Truth Magazine

By Kenneth D. Sils

Long ago, a man named Nicodemus came by night to our Savior, Jesus Christ, expressing his belief that Jesus was a great teacher. He based this conviction on all the supernatural signs he had witnessed, saying, “No one can do these signs unless God is with him.” At the beginning of John’s gospel account, John said that Jesus, not only has God’s presence with him, but that he, in fact, is God. The purpose for John’s writing was to prove to the world that Jesus is the Word, the glorious Savior of men, who is full of grace and truth. He took on flesh for the express purpose of redeeming us from sin. As a result of his death, burial, and resurrection, man can once again enjoy a holy relationship with God by being a part of the church he was building (Matt. 16:18). In the first century, Christians were not seen as “strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”

One of the most interesting statements one can find in the Bible is the response Jesus gave to Nicodemus that evening. In John 3:3, he said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God!” Jesus wasn’t mincing words with this teacher of the law. When Nicodemus failed to understand this statement, Jesus became more specific about this “rebirth” in verse 5 saying, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” To enter into God’s kingdom, one must be “born of water and the spirit.” To be among the members of God’s house, one must be “born again.” To walk the golden street which leads to the throne of God, one must be “reborn.” Jesus requires a spiritual birth from all people.

Amidst all the modern religious confusion surrounding the topic of salvation, one may be prompted to ask, “Just how does one enter the church of Christ?” For one to enter the kingdom of God, the body of Christ or the church of Christ, man has no choice but to accept the provisions sup-plied by the New Testament. James tells us to “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (Jas. 1:21). Peter reminded first century Christians, “since you have purified your soul in obeying the truth .. .having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Pet. 1:22-23). God’s word explicitly tells us what we must to do to be saved and how one enters the church of Christ. He did not leave it to the modern TV evangelists or denominational rules and by-laws of men.

Jesus pleaded with the all people in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Every person can come to Jesus and be a part of his church if he is willing to obey the truth through the Spirit of God. One cannot be spiritually “reborn” with-out submissively obeying Jesus, the head of the church. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:23, “Christ is the head of the church; and he is the Savior of the body.” Friend, only one religious body, the body of Christ, will enjoy salvation from sin, death and eternal fire. Since this is the case, we must take every precaution to insure that we have done exactly what God requires in order to gain entrance into his church, his body, or his kingdom.

God has given us straight forward commands and examples in the New Testament demonstrating how people entered his church. Consider the example of Philip and the Samaritans in Acts 8:12, “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.” These people believed in the things that Philip preached, prompting them to be baptized. This should not be a surprise if one will remember what Jesus told his apostles in Mark 16:15-16, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Those who believe that Jesus is the Christ and act upon his command in the New Testament to be baptized will be saved. Those who did such in Jerusalem were added to his church. Peter convicted the Jews of sin by telling them that “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). When they asked Peter what to do, he replied in verse 38 saying, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” The text tells us that these obedient people were “added to their number.” The word “added” here means to “join to, to gather to any company.” They became numbered with the apostles. As a result, they were on the side of Christ, in his body, the church. Acts 2:47 tells us that those who were being saved were “added to the church.” How were these people entering the church of Christ? The same way the Jews did in verse 41 by being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, being cleansed through his blood.

God has chosen a very simple vehicle for man to gain entrance into his church. That vehicle is baptism. The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” Baptism is the only action which places us in the one body, the church of Christ. The same author tells us in Colossians 1:18, “And he is the head of the body, the church.” Man has not been granted liberty to pick and choose his own plans of salvation, nor can he choose just any vehicle for entering Christ’s church. The New Testament never asked someone to pray Jesus into their hearts through some “sinner’s prayer,” nor was any-one ever voted into the church of Christ. The Holy Spirit clearly tells us baptism puts us into the body, the church of our Lord.

At the beginning of this article, I mentioned that Jesus said, “Unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” This spiritual birth is directly connected with baptism. Paul reminded the Roman’s of their conversion in Romans 6:3-7 saying,

Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of his death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of his resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin, for he who has died has been freed from sin.

Baptism into the death of Jesus is the only way we can contact Jesus’ life-saving blood, thereby killing the sin on our soul. When one is raised from the waters of baptism, one rises to a newness of life, one is reborn, one is added to the church, one is saved by the blood of Jesus ready to begin life as a Christian. Oh, the matchless grace of Jesus!

Have you complied with the Holy Spirit by being baptized into the one body, the church of Christ? In him, all spiritual blessings flow. In him is redemption and the forgiveness of sins. In him, man is alive again to God and has a bright hope of heaven after this life is over. Before Jesus died on the cross, he told his chosen few in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me.” It is his way or no way, friend. Don’t place your trust in the feelings and testimonies of modern man, place your trust in the truth of Jesus in the New Testament. Feelings come a dime a dozen, but the truth stands alone as a diamond in the rough.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 22, p. 22-23
November 16, 1995

By Randy Blackaby

Jason, a 14-year-old, is summoned to the principal’s office at school. His teacher has reported that he used abusive, foul language to another student. Before the principal can even inquire of Jason about the circumstances, the youngster blurts out, “It ain’t my fault!”

