Truth Magazine

By Earl E. Robertson

When one is dissatisfied with God’s ways yet seeks to be religious, he will make substitution here and there to placate his conscience. Religious people are constantly engaged in substituting the human for the divine. However, one has never been able to arrogate unto himself the power necessary to make nay changes in what God wants in the human family; one’s efforts so presumptuously displayed only call for divine displeasure and judgment. Saul’s substitution (1 Sam. 15) well illustrates this fact.

God teaches us to be holy and righteous. Paul says God’s grace teaches us that “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Tit. 2:12). There are some who feign this character of living while actually living otherwise. This particular “Christian” will usually attend the Sunday morning service and give nominal service to God. This duplicitous and hypocritical service only salves one’s conscience making it possible for him to continue to lie, cheat, fornicate, dope, and fit into general society while at the sam time “holding to God’s hand”! One cannot substitute a life of lust for the life of purity that God demands.

Prayer is a wonderful blessing but it is often abused and misused. Solomon wrote, “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination” (Prov. 28:9). There is no value to saint or sinner in substituting prayer for the doing of what God says. Prayer was much of the life of Jesus and the early church. The apostles gave themselves continually to prayer (Acts 6:4), and the early Christians prayed without ceasing (Acts 12:5; 1 Thess. 5:17), because praying by the righteous was effectual (James 5:16). Alien sinners are taught by preachers to pray for salvation, but the word of God does not so teach them. Faith, repentance, confession and baptism are the essentials for salvation given by the Lord. Contrary to this plainly states plan, people are trying to “pray through” for salvation. It is a rejection of what God says and a substituting for it. While at the same time some claiming to be Christians flagrantly disobey God – even in the contemplation of it fix prayer in their mind as an escape from God’s judgment. All such substitution is rebellion and disobedience to God. Blessings are to be had in doing his will, not substitution for it. God must have His way!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 11, p. 338
June 7, 1984

By Ken Weliever

The English poet John Donne once wrote, “No man is an island unto himself.” We might amend Donne’s statement to “no Christian is an island unto himself. ” Christianity is a religion of relationships with people. We cannot live a hermit-like existence and fulfill the commands of Christ. We have responsibilities in the home, the community, on our jobs and within the body of Christ. Christians need to learn how to get along with people.

The early Christians in Acts 2:47 were “praising God, and having favor with all the people.” Their disposition and demeanor was one of getting along with each other and folks in the community. Being a Christian does not mean we are always fussing within and fighting without. While some folks may not like us because of our stand for truth, it ought not to be said that we are hard to get along with because of a poor attitude. Let us think of some practical suggestions that will help us in having favor with people.

Show An Interest In Others

Dale Carnegie said, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” This concept is not a trick just to use people. Nor is it simply an appropriate social grace. It is indeed a divine precept. Paul said, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interest but also for the interest of others” (Phil. 2:4, NASB). While Jesus Christ was on earth, He gave personal attention to people – their needs, desires and ambitions. Such accounts as the woman at the well (John 4:5-26) and Zaccheaus (Lk. 19:1-10) demonstrate this fact. We need to be like our Master and show an interest in others, if we are to enjoy their favor.

Care For Others

Coupled with an interest in people, there needs to be a genuine care and concern for the welfare of others. Many in our world have become cold and calloused toward the needs of their fellow man. Christians, however, are to be sensitive, caring and sharing people. “There should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Cor. 12:26). This means we “rejoice with them that rejoice and weep with them that weep” (Rom. 12:15). Can we do that? Or, do we gleefully say concerning someone’s problems, “Well, he had it coming to him”? Does envy and jealousy forbid us to rejoice in the good fortune of a friend or brother causing us to look at them with jaundiced eyes and bitter hearts? Do we care?

Be Cheerful

Another key in having favor with people is being cheerful. No one likes a sourpuss. Keep the corners of your mouth turned up. Hide your pains, pressures and problems under a smile. We will convert more people when the world sees Christians with a radiant, cheerful countenance. The Philippian letter characterizes the Christian’s life as one of joy. The writer speaks of “the joy of faith” (1:25). He says, “we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus” (3:3). Is that us? Someone said they had seen happier faces on iodine bottles than in some worship services! Since Christianity is such a joyful way of life, why are many so sullen when we come together to praise God? If we experience the “joy of faith,” why do we act so sour and surly in our homes, on our jobs and in the community? Smile brethren! Not only will you feel better (Prov. 17:22), but it will help you in having favor with people.

Keep An Open Mind

Sometimes we confuse matters of faith with our personal opinion. Listen to the other fellow’s point of view; allow him to differ fromyou. Even in matters of faith we can differ without being difficult to get along with. We can discuss without being disgusting in our attitudes and actions. Remember Paul’s inspired advice to Timothy: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves . . . ” (2 Tim. 2:24-25).

Be Slow To Speak

How many disagreements with neighbors, disruptions in the home and divisions among brethren could have been avoided if we would have been “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (Jas. 1: 19)? The wise man said, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1). This is hard for some of us, but having favor with people demands that we apply this divine principle in human relations.

Be Quick To Encourage

While we should be slow to criticize, we should be quick to encourage and edify one another. We need to be like the prophet of old who penned: “The Lord hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in a season to him that is weary” (Isa. 50:4). Become the kind of person who always has something good to say about someone else, a word of encouragement, or a compliment for a job well done. This will go a long way toward developing favor with people.

