Truth Magazine

By Wayne S. Walker

We often talk about restoring primitive, New Testament Christianity. We are usually referring to the abandonment of denominationalism and the restoration of first-century patterns of mission, work, worship, organization, and message of the Lord’s church. This is a needed and noble effort. -“We speak where the Bible speaks and we are silent where the Bible is silent” should be a practice rather than just a motto. Congregations which make and actually try to keep this plea are often called sound or loyal, others being referred to by such terms as liberal; digressive or institutional. But there is more to first-century Christianity than a few outward forms, although these are important and without them all else would be vain.

1. The early Christians were a lot like Jesus, who had “not where to lay his head” (Lk. 9:58). Jesus did not own a home; He had to borrow a donkey to ride into Jerusalem; in fact, the only things we can assume He actually owned were the garments which were parted and gambled for at His crucifixion. And most of His followers were known for their relative poverty also (1 Cor. 1:26, 2 Cor. 8:2). Yet today, we seem many brethren more concerned with a nice house, a new car, modern conveniences, the latest clothing, etc., rather than the work of the church. Keeping up with the Jones has led a lot of so-called Christians to become merely church-goers; or even worse, nothing more than church-members (name on the roll). Of course, there is nothing wrong with having money, comforts, and a reasonable good life; but aren’t some of us overdoing it? We have a tendency to attach too much emphasis to material possessions nowadays (Mk. 10:23-25; 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17). Worldliness is sapping the life out of the church.

2. First-century disciples “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41). These simple, humble, but dedicated and convicted people were willing to risk and, if necessary, lose security, property, limb, and even life for Christ’s sake. And yet we think we are “suffering above and beyond the call of duty” if our religion might cause the loss of some “friends,” the approval of our family, or the esteem of the social leaders in our area. As a result, several have become “ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 1:16) in deed, even though they may not admit or even recognize it, as evidenced by their non-committal attitude. It is sometimes called “chameleon religion.” Many children of God (and sometimes even whole churches) have fallen into what might be called “Laodicean lethargy” because they are more concerned about building an image for themselves in the community than doing God’s will.

3. New Testament children of God, as well as those of earlier periods in our own nation, could always be identified because they lived “soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Tit. 2:12). Although they did not strive to be “odd-balls” or non-conformists just for the sake of being eccentric, they were different even as Peter indicated in 1 Pet. 2:9-12. However, modern times have ushered in the “neo-Christian,” more tolerant and “open-minded” about sin than before. So now, Christians dress (or undress), curse, drink, smoke, fill their minds with smut, and divorce, etc., just like the world around them to the extent that it is next to impossible to tell who is the Christian and who is not by the way they live. Brethren, these things ought not so to be!

4. Followers of Christ in ancient times were known for their liberality in terms of giving. They were generous, benevolent, charitable. They even sold lands and other possessions in order to have the money, when it was needed, to give so the church could carry on its work (Acts 4:32-37). And they gave in other ways too – helping the needy, visiting the sick, etc. (Gal. 6:10, Jas. 1:27). One problem today is that elders do not have enough faith and foresight. Instead of planning a work (within reason, of course) and asking each member to give for it, thus providing a goal to be reached, they let things drift along on the basis of what they already have or have always done, taking care of only the bare essentials (i.e., paying the preacher and the bills) because “we don’t have enough money for anything else”; and then complain because the brethren don’t give more! How many of us have ever sold, given up, or gone without something so that we could give more? Sacrifice – we do not even know the meaning of the word in our prosperous and affluent society.

5. Primitive brethren also engaged in extensive “personal evangelism.” We are told that “daily, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to preach and to teach Jesus as Christ” (Acts 5:42). Even as persecution arose, “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). They did not leave this work to full-time preachers or a select few who were “trained” for it. Every Christian was an “evangelist” in one sense or another. And so far as we know, this is the only method by which the gospel was spread and the church increased in those days. How long has it been since you talked to someone about his soul? In spite of all the television shows, radio programs, newspaper articles, magazine advertisements, and bulletins we may use, the Lord’s church will never grow until every individual Christian fills himself so full of joy and God’s word that he will be driven to share the good news with others.

