Truth Magazine

By Maurice W. Jackson, Jr.

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go unto the house of Jehovah” (Psa. 122:1). Whether these are the words of David, or of some other, they are Holy Spirit guided, and express an attitude worthy of God’s people today.

Such joy is rare! The multitudes that never worship at all prove it. Even among the Lord’s people there are those who worship as seldom as possible, and some not at all. Can it be said of all who worship regularly that they go gladly? Could it be that a mere sense of duty, maintaining a spiritual reputation, a desire to please family and friends, to avoid a lashing conscience, to escape reproof, simply to set an example, or only the force of habit motivates many to attend the worship services today?

Modern Day Solutions

In our society when a business falters, solutions are sought through human innovations that excite and create renewed interest. A new approach to sales technique is initiated. Make the product more appealing as respects color, size, shape, etc. Promote an unusual sale, make better claims , offer a sweepstake, or a bonus reward. In short, simply out do the competition by redressing the externals.

All of this may be acceptable in secular affairs, but is this the procedure for creating a joyful spirit of worship in modern man? Preachers and church leaders in many places seem to think that the answer is “Yes! ” Innovative worship services which catch the eyes and ears of the worshipers, stimulating curiosity, excitement and departure from the norm are adopted. Purpose: Increase interest, and supposedly, create a joyful spirit of worship.

We suggest that such an approach puts the cart before the horse. A joyful spirit of worship is not created by altering the externals of the worship service to arouse the worshiper, but to alter the worshiper through teaching, to fit into and enjoy the Divine plan of worship. We must appeal to the New Testament as our pattern, not to modern innovations concocted by human ingenuity.

New Testament Worshipers

“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). This is how the early Christians functioned when they gathered together to worship God. This is how the Holy Spirit guided apostles directed. This same worship is what God wants from 20th century Christians.

That they were characterized with a joyful spirit of worship is seen, not only in what they did, but also in the interest and zeal that characterized the individual Christians. What a spirit of joy they must have felt when they learned that all they had to do to be forgiven of having rejected and crucified the Son of God, was to believe that He was the Christ, and upon repentance of their sins, be baptized for the remission of them (Acts 2:37-41). It was this spirit of joy that led them to receive the Word, complying with its teaching! As the King James says: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized.” Their unity of action brought them together in a spirit of joy. “And all that believed were together” (Acts 2:44). They willingly and sacrificially helped the needy among them. “They sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all according as any man had need” (Acts 2:45). In Acts 2:46 we read: “And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple is further evidence of the joyful spirit that captivated those early Christians. As these saints praised God in their spirit of joy, the populous of Jerusalem perceived it and granted their favor (Acts 2:46). The key to their joyful spirit was a clear awareness of what the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit had done for them, and that their response was to love God back, guided by the will of God revealed by the inspired apostles. It created in them a spirit of joy to know, not only that they could please God, but how they could do so. It was a joy which they realized filled the need of the human spirit! This same awareness today will create, in those who are conscientious, a joyful spirit of worship.

Hindrances

There are other factors that can dull the edge of joy in worshiping God. How could those at Corinth, who had lawsuits one with another, worship together with a truly joyful spirit? In their perverted attempt to eat the Lord’s supper, those who had not were put to shame. Such distinctions among themselves surely hindered a joyful spirit of worship in those who were left out. The state of confusion (chapter 14), which evidently existed in the worship assembly at Corinth, served to hinder the proper spirit of worship. The doctrinal differences of chapter fifteen did the same.

