providing us with examples to motivate us to move onward and upward!

Need For Winner-Figures

I see evidence that we all need heroic-figures to excite us and set a fire in our emotional makeup. To give us the “inner strength” to stand fast against the power greater than ourselves, believing that where others were supplied with I ‘other strength,” that we, too, will be enabled to overcome against the odds!

Nations build monuments, communities do the same to remember historical success: look in State houses at the pictures depicting events and persons important to the past achievements, etc. Christians, in like fashion, need persons to associate with in our minds who have succeeded against opposition similar or greater than those we face! Moses, Noah, Abraham and Sara, Paul and others are all there on the pages of inspiration! Let us spend some time with them and be encouraged to move with the same determination and trust they did.

What Is Indicated By The Persons And Qualities We Hold Up As Heroic?

Jesus is our model (1 Pet. 2:2l)-our pattern I But He is more than just a heroic figure, with great qualities. He is the “only begotten Son of God” (Jn. 1: 18). He must be seen as our Savior, trusted as Deity, who invites all to come and be saved by and in Him (Mt. 11:28-30; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 1:3).

Qualities of life which are sanctioned and supported by Him are what should be admired. If we do not admire those qualities, then such indicates something about us. If we do indeed admire those qualities and people who exhibit them, then such is indicative of our proper mind-set! We need to be activated by such, and then we will demonstrate our character.

If we are excited and become appreciative of Karl Marx, Jesse James, or by rock music stars, people who seem to have been successful by being immoral, or even religious leaders who aren’t really interested in Bible authority, then we are in for a lot of trouble-ultimately failure!

Influences That Heroic Figures Have On Us

Just as our heroic figures indicate where we are, they also predict where we are going! If we have our eyes fastened on Jesus, and He is the author of our faith (Heb. 12:1-2), and we are impressed with His enduring the cross, not allowing the present pressures to turn Him around, we, too, can be successful I We need to see the value of being associated with Him and others of faith in our mind often so that we can actively participate in a winning race!

If, on the other hand, we look to others who scheme, seemingly get by with evil for awhile and profit from it, then we shall gradually be molded into their likeness. And as they shall ultimately lose the battle and suffer eternal ruin, we shall come to that end, too!

Therefore, it is extremely important that we esteem the right figures! Read and understand Hebrews 12:1-2. Be activated by the instruction therein.

Having A “Martyr Complex” Is Not Beneficial

Those who returned from Iran spoke of their captors as having the idea that the U.S. government would come in and kill the religious zealots, and they would thereby become “martyrs” for Iran and Islam. Such was seen as an obsession that was not healthy and good, and the captives were determined that such not happen, if they could help it!

Let us recognize that it is worthy to be willing to die for the cause of Christ (Mt. 5:10-12; 1 Pet. 4:12-16), if indeed such is necessary to maintain our loyalty to Him. Also, there are times when Christians shall receive persecution because of their stand for the truth of the gospel and behavior required by the gospel message. When that is the case, we need to be willing to stand firmly, not giving an inch (cf. Gal. 2:4-5).

Yet, let us say something here that may not be taken so easily by some. Anyone can act so inappropriately and unacceptably toward others that they will be opposed and disliked! I’m fearful that some have developed the “persecution complex,” and they go out looking for opposition and unfavorable treatment. When they receive it, theyfeel good, patting themselves on the back, saying, “I’m being persecuted for righteousness’ sake. ” Such is as far from the truth as the east is from the west!

Recently I was in a member’s home, and we were studying with a couple of Jehovah’s Witnesses. We had covered a lot of things, peculiar to their belief, and we came down to “death.” One pointed to Revelation 20:14-15, and one said, “You see, ‘death is fire,’ that’s the end!” I said, “That’s sillyl ” One jumped up saying, “Such Venom,” his eyes were sparkling. Later as I reflected on what he had said and his reaction, I recalled a statement by brother Fred Holthouser, who was converted from that group, which indicated that they delight in such persecution. I realized that I’d played into their hands.

But I believe that I see brethren, from time to time, in their writings and as they behave otherwise, justifying what they are doing because they find people opposing them and they feel good, identifying such as evidence that they are truly serving God.

I believe that it is possible for any of us to over-use that principle. If we are opposed, let us ask ourselves: “Was it really because of God’s word and His plan, or was it due to the way that I acted and conducted myself that caused them to react that way?” I pray that when people react unfavorably toward me and the message that I present, that it will be because of God’s word and not me; however, I’m not so puffed up tht I’ll claim that such is always the case.

Yes, there are heroes and martyrs, and they need to be admired by real children of God. Qualities that attract our attention and awaken admiration within us reflect our character and predict our destiny. There is a danger of developing an unhealthy condition relating to persecution, however, and using it to justify our un-Christlike behavior.

