Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

The Bible warns against the danger of “evil surmisings,” or “evil suspicions” (1 Tim. 6:4). In 1 Chronicles 19, Nahash, the king of Ammon, died. “And David said I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his Father.” However, certain political leaders among the Ammonites were suspicious and said to Hanun, “Do you think that David is honoring your father, in that he has sent comforters to you? Have not his servants come to you to search and to over-throw and to spy out the land?”

Hanun, acting on their suspicions, mistreated and “greatly humiliated” David’s servants. As a result, a destructive war of death and destruction soon followed. It was all caused by “evil surmisings,” by “evil suspicions.”

A suspicious attitude is hard to fight. One who has such a defiled disposition can always “justify” his reasons for feeling as he does. He sees every extended, helping hand as a clenched fist. He views your smile as proof that you are laughing at him. If you give him an egg for breakfast, he thinks you are calling him “a chicken.” If you give him a peach for lunch, he thinks you are the pits. There is just no way to satisfy a negative, suspicious state of mind. Such people spread their dark thoughts to others and cause them to become wary and unsettled. They assign evil motives to even the most harmless of words and deeds. See 1 Chronicles 19 related above.

Brethren, beware of this gloomy outlook. True love is not suspicious. It “thinketh no evil” (1 Cor. 13:5). It does not assume the worst. It expects that which is good and puts the best construction on the motives and deeds of others. Love builds. Suspicion tears down. Love unites. Suspicion divides. Love trusts. Suspicion doubts. Love smiles. Suspicion glares. Love attracts. Suspicion repels. Love forgives and forgets. Suspicion remembers what never happened. Love appreciates this article and its admonition. Suspicion says, “It was aimed at me.” (For once, suspicion’s fears are confirmed. It was.)

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 16, p. 14
August 15, 1996

 

On December 24, 1995 I concluded my work with the Westwood Church of Christ, after thirty years and six months. The following is an abbreviated form, with a few additional thoughts, of my farewell remarks on that date.

Some folks will little note nor long remember the remarks that I make here tonight However, the work that I have endeavored to do among you, will endure both time and eternity. It belongs to the nature of things that cannot be erased or removed by the passing of time, nor the forgetfulness of men.

The world has turned over many times since that warm June day in 1965 when Aurelia and I, along with our three children, pulled into Tullahoma, even before day began to dawn. Our furniture was en route but we were pulling a two-wheeled trailer with a few items we did not send on the truck. When it was light enough to unhitch the trailer, I began to look for something with which to block up the trailer. As I did, a snake slithered off into the weeds and grass. I recall remarking to Aurelia, “Well, the Old Serpent has served notice on us that he intends to oppose us for every inch and foot of ground we undertake to retake for the Master.” Now, I did not actually take that to be an omen or divine warning of some kind. However my assessment of what lay ahead of us, was right on target. Being aware that such is true, helps us to be alert and aware of his many devices, as he operates even as an angel of light, and his ministers as ministers of righteousness.

Nevertheless, God has dealt graciously with me. The good has far outweighed the evil that has come our way. Our blessings have been innumerable, and immeasurable. Our true and trusted friends outnumber by far our foes. God, the giver of all good things, has more than supplied our necessary food, raiment, and other material needs. Spiritually, he has blessed us above all we could ask or think. My heart rejoices beyond expression. By his marvelous grace, we are his and he is ours. What is there more important than this?

Additionally, God has given us children’s children, and memories that fill our cup to the overflowing. I am eternally grateful that God has seen fit to so use me here in this work. And my prayer is that my labor here is accepted in his sight.

My sentiments, as I bring to a close thirty years and then some with this congregation, are not easy to express either by pen or by tongue. The nearest language that fits the occasion can be found in the “Farewells” of the apostle Paul. Five times in his epistles, Paul came to say “Finally brethren.”

The term “finally” carries with the idea of concluding something. In the context of my use of it, it carries the idea of ending my thirty years and six month work with this church. As you think of that, be reminded that we are all also terminal. The time will come when you will end, in one way or another, your labors and work with this congregation.

Before, looking at some admonitions I want to make from Paul’s farewells, I want to take a glance backward for a few moments.

