Truth Magazine

By Kenneth D. Sils

The night before Jesus gave his life on the cross, he prayed fervently to his heavenly Father for spiritual strength. As Jesus was praying for his apostles he said, “As You have sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth” (Jn. 17:18-19). The apostles of Jesus were referred to as “ambassadors of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20) with the mission of telling the world about his truth, the good news which sets men free. Knowing this, it should not surprise us that Jesus would continue his prayer saying, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all be one, as You, Father are in Me, and I in you; that they all may be one with Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (Jn. 17:20-21).

In the first century, there was no such thing as the cur-rent “unity in diversity” doctrine. The church of Christ was a unified body of believers. They accomplished this by “continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). This unity is even seen in the way they worshiped God, knowing they must follow the pattern God gave them through the apostles. In John 4:24, Jesus told us, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Christians worship God in spirit and in truth.

Man is not at liberty to worship God in just any old way that feels good and still be pleasing to God. Consider the story of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10: 1-3, “Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” While these religious men were carrying out an activity of worship, they sinned and died before the Lord. Why? Because they were not fully following God’s instructions concerning worship. If one truly adores God, he will praise him just as he has been instructed according to God’s law with a heart of reverence.

When we peer into God’s divine record, it is easy to see just how the church in the first century worshiped. There are many commands and examples available in the New Testament to know exactly what the church did when they” came together as a church” (I Cor. 11: 18). They didn’t come together to “do their own thing”; they came together to express homage to God and the only way to do that was to be “subject to Christ” (Eph. 5:24).

In 1 Corinthians 14, we learn a couple of important principles about the worship of the church of Christ. In verse 26, we see that they were to “let all things be done for edification.” The worship of the church was designed not only to praise God, but to build up the faith of the saints. The only way this could be accomplished was for the church to “let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40). If proper worship is ever to take place, then there must be order among the church. The members of the church are to maintain their composure so all can be edified in their worship. This truth strikes at the heart of many of the modem “charismatic” denominational churches which allow and encourage their members to run around their auditoriums, shout whatever comes to their minds, fall down with a pseudo-slain spirit and jump around in primeval dancing when the mood hits them. Worship to God was never de-signed to have today’s “carnival” atmosphere, but was a serious reflection of homage to God with members participating in authorized actions from the doctrine of Christ.

The church, the called out, came together “as a church” for the express purpose to worship God. If we desire to be a part of the church of Christ, we must worship God just as Christians did in the Bible. They worshiped God observing five different activities which God ordained in the New Testament. All other ways of congregational worship must be forsaken in order for the church’s worship to be accepted by God. Here are the activities of assemblies of God found in the doctrine of Christ (2 Jn. 9):

1. The church of Christ worships God by singing praises to him. In Hebrews 2:12, the writer tells us that congregational singing is encouraged by God when he says, “I will declare your name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will sing praises to You.” The apostle Paul tells the Christians in Ephesus to be “speaking to one an-other in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord.” The church which our Lord built never used instruments, other than their hearts, to sing praises to God. They sang in a congregational fashion. Any other way is foreign to the pattern which Christ established through his apostles in the New Testament. Those who refuse to accept his plan balk at the authority of God and will find that their worship is a “vain” worship.

2. The church of Christ worships God by praying to our Father. As Paul was instructing the Corinthians about their behavior when assembled, he said in 1 Corinthians 14:15, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding.” In the first century, men offered up prayers to the Father in words that could be understood and “Amened.” Jesus instructed men to pray to their Heavenly Father in Matthew 6, yet prayer was to be offered in the name of Jesus (Jn. 14:6; Col. 3:17). A period of worship without sincere, heartfelt prayer is like a river bed without water. God desires for us to come before his throne with singing and praying as often as we can.

3. The church of Christ worships God by giving of their means. The apostle Paul told Christians in 1 Corinthians 16: 1-2, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also; on the first day of the week, let each of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper.” The church of Christ gave back a portion of their income in a common treasury (collection) on the first day of the week. Notice that they gave on the first day of the week and there is no mention of the Old Testament command of “tithing.” One is to give as he purposes in his heart (2 Cor. 9:7), exposing his spirit of worship. Also, one is to give when God told him to, exposing his allegiance to the truth. Any ministry or church which takes upon itself to collect money just any day or demand a tenth or more is speaking beyond the boundaries of Christ’s doctrine. Modem day denominationalism shows its true lack of respect for God’s pattern here.