This is not to say that these qualities do not exist anymore today, that the church is failing. There are many devoted Christians; I know some of them. God’s people in this generation have great possibilities. But these trends seem to be developing among us as they have in every pervious era and I mention them only to warn us to be on guard. Unless each one of us has the kind of attitude displayed by the people of God of the first-century as revealed in the New Testament, we cannot be the kind of influence He wants us to be in this life, and we simply will not get to heaven.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 3, p. 77
February 3, 1983

By Lewis Willis

No, this is not the title of the latest 007 movie or the title of a CIA thriller or the latest rage on the best seller list of current novels, though I do admit that is sounds like it. In fact, I think an imaginative person might turn it into a money-making production.

On second thought, imaginative people have already turned it into quite a productive fund-raising idea. It is the life blood of every “faith-healing ministry” in the country. And to illustrate the effectiveness of “The Placebo Effect” in raising funds, just observe the big buildings, technical equipment trailers and the deceived masses who gather around the users of “The Placebo Effect.” Remove it from these ministries and they would quickly die a natural death – as surely as a person dies when his “blood” is gone.

The Akron Beacon Journal (August 21, 1982) reported a visit from one of these faith healers to our area. On September 11, at the Hudson Holiday Inn, she participated in a two day symposium of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. The Association grew out of the work of psychic Edgar Cayce. The seminar included ESP experiments, lectures on the development of psychic ability and the testimony of “faith healer,” Olga Worrall. Mrs. Worrall is listed in Who’s Who of American Woman and she is the author of a book, The Gift of Healing. This Cleveland native is one of the most researched healers in the nation. She helped open the New Life Clinic at the Mt. Washington United Methodist Church in Baltimore. She reports she discovered her clairvoyance as a child. At that time, she had visions of people she did not know, only to discover that these people died about the time she “saw” them. She says, when she lays hands on people, “sometimes wonderful things happen. Tumors disappeared, and things of that nature.” Because she feels her “gift” is God-given, there is no charge for the treatment. However, if you wanted to hear her tell about the treatment, it would have cost you $59.00 in advance or $69.00 at the door, if you went to the seminar. If you only wanted to hear her speech, it cost you $6.00 at the door.

With regard to the great research that has gone into her work, Science Digest reports that most scientists and doctors attribute the favorable results of the testing to “sloppy research” and attribute the apparent cures affected by faith healers to “The Placebo Effect.” The Beacon Journal defines “The Placebo Effect” in the following manner: “A placebo is an unmedicated preparation given to a patient to humor him or to be used as a control in an experiment. Thus, a placebo effect is a cure effected by causing a patient to believe he is being cured” (my emphasis, L.W.).

Any physician will tell you that many patients can be “cured” if you can make them believe the treatment given will bring about the cure. And our national hypochondria presents both physicians and faith healers with an ever present reserve of “patients.” Furthermore, both the physicians and faith healers are making a fortune off these people who “think they are sick.” Obviously you do not have to have much “power” to “heal” a person who only thinks he is sick. The measure of success at every healing “ceremony” (as you know, not every case is healed) is determined by the number of people susceptible to “The Placebo Effect.” And I can do the same thing for those folks that Ernest Angley, Rex Humbard or Oral Roberts can do for them. Come to think about it, I could probably pay off my car with a healing service on the parking lot out here if there was just some way to certify those who are susceptible to the power of suggestion.

