Truth Magazine

By Frank Jamerson

Several years ago I read an article entitled “Saving the lost and losing the saved.” It lamented the fact that so many who had obeyed the gospel were falling away. The fact that the saved can be lost is clearly taught in the Bible and is too often an observable fact. In this article, we will not argue the fact, but will discuss some of the reasons for it and suggest things that we may do to prevent it.

One reason that many fall away is because of the lack of spiritual leadership. God has provided special leaders in the church in the elders. They are to be “watchmen of souls” (Heb. 13:17), “overseers of the flock” (Acts 20:17,18), and are charged with the responsibility to “tend the flock of God which is among you” (1 Pet.5:2). As spiritual leaders, they have the responsibility to know the needs of the members and oversee the provision of those needs.

Not only do elders have responsibilities, but every spiritually-minded member has an obligation to provide spiritual leadership. Paul said, “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal. 6: 1). To the Ephesians, he said, “From whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love” (Eph. 4:16). Babes in Christ need the spiritual leadership of their more mature brethren.

In our physical families, the newborn is surrounded with attention when he cries. Not only the parents but the other children want to know what is wrong. The same principle should be true in the family of God. The babe should receive our attention instead of being deserted to “sink or swim” as soon as he is born into the family. Not only babes in Christ, but any brother or sister who is undergoing trials or hardships may need our spiritual leadership. Any spiritually minded person can provide a sympathetic ear or an encouraging word, and none of us are immune from the need for those things. Let each of us be alert to the first signs of spiritual problems and provide the leadership that is needed to help the brother or sister through those problems.

Another reason that many fall away is because of evil companionships. We can get into the wrong crowd. Paul said, “Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33). Even the apostle Peter got into trouble because of “Peer Pressure.” He was “warming himself” around the enemies’ campfire, and denied the Lord (Mk. 14:54). Evil companionships “corrupted.” If he had been with good companions, he would not have been tempted. Brethren, can we not see the advantage of forming good companionships? We tell our young people to form good companionships, because we realize the value of it. Do we practice that ourselves? How long has it been since you invited another Christian to your home? How long has it been since you have been invited to the home of another Christian? Are we too busy to form good companionships?

Paul told the Corinthians to “have no company” with the wicked brother, no “not to eat” with him (1 Cor. 5:9,11). Does this not imply that they had been having company and eating with him before? When brethren in Corinth withdrew themselves from that brother, he missed them I Too often today, those who are disciplined are not treated any differently after the withdrawal, because we had no association with them anyway!

Another trend away from hospitality that I see today is churches putting preachers in motels and giving them meal tickets to the nearest restaurant because they have trouble finding anyone who is willing to “put him up” for a week. Some churches have trouble getting enough people to sign up to feed the preacher for a week during a meeting, and maybe some who do are not exactly enthusiastic about it. This may be illustrated by the story of the preacher who went home with a family the first day of a gospel meeting. The family let their young son ride with the preacher to give him directions. When they arrived, the preacher told the woman that her son had told him that they were having buzzard for dinner. The mother was upset with the boy, but he said, “You said yesterday that we may as well go ahead and have the old buzzard and get it over with.” Of course, there are preachers who do not want to be “bothered” with people too!

Brethren, there are benefits in being “given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:13). Speaking personally, not only do I benefit, but our children have greatly benefitted by our keeping the preacher during a gospel meeting. They have actually cried when the visiting preacher left, after having lived with us for a week. If brethren knew what they were missing by not keeping the preacher during meetings, they would have problems deciding who would get him. Many people have extra room, and most preachers enjoy being with people and are not really different from human beings! You don’t have to entertain him; just show hospitality.

The early Christians spent time together. “And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart” (Acts 2:46). This may account partially for the unity that existed among them. Getting acquainted is closely connected with getting along. Many church fusses today result from the lack of understanding among brethren. “They would have to be friends to talk to one another like that” carries a thought that we should consider. We can worship together from now till the day we die, and we will not really “know” one another unless we associate at home. The failure to do this may have contributed to the “social halls” provided by the church. Brethren recognize the value of eating together, but individuals “will not do it,” so they have substituted the church supported kitchens and “fellowship halls.” Those things are wrong, but is it not also wrong when we do not teach and practice hospitality?

A third reason that many fall away is the failure to study. God, through the prophet Hosea, said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hos.4:6). That sounds like a modern day statement of fact. The lack of knowledge among Christians is appalling, and inexcusable. In addition to taking time to read, many could learn without expending effort if they would simply take a tape recorder along on trips and listen to Bible reading or sermons.