4. The church of Christ worships God by eating the Lord’s Supper. In Acts 20:7, Christians at Troas came together on the first day of the week to break bread. This action, done on the first day of the week, was eating the Supper instituted by our Lord to proclaim his death to the world. Paul told the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till he comes. Therefore, who-ever eats this bread and drinks this cup in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” Again, this passage demonstrates that we must worship in spirit and truth. The Lord’s supper is to be done just the way God demanded. Any deviation of time or manner is a perversion of worship which causes one to be guilty of sinful rebellion.

5. The church of Christ worships God through preaching the gospel. Acts 20:7 also tells us that Paul spoke to these Christians until midnight. There can be no doubt, only the gospel of Jesus was being preached. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word.” The only acceptable preaching was the preaching of God’s holy Word, the gospel or doctrine of Christ. Evangelists never preached about politics, philosophies or theologies of men, secular education or a “social” gospel. When one honestly examines the majority of pulpits today, one finds everything except “the truth that makes one free” (Jn. 8:32). Paul describes the church of Christ as, “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). Friend, when is the last time you have heard a lesson beginning and ending in Scripture?

The church of Christ responds to God’s plea for unity. They are unified in the apostle’s doctrine. They worship God just as first century Christians did, making them a part of the same body, the church. Satan has many ministers who appear righteous, but they abhor the authority of God by worshiping as they feel, rather than by the truth. Today, you are shaping your eternity. Are you worshiping God in spirit and in truth? Investigate the church that Jesus built and you will find reverence, homage and worship which is acceptable to God.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 21, p.6-7
November 2, 1995

By Dennis C. Abernathy

“Sacrifice” is defined: “To forgo something valued or deemed desirable for the sake of something (or someone) having a more pressing claim.”

The Christian’s life is to be one of sacrifice. The Christian should be willing to give up or forego everything for the Lord who died for him.

“What! Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price. There-fore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2).

Christians are said to be “priests of God” (or a holy priest-hood) to offer up spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet. 2:5).

Jesus our Lord died for us on a Roman cross at Golgotha’s hill. He gave his life that we may live. Thus, I must be willing to give my all for him. I must be willing to give myself to him (2 Cor. 8:5).

It is difficult for us to fully comprehend the magnitude of the Lord’s sacrifice and the great blessing it holds forth to those who will appropriate it. “. . . that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).

Many Christians Have the Wrong

Idea About Sacrifice

Many Christians exhibit sacrifice in reverse order. They consider valuable and more desirable, things which in reality are less valuable. Hence they sacrifice the greater andmore valuable for the lesser and least valuable! Notice some examples:

1. Many sacrifice the church assemblies for hunting, fishing, golfing, school events, ball games, social activities, company, job, etc. (see Heb.10:21f). Brethren, if you are sacrificing your soul and the souls of your children for any of these things (and others like them), you had better re-evaluate your priorities!

I especially plead with Christian parents. You must see the importance of setting the proper example before your children. The wise man in Proverbs said, “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes keep to my ways” (Prov. 23:26). It is sad, but true that too many children’s eyes are keeping to their parents’ ways and they are ways that lead away from the Lord into the paths of indifference and neglect!

What has a more pressing claim on you than serving God? Name one thing. I’m afraid that these things we have already mentioned are more desirable and of more value to many Christians than is their standing with God!

2. Many sacrifice Bible study for TV, radio, secular reading, and countless other hobbies and activities. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show thyself approved.” 1 Timothy 4:13 says “give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” Acts 17:11 says, “. . . they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day.”

Are these other things of more value to you and do you desire them more than the Word of God?

“Direct me in the paths of your commands, for there I find delight” (Psa. 119:35).

“I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands” (Psa. 119:131).

“I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly” (Psa.119:167).

For one to neglect studying the Bible for these other trivial things is to choose the lesser over the greater. Once a young man gave his sweetheart a beautiful and precious ring with a valuable stone. The ring was wrapped in a pretty box. The girl opened the box, threw away the ring, and kept the box. Many do this with the precious and valuable Word of God.