This points to the need for reflection and re-evaluation concerning heroes and martyrs. Are we sure that we are able to identify the real heroes? Are we as appreciative of the real heroes and martyrs of the faith as we should be? Is it possible that we are seeking to play the role of being a hero without actually living a heroic life? I feel that such questions are challenging and pertinent to our time. If you feel otherwise, I promise to give serious consideration to your feedback.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, pp. 710-711
December 6, 1984

By Hoyt H. Houchen

Question: Why do we not bow (kneel) in services? I want to do it but I feel that it might distract others. It would make me self-conscious because no one else does.

Reply: God is much more interested in the posture of the heart than the posture of the body when we pray to Him. Whether we pray standing, sitting, lying down or kneeling, our heart should always be humble and our praying always done with a contrite spirit.

The Bible mentions several different body postures when people prayed. Kneeling is one example (2 Chron. 6:13; Ezra 9:5; Dan. 6:10; Lk. 22:41). Standing is another example (Mk. 11:25; Lk. 18:13). Jesus our Lord prayed while He was hanging on the cross (Lk. 23:34,46). Kneeling is not to be necessarily considered as the most humble posture. The Bible also gives examples of some who fell prostrate when they prayed, as did the elders at the feet of the Lamb (Rev. 5:14). Moslems today prostrate themselves on the floor or the ground when they pray to Allah.

One should assume the posture of the body when praying which he believes is the most appropriate. Circumstances will usually determine the most appropriate body posture. one can bow his head while sitting; but kneeling would not be the best posture for prayer, especially in a public place such as restaurant. It is not recommended that one even bow his head if he is praying while driving his automobile.

We must be cautious that we do not emphasize the posture of the body rather than the posture of the heart when we pray. One may kneel while others are standing to pray, but this does not mean that he is necessarily more humble than those who are standing. Kneeling for prayer in services is not feasible for most people due to most of our seating arrangements which are not conducive to it. There would be more shuffling and disorder which would distract from the service. Certainly we should never assume a posture in prayer that will be distracting to others or that will make us self-conscious. Attitude is important to God when we pray. We should always be in a prayerful mood, remembering the words of Paul, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). Too, we should never bind any one bodily posture to the exclusion of others. To do so, would be making a law which God has not made.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, p. 709
December 6, 1984

By James W. Adams

Someone has said, “Friendship is the golden thread that ties the hearts of all the world.” On the same subject, Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote:

Fame is the scentless sunflower,
With gaudy crown of gold;
But Friendship is the breathing rose,
With sweets in every fold.

Inspiration immortalizes Friendship by having recorded upon its pages the account of one of the most beautiful friendships of human history – that of Jonathan, son of spiritually schizophrenic Saul, the first king of Israel, and David, son of Jesse, sweet singer of Israel, and a “man after God’s own heart.” I pen these lines today through a mist of tears because of the friendship that existed between me and its subject, believing as did Nicholas Grimbold, “Of all the heavenly gifts that mortal man commend, What trusty treasure in the world can countervail a friend?” Not only were the subject of this article and I friends in the purely human sense but we were and are the mutual “Friends” of Jesus in a special spiritual sense which transcends relationships purely earthly and human. I write concerning the recent death of William Floyd Thompson (429 Eastside Avenue, Santa Ana, California) on August 26, 1984.

One of the most poignant statements in the Bible fell from the lips of Jonathan as he conversed with David at Ramah. Jonathan and David were discussing the phrenetic hatred of Saul for David and Saul’s determination to kill him. On the occasion of the new moon, Saul’s important subjects were to eat at the King’s table. David feared that Saul would use the occasion to kill him or have him killed, hence was contemplating not attending. He and Jonathan devised a plan by which Jonathan would determine the King’s attitude and intentions and let David know so that David could attend or flee. Among other things, Jonathan said, “Tomorrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty” (I Sam. 20:18). No doubt Jonathan referred primarily to the fact that Saul would see David’s empty seat and ask, “Why?” However, I am just as sure Jonathan meant that he and others who loved David would miss him in a tender and loving sense.

Since the death of Floyd Thompson, there has been and will continue to be a vacant chair at the table of the King of kings in His kingdom upon this earth, and its former faithful occupant has been and will continue to be “missed!” Very early on the first day of the week, August 26, 1984, the immortal spirit of that devoted disciple of Christ and our dear personal friend and faithful brother in the Lord took its departure from his suffering body to be with Him whom he had so faithfully and for so long served. For him “it is far better.” For us, it is irreparable loss and deep grief.