Our physical bodies cannot be healthy without proper nourishment. Oh, that our spirits would crave “food” like our bodies do! One meal a week will not keep a person healthy – either spiritually or physically. If we knew how little spiritual food some brethren get, we may wonder why they didn’t die sooner, rather than why they did die! There is no substitute for study. If we do not do it, we will die.

The final reason we suggest for many falling away is a love of the world. The word “worldly” is found twice in the KJV. In Hebrews 9:1 it refers to the physical sanctuary of the Old Testament. Men today may be “worldly” because of too much emphasis on material things. It is used in Titus 2:12 of “worldly lusts.” These are the “lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life” (1 Jn.2:15-17). When Christians do not have their priorities straight, or are not fully committed to Christ, they are easily led away from God. We must realize that spiritual things are more important than physical (Jn.6:27), and that we are to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess.5:22).

Brethren, we can guard against backsliding ourselves, and we can help others if we will become spiritual leaders, be given to hospitality, study God’s word daily and avoid worldliness in every form.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 17, pp. 513, 533
September 6, 1984

By Tom Roberts

It is not unusual these days to hear a teenager say to his parents, “I’m so tired of all these rules and regulations that you lay down for me that I’ll be glad when I’m on my own and can do as I please!” Quite often the “rules and regulations” to which they refer are those which are for their own good, however vex-some. While it is possible that parents can sometimes be unfair and arbitrary in fixing rules, most often parents have the good of their children in mind when they supply the regulations for a family.

Children are often too impatient to attempt to see the wisdom behind rules. They are not looking at events from the mature standpoint that only years of experience can bring; they are viewing events through the impatience and immaturity of youth. Such immaturity seldom seeks to find the wisdom behind a rule, particularly if it interferes with the immediate gratification of a desire. The guiding light of youth is expressed in the sentiment “I want. . .” and “I want it now. . .” Consequently, when any restricting rule is enforced which inhibits or restricts, a young person who has no respect for experience or for the biblical injunction of obedience will rebel. Whether the rule is a curfew on dating nights, attendance at worship services, homework, housework or personal grooming guidelines, compliance is grudging, if at all.

Adding to this problem is the fact that young people are encouraged in rebellion by their peers at school, by a lawless generation and by lyrics of music which teach and propagate a rebellious spirit. Parents are portrayed as old-fashioned, over-the-hill, “out of it” and unfair. With a wave of the hand, all experience of a preceding generation of parents is dismissed if it interferes with “doing your thing.” And not too subtly, the mistakes of the older generation are used to show the irony of anyone “telling me what to do.” However, if, with all our experience and regulations we have made such a botch of things, what will a generation do that refuses to respect experience or be restricted? Already we are reaping the terrible results of this philosophy in broken homes, abortion, drug addiction, increased crime rates and a multitude of problems. Unlicenced restraint surely is not the answer!

But if our young people get their way, if they overthrow all restrictions, and if they get out on their own, they need to realize something. They really are on their own!

If I know the intentions of most parents, it has been their purpose to provide a kind of life that will prepare their children to be on their own and to prosper. Parents lay down rules and regulations so that when their children leave home, they will be prepared morally, spiritually and educationally to meet the challenges of life and be productive. These are the basic reasons for rules in the home. It is inevitable, given the normal course of events, that children leave home. The question is, “Will they be prepared when they leave home?” As parents, we fully agree with our children that, when they leave home, “you are on your own.” In fact, we realize it more fully than our children!

You are on your own spiritually. No longer will the parents be held accountable for the actions of the children. For a time when children are young, the Lord holds parents responsible for the teaching and training of their offspring. But a time comes when a child ceases to be the ward of another and becomes an adult in his own right. At that time, responsibility for actions ceases to be that of the parent and passes, irrevocably, to the child. Beyond this point you answer to God at the judgment for what you do. Truly you are on your own.

