Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

Christians are often placed on the defensive. When discussing and disputing with people about fundamental features and facts of the New Testament system, the child of God feels as though he is on trial. The simplest truth appears as the rankest heresy. One who believes and practices “what is written” in the Bible is pictured and portrayed as the wild-eyed “nut.” A moment of reflection will prove it to you. For example, consider the last time you talked to your denominational friends about music in worship, the observance of the Lord’s supper, baptism and giving. Did it not seem as though you were the one advocating and propagating some new thing? Were you not placed on the defensive?

In reality, this situation and circumstance should not occur. Why? Because the issues of music, the Lord’s supper, baptism and giving are not denied, the disciple should not be viewed as the one who is bound to explain himself. Here is why:

(1) The Music Question. No one argues that Christians cannot congregate and sing. Everyone agrees that it is right and scriptural for saints to sing and make melody in their hearts to the Lord (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Ask a Catholic, a Lutheran, a Baptist or any other denominational person if it is proper for the church to do what churches of Christ do, namely, to sing. What will they say? They will admit that it is according to the truth and pleasing to God. Now, if they want to contend for a different practice, the burden of proof is theirs. No one questions that what you believe is right.

(2) The Lord’s Supper. That Christians may partake of the communion of the body and blood of the Lord every first day of the week is not denied. Ask a Baptist if he believes that it is sinful for the church to break bread upon the first day of the week. He will not say that it is. So, it is conceded that the practice of the brethren is in harmony with the word of God. If they want to do something different, that is their problem. Let them find authority for what they do since they agree that what you stand for is right.

(3) Baptism. There are numbers of churches that believe, teach and practice sprinkling for baptism. However, none of them will say that it is contrary to the Bible to immerse. A Catholic priest will tell you, as will a Lutheran or a Presbyterian, that immersion is acceptable. New Testament Christians, therefore, engage in the action that no group denies. You see, your position and your practice, is unquestioned. Everyone agrees that it is of God. If they want to do something else, that is their responsibility. The ball is in their court.

The same thing is true with regard to the subject, the candidate, for baptism. Who would deny that a penitent, believing adult is suitable for baptism? Absolutely no one. Once again, the thing you defend is beyond controversy. Further, if they want to baptize others, well, they must submit the proof. It is their action that is at issue since they acknowledge that what you do is correct.

(4) Giving. Churches of Christ collect their contribution each Lord’s day (1 Cor. 16:2). Ask a Pentecostal or a Methodist if he thinks it is wrong to do so. Will anyone in any of the denominations speak against laying by in store upon the first day of the week? Of course not. They all know it is in accord with the doctrine of the Lord. But they want to have pie suppers, rummage sales and car washes to raise money. Sorry, but that is not my fault; that is not my baby. If they want to do other than what they agree is right, they will have to find book, chapter and verse for it.

Conclusion

See the point? Obviously, you do. So, relax. Most of the basic principles of New Testament work and worship are approved even of men. They who would do something else, something less, something different, are the defendants in this case. They are on trial. The truth has been vindicated. Prosecute their error and convict it.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 5, pp. 131-132
March 1, 1984

By Luther Bolenbarker

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Eccl. 9:10).

One of the saddest commentaries of our age is the ever increasing fashionable attitude of “I don’t care.” This attitude is manifested by a disposition of lackadaisical sloppiness. This is reflected in our speech, our manner of dress and our general demeanor. This attitude is seen in the store when someone knocks an item off the shelf or clothes rack and doesn’t bother to pick it up, in the litterbug who throws trash from his car, or the one who parks the car in two parking places, or the one who is habitually late for appointments. Business’ biggest headache is finding employees who will get to work on time, who will not call in sick when they just want the day off, and who display a real interest in their work and a genuine concern for people.

Ask for volunteers to help with just about anything (PTA, scouts, little league, etc.) and a general attitude of indifference on the part of many is found. If the “I don’t care” attitude is sad in the temporal world, how much more so in the spiritual world of the church! What kind of interest, enthusiasm and concern does it demonstrate to disrupt Bible classes or worship by habitually coming in late? Or how about the one who commits himself to a task and doesn’t do it? Or the teacher who leaves town without making any arrangement for his class? Or the member who willfully forsakes the services of the church?

