Truth Magazine

By Isaac Edwards

This question was first asked by David when he ex-pressed concern for the well-being of his son Absalom (2 Sam. 18:24-33). Fathers and mothers today need to be concerned about the safety and welfare of their boys and girls. Absalom was dead when David asked this question. Some parents wait too late to show their interest and concern. Young people need to be concerned about self as they have responsibility to God. The safety and welfare of the young man is dependent upon several things. The young man is safe when he.

Has Purpose Of Heart

Absalom had a rebellious heart. He attempted to take the kingdom from his own father. The young man must make his heart right and secure with God. Daniel was a faithful servant of God because he “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself ” (Dan. 1:8), Daniel planned ahead and put it in his mind that he would not do anything that would dishonor him before God. Many do evil because they have no purpose of heart (2 Chron. 12: 14). David urged Solomon, “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God ” (i Chron. 22:19). How is your heart?

Remembers His Creator

The wise man exhorted all future generations of young people, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when though shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Eccl. 12:1). We have a Creator! We are made in the image of Almighty God (Gen 1:26-27). Remembering your Creator involves more than just knowing there is a God. It involves fearing God and keeping his commandments (Eccl. 12:13-14), trusting in God (Prov. 18:10), and being faithful in worshipping God (John. 4:24). Do not wait until the dark days of old age creep upon you to remember your Creator. Remember God while you are young. The young man is not safe when he leaves God out of his life!

Takes Heed To God’s Word

The Psalmist wrote, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psa. 119:9). The young man must take heed to God’s word. The word of God helps in time of temptation (Matt. 4:1-11). It keeps us from sinning so much (Psa. 119:11). It furnishes light to illuminate our pathway (Psa. 119:105). The young man is safe when he spends time on a day-to-day basis reading and studying the word of God. Paul said, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Have you taken heed to God’s word?

Honors And Obeys His Parents

Absalom’s downfall was brought about by his wayward attitude toward his father. He waged war against his very own father. Paul instructs, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Eph. 6: 1-3). Under the Law of Moses the young man that did not honor and obey his parents was put to death (Exod. 21:15, 17). Let us follow the example of Jesus and be subject to our parents that we might be safe (Luke 2:51).

Bears The Yoke

Jeremiah revealed, “It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth” (Lam. 3:27). The Bible teaches us to work with our hands (Eph. 4:27). The Bible teaches us to work with our hands (Eph 4:28; 2 Thes 3:10). Industry is a safeguard to the young man. The busy youth can say to the tempter, “I am doing a great work, I cannot come down” (Neh. 6:3). Idleness and slothfulness lead to hunger (Prov. 19:15), to rags (Prov 23:21), and to gossip and talebearing (I Tim. 5:13). Parents do their children an injustice by not teaching them to work! “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame” (Prov. 10:5).

Chooses Good Friends

Whether we realize it or not, those we associate with influence us in either a good or bad way. Solomon recorded, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Prov. 13:20). If we think that we can run around with unrighteous and ungodly people and not be influenced by their ways, we are only deceiving ourselves. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33). We must not desire to be in the company of evil men (Prov. 24:1). Many a young man has been led to ruin by failing to choose good friends. Choose to associate with those who will help you make it to heaven and you will be safe.

Flees Youthful Lusts

There are lusts that are peculiar to the young man. Paul told the young man Timothy, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22). A young man named Joseph was tempted to lie with his master’s wife (Gen. 39:7-12). The Bible says that Joseph “refused,” “left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out” (Gen. 39:8, 12). James taught, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (Jas. 1:14-15). The young man is safe when he runs away from youthful lusts.

Lets No Man Despise His Youth

The young man Timothy was admonished, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). The young man must not allow others to look down upon him because he is young. To prevent this, you should live in such a way that will cause others to respect you. The young man must be an ex-ample of what a believer is. When the young man lets no man despise his youth and is a living example of the believers, he is safe.

Marries The Right Person

The wise man penned, “Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth” (Prov. 5:18). Who you choose to marry is one of the greatest choices you will ever make in life. Marriage is not something you do today and undo the next. Marriage is a life-long relationship between a man and a woman (Matt. 19:5-6). Who you marry will have an impact upon where you spend eternity. Many some-one who has the right to marry! Marry someone who has the same beliefs and goals that you have. Marry someone who will help you make it to heaven. Here is something to keep in mind: you will marry someone that you date. So date someone who you would consider marrying. The young man is safe when he marries “in the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:39).

