Truth Magazine

By Don Martin

We shall be using the term “complex” rather loosely in this article. A simple definition of complex is, “The term for a psychological cause, hidden or repressed, having a strong influence on one’s character; an obsession (Webster’s National Dictionary). In our examination of some destructive complexes we shall not use the term altogether in keeping with psychiatry. As Christians, we should enjoy mental hygiene. Physically, people who experience complexes are mentally abnormal and, consequently, suffer mental imbalance. Many of these mental complexes virtually destroy people mentally and physically. This is also true spiritually. The complexes we shall consider can render the child of God fruitless, useless, and miserable.

Introvert Complex

Introversion is “a concentration on one’s inner life, to the exclusion of other interests.” Beloved, we cannot have a preoccupation with self and fulfill our obligations to God and our fellow-man. Christians are to “bear the infirmities of the weak,” “consider one another to provoke unto love and good works,” and “support the weak” (Rom. 15:1-3; Heb. 10:24; 1 Thess. 5:14). How can we perform the activities enjoined in these passages if we do not associate with others and allow them to associate with us?

Local churches on occasion experience problems because some are suffering from an “introvert complex.” For example, many who holler clique are blinded by this concentration on self-they do not allow or desire other members to associate with them and they resent other members associating one with another. God’s people are to be gregarious. We are to mix and mingle that we might influence one another for good (cf. Acts 2:47; Rom. 15:14; Acts 8:4; Heb. 10:24, 25).

Persecution Complex

Individuals who possess a “persecution complex” believe nobody likes or appreciates them. They think everybody is out to get them. Every word spoken, every plan contemplated is directed to their hurt, they believe. Because they think in this manner they frequently misjudge the deeds and motives of others (John 7:24). Many, when asked about their failing to attend the local church of which they are a member reply, “The members of that church could care less about me.” Or, “They had rather I didn’t attend; they resent my presence.”

Not infrequently, members who are characterized by this type of thinking are not only destroying themselves spiritually but are also a threat to the unity of God’s people. The paranoid member who does attend feeling everyone is out to get them, often seeks to destroy others. In many cases, you will find a “persecution complex” behind the gossip, lying, and malevolent deeds.

Inferiority Complex

I have personally known capable individuals who wasted their ability and potential because they felt they could not perform the task at hand. They were constantly belittling and castigating themselves. They actually believed that they had no worth and value. The person who suffers from what we call an inferiority complex believes he does not know enough to teach others, he is not good enough to associate with other Christians or he cannot encourage the weak because he feels he is weaker.

This type of thinking involves and results in fear which can cause one to lose one’s soul. The one talent man said, “I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth . . . .” (Matt. 25:25, all emphasis throughout mine, DM). John wrote, “but the fearful . . . shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone . . .” (Rev. 21:8). Beloved, you are not “inferior” to any; you too were created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26)!

Narcissus Complex

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a youth who one day saw his reflection in a pool of water. Upon seeing his reflection he fell in love with it and suffered because it was unattainable. Hence, a Narcissus complex is excessive self love.

Paul in writing of the last days stated, “For men shall be lovers of their own selves . . .” (2 Tim. 3:2). Presently, many aliens are not leaving the world because of self-love; they will not deny self (Lk. 9:23). Confessedly, some members of Christ’s body are so in love with themselves that they are puffed up and living simply to satisfy their own desires (1 Cor. 10:31-33).

Anxiety Complex

Doctors are informing us that anxiety contributes to, everything from tooth decay to cardiovascular disorders. Worry drains us and can kill us physically and spiritually. Yet, we go on worrying over every little thing. Some worry so much that they have developed an “anxiety complex.” Notwithstanding, Jesus taught, “Take therefore no thought (do not worry) for the morrow . . .” (Matt. 6:34). Paul exhorted, “In nothing be anxious: but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6, ASV).

Conclusion

Concerned reader, we must watch and be aware of our thinking and mental status because, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he,” (Prov. 23:7). Many fail to become Christians and some who are Christians are fruitless and unproductive because of the distructive complexes herein set forth.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 13, pp. 219-220
March 29, 1979

By Ron Halbrook

The man of sin, the spirit of lawlessness, knows no bounds. The Lord Himself promised all spiritual blessings to those who receive them upon certain conditions given in the Bible, but lawless brethren sit in the seat of God extending God’s grace to those who set aside the revealed conditions for grace. Ron Durham, Mission Magazine editor, welcomed the newly elected Roman Catholic Pope as an inspiration to “other Christians”: “Perhaps the new Roman Catholic leader’s personal synthesis will inspire other Christians to search anew for this balance in their own lives and their own fellowship” (Mission, Sept., 1978, p. 2). Another writer in the same issue challenges us to take the Lord’s Supper, discerning “the body of Christ” which includes liberal and- conservative, literalist and non literalist, Catholic and Protestant, Baptist and “Church-a Christ” (p. 14). Editor Durham is also on record affirming that people in many other religious bodies “are on the Highway to Heaven” (Jan., 1977, p. 22).

