Truth Magazine

By Titus Edwards

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!” We all recognize the need for recreation and entertainment. We need the diversion from our normal routines; the refreshment and relaxation that recreation provides. And to be honest about it, we all enjoy recreation and entertainment! With a good standard of living prevalent and much free time to spend, more and more time is being spent on leisurely activities.

What do we do for entertainment? Most young people decide that question on the basis of whatever they enjoy doing. If it is sports, or bowling, or going to a movie, then so be it. If it ig going to wild parties, dancing, drinking, or speeding around town showing off, then so be it. Let me suggest that much of the recreation of young people is ungodly. We, as God’s children, hopefully concerned about right and wrong, need to be a little more discriminating in the kinds of leisurely activities that we engage in. The philosophy of, “eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we get older and can’t have any more fun” certainly misleads us into worldly amusements.

How can we decide what forms of recreation and entertainment we should and should not do? Easy! Just let the Bible be your guide! If you think that sounds a little simplistic, then I agree with you! It is not that easy! Indeed the Bible must be our guide in this matter (2 Tim.3:16-17), but the answers are not always so clear cut and easy. Oh, there are some things that the Bible specifically condemns, like unmarried sex, drinking, using drugs, etc. (Gal.5:19-21). But most of you would recognize that these things are wrong. If you do them, it is in willful violation of God’s word, and you knew that at the time.

But let us remember that the Bible is a book of principles. Everything is not spelled out in “thou shalt nots. ” Specifics of sin may change with different cultures, but principles can always apply. The key is getting your heart right! Be truly concerned about righteousness and serving God. If you do, then you can take the principles of the Scriptures and have little trouble in determining what you should and should not do. Here are some guidelines to help you.

Is it a form of evil? (1 Thess.5:22)

Is it illegal? (Rom.13:1-7)

Is it physically harmful? (1 Cor.6:19-20)

Will it hurt my Influence? (Rom.14:21; 1 Tim.4:12)

Does it gain control of me? (1 Cor.6:12)

Will it create lust? (James 1:14; 1 Jn.2:16)

Will it violate my conscience? (Rom.14:23)

Will it associate me with evil? (Eph.5:11)

Young people, don’t play with fire! Much recreation is really “wreck-reation” for it wrecks and ruins the lives of those who involve themselves in it. Learn these principles. Seek to apply them. The key is in recognizing that Christianity effects every phase of your life, right down to what you do for recreation and entertainment. Be concerned enough about going to heaven to let the principles of God guide you, not just “whatever feels good, do it!”

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 17, p. 520
September 6, 1984

By Hoyt Houchen

Question: Would you please explain Mark 9:38-40 and Luke 9:49,50? Christ said “not to hinder” yet many denominations do and claim many things in the name of Christ.

Reply: The account in Mark 9:38-40 is as follows: “John said unto him, Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followed not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man who shall do a mighty work in my name, and be able to speak evil of me.” The incident as recorded by Mark is developed a little more fully than that of Luke; but they are parallel accounts, so the wording is about the same.

Neither this passage nor any other Bible passage justifies denominationalism. In our text, we see a man who was casting out demons in the name of Christ. John and the other disciples had forbidden him because he was not following with them, but was independent of the group. However, Jesus said, “Forbid him not: for he that is not against you is for you” (Lk.9:50).

The explanation of this passage is found in the expression “in thy name.” This man was casting out demons in the name of Jesus. He was doing what Jesus authorized; thus, this was not the reason that John and the other disciples forbade the man. They did not forbid him because he was casting out demons in the name of Christ, but because “he followeth not with us.” This was their reason. Simply because this man was working apart from the disciples did not make his work unauthorized. His work was sanctioned, even though he was unknown to John and the other disciples. This is why Jesus encouraged the man’s work. Brethren today may be separated by thousands of miles and may be unknown to one another; but if they are all doing the Lord’s work, the Lord endorses them. It is refreshing to meet brethren in distant fields who are doing what the New Testament authorizes them to do.

“In the name of the Lord” means by the Lord’s authority but we should carefully note that all who claim to be doing their work in the name of the Lord are not doing so. The Scriptures alone must determine this. Those who sprinkle and pour water, claiming it to be baptism, or who use mechanical instruments in worship, are not doing these things in the name of the Lord even though they claim to be. The man whom John was forbidding was not in that category; he was working in harmony with the Lord’s will. Anyone should be encouraged to do this.

