Truth Magazine

By Donnie V. Rader

Dealing with others is not always easy. What should I say? How much should I believe of what I hear? Is there another side to the story I’ve been told? Am I being fair in my dealings with others? These and other questions must be answered.

When we deal with others there is always the potential for differences to arise. When those differences come it is easy to forget to use some common sense rules in our conflict. We are not always as fair in dealing with those we disagree with as we are in defending ourselves or those with whom agree.

For some time I have been thinking about how brethren treat one another. I have thought about how many problems are simple misunderstandings. It seems to me that we are not always as careful as we ought to be. As I have thought and talked with others, some basic rules come to mind that we ought to follow.

1. Pray for wisdom (Jas. 1:5). If there is any time we need wisdom it is when we deal with those with whom we disagree. Let us pray that we may have the wisdom to know: (a) how to approach others, (b) what we should say and what we should not reveal, (c) what I should believe and what I should reject of what I hear, (d) the good that is in other people, and (e) how slow or fast I need to be in my conclusions.

2. Be careful what you say. Any of us could easily get carried away and say things that we would later wish had not been said. The proverb writer said, “He who restrains his lips is wise” (Prov. 10:19). We must be careful what we say to and about others. It may be information that others have told us in confidence. It may be that the one to whom we give the information may not honor our request to keep it confidential. Let us be “slow to speak” (Jas. 1:19) knowing that “a tale bearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Prov. 11:13). We don’t have to tell all we know. “A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back” (Prov. 29:11).

We must be careful how we choose our words. Let’s make sure we are conveying the right idea. If we are not cautious, our words can be like the “piercing of a sword” (Prov. 12:18). We must watch what we say and how we say it. Remember, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1).

Let us also be careful lest we say something detrimental to others. “The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor” (Prov. 11:9; cf. v. 13; 20:19). It is possible that I could be telling things about others when I don’t have all the facts. What I say could destroy the name and reputation of others.

3. There are two sides to the story. In some situations there is some fault on both sides. Thus, both of the parties at odds have some legitimate points. However, there are some situations where the two sides are the right side and the wrong side. Still, there are two sides.

The questions I must ask myself are: Am I listening to and believing the wrong side? Am I taking the wrong side? Have I considered the other side of the story? There may be more that I need to know before I draw my conclusions and state them. The proverb writer said, “The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him” (Prov. 18:17). Whoever tells his side first makes it sound good.

4. Don’t jump to conclusions. Too often we take a little information and fill in more gaps than are there. We can easily assume motives that we have no way of knowing. I wonder how often our talk and criticism about others would change if we deleted everything but the real facts that we know.

The proverb writer warned, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him” (Prov. 18:13). Let us not be hasty in our words (Prov. 29:20).

5. Give others the benefit the of the doubt. Love “believes all things” (1 Cor. 13). It gives a person the benefit of the doubt. That means when a questionable situation arises where you could put more than one construction on it, believe the best. When a problem arises and you can put either a good or bad motive on it  believe the best. After all, don’t you want others to do that with you (Matt. 7:12)?

Yes, these rules are simple. But, with a little application we can avoid a lot of friction and misunderstanding.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 19, p. 14
October 5, 1995

By Brooks Cochran

“For there is no respect of persons with God” (Rom. 2:11); “God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34).

Being impartial is a trait of character to be admired and desired by all. No amount of knowledge and/or ability can substitute for it. However, it is a rare quality.

The verses quoted above speak of the impartiality of God. Since all men are his creation, he must make no difference in them. I would like for us to note some ways in which God shows his impartiality toward men.

1. He has declared all under sin. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). The sins of some of God’s most faithful servants are not hid: Abraham (Gen. 12:14-20; 20:2-13); Moses (Deut. 32:48-52); David (2 Sam. 11-12); Paul (Acts 26:9-11). They were recorded to warn us that if God did not condone their sins neither will he condone ours (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11-13).

2. God has provided a common Savior and gospel for all. Jesus is not the Savior of a particular race, class, or nation of people. He died for all (John 3:16). His gospel is universal. It is for all the world (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Rom. 1:16; Col. 1:23; Jude 3). In fact, it is the only way by which men can be saved (Acts 4:12).

3. God extends the same invitation to all men. He wants all men to come to his Son. He is not willing that any man be lost; but that all should come to repentance and be saved. No one who responds will be rejected (Matt. 11:28; Titus 2:11; 2 Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17).

4. God requires the same conditions of pardon be met by all men if they are to be saved. Man may alter and change God’s plan of pardon; but those that obey that perverted plan will not be saved (Gal. 1:6-10). God wants men to believe in him and his word, repent of their sins, confess their faith in Christ, and be baptized for the remission of their sins (Heb.11:6; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:37; Rom. 10:10-17; Acts 22:16). If a person will comply with these terms of pardon he will be saved. If not, he will remain lost.

5. God has given one standard to be followed. Men have various standards which they follow in religion (The Koran, Book of Mormon, various church disciplines, manuals, catechisms, etc.). But there is only one which is from God. It is the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:3; John 12:48). All others are the writings of men. They are not our standard in religion. They will lead men away from God and to eternal destruction.

