Truth Magazine

By Hoyt Houchen

Question: I would like for you to deal with Lk. 9:60, “Let the dead bury their dead. ” Who are the “dead” that has the responsibility to bury their dead?

Reply: The word “dead” can be either literal or figurative. One can be literally dead or he can be spiritually dead. Concerning widows, Paul wrote in 1 Tim. 5:6, “But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth.” He wrote to the brethren at Ephesus, reminding them of their condition before conversion, “And you did he make alive, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). These and other passages clearly teach that those who are dead in sin are said to be spiritually dead.

The context of Lk. 9:60 shows that Jesus was speaking of the spiritually dead who were to bury their dead. The idea is simply that the spiritually dead should bury the physically dead. It would be impossible for the physically dead to bury their dead, so there is no alternative as to who the dead are who have the responsibility to buy their dead. They are the spiritually dead.

Jesus was teaching true discipleship. The worldly obligations can be fulfilled by those who are spiritually dead and who have no higher interests. This is the idea. Jesus does not forbid his followers to bury the dead per se. Devout men buried Stephen (Acts 8:2) but burying him did not prevent them from serving the Lord. The expression, “Let the dead bury their dead,” teaches us that the spiritually dead can fulfill the duties of this life which may stand between us and doing God’s will. The lesson is one of proper emphasis. Earthly obligations are not to stand between us and our service to God.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 40, p. 642
October 9, 1980

By William C. Sexton

Good books are valuable, but many children of God do not read as many good books as they could and/or should; many who would read and do, often do not have knowledge of some good books which would contribute to their growth and help them be prepared to help others to know Christ and His saving power. After these many years, I have come to realize that making known the value that I have received from my reading of good books may be helpful to others. I have read a book recently which I think should have wide use among faithful members of the Lord’s church. It is the fruit of a man’s experience who has lived a long life (nearly 85 years); he is Loren N. Raines of Bedford, Indiana.

The book is divided into two parts. Five chapters deal with “God’s Right to Make Requirements,” covering one hundred thirty nine (139) pages. Another five chapters deal with “What the Lord Requires.” The book has 269 pages, and it is paper back, selling for $4.95.

The first part covers, in what I believe a good way, the fact that God, the Creator, has the right to make requirements on man, His creatures. His wisdom and goodness is manifest in the gift of His Son, to be “Our Savior.” The Holy Spirit has been active in “Revealing His will,” providing us with “God’s “Word” as “Our Guide.” Consequently, Our Creator has provided us with “God’s Church” as “Our Refuge.” When one reads this part, he will be impressed with the writer’s knowledge, insight, and conviction as to God’s existence, Man’s need, and man’s responsibility – to serve God and prepare for eternity, by being realistic now!

If one reads the first part, and uses his ability to reason and understand, he will be ready then to accept what is required by the Lord in his and other’s lives. This section points to the specifies of the alien sinner and the sins of the child of God, too. The writer challenges the person to see himself in the light of God’s universe and to respond for his good and that of the community – living the word and telling it to others.

I am convinced that if each child of God will read this book through and take notes on it, then hand it to a person in whose soul’s salvation one has an interest and invite them to read it and relate their reaction to it, each will be helped and serving a useful purpose.

Brother Raines, although I have never met him, has been an educator in secular (teaching school) and spiritual matters (preaching the gospel). It appears that he uses his knowledge of secular and natural forces enough to let the reader see that he knows whereof he speaks, but then he points to the rational and useful aspects of the Divine revelation of God in the lives and behavior of humanity.

This is one of those books which I feel should be used by members of the Lord’s family to try to reach and motivate the neighbor to become a child of God and grow in His service.

Recently in a meeting, I was told by a member of the church that she had been trying to get a friend to attend services with her to find that she was not all that interested. But, then she had given her a book on how we got the Bible and to her surprise, she has related that she “never had thought” of the idea that the Bible was the type of Book that it was. This indicates that we may be able to stir interest and quicken one toward the truth by handing them a book – that is fitting for their situation. I challenge the readers to purchase a copy of this and then to read it and pass it on to a friend – whose soul you are concerned about.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 40, pp. 642
October 9, 1980

By Herschel E. Patton

Many are so branded, even in the Bible. It is not a coveted designation. You may be one only in someone’s mind, or you may be one in actuality. Webster defines a fool as “(1) a simpleton; (2) a professional buffoon; (3) one made to appear foolish; a dupe – v.i. 1. To play the fool; to trifle. 2. Colloq. To tamper; to waste time. 3. Archaic. To act as a jester.”

