Truth Magazine

By Tom M. Roberts

One of the biggest “boners” I ever pulled while in a gospel meeting was to forget a dinner engagement. The good sister had gone to a great deal of trouble preparing a meal of outstanding food. Having known my family for a number of years, she had gone to special trouble to prepare just the things she knew we liked. Imagine, if you can, my chagrin when I learned that I had forgotten this appointment and had been somewhere else. This lady had labored over the stove, set a nice table, had everything in preparation and waited … and waited … and waited. We never showed up and didn’t call. It was only later that I learned of my mistake and I am embarrassed about it to this day! She served dinner, but nobody came.

Through this error of mine I have come to appreciate a little more the invitation of the Lord. Jesus illustrated the kingdom invitation by the story of a supper to which nobody came. In Luke 14:15-24 He relates that “a certain man made a great supper, and he bade many: and he sent forth his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse . . .”

Without a doubt, it is one of the lowest forms of ingratitude to scorn a dinner invitation. Hospitality, honestly and sincerely extended, is but an extension of the heart of the host. To treat the dinner with disrespect, intentionally, is to treat the host with disrespect. It is an insult to refuse hospitality under these conditions. It does not take one of great wisdom to see this fact, when speaking of earthly things.

The Lord has extended an invitation for all men to sit with him in the kingdom of heaven. Everything is prepared, the table is set, everything is in readiness. God spent centuries in planning the kingdom (church) and brought it into existence by the precious blood of Christ. Has ever an invitation been so valuable? Would you cherish an invitation to sit down at a dinner in the White House with the President? But friend, such a thing pales into insignificance when we consider the invitation of the Creator of the universe to be a part of the kingdom of heaven and receive eternal life. What an invitation!

But just like the story in our scriptural text, people refuse to appreciate the honor of the invitation. Few want to come. While the excuses may vary, the intent is the same – the host (God) is not held in honor and the invitation is scorned. Like Esau of old, people today are profane and willingly exchange the Father’s blessing for a mess of this world’s stew. Everyone has an excuse: “I work too hard,” or “I am too busy,” or “I have other things that I enjoy doing.”

In the Lord’s illustration the man who gave the supper was angry at those who refused his invitation. Why? Because he knew that they were not just refusing a meal but were refusing the host himself. Those invited did not appreciate him, his generosity, his interest on their behalf or anything else he was trying to do. His decision about those who spurned the invitation was “that none of those men that were bidden shall taste of my supper” (v. 24).

Friend, do you spurn the Lord’s invitation to eat at the Lord’s table in His kingdom? Do you treat lightly His entreaty to come and be a part of the great feast for the soul that is planned? Do you think nothing of the preparation of it, the cost of it (the blood of Christ), or the willingness of the Lord to provide for our needs? How many times has someone tried to interest you in the Lord’s kingdom? How many gospel sermons have you heard? How many times have you treated the Lord shamefully in this matter? While we have time and opportunity, the Lord keeps the invitation open. “But it is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Once this opportunity is gone, there will never be another, though eternity’s years roll on. If you miss the opportunity now, you that have been bidden “shall (not) taste of my supper.”

When I made my blunder and missed the invitation of the meal prepared by the good sister to which I referred earlier, I was able to apologize and make amends. She was even gracious enough to fix another meal later and invite us again. But the embarrassment that I felt helped me to realize that God has done infinitely greater in preparing the invitation to the kingdom and I plan to respond. Will you respond to the Lord’s invitation? Or will you make excuses? Your decision will determine where you spend eternity. Will you be one of those who will say throughout eternity, regretfully, “Dinner was served . . . but I didn’t come”?

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 10, p. 295
May 17, 1984

By David McClister

The interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, and its proper application, has become a matter of contention between some brethren. However, those who are interested in the serious exegetical examination of the passage are generally agreed that the correct solution to the contention lies in the proper understanding of the terms used therein. If we can understand the meaning and significance of Paul’s words, we can then understand his thought. What follows is not an attempt to settle once and for all the contention over “the covering question,” nor is it an attempt to give a complete analysis of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16; it is simply an examination of the phrase “praying or prophesying” and its relation to the correct understanding of the passage in question.

In the first place, consider the word and usage of “praying.” In the Greek text of 1 Corinthians 11:4f(1) the word is the present middle participle, nominative singular, of proseuchomai. This word appears in the tragic Agamemnon by Aeschylus (6/5 B.C.), where it means to offer prayers or vows to gods (theois).(2) The philosopher Plato, in his Symposium, used the word of prayer to the sun, or to Helios, the sungod (toi helioi).(3) Throughout the history of proseuchomai it has always been used in a religious context, as evidenced by these and other examples. The idea of praying to a divine being, whether the true God or not, has always been the primary meaning of the word, even through the Koine period. It is, therefore, no surprise that we find this term in the New Testament to be used only of prayer to God, and never of address to a human being. The fact that proseuchomai describes the action of prayer generally, without reference to content or purpose, accounts for its frequent use in Scripture.