6. God has provided one church for all. Often we read or hear the phrase: “Attend the church of your choice.” In one sense, man does not have a choice if he wants to be right with God. For there is only one church (Matt. 16:18; Col. 1:18; Eph, 4:4). It is true that there are hundreds of churches, religious and/or social organizations in existence today. But that does not mean that God approves of such. In fact, quite the contrary, religious division is condemned in the Bible (1 Cor. 1:10-17; John 17:20; Matt. 15:13).

7. God will judge all as individuals and upon their own life. We will not be judged as nations, or a class, or as a congregation, but as individual people accountable to God (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Gal. 6:5, 7-9; Rev. 20:12). Lest any think that they are so special that God will over-look some of their sins, let me put this question to you: If God did not “spare his own Son” from the cross, what gives you the idea that he will spare you from hell (Rom. 8:32)?

Let us be thankful that we serve a God who is no re-specter of persons. Men do show respect and are unfair to one another. But God is not that way.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 19, p. 15
October 5, 1995

By Larry Ray Hafley

Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. Jacob, his father, and Joseph, of course, suffered much agony of spirit.

However, has it ever occurred to you how much his brothers suffered? We feel little or no sympathy for them. If ever any men deserved to suffer for their cold, calloused cruelty, these men did. And suffer they did! Before Joseph was finally revealed to them in Egypt, they said, “We are very guilty concerning our brother (Joseph,  LRH), in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us” (Gen. 42:21). And, so, they argued among themselves, and revealed that they had been tormented by their dear, but despised, brother’s pleadings for help.

Though Scripture does not tell us, who can believe that the brothers were not touched by the heartache of their father, as they saw him mourn day after day, for many years, over Joseph’s “death”? Later, after Joseph’s restoration, the guilt of their betrayal again struck home when Jacob died. They feared that Joseph would hate them, and that he would take out his vengeance upon them (Gen. 50:15-21). Their sin, though long since forgiven, still carried its bitter sting of anguish, grief, and pain.

It is the way of sin. In some form or another, we all bear the anguish of Joseph’s brothers. We bear the haunting specter of our sins. After surgery, the healing begins, but the scar remains forever. After forgiveness, the healing is complete, but the ugly scars, the effects, of our sins may remain to cause us anguish in the night and shame in the light. Let us, therefore, resolve, as much as lieth in us and in him, to “go, and sin no more,” lest we, too, become consumed by the anguish of Joseph’s brothers (Jn. 8:11).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 20, p. 8
October 19, 1995

By Ron Halbrook

“Celebrate America, sponsored by First Assembly of God Church” of Brazoria, Texas included “$10,000 worth of fireworks, a 50-foot United States flag, and a replica of the Liberty Bell . . . drama presentations including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and an illustrated sermon . . . A moonwalk, antique car show and volleyball … Homemade apple pie, snowcones, sodas, and hot dogs . . . at 25″” (Brazoria County News, [29 June 1995], p. 1). Is this the work of the church?

Who decides what the work of the church is? God does because he created the church. God the Father planned it “according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph. 3:10-11). Jesus Christ as the Son of God died to purchase the church “with his own blood” and he is “head over all things to the church” (Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:22). The Spirit of God revealed God’s perfect plan for the church in Scripture, the pattern or “form of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13; 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 2:13). God tells us what the work of the church is in the Bible.

What does the Bible say the work of the church is? God ordained a three-fold mission for the local church. 1. Evangelism. “The church of the living God” is “the pillar and ground of the truth” of the gospel, always sound-ing out “the word of the Lord” (1 Tim. 3:15-16; 1 Thess. 1:8). 2. Edification. “Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Cor. 14:26). Saints assemble for spiritual growth through spiritual activities ordained by God: prayer, congregational singing, gospel teaching, and on the first day of the week observing the Lord’s supper and taking a collection for the church’s work (Acts 2:42; 20:7; Eph. 5:19; 1 Cor. 16:1-2). 3. Benevolence. The mission of the church includes “ministering to the saints,” i.e., meeting the needs of destitute saints.

“Celebrate America” is not gospel evangelism, not spiritual edification, and not benevolence; therefore, is not the work of the church. Such programs proclaim not the simple gospel of Christ but provide a mixture of patriotism, politics, recreation, and entertainment (with a few religious symbols thrown in). In teaching “all the counsel of God,” the Bible gives instructions for godly conduct in business, education, sexual purity, patriotism, social affairs, recreation, and every area of life. The church must preach all these principles without compromise, but God did not ordain the church to sponsor businesses, schools for secular education, social affairs, recreation, patriotic celebrations, or political campaigns. All such activities are the responsibility of individuals, homes, communities, and governments.

The home, the government, and the church have distinctive duties. God assigned procreation and child rearing to the home, not to civil government. God assigned the administration of civil and criminal justice to government, not to the home or the church. God ordained the church and not the government to provide for the observance of the Lord’s supper. The church has no more right to sponsor political and patriotic programs than the home does to conduct kangaroo courts and vigilante executions. We must learn to let the home be the home, the government be the government, and the church be the church!

The true church of Christ in the Bible proclaimed the gospel of Christ to lost sinners, calling them to the cross of Christ in faith, repentance, confession of Christ, and baptism into Christ. The true church of Christ in the Bible maintained its divine mission without addition or subtraction. The true church of Christ follows the same Bible pattern of faith and practice today.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 20, p. 1
October 19, 1995