Brethren who are alienated from each other cannot worship together in a genuine spirit of joy. How can one go to the worship assembly with a joyful spirit when there is division, backbiting, and an atmosphere of coldness prevailing in the congregation? Sermons that are entirely too long, mote picking, faultfinding, hobby riding preachers who think more highly of themselves than they ought to think, hinder a joyful spirit of worship in the hearers. We understand that error must be opposed and exposed, and that gospel preaching is pointed and direct, but folks do not have to be clubbed nearly to death with every sermon!) Song leaders who seem to never be satisfied with the response they get from the worshippers can kill a joyful spirit of worship. Song leaders who ought to be in the pew, rather than before the congregation, can do the same. Who can enjoy worshipping God in song when they are constantly rebuked for some insignificant shortcoming, or the song service is dead-as-a-door-nail? Men who lead the prayers in the congregation should be ever conscious that they are to lead the minds of the worshippers as they pray. Prayers that are too long, repetitious, rambling, or inaudible hinder the joy of worship.

When knowledgeable brethren can only expect attending worship that borders on fanfare, or fanaticism, mere ritual or formalism, confusion and discord, or a funeral-like service, then their joyful spirit of worship ebbs toward an all time low!

Worship In Spirit And Truth

Jesus told the woman of Samaria: “True worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth.” In fact, He said: “They that worship him (the Father) must worship in spirit and truth” (Jn. 4:23,24). In these few words Jesus told her (and us) how all true worshippers must worship.

The New Testament tells us how the early Christians worshipped. It is our duty to duplicate what they were told to do. Only when we do so do we worship in truth (i.e. according to the teaching of the truth of God). We must learn to be satisfied with, and to enjoy, worshipping God in God’s way.

The Lord’s Supper. The first century church met on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7). This consisted of eating unleavened bread and drinking the fruit of the vine. This was as Jesus directed (Matt. 26:26-29). The elements represented the body and blood of Christ. As they ate, their minds went back to the cross. They remembered how, through His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, Jesus had rescued them from eternal condemnation and that He promised to come again and save the redeemed. This breaking of bread brought the early church together and kept them secured to the heart and core of the gospel story. So it does for Christians today. This supreme sacrifice of our Lord motivates us to have a joyful spirit of worship as we eat the Lord’s supper every first day of the week.

Prayer. Prayer always characterized the assemblies of the first century church. In 1 Corinthians 14:15 the early church was instructed to pray, and to do so in a way that all present could hear and understand. In their prayers they praised God, expressed thanksgiving to him, and made requests for his continued blessings. They prayed for the spread of the gospel, and for strength and boldness to speak the Word. Prayers for each other, and for others, were made. “Prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him” (Peter). (See Acts 12:5; see also Acts 4:21-3 1; 1 Tim. 2:1,2.) They prayed to God in response to their needs, confident that God would hear and answer. The privilege of prayer gave them a spirit of genuine joy. Christians today experience that same joy for the same reasons.

Singing. The early Christians were instructed to sing with the spirit and with the understanding as they worshipped together (1 Cor. 14:15). Singing was not only to praise God, but also to teach and admonish one another. So they sang psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and that without the accompaniment of mechanical instruments of music (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Singing in worship was, and is, an overt manifestation of a joyful spirit.

Preaching and Teaching. In their gatherings, the early saints heard God’s word preached and taught. It was done in an orderly fashion, that all might be edified (1 Cor. 14:4, 26-33). Paul, on one occasion, prolonged his speech until midnight (Acts 20:7). Those, then and now, who are interested in God’s word anticipated with great joy the gathering of the saints to hear taught and preached the great truths of the gospel. Recently a good brother told me how the teaching and preaching of God’s word had helped him in his daily life, and that he looked forward to every assembly. He has a joyful spirit of worship!

Giving. Laying by in store, as one may prosper, was a part of the first day of the week assembling of the early Christians (1 Cor. 16:1,2). This was done in order to help needy saints, and to further the work of the church in evangelizing the world, and the perfecting of the saints. The people of God realize that, in this way, they can have a part in the greatest work on earth – the saving of the souls of men and women. This not only gives one a joyful (cheerful) spirit, but satisfies the heart’s desire of all who are Christ-like (2 Cor. 9:6,7; 1 Cor. 9:6-14).

