Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

It is my firm conviction that the revelation of God in the Bible is the best preventive to suicide which can be found. The man who understands what the Scriptures record is better equipped to face life’s problems than the man who has not sought to build a relationship with God based on the Scriptures.

A Case In Point

The sixteenth chapter of Acts not only records the conversion of the Philippian jailor, it also contains the record of an attempted suicide. As a matter of fact, the New Testament record provides a refreshing contrast between two life-styles – that of New Testament Christianity with that of paganism.

The Apostle Paul and his associate Silas were beaten and thrust into prison following a miracle in which, through the power of God, they cast out a spirit of divination from a young lady. When her masters saw that their hope of financial gain through selling the woman’s ability to divine the future was gone, they brought charges against Paul and Silas. The result was that they were beaten, thrust into the inner prison, and put in stocks. How would they handle this serious setback? Would they go into a spirit of depression? Did they need a double dose of Valium? Would they contemplate suicide? None of these reactions are recorded. Rather, the record states, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God” (Acts 16:25). Their spirits were indomitable. They were able to handle these kinds of problems in life without sinking into the depths of emotional despair.

The record continues to relate that an earthquake was sent from God which loosened the bonds of the prisoners and caused the prison doors to be opened. “And the keeper of the prison awaked out of his sleep, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled” (Acts 16:27). Without a doubt, the jailor was responsible for these prisoners with his life. In the event that they escaped, he would be killed.

Nevertheless, when problems confronted him in his life, he handled them differently than did Paul and Silas. When Paul and Silas sat in the inner prison fastened in bonds, they sang praises to God. When the jailor thought that the prisoners had escaped, he was ready to commit suicide. I suggest to you that these two attitudes toward facing the problems in one’s life manifest the superiority of Christianity toward meeting the problems of life over that of paganism.

The Basis For Life In Paganism

Paganism has a different concept toward life than does Christianity. The differences in these concepts toward life, affects one’s outlook on life. Let us consider some of the attitudes which paganism has toward life. Remember that by “paganism,” I mean any non-Christian approach toward life.

1. The life is considered in relationship to the number of pleasurable experiences. Some forms of paganism measure life on the basis of the proportionate number of pleasant and unpleasant experiences. When the number of unpleasant experiences exceeds the number of pleasant experiences, life is not considered to be worth living anymore. Hence, suicide then becomes a viable option. Christians are not taught to so measure life. Life must be weighed in relationship to a judgment day with everlasting consequences (heaven or hell).

2. Life is considered without regard to future existence. Secularism is not concerned with life after death. Our secular society has generally destroyed any concern for the hereafter. No one is talking about heaven and hell anymore. Hence, the modern pagan does not decide his present conduct on the basis of how it will affect his future existence.

3. Man is considered to be merely an animal. Our evolutionist friends have perpetuated their doctrine of men; it is taught in practically every school in America. Our children are taught that man is merely a highly developed animal. He is not told that he has a soul which is immortal and which is created in the image of God; rather, he is told that man has simply progressed on the evolutionary scale at a more rapid rate than has other animals. This certainly colors ones disposition toward his life.

4. Why not commit suicide? From the pagan point of view, why should a man not commit suicide? What logical reason can a person give for a man not taking his life? Pagans have rejected the Bible as their standard of morality; they have rejected a belief in life after death. Hence, why should a pagan not take his life when life on this earth becomes more unpleasant than pleasant? There is no answer to these questions if one accepts the premises of modern paganism.

Christian Ethics: The Solution to Suicide

The advantage of Christianity over paganism becomes exceedingly apparent just at these points. Notice how Christian ethics give an individual a reason for not taking his life.

1. Murder is sinful. The first step which I would take in dealing with a potential suicide victim would be to tell him that the taking of human life in such an act is murder self-murder, but murder nonetheless. Murder is still murder if the victim consents to it. The taking of one’s life is sinful (Rev. 21:8); it is destruction of the body which is the dwelling place of the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

2. Life is sacred. Man is created in the image of God. The Genesis account states the following:

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Gen. 1:26-27).

The sacredness of human life is also seen in the punishment which is given to those who take another’s life. When one is trying to show the importance of any given item, he prices it highly. When a particular ordinance is being emphasized, the punishment for disobedience is made particularly harsh. For that reason, the punishment for a parking violation and that for murder are different; life is more precious than a parking violation. God’s evaluation of human life is seen in the punishment that he gives to the man who takes another’s life. He stated, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Gen. 9:6). Hence, life is exceedingly precious in the sight of God.

