Truth Magazine

By Connie W. Adams

We don’t go to the movies much anymore. The last few times we did, we were greatly disappointed and left feeling we had wasted our time and perhaps had contributed to a business which is helping to ruin the moral sensitivities of many in our nation, including many who profess to love the Lord. It appears to me that the problem is akin to Isaiah’s complaint against Israel in his day. He said, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20)

What has happened to us is that we have lowered our tolerance level for that which ought to make us shudder and draw away in revulsion. Instead, we have learned to tune out obscenities, crudities, profanity and look for the artistic expression in the music or the acting. This seems especially true of many in the younger generation. We have had younger friends to rave to us about certain movies which were listed as PG or PG-13 and have inquired about how much sex, profanity or obscenity is in them, only to be met with a sort of blank stare and either a lack of recall of any of that, or else an admission that some of that was in them but that in spite of it, “it was really a great movie.” We have walked out, sometimes before we had finished the popcorn. Other times, we read reviews of some of these which were enough to tell us we did not need to go.

We have been told repeatedly by Christians whose judgment we would normally trust what a great movie “Forrest Gump” is. This is a story about a man of lesser intellect who was endowed with a great measure of common sense and who succeeded in spite of all his obstacles. We did not go and have no plans to do so because we understand there is a great deal of profanity in it and we are exposed to enough of it in the normal course of life that we just don’t aim to pay to hear anymore of it. But the other day I was reading the last edition of Think published by Al Diestelkamp and came across an article by Ed Brand on “Forrest Gump.” Based on recommendation from friends he decided to see this PG-13 rated movie. Following is a part of the article.

Within ten minutes his mother committed adultery with the school principal (who didn’t have any principles), so Forrest could go to regular school.

In college and in the army he associated with people who could not speak normally. Their language was laced with “God” this and “God” that. Of course, Jesus was also a popular item in their speech, plus every kind of profanity Americans have learned to use. I guess that’s what I had to overlook. It was sort of hard to overlook it. There was so much of it.

Then there were the obligatory sex scenes. One involved Forrest and his girlfriend. Another involved his former unit Captain who had his legs amputated, with two half-dressed prostitutes.

Then there was the war, with blood, gore, napalm, death and the inevitable cussin’. You know, the general family-type entertainment of the liberated 90’s.

I never did find out what happened to Forrest. My senses were so overwhelmed by what I had seen and heard. I got up and left.

It may be that these are the reflections of an old man (Ed is a good deal younger than me CWA) who can’t adjust to the present standards (?) of entertainment. You are right, I can’t. I thought that something which makes the time pass pleasantly was entertainment. “Forrest Gump” was not pleasant, nor was it uplifting. It contained the combinations of speech and action which were offensive and repugnant. Jesus said something about what you put in your mind comes out in action (see Matt. 15:10-20).

It seems ludicrous to go to the garbage can to try to find something sweet to eat. I’m sorry I went. I thought you might want to know (Think, Oct., Nov., Dec., 1994).

My brethren, when men and women who rake active roles in the work of local churches, some of whom are fathers and mothers, elders, deacons, song leaders, Bible class teachers, and preachers and their families, give rave reviews to the likes of “Forrest Gump” and speak of what a “great movie” that is, and who urge “you just have to go see it,” then in all candor, I truly fear for the future of the church.

When moral senses become dulled by overexposure to this sort of thing, then how can doctrinal soundness not be affected? If we can learn to just “tune out” all such wickedness in the interest of artistic expression, then what is to prevent “tuning out” some false teaching if the general material is well organized and presented in art appealing fashion? It is my conviction that is already happening in a good many places. Some brethren have become so accustomed to an overdose of pretty motivational speeches with a little Chuck Swindell and Max Lucado thrown in to make it tasty, that many brethren are actually startled. and some outraged, when they hear sound doctrine which draws a line between truth and error. We heard one young brother giving the invitation talk on a Wednesday night who held up a copy of a Chuck Swindoll book and then a copy of one by Max Lucado and recommended both of them very highly. Oh yes, he also used the NW as his text. He read only a verse or two and then treated us to lengthier readings from the two aforementioned books. The sad thing is that many brethren are blissfully unaware of the dangers involved.

Evil is not good and good is not evil. Bitter is not sweet and sweet is not bitter. I leave you with these passages to ponder.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prow. 4:23).

“Righteousness exalteth and nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).

“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words” (Prov. 15:26).

“Oh generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matt. 12:34).

