Truth Magazine

By Everett Sturgeon

Easter has become the one time of the year for many people to attend church services, honestly believing that they are commemorating the resurrection of Christ. But as important as Easter has become to most Americans, it was for many years rejected by American Protestants who believed that to follow the church calendar and keep certain days was to follow and bow to the dictates of the Pope.

Each year, national magazines and publications of every type carry overly emotional and overly exaggerated articles and, for the most part, false theories about the word Easter and the resurrection of Jesus, planting the sinful, evil, ugly seeds of paganism and the doctrines of Catholicism into the unlearned and hungry minds of men and women. In many cases, it has become evident that the very elect, individuals and even congregations, have turned to be like the world about us, to practice paganism and keep days and festivals unknown to the Lord’s New Testament teachings.

Because of tradition, most people of the day believe that Easter has always been observed from apostolic times and is by authority of the scriptures. Long before the Lord’s resurrection, there were many great pagan festivals during the spring season. It is surprising how many of the ancient rites have found their way into the Christian observance.

We are not to pollute the worship of God with the traditions of men, the words of men, nor the days of men. Let us hear the apostle Paul as he reproves the Christians of Galatia along these very same lines: “. . . when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain” (Gal. 4:8-11).

Let us note some other reproofs:

A. “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people” (Acts 12:1-4). This is the only place in the English translation of the Bible that the word Easter is (inaccurately) recorded. This same

Greek word is used in Matthew 26:2; Mark 14:1; Luke 2:41 and 22:1; John 2:13,23, and other places, and in every instance is translated passover. Today, if we were to celebrate the Easter of Acts 12:4, it would not be the Easter of today but the Jewish Passover! Herod put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church. It is absurd to think that he wanted to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

B. Of this translation (Acts 12:4), Albert Barnes, noted Presbyterian commentator, says, “There never was a more absurd or unhappy translation than this. The original is simply `after the Passover.’ The word Easter now denotes the festival observed by many Christians in honour of the resurrection of the Saviour. But the original has no reference to that, nor is there the slightest evidence that any such festival was observed at the time when this book was written. The translation is not only unhappy, as it does not convey at all the meaning of the original, but because it may contribute to foster an opinion that such a festival was observed in the time of the apostles.”

C. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament says, “The word translated `passover’ and the one used in Acts 12:4 is `pascha’ meaning `a passing over.’ It is used with reference to the paschal feast, the feast of passover.”

D. The Encyclopedia Britannica, 14th Ed. (Vol. II, p. 859), says, “There is no indication of the observance of the Easter festival in the New Testament or in the writings of the apostolic fathers. The sanctity of special times was an idea absent from the minds of the first Christians.” In apostolic times, the Christians commemorated their Lord’s resurrection every Sunday by meeting on that day for worship. When Paul refers to Christ as “our passover” (1 Cor. 5:7), his language is metaphorical and cannot be regarded as containing any allusion to a church function (A Dictionary of Religion and Ethics, p. 140).

Acceptance of the scriptures as inspired of God demands rejection of the uninspired words of men. To entertain the popular opinion that the Bible does not contain all that God would have us know on this or any other Bible subject is to reject it as incomplete (Jas. 1:25) and the ultimate end is that we will be found adding to it or taking from it, condemning ourselves forever (Rev. 22:18-19).

When I see men, often known sinners, dress themselves in robes to portray the Son of God, I am sickened to disgust and am reminded “to remember the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who would walk after their own ungodly lusts” (Jude 17-18). Paul said, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ” (Col. 2:16-17).

In closing, let us earnestly and fearfully take heed to the word of God through Jeremiah: “Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jer. 6:16). Easter began too late, and is without the authority of God.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 7, p. 6-7
April 7, 1994

By Bob Dickey

We receive some odd messages on our church building answering machine, but a recent message surely must be among the most bizarre. The voice said, “Hello, My name is Charles _________, and the reason for my call is to make you aware of my phone service called, `Charlie Cheer.’ Charlie makes a phone call to shut-ins, the sick, the handicapped, and the elderly; and he does that every day. He brings them humor, inspiration, and some nostalgia. If you wish to know more about the service, you may call me at _________ Have a good day!”

Now, at first, I thought this might be a trick message planted by one of my preaching colleagues. Some of my friends have been known to make strange calls and humorous requests just to have a laugh at my expense. So, I approached the “Charlie Cheer” service cautiously. To my surprise, I found that this was a genuine service being offered to area churches, and Charlie was really “on the level.”

When I called to talk to Charlie, a gruff voice answered. I asked to speak to the Charles of “Charlie Cheer” and soon came to realize that Charles was moonlighting. I was relieved to know that his family had some other means of support to depend upon besides his new cheery church message service.