Prayer, of course, is the great medium of communication between the Father and His children. The real capacity for prayer does not lie in need, but in a simple outreach on man’s part. The children of God seek Him and tell their Father all things just as any child would wish to talk to his father, whether the reason be supplication for a need, or some other reason. Prayer, therefore, is a very natural part of Christian living. This can be seen even more clearly in Romans 8:26. Whatever interpretation is placed upon this verse, it cannot be denied that the Spirit has some connection with our prayers to God.

Secondly, consider the word, and usage of, “prophesying.” In the Greek text of I Corinthians 11:4f we find the present active participle, nominative singular of propheteuo.

This word is found in a fragment of the writings of the ancient lyricist Pindar (5 B.C.), where it means to be a proclaimer, or speaker, or interpreter, of the gods.(4) The tragedian Euripides (5 B.C.) used the word with the sense of “intermediary.”(5) These facts are in perfect harmony with the known facts about the ancient pagan worship which incorporated oracles and prophets. The oracle would communicate to the prophets, and the prophets would then speak for, proclaim, or interpret the message of the oracle. In the article in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (hereafter TDNT) edited by G. Kittel and G. Friedrich on the word group prophets (of which propheteuo is a member) it is said concerning the use of that word group in relation to the Greek oracle:

It denotes appointed men and women and their work, which is to declare something whose content is not derived from themselves but from the god who reveals his will at the particular site. This revelation is through direct inspiration or through signs which stand in need of human interpretation.(6)

Please notice that even the pagans connected the ideas of prophecy and inspiration. The two were seen as inseparable concepts.

Not only were the oracles personnel referred to as prophets, but also the poets. I quote again from TDNT:

The Homeric poet-singer feels that in his work he is dependent upon the divine . . . . The gift sought from the Muse is not only a song but also the content of the past which is to be depicted . . . . Continuing this view, but breaking free from the epic of chivalry, Hes.(iod) with a new claim to truth finds the relation of the poet to the Muses in his personal experience of calling by the Muses, who breathe into him the divine voice. On the soil of this tradition Pind.(ar) is the first Gk. poet to use the group prophetes to describe the link with the Muses. He calls himself Pieridon prophatas, ‘the spokesman of the Muses.’ . . . Pind.(ar) takes his description of the poet as prophetes from the Delphic oracle and in Fr. (agment), 150 he defines his relation to the Muse more closely: . . . ‘prophesy, Muse, and I will be thy speaker.’ Here the Muse has the place of the promantis and the poet that of the oracle prophet.(7)

Again, the poets were referred to as prophets because of the link of inspiration from the Muse.

Propheteuo, like many words found in the Greek New Testament, had different significances to different peoples. To the pagan Greeks the word conjured up the image of an oracle prophet who received communications directly from a god. To a Christian reader the word signified one who spoke for God through inspiration. Both concepts are religious in tone, and both involve a divine being communicating to a human being. The important thing to notice is that the word, no matter what age or writer is spoken of, is always used to describe the proclaiming of something received directly from a deity. The Old Testament prophets spoke as mouthpieces for God. Paul preached to this effect in Acts 28:25. The pagan oracle prophets proclaimed that which was “revealed” directly unto them by the oracle. The pagan poets were called prophets because they relied upon the Muses as sources of inspiration for their literature.

The next article will deal with the concept of inspiration as it relates to the work of a prophet.

Endnotes

1. Erwin Nestle, and Kurt Aland, eds., Novum Testamentium Graece, 26th ed. (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1979), p. 458. It is this Greek text that is implied whenever a reference to the original text of the New Testament is made.

2. Henry George Liddell, and Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, with supplement by H.S. Jones (Great Britain: Oxford University Press, 1978), p. 1151.

3. Ibid.

4. Liddell and Scott, p. 1539.

5. Ibid.

6. Gerhard Kittel, and Gerhard Friedrich, eds., Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, trans. G.W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1968), VI, 791.

7. G. Kittel, and G. Friedrich, V1, 792.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 10, pp. 294-295
May 17, 1984

By Raymond E. Harris

When we read some of the declarations, resolutions and recommendations coming out of various church conferences and councils, we are made to wonder if many “religious leaders” and theologians ever read their Bibles. It seems multitudes in “high places” have completely lost sight of the real mission and purpose of Christianity.

1. The Bible says, “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 Bible says, “For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

The Bible says “. . . . go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16).

The Bible says, “Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Rev. 22:14).

5. The Bible says, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

From these verses we shall see that God, Christ and the early Christians addressed themselves to one thing: The saving of lost souls of all mankind!

But, what are “church men” concerned about today? Let me focus on one example that portrays an attitude that is permeating an ever growing number of religious groups in America.

Recently the Lutheran Church of America held “Consultations” in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York and Washington, D.C. And what was it that prompted such far-flung gatherings? It was “ministry to and with Singles in cities.” Well, does that mean they were concerned with how to better lead these people to Christ and soul salvation?