Is Ready To Die

Death is certain! Solomon announced, “For the living know that they shall die” (Eccl. 9:5). Paul taught that “as in Adam all die” (1 Cor. 15:22). The Hebrew writer revealed, “. . . it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Death is an appointment that all must keep and the time of which is unknown to man. The Psalmist stated, “I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up” (Psa. 88:15). Young man, are you ready to die? If you are not ready to die, then you are not safe.

The safety of the young man depends upon several things. It is written, “Rejoice, 0 young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity” (Eccl. 11:9-10). Are you safe?

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 21, p. 14-15
November 7, 1996

By Larry Ray Hafley

The hoary (white, gray) head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness (Prov. 16:31).

This church is blessed with many such crowns of glory. We are blessed by a number of older members whose lives are an example for those who are younger. They have their chronic aches and pains, but they press on. Humbly and quietly, they struggle to attend worship with ailments that would keep many of us at home. They have lost loved ones whose loss they still keenly feel, but they do not murmur and complain. They bear their griefs and sorrows with uncommon grace and dignity.

Their steps are slower, but their feet are still shod with the gospel of peace. Their eyes have grown dim, but their hearts glow with the radiance of righteousness. Their hearing has grown dull, but their spiritual ears are attentive and able to “hear what the Spirit saith” in the word of God (Rom. 10:8, 17; Rev. 2:7). Their backs are bent and bowed with the weight and care of many years of heartache and heart-break, but their faith is upright and strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Thus, with Paul they can rejoice and gladly say, “We do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). Also, with Paul, the rest of us can say, as he said of the Philippians, they are our “brethren dearly be-loved and longed for, (our) joy and crown” (Phil. 4:1).

They have “a reputation for good works.” They have “brought up children.” They have “shown hospitality to strangers.” They have “washed the saints’ feet.” They have “assisted those in distress.” They have “devoted” themselves “to every good work” (1 Tim. 5:10). Their works of faith, labors of love, and patience of hope are a daily demonstration and inspiration to us, their children. As such, we should rise up and call them blessed (Prov. 31:28). “And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him” (Mal. 3:17).

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 22, p. 9
November 21, 1996

By Carl McMurray

Action usually represents attitude. Have you noticed that? I believe we all keep a little bit of child within us all our lives. What we really want to do, we do! What we don’t want to do, we always have excuses for. What has this to do with the title, you ask? Have you noticed the same things that I have noticed over the years about our Bible classes? There is in most congregations, a noticeable difference between the number attending worship and the number attending Bible class. Of course, some of that number consists of visitors, and latecomers, and some elderly and those recovering from illness that just cannot sit for long periods. But when those numbers are taken into account, there is still a consistent number of people that are absent from class. And that’s not all .. .

The number in classes drops even more dramatically when the class is scheduled anytime outside of Sunday or Wednesday evening. Evening classes, daytime classes, or studies in homes of the members can seem almost desolate for the lack of interest shown, even in large congregations. And have you noticed anything that adult classes in different places have in common? In many adult classes participation is rare and preparation even more so. Auditorium classes have the worst reputation in this regard.

It occurs to me that perhaps the reason that we don’t seem to take our Bible classes seriously, the reason we don’t seem to have any qualms about not attending or taking part in the study is we don’t really understand what Bible classes are. To that end, I am here to say to Christians that a Bible class, any Bible class is .. .

Motivation to Study

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) teaches us to “study” in order to show ourself approved unto God. Let’s be honest. Most of us do a better job of studying when we have something specific to prepare for. Vague, general study, without goals is usually useless study.

Opportunity to Learn

In 2 Peter 1:12-15, Peter appeals to the most basic principle of learning, i.e., repetition. The apostle implied that they needed reminders. Even if you know it all (and the onewho gives that impression usually doesn’t), you need to hear different viewpoints and refresh your own memory.