To this must be added the statements relative to the manner in which a Christian is a part of God’s purchased possession, the church. Paul instructed us concerning the proper usage of the body in his comments regarding fornication. Notice the several arguments that he made: (1) The body is for the Lord (1 Cor. 6:13). Our bodies are to be used to the service of God; they are to be presented as living sacrifices to God (Rom. 12:1-2; Phil. 1:20). (2) My body shall be raised from the dead in the likeness of Christ’s resurrected body (1 Cor. 6:14; cf. Phil. 3:21). (3) My body is a member of Christ (1 Cor. 6:15). Under the figure of the church as a body, Paul argued that the body of Christ is made up of individual members of the church. Hence, my body is a part of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:14-26). (4) My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and (5) the possession of Christ. Paul wrote, “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s ” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Hence, the body of man is sacred. The Christian cannot take his life because it is a violation of these principles.

3. Sin separates a man from God throughout all eternity. The Scriptures are quite clear in revealing that the punishment for sin is eternal life in Hell (Rom. 6:23; Rev. 21:8). Hence, the man who is contemplating suicide because of

horrible circumstances in this life should be told that he is headed for something worse by taking his life. He will not be improving his circumstances by taking his life. Rather, he will simply be hastening an entrance into eternal punishment.

4. There is hope for a better tomorrow. The hopelessness of the potential suicide victim can be dealt with through the Christian’s blessed hope for an eternal inheritance “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith” (1 Pet. 1:4-5). Regardless of how bad one’s circumstances might be in this life, there is hope for a better life beyond the grave. No one’s situation is totally hopeless.

One’s circumstances in this life might become unpleasant to the degree that he has no desire to continue to live on this earth below. Paul’s circumstances became that way. Sitting in a prison in Rome, Paul wrote, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Phil. 1:23). His circumstances in life were not pleasant. To die would be an improvement for him. Yet, not once did he consider taking his own life. Rather, he fixed his hope in God and on heaven. He said, “For our conversation (politeuma citizenship) is in heaven; from when also we look far the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Phil. 3:20-21).

Christianity Is Profitable

Understanding the temptations which face the potential suicide victim, we see Christianity alone has the answers for him. We are therefore reminded that Christianity is profitable not only for the life which is to come but also for the one which presently exists (1 Tim. 4:8). (concluded next week)

Truth Magazine XXIV: 7, pp. 115-117
February 14, 1980

By Eugene Crawley

By inspiration we are told, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Heb. 5:12). In other, scriptures, we also note the fact that Christians are to grow, are to put away childish things and become men (1 Cor.13:14), and thus become an asset to the cause of Christ. In other words, we are to grow up and be able to help others, instead of demanding attention ourselves. We are to help solve problems that arise, not be a problem or a contributing factor.

After the Corinthians had been Christians for some time, Paul wrote to them saying, “I have fed you with milk, and not with strong meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able” (1 Cor. 3:2). They were yet “babes in Christ” (v. 1); they just had not grown up, had not made the progress that they should. The time had come that they ought to be teachers, but they were not ready for such work; they had not prepared themselves and, thus, made it necessary for Paul to write to them as “unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ” and not as “unto spiritual” (stronger). The fact that they had failed to grow as they should had contributed to the existing weakness and problems in the church at Corinth (I Cor. 3:1-4), that demanded attention and instruction from Paul, which he should have been able to direct to others, even with help from these very ones.

The Lord expects us, after we have been Christians for some time, to be able to help in His work instead of being a hindrance or a problem that necessitates attention and encouragement if we are to remain faithful. Yet, sad as it may be, there are those who have been Christians (members of the church, anyway) for many years who still demand, as much as they ever did, attention and effort from others to keep them attending as they should. My brethren, these things ought not so to be! We should make the proper use of our time and opportunities so that we would soon be able to help others, instruct them in the way of truth – yes, he teachers!

If you wonder why it is that some who have been Christians only a few years have advanced more than you, and others who have been for many years, it might do well for you to “take stock.” You might well ask yourself such questions as: Have I attended regularly all the services possible? Have I attended Bile classes as I should? Have I really been interested in learning more and being, able^.to do more in the Lord’s work? Have I contented myself with attending only the Lord’s Day morning worship? One’s attitude toward spiritual things determines the .time and effort he will use in them.

Is it “time you, ought to be” teaching, leading singing, presiding at the Lord’s table, leading prayer, serving as an elder or deacon, or any number of other important works? If so, and you are not, then you need to ask yourself some searching questions. Possibly it is “high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Rom. 13:11). Be one who worlds, not one who makes work! If all of us “do what we ought” and be what we ought then the church will grow, souls will be saved, and God will be glorified, and we’-shall be greatly blessed.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 7, p. 114
February 14, 1980

By Irven Lee

The pure in heart and life are at the opposite extreme from the unclean, fornicators, drunkards, thieves, and carnally minded people who are at war with God, home, and society in general. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). The crime wave is bringing a reproach upon America today as this comment from Proverbs suggests. The bank robberies, corruption . in government and business, along with shoplifting and stealing from individuals show that honesty and respect for property rights are gone from the hearts of the masses. We should be thankful for every faithful law abiding citizen that is still in our country. What country is left on earth which has a wonderful record for respect for law and for people?

