Truth Magazine

By Ron Daly

Friends, please read Ezekiel 3:16-27 and Acts 20:26-27 because the texts prove that God Almighty has always demanded that His servants be faithful (trustworthy, reliable) in the proclamation of His (I Thess. 2:13) inspired, infallible, inerrant, and authoritative word! The responsibility of declaring the message of truth is exceedingly grave! The truth must always be preached in a spirit of meekness, love, and consideration, without fear, favor, or compromise. The salvation of a soul is too blessed and the damnation of a soul is too terrifying for the professed soldiers of Christ to encourage contests of ” Religious Russian Roulette” with the minds of honest, truth-seeking folks. We must ever be ready to “preach the word! Be ready in season, out of season 9′ (2 Tim. 4:2; NKJV).

Accepted sins are wicked, iniquitous, and ungodly deeds which are received favorably by many. Sin ought not to be accepted by anyone, at anytime, or on any occasion! Sin separates us from our God (Isa. 59:1-2). Sin is lawlessness (1 Jn. 3:4). And sin has wages, which is death (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1: 14, 15). All sin is detestable before God, for sin is unrighteousness (1 Jn. 5:17).

Many pulpits do not send forth a resounding denunciation of all sin in clear, forthright terms, but are becoming hotbeds of error, tolerance, and are giving false comfort to sinners! For fear of hurting some weak members’ feelings, becoming unpopular, being fired, losing support, being expelled from the local Ministerial Alliance or Civitan club, some evangelists are not preaching God’s truth in the way that God’s word demands! Too many churches are being fed a diet of fifteen minute sermonettes, shallow philosophical nonsense, “they-say, I-say, We-say,” and unfounded opinion instead of a simple “thus saith the Lord.” We are commanded in Scripture to “speak as the oracles of God” (I Pet. 4:11) and “not to go beyond the things which are written” (I Cor. 4:6). But, as the Lord’s apostle, Paul predicted, “the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables, But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). The word must be preached. We must not favorably receive any sin! Sin must not be fellowshipped, but reproved (Eph. 5:11)!

There are churches which will not allow sin – all sin to be denounced in explicit language and with equal force. There is a dead cat on the line somewhere! God through the prophet Ezekiel says, “Yet the children of your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ But it is their way which is not fair!. . . Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, I will judge everyone of you according to his own ways” (Ezek. 33:17-20). From this text it is apparent that God wants justice, dealing equally with all!

Now, let us carefully contemplate some of the “accepted sins” which I shall enumerate for our consideration.

Denominationalism

For some strange, inexcusable reason, members of the Lord’s church have in many instances convinced themselves that denominationalism is not sinful! If denominationalism, is not sinful, nothing is! Some preachers act as if they believe that it is beneath the dignity of a preacher of the gospel to take his Bible and indict human creeds, names, worship, organizations, and churches. Denominationalism is a system of division, and the Bible condemns unauthorized division (Tit. 3:9-10; Rom. 16:17). When we receive denominationalism instead of preaching against it, we are preparing the way for a generation of young people in the church who will not have a proper scriptural view of the undenominational nature of the church in the New Testament. They will speak the language of Ashdod; examples of which are calling the preacher the “pastor,” denying the essentiality of baptism in order to salvation, believing that instrumental music in worship is acceptable, referring to Sunday (the first day of the week) as the “Christian Sabbath,” speaking of one “joining” the church instead of being added to it by the Lord (Acts 2:47).

Brethren, it is the responsibility of the present generation to commit the truth “to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). Let us get about the task of warning God’s people against all forms of sectarianism, both in and out of the church! Denominationalism is damnable. There is nothing good about it! The members thereof, according to the teaching of the Bible, will lose their souls if they fail to repent, leave it, and obey the gospel of the Christ (2 Thess. 1:7-9; Rom. 1:16)! Another “accepted” sin in some churches is:

Social Drinking

Most individuals agree that drunkenness is sinful, thus condemned by the Bible, and should not be engaged in (cf. 1 Cor. 6: 10; Gal. 5:2 1). But, some insist on arguing, “The Bible does not say that I sin just by taking one drink of liquor for social purposes, or by drinking one beer. The sin is in getting drunk, not in the limited consumption of alcohol.”