It has been in round numbers 1600 Sundays ago that Aurelia and I came here in answer to our “Macedonian call.” In December of 1964, a group of truth loving, dedicated brethren began to meet down on South Polk Street in what had been a dirty, greasy, abandoned restaurant building. There were just 23 people in the first gathering, including several small children, some of whom are here tonight with their own families. They formed the South Polk Street Church of Christ, because there was not an-other congregation in the town that had not embraced digressive practices. They stated that they wanted to build all things according to the pattern in God’s revealed word. In this they spoke the language that I spoke and under-stood well. With great anticipation and enthusiasm I accepted the challenge and came fully determined that in those goals I would give them all the help and aid I had the power and ability to provide. I was determined to know nothing but “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). To the best of my ability, I have not swerved from that purpose. Such has been my constant theme. Some who were there in the beginning, have departed the faith and some who came after them stated that they were sick of “Bible authority.” Nevertheless, to that commitment I have remained steadfast and unmoveable thru all these years of labor.

Tonight, I come to turn in to him who gives the talents and the pounds, who opens doors of opportunity, my report on those 30 years and then some. He is the one who knows our abilities, and our failings. He knows our real motives from the asserted ones. He knows where we are lacking and why. He knows when our heart has pained and when we have not found sleep because of the sheep that were discontent either with food or fold. He knows the difference in caring shepherds and mere hirelings. It is into his hands that I place my report which he already knows perfectly.

However, as my work with the congregation is brought to an end so does the report of each of you go into the same hands of the perfect record keeper. We have professed to be “workers together with God,” for the advancement of the greatest work on earth, the only enduring work. He knows when we have been workers and when we have been shirkers. He knows when we have been backers and when we have been blockers. He knows the difference in mere rhyme and reason. So, we are each and everyone turning in our own report tonight on a work to which each of us committed our pledge to God to give him our all. Only eternity will fully reveal how well we have performed in our respective roles. These matters are not matters we can dismiss with a wave of the hand or shrug of the shoulder. We are men and women accountable to God above. I come now to make a few final admonitions to you.

Be strong in the lord and in the power of his might” (Eph.6:10f).

A. What will make you strong in the Lord.

1. Being in every way a Scriptural church.

a. Scripturally organized (Phil.1:1).

b. Scripturally functioning (Eph. 4:11-12).

c. Taking orders from Christ the head (Eph. 1:22-23).

2. Being a church composed of true believers (Acts 4:4).

3. Deep convictions, willing to suffer (Acts 8:4); sharing prayerful (Acts 6:6-7); walking in the fear of the Lord, and comfort of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31).

4. Strength is not to be confused with size.

B. You will have issues to face that will require the best in all of you.

1. Issues on marriage, divorce and remarriage.

2. Issues involving dress and conduct.

3. Perhaps sooner than you think you will have to deal with issues involving the role of women in the church.

C. Only by being strong in the Lord will you be able to handle successfully these and others is-sues.

II. Finally, brethren rejoice in the lord (Phil.3:1).

A. There is much joy and rejoicing for the people of God.

1. Romans 14:17.

2. Joy in Christian association (Phil.1:3).

3. Joy in worship (Psa.122:1).

4. Joy in seeing people obey the gospel (Acts 8:5-8; 3 John 3, 4).

B. Brethren, if your service to God is boring and you cannot find joy in it, heaven will not be for you.

III. Finally brethren, think on things true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report (Phil. 4:8).

IV. “Finally, brethren, farewell, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the god of love and peace shall be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11). Whether I come and be with you or else be absent, I want to hear of your affairs (Phil.1:27). Like Paul, I want to hear that you are standing as a solid phalanx of committed men and women committed to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Don’t be terrified by your adversaries. They will think that your standing for the truth is a token of your damnation, but you know that it is a token of salvation and that of God.

Sometimes men and women in the church get so careless and loose in their conduct and in business affairs that even the world would blush with shame. Let me say that if members of the church stand fore square upon the truth, and conduct themselves in a way that adorns the gospel, there is not a force in the whole world that can stop or hinder their onward march for the Lord, for He has promised never to leave or forsake such (Heb.13:5). This church will live or die, survive or vanish, according to the character of those on the inside. The enemy without can do but little harm and that only due to our own failings within. It is my honest conviction that we are our own worst enemy! I want to hear of unity in truth, soundness in faith, steadfastness in labor, purity in life, and untiring efforts in Christ.