Charlie cautiously inquired why I was calling; then, when assured that I really was a preacher at an area church, happily provided more details about his calling service. I found out that his telephone calls are available on six different topics (including baseball), but his most popular ones are humor, inspiration, and nostalgia. His regular charge for this service to an individual is $12 a month, but for churches, he has reduced the price to a mere $5 a month  and that is for a call every day. What a bargain, I thought! I told Charlie I was impressed. I said he must care a great deal about the sick, elderly, and other shut-ins, to make so many calls every day. He replied (and that is when the bubble burst), “Well, I do it all by computer recording.”

Isn’t it amazing what lengths we will go in order to fulfill our personal responsibilities? I keep thinking that nothing would surprise me anymore that modern churches might practice, then, along comes something like this “Charlie Cheer.” Now don’t get me wrong. I think there may be a place for Charlie’s service, and I’m satisfied that there are shut-ins that will be delighted to get just such a call every day. The thing that I have a problem with here is the cold and uncaring way we cast off those who may need our help and encouragement. Are we all too busy to make a personal call or visit? At first thought, “Charlie Cheer” seems to be a service with an unbeatable price, but what our sick and elderly really need is a little bit of our personal time and attention. I realize the importance of computers, and I know the value of an answering machine, but we must not reduce our individual responsibility to something that can be discharged by a recording.

It is the same problem we have with evangelism. Most want someone else to do it for them. But Charlie can’t do it for me. The preacher can’t do it for you. And the Missionary Society can’t do it for the church! “Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (Jas. 1:27)

No doubt, Charlie’s service will do well, and bring some cheer and comfort to others. The only question I have is: Will we?

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 7, p. 11
April 7, 1994

By Rick Shamus

One of the great problems that many in service to the Lord is the fact that they have a “casual” attitude towards God. This is not a new problem for the children of God. In 2 Chronicles 24:5, “And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, `Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter.’ Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.” Notice that the scripture does not say that the Levites did it not or weren’t willing to do it all, but rather that they “hastened it not.” They were far too “casual” in their attitude towards obeying the commandment.

While it may be easy to see this problem in others, it might not be so easy to see it in myself. I must look to the definition of the word “casual” and compare this with my actions, for my actions will tell my attitude.

“Casual” (As defined by The American Heritage Dictionary):

1. Occurring by chance; accidental . There is no way anyone can serve the Lord by accident. Our service must be from the heart and based upon truth. It must come from a heart that is submissive to the will of God. Yet, many continue to try to serve the Lord in that which is convenient to themselves. They expect God to adjust to their schedules and to their likes and dislikes. They offer what is leftover of their time, abilities, and money. They do what they think is right, in the manner that they think is best. In so doing, they place themselves not in the role of servant, but of master (Matt. 7:21-23).

2. Occurring at irregular intervals; not planned; occasional. The obvious thought that comes to mind is that many are “casual” in their attendance of the assembly, meaning that they don’t show up! They tend to let anything, or nothing at all, keep them from assembling with the saints. But what about our study of the Bible, prayer, teaching the lost and such things? Do these things occur at irregular intervals, go unplanned and therefore are done only occasionally? This also is “casual” service.

3. Showing little interest; nonchalant. Many are “casual” in attendance even though they seldom miss. It never ceases to amaze me how many of the Lord’s children hold to the secular idea of “going to church” as opposed to “assembling with the saints” to accomplish God’s purpose. The simple act of “attending” is in itself, “casual” service. So many seem to think that they are serving God simply by their physical presence. They don’t seem to think that the fact that their mind is miles away has anything to do with it. I have seen people talking, laughing, passing notes, reading magazines, sleeping, and wandering around the building during the classes. I have seen people stand silently while the assembled saints praise God or teach and admonish one another through song. They simply are not interested. This is “casual” service.

4. Suited for everyday wear or use; informal. Certainly this brings to mind the clothes that we wear. We should not be “casual” in our choice of what we wear, simply because our clothing reflects our attitude. Our dress simply ought to be such that it reflects our respect for God. First, it ought to be decent and orderly, modest, and not pretentious. Secondly, it should be appropriate to the occasion. It is obvious that one will dress differently depending on what he is doing. He will dress one way to play basketball, another to pour concrete, and yet another to worship God. Yet in all these things he can dress decently and orderly, modestly, in an unpretentious manner. Still, he would not properly wear his “good clothes” to pour concrete in, nor his coveralls to play basketball in, nor should he wear his basketball clothes to worship.

