Truth Magazine

By Hoyt Houchen

Question: Please explain the following Scriptures: Genesis 22:2, 8, 11-12; Exodus 1:15-19; 3:7-10, 5:1, and 1 Kings 3:24-25, 27-38. Do they indicate that God approves certain forms of deception?

Reply: The above Scriptures do not teach that God approves of certain forms of deception. Let us examine their meaning.

(1) Genesis 22:2, 8, 11-12. In verse two, God said to Abraham: “Take now thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and get thee into the land of Moriah, and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” The purpose of this command was to prove Abraham (v. 1). To begin with, God was not tempting Abraham to do evil. If he were, this would be a contradiction of James 1: 13 where we read, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man . . . .” The key to God’s request of Abraham is to understand the meaning of the word “tempt” in verse one. The ASV verse uses the word “prove.” God was not tempting Abraham to sin, but rather He was testing him. This is the sense in which the word “prove” is used here and in some other instances. God proved Israel when He rained bread from heaven (Ex. 16:4). He tested them as to whether they would properly gather the manna. Toward the end of their journeys, God tested them as to whether they loved Him and would continue to serve Him (Deut. 8:2, 16). Abraham proved his unwavering faith in God. So, there was no deception here on God’s part. By this test He simply proved Abraham’s faith.

Verse eight of this account is Abraham’s response to Isaac’s question in verse seven. Isaac asked, “Behold, the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (v. 7). Abraham replied, “God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son” (v. 8). There was no deception in Abraham’s response. Abraham did not know what God had arranged but he had faith that God would provide the sacrifice. He had the utmost confidence that God would provide. The words of Abraham must not be taken to mean that they were spoken to deceive. He was assuring Isaac that God would take care of the sacrifice -trust Him. Jehovah-jireh, “Jehovah sees,” i.e. He provides (v. 8).

Verses eleven and twelve show that the Lord knew that Abraham feared Him, and his obedience was such that he was willing to sacrifice his own son. The angel of Jehovah prohibited Abraham from slaying his son. He said to Abraham “for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing that thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me” (v. 12). In view of the fact that what God required Abraham to do was a test, there is no way that we can derive the idea that God used any deception.

(2) Exodus 1:15-19. In this account, Pharaoh had commanded two Hebrew midwives (Shiphrah and Puah) to slay the male infants born to the Hebrew women. But these women feared God and, therefore, spared the male children. Pharaoh asked them why they had done this. The midwives explained, “Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwife come unto them” (v. 19). Rather than committing infanticide, they delayed their coming to a woman in labor. The baby was already born when they arrived. They did not divulge the fact that their delay was deliberately planned. They chose to give the king a partial truth rather than committing infanticide. We read in verse twenty-one: “And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them households.” We are not to suppose from this that God approved the deception upon the part of the Hebrew midwives. They were blessed because they were willing to risk their lives to save the infants. These women were rewarded, “not, however, because they lied, but because they were merciful to the people of God; it was not their falsehood therefore that was rewarded, but their kindness (more correctly, their fear of God), their benignity of mind, not the wickedness of their lying; and for the sake of what was good, God forgave what was evil” (Augustine, contra mendac. c.19, quoted by F. Delitzsch, Volume 1, The Pentateuch, p. 425). They were also blessed because they helped to increase the families of Israel. Thus, God made them households.

(3) Exodus 5:1. This verse reads: “And afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.” We see no deception here. This was an appeal to Pharaoh that he should have understood. Jehovah simply demanding that His people be released to serve Him in the wilderness. This is what they were to do on their journey. It was common for nations to offer sacrifices to their deities, so this request was not unreasonable. Pharaoh had the choice of granting this request, but refused (v. 2). The request included the offering of sacrifices in the wilderness as in seen in verse three. It was founded upon the fact that by neglecting this sacrificial festival, God could punish the Hebrew nation. Furthermore, these sacrifices could not be made in Egypt as this would incite trouble. The Egyptians regarded certain animals to be sacred and, therefore, under no circumstances allowed them to be killed (see Ex. 8:26). The request of Moses and Aaron was God directed. It was honorable and there is no evidence of any deception.

(4) 1 Kings 3:24-25, 27-28. This is the account involving two women who had given birth to babies. One mother had lain on her baby in the night, causing it to die. Both claimed to be the mother of the living child. Solomon ordered a sword to be brought to him and proposed to divide the living child in two, giving half to each of the women. The true mother, demonstrating her love for the child, pleaded for Solomon to spare the child and to give it to the other woman. The other woman was willing to have the child divided. By this, Solomon knew the identity of the true mother. She did not want her child slain. The great wisdom of Solomon convinced the people that he was qualified to do justice.

