Truth Magazine

By Donald Townsley

Down through the years since I have been preaching the gospel, there have been (and still are) men who advocated that we should preach Christ and not a plan of salvation. They phrase it this way: “Preach the man and not the plan.” They seem to think that one cannot preach a plan of obedience to Christ (Rom. 1:5; Heb. 5:9) and, at the same time, preach Christ. What they need to understand is that Jesus Christ is revealed to us in the word of God, and that he is inseparably connected with every book of the New Testament. Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38). You can see from this passage that Christ is inseparably connected with his words. To fully preach Christ one must preach his commands, his promises, his warnings, his church, his supper, his plan of salvation and righteous living (Acts 8:4-5,12). All of this being true, we cannot ignore any part of what he has said without ignoring that much of Christ (James 2:10).

The New Testament is filled with expressions that make it clear that a “plan of salvation” is taught therein. The Romans “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” (Rom. 6:17). In their obedience to that “form (or mold) of doctrine” they were “called of Jesus Christ” (Rom. 1:6) and “made free from sin” (Rom. 6:18).

Paul also told the Romans, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). They were called according to God’s purpose, scheme, or plan. They were called of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:6), called by the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14), and called by his (God’s) grace (Gal. 1:15). To be called of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:6), called by the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14), and called by God’s grace (Gal. 1:15) is to obey the plan of salvation, or “that form of doctrine” (Rom. 6:17).

The Hebrew writer said in chapter 9, verse 8 that while the old covenant was in effect “the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest”  in other words, the plan (or scheme) of salvation had not yet been revealed. Then the writer goes on to tell us in chapter 10, verse 20 that now under the new covenant there is “a new and living way” which is consecrated by Christ. Christ is “the way” (John 14:6), and there cannot be any separation between Christ and his “way” (or his plan of salvation). To reject his plan is to reject him (John 12:48; Mark 8:38).

The plan of salvation that Christ “consecrated” (or dedicated) for us (Heb. 10:20) is simple. One must hear the gospel (Rom. 10:17), believe the gospel (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37), repent of past sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30), confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:10; Acts 8:37), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Friend, have you obeyed the gospel (2 Thess. 1:8)? If not, won’t you do so, and “hold the pattern of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13, ASV)?

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

By Donald P. Ames

Over the past several years, like others, I have been agonizing over the immorality that is becoming so prevalent amongst those who call themselves gospel preachers. I have seen those caught in such deny it until everyone else is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt. I’ve known some where the whole community knew about it before members of the church knew. Then, when it is finally exposed, they try to minimize it or blame everyone else. Or, they agree to quietly resign (even though the community also knows about it) and move on. And, usually glad to have “the problem” resolved, some will give them a recommendation for their preaching, and rejoice that “that problem” is now resolved and “we can get back to preaching the gospel again.”

Meanwhile, at the church where the problem arose, many new and weak Christians are left with their faith badly shaken. Many of the local young people quit the church completely, turned off by the hypocrisy of one standing up there telling them these things are wrong, yet engaged in the same disgraceful sins while doing so. The community is full of gossip about “what has happened at that church,” with some vowing they will never have anything to do with such a church “if that’s what Christianity is all about.” And the church spends the next ten years trying to overcome the problems one immoral preacher has wrought upon them. Usually a whole generation is lost and/or wasted by one such exposed action.

As for the preacher, he quietly moves on, and may repeat the same sin at two or three more places until his reputation finally catches up with him (1 Tim. 5:24-25), at which time he may leave the church completely and go off into sin. Of course he has destroyed several churches, turned many young people and prospects away from the gospel, destroyed several marriages (plus his own, and the souls of his own children  Matthew 18:7). It is usually “everyone else’s fault,” and he resents those who finally exposed him, rather than bringing forth fruits worthy of repentance (Acts 26:20).

Someone says, “But that could happen to anyone!” True, but let’s be honest. Those in positions of leadership should be aware of such dangers and their con-sequences (James 3:1). Most preachers know when they are in a bad situation. If they don’t, they shouldn’t be preachers trying to warn others of such dangers ! Did not Paul say, “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach your-self?… You who say, `Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery.. .You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?” (Rom. 2:21-24) They also know what they should do in such a situation (1 Cor. 6:18; Gen. 39:6-12). If not, they need to quit preaching until they learn more! How can they teach others those dangers and how to avoid them if they have no idea what to do themselves? Let’s get serious! And, when found guilty, they need to confess their sin, turn from it, quit blaming others, and resign from preaching until brethren feel confident a change has occurred and they can again recommend him (and his life) to others.