I surely would like to see Mrs. Worrall, or one of her buddies try using “The Placebo Effect” on some of the following situations: (1) In Matthew 8:23-27, Jesus calmed a storm to the amazement of His disciples. Do you suppose “The Placebo Effect” would work on a tornado? (2) In Matthew 14:15-21, Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fishes. Any faith healer who would like to attempt this feat with “The Placebo Effect” has an invitation to try and I volunteer to supply the loaves and fish! (3) In Luke 4:1-6, the Lord produced such a draught of fish that the fishermen’s nets broke in bringing them aboard ship. This happened after they had fished all night without success. Do you suppose “The Placebo Effect” would work for the frustrated fisherman? And, (4) Find one of these fellows who will try “The Placebo Effect” on raising the dead, as Jesus did in Mark 5:35-42 and John 11:38-46. I will volunteer to drive them to the “cemetery of their choice.”

I am persuaded that you could look for five years for a faith healer who would attempt any of the above and be unsuccessful in your search. And, I think we all know why! Let the hypochondriacs be victimized and let the spiritually blind applaud. But, let not our faith be shaken by “The Placebo Effect.”

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 3, p. 76
February 3, 1983

By Luther Bolenbarker

It is extremely hard and rare when in our perusal of the daily newspapers or any other news publication that we are not confronted by headlines and advertisements in which alcohol in beverage form is the subject or primary cause for the article being written. In fact alcohol, when used as a beverage, has become such a problem in our society that our government publishes a publication sponsored by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (tax supported) which deals with alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The May 1977 issue deals with the growing concern about the destruction alcohol is causing our nation, especially among our youth and women. In the years since that issue, the problem has not diminished, but rather, has increased. Surely, no thinking person can deny that alcohol is a very serious problem.

Karl Marx, the founder of communism, once called it a “capitalist evil” and Russia is now being over run with alcoholics and is having to fight its havoc.

An honest look at beverage alcohol reveals its dangers for everyone. No one is immune to its dangers and effects, not even. Christians. Probably everyone of us has family, or friends who are caught in the snares of alcohol. As I work in my office, almost daily alcoholics, with seemingly the saddest stories in the world drop by looking for another buck or two in order to get another bottle. Yet in the face of all we can visually see, some say, “It won’t hurt me.”

One who uses alcohol as a beverage disregards the wisdom of the Bible. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise . . .” (Prov. 20:1). The opposite of wise is dumb, so what does that make a drinker according to God’s word? “It is not for kings . . . to drink wine . . . lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted” (Prov. 31:4). Isaiah 28:20 warns of its effects on stability and vision. Habbakuk 2:15, 16 warns that one not tempt his neighbor and be the cause of his downfall. A reading and study of Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:7; and Proverbs 23:29-35 would also serve to solidify the harmful effects of alcohol when used as a beverage.

The question of “wine in the Bible, used by Jesus” often is raised. Its use then as a beverage and/or a medicine does not begin to parallel the use of hard liquor today. Bible scholars tell of two distinct Hebrew words (yayin and tirosh). One refers to fresh juice primarily and the other to a fermented wine causing drunkenness that was denounced. It should also be noted that at times the word “wine” was used to refer to fresh juice still in the cluster or on the vine (Isa. 65:8).

Alcohol as a beverage harms the body and impairs its productivity. In the Bible, it appears that wine was used for healing and medicine (Luke 10:34; 1 Tim. 5:23). Its use, rather abuse, today has an undeniable harmful effect on the body and is classed as the number one drug problem instead of a healing agent. If it were used today as a medicine, some would never be sick again in their lives! Documented sources are inexhaustible showing highway deaths (50,000 w ), mental illness and diseases all related either directly or indirectly to alcohol when used as a beverage.

Beverage alcohol causes suffering to its users and to their victims, who most of the time are innocent. It has made many a man or woman worse than an infidel (1 Tim. 5:8) because of their neglect, unconcern or abuse of their families and friends. When an area has a riot or civil disturbance or even election day, one of the first stores to close is the liquor stores. People in places of authority know that where there is no fuel to fan the fire, it goes out. It is known that alcohol can and often does influence passions and trigger destruction. A “meek and mild, law-abiding” citizen when sober seems to lose all sense and reason when under the influence of alcohol. Ask any policeman or judge who has experienced dealing with family disturbances and divorces, and they will tell you that beverage alcohol is the main cause of law enforcement problems and the higher taxes required for alcohol rehabilitation programs. A recent government survey reported that alcohol, “. . . accounts for over 1/2 of all arrests in our nation.” In some communities the rate is higher and is rising and more shocking. Think of this: over 300,000 men and women now in our federal prisons could be on the streets, free if it were not for beverage alcohol!