One of the featured concepts in Integrity has been the Christians-in-all-denominations idea. The editor, Hoy Ledbetter, has allowed some debate but is clearly in favor of this doctrine. Thomas Lane of Cincinnati, Ohio, offered his “Conservative Basis for Open Membership,” arguing, “In the case of one immersed for the wrong reason, his spirit of obedience suffices to save him. This principle may be expanded” to include those who receive sprinkling or pouring (Sept., 1976, p. 40). In the January-February, 1977 issue Daniel Griggs asserted, “The question of immersion and fellowship is not answered by the Bible” and, therefore, offered “Another Appeal for an Ecumenical Membership Policy” (pp. 101-2). Editor Ledbetter recently complained of our “refusal to acknowledge that those in the sects are Christians” (January-February, 1978, p. 120). R.L. Kilpatrick’s Ensign Fair has been singing the same song, as in Douglas Plaster’s “Something to Think About,” advocating “fellowship with Christians from other groups” Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Christian Church. “Brothers in error,’ many will shout. Well yes, are we not all brothers in error?” (November 1978, pp. 16-18).

When Mission asked what should parents attending “legalistic” churches tell their children, Dave Reagan of Irving, Texas, answered that his responses to the problem have changed over the years:

To his kids’ statement, “Daddy, we really picked a bummer of a church” he would have replied, fifteen years ago: “Child, you are grounded for a month, and 1 expect you to go forward next Sunday and ask the church to pray for you.” Ten years ago:

“The Church of Christ is a human institution and therefore (t is flawed. But this is true .even more of the denominations . . . . Five years ago: “Yes, child, you are right. But God must have put us here for a reason, so let’s dedicate ourselves to serving him by reforming the church as much as possible.” And today: “Why don’t you visit other denominations and try to find one that speaks more directly and relevantly to your spiritual needs?” (August, 1978, p. 15)

Five years hence, perhaps his remaining children will ask, “What was it like, Daddy, when you used to take us to the Church of Christ?” At any rate, the Bible does still say, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16). And, the denominations still teach, “He that is baptized in infancy is saved, and may believe at confirmation service when he is 12 years old,” or, “He that believeth is saved, and shall be baptized to join the church of his choice.” But, Ephraim is hopelessly joined to idols along with the Pope and “other Christians” who show the “spirit of obedience” through disobedience.

Which Disturbs You Most?

Someone compiled a list of comparisons which might reveal where our real interests lie. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21). Which disturbs you most?

A soul lost in hell, or a scratch on your new car?

Your missing worship services, or missing a day’s work?

A sermon 10 minutes too long, or your lunch a half-hour late?

The church work neglected, or your housework neglected?

Missing a good Bible study, or missing your favorite TV program?

Millions who do not know Christ, or your inability to keep up with your neighbors?

Your Bible unopened, or your newspaper unread?

Your contribution decreasing, or your income decreasing?

Which disturbs you most, and what are you going to do about it?

To which we might add this one: The continued march of bureaucracy and centralization in American government, or the continued march of institutionalism and centralization among churches of Christ? Which of these two disturbs you most, and what are you going to do about it? If we cannot convert our erring brethren to do right, we must separate from them lest we share in sin and its reward (2 Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 5:11; 2 John 9-11). When Ephraim is joined to his idols and refuses to turn back to the Lord, we can only leave him alone.

Is A Denomination Evolving?

The Third Annual “Spiritual Sword” Lectureship held by the Getwell Church of Christ in Memphis, Tennessee centered around the need of “Doctrinal Preaching” (22-26 October, 1978). The “Spiritual Sword” is a publication put out by Getwell in an effort to hold back the tide of liberalism. The lectureship included a “Spiritual Sword” Dinner (“Cost of Meal Reasonable”), with Ralph Henley speaking on “Is a Denomination Evolving Out of the Lord’s Church?” No doubt, Henley said something like, “Yes!” When the Getwell church puts out a journal and charges a subscription price, sponsors a common meal, charges for the meal, uses Ray Hawk – defender of church sponsored social activities – as a speaker, invites Willard Collins -David Lipscomb College’s President who wants colleges in church budgets – to lecture, has V.E. Howard – speaker for the centralized sponsoring-church radio program World Radio – to, preach, and features Tom Warren – who participated in a debate with an atheist under a sponsoring church arrangement which paid the atheist to come – on its lectures, yes by all means a denomination is evolving. Right here at Getwell!” In the shadow of its idols, Ephraim held a lectureship to ask, “Is Idolatry Evolving In Ephraim?”

Truth Magazine XXIII: 13, pp. 218-219
March 29, 1979

By Earl Robertson

Often we are asked this question. Mere established practices often become the norm for many religious activities. But the fact of their existence is not sufficient authority to make them right before God. The history of sprinkling covers many centuries, but it does not go back to the apostles of Christ in the first century or to anything written in the Book of God. Mere assertion by some preacher does not make sprinkling for baptism scriptural baptism. Neither does sprinkling become baptism by just calling it that.

The Bible says baptism is a burial (Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12). Is it correct to say what the Bible says? Is it right to call Bible Things by opposing words? The testimony of the so-called”Fathers,” the testimony of the historians, and the lexicographers, all attest to the fact that baptism is a burial and that this what the early church did. For convenience, sprinkling was substituted in the third century in the case of Novation, according to Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History (p. 266). The Council of Revenna (1311) gave men the choice between sprinkling and immersion. No apostle of Christ ever gave such a choice, not did Christ Himself.