We must also be mindful that there is some clothing that is simply not appropriate for Christians to wear anytime or anyplace. I have seen brethren come to the assembly in clothing that they should have been ashamed to be seen in. Some of it is just plain immodest. I have seen others wearing clothing that advertised everything from lewd jokes to beer! I believe the problem is that they have a very “casual” attitude towards modesty, filthy language, alcohol and such things. And that translates into a “casual” attitude about sin! How we present ourselves to the world is a very important part of service to God. Our outward clothing ought to accurately reflect our inward attitudes. Unfortunately for some, it does!

We must guard against becoming “casual” in our service to God, for God will not accept “casual” service. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matt. 22:37-38).

Say this for Rip Van Winkle, he finally woke up .. . Some never do.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 7, p. 12
April 7, 1994

By Ron Halbrook

Have you had your first drink of an intoxicating beverage such as wine, beer, or whiskey? Such alcoholic drinks are made to appear very appealing, but they are actually liquid drugs which have an adverse effect on our judgment. The beautiful color, sparkle, and gleam of such drinks and the apparent “fun” of tasting and testing them help to mask their dangers.

Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder (Prov. 23:31-32).

The intoxicant causes many vain and foolish imaginations and leads men to take many unnecessary risks involving both physical and moral dangers.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise (Prov. 20:1).

Drugs may be used as medicine for the sick and dying, but their power is abused when used for social and recreational purposes. The normal duties and activities of life, not to mention its temptations, require that we be alert physically and morally. We would not want to fly in an airplane piloted by someone who had had a few drinks, submit to surgery by a doctor who was even slightly intoxicated, or stand before a judge whose judgment was clouded by alcohol.

It is not for kings, 0 Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted (Prov. 31:4-5).

The common table drink of Bible times was not an intoxicant, but the Bible clearly and rightly warns about the dangers of intoxicating wines and other strong drinks. We need to heed those warnings.

When the Holy Spirit wanted to teach us to be sober or morally alert, he chose a word which in its literal meaning meant “to be free from the influence of intoxicants” and “to abstain from wine” (W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, IV:44, 201). “Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). In order to be morally alert, we must be free from the influence of those things which cloud our judgment, such as alcohol, temper tantrums, sexual passions, covetous-ness, and the like. Satan knows that our moral senses cannot be fully alert when we begin to be intoxicated, and so he very much wants us to take our first drink.

A citizen of West Columbia, Texas published “an open letter to all teenagers” on the dangers of drinking alcohol (Brazoria County News, 30 September 1993, p. 11). Linda Baker had only two sons, Timmy and Patrick, both of whom were killed in separate accidents caused by drinking alcohol when they were teenagers. In a very simple and powerful way, she appeals to young people not to take that first drink. She gladly gave permission for her letter to be reproduced, explaining, “If it helps just one young person to refuse to take that first drink, it will be worth it.”

Those who have not taken the first drink should resolve never to do so. Those who have made the mistake of stepping across that line and taking the first drink can and should draw a new line by resolving never to take another drink. Let us all look to God for help and strength in order that we may avoid the snares set by Satan. Through Jesus Christ God forgives our past sins when we believe the gospel with all our heart, truly repent of our sins, sincerely confess Christ as the Son of God, and humbly submit to water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 8:35-38). When we are baptized into Christ, God delivers us “from the power of darkness” and translates us “into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Gal. 3:26 27; Col. 1:13). Not only does God forgive our past sins, but also he helps us to resist the devil and to overcome future temptations (1 Cor. 10:13). Those who put their faith in God, in his Son, and in his word can overcome the allure of alcohol and every other power of the devil. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 Jn. 4:4).

A Mother’s Open Letter to Teenagers on Alcohol

Dear Editor,

An open letter to all teenagers.

I would like to talk to all of you about the dangers of drinking alcohol. I know from experience, because I lost my only two children, both teenagers to it.

Timmy was almost 19 when he accidentally drowned. He was normally a good swimmer, sober. Patrick was 16 years and 7 months, when he had a car accident, and normally a good driver when sober, when he and several of his friends decided to skip afternoon classes at school and go to Columbia Lakes and have a drinking party.

I am sure that when he took that first drink the thought of it being his last day alive never even entered his mind, or any of the other teenagers that were there that day.

I am writing this letter because I don’t want what happened to Patrick to happen to any of you.

Don’t give up your dreams of the future for alcohol or drugs.

Patrick had dreams for the future. He was looking forward to summer so he could get a job and start saving money to become a game-warden when he would graduate in two years. So please, before you take that first drink, please think about it, and say to yourself, “This could very well be the last day of my life.”

Linda Baker, West Columbia, TX [Brazoria County (TX) News, 30 Sept. 1993, p. 11]

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 7, p. 10-11
April 7, 1994