The account given in the above passages, like the proposal made by God to Abraham in Genesis 22:2, reveals a supreme testing. The order by Solomon determined who the real mother was by the affection which she would show for her offspring. As God had proved Abraham, Solomon had proved the two women. The true mother demonstrated her love for her child, whereas the pretender showed no concern. It was a plan which involved the utmost proof. Solomon was making use of the wisdom which God had given him to decide which of the two women had the feelings of a mother for the living child. It was a case of judicial wisdom on Solomon’s part, but again this is no evidence that God was approving a certain form of deception.

God is infinite and man is finite. We cannot understand all that God does (Isa. 55:8, 9), but we do know that He does not approve of that which is contrary to His moral character.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 18, pp. 549-550
September 15, 1983

By Donald Townsley

Is your marriage as happy as you want it to be? Many marriages today are in trouble and the mates are unhappy. One million divorces are granted in this country every year. Fifty-four percent (54%) of married women admit they have committed adultery, and the percentage of men who have committed adultery is higher than the women! This unfaithfulness to the marriage bed shows that many marriages are not what God intended them to be. God never intended that marriage be an unhappy state, but for it to be one of the happiest relationships that man would have on this earth (Prov. 5:18-19). When a marriage is in trouble and the companions are unhappy, someone is breaking the laws of God.

The Husband/Wife Relationship

God created the man and said it was not good for him to be alone, so made an help meet for him – woman (Gen. 2:18; 2:21-22; 1 Cor. 11:9). God then instituted the marriage relationship (Gen. 2:24). The institution of marriage is a divine, monogamous, and life-long relationship of oneness (Matt. 19:4-6; Rom. 7:3-4). God said by the prophet Malachi that “He hateth putting away” (Mal. 2:16). Jesus said that there is only one reason for “putting away” and marrying again, and that reason is fornication (Matt. 19:?). Only the innocent party has the reason.

God ordained that the man should rule over his wife (Gen. 3:16), not unjustly as a slave, but he is to rule her with love (Eph. 5:25, 28-29). This is to be a self-giving concern for her person – a love that seeks her happiness and well-being at the sacrifice of his own interest and welfare (I Cor. 13:5). The wife is to reverence and submit to her husband (Eph. 5:24, 33; 1 Pet. 3: 1) and to love him (Tit. 2:4).

In the marriage relationship the husband and wife become exclusively the possession of each other (I Cor. 7:2-5). Marriage fulfills one of the greatest needs of mankind – to love and to be loved. This relationship brings into the life of each mate fulfillment, satisfaction, and contentment. A fruitful marriage is built upon love, respect, faithfulness, and mutual consideration.

Let us now look at some attitudes that build each other up instead of tearing each other down – some attitudes that will sweeten marriage:

Express Appreciation To Your Companion

Express appreciation for things that are done – whether they be big or small. At all times look for the good qualities in your mate and express appreciation for them. Don’t just look for the negative, if you do all of life will begin to appear totally negative! If you are to stay in touch with the reality of the good in your companion, you must look for good and express appreciation for it.

Give Honor And Respect To Your Companion

Peter said to the husbands, “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered” (1 Pet. 3:7). Paul said to the wives, “And the wife see that she reverence her husband” (Eph. 5:33). Respect breeds respect, so if a wife wants respect she must show respect. Disrespect inflames bad feelings. Treat your mate with respect and dignity and your mate will want to rise to the same high level.

Be Forgiving

An unforgiving attitude inflames tension and strife. Never have the habit of dredging up the past mistakes to put down your companion. That is being unmerciful and unforgiving, and it reopens old wounds. Everyone wants mercy and forgiveness for his (or her) shortcomings. Many times people forgive everybody but their mates, but the first place forgiveness should be practiced is at home with one’s mate (Luke 6:36-38; Matt. 6:14-15; Col. 3:13; Eph. 4:33). You and your mate are imperfect human beings (1 John 1:8), so when you are wrong why not simply say, “I am wrong and I’m sorry”? Only an immature and prideful person refuses to admit his shortcomings and sins.

Be Helpful and Constructive

Companions should be able to talk honestly with each other, and to treat each other as best friends (and they should be best friends). You want your feelings, needs, and opinions to be heard and considered – so does your companion.

