Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or tree; and have been all made ft drink into one Spirit (1 Con 12:13).

There is much controversy surrounding both the work of the Holy Spirit and the subject of water baptism. A study of this verse is, therefore, help[ul to us in understanding both.

By One Spirit

The phrase “by one Spirit” is used in I Corinthians 12 to mean “by the influence or direction of the Spirit.” The one who speaks “by the Spirit of God says “Jesus is the Lord” (12:3). The word of wisdom and word of knowledge (two of the nine spiritual gifts under discussion in this chapter) were given “by the Spirit” (12:8). Coiisequeiitly, when Paul mentions that “by the Spirit we are all baptized, he is using a phrase introduced several times before to speak of being directed by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit directs men through the word of God, The modern concept of how the holy Spirit leads lien identifies any strong, subjective feeling with the direction of the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit guides and directs us through the revealed word of God. He “guided” the apostles into all truth (John 14:26; 16:13). We read the truth into which lie guided them by reading what they wrote.

When men begin following their subjective feelings, rather than the word of God, we have incidenees such as the one which happened in Texas with David Koresh, when men starting following a self- proclaimed Christ to kill officers of the state. This is what happened several years ago when over a thousand obeyed the voice ofJim Tones to commit murder and suicide. God leads and guides us through the word of God, The psalmist wrote, 0 send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me” (Psa. 43:3).

The one Holy Spirit has given the same instructions to all men. Ue has not prepared one set of instructions for one group and another to others. The guidance which he has given is found in the New Testament.

Baptized

The word ~baptize is a transliteration of the Greek word baprizo which is defined as to immerse, Baptism is an immersion in water. The modern practice of sprinkling or pouring a small amount of water on a person and calling that baptism” is not revealed in the word of God. Therefore, when Paul states that the Corinthians were baptized, he means that they were immersed in water.

Into One Body

Paul also states that “by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.” The body of which he speaks is the church. Elsewhere he wrote, “And hath put all things under his feet. and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23). The only way a person can become a member of the Lord’s church is to be baptized into the one body.

What is the church? The church is not a social club. Rather, it is those people who have submitted to Lord Jesus, whose sins have been washed away in the blood of the Lamb. These are the redeemed of all ages, those who are saved from their past sins. Unless a person is a part of the church, he will not be eternally saved. This is not because the church is the dispenser of salvation; rather it is the recipient of salvation.

Conclusion

What this verse is teaching, therefore, is this: Under the teaching and direction of the Holy Spirit of God, men have been baptized into Jesus Christ. As a result of their having been baptized, the blood of Christ has washed away their sins and Jesus has added them to his church.

Are you a member of the body of Christ? If not, you are outside of Christ, in the kingdom of Satan, and lost. We wish for all men to be saved. Life is too short, eternity is too long and hell is too horrible for one to die in a lost condition. If you miss heaven, you will have missed all that there is. To so live before God that we can receive our eternal home with God is man’s eternal purpose. Don’t allow yourself to put off obedience to the gospel until you die outside of Christ!

The Sinner’s Greatest Need .. .repent of his sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30), [c] confess his faith in Christ (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:10), [d] and be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:26-27).

5. That upon obedience from the heart (Rout. 6:17-18), he is a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), and that as a new babe in Christ (1 Pet. 2:2), he is to grow and learn to observe the Lord’s will (2 Pet. 3:18; Matt. 28:20).

6. That God has done his part and he (the sinner) must now do his. To that end, we seek to teach men of their sin, of the consequences of sin, and to exhort, even plead, that they now step out in faith and accept God’s provision.

We believe this to be the sinner’s greatest need  your need if indeed you have not yet become God’s child. We would rejoice to be of any further assistance to you.

(My thanks to W.R. Jones for many of the ideas ex-pressed in this article.)

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 17, p. 2
September 2, 1993

By Tony Washer

When I was in school, I hated studying history. It was boring to me because it meant agonizing for hours trying to memorize names, dates, and places. While these things are a part of history, its true value is not born of them.

Now that I am older and have had more time to reflect upon its value in life, I realize that a good knowledge and understanding of history is important to understanding why and how men act in this world. It is also interesting to find that, from the pages of Holy Writ one can analyze the historical patterns of those times and see that modern history follows the same basic course.