What can the Christian do? Be convinced that there is a difference worth enjoying between the hard, useless life of a drunken reveler and a life. of spiritual peace and service to one’s community, God and His church. Be informed, not deceived, by the pleasures of sin for a season. Look beyond the bottle to the “gutter or jail” and ultimately Hell. Resist the advertising and morally lax climate that surrounds us and which will swallow us up if we do not. Abide by the law of God and man. Study and teach the issues of truth taught in the Scriptures which forbid drinking and drunkenness; especially do this for your own family. Pray and insure that your conscience and influence are in order (clear).

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Alcohol has many defenders but no defense.” This is still true today. The following article from U.S. News (4/26/82) shows the priorities of our lawmakers: Recall of Dangerous Products: “A recall by the Food and Drug Admin. of 55 Million cans of Alaskan Salmon, because one person died of botulism in Belgium.”

Perhaps there is hope yet (but I doubt it) for a recall of all the cans and bottles of alcoholic beverages that will be the contributing factor in over 50,000 deaths in 1983, and all the other problems which it causes. If not, then at least the hypocrisy and ulterior motives of all its defenders will be clearer than ever.

Don’t let alcohol “bite” you (Psa. 23:32) and cause pain and grief to others!

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 3, p. 75
February 3, 1983

By Johnie Edwards

The mouth is an important tool provided it is used properly. The Bible has much to say about the mouth. Thus, we study.

Old Testament Prophets Were A Mouth For God

The word prophet means “a mouth.” When Moses tried to excuse himself from doing the work of God because he was not eloquent, God said, “Who bath made man’s mouth?” (Exod. 4:10-11). God then allowed Aaron to become the mouth for Moses. “And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shaft be to him instead of God” (Exod. 4:16). Aaron became a prophet to Moses because he was used by Moses as a “mouth.” “And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet” (Exod. 7:1). Thus, when an Old Testament prophet spoke, he was merely the mouth for God, speaking the message of God. Peter expressed it this way: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21).

The Mouth Advertises What’s On The Heart

If you want to know the things that are in a person’s heart, just listen to the things that come out of his mouth. Jesus said, “. . . for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matt. 12:34). This is the reason it is important what one thinks. Solomon said, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he . . .” (Prov. 23:7). This may help us understand why Paul told the Philippians, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).

A Wise Man’s Mouth

Solomon had something to say about the wise man’s mouth. “The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook” (Prov. 18:4). Again it is written, “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself” (Eccl. 10:12). The words of your mouth help to determine whether you are wise or foolish. “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips” (Prov. 16:23). It is important that we engage the gain before we start the mouth!

A Fool’s Mouth

The mouth can be to ones own destruction. Solomon said, “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul (Prov. 18:7). It is as Paul told the Galatians, “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Gal. 5:15). It is possible that by the mouth, people bite and devour one another – thus to their own destruction!

The Need For Open Mouths

There are many occasions for open mouths. Paul’s desire was to use his mouth to proclaim the gospel of Christ. “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19). If one intends to preach, he must open his mouth. As Philip preached to the eunuch, the Bible says “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). In singing, we need to open our mouths and not be afraid to sing out. We need to realize that we are “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

Some Mouths Need To Be Stopped

Just as mouths need to be opened, some mouths need to be stopped! Paul said, “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for fifthly lucre’s sake” (Tit. 1:10-11). Those, in the church, who teach “things which they ought not” must be stopped. This one reason that elders need the knowledge of God’s word. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Tit. 1:9).

Have you checked your mouth lately?

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 3, p. 74
February 3, 1983