What does it mean to be a friend? Friendship is a privilege – not a situation to be taken advantage of. When a person takes advantage of another there is no friendship – so, no loving companion will take advantage of his mate; Friends love each other dearly – so do mates who are trying to do God’s will; A friend offers his best to a friend – husbands and wives who are what they ought to be offer their best to each other; A friend will go when needed; so will a true and faithful companion; A friend is a holder of confidences – if there is one person on earth one should be able to trust, it is his mate; A friend will have empathy for another – if there were ever two people who should feel each pain of the other it should be companions; A friend will do all he can for another – loving mates cannot do enough for each other.

Marriage Partners Are A Team

A healthy, loving husband/wife relationship is not a master/slave relationship. It is a sharing, complimenting relationship where each mate recognizes the God-ordained role of each. When each mate realizes they need help and that they do compliment each other, they draw closer and grow to respect and love each other more.

God’s Laws of Marriage Must Be Respected

Break any of God’s laws, and they will break and destroy you! Millions are paying painful, mental, emotional, and physical penalties for rejecting and transgressing God’s laws on sex and marriage – and most of these will pay eternally with their souls lost in hell! God’s law is plain – “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Rom. 13:9) -and the penalty for breaking this law is always enforced! Let us look at the penalty:

1. Remorse (Prov. 5: 11; Psa. 51:3).

2. Disease of the body (Prov. 5: 11; Rom. 1: 27).

3. Dishonor (Prov. 6:33).

4. Impoverishment (Prov. 5:10).

5. Spiritual death (Prov. 6:32; Rom. 6:23).

6. The only grounds for divorce (Matt. 19:9).

7. The Lord will avenge (I Thess. 4:6).

If we who are married will only practice the things we have stated in this article, it will bring sweetness to the marriage relationship.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 18, pp. 547-548
September 15, 1983

By Mike Willis

The Bible is addressed to every man. When Jesus sent out the apostles on the Great Commission, they were sent to take the gospel to every creature (Mk. 16:15) of every nation of the whole world (Matt. 28:18). The invitation was extended to every man. “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).

In order for the word of God to be received by the average man, it had to be a simple message which was easy to be understood and which could be universally obeyed. The gospel was addressed to all men and designed so that it appealed to the common man. God made it that way. “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe …. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Cor. 1:21, 26-29).

One must remember that men have not always been exposed to as many educational opportunities as our children in America have in the twentieth century. When the gospel spread in the first century, it spread among people with little or no formal education. Many people did not even know how to read, much less possess a personal copy of the Scriptures which they could peruse at their leisure. Many of the first century people were slaves who were unlearned and had little hope of ever attaining a good education. Nevertheless, these men and women could hear the gospel, believe and obey it because it was simple enough for them to understand.

The Gospel Is Easily Understood

Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Mt. 7:7-8). In the Beatitudes, He said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Mt. 5:6). The Savior emphasized that men who seek to know the Lord’s will can find it and that those who hunger and thirst after the Lord’s righteousness shall be filled with it.

The apostle Paul emphasized that men could easily comprehend the message of the gospel of Christ. In the book of Ephesians, he stated that God’s saving gospel came to him by revelation. However, he wrote this message to the Ephesians in such language that when they read, they could comprehend his knowledge in the mystery of Christ (Eph. 3:1-5). Consequently, he commanded, “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17, NASB). Has God commanded the impossible of His children? Obviously not! God would be unjust were He to command of His children that which was impossible for them even as it would be unjust and unfair for a parent to demand of his two-month old child that he dress and cloth himself.

In 2 Corinthians 1:13, Paul added, “For we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end” (NASB). The first century saints, with their limited educational opportunities, were able to comprehend the message which was written to them by an apostle.

Evidences Of The Simplicity of the Gospel

There are other evidences of the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Consider the following:

1. Jesus conditioned salvation upon one’s knowledge of the gospel. He said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32). This passage implies (a) that there is a body of absolute truth, (b) that one can comprehend that truth, and (c) that freedom or deliverance from sin is conditioned upon one’s knowledge of that truth. Any teaching which implies that man is not able to comprehend the gospel undermines man’s opportunity to be redeemed from sin.

Jesus later added, “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” (Mk. 16:16). “He who believes the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (Jn. 3:36). Jesus obviously thought that one would be able to understand the gospel when it was preached, believe it, and obey it.

