Truth Magazine

By Ben M. Shropshire

In our previous articles on this subject we .showed that Christians are required by God to do certain kinds of judging, none of which are in violation of Matthew 7:1-5. Then we showed the kind of judging which Jesus forbids in this passage; that is, judging in which we use our own lives, beliefs or opinions as the law by which we condemn another. We are guilty of this when we hypocritically apply the law of God to another person to condemn him but refuse to apply the same law to ourselves; when hatred and malice in our hearts causes us to speak evil of another person; when we attempt to condemn another person on the basis of his motives which we cannot know; and when we condemn a person on the basis of a misunderstanding or misapplication of God’s law. In this article we want to draw some general conclusions about judging drawn from what the New Testament teaches on the subject.

First, we need to keep in our minds continually the fact that we, ourselves, will someday be judged; there is no escape from this judgment (Heb. 9:27). “For we must all be made manifest before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). We also need to realize that one of the things to be considered in our own judgment will be how we have judged others; whether we have judged in the way required by God or in a way forbidden by Him. “So speak ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment” (James 2;12, 13). In the verses immediately prior to this passage James was discussing the same kind of wrong judging that Jesus said was wrong in Matthew 7:1-5. The same thing is discussed by Paul in Romans 2:1-3. The sin of improperly judging others will be remembered against us when we stand before Christ to be judged.

The possibility of our being able to stand approved before God when we are judged to a very great degree depends on our well-informed in what the word of God teaches; we need to be able to “rightly divide (or handle aright, ASV) the word of truth” as a result of our having studied or given diligence to be able to do so, in order that we might not be workmen that will be ashamed (disappointed) when we are judged (2 Tim. 2:15). We need to be “fully assured” in our own minds with regard to our service to God that we are doing what He would have us to do (Romans 14:5).

Being “fully assured regarding our beliefs and religious and diligent study of God’s word, we would not be so easily offended when someone judges us or suggests we might be wrong about something. The uneasy feeling we have when someone suggests that we might be in error arises out of an awareness on our part that our beliefs do not rest on solid evidence or that our practices are not based on a firm foundation of the authority of God’s word. Knowledge produces a firm conviction that is not easily shaken by someone suggesting that we are in error. Ignorance of God’s word, on the other hand, causes us to feel unsure and to be resentful when it is suggested we might be wrong. Of course, when we really are wrong about something as determined by God’s word it is much easier to pass off the judgment of our error by taking offense at the one who shows it to us than to admit we are wrong and change. However, honesty and the fear of God demand that we do the latter.

Again, in view of all of this, instead of resenting the person who might believe we are wrong and taking offense at his “judgment” of us in telling us he believes us to be wrong, we should develop within us the capacity to appreciate the person who so “judges” us. Instead of condemning him on the basis of improper motives, we should be grateful for his desire to help us and for his effort in trying to teach us what he believes is right. If it should be determined by what God’s word says that we are not wrong at all, but that he is, we would then be given the opportunity of trying to teach him the way of the Lord more accurately. However, if it develops that he is correct, based on the teachings of the Bible and proper application thereof, we then should be eternally grateful to him for having taught us the way of the Lord more accurately. While a thorough knowledge of the Bible should give us convictions that are not easily shaken (being “fully assured”), we should never be so dogmatic and selfrighteous as to be unwilling to listen to another person’s reasons for believing we are wrong. Instead, we should be grateful for his knowledge, for his interest in our spiritual and eternal welfare, and for his courage in trying to teach us wherein he believes us to be wrong. We should be grateful to him in the same way we would appreciate our doctor when he tells what is wrong so that remedial treatment can be started immediately. A doctor who suspects there is something wrong with us but does not tell us about it because he does not want to “judge” us and upset us would not be much of a doctor. Likewise, a friend who thinks we are wrong but who is unwilling to be thought of as “judging” us and who does not wish to upset us is not much of a friend. “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend . . .” (Prov. 27:5, 6).

Finally, we need to remember that we are all going to be judged by the word of God (Jn. 12:48); not just by our sincerity, not by the fact that we thought we were right (Prov. 16:25), nor by our motives only. Furthermore, in the day of judgment ignorance of God’s word will be no excuse (Acts 17:30). In view of this, how holily, righteously and unblameably we should strive to live in this present world (1 Thess. 2:10).