The person who defends social drinking on the basis that the Bible condemns drunkenness fails to recognize the fact that there are degrees of drunkenness. A person does not have to be “stone drunk” or “dog drunk” in order to violate biblical teaching! In the New Testament several Greek words are translated drunk, drunken, drunkenness. W.E. Vine observes regarding methusko, “signifies to make drunk, or to grow drunk (an inceptive verb), marking the process or state expressed in no. 1, to become intoxicated, Lk. 12:45; Eph. 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:7a.” E.W. Bullinger says methusko means, “to grow drunk (marking the beginning of methuo). “These definitions prove that there are degrees of drunkenness. One is as drunk as the amount he drinks!

Consider with me the following scriptural principles which are violated by social drinkers: (1) One who consumes alcoholic beverages is not wise (Prov. 20:1). (2) One who is a social drinker cannot be an influence for good among believers or sinners (1 Thess. 5:21; Matt. 5:13-16). (3) The social drinker, being consistent cannot scripturally convince the “outright” drunkard that he must cease his drunkenness while he (the social drinker) holds on to his dtsipping’4″ (4) The social drinker is intentionally., and knowingly destroying his mind and body which is to be preserved, not destroyed (1 Cor. 6:19-20; Rom. 12:1-2). (5) One who drinks socially cannot abstain from fleshly lusts which which against the soul (1 Pet. 2:11). Another very prevalent sin which is “accepted” by a multitude of brethren is:

Racial Prejudice

Racial prejudice is a world-wide sin, universal in scope! It is sinful because: (1) It excites favoritism and partiality. Such is expressly condemned by the Bible (Jas. 2:14, 9). James states, “If ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” The text simply states, to have respect of persons is sin! Racial prejudice is very definitely conducive to respect of persons (lit. “faces”). Often times, a racial bigot will refuse to extend a handshake, a smile, and word, hospitality, or even a gospel sermon to one of a race other than his own! James says those who act in such a way are transgressors! (2) Racial prejudice fails to observe the divine injunction to love one’s neighbor unselfishly. This is the meaning of the Greek word agape in Rom. 13:9-10; 1 Jn. 4:20-21. In these texts John asks a most important question: “For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” The fact is, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 Jn. 3:15). One who truly loves his neighbor in the scriptural sense seeks his well-being, good, and spiritual benefit. This, the bigot does not do, for he considers whites to be oppressors who deserve to be hung by the neck, blacks to be dogs without souls, Jews to be filth who need killing, and Orientals to be nonhuman creatures who deserve ridicule!

The racial bigot fails to realize that all of us “are the offspring of God” (Acts 17:25-29). The bigot implies that some of us are the offspring of monkeys and other brute beasts! But, the Bible says, “God hath made of one blood all nations of men. . .”

There cannot scripturally be segregation among Christians solely on the basis of race! The Lord built one church for all (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4). Christ did not die for two churches, but for one (Acts 20:28)! The Bible plainly says that God “reconciles both (Jew and Gentile) in one body” (Eph. 2:16). Any man who loves the truth has the prerogative of worshiping with God’s people, Christians, regardless of racial heritage!

The apostle Paul did not tolerate racial prejudice in the life of the apostle Peter. Paul knew that bigotry is sin, and he informed Peter of the same. The record says in Galatians 2:11-14, “When Peter came to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he stood condemned, For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, if thou being a Jew, livest after the manner of the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?”

Why is it that some preachers, writers, and editors are bold proclaimers against such. sins as homosexuality, drunkenness, gambling, and immorality in the form of adultery, etc., but neglect strong, deliberate preaching, teaching, and writing on racial prejudice? It is as rare as a “pink bow-legged” jack rabbit to hear our prestigious, well-thought of men speak against the actions of publicly known, impenitent, hell-bound bigots! Now many churches have you known to withdraw from bigots who failed to repent? -Do you know of churches who use such men around the “Lord’s Table,” in the pulpit, and as song leaders? Does it not seem that some among us are careful, yea very selective in choosing what they will oppose, where they will speak, and whom they will condemn with the book of God? I wonder why? Elders and preachers ought to address themselves to this issue. We need to repent and ask God’s forgiveness or else we will lose our souls! Another accepted sin in many places is:

Absenteeism

The Bible admonishes and exhorts us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” In view of this text we learn that the various assemblies (i.e. our assembling) are important and are not to be taken for granted! The assembling together for purposes of worship and exhortation are for the benefit and growth of each saint, and this must not be forgotten! Many churches have severe problems with members wilfully, deliberately, and consistently absenting themselves from Sunday night and Wednesday night sessions of study, but the churches do not seem to be alarmed; in other words they have accepted this sin without rebuke! They are doing what no respectful housewife would do, viz. allow a husband to loaf six nights a week and come home only once without apology. Someone would be required to give account! But, we will tolerate those who wilfully absent themselves from our assembling, and allow them to return as if nothing ever happened and participate in the public performances of the local church.

One of the areas in which a local church may engage is edification (Eph. 4:12, 15; Acts 20:32). This is the act of building up the body by educating members in the word of truth. One of the arrangements in which this is done is the class situation. An arrangement which elders, who are the overseers, pastors, presbyters, or bishops, may select as one expedient method to perfect the saints. We are, in such a circumstance to respect the wisdom, judgment, and leadership of the elders because they watch in behalf of our souls (Heb. 13:17). To rebel against their authority in matters involving the growth, well-being, and unity of the local church is sin! Classes are not begun without purpose, they are a means of accomplishing an end, i.e. the perfection of the local congregation! You and I are obligated to be present!

Other sins could be enumerated which are “accepted” among brethren, but the ones specified are sufficient to prove that we yet have a lot of work to do. Let us preach against all sin with equal force!

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 16, pp. 496-498
August 18, 1983

By Randy Harshbarger

Most people are interested in making life a rewarding experience. Too, most people want to enjoy good health, have nice possessions, good jobs, etc. There is nothing wrong with any of these things per se. However, the television media presents a different slant on what constitutes a rewarding life in the popular (?) slogan: “You only go around once in life, so grab for all the gusto you can.” To some, this type of thinking means that a person is free to live unrestrained, with no regard for the rights and feelings of others. Too, this philosophy is manifested when people show an utter disregard for the Lord and His will. Of course, it is not unnatural for Christians to want to enjoy life and enjoy a certain amount of what this world has to offer. There is however, a difference between a Christian and the person who grabs for all the gusto he can. The Christian recognizes that God is the giver of all things both good and perfect, and the Christian is thankful to the Lord for all He has given. The Christian lives his life with purpose and meaning. The child of God is able to enjoy this life with all the blessings God has bestowed, but also recognizes that this life will soon be over. In view of death and eternity, the Christian seeks a philosophy of life that will enable him to live with God forever. Those who try to live apart from God need to consider the words of Paul in Philippians 3:13, 14. In these verses the Apostle sets forth the Philosophy Of Life that will bring true and lasting happiness to all men.

First of all, Paul tells us to “forget the things which are behind.” In one sense, a person can never forget some things that have happened in the past. But Paul’s advice suggests that we forget things to the extent that we don’t allow them to hinder the present. Paul had to forget his former manner of life as a prominent Jew and persecutor of the Lord’s church. To dwell on these things would have hindered Paul as a gospel preacher. Christians today need to forget past sins that have been forgiven lest we become discouraged by them. We need to forget past defeats lest we become despondent. We must forget past accomplishments for the Lord lest we neglect the challenges of the present and future. Now is the time for study, teaching and faithfulness in our Christian service to the Lord.

Second, Paul tells us to “stretch forward to the things which are before.” The word stretch is a word that conveys the idea of stretching or reaching for the ribbon in a race. This suggests that Christians must always be trying to reach for “perfection” (Phil. 3:12). The Christian strives to reach full-grown maturity in Jesus Christ. The Christian craves a knowledge of Christ and then studies to learn more about the Son of God. We will never be perfect, but the Christian recognizes his imperfections and sees the need for continual growth. By doing this we have “the righteousness which is from God by faith” (Phil. 3:9).

Thirdly, Paul tells us to “press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” The word press means to actively pursue. The prize is something that compels us to put forth much effort in order to gain it. What is that prize? The crown of life! We now live in hope of eternal life. One day that hope will become a reality as we hear the Lord say, “Well done!” God calls us through the gospel. It remains for us to answer that call, “making our calling and election sure.” Then and only then will we have “an abundant entrance” into the kingdom of God’s dear Son.