2. Warnings not to pervert the gospel presuppose man’s ability to understand the gospel. Paul wrote, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8). Compare John’s similar warning at the close of the book of Revelation (22:18-19). How can I know if a man has perverted, added to, or taken from the revelation of God through Jesus Christ if I cannot understand it? Jesus apparently thought that the revelation was so clearly revealed and easily understood that men were expected to be able to detect doctrinal departures from it.

Sometimes brethren act like the gospel is so complicated that we should not expect men to be able to detect doctrinal apostasies from it. They have written that men could worship with the Christian Church for a whole lifetime without ever perceiving anything wrong with the worship and work of that church. Similar things have been said about those brethren who worship with liberal churches of Christ. Such statements imply that the gospel is too difficult for men to comprehend.

Brethren, the revelation from God is simple and clear. Even as we have every reason to expect the alien sinner to be able to understand and comprehend the simplicity of the message of what one must do to be saved, we have every reason to expect the child of God to be able to comprehend and understand how he must live to stay saved, how he must worship God, and the nature and characteristics of the New Testament church.

The Preaching of the Gospel Confirms Us Simplicity

One only needs to read the cases of conversion of the New Testament to be impressed with the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We cannot consider every case of conversion in the New Testament in this article; however, the principle which is briefly stated below can be illustrated time and again by a consideration of the other cases of conversion.

1. The People On Pentecost (Acts 2). This chapter records the preaching of the first gospel sermon, just fifty days following the death of Jesus. After explaining that the coming of the Holy Spirit was the fulfillment of prophecy (Acts 2:14-21), Peter began his sermon, “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up . . . .” (2:22-24). Then follow several proofs cited by Peter to substantiate the fact that God had raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand from which place He would reign until the last enemy was made subject to Him. He concluded his sermon, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (2:36).

The audience in attendance that day comprehended and understood what Peter had said. They spoke up, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (2:37). Peter gave them the answer to their question in one simple sentence: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (2:38-39). He continued to exhort them to obey God’s word saying, “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”

On that day, three thousand souls who had heard only one sermon comprehended it, believed in Jesus Christ, repented of their sins, and were baptized (Acts 2:41). Having done this, the Lord added them to the church (Acts 2:47).

2. The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40). This passage relates the conversion of the Queen’s treasurer who was taught the truth in one simple sermon by Philip, the evangelist. When Philip found the eunuch reading the prophet Isaiah (chapter 53), he began at that text and preached unto him Jesus (8:35). That Messianic prophesy describes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It relates how the Messiah gave His life as an atonement for the sins of mankind.

After hearing the message while riding with Philip in the chariot, as they approached water the eunuch said, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (8:36-38).

After hearing one sermon, this man comprehended the gospel sufficiently to believe in Jesus, repent of his sins, confess his faith, and be immersed in water. He did not have to undergo six months of catechism. He did not have to demonstrate his faith by attending church for a few weeks. He did not have to study through The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. He simply heard the gospel, believed it, and obeyed it! This all transpired within a matter of a few hours.

3. The Philippian Jailor (Acts 16.25-34). The conversion of the Philippian jailor occurred after Paul and Silas had been beaten and put in prison. About midnight, they lifted their voices in praise to God. An earthquake occurred which loosed the bonds of the prisoners and opened the prison doors. The jailor, supposing that the prisoners had escaped, drew his sword and was ready to kill himself when Paul shouted, “Do thyself no harm: for we are all here” (16:28). He brought a light, came to Paul and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Paul replied, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (16:31). This jailor did not know Jesus from anyone else. Consequently, Paul had to preach to him. “And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway” (16:32-33).

This infidel learned the truth, believed it, repented of his sins, and was baptized in one night, within a few short hours. The gospel was simple enough for him to grasp and easy enough for him to obey that in less than twelve hours he could learn enough to become a Christian.

Conclusion

Brethren, let us be careful not to lose sight of the simplicity of the gospel of Christ. I am afraid that some of us have become so enamored with education and so concerned with impressing others with how much we know that we have left the impression that the gospel of Christ is complicated. Some brethren who have studied the Scriptures have reached some peculiar position on some subject which is so complicated and full of intricate details that the common man cannot possibly understand it. Most college educated preachers who have given a life-time to the study of the Scriptures have trouble following the course of argumentation being used. Brethren, if the common man must know this in order to be saved, the common man has no hope of being saved. If the common man can be saved without knowing and believing it, these peculiar ideas are not the gospel because one cannot be saved without believing the gospel (Mk. 16:16).