You are on your own morally. While you were at home, there were restraining teachings about fornication, drinking, companions, movies, books, magazines, etc. Now that you are “on your own,” there are no restraints. You will be able to do as you please, when you please and where you please. But you will also be accountable for these actions. As Solomon said, “But know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment ” (Eccl. 11: 10)

Yes, my friend, you will be on your own, to stand or fall, for good or bad. There will be no one to blame but yourself. Your mistakes will be yours and no guilt can be handed back to your parents any longer. And there is an additional thought worthy of consideration: when you have children, you will be faced with the same responsibilities your parents had. If you love your children, if you want their life to prosper, if you want them to grow up respecting others and being prepared to face life, you will have to set some rules. And the cycle will have come full circle! You will be the parent and your children will be saying, “Boy, when I leave home and get on my own, I’ll do what I want to do.” And when you hear these words (probably not before then), you will appreciate what your parents went through to raise you. The next time you want “out on your own,” think about it.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 17, pp. 515, 533
September 6, 1984

By Tom Roberts

Occasionally some good brother or sister will object to militant preaching or writing and suggest that we should have more “brotherly love, concern and gentleness” for one another than to be direct and critical in opposing others. I suggest, with all brotherly love, concern, and gentleness, that such good brethren have never experienced being on “the firing line” and do not realize what is involved in fighting for truth.

How wonderful it would be if every person on earth had a tender conscience! All that would be required to convert them to Christ would be a simple explanation of the gospel. But the fact remains that not every one has a tender conscience and not everyone is interested in following the Lord. It is a rather naive view that sees every person as willing and ready to obey, eager to follow the Bible. It is absolutely essential to understand that there are false teachers (both in and out of the church), hardened consciences, overbearing personalities, perverters of truth, and people with no scruples who are willing and able to lead the unwary astray. Jesus Christ met such people in His day, the apostles had to deal with them, and so will we. If you think strong preaching is unChrist-like, read Matthew 23. If you think it is wrong to be specific against false teachers, read 2 Timothy 1:20, et al. Paul did not refer to some of his companion preachers as “fellow-soldiers” for nothing. They were on the firing line, engaged in a battle for truth and souls, and they were ready for the battle.

What would you think of a city council or mayor that told all the policemen to empty their guns, lay down their weapons and patrol the crime-ridden sections of the city with “brotherly love, concern and gentleness”? How far do you think a policeman would get by approaching a drug-crazed thug with a smile and “positive thoughts”? How long will a robber sit still while a law enforcement officer discusses the Beatitudes? Even the all-merciful Father recognized the need to meet criminals with force and ordained the government to bear not the sword in vain (Rom. 13). But, someone says, “It is different in religious matters.” Is it? If you think so, you have missed a vital point.

Just as there is a criminal element in our society that is beyond the reach of social rehabilitation, there are religious frauds, false teachers, determined errorists who are set on getting their way and who will not be stopped short of open confrontation. If you think otherwise, it is your lack of experience talking. True, there are still some who are honestly in error who can be reached and we must always arrange our approach to people according to their needs. if we fail to do this, we will drive honest seekers away from the truth. But when we allow false teachers to operate freely without opposition because we feel compelled to deal with them gently, we give them a deadly advantage.

A soldier on the firing line must know the enemy. He must deal effectively with such when they appeal. People living back in the countryside away from the firing lines live tranquil and quiet lives because of the diligence of that soldier on the firing line. They have little room to criticize his militant behavior; their safety depends on it. Even so, members of the church who enjoy the fellowship of a faithful church and unity of the local brethren should not criticize those who face the firing line and defend the cause of truth against the dedicated false teacher. Nor should we forget that there are times when “wolves” invade the local church and would “devour the flock” (Acts 20:28ff). When this happens, there must be men willing to stand and face the enemy or the local church will be destroyed. Sweetness and smiles have little effectiveness in such situations; rather they call for the “sword of the spirit” and the “whole armor of God. ” There are times to fight as well as quiet times for worship.

When people object to strong teaching, I wonder what would have happened if they had lived in the days of Paul. Paul had his enemies, you know. They accused this wonderful soldier of the cross of being overbearing, of taking too much authority upon himself, of being caustic in his writings. What would you have said to these people? “Yes, I think Paul should be sweeter. I wish he would not say such harsh things.” Would that be your attitude? I remind you that Paul spoke because God put the words in his mouth. “I think God should be sweeter. I wish God would not say such harsh things.” Does this put a different light on it? If the Lord could love all men equally well and yet stand against false teachers, we should not be otherwise.