Opportunity to Grow

2 Peter 3:18 states this as a command. There can be no growth “in the knowledge of Jesus Christ” without study and learning. Bible class gives one another opportunity to fulfill the Lord’s wishes in this respect. As a personal observation, I have never seen a Christian spiritually, knowledgeable, and mature who made it his practice to be absent from the Bible classes.

Opportunity to Teach

There is an alarming lack of elders, preachers, and teachers in the church today, including older women, who will accept the responsibility to teach the younger. In many areas there is a lack of spiritual maturity. There is also the problem of so many children of God returning to the world and being lost to the Lord. I believe Hebrews 5:11-14 ties all three of the above problems together. All three are fired and fueled by members of the church who continue to need elementary teaching because they have not tried to become teachers themselves. They refuse to have their senses trained by practice. They continue, year by year, to need milk and in so doing they are often the source of petty strifes, quarrels, and doubtful disputations. The great need and number of Bible classes give anyone desiring to grow and exercise himself an opportunity to teach.

Opportunity to Stimulate

Hebrews 10:24 teaches us to “consider one another” and “stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” Being present and listening closely often gives one a chance to hear and give consideration to their feelings or attitudes. Insightful, thought-provoking comments can go a long way toward stimulating them to greater works in the kingdom.

Opportunity to Encourage

Hebrews 10:25 is the oft-quoted passage that so plainly teaches us to not get in the habit of “forsaking the assembling” of Christians together. The context of the passage does not limit this to just Sunday morning or “communion services” as some have erroneously done. Bible classes are another opportunity for saints to assemble together, and the writer ties this directly to encouragement. Far too many of us have the idea of “what do I get?” out of various assemblies (Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, meetings, classes) rather than “what can I give?” Your presence says a great deal!

Fellowship

Acts 2:42 says that the early Christians were “continually devoted” to fellowship (i.e., sharing together in the Lord’s work). They were doing this weekly and even daily (Acts 2:46). Our Bible classes are part of the work here, of the congregation as well as individual brethren. Participating is one way that New Testament Christians follow the New Testament example and work together in growth, encouragement, edification, and study.

Correction and Instruction

2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches us that this is one purpose of the Scriptures. When we study and talk and discuss and listen, then our attitudes and actions, sooner or later, are addressed. Wrong actions and attitudes can be identified while proper and acceptable attitudes can be encouraged. It is so sad that most often, the one who needs the word of God working on his heart, who needs God’s correction and instruction, is the very one who won’t attend.

Evangelism

This is the purpose for the church. Everything we do should ultimately look toward this goal. Whether you bring a friend and introduce him to Bible study in the various classes available or whether I bring one and you help to make him feel comfortable and welcome  we all can work in this regard. John 1:40-42 illustrates this with Andrew and Peter. The Baptist denomination illustrates this by re-leasing some figures a few years ago that said that over 90% of their converts were introduced to the church through their Sunday School. Who is doing so much evangelistic work that he can afford not to use this opportunity that we have in front of us every week. And home Bible classes are even more effective as soul-winning situations!

These are just a few of the things that Bible classes are. Make these studies an important part of your service to God.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 22, p. 8-9
November 21, 1996

By Gary L. Coles

Arnie was suddenly awakened by a terrifying wail. As the fog of sleep began to lift from his mind, he immediately became aware of his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was he was wringing wet with perspiration. He could never remember being as hot as he was now. In fact, the heat had a smothering effect. The intense heat made each breath an act of agony. He also became aware of a parched throat and swollen tongue. At that moment he would have given a million dollars for drink of water.

He then began to notice screams of anguish. There were people all around him. Millions and millions of people. Perhaps, even billions. What was going on? Where was he? Suddenly he knew. But it couldn’t be. He had always laughed at anyone whoever spoke of Hell. He must be dreaming. That’s it. It’s just a dream. But something deep down inside told him otherwise. Pain and remorse began to envelop him. This was not a dream. This was for real, and even worse, it was for all eternity. Suddenly, he heard a blood curdling scream. A scream of terror and panic. A scream that came from Arnie’s throat.

Although the illustration is fictitious, the Bible indicates that it will be the ultimate fate of most people. How about you? Do you really believe Hell exists? Many in the church say they believe in Hell while their actions indicate otherwise. It is quite obvious that those Christians who refuse to regularly attend the worship services, study their Bibles with any degree of consistency, maintain a life of moral integrity, or display an attitude of love and compassion to others do not really believe in hell. If they did, their lives would reflect it.