But someone says, “What about the `household baptisms’?” They mean by this that the jailer had little babies and they were sprinkled. There is no way to prove this man had even children must less infants. Even if we granted he did (which we do not), the proof for sprinkling is still lacking. What evidence can be offered to show this was a case of sprinkling?

Well, another says, “there wasn’t any water in the desert when the eunuch was baptized, so it had to be sprinkling with his own drinking water.” First, the word “desert” in Acts 8:26 does not mean dry or arid; it here means, “solitary, lonely, desolate, uninhabited” (Thayer, p. 249). The same word is, used (in dative case) in Isa. 43:19 of “rivers in the desert.” Because a place is deserted one cannot conclude it is also arid! But this nonsense is the length to which men will go to justify their religious practices.

Since neither Christ nor His apostles authorized sprinkling for baptism, and none practiced it for centuries, we conclude yet today that baptism is a burial (Rom. 6:3, 4).

Truth Magazine XXIII: 13, p. 217
March 29, 1979

By Irvin Himmel

No work is more noble than converting lost souls to Jesus Christ. To “convert” means to change or turn. I propose now to examine four major hindrances to conversion.

Failure-to Realize Lost Condition

People who see the need for financial protection do not have to be sold on the merits of insurance. A starving man gladly accepts food when it is offered. A boy lost in a cave shouts with joy when he hears the voices of a rescue group. An injured woman pulled from a wrecked automobile does not tell the ambulance attendants to go away and leave her alone. A drowning teenager will reach desperately for anything or anyone that might save his life.

The gospel is truly good news to the individual who realizes his lost condition before God. But many turn away from the gospel without showing the slightest interest because they feel no need for it. We cannot convert people to the Lord who see no need for the Lord.

The Bible teaches that all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). Sin is grievous. It separates men and women from the favor of God. Spiritual death is the penalty for sin. “For the wages of sin is death . . .” (Rom. 6:23). When people realize that they have sinned and are lost because they have sinned, the gospel has appeal. It is the failure to think on the reality of sin and its awful consequences that hinders souls from desiring salvation.

Thinking They Are Converted Already

Attempts to convert some people are to no avail because they think they have been converted already. Some have been told to believe on the Lord and that is all there is to it. They have believed for a long time, therefore, they feel secure. Others are told that conversion is “getting religion,” hence they think they have been converted because they joined a church and are active in its affairs.

It is possible for one to believe on the Lord and still not be converted. Among the chief rulers “many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42, 43). Anyone who loves human praise more than the praise of God needs to be changed, turned, or converted.

It is possible for one to be religious and not be truly converted to Jesus Christ. The Jews present on Pentecost in Jerusalem were “devout men” (Acts 2:5), and their religious devotion is what brought them to that city from all parts of the world. But they needed to accept the Lordship of Jesus and repent and be baptized (Acts 2:36-38). Saul of Tarsus was deeply religious before his conversion (Acts 26:4, 5). Cornelius feared God, prayed regularly, and proved himself devout before he was told to send for Peter who “shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 10:2; 11:14).

Conversion is the process by which lost souls are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of Christ. Conversion is not mere feeling, nor is it some supernatural experience. It is obedience to the gospel. The examples of conversion in the book of Acts clearly show that the turning from sin to the Lord that results in salvation includes faith, repentance, confession of Jesus as Christ, and baptism for the remission of sins.

Conflicting Doctrine

Denominationalism, sectarianism, differences in religious practices, contradictory doctrines, and confusing theories turn people off. Hundreds of different religious bodies claim fellowship with God and claim to offer what lost souls need. Obviously, they all cannot be right. The whole religious scene presents a picture that is not very pretty to that person who appraises Christianity on the basis of the diverse elements that profess attachment to Jesus.

To overcome this hindrance we must urge honest souls to go back to the New Testament for a correct view of the religion taught by Jesus through the apostles. Our Lord is not the author of the heterogeneous mixture that is found in modern religion. The church which Jesus established is not a hodge-podge of doctrines, organizations, and rituals. The picture of the body of Christ given in the New Testament is nothing similar to the chaotic muddle of religious bodies in today’s world.

The apostles warned against preaching any gospel other than that which they preached (Gal. 1:8, 9). They warned against going beyond the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). They urged men to speak as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11). They condemned divisions (1 Cor. 1:10; Rom.16:17).

The smokescreen of religious confusion obscures the view of many who are trying to see how to follow Jesus. The Bible clears away the pollution.

Pull of the World

Another hindrance to conversion is the strong, attraction of the world. Paul referred to this as the “power of darkness.” The pleasures of sin draw one’s attention away from spiritual matters. The lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life pull like a powerful magnet.

Some who have been converted are drawn away from the Lord by the pull of the world. Demas is an example. Paul said, “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10).

John wrote, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17).

Reader, if you have not been converted to Christ, what is hindering? He is your only escape from eternal doom.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 13, pp. 216-217
March 29, 1979