No doubt there are some among God’s people who even dread the worship service. We have discussed some of the things that contribute to this. All such hindrances should be removed. Christians are to look forward, with a joyful spirit to the assembling of themselves together (Heb. 10:25). They should enjoy each other’s company, seek to bear each other’s burdens, show a fervent love one for the other and realize a sense of community in assembling together with a joyful spirit of worshiping God. Then will our gatherings be a time of refreshment and a source of strength for daily living. God will be pleased and glorified. Heaven is the great reward!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 20, pp. 619, 630
October 18, 1984

By Titus Edwards

For a multitude of reasons, many homes are in constant turmoil. Arguments and fights between young people and their parents are unfortunately commonplace. Many young people rebel against their parents, running away from home, or despising them, just waiting until they can get out from underneath their foot. Many kids complain, “they don’t understand me,” “they treat me unfairly,” “they don’t know how things are today,” ” they are too restrictive.” I suggest to you that even young people have responsibilities in the home. Let me suggest some ideas to help you get along better with mom and dad.

First, obey them! “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Eph. 6:1). You may not always be told why or why not, but you need to submit to their authority. After all, they are your parents!

Second, heed their advice! You probably will find that their advice is pretty good. Your parents have been where you are, but you haven’t been where they are! Wisdom comes from experience. Normally, they have your best interest at heart and can be more objective about issues than you can. Proverbs 1:8 says, “My son, heed the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.” “A fool despiseth his father’s instruction, but he that regardeth reproof is prudent” (Prov. 15:5). Don’t let their advice run off like water off a duck’s back. Don’t dismiss it as “old foggy.” You will probably give your kids the same advice. Mark Twain said, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I had got to be 21, 1 was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.” Be smart enough to learn now!

Third, recognize they must discipline you! Nobody likes to be disciplined, but it is a part of growing up. Your parents are commanded to do such, for your own good, out of love. “He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chaseneth him betimes” (Prov. 13:24). Don’t ever think that because your parents might discipline you that they don’t love you! It is just the opposite. If you get punished, recognize you did wrong and deserved the punishment. Learn a lesson from it and be thankful that your parents care enough about you and what is right and wrong to try to train you right.

Fourth, respect them! this incorporates all the others. A good attitude is the key to most everything in life. It will determine how we get along with others, as well as our parents. “Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Eph. 6:2-3). Notice, you benefit by respecting your parents! They may not be perfect – they will make mistakes, but they love you and care for you. They deserve your respect because they are your parents!

Learn to communicate with your parents. Don’t create more problems by not doing your part. Fulfill your responsibilities toward your parents, and you will get along better with them!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 20, p. 622
October 18, 1984

By Bill H. Reeves

The very fruits of liberalism (I use the term in the context of the division in the brotherhood), with its sectarian concept of the church (a collectivity of all the local congregations in the world), is beginning to cause many of the converts of liberal preachers in Latin-America to see the error of the system. The very essence of any centralization, call it a Papacy, a Convention, a Missionary Society, or a Sponsoring Church, is control and domination, no matter how indirect and concealed it might be!

In the last 25 or 30 years, liberal preachers, speaking the Spanish language (Anglo-Americans and Latin-Americans), have made many converts, and established congregations (as well as Preacher-Training “Institutes”), in many countries, in some of which we conservatives have not made any in-roads. In the meantime, we conservative preachers also have been busy preaching the gospel and making converts. The liberals have not informed their converts of the division in the U.S.; we have. Now that some of the converts, made by liberals, are themselves Christians of many years and some maturity, they see that something is wrong in that domination of local churches is being exercised by certain self-styled “leaders”; it is part and parcel of the sponsoring- church concept. They resent this outside control. In the Providence of God, many of these have learned of Wayne Partain and me (and others), mainly through the commentaries, etc. in Spanish, which we have produced through the years. We are being brought together, allowing us to teach them on the “issues,” concerning which they have had virtually no prior knowledge. (They are amazed to learn that churches in the U.S. have been divided and have been out of fellowship for many years!)