Oh, no! Their time, effort, money and concern was turned to such serious problems as: (1) Many local churches not allowing a single (non-married) person serve as an advisor to a youth group; (2) Not hiring a single preacher; (3) Not having a “brunch ministry” to serve Sunday dinner to singles; (4) Church political involvement to fight singles discrimination in city zoning laws; (5) Stressing that “homosexuals are part of the reality of church life and warrant the full ministry of the church.

A casual reader of the Bible knows that all forms of fornication (adultery, pre-marital sex, lesbianism and homosexuality) are strongly condemned in the Word of God. In plain unmistakable language, we are informed that those who practice such things are doomed to Hell (Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-6; Rom. 1:24-32).

Likewise, it does not take a Solomon to realize that God never intended that any group be singled out for special attention. Christ died to save the single, the married, the old, the young, the men, the women, the rich, the poor, the educated and the uneducated.

Christ died to save all. And the mission of true Christianity today is the saving of the souls of the lost. Woe be to those who major in minors and neglect “the weightier matters.”

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 10, pp. 303-304
May 17, 1984

By Tom Roberts

There is a great deal of difference between a dynamite blast and a rifle shot. While the dynamite blast has more power and generates more turbulence, the very power that is released may only do more damage due to the la6k of control that is evident in a rifle shot. A bullet is sent to a target, given direction and headed toward a certain goal. One of the great tragedies of life is that some people often explode like a dynamite blast but have no purpose. Their life may have a great deal of noise, heat and power and yet accomplish little. How much we need to learn to harness the enthusiasm, talents and abilities of our life and give them direction.

I remember a man of tremendous wood-working ability who could perform a work of art with a piece of lumber. He could truly be called a carpenter, not just a nail-driver like others I have known. But this man had no control in his life no real purpose, and I saw him literally drink himself to death with liquor. He lost his family, his wealth, his talent and finally his life because he could not give purpose to his life. It was a sad waste.

I remember a man who could preach wonderful gospel sermons. His lessons were true to the book of God, clearly stated and warmly motivating to the lost. He baptized a number of lost souls into the body of Christ. But this man did not or would not control his lust for women and ruined his reputation, lost his family, left the church and has no contact with faithful Christians today. He could not control his appetites.

I remember a number of wonderful teenagers who were filled with the energies of the young. They could put more events into one 24-hour day than most people could in a week. They were bright, able, talented young adults who had vitality, vigor and stamina to do and achieve great things. But they devoted all their energies to worldly things and had no time for the Lord. Some of them will make a name for themselves in the world, some will make a lot of money, some will go far in earthly pursuits. But they failed to realize the value of the soul and did not direct their lives toward Heaven.

I know of some churches that are tremendously busy and active. They have a nursery school, a Boy Scout troop, take the young people and senior citizens on bus trips, keep two or three secretaries busy with paper work, have a number of preachers, associate preachers, educational directors and youth workers. But all of this activity, a veritable beehive of comings and goings, is not so much kingdom business as it is social activity. The mission of the church has been lost and the leaders of this church suppose that the mere flurry of activity is acceptable with the Lord.

Get the point? One person with purpose, intent and direction to his life can accomplish more than 100 people who are busy but have no mission. We have heard criticism of faithful churches by our liberal brethren because, they say, we are not doing anything. While this charge is open to debate (knowing that we could always do more than we are doing), I state firmly that a small band of disciples who are worshiping God and teaching the lost will do more in the long run than a large congregation that is given over to the social gospel simply because, with all its faults, the small church has purpose and direction. Someone has suggested that a train, loaded with many filled railroad cars, going at a high rate of speed will not do the good that a little red wagon can do if the train is headed in the wrong direction. The faster the train goes, the further it goes in the wrong direction. The little red wagon cannot carry the load that the train can carry but it will arrive at the right destination. Like the rifle bullet, it has purpose and direction.

True, there are places where the analogies about the dynamite and the rifle bullet, the train and the little red wagon break down. We should not be content with one shot or with a small wagon load when we can do a great deal more. But like parables used in the Bible, the illustration has one main lesson to teach. That lesson deals with the purpose and intent of our lives that we should have. Friend, you will never accomplish a great deal for God until you determine the direction of your life. Whether you are a doctor, lawyer or Indian chief, you need to put Christ first in your life and let other things be secondary. As the apostle Peter stated, we are strangers and pilgrims, just passing through this life. If we lose our sense of direction and let earthly pursuits become our main interest, we have lost everything.

Which is it with you? Are you busy but have no time for the Lord? Are you talented but accomplish nothing for the Lord? Are you filled with energy but too tired to serve? Do you make a lot of noise in some fields of endeavor but say nothing when you need to speak up for truth? Why not determine to give some purpose to your life in a spiritual way? Make up your mind to channel your life into fruitful service to God and His church. You will find that you accomplish more that will last for eternity and that, like the rifle shot, you will not “miss the mark.”

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 9, p. 273
May 3, 1984