It is only right and proper to forbid a person to act if his action is wrong. For instance, the mouths of false teachers should be stopped (Tit. 1:10, 11). But on the other hand, if we find those who are acting in accord with the teaching of God’s word, they should be encouraged. We are not to forbid people’s actions only upon the basis that they are unknown to us and not in our own particular circle of activity. This is the mistake John and the other disciples made – “he followeth not with us.” Although denominationalism may teach and practice some things which are scriptural, it promotes division and its very existence is the antithesis of the unity for which Jesus prayed (Jn.17:20,21) and for which Paul wrote (1 Cor. 1:10). Denominationalism does not exist “in the name of Christ,” and therefore it is without divine sanction.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 17, p. 522
September 6, 1984

By Raymond E. Harris

In Romans 6: 1, the Apostle Paul sets forth the foregoing question and then answers with a thunder, “God Forbid!” At this time, we will lift the question from its technical setting and stress some simple but challenging questions.

1. Shall We Continue In Sin When We Know Its Origin? In 1 John 3:4, we learn that, “Sin is the transgression of the law.” And, in 1 John 3:8, we are further informed that “the devil sinneth from the beginning.” Further, everyone who has read, so much as the first three chapters of the first book of the Bible will remember that it was the serpent (Satan) who enticed Eve to commit the first sin.

Yes, in Genesis 3:1-6, the serpent lied by assuring Eve she would not die if she disobeyed God. Further, the serpent implied that God had selfish reasons for insisting that Adam and Eve abstain from the one forbidden tree. In John 8:44, Jesus said, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him.”

Hence, those who engage in rebellious acts against the will of God are said to be servants (slaves of both Satan and sin). Such are described as Satan’s children in Satan’s family, rebellious wicked citizens of Satan’s kingdom.

It would seem that if our knowledge of sin was limited only to the foregoing – we would flee from all unrighteousness. Who among us would want to be in the kingdom of Hitler or the child of a Charles Manson. Much more, how awful to be the slave child of the devil! Knowing the origin of sin, shall we continue in sin! God Forbid!

2. Shall We Continue In Sin When We Know Its History! Some histories are interesting and worthwhile, but the history of sin is dark and dreadful. As every Bible student knows, the black history of sin begins in Genesis 3:6. On that occasion, first Eve and then Adam disregarded the reasonable limitations of God, questioned His integrity, and willfully disobeyed Him.

The consequences of their iniquity were immediately forthcoming! They began to die physically. But, even worse, they died spiritually! The word “death,” means “separation.” Hence, we see that physical death is the separation of the body and the spirit. And spiritual death is the separation of the eternal soul from God!

It seems that once sin (rebellion) was loose in the world it has rolled like a tidal wave over generation after generation. In Genesis 3, Eve and Adam sinned. In Genesis 4, Cain became the world’s first murderer. And by Genesis 6, ten generations have come upon the earth. At that point God noted that “the wickedness of man was great in the earth” (Gen. 6:5). Hence, through the grace of God and the righteousness of Noah and his family, human life on earth was allowed to continue. All others died because of their iniquity.

But, as we continue to Genesis 12, we learn that after another ten generations mankind was rebellious and as wicked as before the flood. Hence, at that point, God called Abram to separate himself and form a special people from whom Jesus, the Savior could come.

As we turn on through our Bibles we learn that sin:

a. Caused the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

b. Caused the downfall and death of King Saul.

c. Caused shame and a life time of woe to King David.

d. Caused both Israel and Judah to spend 70 years in slavery.

e. Caused the crucifixion of Jesus.

f. Causes the damnation of all who will not turn to Christ and obey the gospel.

Also, when we consider the history of sin, we find that the page of our life is also there! Sin has and will continue to create misery, sorrow and despair in our lives so long as we live.

Truly, when we consider the history of sin, we should determine that we will not continue therein. God forbid!

3. Shall We Continue In Sin When We Know Its Trend? There is no question, the trend of sin has always been and always shall be downward. No one ever became a better person by flaunting and rebelling against the laws of God.

In 2 Timothy 3:13, Paul wrote, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse . . . .” And so, sin is invariably a progressive influence. Sin sears the conscience and the last sin eases the way for the next.

A classic example of the progressiveness of sin is seen in the lives of Joseph’s older brethren as revealed in Genesis 37. As the story unfolds, we learn that Jacob loved his son Joseph more than any of his ten older sons. From this volatile environment came forth a growing and progressive evil attitude on the part of these ten young men. The Bible tells us that their emotions and actions evolved from hate, to envy, to selling their own brother as a slave and finally to the cunning deception of their father. Hence, we see the initial sins of jealousy, hate and envy, open the doors to such violent sins as assault and kidnaping.

Invariably one sin will lead to another and the second is usually worse than the first. So, unless we “come to” ourselves and wake up to what sin is doing to us, there will come total destruction of both body and soul. Truly, we cannot take fire unto our bosom and not be burned! Sin separates from God, it damns the soul, and it will not be allowed in heaven.

Shall we continue in sin? God forbid!

4. Shall We Continue In Sin When We Know Its Results? The results of sin have been so varied and devastating it is impossible to really comprehend the vastness of sin and the immeasurableness of the suffering it has caused.