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there by any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 7 p. 3-4
April 6, 1995

By Lewis Willis

I read a Japanese proverb in the Reader’s Digest (6-92). It says, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” I like that, and I think there is a good message for Christians in it.

To “fall” is a biblical idea. In fact, we will notice in this article several references to it. Before we do that, though, let’s define the word. The Greek word ekpipto is the word used to warn the believer about falling away from the course of the Lord set forth in the Scriptures. Vine (73), says the word means “to fall out of ” (ek, out, pipto, to fall). Something significant is involved here that must be noted. One must be “in” before he can “fall out of.” Clearly the Bible uses this expression to describe a condition that pertains to a Christian.

There are some religions that teach a Christian cannot “fall out of ” the favor of God. They say that once you are in his favor, you cannot “fall out of ” it. This is a very good denominational doctrine. It has been used effectively to deceive many people into losing their souls. However, it is a false doctrine as far as the Bible is concerned, and we should not embrace it. Notice with me several passages which teach the truth that a Christian can “fall.”

1. 1 Corinthians 10:12: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” This is a meaningless statement if a Christian cannot fall.

2. Galatians 5:4: “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” These Galatians had abandoned the gospel, returning to the Law for justification, and had fallen from grace. Not only “could” it happen, it did happen.

3. Luke 8:13: “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” This statement from the Parable of the Sower again illustrates that a servant of God can fall. In this case, when temptation came, they fell. Any informed Christian is aware that the same thing has happened to him on many occasions.

4. Hebrews 6:6: “If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” The Hebrew writer is referring to Christians who fall. He says it is difficult to restore an individual who has fallen. How true this is. Every congregation would be much stronger numerically if it were not so hard to restore a fallen child of God.

5.2 Peter 3:17: “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” The warning is clear for anyone who wants to see it. Because one has been steadfast in the past does not mean that he will be steadfast in the future. This is exactly why the warnings are in the Scriptures.

6. Revelation 2:5: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candle-stick out of his place, except thou repent.” This message was written to the church at Ephesus, and constitutes a warning to every church today.

7. Jude 24-25: “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.” God is able to keep us from falling. He does not do so by making it impossible for us to fall. He does so by warning us that it is possible to fall, and by showing us the kinds of things that we might do which would cause us to fall. One of the functions of the Scriptures is to inform us of such matters.

As I said earlier, any informed Christian will admit that he has “fallen” on many occasions. Try as we may, we still realize that at moments of weakness, we become the victims of the Devil. As this happens over and over, many become discouraged. Many “fallen” Christians could testify that this is why they left. They got tired of, or were frustrated by, their repeated failures. Many will tell you that they became embarrassed because they allowed sin to dominate their lives again. This was on my mind when I read the Japanese proverb I quoted earlier. If you fall seven times, get up eight times. There is entirely too much to lose if we allow ourselves to remain “down.” The Devil will have truly won if we allow him to keep us in sin.

One other thought in closing: We should be careful in our efforts to help brethren who fall. First of all, we should try to reach them because their souls are in danger. James said, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (Jas. 5:19-20). A fallen Christian’s soul is worth the effort to save it. Secondly, remember how it was with you. Paul wrote, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). When we realize the value of a soul, and when we try to be considerate in trying to reach a fallen member, we will have done all God expects us to do. However, until we have tried, we are not guiltless. Brethren, let us never be discouraged as we wage our battle against the Devil and sin. If we are diligent, we will win.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 7 p. 5
April 6, 1995

By Samuel Csonka

A few weeks ago a co-worker asked me, “Exactly who is God?” He said he wanted to put God in his life, but needed some more information about him. So I thought about his question and after a few weeks of study, presented him with the following. (Note: for simplicity, I did not deal separately with the three personages of the Godhead, but as one. That can be addressed later.)

Introduction

In order to find out who God is, the best source of information to consult would be the book that claims to be the Word of God himself. A thorough examination of the Bible should give us plenty of understanding about God.

I. God is “The Creator”

If we look in the Bible, the first time God is mentioned is in the very first verse, Genesis 1:1, which says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” With regard to the Creator, Nehemiah is more specific when he says, “You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens with all their host, the earth and all things on it, the seas and all that is in them” (Neh. 9:6). The previous two verses explain how everything came into being. God created them all. And since it was God “who built all things” (Heb. 3:4), including us, we aught to gain a better perspective of our relationship to him. We owe him everything — our very existence  and we should be thankful. Moreover, since we are his creation, we should submit to him and reverence him as a child would its own father. We must remember that we are not and never can be greater than he is, as a vessel is not greater than the potter who made i t.