A significant advantage to the individual is the fact that when one learns the patterns of history, he can see the course of events taking shape as they unfold. From knowing the past, he can look into the future and make adjustments to his life to compensate for the negative impact that current events may have upon them. Therefore, history is a friend, not an enemy.

There are many things which happen in this life which we do not understand, many miseries which humankind continues to suffer. Armed conflicts continue between nations, self-willed brethren continue to force their opinions upon the church causing conflicts among God’s own people, and arguments among family members continue to destroy our homes. In fact, there are so many evil things happening in this world that we often ask,’ Is there any end to this madness?”

We know that this is not the way the world should be, but this is the way it is, has been, and will continue to be until the end. Perhaps more disturbing is the fact that many evils could be avoided if people would learn from the mistakes of their ancestors, but with each succeeding generation comes the idea that these evils are unique to them and something new, and being “caught off guard” by them, each new generation of the offspring of man, like babes, are born to repeat the patterns of evil which are all too familiar to us.

History Is Circular

There is an old saying that we all have heard: “History repeats itself.” Solomon wrote of this in Ecclesiastes 1:9-11; “The thing which hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us. There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things which are to come with those that shall come after.”

Some would have you believe that the world is constantly changing. In the light of this inspired Scripture, is this true? Is the world constantly changing?

Though many examples could be given to illustrate the point. I would call your attention to one, for it is exemplary of the others: the art of war. Do men still make war against one another? Yes. Has this fact changed in our so-called “constantly changing world”? No. What has changed about the art of war? The tools. Guns and bullets instead of bows and arrows, missiles instead of catapults, tanks instead of chariots.

What about the reasons, the motives men have for going to war: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life, greed, selfishness, power, fear. These motives have not changed in man since the beginning.

Think about other areas in mankind where things have changed: communication, transportation, exploration, productivity in the work place, etc. The principle applies to them also.

So, you now see that the tools which men use may change, but their reasons for using them do not. Therefore, the principle that I want you to understand and to remember is this: “History repeats itself not because the world is changing, but because man is not.”

Church History is Circular

In his pamphlet Common Sense, Thomas Paine wrote, “A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reasons.”

As it related to his time, many people living in pre-revolutionary America considered loyalty to the king of England to be right and the ability to change their circumstances beyond their rights, even though the things he enacted upon them were oppressive and opposed to the principle that all men are equal in the sight of God. Because they believed that they did not have the right to hold their king accountable for his actions, many did not question the rightfulness of it. The lack of conviction to uphold this principle convinced some that the struggle for freedom was wrong; right became wrong and wrong became right. Thank God that there were men in the colonies who were willing to become a sacrifice for the higher principles.

In Isaiah 5:20-21, the prophet states the problem in this manner: “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 bitted Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” It is this attitude that encourages men to change the doctrine of God and change his Word to conform to their practices, rather than conforming their practices to his doctrine.

In 1 Corinthians 5:6, Paul tells how departures from the truth enter into the church, causing discord and division among the brethren and eventually becoming the practice of the church when he writes, “Know ye not that a little leaven leaventh the whole lump?” Just as leaven takes time to spread throughout the lump, so do false teachings enter into the church over such an extended period of time that it is not noticeable until after its infusion is complete. The history of the church confirms this principle.

The first major departure from the patterns established by Christ and his disciples came with the appointing of one elder to preside over the others at their meetings. The second step of this process came when the elders of churches within local geographic areas began to meet to discuss problems within the church and what should be done to handle the influences that their society was placing upon it.

Of course, when this occurred, they would elect one of their own to preside over them. This individual was called the bishop of the city in which he dwelt, i.e., the bishop of Smyrna. This action essentially divided the church leader-ship into two distinct groups: the presbyters (those involved with the local congregation) and the bishops (those who oversaw the activities of the presbyters). The result of this was that the bishops gradually assumed total control over the church within their religion, the natural result which occurs when people elect someone to be over them.

Eventually, a power struggle developed between the metropolitans of Alexandria and of Rome (the chief bishops of the territories or countries in which they lived). This ended in the winner being proclaimed the pope and supreme human authority in the church.

This process took place over a period of time of about five centuries. How could anyone have seen this departure from truth developing? No one who was alive when it began would live to see its end.