Standing on the firing line is dangerous enough, with the enemy in front of you. But it becomes doubly dangerous when brethren standing safely behind the lines take pot-shots at you because they think you too militant. One enemy at a time is enough, thank you. Brethren, we need men and women of courage. We must remember that there are “many false prophets gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). When they appear they must be met and overcome. If you are not willing to face the enemy, don’t tie the hands of those who are willing to do so. Support them. Encourage them. And remember – if men on the firing line lose their battle it will be on your doorstep next. Who’ll fight the wolves then?

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 16, pp. 481, 499
August 16, 1984

By Ramon A. Madrigal

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:18b-20 NIV).

These words of Jesus, commonly referred to as the “Great Commission,” have throughout the ages been a source of motivation to disciplined (i.e. disciple) Christians everywhere to zealously perform the task of evangelism. Yet while many brethren fully realize the implications of this passage to those who would carry their cross daily, others often point to the preacher to do their Divine decree. These apathetic (or should I say “pathetic”?) Christians try to defend their continual. neglect by claiming that they are not equipped (as is the preacher) to teach anybody, much less than “all nations.” While it is true that some have been blessed with teaching talents, personal charm, and the “gift of gab,” we often overlook something of striking importance in this passage. Jesus not only commands, but promises! He says, “I will be with you always.”

While many obstacles confront the Christian in his quest for souls, Christ provides constant companionship in our efforts to seek and save the lost. Yes, we are sometimes less than perfect teachers of the Word; sometimes we are sloppy in our “cottage” presentations, often weak in our social prowess, fumbling through our feeble vocabulary for the right words; but we are not alone. Jesus promises to be with us. Perhaps it would be helpful to look at some heroes of the Old Testament era and notice how God accomplished His great purposes through weak and sometimes reluctant men.

God Used Men

In Genesis 12, the Lord Yahweh calls Abram and commands him to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household and to go to the land that God would show him. We might imagine ourselves hesitating at such prospects, but Abram quickly did as he was told. Whatever Abram might have thought about the matter, he demonstrated his loyalty and faithfulness to Yahweh by his actions (see James 2). What we need to notice, however, is that along with the command came a promise: “I will make you a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you will I curse; and all people on earth will be blessed through you” (vv. 2-1).

The story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 beautifully demonstrates the providence of God. Sold into slavery at the tender age of seventeen, Joseph rose to a prominent position in his master’s house, only to be cast into prison at the hands of a scheming woman. When most people would have given up all hope to despair, the faithful Joseph patiently waited for God to act. He soon became ruler over all Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. This history should comfort all Christians today in their efforts to serve Him even in times of trouble (see Rom. 8:28). God has promised the “crown of life” to all those who are “faithful unto death” (Rev. 2: 10).

While Abram and Joseph readily accepted their assigned duties, the great Lawgiver himself, Moses, was rather reluctant at his responsibility. Upon being commissioned by God to “bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt” (Ex. 3:11), Moses replied, “Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh . . . ?” He later complained (as many do today) of being uneloquent in speech, with a slow tongue. Yet Moses was forgetting the Lord’s promise of strength and support. In verse 12, Yahweh assured His servant that “I certainly will be with you. . . . ” This is a continual covenant God makes with His messengers. His steadfast promise gives us strength, comfort, and courage as we shine our lights in a darkened and dismal world. We need to remember, as did Moses, that although the task before us is awesome in scope and eternal in consequence, God has not left us alone. He continued with Joshua as He did with Moses, and that promise was reissued to Israel’s new leader (cf. Deut. 31:23 and Josh. 1:59). This is a profound principle. God does not leave us to our own devices to struggle without His presence, but He blesses us with Himself.

When God sent Gideon to save Israel from the Midianites, Gideon was perplexed at his unlikely qualifications as a savior. The least in position in his father’s poor household, Gideon exclaimed: “How can I save Israel?” Notice God’s promise: “Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man” (Judg. 6:15-16). This blessing seems contagious once we look at it from a biblical perspective. Upon a thorough examination of the Scriptures, one quickly recognizes the fact that God’s promises are steadfast and sure, and that our feeble excuses (from evangelism) do not free us from responsibility but exhibit weakened faith. While it is true that it is often difficult to preach Christ to ungodly colleagues and profane neighbors, it is equally true that Christ gives us the necessary strength and energy to accomplish all things (Phil. 4:13). Jesus’ words in Matthew 28 need not haunt us for neglected duty but excite us to spiritual opportunity. Inherent in the Great Commission is a Great Promise! That no matter what may happen in our evangelistic efforts, we are not alone – for God is with us! Indeed, He is with us always!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 15, p. 468
August 2, 1984