“What do you mean it wasn’t your fault?” the principal asks quizzically.

“Well Johnny called me a name first,” Jason declares with full assurance of personal exoneration.

The principal then begins to tell Jason that he is account-able for his own behavior, regardless of what others do, but he notices that the lecture isn’t being absorbed. Jason is sure he didn’t do anything wrong.

This scenario is repeated in a thousand ways every day in schools, ball parks, and homes across our country.

But the sadder fact is that these youngsters learned these situational ethics from people old enough to know better. They hear this logic from parents, teachers, coaches, and friends all the time.

Few people seem willing to accept responsibility for their actions, especially their mistakes. It is always the fault of someone else, or a whole group of someone elses (society) or the combined tribulations of life (environment).

Two brothers in California murder their parents. When caught and tried, their defense is fundamentally that their parents caused them to commit murder. One trial ends in a hung jury, with half the jurors accepting that logic.

Thousands and thousands of marriages fall apart because spouses excuse their own unloving behavior on the basis of evils done or said to them. The “tit for tat” game continues to escalate until the marriage is destroyed.

Imagine the changes that could come if folks could simply say, “I was wrong. I’m sorry.” How much different the world would be if more people were committed to practicing unilateral righteousness.

Great men and women are able to admit their mistakes. Many years ago there was a king who saw another man’s wife bathing outdoors, lusted after her and ultimately committed adultery with her. To cover up his deed, when she became pregnant, he had her husband killed.

A friend came to him and confronted him with his terrible behavior. The king could have silenced his friend by killing him or denying responsibility. But he didn’t. He said, “I have sinned against the Lord.” That king’s name was David (2 Samuel 11-12). He is described in Scripture as “a man after God’s own heart.”

Contrast David’s decision to admit his errors, accept forgiveness, and try to live better with the denial mentality that permeates contemporary thinking.

Much of this denial philosophy has emanated from mod-ern psychology. Until very recently, most psychological counseling was pointed at relieving people of “guilt.” This relief, however, was not achieved by accepting guiltiness and repenting. It was sought by denying responsibility or shifting accountability.

It is almost comical the number of personal problems that have been blamed on “mother” and negative “environments.”

In fact, this problem has gotten so bad that learning and education are today impaired. Children can’t even be told they have the wrong answer or made a mistake playing base-ball. We have to worry about their “self-image.”

When little Johnny can’t read or write, when he can’t hit or catch a baseball, when he can’t get along with anyone, or hold a job or keep his marriage together  it certainly must be someone else’s fault.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 22, p. 6
November 16, 1995

By Phillip Mullins

He was an icon in American pop culture. A reminder of a decade now seen as one of the most troubled in this century. Jerry Garcia, leader of the rock band The Grateful Dead, has now exited the stage and the curtain has dropped for the last time.

The name Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead may not be recognized by all Americans, but to a generation who came of age in the 1960s they were chief symbols of the counter culture for nearly thirty years. In a way they have been the sole keepers of the flame. While so many other ’60s rebels have either burned out or died out, Garcia and his band have continued to play and party on. Their fans included anyone in their late teens and early twenties who wanted to rebel and fly freely. Their concerts, almost al-ways sell outs, were accompanied by massive drug busts in every city. “Groupies” followed them all over the country, forsaking family and jobs to live on the road and party all the time.

Garcia himself embodied the spirit of the counter culture. He had battled with substance abuse for years.

He was quoted once as saying, “If it is not fun, dont do it.”

Jerry Garcias death is just another lesson to rebels of any age of the foolishness of the “live for today only” philosophy. The revels of the 60s have all had to learn that responsibility and morality are important. Some have adjusted; others have not and paid the price. Garcia’s death teaches us that no matter how liberated a person may think he is, he will not escape death.

What is on the other side of the grave? The Bible, the only confirmed source for information about the after life, says that there is something else that is as certain as death. “And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Since there is a judgment, it does matter how we live. In spite of how much freedom we enjoyed or fun we had in this life, if we step into eternity after ignoring and disobeying God it would not have been worth it. The only ones who will be grateful after death are those who would have lived in Christ and died in him.

Eternity is coming, every day counts. Are you ready?

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but in the fear of the Lord continue all day long; For surely there is a here after, and your hope will not be cut off” (Prov. 23:17-18).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 22, p. 1
November 16, 1995

By Dennis D. Tucker

Since last fall I have “tried out” at a number of congregations and feel as if something should be said about this whole process. This article is not motivated by anger but in hope of bringing some things to light. I started to preach because brethren encouraged me to do so. It is a privilege to preach and I have worked with some very good and kind brethren. However, there are problems in the attitudes and practices of some congregations.