My acquaintance and personal friendship with Floyd extended over a period of more than thirty years. In 1955, 1 conducted a meeting with the old, Southside congregation meeting at Birth and Fairview in Santa Ana (now Tustin congregation). At the time, Floyd had been its preacher for twenty years. During the meeting, I stayed in the home of Ruth and Floyd Thompson as I have some three times since. My love and respect for these two wonderful Christians began with this meeting and has continued and grown through all the years since those days.

In the entervening years, I have conducted at least two, and I think three, meetings with Floyd and Ruth in California. These meetings were conducted at Fairview or Berrydale congregation in Garden Grove – the last being in late February and early March of this year. During this meeting, Floyd and I drove out to a beautiful cemetery nearby and stood for a few silent moments at the grave of the beloved T.B. Larimore and shed tears of joy and sorrow as we remembered the greatness of his character and the devotion of his service. Little did Floyd know that within a matter of a few months, he would join the beloved Larimore in the “land of the spirits of just men made perfect.”

In addition to the meetings already mentioned, Floyd and Ruth were with us at Tenth and Francis in Oklahoma City (where I preached) for an unusually good meeting. On numerous other occasions, we have been together at meetings, debates, funerals, and lectureships. As recent as June 1980, Floyd assisted in the funeral services for my aged mother at Redondo Beach, California. Floyd had known my mother for many years. As stated, I was with Floyd and Ruth (staying in their home) while conducting a meeting for Fairview congregation in Garden Grove the last of February and first of March. Ken Dart, the local preacher, became ill during the meeting, so Floyd made all of the announcements etc. I also was privileged to sit in his Bible class on Lord’s day morning. During this meeting, Floyd and I spent many pleasant hours talking, studying, and praying together. He and Ruth always had a devotional at the breakfast table at which time we took turns reading the Scriptures and praying. I shall forever cherish the memory of those hours.

Just before this last meeting closed, Floyd told me he was having pains in his back that he did not understand and would see a doctor after the meeting. When he did, it was discovered that he had an inoperable malignancy in an advanced stage of development. All that the very best medical skill could do was done for him but to no avail. During the six months that Floyd lived, he suffered much but with patience and hope. I talked with him twice by telephone during this period. He told me he had hoped to have another five years at least to teach, preach, and otherwise serve the Lord, but he was prepared to go if such was his lot. In my judgment, if any Christian was ever prepared to meet his Lord, it was Floyd Thompson.

Floyd was born in Hughes Co., Oklahoma, April 5,1910. He was baptized into Christ by J.C. Coffman in March 1925. He was married to Ruth Davis, June 26, 1931 He began preaching at Mt. Zion, Shawnee, Oklahoma in i932 and continued there two years. He moved to California in 1935 and began preaching for the Southside Church in Santa Ana. During the early years of service with this congregation, he attended and graduated from George Pepperdine College. He continued to preach for Southside until 1955. At that time, a new congregation meeting on Berrydale began out of the Southside Church and Floyd served as its preacher until a few years ago. At that time, he requested to be relieved of his duties as the regular local preacher and to work with them in another capacity – holding meetings and otherwise preaching for weak churches and doing such work for the local congregation as might be needed. A considerable amount of his and Ruth’s time was spent in counselling Christians beset with difficulties from all over Southern California. They were so well known and so universally respected and loved that multitudes sought their help. Actually, Floyd and Ruth, though laboring with two congregations, largely served the same group of people and others that were added for almost fifty years. Any preacher and his wife who can do this are uncommon people!

Floyd Thompson, though a man of unusual ability, extensive Bible knowledge, and uncommon intelligence was one of the humblest, most self-effacing persons I have ever met. “Popeye,” famous comic character of my youth, used to say, “I yam what I yaml” This describes Floyd Thompson exactly. He was what he was without apology. There was no hypocrisy about him, no sham, no affectation. He knew what he believed and why, and while he was kind, considerate, and compassionate, he never hesitated to state his position clearly and unequivocally. He had his own style of preaching which he copied from no one. He could quote Scripture copiously, but he chose to read most of his selections. His lessons were rich in content, scriptural, intellectual, but always delivered in a spirit of concern that gave them heart power. He was not flamboyant. His style was that of a pungent and powerful teacher. No person ever came away from his lessons without being spiritually enriched by what he heard.

For almost fifty years, Floyd Thompson’s influence stood on the side of truth and right in Southern California. No person has done more for the cause of Christ of lasting quality in that area, in this generation, than did he. People yet unborn will in time to come have occasion to rise and call him “blessed.” Through the vista of the years, “Though being dead, yet will he speak.”