Sin has destroyed reputations, good names, family trust, marital happiness and self-respect. A night’s unrestricted indulgence in sin has produced separation, divorce and murder. A night’s unrestricted indulgence in sin has produced illegitimate children, introduction into crime, incurable disease, disgrace, imprisonment and premature death.

Also, sin has destroyed minds and emotions as well as physical bodies. Sanitariums and asylums abound with both perpetrators and victims of sin. Mental breakdowns and suicide are common results of ungodliness.

And then, the ultimate result of sin is the everlasting loss of the soul. Physical and mental suffering are devastating. However, loss of the soul is even worse. Jesus explained that the wicked would be cast into “outer darkness” where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” He later said those cursed by sin, would depart “into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. ” And in John 5:28-29, the Lord explained that on judgment day, “all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth.” And He further explains that those that have lived evil lives will come forth, “unto the resurrection of damnation.”

My friend, when we consider the results of sin, even in our own lives, we should be shocked into repentance. Who among us has not suffered greatly physically and mentally because of sin. And what about our souls? When we consider that life is short and judgment is sure, shall we continue in sin? God forbid!

5. Shall We Continue In Sin When We Know Its Remedy? In Romans 6:23, Paul warns that “the wages of sin is death . . .” And in Galatians 5:19-21, he enumerates the “works of the flesh.” He declares that those who continue in such wretched ways “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

And when Paul, wrote to the Philippians he helps us to understand that good worthwhile thoughts help prevent sin. He explains that we should dwell on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report. However, these good thoughts will not remedy or remove the sins we have already committed.

Yet, we must realize that with the sacrifice of Jesus and the preaching of the gospel, remission of sins is now possible. Yes, forgiveness of sins is now available to all. You remember Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

But, what is the remedy for sin?

a. Belief in God (Heb. 11:6); in Jesus (John 3:16); in the gospel (Rom. 1:16, Mk. 16:16b).

b. Repentance or turning from sin (Lk. 13:3; Acts 17:30; Acts 2:38).

c. Confession that Jesus is the Son of God (Matt. 10:32; Acts 8:36-37; Rom. 10:10).

d. Baptism (immersion) in water (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:38-39; 18:8; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-5).

So, we see that the grace of God has provided a way of escape! Yes, by accepting Jesus as our Savior and obeying the terms or conditions that God has laid down, anyone can have remission of his sins. This obedience and remission of sins by God, allows each one to be a Christian, a member of Christ’s Church, and a citizen of God’s Kingdom!

Considering that there is a remedy for sins, shall we continue in sin? God forbid!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 16, pp. 492-493
August 16, 1984

By Elan B. Morkendall

Someone has said that sermonettes are preached by preacherettes and produce Christianettes. If that be true there is real danger that the church will be filled with Christianettes in the near future.

That this trend is contrary to the examples found in the New Testament no one can successfully deny. At Troas, “Paul preached unto them . . . and continued his speech until midnight . . . . And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep. and as Paul was long preaching, he sank down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.” After Paul restored him to life he “talked a long while, even till break of day” (Acts 20:7-11). This was certainly not a sermonette.

It might be said, however, that the sermon Peter preached on Pentecost was short. Certainly the time required to read this sermon as recorded in Acts 2 would not be very great. But verse 40 says, “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” We have no way of knowing just how long Peter actually preached. Certainly the above Scripture tells us plainly that his was not a modern 15-minute sermonette.

No one would contend that a preacher should make his sermons long merely for sake of length. A fifteen minute sermon stretched to an hour and a half certainly gets too thin. But if he has the spiritual food in his sermons that they should contain to make and develop strong Christians, it will take some time to present each one to the audience. Certainly by careful preparation many sermons can be presented in much less time than is sometimes used. But to condense too much is to take away the beauty and personal touch until it is no longer appealing. Who wants to replace his delicious meals with concentrated vitamin tablets and dehydrated foods?

David said, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psm. 122:1). If a person is thus interested in worshiping God, he will not complain if the sermon is a little long. Those who complain at a sermon of reasonable length are not really interested in worshiping God at all. They merely want to salve their consciences or they would not attend the services at all.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1,2). The person who obeys this command will enjoy worshiping God. If you do not enjoy it, you should “set your affections on things above. ” This is as much a command as any other command God has given. The fact that God commands it shows clearly that it is possible for man to obey it. You can learn to enjoy worshiping God. Suppose you fail to learn this lesson while in this life. What would be your plight if you were to go to heaven but could not enjoy a long period of worship? In that celestial city there will be no continuous period of worship throughout eternity. Those who tire of worship quickly would be entirely out of place in that eternal city. The fact is they will never go there. “Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation ” (Heb. 9:28). Those who do not anxiously await His return will not be received up by Him. Those who anxiously await His return will be glad to spend time in studying His Word and worshiping Him.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 16, pp. 501-502
August 16, 1984