V. My final “finally” is found in 2 Thessalonians 3:1. “Finally brethren pray for us.” Paul wanted the prayers of his brethren, and so do I. He was not asking that they pray for his ease and comfort. He was asking that they pray for him that the word preached by him might have free course and be glorified. He was asking to be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. Those are my sentiments tonight as I leave you. Pray for me, that the word of God might have free course. Pray that I may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. My heart and soul is wrapped up in the desire to preach his word, to saving of souls and up building of his cause and Kingdom. Pray that hindrances may be minimal. Pray for our strength and continued good health to that end. Pray that the Lord’s will may be done in all my undertakings.

I placed on the bulletin board a statement which can never fully express the bounty of thanksgiving and gratitude which Aurelia and I have for our years in your midst. We feel richly blessed. And I close with the admonition: “Therefore My be-loved brethren, be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor.15:58). “And now brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

Guardian of Truth XL: 6 p. 22-24
March 21, 1996

By Donnie V. Rader

On Sunday March 10, 1996, Dave King, Padro Featherstone, Clayton Curtis, and George Gibbs were appointed as the elders of the El Bethel Church of Christ in Shelbyville, Tennessee. This El Bethel church began in April 1961. This is the first time elders have been appointed here. Obviously, this was a great milestone for this congregation.

This is more than just a report about the progress of one local church. There are several things to be learned from what took place at El Bethel. It may be that sharing this would be helpful to other churches.

There Are Still Churches That Want

To Follow God’s Plan

In too many places churches have gone for as many or more years than we did without elders and have no plans or goals for elders. I see more and more churches without elders. I see some churches that have had elders in the past and that have little prospect of elders in the future.

It seems to me that there are a number of churches that really don’t want elders. It seems that there is a trend away from an eldership to a men’s business meeting as a permanent substitute. Then the shift is away from having a men’s business meeting to congregational meetings where men and women meet together to decide the business of the church. These efforts are going in the wrong direction (away from scriptural organization, Phil. 1:1) instead of shooting toward the goal of having what God revealed in his word.

The appointment of elders here will let a few places know that there are still churches that want to follow God’s plan. May our example be followed by others.

Appointing Elders Can Be Done

Peacefully and Orderly

We worked toward this goal for two years. Throughout this period we had peace and harmony. In so many places trying to appoint elders is a tense and trying time. Some will threaten to leave and take some with them if elders are appointed (especially if a certain man is appointed). At times it can be divisive to go through this process.

Not only did we not have a storm, we didn’t even have the first ripple. We were all united on the need for having elders. We were together on God’s plan for elders. We all agreed on how to go about the selection process. When all was decided and finalized, we left our last business meeting united about the outcome and supportive of the four men who would be our elders.

This was possible because of the growth and maturity of the people who make up this congregation. I have witnessed considerable growth in the two years that I have been with them.

The Plan We Followed

When I talked with the church here about moving, I asked if there was any potential for elders in the near future. Most of the men agreed that there was not only a desire to have elders, but some men who were either qualified or would be soon. One brother spoke up (with others nodding in agreement) that this church would like for me (the new preacher) to help them work toward that goal of having elders.

Within two months of our moving we laid out a plan that covered a two-year period getting ready for an elder-ship. I realize that two years isn’t necessary in some places. However, when a church has never had elders it takes some time to get the church ready for elders. Like many other places some have grown up here and now their children have obeyed the gospel and there still were no elders. I am convinced that our two years of preparation had a lot to do with things going so smoothly. Below is a summary of the plan (which we simply called “A Two Year Plan For Elders At El Bethel) we adopted and presented to the congregation:

1. The purpose of this plan: Over a period of two years (Spring of 1994 to Spring of 1996) we will think, plan, teach, and work toward having elders. The goals of the plan are: (a) Prepare the congregation to follow elders, (b)Encourage young men (who now are not qualified) to work toward being elders someday, (c) Encourage men who are either now qualified or close to being qualified to prepare themselves to accept the office of the elder-ship, (d) Encourage the congregation to pray fervently during this period about having elders at El Bethel, and (e) To see if we have men who could serve well as elders.

2. The plan: The plan that is herein suggested involves several things: (a) Announcing to the congregation the plan so all the members are informed, (b) Frequently re-minding us that we need to pray for having elders in both public and private prayers. (Note: For two years I don’t think we had a service to pass that we didn’t have some-one mention our working toward elders in the prayers.) (c) Encourage the members to talk to those they think could be qualified. Those that they feel are qualified should be encouraged to serve. Those that may be lacking in some area should be kindly encouraged to improve, change, or grow as the case may be. (d) Teach several lessons and series of lessons to help prepare the congregation and any potential elders. (e) At the end of the two years (early 96), it is agreed to ask the congregation to look among them to see if there are a plurality of men qualified to serve. If we find a plurality of men qualified and willing to serve, we will appoint them immediately (early 1996). If we do not find men qualified at the time, we will discuss in a business meeting what the potential for future elders will be. (Note: We agreed that if elders were not selected in this effort that we would keep resetting a goal and target date until finally we were organized as the Bible teaches.) Agreeing to this plan does not say that we will or must appoint elders in early 1996. It only agrees that we study it and see if we can have elders at that time.