Those who accept inspiration as their standard can better discern concerning themselves and others by observing the meaning and use of the term as used in scripture.

Without Reason: Lack Of Commonsense Perception

Jesus referred to some hypocritical Pharisees who criticized Him for not keeping their traditions as fools (Luke 11:40). The same term was used in describing a covetous man who trusted in the abundance of his possessions, without regard for God, others, or eternity (Luke 12:20). The Greek word translated fool in these references is aphron.

Aphron “signifies without reason (a negative, phren the mind), want of mental sanity and sobriety, a reckless and inconsiderate habit of mind (Hort), or the lack of commonsense perception of the reality of things natural and spiritual . . . or the imprudent ordering of one’s life in regard to salvation” (G. Vos, in Hasting’s Bible Dictionary); it is mostly translated “foolish” or “foolish ones” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of N. T. Words, pp. 113-114).

In both cases mentioned above, the hypocritical Pharisees and the covetous man, there was present a reckless (illogical) reasoning, a lack of commonsense perception concerning things material and spiritual, and this “foolish” thinking was ordering their lives. Jesus said they were “fools” (aphron).

In our generation, as in theirs, there are religious people who are often found attacking (opposing) truth and trying to establish their own way with sophistry and wanton reason. Notice some examples.

One is baptized in order to be saved, for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16). “But, Jesus said he that believeth not shall be damned and didn’t say he that is not baptized shall be damned!” (Logic suggests that when two conditions of salvation are stated, one doesn’t have to disobey both to be damned – just one will be enough.) “For the remission of sins in Acts 2:38 means `because of.”‘ (Then “repentance” is also “because of.”) “What if one is killed in a wreck on his way to be baptized?” (What if one is killed on his way to faith or repentance?) “What about the thief on the cross?” (How could he be an example of the “new birth” when he lived and died before the Great Commission which commanded baptism in the name of Christ went into effect?)

There is one body (Eph. 4:4; 1 Cor. 12:12-14) or church (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23). “But, our fathers and thousands in every age believed in `many churches’!” (How can this alter God’s word?) “Jesus is the vine and churches are the branches (Jno. 15:1-6).” (The text says “ye,” v. 5; “a man,” v. 6, constitutes the branches.) “Rev. 1:4 speaks of the `seven churches of Asia’, so seven or seven hundred it doesn’t matter!” (The seven churches of Asia were congregations, located in named cities – v. 11, and all subject to the same teaching [“of the one Spirit” 1:7, 11, 17, 29, 2:6, 13, 22].)

“And whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him” (Col. 3:17). “But, I think if a thing is a good work, whether the Lord authorizes it or not, it will be acceptable.” (Regardless of human thought, it still can not be “of faith” [Rom. 10:17], “of Truth” [Jn. 17:17], or “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”) “Our fellowship hall, ballfield and team, kindergarten, school, Society, Institution, Camp, etc. are `good works’ and God’s word doesn’t say ‘thou shah not.'” (He does, however, tell us not to go beyond what is written, add to or take from it [1 Cor. 4:6; Gal. 1:8; Rev. 22:18-19].)

“Take heed and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk. 12:15). “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). “I just can’t neglect my business, position, recreation, retirement, fun, etc. for Bible Study, Church, and personal evangelism. Surely, God would not expect me to do this!” (Look once again at the man the Lord called a fool in Luke 12:20.)

“Preacher! You are talking about me. I make these arguments and so act. Are you saying I’m a fool?” If you are not, you will be able to discern your true condition the truth – and properly order your life.

Morally Worthless

“Did Jesus say something about calling one a fool?” Jesus did, indeed, say “. . . whosoever shall say to his brother Raca, shall be in danger of the Council, but whosoever shall say, Thou fool (morns – Gk.), shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matt. 5:22).

Morns (fool): “Here the word means normally worthless, a scoundrel, a more serious reproach than `Raca.’ The latter scorns a man’s mind and calls him stupid; `morns’ scorns his heart and character . . .” (Vine’s, Expository Dictionary of N. T. Words, p. 114).

