Truth Magazine

By Austin Mobley

Our concept of heaven is a “city of gold” with “walls of jasper” derived from John’s figurative language used in, Rev. 21:18. Perhaps one reason we picture heaven in. this manner is that the finite mind can only grasp the things which are familiar. Whatever the reason, our ideas of that eternal city leaves us in awe and stirs within our hearts a burning desire to live forever in that land which is fairer than day. This hope of heaven is the anchor for the soul. It encourages sinners to turn from their wicked ways and causes Christians to set their affections on things above (Col. 3:2).

1 am glad to be a child of God! Nothing in the world is better than being a Christian because we have the promise of eternal life in heaven, and this promise is from God who cannot lie (Tit. 1:2). That promise is enough to satisfy the most hungry and thirsty soul.

But Christians have a bonus. We are promised an abundance of rich blessings right here on earth now! Oh, I realize they do not fully compare with the glories of heaven, where all will be perfect. However, that does not minimize the little bit of heaven we can experience every day.

For one thing, we Christians are at peace with God. The enmity that once kept us from Him was removed at the cross (Eph. 2:11-17). This peace is described as that which “passeth all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). His peace reigns within our hearts as we gladly serve in the kingdom, and that is a little bit of heaven.

We also have the privilege of prayer. We can approach the throne of grace with boldness (Heb. 4:16), being assured that if we ask anything in His name, according to His will, it will be granted (1 Jn. 5:14-15). Pity poor sinners separated from God by their sins who cannot petition Him as “Our Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 6:9) on behalf of sick loved ones, or to help in times of tribulation. The blessing of prayer is, indeed a little bit of heaven.

In addition, we have the joy of fellowshipping with the Lord, for Jesus promised to be with us when we gather together in His name (Matt. 18:20). Because we are members of one great family, there is a closeness that only Christians can know. We do not ever need to feel alone. This intimate fellowship in worship and service is a foretaste of that which is to come is a little bit of heaven.

Then we also have the Bible, God’s inerrant Word. Its exhaustless storehouse of truth guides our feeble steps toward that eternal city. Its power helps to conquer the foe. Its freshness lifts our tired spirits as we study and meditate each new day. Yes, it meets our every spiritual need because it is a little bit of heaven.

We have the opportunity of dedicated service. We do not have to waste our lives upon ourselves. We can serve God gladly and, according to opportunity and ability, serve our fellow roan. With every act of. mercy, every deed of kindness, God gives His blessing. Truly, as the Lord said, “It is more blessed to ;give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). These daily blessings received from: God are a little bit of heaven.

Finally, we have the. prospect of the return of Christ (Acts 1:9-11). We know our existence does not end at the grave because the Lord’s resurrection gives us unwavering faith in future life. Heaven is just ahead! Knowing that we can be with the Lord Jesus in eternal glory makes the cares of this life easier to bear. We know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). That is a little bit of heaven.

Add these things up and I believe you will agree that God’s children have a little bit of heaven right here on earth now!

Truth Magazine XXIII: 17, p. 274
April 26, 1979

By Ron Halbrook

It has long been known there are bats in the belfry of the Belmont Church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee, but only recently did we learn our poor brethren are haunted by witches as well! Belmont is a long-time leader in liberalism and doctrinal looseness of most every variety: no-patternism applied to the worship, organization, and mission of the church; so-called Pentecostal or charismatic movement; Ketchersidian grace-unity error; social gospel programs; and, a general sprinkling of you-name-it. Once the New Testament pattern is denied, brethren are put to sea without chart or compass; some sail faster than others, zigging and zagging with every wind, Belmont faster than most. Koinonia Bookstore across the street on 16th Ave. South is closely affiliated with the church on Belmont Ave. and is well stocked with a hodgepodge of denominational and ecumenical and Pentecostal nonsense.

A1 Jaynes, a bookstore director, swore out a warrant charging Mary Locke with disorderly conduct in allegedly disturbing the bookstore’s musical concert-prayer meeting on August 28, 1978. Laughing and giggling rippled through the crowd when Miss Locke quietly walked through the store wearing a witch’s costume and carrying a broom. Yet, in Special General Sessions Court, “Church members and bookstore patrons testified they believe in demonology and did not take Miss Locke’s actions tightly” (Nashville (TNJ Banner, 14 Sept. 1978, p. 19). Her own hair-raising testimony explained that Belmont members felt she was demon-possessed and harassed her with anonymous phone calls, black crosses attached to her door, and black cats hung from her doorknob in paper bags. She “broke down in tears when she testified about finding a black kitten suffocated in a paper bag. The bag had been stapled and attached to her door” (ibid.). She claimed severe harassment caused her to enter the psychiatric unit at Vanderbilt Hospital, where she was notified of Jaynes’ warrant. After more than two hours of testimony, in which “several bookstore patrons and church members testified they believe in demonology and the exorcism of demons,” Judge Earl Porter dismissed the charges against Miss Locke (Nashville Banner, 16 Sept., 1978; p. 28).