II. God is “Everlasting”

Since recorded history indicates that God began creation as much as 7000 years ago, one might wonder ii’ he is still alive; and if so, what he is doing or where he is.

With regard to his “life-span,” God has this to say: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8). This verse indicates that God is not dead, as some may argue, but is very much alive. He was present in the past and will be present in the future. He is an “Eternal God” (Deut. 33:27). He will continue living long after you and I are dead and gone.

What is it that makes God eternal? Why does he not die like we do? The reason is that he is not a man as you and I (Num. 23:19). He has no physical temple which can decay, or mortal body which can be killed. Jesus tells us in John 4:24 that God is a spirit. He is an eternal, everlasting, never-ending being.

III. God is “In Control”

After learning that our Creator is indeed still alive and well after all these years, one might wonder what he is doing. After all, we don’t ever “see” God doing anything. He doesn’t float by and greet us or pass over our towns in plain view to assure us of his presence. And I would be real surprised if he actually spoke to people today as some claim he does.

If we turn to the Bible to see if there is any evidence as to what God might be doing now, we find several passages that give us the answer. In Genesis 14:22, Abraham calls God the “possessor of heaven and earth.” This indicates God’s ownership of his creation. In Daniel 5:21 Nebuchadnezzar learned that “the most high God rules in the kingdom of men and appoints over it whomever he chooses.” So God does not nonchalantly sit back and watch things go. These verses indicate that God is still proactive with respect to our world. God is not only watching over us, but has ultimate control over what happens here. If he chooses to overthrow a nation  he does. If he wishes to save a person from death or disease  he can. So many people are afraid of man’s ability to destroy the earth and every living thing it sustains with nuclear weapons; but if God doesn’t want that to happen  it won’t, for God preserves heaven and earth and all things on it (Neh. 9:6). And think about this: Jesus said of sparrows, “. . . not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will” (Matt. 10:29). The simple fact that God knows this and is aware of the most minute details of his creation should show us that he is in control.

IV. God is “All-Powerful”

As we continue searching the Bible for attributes about God, we find that he is mentioned as being so powerful that no one is able to withstand him (2 Chron. 20:6). In Deuteronomy 32:39, God himself exclaimed, “. . . I kill and I make alive, I wound and I heal, nor is there any who can deliver from my hand!” Truly he is all-powerful. He created all things, he sustains all things, and no one was ever able to withstand him or defeat his purposes. He is the “almighty” (Rev. 1:8).

One might wonder why he was called the “most high God” (Gen. 14:22). It was most likely to show his standing with reference to the other “so-called” gods of pagan idolatry. In Deuteronomy 10:17, Moses reminded the Hebrews that “…the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the Great God, mighty and awesome!” King David praised God saying, “You are great 0 Lord God, for there is none like you, nor is there any God besides you according to all that we have heard with our ears” (2 Sam. 7:22). Those people who were honest and sincere knew that the idols of their day were only man-made objects fashioned from base materials (Isa. 44:9-20). And, they realized that God was the only supernatural being that made himself known to mankind.

V. God is “Fearsome”

Throughout the history of the Bible, God has had to lift his hand and wield his power to catch the attention of certain nations and their rulers. They needed a reminder that he was still “All powerful” and in control of things. In many cases those who stood up against God or mocked his Holy name were sent away in shame and despair. And, in some cases, God not only became feared by them, but was praised and adored by them because of his wonderful works. Notice the following:

1. Egypt. When Moses came to free Israel, Pharaoh would not release them. He said, “Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice?” But, after the 10 plagues, Egypt became very familiar with God. Unfortunately for them, that was not enough. God had to destroy the Egyptian army in the Red Sea “that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord” (Exod. 14:14).

2. Ammon, Edom, Moab. In 2 Chronicles we find the Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites joining forces to attack Judah. Upon hearing of the approaching invaders, Jehoshaphat with the elders of Judah came to the temple to call upon the Lord. The Lord answered and comforted them by saying, “. . . do not be afraid . . . for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). God then caused the enemy armies to become confused and to destroy one another. Verse 29 shows the attitude of those nations after the great slaughter: “And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.”

3. Philistia. In 1 Samuel 4 the Israelites went out to battle against the Philistines. Israel later brought the ark of the covenant into the camp to help them win. When the Philistines heard of this, they were afraid and said, “God has come into the camp! Woe to us! For such a thing has never happened before! …Who will deliver us?” (vv. 7-8) But after pulling themselves together, they slaughtered Israel and captured the ark as God permitted. Soon after, though, they felt the wrath of God when they desecrated the ark. Their idol, Dagon, was shattered in its temple and they were plagued with disease and death. Finally they sent the ark back saying, “let it go back . . . so that it does not kill us and our people” for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there (1 Sam. 5:11).