Man cannot look into the heart of his fellows and pass sentence upon them; only the Lord can do this. Man is forbidden to thus do. When the Lord, however, declares someone morns, that person is truly that kind of fool, a morally worthless person. Jesus used this term in pronouncing woes upon the tradition bound, hypocritical scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 23:17, 19) and the virgins that “took no oil with them”, being found unprepared when the bridegroom came (Matt. 25:2, 3, 8). Paul and his fellowworkers were thus viewed in the eyes of their opponents (1 Cor. 4:10).

From the use and meaning of this word in Scripture we can see the depth to which those sink who act unreasonably, without common sense perception (fool aphron), and how the Lord sees them.

Not Understand

Anoetos is another Greek word translated “fool” in scripture and signifies “not understanding.” Jesus said, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe . .” (Luke 24:25). In Rom. 1:21, the word is translated “foolish” heart, and the Galatians were said to be “foolish” (Gal. 3:1, 3). All of us are often “foolish” from this standpoint, but should study to understand. If we do not, we will soon be acting foolishly (aphron) and become morally worthless (morns) before God.

“I may be a fool in the eyes of Bible believers, but how do I know the Bible is reliable or that there is a God who cares?” “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Psalm 14:1).

Truth Magazine XXIV: 40, pp. 641, 651
October 9, 1980

By Dudley Ross Spears

In most all of the discussions over the last several years, the divisive question of institutionalism and centralization has involved the work a local church must do. While the question has always been about Biblical authority the work of the local church has been a vehicle for expressing different attitudes toward Bible authority.

The work of the local church to many people in the church consists of just about “any good work” the brethren can think of – without qualification! This includes the general relief of suffering humanity, improving ghetto conditions, eliminating illiteracy, taking off excess weight (paging Ira North and the “slimnastics” program of the Madison church of Christ), and lots and lots of social programs. Kitchens in the church building indicate that some think the work of the church can be expedited by the culinary arts. With the influx of “Family Life Centers” which are nothing but gymnasiums with additional facilities some seem to think that through physical exercise and competitive sports the work of the church can be accomplished. I know of one church of Christ (?) that offers a modified version of a “lonely hearts club.”

The only way to know what the work of the local church is is to read what God has revealed about it. Has the Lord said anything about the work He wants local churches to do? If not, there is nothing to study. If so, we must operate within those things He has revealed. (Read 2 John 9-10; 1 Cor. 4:6; Acts 15:24). God’s mind and His eternal purpose are manifested to the high order of “principalities and powers in heavenly places” through the church. (Eph. 3:10).

By definition, the local church is the saved people who meet together in a specific locality to do the work God has assigned the church. The local church is the place where worship is collectively offered by Christians to God. The local church is a body of the saved who agree to work together under a qualified leadership which they select and who are called “elders” or “pastors” in the New Testament. These same people pool their financial resources in order to achieve their common work. Basically, the local church is a cooperative of the saved who are dedicated to doing God’s work in God’s way.

To further study this, look briefly at some definitions of the word church. Edward D. Morris wrote, “Kuriakos: The term Church, (German kirche; Scotch, kirk; and the Teutonic and Scandinavian languages generally) is derived from the Greek word kuriakos, . . . a derivative from kurios. It came, however, to be employed at an early date to designate the religious organization inhabiting such a building, and engaging statedly in such joint devotions; and this is the use and meaning here to be retained.”

Again, he says of Ekklesia. “The term applied in classic Greek to any assembly of persons called out, or called :ogether, for any specific purpose (Acts 19:32, 39), this :erm came early to designate a religious or a Christian assembly, and such an assembly, not as convened on a single occasion, but rather as in some way organized and having permanent existence.”

Morris says of the word Sunagoga, “The same transition appears in the parallel word, sunagoga, often employed in the Septuagint like ekklesia, to describe not merely the place of assembling, but a company of persons brought together for religious purposes, thus gradually coming to indicate a permanent religious congregation.”

These quotes are from Ecclesiology, Charles Scribners’ Sons, 1890, pages 13-14.

The definition given earlier in this paper is here defended. The local church is organized after a definite pattern. It is God’s divine order. It was organized to have permanent existence. Paul wrote to Titus and told him he left him (Titus) in Crete to “set in order things wanting and ordain elders in every city.” (Titus 1:5). When a thing is set “in order” it is organized. It becomes “set” and therefore is not merely an overnight thought. While Paul was telling Titus that things needed to be brought back to a good state of repair, he also makes us come to the inevitable conclusion that the church is a set order.