In New York City, there are now five conservative Hispanic congregations. In the Dominican Republic, there are seven or eight. In Puerto Rico (where I have held two debates on the issues in the last two years), there are now three. Just this year we have preached for the first time in Costa Rica and in El Salvador, and now have an invitation to visit brethren in Guatemala. In January of this year, I was allowed to preach in only one congregation in El Salvador, in March, I preached in four; and now that Wayne and I are going again the 17th of this month, about ten congregations are inviting us. Between our trips in January and March to El Salvador, a new congregation of 50 or so was formed, and after our study with them in March, elders were appointed. Five churches in southern-most Mexico recently left liberalism, and are asking me to come help them with teaching and preaching. Invitations are also coming from Spain and Venezuela.

Of course, all this has not been without repercussions. Self-styled “leaders” among the liberals, seeing their control of churches being challenged, have, in their desperation (and I might add, in their carnality), stooped to defamation and lying, and to disfellowshipping of those who have received us, to hear us. In Costa Rica this year the big, downtown liberal church circulated a flier representing Wayne Partain with having passed through New York City last year “like a hurricane,” with the result that five churches of about I 10 members each were decimated, leaving only 40 or so members. What a colossal lie! The five churches together hardly had 110 members; one had only six at the time Wayne arrived. I had the five churches write letters, exposing the lie, but the liberal church in Costa Rica refused to confess their misrepresentation. In El Salvador I counted a dozen different lies being circulated against us, such as: we are not even members of the church of Christ, we use only one 4 4cup ” in the communion service, we don’t believe in Bible classes, nor in having church buildings, nor in American churches supporting preachers in Latin-America, we don’t believe in the Trinity, etc.

Brother Partian and I have been producing literature in Spanish for twenty years now: books of sermons, commentaries, and works on special topics. The mailing list grows almost daily, and readers among those converted by liberal “leaders” are wanting to meet us and hear us. We have prepared several works dealing with the “issues” which divided the brotherhood in the fifes and sixties. Our most recent work, just mailed out, reviews a new book written and circulated by Brother Dewayne Shappley, of Puerto Rico, in which he defends the sponsoring-church concept. Brother Gardner Hall, of New Jersey, joined Brother Partain and me in reviewing Shappley’s work, inasmuch as Shappley in his book cites and comments on a work by Gardner in Spanish. This work of ours will doubtlessly do much good, giving the Spanish-speaking readers both sides of the issue. Brother Shappley defends the position that there are two organizations revealed in the New Testament: the local church, and something else which he hasn’t yet named-that is, to my knowledge-made up of “church leaders,” like him, who propose projects to be financed by local churches.

Everywhere the liberal preachers have gone in Latin-America, they have set up a “central” church, where a “Bible Institute” (preachers’ school) is organized, and a Bible Correspondence Course is conducted, and as churches are established, everything (within their “jurisdiction” or “zone”), is controlled by the “missionaries” or “leaders,” as they call them. Pure sectarianism! Even though in studies and sermons local church independence and autonomy are taught, they are not practiced! In time the converts mature enough to see the inconsistency, but find it difficult to oppose those who converted them. As we enter the picture, not only teaching the truth on the autonomy and all-sufficiency of the local church (this takes care of the so-called Bible Institute, or preacher-school), but also practicing the same, respecting the independence of the local church and trying to set things in order so that it can have its own elders, the sparks begin to fly!

Already in recent years (and even months), a number of brethren have disassociated themselves from liberalism. Sometimes the entire congregation is saved; sometimes new congregations have had to be formed. There are men, capable of preaching and defending the truth, who need to be giving full-time to these new conservative beginnings. Their number grows almost daily as more and more are turning from liberalism. Brethren, it won’t take much to support these men who are willing to give themselves to preaching the Word. There are innumerable congregations throughout this land which can easily contribute one or two hundred dollars per month to such men, if the members are motivated to do a little more sacrificing, and this will come by informing them of the “doors of faith” (Acts 14:27) opening up to us. I have the names and addresses of the men willing to preach full-time; let me put you in contact with them. (Individual support is also an important consideration in the matter.)