3. The lessons and time frame: Below are the sermons and classes that we laid out before the congregation in advance. (a) In February, March, and April of 1994  a series of five sermons on “God has a plan.” This series shows that God has given us a pattern or plan to follow. Just as God has a plan for worship, the church, etc., he has a plan for each church having elders. (b) March 1994 through the rest of the year  study the book of Acts in the Sunday auditorium class. This study will give emphasis to the development of local churches. We will see how they appointed elders in a short period of time. (c) Summer 1994  A series of ten lessons on “We Are Brethren.” The emphasis here is to work together as brethren. It involves a plea to work together and not pull in different directions. This is needed when going through two critical times: selecting elders and selecting a preacher.

(d) Fall 1994  A sermon or two on why some churches don’t want elders. In this we will deal with some common ideas that stand in the way of having elders such as: “We are doing alright without elders,” men’s business meetings becoming a permanent substitute for elders and how some men are afraid of losing their “say so” if elders are appointed. (e) January and February 1995  a special study on Sunday evenings for one hour prior to services on “Leadership.” This will be six lessons. This will be for men and women. This will deal with principles of leadership. We will look at the type of things elders have to deal with. Students in the class will be asked how they think the elders should handle this or that situation. This will have three objectives: 1. Prepare men to lead. 2. Prepare wives for their husbands to lead. 3. Prepare others to understand what the elders deal with as they lead. (f) Spring 1995  a series of five lessons on “Goals For Every Church.” This will include studies on: 1. Being scriptural, 2. Growing, 3. Being united, 4. Being a clean and strong church, and 5. Developing and appointing elders. (g) Summer 1995  A series of three to five lessons on the New Testament church with an emphasis on God’s plan for the church to have elders. (h) Fall 1995  a thorough series on the eldership (ten lessons or more).

We had planned our work then we set out to work our plan. The studies climaxed with the series of ten lessons on the eldership. The sermons included: 1. The organization of the church (Oct. 8), 2. Misconceptions about elders (Oct. 29), 3. The authority of elders (Nov. 5), 4. The work of elders (Nov. 12), 5. Attitudes toward the qualifications (Nov. 19), 6. The qualifications (part 1 – Nov. 26), 7. The qualifications (part 2 – Dec. 10), 8. Responsibility toward elders (Dec. 17), 9. The elder’s wife (Dec. 24) and 10. Questions about the eldership (Dec. 31). In this study we followed H.E. Phillips’ book Scriptural Elders And Deacons as an outline and study guide. Many brought the book to services and followed by underlining and making marginal notes in the book during the sermons.

Plan For The Selection, Objections and Appointing

1. The congregation was asked to turn names in. We printed up some forms that had all the qualifications listed with two boxes to mark beside each qualification. The first was to be checked showing that you have given serious thought and study to that qualification and you feel that you understand what it means. The second box was to be checked showing that you have given consideration to whether the man you are suggesting meets this qualification or not. This kept names from coming in without thought and consideration. Two week were given to gathering suggested names.

2. The names were put before the congregation to ask if there were any objections. We printed up another form for objections that listed every qualification. We asked that anyone objecting to a man cite which qualification he/she felt he did not meet. We asked that the form be signed. We all agreed that only those objections that were written down and signed would be given serious consideration. We asked that those objecting do more than just cite a qualification that they felt this brother did not meet. We urged that they give an explanation. All were encouraged to go to the brother they were objecting to and let him know of the objections and why. This, we felt, would prevent some “frivolous” objection keeping a qualified man from serving.

3. The men met in a business meeting and decided whether the objections were valid or not. We took each objection up and discussed them thoroughly. Each man who had a question or objection was given ample time to state, develop or argue his case. Then we had to decide whether the objections were valid.

4. Elders were appointed March 10, 1996.

The Future

We are already at work on selecting deacons. In fact, by the time this is printed deacons will have been appointed. Also, the future looks bright as far as more elders are concerned. We have a number of young men who are shaping their lives and their families in such a way that there is no doubt about future elders.