Brother David Padfield of Zion, Illinois, recently penned the following in his bulletin (August 1995). I commend it and him for the courage to speak out:

It is a sad fact that many gospel preachers have been guilty of adultery. I cannot understand why some brethren want them to keep preaching. Should preachers who have been guilty of adultery go back to “making tents” for a living? They cannot be trusted by their spouse. Do you trust them? They have proven themselves to be liars and covenant breakers, and now they want elders and other brethren to have confidence in them? It is amazing that some who are the most discerning in detecting “heresy” among us are men who have had trouble finding their own bedroom. Maybe they think that by focusing on some current doctrinal issue brethren might forget how they broke their wedding vows, ruined their reputation, lied to both God and their spouse and caused another man’s wife to commit this “heinous crime” with them.

When a preacher commits adultery it effects every member of the congregation where he labors. A preacher where I grew up committed adultery. He left the Lord and his spouse and the brethren withdrew fellowship from him. After he left, the brethren looked differently at all preachers. It took more than a decade before those brethren were able to look at any preacher without suspicion.

Sometimes men caught in adultery claim they are just like King David of Israel and therefore we should just over-look their transgressions. I have read of King David. David was a friend of God. These men are not King David! When Nathan confronted David with his sin, David humbly and meekly repented. David did not deny his adultery nor seek to censure Nathan. I have never known an adulterer like David. Everyone I have ever heard of who was accused of adultery first tried to deny the crime. Then, after proof was brought forth, they tried to minimize the seriousness of their crime or blame someone else. Many speak ill of the ones who try to bring them to repentance.

Solomon wrote, “Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul. Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away” (Prov. 6:32-33). We are not going to solve this problem by sweeping it under the rug and quietly passing the offender on to other congregations for him to destroy again and again. The time has come to clean house! If they have no more moral self-control than that, they don’t need to be in the pulpit! As for those who “might get discouraged and quit the church” (and many eventually do this anyway when their sin is exposed), if they have no more convictions than that, how many more must they take with them first? How did Paul deal with the hypocrisy of Peter in Galatians 2? If forced to “count the cost,” maybe they would think more seriously about such before beginning such activities. If not, better they be exposed now than later (1 John 2:19)! Too many times we are not dealing with a “one time mistake,” but when revealed, a pat-tern or habit that has occurred more than once, and in some cases has gone on for several years.

I have no false illusions such an article as this will please all who read it. Nor is the process going to be painless. Some may be affected I do not even know. But, brethren, “Do I now persuade men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bond servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10). We need to be concerned about the Lord, and the souls of the victims; rather than just seeking to appease the offender who, by his actions, “despises the commandment of the Lord” (2 Sam. 12:9-10).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 20, p. 18-19
October 19, 1995

By Kenneth D. Sils

Among all the religious confusion and division we see in our country, the true church of our Lord Jesus Christ is alive and can still be found today. Sadly, while pursuing the truth, many sincere people have been so overwhelmed by denominational error that they conclude that one church is just as good as another. Jesus teaches us that we don’t have to give up. In Matthew 7:7, he says, “Seek, and you will find.” Jesus promised, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). If one is searching for the truth about the church Jesus built, he must go back to the Bible and accept its absolute authority. Paul said only the Scriptures are “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

The foundation of the church of our Lord can be found, understood and built upon. In Ephesians 2:19-22, we learn that the foundation was poured with Jesus being the chief cornerstone and the rest of its foundation was laid by the apostles and prophets of God in the first century. The apostle Peter teaches in 2 Peter 1:3 that our God has delivered to us “all things pertaining to life and godliness.” Surely, the church of our Lord must come under this heading of “godliness.” In the first century men knew all the doctrine of Christ’s church. Christians understood and fully accepted the names given by God in his sacred writings for the church. This is my plea for all people today. It is my duty to persuade men to come back to God’s writing, the New Testament, for within it lies the key for all people to escape man’s divisions and be a part of the church which Jesus built.

Within the doctrine of Christ, the New Testament Scriptures, the names for the church of our Lord can be found. Yes, the names for the church. The New Testament is very clear that Jesus built one church. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church.” This term is obviously singular and designed to stay that way. In Ephesians 1:22-23, we learn that Jesus has been made head of the church which is his body. Later, in this same letter, Paul tells us there is one body (Eph. 4:4). I do not shrink from, nor apologize for, this truth of God. Our Lord built one body, the church; yet at the same time, we should also recognize andunderstand that God has given many descriptive names for the church of our Lord. Here is a listing of eight prominent names given by God to describe the church our Lord Jesus Christ in the New Testament:

1. The church (Acts 5:11). This name is most commonly used to describe the people who have been “called out” of darkness and translated in the kingdom of God’s dear son, Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:47, the Scriptures tell us, “God added to the church (called out) daily those who were being saved.” The church is simply the people, not a physical building that man erects. These followers of Jesus in Acts made up the church of our Lord.