Poverty is rampant in many parts of the world; there will always be poor people (Matt. 26:11). However, this fact is no consolation to the poor! God could miraculously send them manna from heaven to eat, but He has chosen to care for His own by having His own share their blessings with the needy. He has told us in His Word that one of the main reasons for working is to have wherewith to give to the needy (Eph. 4:28). Brethren, do we go to work each day with that thought in mind? A number of individuals and churches have had me be a messenger for them, to deliver financial help to extremely needy brethren in Latin America. I am glad to serve in this capacity. More of this should be done and who would be benefitted the most from it all? Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Churches have been very responsive to the requests of those of us willing to go and preach in these Spanish-speaking countries where brethren are turning from liberalism, supplying funds for the trips. There is no lack of money for this. God bless them for this. Now let more and more churches take on the (very modest) support of a good number of capable and sacrificial brethren, who in turn could accelerate the wave of conservatism that is already growing. After each trip we make to Latin America to preach, we come home with a list of new names to whom to send literature, and the recipients in turn tell others, and the daily mail includes more and more names. It is exciting to see this tremendous interest in turning to the Truth. We must not let these opportunities pass.

Write me, brethren, and let me put you in direct contact with men who with little support (as we view “regular” salaries), can get the Word to places very difficult for us to reach, and under circumstances (little food, no personal transportation in which to ride, sometimes no roads!) in which we American brethren would not care to work. We have the wealth (yes! we’re rich); they are willing to go preach. God wants us to use our blessings, which He has given us, to supply the needs of brethren elsewhere, that His Cause might be prospered throughout the world.

Where and when possible, I (and others) would be glad to come in person to inform churches in detail, so that churches and preachers might be put in direct contact, for greater evangelism in this world of sin and error. Just last week (as I write this article), two preachers returned from southern-most Mexico, forming a border with Guatemala, and reported that five congregations have recently separated themselves from liberalism. A particular brother there walks many miles, where there are no roads to travel, to reach other congregations and preach. Other brethren there work two weeks, to have wherewith to eat, and then spend two weeks preaching the gospel. Now, what do we do to match that? Just think how much more could be accomplished if some of these men could give full-time to preaching, supported by rich brethren of another country. Just what do we think God’s will is in the matter? Each one knows the answer!

Upon returning from the next proposed preaching trip to Central America (including for the first time, Guatemala), to be made in September, if God wills, I am sure that we will have exciting news to share with you. It has been like this after each trip for the last several years. May each reader glory in the exciting news!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 21, pp. 641, 665
November 1, 1984

By Calvin Essary

Happy the home when God is there
And love fills every breast
When one their wish, and one their prayer,
And one their heavenly rest.

Happy the home where prayer is heard
And praise is wont to rise;
Where parents love the sacred
Word and all its wisdom prize.

While I do not know who wrote the above lines, I do know that they go directly to the heart of the matter we are here considering. To have homes is a great privilege; to make them productive of spiritual good and happiness deserves a high priority indeed.

Christians

Christians are those people who are “the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus,” having “put on Christ” in being baptized into Him (Gal. 3:26,27). As Romans 6:4 concludes, “. . . even so we also should walk in newness of life.” We will not be able to so walk, however, without a knowledge and application of the correct directions. These directions or instructions are furnished to us in their entirety in the Bible, the Word of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16,17). We cannot know and apply these directions unless we give attention to them – study them, learn them, use them.

