Truth Magazine

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

By Jimmy Tuten

Very often we hear brethren saying, “No matter how hard I study the Bible, I cannot remember what I have learned. Though I try, I cannot grasp the Bible so as to be able to tell it to others.” This feeling of desperation in studying the one Book we need to know the most about is experienced by many in the church of the Lord. The sad part of this is that often a person does not know how to rectify the matter of inadequate Bible Study methods. So they settle for mediocrity.

What are your feelings about your study methods? Do you have to force yourself to study the Bible? Does your mind wander when you do study simply because the material is not exciting enough for you? Have you tried to get into Bible study but have been unable to follow through with your schedule? You can and must increase your understanding of the Bible. Growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ is absolutely essential for the child of God (2 Pet. 3:18). We are commanded to study (2 Tim. 2:15). We are told to increase in the knowledge of God (Col. 1: 10). This is all brought about by a desire to learn, coupled with sincere efforts to increase one’s proficiency in study habits. A proper application of the mind to the subject at hand so as to get a clear comprehension of it means more in the long run than hours spent in improper study methods. One’s power to comprehend lesson material is not a matter of mere chance. It is the result of concentration and perseverance. All of us need to give more attention to our methods of study if we want to increase our knowledge.

Don’t misunderstand me. Bible study can be interesting and exciting. It can be the best part of any day of your life. But it is going to take effort and planning. There are certain basic rules and factors that one must follow and know. The knowledge of these will help make your study of the Bible a scintillating, profitable adventure as well as an interesting quest for knowledge. Bible study can be fun! It can be enjoyable.

Unused Minds

The first thing one needs to understand is the danger of an unused mind. If the mind is not exercised regarding things that are spiritual, if it is not stirred up concerning things that pertain to the soul, it becomes stagnate. It even becomes warped and out of balance as pertains to knowledge of Bible principles. I once lived in a well built house in an excellent neighborhood that had one major problem. Two or three of the doors would not close because they were warped. In an effort to correct the matter I conferred with a carpenter. He said, “Doors that are not used and left open all the time will warp. Those doors have not been closed through the years and they have warped through disuse.” So it is with the mind: if it is not used so as to appreciate the thrills and the joys of Bible study it becomes spiritually handicapped. A closed mind never allows new understanding or thought to enter so as to illuminate and enliven what is already there. By the same token a mind that is left opened at both ends warps too. Some are so open-minded that facts go right through without leaving the slightest residuum of knowledge. We need to remind ourselves that true wisdom consists in maintaining balance. We need to have a mind that closes on certain thoughts and holds them there. At the same time open minds are essential to Bible study (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 5:2).

My dear friend and fellow-preacher, Bill Atkins of Mobile is a commercial fisherman. This expert on Bay of Mobile fishing has taught me many things, one of which is this: more fish go through the net than those that get caught. You have to trap more fish than you expect to catch, and the number that go through the net is greater by far than the number that are entrapped. It is quite a sight to see 1600 feet of net in the water quaking and quivering with several hundred pounds of fish. But it is disconcerting to a novice to see fish squeeze themselves through that same net to freedom. Bill’s nets never catch fish as long as they are piled up in the boat. So it is with the mind of man. At the very best the mind forgets more than it takes in and must be used to absorb anything. A man must study and put something into the mind, otherwise the mind would be a blank. Meditation and study is essential to the art of remembering what is learned.

How To Begin

Bible study builds upon four basic steps: observation, interpretation, application and correlation. In overlooking these factors much of our study is sporadic. Finding ourselves stimulated by a sermon or a Bible class, we jump at a study that had no workable plan, regular time or place for study. At best our endeavor is short-lived. When we add to this our inability to meditate because of distractions, the problem is compounded. We live in a day of instant coffee, rapid transportation, TV dinners and microwave ovens, all of which bombard us with instant this and instant that so that we want everything now! We have been programmed by our culture to expect results immediately. In the process we have forgotten how to meditate. Bible study cannot be obtained that way. We must motivate ourselves to study systematically and consistently.