Author’s Note: I have waited several weeks to write this for emotional reasons. Much more could be said, but Floyd would not wish for me eulogize him unduly. Thoughts literally crowd my mind demanding expression, but in deference to Floyd’s humility and dislike of show, I must allow this to suffice. My heart is sad because I shall never again upon this earth eqjoy the comradeship of my beloved friend and brother, but I rejoice in the hope that one day, perhaps sooner than we expect, we shall meet again in never-endingfellowship and together sing the “new song” of redeeming grace and love

“on the banks of the river that flows by the throne of God. ” With deep sympathy for Sister Ruth in her loss, these lines are penned in faith, hope, and love.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, pp. 707-708
December 6, 1984

By Dusty Owens

There is a saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Sometimes, the best of friends will become enemies because they spend so much time together. They begin to take one another for granted. Often, we grow weary of eating at the same restaurant, playing the same game, or wearing the same clothes. Whatever we do, we should never tire of serving God.

There is a danger in letting our relationship with God become commonplace. The Bible teaches, yea God commands, that we reverence Him. But, what does this mean?

There are two basic ideas in the word “reverence”: respect and fear. Our reverence for God should go beyond our respect for and our fear of any man. Yet, I see people showing more reverence for men than for God. We would expect this in the world, but when it happens in the church it is a disgrace!

We do not have the space to give consideration to all aspects of our lives relative to reverencing God, but we will keep our thoughts only on our behavior during the assembly. We can show disrespect for God’s things in the short while we are together.

Reverence In Our Service

Paul spoke of our receiving a kingdom “…whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: for our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:28-29). No doubt this relates to the Israelites at Mount Sinai and the giving of the Law (Exod. 20:18-21; Heb. 12:18-21), but it is applied to the church reverencing God.

When we come together we should do everything possible to maintain a reverent attitude. We should realize that God is in our presence. When people whisper about non-essentials, make unnecessary noises, throw spit balls, or get up and walk around (or go to the bathroom) during services, they are showing disrespect for God. Parents should teach this lesson to their children early in life. They should see to it that their children visit the bathroom and obtain a drink before services begin. Then, they should see to it that they remain reverent during the service.

When Moses came into the presence of God at Mount Sinai, He spoke from the bush: “Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off they feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground” (Exod. 3:5). The account goes on to say that “Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.” The Israelites were commanded “to reverence my sanctuary: I am Jehovah” (Lev. 19:30).

Reverence During Prayer

Certainly, at the very time we are talking to God we should give Him our undivided attention. I know that the Bible doesn’t tell us that we must put our body in any particular position when we pray, but I do read that Jesus “kneeled down and prayed” (Lk. 22:41) and “fell on his face and prayed” (Matt. 26:39). The Israelites often stood while praying to God. All of these position show a great reverence for God. The mode that shows the least amount of respect is the sitting position. Even in a court of law, we show respect by standing when the judge enters the room.

Reverence While Singing

In these passages, Paul commanded us to sing: “. . . singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19); “. . . singing with grace in your hearts unto God” (Col. 3:16). It is obvious that our hearts are to be in tune to the thoughts we are expressing in song. “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (1 Cor. 14:15). We cannot be singing respectably to God, and at the same time be thinking about something that has nothing to do with the sentiments of the song.

Reverence While Preaching

The respect or disrespect that we show during the preaching is not so much toward the one who is doing the preaching as it is toward God and His word. The Israelites often stood during the reading of the Law, out of respect for it. “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people . . . and when he opened it, all the people stood up” (Neh. 8:5). Contrast that attitude with many today who pay very little attention to the reading and preaching of the word. I marvel at how many literally go to sleep every time the word is preached. “For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep” (1 Cor. 11:31). “Of whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become dull of hearing” (Heb. 5:11).

Reverence During The Lord’s Supper

“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a communion of the body of Christ?” (1 Cor. 10: 16) When the saints partake of the Lord’s Supper, they are to be in “communion” with the Lord. He is in our presence. “I shall not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, unto that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matt. 26:29). Is it not the height of disrespect to be thinking or doing something else while pretending to be in communion with the Lord? “Wherefore whosoever shall eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord . . . . For he that eateth and drinketh, eateth and drinketh judgment (damnation – kjv) unto himself, if he discern not the body” (1 Cor. 11:27,29).

Finally, there are things related to the assembly that need mentioning. We should make it a habit to be on time for every service. To be late continuously shows irreverence. We should not become loud and boisterous before or after the service. Sometimes the one who is to get us started on time must wait patiently while others are standing around laughing, joking and patting one another on the back. We should make sure that our children are not turning the church grounds into a circus world. Some like to play “hide and go seek,” even inside the building! Such should not be permitted.

It is dangerous to become too palsy with God, or to show disrespect in the manner stated above. Let us reverence our God, realizing how great He is. “For who in the skies can be compared unto Jehovah? Who among the sons of the mighty is like unto Jehovah, A God very terrible in the council of the holy ones, And to be feared above all them that are around about him?” (Psa. 86:6-7)

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, pp. 705, 729
December 6, 1984