Bible Study In Action

Bible study is action, and produces attitudes and actions, leading even to eternal salvation. In the latter part of John 6:63, Jesus specifies: “. . .the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The Word of God is to be heard in regular and faithful proclamation in the public assemblies of the church (Acts 20:7), and in the ongoing work of each local church sounding out the Word of the Lord (1 Thess. 1:8). Christians need to take advantage as fully as possible of all this makes available to us as members of a local church. Yet if the sum total of all one gets in the way of Bible study is what goes on at the meeting house, we can expect great deficiencies and unnecessary problems in our overall attempt to “walk in newness of life.” Even if all the preacher’s sermons were always “the best,” and all the Lord’s Day and midweek classes were always “the greatest learning experiences,” and we never missed a one, a very big something would still be missing. In point of fact, if Bible study is absent on the personal and home fronts, it is far less likely we would even be all that involved in the “together” activities just listed anyway.

In The Home

In many families today, there seems to be no spiritual concern, including, of course, no Bible study. The results of this shake civilization, harm society, weaken the church, and cause souls to be lost for eternity. In families which include one or more Christians, the absence of Bible study should be unthinkable, and to the Christian or Christians involved virtually unbearable.

What do we really want and what do we really consider important for our children, husband or wife, self, and others who are a part of the home? Someone has well observed that the most essential element in any home is God. Surely Christians would agree to the statement, but will our placement of priorities in the functioning of the family testify for or against our statement? While growing up, I often heard a good preacher describe the attitudes of many as being “pleasure-mad and amusement crazy” thus without time for God and His Word in their lives. He was right then and that is still right. Recreation and fun have their rightful place and that place ought not be denied. But if every waking moment that can possibly be strained out of the family’s day and night is given just to tearing from the ball game to the television set to the club meeting to the concert to the camping trip to the next ball game, we are wearing ourselves out all right, but hardly “in His service” nor in our own! 1 Timothy 4:8 admonishes, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” Furthermore, if parents “bear down” on the children to do their homework and to otherwise excel in connection with schoolwork and secular education, but show little or no preparation (or review) of Bible class lessons, and do not actively teach the children God’s will at home, what will they “know” the really important things about life must be? We could hardly expect them to get the idea from us that it is “the kingdom of God, and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33), or that we thought there was much importance to bringing them up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). On the other hand, what should we expect such a lack of spiritual encouragement in the home to produce? Surely not cleaner lives, better citizens, Christians, stronger marriages, leaders in the church, or much hope for our grandchildren; surely not the favor of Almighty God upon us for the eternity-reaching influences we are setting in motion. Let us think seriously here on the apostle’s admonition: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7)

To be sure, there are many obvious pressures and demands upon the time and energy of family members. But you will find upon the development of the good practice of family Bible study, that no part of your time will be more pleasantly and usefully spent, and pressures otherwise felt will thereby be greatly relieved. Once again it is the idea of “try it; you’ll like it.”

How To

The next practical question that presents itself for consideration by the concerned family is “How do we do it?” Many personal factors will need to be taken into account in establishing and carrying forward your family Bible study. (The elders where you worship, or other mature Christians, will surely be happy to help you get your family started in this, if you will but bring to their attention your desires in this regard.) Work schedules, school schedules, and other things will be among the factors you will deal with. But there is the time for Bible study when there is the will. On school mornings while growing up, my brother and I found it waiting for us at the breakfast table. My children have found some of the same. During the summer months while school is not in session, seize the opportunities to get children additionally involved in reading and studying their Bibles. Depending on their ages, they would likely enjoy the challenge of a good Bible correspondence course offered by the local church, or by you! Remember too that the television set actually does have an “off” switch that even works after supper and before bedtime to clear the path for family Bible study and prayer! The main factors in how to” are (1) decide to, (2) do it, and (3) stick to it.

Conclusion

Bible study and the exerting of spiritual influence in homes, certainly where Christians are a part, must have the priority they so much deserve. Be assured God will bless you in your every good effort in this regard; often your heart will be gladdened and your steps lightened. In closing, may I suggest the following two things? (1) Go back and read again the poem at the beginning of this article. (2) Open your Bible to 1 Corinthians 15:58 and Acts 20:32 and reflect upon the implications of those verses with reference to the welfare of our families.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 20, pp. 623-624
October 18, 1984