3. Many sacrifice teaching others, visiting the sick, and hospitality for cars, boats, houses, and making money. What good will cars, boats, houses, and money be if you lose your soul? “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matt. 16:26) The Christian has duties to attend to. He must teach the word of God to others (Matt. 28:19; 2 Tim. 2:2). The sick and needy are to be cared for (Matt. 25:34-46; Jas. 1:27; Gal. 6:10). We are to be a hospitable people (Heb. 13:2).

If one’s heart is in the right place he will attend to these various duties toward his fellow man. He will be willing to sacrifice “treasures on this earth,” which are transient any-way, for the treasures which endure forever (Matt. 6:19-21).

I think many Christians believe that these works under discussion are for preachers, deacons, and elders, and they are not obligated in the least. Wrong! These things involve the practice of Christianity. They are the avenues through which one’s faith is exhibited (see Jas. 2:14-18).

4. Many sacrifice the truth for friendship, family, fellowship, the opinions, regulations, and commandments of men. The truth is such a priceless commodity that it should be bought and never sold (Prov. 23:23). One cannot be savedwithout obedience to the truth (1 Pet. 1:22). We must “walk in truth” (2 Jn. 3,4; 3 Jn. 4). God’s indignation and wrath awaits those who do not “obey the truth” (Rom. 2:8).

It is sad that some will allow friends and family to hinder them in obeying the truth. Many will cling to the “doctrines and commandments of men” and give up the truth in order to court the fellowship and praise of men (John 12:42-43; Matt. 15:8-9).

5. Many sacrifice purity and holiness in life for a moment of passion, for a week-end of drinking with friends, or for some enslaving habit. Christians are to live holy and pure lives, saying “No!” to ungodliness and worldly passions (Tit. 2:11-12). We must realize that these are “passing” pleasures. They do not last long, and when they end, the consequences come crashing in.

Today the church is plagued with impurity. Christians are enslaved with the same worldly habits as the world. Sexual immorality is prevalent even among Christians. Drinking is getting worse and the church is not immune to such ungodliness. Immorality abounds among preachers and elders. Thankfully, some repent, but some just “get caught,” usually all continue to preach and serve in local churches, and our Lord must shake his head in disgust.

Conclusion

Brethren, don’t sacrifice the best for the less. Don’t seek the second above the first. The Lord is good and his will is good for us. Look to Jesus and learn what true sacrifice really is (Phil. 2:5-8). Whatever you may sacrifice for the Lord and his cause in this life, it will be well rewarded (Mark 10:28-30).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 21, p.4-5
November 2, 1995

By Norman E. Fultz

A few years ago friends kept telling me how much computers could help me in my work. From my strictly casual observation, folk basically were doing with computers what I was doing with an electronic typewriter. When I ultimately gave in and bought a computer, I eagerly opened the box, set up the machine, took out the manual and began to read. After a while frustration set in, and I felt very intimidated by that senseless machine. I turned it off and didn’t touch it again for quite some time, for I had grown to resent the thing. I almost felt like “pitching it”, but the existence of a canceled check quickly told me how foolish that would be.

This age of new technology has introduced many new words and given new meaning to old ones. It can be a daunting experience to plunge into computereez, for the language of the computer world can be most confusing to a newbie. One soon learns that a hard drive is not a baseball hit into center field nor a long trip made in a short time; hardware doesn’t refer to the store where you to get every-thing from nuts, bolts, and tools to stove pipes and clay pots; and software, not all of which is user friendly, doesn’t refer to an article of clothing and to run some of it requires a lot of megs and mhzs. A monitor is neither a teacher’s assistant nor an instrument used in mining and firefighting; a byte is not something you chew; and a gig is not a pronged spear for fishing and frogging, nor a musician’s engagement. A mouse is not a furry little rodent, and a port is not a place for the docking of ships. Serial does not mean a succession of weekly movie episodes nor a book published in installments. To go surfing has nothing to do with the ocean; and the information super highway isn’t referring to a well-traveled road lined with billboards, and the on ramp isn’t an approach to an interstate. Prodigy doesn’t mean a musical whiz kid; and America on Line doesn’t refer to military readiness. Windows are not some-thing you look out of; DOS is not a Spanish numeral; and a

CD is not a certificate of deposit. RAM doesn’t mean a male sheep nor a Dodge truck; E-mail has nothing to do with the Post Office or UPS; and Cyberspace is not where the shuttle flies. Without persistence and determination, prompted by some sort of motivation, many folk feel overwhelmed and just turn away from all this computer jargon.