Many other practices which are foreign to the Scriptures entered into the church in the same way. Infant baptism, sprinkling and pouring as forms of baptism, an order of priests who preside over the people, not partaking of the Lord’s supper every first day of the week, and not one of the Protestant reformers believed that mechanical instruments should be used in the music worship, and yet, mechanical instruments are commonplace in all of the denominations which sprang from them. These departures from truth took place over a period of centuries, and were introduced to accommodate people who wanted exceptions to be made.

Many of them were saying the same thing we hear today, `”The world is changing, and if we expect to keep up we must change too.” To which I say, “Hogwash!” The very fact that God preserved the patterns for us belies that statement, for if it mattered not if we changed with the world or not, he would not have left us with the record of his will. The fact that he left us with his will, means that he wanted us to adhere to it, and if we are to adhere to it, then we cannot change the standard, though the world change about us. Else, how can he say that he “is the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8)? If we can change his word at will, then there is no stability in the church for tomorrow.

Through the practice of the denominations, history shows us what happens to those religious bodies that compromise the truth.

History is repeating itself in the Lord’s church today. In the early church, false teachings on a large scale entered in as the result of the councils, the conventions, and the synods. The discussions of the church leaders were trans-formed into practice as they brought their ideas back home. Today, we don’t call them councils, conventions, or synods; we call them seminars.

The church is faced with extreme societal pressures in areas such as divorce, homosexuality, and woman’s role in the church. Rather than bow down under the weight of accommodation for the unrepentant, should we not rather boldly stand for the truth?

As an example, look at the new teachings of some elders and preachers concerning unscriptural divorce and remarriage: that those unscripturally married can be forgiven and stay in that relationship. What are we going to say when a homosexual couple married in a state that accommodates such comes to us to be baptized and wants to continue in that relationship. When we tell them “No!” what are we going to say when their reply is, “But we know that you accommodate one form of unscriptural marriage, why not another? What’s the difference?”

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 17, p. 10-11
September 2, 1993

By Norman E. Fultz

As the crowd left the church building, a couple was discussing the “sermon.” She was saying, “I found it very heartening to bear a forthright voice lashing out against the evils of white bread, chemical fertilizers, enzyme washing agents and non-returnable bottles.”

There are many issues facing society in any given generation. What to do with hazardous wastes, problems with the national debt, the effects of a nuclear winter, the presence of radon gas in homes, the dangers to human health from heptachlor in cattle feed, along with almost countless other things, are matters that deserve some degree of concern. And it is proper that there should be arenas for their debate. But the mission of the church in the New Testament is on a different plane. “Preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching” was Paul’s charge to Timothy (2 Tim. 4:2). Even a secular cartoonist, as the one who drew the scene de-scribed in the opening paragraph, can see that modern churches have turned aside from the spiritual.

Society’s Greatest Need As observed above, there are many issues demanding attention; but the greatest need of society is not the recycling of paper, plastic and glass, or the detrimental effects of farm herbicides. Jesus Christ didn’t die fora campaign against such things, and that is not the nature of the message he instructed should be preached to the whole world. The salvation of which he spoke was not a physical salvation but an eternal salvation in his eternal kingdom (Matt. 16:24-26; 2 Pet. 1:11). Society’s greatest need is to learn of sin, its consequences and the remedy for it.

What The Sinner Needs To Hear

1. What sin is. Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). All unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17).

2. How terrible sin is. Sin has been shown to be exceeding sinful (Rom. 7:13) and leaves one crying out in wretchedness for deliverance (Rom. 7:24).

3. That he is a sinner. All have sinned (Rom. 6:23). Humanism’s philosophy which has permeated society advises not to saddle one with guilt. But the Bible declares our guilt of sin (Rom. 3:19).

4. That sin separates one from God. It separates from right relationship in this life (Isa. 59:2; Col. 2:21) and,

unrepented of and uncleansed, results in eternal separation from him. “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).

5. There are but two destinies. One is eternal life. One is eternal punishment (Matt. 7:13-14; 25:46). Hearing a myriad of “sermons” on the ecology, social issues, or making the world a utopia will do nothing to prepare one for his eternal destiny.

The Sinner Needs to Know

1. That God loves him. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). God does “not wish that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).