Truth Magazine XXIV: 28, p. 450
July 17, 1980

By S. Leonard Tyler

Mr. Malcolm Boyd wrote an article in the April, 1972 issue of McCall’s Magazine under the above title. It was interesting, as well as suggestive. May I use some of his material in search for the correct answer? His question has echoed through the 1960s and 70s. We may expect to hear it repeated in future decades as traditional denominations continue to decay and decline.

Mr. Boyd suggests a growing interest in the question, “Do we still need the church?” He thinks the question is relevant and feels that many are inventing their own answers, and I agree. His approach is sectarian or denominational. Such is self-evident to any, with just a little understanding of the New Testament, who reads his article. He shows no scriptural basis for arguing the need for the church. His concept of the church, seems to me, is purely social. The soul of men and eternal life are only alluded to and the spiritual nature of the church forgotten.

Confusing Social Values With Higher Spiritual Values

Mr. Boyd has some good things to say regarding the value of the church for morals, stability in life, broader concept of man and our relationship one with the other, as well as windows of vision and “affords us punctuation marks for the rituals of our own lives – birth, love, marriage, work, study, leisure, crisis, tragedy, and death.” But in all this he never gets to the point that Jesus came to seek and save lost men. If one fails to recognize the church as a spiritual institution with spiritual values and purposes, he misses the whole reason for its existence.

This should impress us because there is a growing tendency within the Lord’s church to overlook its spiritual values and emphasize its social, political, and moral values. The sociological concept of the church gives way to a “social gospel” and classifies the church as a human organization rather than a divine spiritual institution.

The teaching of Christ affects man’s thinking and touches every phase of human life, since it regulates his relationships within the bounds of what is right. It lifts his thoughts to higher living and nobler designs than any earthly treasure of accomplishment can offer. It not only keeps before him the mysteries of life but gives a firm basis upon faith for their solution.

The church has an inestimable impact upon the sociological relationships of man, but this is effected only as Christ’s teaching seasons each individual’s heart to act within its bounds sociologically, politically, or morally. However, the very purpose of the teaching of Christ is to lead men and women to accept Him by faith as both Lord and Savior. This is sustained by the great commission as well as other texts (John 8:24; Mk. 16:15-16; 1 Tim. 1:15). When men and women hear the gospel message, believe in Jesus Christ and act upon that faith in obedience to His commands, they are saved (Rom. 6:17-18). Thus they make up the church of Christ (Phil. 1:1).

The Church As Ordained By God

The Greek word ekklesia from which “church” comes means “the called out.” To be the church of Christ, members are “Called out” by Christ. This call comes through the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14; 1 Thess. 2:12; Eph. 1:13; 1 Cor. 15:1-3). Therefore, the church of Christ is composed of all those who are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lord and become his possession, His people (Acts 2:47; 20:28). These have obeyed the gospel being baptized into Christ and must abide in His teaching (2 John 9) to continue as His possession, His church. “Do we still need the church?” is but to ask, “Do we still need the saved?” or “Do we still need people who believe in Jesus Christ and obey Him?”, for such is the church.

Christ is the head of His people, His church, with all authority both in heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18). His people, the church, must be subjected unto Him (Eph. 5:23-24). He loved the church and died for it “that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:25-27). Christ is the Savior of the body, the church (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18). Do we need the church?

The people of God, His church, have a divine arrangement or organization through which to function as His people. Christ is the head, elders are to superintend under His instruction (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4), deacons to serve (1 Tim. 3:8-13), and all the saints work together with God (Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:22-23; 1 Tim. 5:1-7; Titus 1:5-13). The inspired Scriptures give the absolute standard by which the church of Christ is maintained or sustained as the true church. This is the church as revealed in the New Testament. “Do we still need the church?” Do we still need that which God ordained in His eternal mind to manifest His manifold wisdom and through which He receives glory throughout all ages, world without end (Eph. 3:10-11, 23)? Keep this in mind as we recite some-of the comments regarding the church.

Confusing The Lord’s Exalted Church With Decadent Human Churches

Mr. Boyd quotes a lady in Cleveland as saying, “I don’t go to any church or religious meetings now. My religion is being with God. I don’t need any help with that.” This lady has no concept of what the New Testament church is – much less, its purpose and need for today.