Well, if I haven’t lost you yet, there’s a point I want to make . . . about religious matters.

What if you had no religious training, knew nothing of the Bible? But one day you perchance found yourself in the assembly of worship, perhaps at the invitation of a friend or simply because you were searching for something, even if you didn’t know what. How would you feel? Perplexed? Maybe intimidated? Confused? After the service would you depart wondering, “What was that all about?” For you would likely have been introduced to a whole range of vocabulary, the meaning of which you did not know. Your experience would neither be new nor peculiar to yourself. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14:24-25, spoke of the difference in reaction that might be expected from a visitor in the early church if he only heard someone with the gift of “tongues” whereas the exercise of the gift of prophecy would be understandable. Even today, there are occasionally those among us who have no background for understanding what we’re talking about. They know nothing of the Bible and not much of religion in general. And often what they do know is erroneous.

You, our unlearned visitor, hear words like saints, atonement, redemption, Old Testament, New Testament, old man, new man, salvation, new creature, confession, prayer and supplication, new creature, propitiation, repentance, and baptism. You hear names like Pilate, Abraham, Israelites, Herod the Great, Caiaphas, Pharaoh, Jacob, and Judah.

A whole mass of words, phrases, and names that are common to us might well leave you almost gasping for relief.

You see, when someone like we’re describing comes among us, he may not know even the simplest little Bible stories, and if he does, they may be nothing more than a “nice little story.” He may see nothing of their meaning and significance. We grew up hearing the stories, and years of exposure to them and further Bible study has deepened our comprehension; but our unlearned visitor may feel overwhelmed and intimidated. He may be embarrassed at not knowing, or he may pretend that he does understand when in truth he doesn’t. This could be a real tragedy, even spiritually fatal, for it might well keep him from learning the truth just as a person intimidated by computers might deprive themselves of a truly fantastic tool.

What Are We To Do?

We must use the terms, names, and phrases for they are God’s word and the message they convey is vital. But we must be alert to those who may not know. We must be “user friendly,” doing all that we can to make things as plain as we can. We must help to arouse within those who do not know sufficient motivation to be willing to learn. We must encourage even the novice to feel free to seek assistance of us. But our knowledge must not reflect arrogance (cf. 1 Cor. 8:1). We must not say, “They can learn if they’ll search it out,” for they don’t know where to begin or where to find help. Re-member the eunuch’s question, “How can I except some man should guide me?” when Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading (Acts 8:31).

We must be alert to get to these people. Every visitor who comes among us from within our area should be personally visited and shown genuine interest. A few simple questions can open doors, and any indication of interest to study and learn God’s word should be pursued (cf. 2 Tim. 2:2),

What Can the Unlearned Do?

With motivation, they can learn, grow, develop, and be-come a child of God. Just as one doesn’t have to understand everything about computers in order to beneficially use them, so the religiously unlearned do not have to have a broad knowledge of God’s word in order to be able to act upon the elemental things. They may then continue to grow and develop (cf. 1 Pet. 2:2), becoming an influence for good on others. They can become diligent workers in God’s king-dom. Having become disciples, being baptized into Christ, they are to be taught “to observe all things” Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:20). But remember that growth is gradual and development comes progressively. That’s exactly the course today’s leaders in the church have followed.