Seek the philosophy of life that pleases the Lord. Then and only then can you know true and lasting happiness, not only in this world but in the world to come.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 16, p. 495
August 18, 1983

By Michael L. DuBose

As Joshua was addressing the nation of Israel for the last time he said, “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt: and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:14-15).

Joshua did not give the people a choice between serving God and choosing idolatry. He said, “serve ye the Lord.” But, if you are insistent on rejecting the God of heaven, then choose whom you will serve. It really doesn’t matter. You can serve the gods of the Egyptians, the gods of the Amorites, or the idols of some other nation. It all adds up to the same – rejection of God and eternal suicide. If you are not going to do what God says to do, then choose whatever makes you happy. You will have your reward here and nothing in eternity.

This same principle applies with equal force today. God had revealed Himself to us in a way which is clear and simple to understand (Eph. 3:3, 4). He has furnished us with everything necessary to our salvation (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). We are prohibited from changing in any way that which God has revealed (2 Jn. 9). If you are not content to abide in the doctrine of Christ, but desire to add to or subtract from God’s word the doctrines and commandments of men, then just add whatever you will. Change it wherever and however you choose. Follow any doctrine that pleases you and affiliate yourself with whichever denomination you like best. It really doesn’t matter.

You can choose to wear some man-made name that is not found in the Bible like Baptist or Methodist or Presbyterian. You can choose to follow some false prophet like Joseph Smith or Ellen G. White. You can decide to become Catholic and let the pope make all of your decisions in religious matters. You can even become a disciple of some Eastern religion that denies the one true God. Perhaps you would prefer to practice Judaism and claim to serve God while denying Christ. If you are not going to follow God by doing as He commands, then the end result is always the same regardless of what you do or don’t do religiously. So go ahead. Attend the church of your choice. It really doesn’t make any difference which one you choose.

But, if you are concerned about pleasing the Father in heaven and you want to go to heaven when you die, then it does make a difference – an eternal one! Jesus condemned those Jews in His day who were doing as they pleased in the worship of God rather than what God had commanded. The Savior said of their worship, “But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.” And again, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” (Mt. 15:9, 13).

Paul rebuked the church at Corinth for ‘being divided and following men rather than the gospel of Christ (1 Cor. 1:10-15). He chastised the Galatians telling them that by turning away from the gospel to the teachings of men; they had been bewitched or hindered and were rejecting the saving power of Christ’s gospel (see Gal. 1:6-9; 3:1-5).

There is in the midst of all the confusion and uncertainty in the religious world, a course that men may follow which is infallibly safe. This course is to read the Bible and then do what it says, all that it says, nothing more and nothing less. God has promised eternal rest to all of those who love and obey him (Heb. 4:1-3; 5:9).

You can become a member of the church of God’s choice by obeying the gospel of Christ. Those who obeyed God on the day of Pentecost were added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:47). If you do the same things those early people did to become children of God (i.e., believe, repent, confess your faith before men, and be baptized for the remission of sins), then the Lord will add you to His church. By continuing to serve the Lord as He has directed in His word, heaven will be your home.

Joshua knew the folly of vanity and conceit in exalting self above God. Thus, he proclaimed boldly ” . . . as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Will you serve God as He has directed? If not, then worship with the church of your choice. It really doesn’t make any difference as far as your eternal destiny is concerned. You will be lost because you refused to do the will of the Father in heaven (Mt. 7:21-23.)

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 16, p. 494
August 18, 1983

By William C. Sexton

Most people who know anything about the New Testament have heard of the “Sermon on the Mount.” Such description is give to that portion of Jesus’ teaching which is found in the fifth through the seventh chapters of Matthew.- Fewer people, no doubt, have heard of the sermon in the plain. Such description is given to that portion of Jesus’ teachings as recorded by Luke (6:17-49). 1 would like to make a few observations relative to this sermon.

As the teachings in this portion of Scripture are so much like those in Matthew’s account, yet not exactly identical, some significant implications can be drawn from such. Perhaps a pondering of such for awhile will result in a better appreciation for God’s word as well as for others in our time, re-evaluating our mission.