2. The churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16; Matt. 16:18). Let’s not forget that Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 that he was going to build his church. The church belongs to Jesus, no other. It is totally his possession for he is the head of the body, the church. When Paul was telling the Romans, “the churches of Christ salute you,” he was sending them greetings from congregations all across the world. This does not endorse denominational division. It expresses nothing more than “called out” groups separated by location who assembled with only Jesus as their head and lawgiver.

3. The body of Christ (Coll :18f; Eph. 1:22-23). These terms “church” and “body” are used interchangeably and for good reason; both accurately describe a particular aspect of the members. The body of Christ is the one place where the “called out” contact the life saving blood of Jesus, for his blood is in his body. The body of Christ is not made up of man-made denominations, but only members individually (1 Cor. 12:27).

4. The bride of Christ (Eph. 5:23-32; Rev. 21:9). The Ephesian writer tells us that Christ became “one flesh” with his church. Jesus gave himself for her to wash her of her sins and present to himself a glorious church. In Philippians 1:1, Paul refers to Christians as “saints”  “holy ones” for they were made holy by the love of their husband, Jesus Christ. Paul reminds the body of Christ in Ephesus that they were “members of his body, of his flesh and of his bones.” Again, God has chosen another descriptive name for the purpose of expressing his affection, care and love placed upon true disciples in the church of Christ.

5. The church of God (1 Cor. 1:2; Acts 20:28). This term, church of God, is not a denominational title, but a phrase which reveals the truth that Jesus is God, the Son. In Acts, Paul told the Ephesian elders, “to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with his own blood.” Only Jesus, not the Father or the Spirit, purchased the church with blood through his death on the cross. This name, church of God, reveals the eternal truth that the church belongs to none other than God, the Son.

6. The church of the Firstborn (Heb. 12:23). Once again, we have another descriptive term emphasizing that Jesus is the head of his church. In Revelation 1:18, Jesus said, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.” The church is subject to him as eternal king and priest. All Christians are members of the church of the Firstborn.

7. The house of God (1 Tim. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:19-20). In both of these passages, Paul referred to the greatest house ever known to man as the church of the living God, Jesus Christ. Throughout the Bible, Christians are known as the children of God. Think about it! It only makes sense that if we are in God’s family, we must be living in his house. In the Ephesians letter, the household of God, the church, was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone. Peter likened Christians to spiritual stones building up the walls of God’s spiritual house (1 Pet. 2:5). God’s house is still being built.

8. The churches of the Gentiles ( Rom. 16:4). This descriptive name for the church demonstrates to the world that Gentiles, as well as Jews, were meant to be a part of Christ’s church. Jesus told his apostles to, “go out into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:16). This phrase does not provide ownership to the Gen-tiles, but demonstrates God’s universal love and plea for all men to come to him and be saved from their sin. This plea still stands for all people today.

Friends, in conclusion, we’ve observed that our God has chosen descriptive names for his “called out” group, the church. These descriptive expressions present for us one glorified body, washed in the blood of Jesus. Can you find the name of the church you belong to in this list? We should oppose all organizations who have rejected God’s inspired names for his church. Man’s denominationally created names are foreign to the pattern given us in the New Testament Scriptures. Let’s be determined to let his church be his. Investigate (Acts 17:11), for the truth has no fear of investigation. Search the Scriptures for within lies the true names of the church of Christ.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 20, p. 14-15
October 19, 1995

By John R. Hurt

In the changing of every season we see powerful convincing testimony to the truthfulness of the Word of God. Note the reading of Genesis 8:22.

“While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, And cold and heat, and summer and winter, And day and night, shall not cease,”

As we see the splendor of spring, the burgeoning flowers, the green sprouts and the whole of nature come alive again, we know that God’s Word is true. Just as surely as the green sprouts grow into summer’s lush growth and each tender bud blooms into summertime’s radiant blossoms, we can rest confidently in the unshakable fact that the Bible speaks the truth. With the coming of fall and all the beautiful colors that make the hues of the greatest Italian artists pale in significance, the Word of God is authenticated. Then with the arriving of the harsh cold, the falling leaves, and the stark brown bareness of winter’s landscape, you may be assured of the indisputable fact that countless centuries shout and proclaim. While the earth remains it shall ever be so! The word of God is true!

In this tribute to the veracity of God, this miracle of his creation, do we not also see the answer to Job’s ancient question, “if a man dies will he yet live again?” (Job 14: 14) Each year we witness God take the seemingly dead lifeless plants and revive again the germ of life within them. In the explosion of new life that follows, all nature is robed in the brilliant splendor of the season. Surely then, it is but a small thing, for the Creator of this vast universe to reach down to our narrow house beneath the earth and revive again the germ of life within the soul of man. Ah, the changing of the seasons attests to the irrefutable truth of God!

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 20, p. 15
October 19, 1995