Some Things of Which We Hope to Convince

Just as Paul said the unlearned who came among the Corinthians might be convinced of all, judged of all, and made to cry out that God was of a truth among them; so there are some things of which we should hope to be able to convince the unlearned who come among us: that God is (Heb. 11:6; Acts 14:15-16; 17:24-26), that he is a rewarder of those who seek him (Heb.11:6; Acts 17:27-28), that sin is an affront to our holy God, and that sin places one in jeopardy (Ps. 51:4; Isa. 59:2; Col. 3:5-6; Rom. 6:23), that God doesn’t want any to be lost (2 Pet. 3:9), that the Bible, God’s word, is fully sufficient to meet man’s spiritual needs (2 Tim. 3:16-17), that Jesus is the Christ and God’s Son (John 3:16), that in Christ the price of sin has been fully paid and reconciliation is possible (Rom. 5:11; 2 Cor. 5:18), that it is by obedience that one gets into Christ (Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:26-27), that in Christ is peace beyond understanding (Phil. 4:7), and that faithfulness to Christ means life eternal (Rev. 2:10).

Naturally we cannot hope that this will be accomplished every time we assemble, for in our assemblies we have to deal with many Bible subjects. But we can aim to make our assemblies as “user friendly” as possible and then be diligent to follow up on those who come our way in an effort to help them in spiritual growth and development, We don’t want to leave them frustrated, intimidated, nor confused because they do not understand. Namely, we want to lead them to the Master for their salvation and for his honor and glory.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 21, p. 14-15
November 2, 1995

By Randy Harshbarger

Uncle Sam points a finger and says: “I want you.” The Marines are looking for a “few good men.” The Lord is too. The Lord is looking for men and women of faith who will stand in the gap, wield the sword of the Spirit effectively against Satan and sin, and contend for the purity and simplicity of the gospel. Consider the cry of David long ago as he asked for a few good men.

The twelfth Psalm, one of many by King David, pleads for a return to the Lord, as sin and rebellion were the order of the day. Much of what is spoken of in this chapter could very well fit today’s society. The wickedness of our age should make every Christian cry out for a return to principles of godliness and decency. Friendship with the world spells disaster for the child of God. Any courting of that which is against God will cause us to be lost.

David said, “Help Lord, for the godly man ceases to be” (v. 1). Yes, the number of godly men and women seems to be diminishing. Many are running toward destruction in the mad pursuit of life (Phil. 3:19). There is a great need for people who will love the Lord and his word and will dedicate themselves to living according to truth and honor. The influences of the world are hardly subtle. Without shame, sin is flaunted on television, in the movies, and in advertising (for almost every product). Christians are constantly bombarded with the message that says, “If you think it is right, then it is right.” Godly men and women must cry out as faithful watchmen (Ezek. 33: lf). A constant diet of filth will adversely affect anyone who does not take steps to counterbalance such influences (1 Cor. 15:33).

David said concerning the children of men: “They speak falsehood everyone with his neighbor” (v. 2). There is no longer a premium on honesty. Too many people “speak false-hood.” Liars abound in the government, in business, and sometimes even among brethren. If that possibility does notexist, why did Paul warn against it (Eph. 4:25)? Falsehood and dishonesty will bring about the downfall of our nation (Prov. 14:34). Liars should fear the eternal torment awaiting them (Rev. 21:8). Psalm 12:6 says: “The words of the Lord are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.” Precious metals must be re-fined by fire to rid them of dross. The words of the Lord are always true and pure. Cursing and using God’s name in vain is simply a way of life for many. The speech of the Christian must edify rather than tear down (Eph. 5:4). We need to be careful what we say and how we say it. This is true in our dealings with people in the world and especially true with our families and brethren.

Psalm 12:8 says: “The wicked strut about on every side, When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.” The wicked seem to delight in their debauchery. Jeremiah lived in a world that had forgotten how to blush (6:15). Sin has become such a way of life that nothing is thought about it any more. This mind-set spills over into the church. The Corinthians (Christians) were blase about the sin among them. Paul exhorted them to correct the matter and they eventually did. Refusing to do so weakened them spiritually. The same is true of us today. “Vileness might be exalted” by the world, but it must never be condoned by God’s people. Clear teaching needs to be done that extols God’s will concerning the works of the flesh and the works of the Spirit (Gal. 5:19-24). Application to things such as dancing, principles of modesty, and social drinking need to be made. Let us cry out for truth and righteousness and be sure we live lives of conformity to God’s will rather than the world’s (Rom. 12:1-2).

Yes, the Lord wants men and women who will do his will. Let us purify ourselves by his word and remember that the Lord will preserve those who seek the way of truth.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 21, p. 13
November 2, 1995