I recognize that it is not an unusual thing for a church to appoint elders. However, I felt that there might be a few things in this that might be helpful to a few other churches.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 16, p. 12-14
August 15, 1996

By Connie W. Adams

Since God created the world, he controls it as it functions according to the laws which he set in motion. It is subject to his authority. God also made man in his image and therefore man is subject to divine authority. He will be called to judgment (Acts 17:30-31). God established the family and defined the roles of men, women, and children in the relationship. When it operates according to the will of him who created it, then great blessings flow. When his authority is rejected, then chaos follows. God also ordained civil government “for the punishment of evil doers that for the praise of them that do well” (1 Pet. 2:13-14). Peace and safety emanate from following this divine plan. Rejection of it brings anarchy, crime, and violence of every kind.

The church is a divine creation. Those who make it up are called “a new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17). We are “created in Christ unto good works” (Eph. 2:10). It was built according to the “eternal purpose of God” (Eph. 3:11). The very establishment of it made known to heavenly powers the “manifold wisdom of God” (Eph. 3:10).

Everything about it suggests divine order. Christ is its builder. “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18). Christ is its foundation. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). It rests upon his divine power and deity. Christ is its “chief corner stone” (1 Pet. 2:6-7). He is the point of reference for every-thing about it. He is the purchaser. He purchased it “with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). He is its savior. “He is the savior of the body, the church” (Eph. 5:23). He is its king. “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). He is “head over all things” to it (Eph. 1:22-23). All things in it must be done according to his authority. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). If anything is taught or practiced which he has not authorized, then divine authority has been rejected. This will amply proved in a future article.

Walk By the Same Rule

There is an objective standard by which all who make up the church of the Lord are expected to walk. “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things). For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:16-20).

The word “rule” in verse 16 is kanoni from which we get the word “canon.” This is from the Hebrew /canna) which meant a cane, reed. It was used of a measuring rod, rule, a carpenter’s line, or measuring tape. In the New Testament it meant (1) a definitely bounded or fixed space within the limits of which one’s power or influence is confined; the province assigned one; one’s sphere of activity: 2 Corinthians 10:13,15, and (2) Metaphorically, any rule or standard, a principle or law of investigating, judging, living, acting: Gal. 6:16; Phil. 3:16 (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament 324). Green says “met., rule of conduct or doctrine” and cites Gal. 6:16 and Phil. 3:16 (Greek and English Lexicon to the New Testament 92).

There is a rule, a standard of action, to which all in Christ are subject. All are expected to walk by it. Paul was stern in describing those who did not walk by that rule. Since our citizenship is in heaven, then the rule of God and Christ must govern our “walk” as citizens.

That rule, also involves the practice of the apostles of the Lord. “Be followers together of me” and walk so as ye have us for an example.” Apostolic examples are crucial in understanding the rule of Christ. I hear preachers speak disparagingly of the old sermons they have heard on “ac-cording to the pattern.” One said recently, “and do you know what that pattern is? The pattern is Jesus Christ.” Well, now, what does that include? Is that limited to what Jesus said while here on earth? Only what we can read in red? Or does it include what the Holy Spirit guided the apostles to preach and write? Paul wrote “Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth, combining spiritual things with spiritual words.” “But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:13,16). “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37). When we speak or write about “the pattern” for scriptural worship, work or organization, then we must consider what the head of the church about it, including what the Spirit guided his apostles to preach and write. The Lord’s pattern is the sum total of all he said on any subject. This business of arguing that we “must major in the gospels and minor in the epistles” and that the epistles are just “love letters” and therefore the doctrinal matters presented there are not of equal weight with what Jesus said while on earth, or what we might imagine he would have said or done based on our own subjective analysis of his person, springs from an unwillingness to “walk by the same rule.”

Unity in spiritual things is both desirable and required. We are to be “of one mind.” How is that possible? Don’t we all have our own prejudices and opinions? That may be, but when we stretch out the reed of divine truth for measurement, than what it says is right and I must be willing to lay aside my prejudice or opinion. And so must you! If there is no rule by which we all walk then we are left with spiritual anarchy. The universe functions by divine law. So does the family. So does civil government. And so does the church. Disrespect and disregard for divine authority in either or all of these matters brings chaos of gigantic proportions. (More To Come)

Guardian of Truth XL: 7 p. 3-4
April 4, 1996