To the church in Colossae, Paul wrote of his joy in seeing their “order.” (Col. 2:5). This is a word that signifies a definite organization. W.E. Vine says, “. . . is used in Luke 1:8 of the fixed succession of priests; of due order, in contrast to confusion, in the gatherings of a local church, 1 Cor. 13:40); of the general condition of such, Col. 2:5 (some give it a military significance here). – Expository Dictionary.

The local church is to be under qualified elders where they oversee the work of that -one local church. (1 Pet. 5:2-3; Acts 14:23). When you study Acts 14:23 in connection with Titus 1:5 you can come to the right conclusion that God intends for every city where there is a local church to have elders in every local church in every city. The oversight of the elders of those local congregations is limited to the congregation that selected them to oversee. They have no authority over any part of the work, worship, lives or membership of other congregations.

The local church is to finance its own work and make up those finances by the members contributing regularly into a common treasury. (Acts 2:42, 44; 4:34-35; 1 Cor. 16:1-2). These passages teach that on the Lord’s Day, connected with other items of worship, each member is to give as he or she has been prospered, cheerfully and liberally, that the work (all of it) may be financed.

The work assigned to each local church is the same. The degree of responsibility in each local church is based on the same principle, viz., ability and opportunity which determine the responsibility. There is to be an equality in this respect among all congregations. Paul writes the local church at Corinth and tells them, “For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have. For this is not for the case of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality.” (2 Cor. 8:12, 13, NASB).

The work of the local church consists of three things. The first is evangelism – causing the gospel to be preached. (1 Tim. 3:16; 1 Thess. 1:7-8; Phil. 1:5; 2:14-16). These verses teach that it is the local church that is given the duty of causing the gospel to be preached. Churches of the first century set up a pattern in that they either sent a preacher (Acts 11:22) or they sent directly to a preacher. (Phil. 4:13-17). This is the way they did it then – it should be done that way always. One writer comments, “Here, too, we see the simple manner in which the church in Philippi joined with Paul in the work of preaching the gospel. There was no `missionary society’ in evidence, and none was needed to accomplish the work the Lord has authorized the church to do. When men become dissatisfied with God’s arrangement and set up one of their own, they have already crossed the threshold to apostasy. Let us be satisfied with the Lord’s manner of doing things.” Annual Lesson Commentary, Gospel Advocate Co. 1946, page 341.

The local church is to do benevolent work, viz., relieving the physical needs and sufferings of those who are legitimate charges of the church. (1 Tim. 5:16; Acts 6:1-6). Churches of Christ in the first century provided for the needs of their own members when those members were in need. (Acts 2:44; 4:35; 6:1-6 and others).

The work of edification completes what the Lord wants local churches of Christ to do. This edification is self edification. (Acts 9:31). This is done by the use of teachers and preachers who are to instruct others in the word of God. Both men and women are to teach the word to members of the church. (2 Tim. 2:2). Elders are to feed the flock. (Acts 20:28). This makes the church grow stronger.

There is a conspicuous absence of evidence that the Lord intends for local churches to engage in politics, social reforms, athletic competition, or other recreational activities. I cannot read any Biblical injunction that would authorize local churches to sponsor bowling teams, softball teams, hay rides, banquets or craft classes. Yet I read almost daily of some local churches that think they are still the Lord’s churches engaging vehemently in these things.

There is no evidence I have found where one local church ever is authorized to operate through anything other than its own membership and with its own resource. Yet some local churches that evidently think they still belong to Christ try to work through human organizations of all sorts. Others try to operate through other “sponsoring” congregations which amalgamate the work of all the churches under the oversight of one church. Such practices are wrong for they destroy the identity of the church.

When one church oversees a work to which all local churches have the same obligation, and which is financed by them all, the overseeing church becomes agent for others. This destroys equality. When one church is the agent for many churches, the agent church must be subject to the principal. The independence of churches is ruined. The “sponsoring church” depends on contributing churches for money and the contributing churches depend on the sponsoring church for oversight of the work. If that does not destroy independence I fail to see how it could be done.

Years ago I read in an old Gospel Advocate, “Brethren, the word of God is still the seed of the kingdom. If we want this cooperation of churches and organizations, let us then plant the seed and be satisfied with the crop God raises.” Those are excellent sentiments today. Following that formula will bring us back to doing God’s work in the local churches the way God directs.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 39, pp. 634-635
October 2, 1980