A Chicago woman, wife of a former Catholic priest, said, “The church as an organized institution is dead for both of us. We don’t care about its renewal or its failures. However, we have decided to join a commune. That’s where Christ is – in the inner city or out in the country, in poverty and service to other people.” These remarks confuse Christianity with Catholicism, which has very little resemblance to the Lord’s church. No one should be amazed as to why such people are down on the church. They know only the highest order of ecclesiastical organization and biggest “religio-politico” institution on earth. The Pope claims personal infallibility when speaking ex cathedra. The Roman Catholic Church holds the same Claim. but her history is one of war, persecution of dissenters, and blunders of every sort. It should come as no surprise when such people become disappointed and discouraged. They come to recognize the uselessness of such a monstrosity claiming to be the simple church of Christ revealed in the Bible.

One should never allow this to drive him away from the New Testament church. Why go to a commune? Why not meet with the redeemed people of the Lord? Why not search the Scriptures and examine the gospel as originally preached? This is what so many people longing for God did in the first century. And when your faith becomes strong enough, obey the Word of the Lord and become a child of God – such made up the church then and such makes the church today. The word is the seed of the kingdom (Luke 8:11). A commune is only a group of people discussing, talking together. The church is a group of saved people studying, worshiping and working together ‘according to God’s instructions.

A Protestant clergymen told Mr. Boyd, “I don’t know what I believe right now about church doctrine. The main thing is that I have to support a wife, a kid in high school, and a girl in college. So I have to stand up on Sunday mornings and preach a sermon that won’t get too many people too mad. I have to go on being the `man of God’ even though I don’t have any clear idea what it means. I can’t stand doing it much longer. My wife and I both want out. But how can I earn a living? This is all I’m trained to do.

Woe Unto Me If I Preach Not The Gospel

This is a terrible blight in which to live. And, think! What an ungodly impact it has upon the hearts of men and women, boys and girls, from a spiritual standpoint. But the problem, it seems to me, in back of it all is the idea of a professional ministry. Schools for the ministry are among us and are manufacturing professional ministers to the destruction of the Lord’s church.

Do you mean to say, “It is wrong for a person who wants to preach to go to college?” No, a thousand times no! But when one goes in search of professional training to make a preacher, it would be better for him to make a lion trainer or politician. This would save the church many problems and open the door for true preachers of the gospel of Christ. The truth of the matter is that God did not establish the college to make preachers. He established the church. One should be a Christian and love the truth enough to want to preach it regardless of college or no college. He should preach to save his own soul as well as saving others.

Paul said, “. . . necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:16). He brought His body under subjection, he said, “lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Cor. 9:27). This attitude gives the right disposition toward preaching. Listen, “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake” (2 Cor. 4:5). Paul was not a “professional minister” promoting his own career. One must be firmly convinced within his own heart first and then he is ready to tell the glad tidings of good things to others – yes, preach the glorious gospel of Jesus and His love!

It would not be right to close without giving Mr. Boyd’s last paragraph, “The church is not simply a building on the corner of Second and Elm, although that building may house a bit of it. The church expresses a thunderous shout of joy, a lamentation so loud that it fills valleys, a restless Christ who roams the earth. The church is bigger than any of us or our attempts to make it conform to our own image. Yet it is an intimate community – wherever two or three are gathered together – that links us to judgment, healing and love.”

He forgot one essential in his gathering. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). They must gather “in the name of Christ.” This means by His authority or according to His instructions. Therefore, it is not just a commune of people with whom Jesus meets, but rather two or three gathered in His name.

The Church: The Everlasting Kingdom

The church of Christ is needed today just as it was when Jesus established it upon the earth. It has the same origin, doctrine, name, organization, worship, work, and eternal destiny. This is the everlasting kingdom which cannot be moved (Heb. 12:22-29). Time and timely things pass but the everlasting word of God endures forever and such sustains the everlasting kingdom or church of our Lord. It shall not pass away.

The church is the pillar and support of truth. She proclaims the gospel of Christ and serves to please God, for her design is to give God glory throughout all ages (1 Tim. 3:15; Rom. 12:1-3; Heb. 12:1-3; Eph. 3:21). In the final great day, Christ will deliver her to His Father (1 Cor. 15:22-28). If God be for us, who can conquer us?