The Lord’s comment about this sort of attitude is found in the Revelation letter to the Laodicean church. He wishes that the Laodiceans were either cold or hot, but because they were lukewarm, He will spew them out of His mouth (3:14-16). If the cause of Christ is really the most important reality in the world (Mt. 6:33) then let us be about His service with all our might.” “Give it our all. “

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 4, p. 115
February 16, 1984

By Wayne S. Walker

We face a number of crises in the world and in the church today. Some of these involve drug abuse, atheism, immorality, false religion. etc, But the one which I believe is causing the most problem in the Lord’s body is lethargy, carelessness, indifference, and negligence. And I believe the answer to the problem can be found in the story of Nehemiah. The people of Israel had been led by God out of Egyptian slavery into the promised land of Canaan. However, over a period of many years, they rebelled against God and were finally allowed by Him to be taken into captivity. When they repented, after seventy years they were allowed to return to Jerusalem. Not all of them went; many like Nehemiah stayed in the places where they were sent when taken captive. But even though Nehemiah was not among those who had gone back, he was still a part of God’s nation. What does Nehemiah’s example teach us?

I. He was concerned. Hanani and certain men of Judah came to Shushan in Persia where Nehemiah lived. Nehemiah asked them how things were in Jerusalem. He could have said, “They took that restoration business on themselves – let them worry about it. I’m the king”s cupbearer, I attend synagogue once a week. I’m a pretty good fellow. So I don’t need to get involved.” But he was concerned enough about the situation to ask. The report was that things were in a mess. Again, Nehemiah could have Said, “You knew there would be problems and hard times. So don’t come crying to me. I’ve got my own duties here in Shushan to worry about so don’t bother me.” But Nehemiah was concerned enough to weep.

Nehemiah could have been very complacent, but he was concerned. How many of us are truly concerned with the work of the Lord. We are commanded to preach everywhere (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:47). One example of this is Paul’s response to the Macedonian call (Acts 16:9-10). We cannot all go like this, but we should be concerned with those that do. And most of all, we need to be concerned about lost souls wherever they are (Matt. 9:36-38). “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26).

II. He was prayerful. When Nehemiah heard this report, a conflict arose in his mind. He didn’t know what to do. So he asked God about it. In his prayer, he recognized the sins of his people and sought wisdom and guidance in making his decision. What about us today? Do we pray when we have troubles and conflicts (Phil. 4:6-7; Heb. 4:15-16; Jas. 5:13)? “Oh, what peace we often forfeit; Oh, what needless pain we bear; All because we do not carry, Everything to God in prayer. ” Do we pray in humility, confessing our sins (Jas. 5:16; 1 Jn. 1:9)? “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (1 Pet. 3:12). Do we ask God for wisdom and guidance (Jas. 1:5)? Solomon did in I Kings 3:9-14.

III. He was bold. Nehemiah needed something to do God’s will, he asked for it (with God’s help), and he received it. Another example of such boldness is Esther. Read the story in Esther 4-5. She knew the plight of her people. Mordecai convinced her that she needed to act. She did, and was instrumental in saving God’s chosen race. We also need to be bold. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus … Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water”. (Heb. 10: 19-22). Why can we be so bold? It is because God has promised to hear and answer our prayers (Matt. 7:7-11; 1 Jn. 5:24-25).

IV. He counted the cost. Nehemiah was so zealous to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem that he got up in the middle of the night, viewed the dilapidation of the city, and surveyed what needed to be done. We need to “count the cost” (Lk. 14:28-30). No man should attempt to become a Christian or do the work of Christ unless he first has some understanding of what is involved. Christianity involves many things. We must make a full-sacrifice (Matt. 16:24). We must not conform to the world (Rom. 12:1-2). We must observe strict obedience to Christ’s commands (Jn. 14:15). For those who really love the Lord, these things will make for a happy life. But if one does not want to do these things, he had better count the cost of being a Christian lest he involve himself in something he really does not want.

V. He was willing to work. Nehemiah had seen what needed to be done and he decided to do it. He said, “Come, let us build up the wall of Jerusalem.” In fact, he was so enthusiastic that he aroused the people and thus encouraged them to say, “Let us rise up and build.” Christianity is a working religion. Why should we work? First, we work to express our faith (Jas. 2:17-26). Next, we work to serve and please God (Eph. 2:8-10; Tit. 2:14). Then, we work to follow the example of Christ (Jn. 9:4). One who thus works can take great comfort in the promise of Paul, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

VI. He trusted in God. Nehemiah did not allow the scorn and mocking of his enemies to discourage him. He know that God would prosper the work he was doing. David trusted in God throughout his life. He said, “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psa. 23). Jesus exhorted us to trust in God and not be anxious about the problems and cares of this life (Matt. 6:25-34). Yea, Christians need to put their trust in God. “For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe” (1 Tim. 4:10). As Christians, if we are truly concerned about the Lord’s cause, come before Him in prayer with boldness, count the cost of working for the Lord, and put our trust solely in Him, He promises to help, bless, and prosper us just as He did Nehemiah.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 4, p. 113-114
February 16, 1984