The home is a very important unit of society in a nation. The Bible gives much instruction to every member of this social unit because God planned that the home produce children who have the righteousness that will bring glory to God and serve as the salt of the earth to leaven society with the righteousness which exalts and purifies. There are organizations such as the National Organization of Women (NOW) which is exerting powerful influences against the Bible teaching on home and marriage. We should be aware of the unholy poison associated with every program it offers the people. The leaders of this organization are atheistic and in sympathy with Communism. They have a very powerful lobbying influence in Washington. They seek to influence the National Educational Association, various women’s clubs, and the thinking of children in every way possible.

Unbelief has found its way into the hearts of many university professors, text book writers, and the writers of reference materials in our public school libraries. When precious faith is gone, man is left to think that he is only an animal, so to him there is no such thing as right and wrong except as it relates to his own selfish desires. The fight against God and His word is on in America, so there is a real need for many more soldiers in the Lord’s army who are not ashamed of the gospel or any part of it. Christians who preach, or are parents, or who face the barbed oppositions of Satan’s forces should fight a good fight. This is no time to retreat.

It is sad but true that evil and doubt from the world tend to come right on into the church. Ignorance of the Bible is alarming among church members. That means that weak faith and low moral standards are found among those who are nominal Christians. Let each church put away from among its members every wicked person lest his influence leaven the whole lump. (Read all of I Cor. 5.) The Bible classes and the pulpit preaching should be very effective in fighting for faith and purity. There is need for love of God and hope in His promises. The love of God and the love of the world cannot abide in the same heart (I John 2:15-17). It is high time to awake out of sleep and wrestle against wickedness in high places. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). God knows what is best, so those who follow the counsel of God are blessed abundantly. They receive one hundred fold for their sacrifices in this life, with persecutions, and in the world to come eternal life (1 Tim. 4:8; Mk. 10:28-30). Take hold of faith and of the hope set before you. Share it with others.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 6, p. 109
February 7, 1980

By Judy W. Copeland

Brother Romulo B. Agduma, Kidapawan, Philippines, passed this life November 25, 1979 in his home. From a letter I received from his son, Reuben, the only mention as to the cause of his death Was that “he rested from his lingering illness of Hypertension, but he had never been bedridden until the last moment of his breath.” He was 51 years of age at his death. Survivors include his wife, Romona, a son, Reuben and three daughters Rachel, Ruth and Rhoda. Reuben attended Florida College a year or more in the early 70’s, and is now preaching there in the same area where he has lived for many years. Funeral services were conducted by Virgilio Villanueva, of Lambayong, and Brother Ramon Carino read scriptures at the grave side service.

While with the Calmopt Avenue church in 1958, I began correspondence with Rpmulo Agduma since the church there was supporting him. At that time, the institutional issues were being discussed and I subscribed to the Gospel Guardian for Brother Agduma and asked him to study the issues. Soon he learned the truth and took a stand against the innovations of the time, which position was instrumental in getting his support cut off from the Harlengen, Texas church. Since that time I have corresponded with Brother Agduma and, on a preaching trip to the Philippines in 1973 and 1976, 1 became personally acquainted with him. In all the years (while far removed from him in person) of his work, I have always found him to be true to his family, his God and himself. He was instrumental in helping (through his paper among other ways) many to understand the true nature of the church and its work. Many faithful churches in the Philippines are there because of his teaching and work. It is impossible for one who has not been to the Philippines to know the hardships, work, and the sacrifices that some make to work and preach in that land. Brother Agduma lived in the midst of the Muslem territory where those rebels gave the government so much trouble through the years, and finally moved his family from M’lang to Kidapawan where he thought it would be safer. He bought a home there and lived there until his death.

Brother Agduma was not always in agreement even with brethren about many things. This is a tribute to his honesty and faithfulness to what he believed to be right. He was not willing to sacrifice principle for friendship. Even with some of the more influential men in the Philippines as well as America, he was not in agreement with matters pertaining to morals and issues, but always stood by his convictions. I had the utmost respect for his sincerity, integrity, knowledge of the word of God and his willingness and ability to proclaim it. You could not desire a more hospitable home than the Agdumas’. On the last trip (1976) to the Philippines I spent several days and nights there, and truly was treated like a king. Brother Agduma and I felt particularly close, since we had been corresponding so long, and since I discussed with him by letter the issues that were raging in the 1950’s. The Philippines truly have lost a great soldier and the Agduma family a wonderful father and husband. May they find comfort in his word and promises, and may those he taught take up the “sword of the spirit” and wield it as faithfully as he did. May God grant strength and hope to the family.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 6, p. 108
February 7, 1980