Practice The Golden Rule

When in doubt on how to treat someone or what to say, follow the law laid down by Jesus, sometimes known as the golden rule: “Therefore, whatsoever you want men to do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12). This rule sums up all principles of human relationships.

Specific Application

These suggestions can help us all in having favor with people. But the virtue is not in knowing what is right, but in doing what is right. Briefly think of some specific applications we can make of these principles in our daily lives.

(1) In our homes. Husbands love your wives. Be affectionate and courteous. Wives respect your husbands. Be interested in their activities. Talk kindly to each other and your children and teach them the same.

(2) In our neighborhoods. Speak well of your neighbors. Look for ways to help them. Let your light shine.

(3) Among brethren. Refrain from gossip and backbiting. Purge your heart of envy and jealousy. “Be kind one to another with brotherly love” (Rom. 12: 10). “Let each one of you regard one another as more important than himself” (Phil. 2:3).

(4) To non-Christian prospects. Be careful not to appear smug and self-righteous. Treat them with dignity and respect. Win their favor, so you can influence them to be receptive to the truth.

(5) Toward enemies. Love them. Pray for them. Refuse to sink to their level. Let God be the judge.

Conclusion

Having favor with people is not only good, but it is the will of God. Our suggestions are summed up in the words of Lord Balfour who said, “The best thing to give your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.”

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 12, pp. 353, 377
June 21, 1984

By Daniel L. Holloway

In Acts 4, we find the apostles Peter and John being tried by the Jewish council. Verse 13 says that the council “took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Now let us ask ourselves how the council recognized this. First of all, when they questioned the apostles, Peter proclaimed that he was acting under the authority of Jesus whom, he affirmed, was the Christ. Also, from the wording of verse 13, it seems that some of the council remembered seeing Peter and John with Jesus. Finally, it is very likely that the Jewish authorities saw the parallel between the apostles’ bold manner of teaching and their miracle, and the teaching and miracles of Jesus. It is this last factor upon which we will focus our attention.

The apostle Paul was never a companion of our Lord and yet it can be said that he “had been with Jesus.” In Galatians 2:20, Paul declares, “Christ lives in me” and, in 1 Corinthians 11:1, he explains, “I follow the example of Christ.” This should be the case with us as well. Jesus charged the twelve apostles, who had literally been with Him (Acts 1:21,22), “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). Since a disciple is a follower of a teacher, our conduct should be like those of whom it was observed “they had been with Jesus.”

How then did the apostles and other New Testament disciples conduct themselves?

(1) They “all with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer” (Acts 1:13,14). They “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:41,42). “Day by day,” they continued “steadfastly with one accord” (Acts 2:47). Here we have a beautiful picture of real fellowship with God and brethren – a deep abiding devotion to God unspoiled by faction and strife.

(2) They preached whenever they had an opportunity. When a miracle drew a crowd, Peter preached to them (Acts 3), and when the council questioned the apostles’ authority, Peter preached to them also (Acts 4:5-12). When persecution scattered Christians, they “went about preaching the word” (Acts 8:1-4). Too often today, we do not even recognize our opportunities, much less use them.

(3) They gave God the kind of respect He deserves as God. When the very men who had Christ crucified commanded the apostles not to preach in the name of Jesus and threatened them, they responded with, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:28,29) and “We cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard” (Acts 4:18-21). When Ananias and Sapphira died for their hypocrisy, “great fear came upon the whole church.” The brethren in Jerusalem took God seriously.

(4) They prayed fervently, fully aware of their dependence on God. When persecuted, they asked God to take note of their enemies and to enable them to boldly proclaim His word (Acts 4:21,23-30).

Let us examine ourselves. Do we live like that? If we were carried back in time and placed alongside Peter and John before the Jewish council, would they think that we “had been with Jesus”? Paul says that “the hope of glory” is Christ in you” (Col. 1:27).

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 11, pp. 340-341
June 7, 1984

By Raymond E. Harris

In Titus 2:12, we are informed that “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” It is important that everyone understands the meaning of the word “grace.” And it is vital that everyone understands the part that “grace” plays in bringing about one’s salvation from sin!

Grace

This word is rather well defined simply as “unmerited, free or undeserved favor and goodwill.” Hence, grace is the goodwill of God extended to mankind despite man’s rebellion and sinfulness.

As we consider the Bible account of the unfolding of human history, we see how every generation from mother Eve till the present has rebelled and sinned against God. Divine justice demanded that God be true to Himself, keep His word, and separate Himself from sinful mankind. Isaiah the prophet wrote, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (59:2).

However, God, as would be the case with any loving parent, did not want His whole creation to be lost in Hell. Hence, with His characteristic mercy and love, He devised a “scheme of redemption” whereby the souls of mankind could be saved. Despite the fact that, “all sin and come short of the glory of God,” the Almighty extended His grace and devised a plan whereby penitent, obedient individuals can be saved from the consequences of their unrighteousness.

All mankind was lost in sin and doomed! But now God extends His grace! God provides for man a way of escape that he cannot provide for himself. Paul wrote, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8).

Hence, we see God’s grace in the following:

1. The redemption price for sin. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

2. The terms of forgiveness. (a) Faith. “He that believeth on him is not condemned” (John 3:18). (b) Repentance. “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Lk. 13:3). (c) Confession. “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). (d) Baptism. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved . . .” (Mk. 16:16).

So, God’s grace provided mankind with a savior and acceptable terms of forgiveness. And Jesus urged, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Truly, all mankind can still be saved by grace through faith!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 11, p. 336
June 7, 1984