Sometimes we preachers become so wrapped up in giving the definition of Hebrew and Greek words, analyzing the syntax of a Greek sentence, giving a detailed exposition of some archaeological artifact located in some obscure place, and encouraging brethren to have a positive mental attitude, that we have forgotten to preach the simple Jerusalem gospel.

Brethren, let us go back to the Bible. Let us take the gospel to lost men and women “not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God” (1 Cor. 2:1). Let us determine “not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). Men can comprehend that God sent His Son to die on Calvary’s cross for the remission of our sins. They can love Him enough to believe in Him and obey Him. Souls will be won to Jesus Christ, the church will grow, and God will be praised.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 18, pp. 546, 550-552
September 15, 1983

By Jimmy Tuten

The suggestion that we “talk about visitation” does not involve itself with a particular method, such as group, zoned or whatever. It is the individual obligation to “save himself and then them that hear thee” (1 Tim. 4:16), to which we direct your attention. Whatever the reasons be, there are too few doing this type of work. It does not take much of a Christian (i.e., a proficient person) to do this work, but it does take all that a person is. As we look at the scarcity of laborers in this field we are confronted with the reality of those who live with a failure to learn and are, therefore, failures in the practice of pure religion. Christianity is a learning and growing process (2 Pet. 1:5). The art of visitation can and must be learned. The only way to learn it is to get out and do it.

Importance of Visitation

One cannot cross over Jordan into the eternal bliss without “pure and undefiled religion” (Jas. 1:27). Visitation is part of that practice. Whether it is an unfaithful member, a weak member, a prospect, or whatever in need of some physical or spiritual need, visiting is essential. The word “visit” in the text of James 1:27 shows clearly the individual obligation, the fact that it cannot be done by proxy. Visit has a purpose. The lexicons tell us that the word means “to look up, care for” and “to look out certain men for a purpose.” In other words, to “visit” with a view to helping, whatever the need be. The tragedy here is that so few have ambition for this type of thing. Many of those who have a desire lack ability. They have tried and failed (so they think); they give up, and we have a stalemate. The task goes unfulfilled. That which we do not possess we underrate and continue to excuse ourselves with “I can’t do it.” Talk of visitation falls on deaf ears.

Unless we believe in the “pastor system” (where the preacher is forced to do many unrelated tasks to his function of “preaching the Word” and by which control usually exists), then we have to admit that all of us are ministers (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7). Even our speech is to minister grace (Eph. 4:29). Take the time right now to read such passages as 1 Pet. 4:8-11, observing the importance of “minister the same one to another.” Listen, dear reader, “you gave me no drink” (Matt. 25:42) or “you never mentioned him to me” (Ezek. 33:7-16) are charges that will be made against us in the day of judgment (2 Cor. 5:10-11). At the risk of being redundant let me say again, to practice pure religion is to minister. This is one area where service has priority. While there is joy in this type of work, personal glory or aggrandizement takes a back seat. Here you can really be great by serving (Matt. 23:12). Your greatness will be seen in the number of people you serve. Your roots of true happiness will run deep. Yes, happiness is home-brewed.

Appeal is made to the preachers, elders, deacons, Bible class teachers and all others interested in promoting this work. You must stimulate people to work the work of God. Begging is frustrating and will not get the job done. Brethren get off your couches of ease and stimulate yourselves by motivating others (Rom. 2:21). You don’t have to worry about competition in the “advisory capacity” because you simply do not see many consultants. In other areas some serve God only as consultants, but here they do not even serve lad, is it not? I have learned too that it is not always the talented person who serves best, but the consecrated one. Give me a Dorcas with a needle or a Priscilla and Aquila with tent tools who will give one night a week extra service, and with them I’ll demonstrate what it really means to save “them that hear thee.”

Many Demands

The Christian’s time is valuable and God expects him to use it wisely (Eph. 5:16). Every hour we waste in unproductive visitation, or in no visitation at all might be the cause of a person’s being left out of the kingdom of God, a depressed person finding no relief when all that is needed is someone to talk to (Gal. 6:2), a sick person in a hospital without comforting prayer or the elimination of worry about our kids who are away at college.