Truth Magazine XXIV: 28, pp.459, 460-461
July 17, 1980

By Donald P. Ames

A great deal of publicity has been given the Shroud of Turin in the past few years. Some claim the evidence is “overwhelming” that it is the actual burial cloth used on Jesus On. 20:6-7) and that some sort of brilliant flash at His resurrection produced an actual negative of the body of Christ on the cloth. It is claimed that it shows the blood stains, the whip marks, and even the Roman coins of the time of Christ (if you have a good imagination). Catholics have made much of this “evidence,” and feel great pride in their “find” and the money and publicity they are getting from it.

Several have asked me what I thought about it; I suggested they be patient and just wait before they jump to any conclusions. The Roman Catholic Church has a great track record of producing “great finds” with “positive proof,” only to have them later exposed as a fraud. There were just too many unanswered questions about this to convince me that it was all that conclusive. And, the information is not all one-sided. More is now coming to light to show the highly publicized shroud is just another of those fakes.

For those who would like detailed information on this expose, may I urge you to take a trip to your local library and look at the November 1979 issue of Popular Photography, p. 97. Joe Nickell has an article there entitled “The Turin Shroud: Fake? Fact? Photograph?” It is well worth reading!

Mr. Nickell points out the cloth first appeared in the mid-1350’s at a new little church in Lirey, France, and the deCharny family (who owned it) began raking in the funds from pilgrims who came to see it. However, the artist who actually produced it was soon located, and “he confessed to forgery.” The issue was quickly and quietly dropped until 1452 A.D. when the granddaughter of the original owners sold it to the Italian monarchy. Repeated attempts to exhibit it as a genuine relic persisted, and so did the refutation and scandel. In 1532, it was nearly destroyed in a fire, and then faded from view until 1898 when it was first photographed, and the positive picture of a man developed. Several theories (none of which could be supported scientifically) were advanced to “explain” how it was possible for the negative on the cloth to be created and how it was “impossible” for it to be a fake – despite the admission of the original artist who created the forgery in the first place!

Mr. Nickell went on to show why the claims to the cloth being a “perfect negative” were invalid (if a true 3-D representation, the features turn out to be way out of proportion to the relief in the shadowing). He further noted some of the original photographs were actually reproductions of pictures from books and not actual photographs at all. The “blood stains” were tested by a secret commission (1969-76), and their report (now revealed) said there was no blood but “probably was the result of painting.” Of course Catholics point out that the image itself was not painted, but nothing is said about the “blood.”

Finally, using 14th century technology (in harmony with Biblical information), he began in 1978 and reproduced the same results on another piece of cloth. Using a bust of Bing Crosby, he even explains how you can produce a shroud as valid as the Shroud of Turin! His expose was also published in The Humanist (December 1978), and referred to briefly in Science News (December 23, 30, 1978). He has been invited to present his research on a nationwide TV program on the shroud (per Popular Photography).

Catholicism has sought many relics to make money off people who pay first and investigate later. Nearly every one has turned out to be a fake. Be cautious about believing such claims, and you may avoid embarrassment later.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 27, p. 443
July 10, 1980

By Sylvia Wheeler

As we travel the roads and highways of this country, we are impressed with the carelessness and unconcern of society. Huge sums of money are spent each year to clean up the trash and garbage we throw out the windows of our cars as we go on our merry way.

There are a few things we need to think about. We may say, “What harm can one little gum wrapper do?” We have a civil law against littering in this country and when we break this law we are breaking God’s law (Rom. 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13, 14). What example are you setting for your children? It amazes me how Christians can ride along and toss things out with no thought at all as to what they are doing.

This carelessness has carried over into our care of the church building. Today, when more and more congregations are hiring a janitor to clean the building, young mothers are missing out on a lot. It would be very educational for some mothers to have the responsibility of cleaning up after the services. So often it looks as if we have had a ticker-tape parade and banquet combined, with paper torn up all over the seats and floors and food crumbs everywhere. We would be embarrassed if a fellow member dropped by our house for a visit and found trash and food scattered everywhere. Yet, we fail to realize that Christ is with us at our worship services (Matt. 18:20). Where are our priorities?

If every mother would take a moment before leaving the building to pick up after her children, it would make a big difference. Think of the example you would be setting for your children. We all know children are copycats! They would soon learn as they grow up, that they have some responsibilities to clean up after themselves. Mothers, let’s think on these things and care about pleasing God.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 27, p. 442
July 10, 1980