4. Assyria. In Jonah 3, the Assyrians in Nineveh became distraught when Jonah warned them of the impending doom, unless they repented. The king proclaimed, . . .cry mightily to God; yes, let everyone turn from his evil way . . . who can tell if God will turn and relent .. . so that we may not perish?” (vv. 8-9) They had apparently heard of the Almighty God.

Much later, though, it seems they had forgotten, and needed a reminder. In 2 Kings 19, as King Sennacherib was besieging Jerusalem, he wrote a letter to King Hezekiah saying, “Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you . . . shall you be delivered?” Then Hezekiah prayed to God saying, “. . . save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you are the Lord God, you alone” (v. 19). Shortly after, Isaiah told him that his prayers was heard. “And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thou-sand. .. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away” (vv. 35-36). They had received their reminder!

5. Babylon. In Daniel 3, the three Hebrews Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were commanded to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s gold image or be cast into a fiery furnace. When they did not, Nebuchadnezzar said, “If you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately .. . and who is the god who will deliver you from my hand?” Then they replied, “Our God is able to deliver us.” So, with rage, he commanded them to be thrown into the fire. But, to his astonishment, they were not even singed; and, an angelic figure appeared with them in the midst of the fire. Then he called them out of the fire and exclaimed, “Therefore, I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this” (v. 29).

6. Medo/Persia. In Daniel 6, Daniel had a trap set for him by the other governors and lords of the empire, making it unlawful to pray to anyone but the king. The offenders would be thrown into a den of lions. When Daniel was caught praying to God anyway, the other governors accused him before the king. Even though King Darius did not want to harm Daniel, he could not change the law; so Daniel was thrown to the lions. In the morning, when Daniel was found still alive, Darius, with joy, wrote, “I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God and steadfast forever. . . He delivers and rescues, he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions” (vv. 26-27). The other wicked governors and lords were then fed to the lions for breakfast.

VI. God is “Holy”

It was once said of God, “… who is able to stand before this holy Lord God?” (1 Sam. 6:20) God certainly is holy. He is pure, without fault or blame. There is no sin or guile to be found in him. He is not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with him. He hates all workers of iniquity, destroys liars, abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful (Psa. 5:4-6). God does not like it when man is unrighteous and sinful. He hates sin. That is because “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 In. 1:5). And because evil cannot dwell with God, he made a way for sinful man to be reconciled from their sins  by the sacrifice of the pure and sinless Messiah, “who bore our sins . . . on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:24).

In Conclusion

Even in the ancient history provided to us by archaeology, we can find references to God that corroborate the Bible. But, there are hundreds of verses in the Bible that help us understand who God is. These are just a few select ones that really hit the spot. From them we see that he truly is the Most High God, the Holy One, the Almighty, the Eternal Father, the Great Creator. He created us and knows what our limitations are and what our purpose is. His inspired Word is the “operators manual” to us  his machine; and we would do well to become familiar with it.

Jesus said in Luke 12:7, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” If God knows and sees even the most insignificant things, we had better live and speak and move as if he were walking around behind us every single day! And since God is all-powerful and will judge our deeds when this life is over, we had better be concerned about how we live and where we stand in relation to him; for as Solomon said, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil” (Ecc1.12:13-14).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 7 p. 13-14
April 6, 1995

By Johnie Paul Edwards

While all those who preach the gospel of Christ are charged with the same responsibility of preaching the word, there are some things young preachers, especially, need to be. We try to stress these things to our young men in the Preacher Training Program. Perhaps, these things can also be of benefit to other young men who are laboring on behalf of the gospel of Christ. Young preachers need to be:

Someone has said that “enthusiasm is contagious.” If that be the case, then we need a good epidemic! There is no substitute for enthusiasm. The Lord God told Ezekiel of old, “Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot …” (Ezek. 6:11).

Enthusiastic

Paul told the young evangelist Titus that Christ gave himself to redeem a “peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Philip’s passion for preaching the word can be seen in the fact that he “ran” to teach the man of Ethiopia (Acts 8:30). Young preachers need to learn to be enthusiastic in their preaching.