Observations

1. The truth that Jesus delivered to mankind was not just spoken to one group of people, at one time, and then left to be recorded. Rather, what He spoke on the mountain, he spoke in the plain, too. Much like a political figure, as he travels from community to community delivering the same message, so did Jesus with the Message from heaven! Observation. Preachers and teachers of God’s word, today, often present the same message to different audiences, at different times and places! As one has well said, “If a sermon is worth presenting once, it’s worth presenting a second time.”

2. The truth that Jesus presented was not verbatim repeats. The principles of truth were stated in different ways and adapted to different audiences, either extending or shortening the statements, promises, conditions, etc., at times, as evidenced by Luke.

Examples of variation: (1) “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3); “Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God” (Lk. 6:20). (2) “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5:4); “Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now for ye shall laugh” (Lk. 6:21).

Observation: At times it is appropriate for a preacher or teacher of God’s word to give an expanded or shortened lesson, setting forth basic truth; at times it is more appropriate to speak, using the third person, indirectly rather than second person, directly and personally!

3. Every aspect of the truth cannot be fully presented and expanded upon every time one has an audience, an opportunity to speak, as evidenced by Jesus and recognized by intelligent person. Yet, the basic kernel of eternal truth cannot be altered for any person or group of persons any time or any where!

Observation: At times people view such behavior in preaching and teachings in the wrong light, I believe. Some presenters feel that they must keep an audience beyond “reasonable time” to fully explain every aspect of truth relative to the subject. Listeners, at times, argue that unless you make their point that you have not “presented the truth.” Contrariwise, however, we as presenters may very well leave off “some hard facts of life” so as to leave a “better” impression with the audiences – to their injury as well as ours. Let us beware!

Some Specifies

1. Blind Leading is sure to end in destruction for both the leader and the led, (Lk. 6:39). It should be obvious that the untaught can’t adequately point to the way of which he is ignorant, yet the practice is common, I’m afraid! Often people who know little Bible and have little respect for details of its contents are the most bold to proclaim a message as from God!

Question: Are we possibly being lead by a “blind” teacher? Are we possibly giving directions which did not come from God? In short, are we being “blind” leaders in some areas?

2. Relationship of disciples to Master. Are we trying to be different or something other than the Master, Jesus Christ would have us be? Jesus said, “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect (has been fully trained NASB) shall be as his master” (6:40). (a) We cannot expect better treatment than Jesus and His apostles. Often we shall be misunderstood and opposed unrighteously. (b) We must not think we are above Him, in being able to set aside principles and doctrines which He proclaimed, practiced and upheld.

3. Criticism must “first” involve a critical analysis of one’s own life, making adequate effort to bring his life into conformity with the will of God before one has the right to correct another. “And why beholdeth thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” (Lk. 6:41, see verse 42 to complete the instructions).

Wrong conclusions may be drawn here: (1) One does not have to be “perfect” before he can help another; (2) Neither does one have to “know everything” to assist another. One does have to make an honest effort to correct what is wrong in his life, however, before he can effectively teach another. Are we putting “first things first?”

4. One is known by “his ownfruit. ” A good tree or man brings forth good fruit; the evil tree and man brings forth “corrupt” fruit. Truly, all make mistakes, fail at times, and disappoint others, yet ultimately the “good” person manifests the same by character, behavior, or conduct! Let us be convinced of this relative to others and ourselves, too.

5. Calling Jesus “lord,” while failing to be governed by His word, is of no avail. “and why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46) Is Jesus really our Lord – ruling over us through His teachings recorded in the New Testament Scriptures?

Conclusion

We need to be familiar with all of God’s word, and recognize its many-sided principles. Every Word and aspect has a purpose, I’m convinced (Prov. 30:5-6; Matt. 4:4). Such is powerful and beneficial, if we’ll believe it (I Thess. 2:13). Let us become familiar with all the books, chapters, verses, and words of the New Testament. Ponder them -that is give them long, serious thought! We’ll be amazed at times as we reflect as to the light such will shed on the situation in which we find ourselves!

What are some of the valuable principles set forth by Jesus in the sermon in the plain? Think!!

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 16, pp. 492-493
August 18, 1983