When Steve Wolfgang, Raymond Harris, and myself spoke on Satanism, demonology, and witchcraft, we agreed that vie found almost nothing of value on the subjects in reviewing dozens of denominational books and articles (cf. Chaps. 1-3, Biblical Authority, 1974 Florida College Lectures). Belmont is blighted by the superstition and ignorance of our age. During the period when the Lord allowed Satan a miraculous manifestation, He equipped His people with gifts and powers to triumph over it (Mk. 16:17-20; Heb. 2:1-4). This confirmed the Divine origin of the new, gospel revelation. Once the revelation was completed and confirmed, the period of miraculous conflict was ended (1 Cor. 13:8-13). The spurious claims of later centuries, including the power in black crosses and cats, resulted from the spirit of apostasy and the blight of ignorance which apostasy breeds.

We trust that though the bats in the Belmont belfry were disturbed by a witch’s appearance, they will not be distraught. Doubtless some other sensation will soon engage their attention. Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, pp. 267-268
April 19, 1979

By Larry Ray Hafley

Too much of a good thing can be harmful. It is sunshine that created deserts. Excess equals abuse. Truly, “one can make a sin out of anything.” The exhortations to temperance include “over much” indulgence in items that are good.

Reactionary Writing

The transition is not clear, but a comment or two may be in order with regard to reactionary writing. Did I say writing? Why not reactionary teaching? Alright, then, reactionary teaching. One needs to react to negative events in a positive, constructive manner. Gospel preachers must necessarily respond and react to events that cross the path of their work (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Criticism may arise at this point. “He is a `reactionary.’ Every time he sees a movement in the bushes, he fires from the lip-or the typewriter.” Yes, one can abuse a necessary thing such as reaction to people, places and events that concern the purity of the gospel.

Do not forget, though, that much of the New Testament is reactionary. See the letters to Corinth, Galatians, Colossians, and Hebrews. Much of the material in these epistles is in reply to teachings, response to questions and reaction to actions. Jude is another example, as an examination of verses three and four will clearly show. Reaction is often better than inaction. Therefore, let each one listen and read with caution and candor, even when we feel that someone is “over-reacting.”

This article, you say, is an example of “reactionary writing”? Well, watch what you say about it. You might be guilty of reacting!

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, p. 267
April 19, 1979

By Johnie Edwards

To use instrumental music in worship or not to use, it is the question. This has been a source of problems among the people of God for centuries. The divisions which have resulted over this question are unnecessary for the Bible is clear on the matter.

Five Ways To Settle The Question

The question concerning instrumental music in the worship of the New Testament church can be solved by looking at and understanding these five ways:

(1) Realize that we today live under the New Testament. As one discusses the question of instrumental music with those who use it, they soon turn to the pages of the Old Testament for their authority in using it. We, today, do not live under the authority of the Old Testament, but of the New. Paul said that Jesus abolished the law. “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances . . . .” (Eph. 2:15). Other passages teach the same thing (Matt. 5:17-18; Rom. 7:6; Gal. 2:21; Heb. 7:12; Heb. 10:9-10).

(2) By knowing that there are two kinds of music. There are only two kinds of music – vocal and instrumental. That is all there is!

(3) Ask, “Which has the Lord commanded to be used? Vocal or instrumental?” Then read and see what the Lord has authorized in the New Testament for us to engage in. It is that simple. By reading the sum total of the passages that deal with music in the New Testament you will find that the only kind of music used was that of vocal music. Read them: Matt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15;.Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12; Heb. 13:15; Jas. 5:13. To use the words of the Apostle Paul, we learn that each one is to sing, “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

(4) Did the First church use instrumental music in worship? As one reads the pages of the New Testament after the Lord’s church was established in Acts 2 only vocal music was used. Read the New Testament to see if you can find a church in the New Testament using instrumental music in their worship. The apostle to the Hebrews summed it up when he said, “. . . in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Heb. 2:12).

(5) Realize how the Bible teaches a thing. The Bible teaches a thing by: (1) A statement of fact; (2) A direct command; (3) An apostolic example; or by (4) Necessary Inference. Since there is no statement of fact, direct command, apostolic example or necessary inference authorizing instrumental music in worship, then there is no divine authority for its use in the worship of the church of God. It is not a matter of finding a matter of finding a passage of Scripture which tells one not to use instrumental music in worship but rather finding one that tells us to use it.

These five things will forever help one to understand what the Bible teaches about the use of instrumental music in worship.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, pp. 266-267
April 19, 1979