1. Lying. As Christians we are to “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). We need to make sure that our “yea” is “yea,” and our “nay” is “nay.” I had one congregation tell me that they decided to not look for a preacher for the time being. Previously, they had sent men to “interview” me. After telling me of their decision to not look and to preach themselves, they put the word out at a lectureship that they were still looking. Within a month they had located a preacher. Please notice that the problem is not that they had decided to look else-where. They just lied. If a congregation decides for whatever reason not to ask a preacher to come, they have that right. They do not have the right to lie.

One congregation decided on a certain preacher. In discussing a monthly salary they gave a dollar amount and said that was all they could pay. When the man said that he would need more, they suddenly had more money and gave a counter offer. If a congregation thinks a preacher is asking for too much money, they should say so. Do not lie by saying there is no more money while there really is. We need to remember Ananias and Sapphira who lied about the amount they received for their land. “You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:4).

2. Professionalism. We denounce the clergy/laity system in denominations. Yet some of our brethren seem to have the same concept. They want a professional speaker who will take over the work at a congregation. I agree that a preacher must be able to communicate, however, brethren seem to want more. They want a big name or someone who will wow their friends and neighbors. They want a man to do their work and act as their elder. They want a Bible degree from a Bible college. A number of good men who have stood for the truth in the past and present are discouraged by such an attitude. The church will lose many strong preachers.

Brethren, if a man can preach and you can trust him to stand for the truth that should be enough. Numerous congregations have fallen into a “preacher parade” because they did not want to “settle” for the first preacher. On different occasions I was told, “We do not want to get into a preacher parade.” Yet they have tried out a number of preachers and are still looking. Do not get into the trap of thinking, “Yes, he can do the job but there may be someone better.”

I remember reading an article by James Adams a couple of years ago. He said a congregation called him and asked if he might be interested in the work. They then asked him to send a resume. He respectfully declined and stated that he had not needed a resume before. He always preached the truth and if brethren wanted to ask him questions they could. I am not trying to be overly critical. I realize that brethren need to know the background of a man before they ask him to work with them, however, I wonder if we have not developed the attitude of the secular world. We are sup-porting a preacher and he should apply for the job just like any other job. I’m afraid the apostles would not be welcomed today in some of our pulpits.

3. Finances. Both sides must be realistic in this area. I will admit that I am not comfortable when brethren ask me how much I think I will need to live. Yet we must think in such terms. Preachers have the same cost of living as other people. I have to pay my taxes just like you. When my children get sick they need medicine. J.C. Penney has never written off a debt because I am a preacher. My car needs tires and gas just like yours.

In addition I have a number of added expenses. Preachers generally pay 15% for social security. Medical insurance is sky high. For a number of years we had health insurance. Our premiums were $500 a month with a $1000 deductible and no maternity. During that time we had three children. The hospital and doctor bills for the three children totaled around $18,000. I also must allocate money for my retirement. If I set aside $150 a month for an IRA that will total $1800 a year. I have been preaching twelve years and last year was the first time that I could put $1800 into my IRA. By most estimates that will not be enough for my retirement. How many refuse to support their preacher and then condemn him when in financial need?

One congregation called me and in the conversation mentioned that they were “self supporting.” They had a house and could pay $530 a week. For a man with a family that is not enough money. They were really saying they wanted me to live on that amount and not get any other support. Another congregation told me what they would pay. In addition, they did not want me receiving any money from any other source. I would have liked to have moved there, how-ever it was just not possible-due to the salary. If a congregation cannot pay a man enough to allow his family to live fairly, they should either allow him to work at an-other job or look for outside support. They should not expect him to starve his family.

A congregation should not expect a man to deprive his family when they can support him better. They should not expect other congregations to support their preacher when they can do so themselves (2 Cor. 11:8).

We have preachers that have worked for the Lord many years. They have nothing to live on when brethren feel they are no longer effective. Brethren then remark, “They should have planned better. They should not beg.” Brethren should be ashamed.

4. Treatment of family. How many of my brethren have ever gone on a job interview understanding that his family must come along? Can you imagine a company asking to see your children and wife before they will consider you? I understand that a man who preaches and is married should have a good home. He should treat his wife with love and be the head of the home.

I have felt at times that the brethren want to inspect my children. It is hard to travel all day in a van with young children, sleep in a motel or stay with a strange family,and get up on Sunday morning and feel relaxed. There have been times I have apologized to my children because they were on display. They understand when they are being “looked over.”

I also had a congregation send out questionnaires to my references. One of the questions asked if my wife conducted Bible studies. Brethren, my wife has the same responsibility as other godly women. We are not hirelings or the shepherds (John 10:11-13). Another questioned if I projected well on video. Does it matter if I am tall and handsome or short and dumpy? Such treatment is unfair!

Let me close on a personal note. Most of the time my family has been treated well. I have enjoyed getting to meet brothers and sisters. However, trying out is not a vacation or a picnic. It is costly, time consuming, and nerve racking.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 22, p. 14-15
November 16, 1995