Bible study is both a sense of duty and a gracious privilege. If one enters into a study of the Bible because he feels that he has to, he can’t expect to learn much. On the other hand if the study is viewed strictly as a privilege it will tend to be flippant. Instead of racing to get through a certain number of chapters or verses a day, we need to develop the art of reading slowly and thoughtfully. We have allowed denominationalism, secularism and other destructive matters to enter into our lives simply because we won’t take time to read and think. Much of what ails us is due to the fact that men will not “sit quietly in a room.”

What makes the Word of God a living force is what we as individuals do with it. “The Bible is a letter God has sent to us” (Matthew Henry). Our personal use of it, therefore, is like the opening and reading of that letter. And it must be coupled with determination to do what He says do.

Set Definite Goals

“Where there is no vision the people perish” (cf. Guardian of Truth, Vol. 25, p. 729). It is hard to get excited about a trip if there is no destination in mind. Bible study is no different. You need definite purposes and objectives to stir up your interest if you expect to get somewhere. “I’ve got to get in thirty minutes of Bible study every day, come what may,” or “I’m going to read the Bible through once a year,” ate such empty, common goals. They do little to motivate or spark your desire. You may accomplish the particular objective and possibly even gain some measure of self-discipline, but seldom any more.

This writer likes to get up for study each day while frost hangs heavy in the air. I’m fresher and the mind is clearer. Whatever is the best time for you to study, set it aside and stick to it. Don’t wait until Saturday night to prepare for Sunday morning. Do not wait till 5 p.m. Wednesday afternoon to do your studies for Wednesday night class. Forethought will make you better prepared, better organized and fill you with better concentration. So organize yourself. Plan ahead and do not let anything interfere. A well-planned, designated schedule will prepare you to handle those intrusions that you cannot control, and those pressures that keep you awake at night when you ought to be resting. Failure at this point results in a loss of interest in increasing Bible knowledge. Goals need to be challenging and satisfying, and they should stimulate personal growth. So, make them practical. This writer suggests the following:

(1) Organize your goals and objectives into related subjects and set up priorities, placing the most important subjects first. Do not study the Bible at random.

(2) Organize your time by setting aside a specific period every day to allow yourself the opportunity to accomplish the goals you have established. You will need to be flexible so that you can adjust yourself if you find yourself pinched for time. Do not just skip it.

(3) Take notes on whatever study material you are going over, remembering that what is not soon written down will be quickly forgotten. Whether you are using the helps in the back of the Bible, giving attention to outlined notes, studying commentaries, or simply reading religious periodicals, your notes should be kept up to date. You may want to keep a card rile and file your materials by subjects for quick and easy reference. But remember, the mechanics of note taking is of little value if one does not give concentrated reflective thought to your topic. To increase your grasp and memory of the Bible, to add meaning and life to your Bible Study, you are going to have to recognize the importance of meditation.

I have never forgotten a line from Rudyard Kipling’s The Just-So Stories that goes like this: “I keep six honest men (they taught me all I knew); Their names are What and Why and When and How and Where and Who.” Instead of rushing through a study take the time to learn the following from your material: The nature (what), the purpose (why), the time (when), the means (how), the place (where) and the people involved (who). What we do with Bible study is the difference in whether or not it is a living force in our lives. Your attitude toward the study of the Bible must be self-corrective.

Resource Tools

Besides two or three good Bible translations one will need other resource tools. Get a good Bible concordance, good Bible dictionaries, a good Bible atlas, good Bible commentaries and good sermon outline books. Do not overlook special studies that are on tapes. Get good tapes, listen to them (even in your auto while traveling) and exchange them with others. Tapes of special subjects are like good books, they last and last! The study of the Bible is much, much more than another academic pursuit; it is a vital part of our daily lives.

Conclusion

Paul told Timothy to “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Why study the Bible? Because “the holy scriptures . . . are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:15-17).

The Bible provides the foundation for understanding all knowledge. It gives the keys to solving all problems. Everything essential to our well-being is in the Bible: knowledge of creation, the purpose of human life, God’s spiritual laws, and it is these basics that engender a right understanding of the past, the present and the future. They serve as the foundation for all other branches of knowledge.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 16, pp. 490-492
August 18, 1983