One encouraging sign is that more Americans seem to believe that there is some type of Hell. According to a 1991 Gallup Pole, 60 percent of Americans believe in hell, up from 54 percent in 1965. The down side is that most Americans do not believe in the hell that is described in the Bible.

Recently, I ran across an interesting quotation made by Augustine DiNoia, a theologian for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops: “The popular image of hell has next to nothing to do with the doctrine of it. Not only is it flame-free, but people who go there do so by choice. God isn’t some vindictive judge sending humans to a place of punishment. If that were the case, he would be a monster.”

The March 25, 1991 issue of U.S. News and World Report devoted several pages to the subject of hell. A few important quotations are listed below:

Kenneth S. Kantzer, a former Christianity Today editor confessed, “he hadn’t preached a sermon on hell in more than three decades.”

Martin Marty, University of Chicago professor said, “Hell had disappeared and no one noticed . . . If people really believed in hell, they wouldn’t be watching basketball or even the TV preachers. They’d be out rescuing people.”

C.S. Lewis was quoted as saying, “Hell was not made for man.”

Mary Krus, pastor of Dumbarton Methodist church in Washington, D.C. said, “My congregation would be stunned to hear a sermon on hell.”

Avery Dulles, professor of theology at Fordham University in New York said, “It’s quite possible that no one will really go there.”

The Justice of Hell

Is God a monster? Is condemning a person to hell for eternity unfair? To answer these questions, there are a few things we need to consider. If you were God, what would you do with all of the wicked disobedient people of the world? Keep in mind that you have done everything possible to deter these people from their destructive path. You even sent your only son to die an unimaginable death on the cross. Yet, these people stubbornly refused to live a Godly life. Do you give them a second chance via a thousand years and then give them time off for good behavior? When I begin to consider all of the possibilities, there is one thing I am certain of: I have no desire to be in God’s place!

If God failed to punish the wicked and disobedient of the world  he could no longer claim to be a just and fair God. In Psalms 89:14 we can read, “righteousness and justice are the foundation of Thy throne; Loving- kindness and truth go before Thee.” It is impossible for God to be anything but just and fair.

God’s ultimate desire is for every-one to be spared the pain and anguish of hell. “. . . not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). Yet, the next verse speaks of God destroying the earth and its works. Matthew 7:13,14 in-forms us that the majority of people will find themselves on the broad way leading to destruction. The Bible does not portray God as an evil sadistic monster just waiting to torch his people. God is represented as a Being who cannot coexist with sin and will eternally punish any of his people who spurn and reject his offer for salvation. Is that unfair?

 Hell is Eternal (Matt. 25:46)

 Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:14)

 Extreme Anguish (Matt. 13:42)

 The Second Death (Rev. 20:14)

 Eternal Separation from God (Matt. 25:41)

 Loathsome Inhabitants (Rev. 21:8)

Hell is for Real

The preceding illustration gives a brief overview of what the Bible says about hell. If you believe in God, Jesus, and the Bible, you must also believe in hell. Hell is for real! It does exist!

It is unfortunate that many people live a life that reflects a complete disbelief in hell  including some Christians.

How many of us would turn an oven up to the maximum temperature, and then place our head in the oven. We would all admit, anyone doing this would be considered abnormal. Yet, there are many today, including Christians, who are doing the same with their soul. It is quite evident that many Christians lack any fear of hell. One of the reasons for this has been the neglect of preachers and teachers to speak of this topic. It is time for preachers and teachers to let their listeners know what God has said on this vitally important topic. God chose to inform us of hell through his written word. God wanted us to be so frightened of hell that we would do anything to avoid it. Unfortunately, many of us banish any thought of hell from our minds. We would rather consider more pleasant thoughts. We feel as if we have plenty of time to bring our lives into conformity with God’s will. However, James tells us that life is like a vapor that appears for a little while and then disappears. Life is uncertain. A person should take not chances with his soul.

The choice is yours. What will it be? If you awaken and find yourself in hell  you will have no one to blame but yourself.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 22, p. 6-7
November 21, 1996