There are three areas where a great deal of visitation is required: Hospitals and Shut-ins, Edification and Evangelism. To some degree all three overlap. Some of my conversions have come from teaching after visiting a person in the hospital or in talking to saints who have fallen away. Let’s look at the three areas separately:

(1) Visiting In The Hospital. This is a must for Christians, not just the preacher or elders. People are in the hospital because in one form or another they are sick. We are hot doctors and nurses, but we are Christians and “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (Jas. 5:16, NASV). We are to support, encourage and strength those who are afflicted. Always be positive. Tell the patient or shut-in positive things, things that are good about the church and the community. Don’t complain to them and be patient when they complain to you. Don’t talk about sickness in your family, or your dad’s heart attack. Center your attention on the needs of the one you are visiting. One other very important thing: Do no wear out your welcome. Remember, others are coming and going too. Ten or fifteen minutes is long enough. Be cheerful and don’t forget a prayer before you leave. The reading of a Scripture like Romans 8:31-39 would be good.

As for the shut-ins, they are usually those who have helped in the building of the church building and have done much to build its strength. Because of age, bad health or sickness, they cannot attend. They should not be forgotten! Budget your time to include them, but be careful not to spend too much time here to the neglect of other areas ? f visitation. Realize that shut-ins are lonely and they enjoy having you come by to see them. They will want to have you stay an hour or so and we simply do not have this much time if we are involved with others. Know how much time you can give before such visitation and be rigid in your determination. Before leaving start your departure with something like, “I have enjoyed visiting you, brother Bill. It is good to see you looking so good. I wonder if we could have prayer before I leave?” Cheerfulness is the key. Remember the tea kettle. Though we are up to our necks in hot water, we too can continue to sing!

(2) Visiting To Edify And Strengthen. Besides the general instruction the New Testament gives us, we have specific matters that have to be taken care of. We must plan ahead for effectiveness. A nonchalant member needs to be impressed with the dangers of falling away, their personal obligations and responsibilities to the Lord. Reading such passages as I Peter 2:9-12; 3: 10-11; 2 Peter 2:20-23 will surely impress them. Make an impact, but don’t overpower them. Before leaving make an appointment for more extended study and have prayer for them. Brethren, this area is the most neglected. When brethren talk about this class of Christians, it involves statements like, “I’m convinced that we are not doing enough for those who are weak,” etc. But, are we just talking? How seriously do you take Galatians 6:1-2?

(3) Evangelistic, Or With A View To Converting. How necessary this is can be seen in the fact that where there is no visiting the prospects, there is no growth! This is the hardest task of all because it has to be done, for the most part, at night. It also requires repeat visits requiring sacrifices on the part of those who catch the vision of duty to others. Hard? Yes, but most important! The local church should maintain at all times some form of group visitation and home study arrangement. This area requires a great deal of effort, attention and constant planning. Adjustments from time to time are necessary. Motivation is a must.

The actual visit should include, first of all, a period of getting to know one another, a statement of purpose for the visit and an effort to commit them to another visit to services or a home study. To develop a congenial atmosphere, look around for an object to identify with, such as a painting, stuffed animal, pets or even children. Start talking about this and move into your purpose for the visit slowly. You need to find out all you can about the person in order to determine the needs and relation to the Lord. In leaving always thank the person for letting you visit them, and be nice, whatever the reaction you get. Keep records of your visits and make notes. Later, you will be glad you did.

Conclusion

Learn the moral of the following story: “One of you, my three sons, will rule this land when I am gone,” said the king. “But I would have the wisest of you rule. Here, then, is a gold coin for each of you. Go out into the world, shop wisely, and determine what you can buy that will best fill your individual bedrooms. There are but two rules: One is that you cannot use any other money than the gold coin I provided, and the other is that you return within three days.”

After the first day, the youngest son returned with a cart of hay that filled a good half of his room. “A wise purchase, my son,” said the king. At the end of the second day, the middle son returned with a bucket of paint which he brushed over his entire room and still had paint left over. “A very wise purchase, my son,” said the king.

At the last minute on the third day, the oldest son returned with nothing but a candle. He lit it and flooded his room with light. Then he returned to his father and said, “This cost only a penny.”

“What did you do with the rest of the money?” asked the king.

“I gave it to a widow with two children. She bought some lumber, and I helped her build a stall in the marketplace where she can sell fresh vegetables. Thus she will be able to support herself and her children.”

“That candle was the wisest purchase of all, my son. Our land will be in good hands. You shall be the next With regard to the charting of all Christianity as appeal king.”

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 18, pp. 545, 558-559
September 15, 1983