Friendly

Solomon said, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24). A lot of congregations build a reputation for being unfriendly. Young preachers need to learn early to shake hands with folks and be friendly with all. The example that you set as a gospel preacher will help others to see the value of being friendly and may help the church to grow.

Neat

There have been many books written about the importance of dressing for success. It would seem that one’s dress says something about his attitude toward his work. While it is not necessary to spend money on expensive clothing, it is important to dress neatly. In the Preacher Training Program we recommend to the young men that they purchase a blue blazer. A blue blazer goes well with lots of things. Further, we stress to the young men that they keep their shoes cleaned and shined. Invest in a shoe care kit. Then use it! Dad has always told the young men to “watch that body odor! Nobody wants to be around a stinking preacher!”

Mannerly

There are some standards for social behavior and it doesn’t hurt to apply these standards. Lots of our young people today have not been taught to be mannerly. Young preachers need to learn early to say “thank you” and be courteous enough to listen to people when they are speaking to you. Good “bed-side manners” are important when visiting the hospital or visiting the sick at home. Dont go to the hospital and tell the sick patient that you had a relative that died with the same disease!

Punctual

Some people are late to everything! I remember a few years ago that a fellow was late to his own funeral. I can’t remember a time when he and his family were on time for the services of the church and sure enough, they wheeled him in fifteen minutes late for his own funeral. It’s important to be on time. If you tell someone that you’ll be there at 7:30, then be there at 7:30!

Tactful

Tact, very simply, has to do with a person knowing how to say a thing properly. Some are so blunt that they scare people away before they ever get their “foot in the door.” It is important for young preachers to have some tact about themselves. Use some wisdom in your speech. Jesus told the Twelve, “I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harm-less as doves” (Matt. 10:16).

Organized

One of the things that we often stress to the young men in the Preacher Training Program is that they get organized and stay organized! We spend quite a bit of time helping these young men with the art of organization. It is important for young preachers to learn to organize their sermons properly and organize their time so they can be productive. You might think of this as “Redeeming the time…” (Eph. 5:16). It is good to make a list of things you need to do, in order of importance, and then, when you accomplish one thing, go on to the next item on your list.

Optimistic

It’s important for young preachers to be optimistic and not “doom, gloom, and boom!” Be optimistic about the congregation you work with. Be optimistic about your work. Remember that your work may involve planting or watering, but God gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:6). Far too many young preachers get discouraged to the point that they want to throw up their hands and quit. Be optimistic and realize the value of doing the Lord’s work.

Able To Take Some Constructive Criticism

It’s not always easy to take criticism, but constructive criticism is for one’s own good. Young preachers need to be ready to receive and accept criticism that is offered by well-meaning members of the Lord’s church. Listen to their criticism, use what you can, and discard the rest.

Humble

Peter exhorted Christians to, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet. 5:6). It’s easy for young preachers to be lifted up with pride and have an air or arrogance about themselves. Learn to be “clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (I Pet. 5:5).

Studious

To be studious is to be devoted or given to study. Paul told the young evangelist Timothy to “study to shew thyself approved of God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Young preachers need to be given to Bible reading and Bible study. Your preaching will reflect the amount of time you put into studying God’s word. You don’t have to tell the members of the church that you didn’t have time to study your lesson, they will already know!

Prompt In Paying Your Bills

It’s easy for young preachers and their families to over extend their finances and spend more than they should. Don’t allow yourself to get into a financial pinch. Set yourself a reasonable budget and then stick with it. Be sure to set aside some money each week or each month for savings. There will always be bills that will come up that you did not expect. Don’t try to live like everyone else, just learn, as Paul did, “in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). When you make a debt, pay it!

Cautious

Be sure to exercise caution when it comes to the young ladies. We all know of preachers who have ruined their good reputation with the brethren because they could not keep their hands off the ladies. When it becomes necessary to visit with a young sister in the Lord, take someone along with you (perhaps, your wife or one of the men in the congregation). Paul told Timothy to treat “the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity” (I Tim. 5:2). Give no ground to suspicion, no shadow or pretext to those who wish to slander.

Observing

Jesus realized the importance of teaching people to “observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” (Matt. 28:20). Paul told Timothy to “take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (I Tim. 4:16). The young preacher’s first obligation is to take heed unto himself! One must first do and then teach (Ezra 7:10; Ac. 1:1). Don’t play the part of a hypocrite! Remember what Moses told Israel of old, “.. . be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23).

Hopefully, these things will be of some benefit to young men who are just beginning to preach the gospel of Christ. Above all, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 7 p. 7-8
April 6, 1995