2. That Christ came to save. “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost” (Matt. 18:11).

3. That Christ is able to save “to the uttermost those that come to God by Him” (Heb. 7:25). No other way is provided (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

4. That he (the sinner) must [a] believe in Christ as God’s Son (John 8:24; Mk. 16:15-16), [b]

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 17, p. 1
September 2, 1993

By Harold Fite

It was the opening service of the gospel meeting. Members of the congregation arrived early to greet the visitors. Some had brought neighbors and friends. As the service began one could see the interest and enthusiasm as all blended their voices in singing praises to God and edifying one another. Prayers ascended to God from sincere and fervent hearts. The preacher preached the word with simplicity and power, yet with obvious love and concern for the lost. There were those who obeyed the Gospel and Christians were strengthened and challenged, and all left buoyed in spirit and with happy anticipation of the remaining services of the meeting.

This is the ideal for which every congregation should strive. Fantasizing will not accomplish it. Meetings described above do not just happen! Preparation is essential. A successful meeting is the result of careful planning and diligent work, with the cooperation and support of local members.

Following are some things I have learned over the years which tend to promote successful meetings:

Plan the Meeting

If a congregation has a meeting just because it is customary to have one every year and announce it about a week before it takes place, that meeting is not going to create much excitement and will fail to obtain the maxi-mum good.

A few years ago there was a popular TV show called, “The A Team,” wherein George Peppard, who played the leading character, would frequently say, “I love it when a plan comes together.” There is no “coming together” without a plan. Elders need to ask themselves, “What are we trying to accomplish by having a meeting?” Are the lessons to be directed to the alien or the Christian  or both? Have a purpose; know what you want to accomplish. Once the objective is defined, find ways and means to accomplish it. Plan the meeting, then work the plan. What a joy and sense of satisfaction when the “plan comes together.”

Select the Preacher

Select the one who will preach the word of God. Paul said, “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4:5). An awesome responsibility is laid upon preachers because of the nature, purpose and power of the gospel. The gospel is absolute truth, designed for the saving of the soul, and possesses the power to accomplish its purpose (Rom. 1:16). With that word the preacher is to enlighten the mind, disturb the conscience, energize the will, and stir the hearts of his hearers. Preach the word! (2 Tim. 4:2)

Select a preacher whom you think will be the best choice in obtaining your objective. This may involve some long-range planning. If a preacher has already been selected, think how you may best use his knowledge and expertise to benefit the church and/or the unsaved.

Advertise the Meeting

While big-city newspapers are financially prohibitive to many churches, there are small community papers that offer relatively cheap advertising. This affords opportunity to advertise at a nominal rate.

The add should be phrased so as to awaken the attention of those who see it and to cause them to think. In our advertising we are not to resort to the undignified or the grossly sensational, and yet we want to set forth information in a striking way.

There are public bulletin boards (washaterias, food stores, etc.) on which announcements can be placed.

Announcements of the meeting can be sent to church visitors. At Fry Road we keep a record of our visitors throughout the year. As we approach our gospel meetings we send them an announcement of the meeting, following up with a personal letter, and then a phone call. Members are encouraged to write them a personal letter or call, inviting them to the meeting. While various methods are good, we all recognize that there is nothing better than “word of mouth” invitations.

Social Gatherings

The night before the meeting have a “get-together” for all to get acquainted with the visiting preacher. Talk up the meeting. I have found this kindles interest, enthusiasm, and participation in the meeting.

Sometime during the meeting, provide opportunity for the young people to visit with the guest preacher. You may be pleasantly surprised by the nature of the questions young people ask. They not only want to know about the preacher’s work, but about him as a person. The preacher wants to know more about the thinking of youth. They both recognize the value of the other. A bond is formed which contributes considerably to the success of the meeting.

The more that elders can involve the entire membership in the meetings, the more successful the meeting will be. Remember it is “our” meeting, not “theirs” or “yours.”

Good Singing

Good singing is essential to a successful meeting. Singing in spirit and truth prepares the heart to receive the message. It sets the tone for the meeting.

Our singing should be the expression of our heart, as we praise God and teach and admonish one another in song. Without the heart, singing is just a sound.

In my home congregation, prior to a meeting, we usually have a few services where we spend extra time singing. We learn new songs and try to improve on those we already know that we might render to God the very best of which we are capable.

What about the song leader? In my judgment a congregation should use the best it has. Using a different leader each night of a meeting does not usually work very well.

“The righteous sings and rejoices” (Prov. 29:6).

Pray for the Meeting

Prayer is a powerful tool God has given us. It changes things! “The supplication of a righteous man avalleth much in its working” (James 5:16).

Prayer comes from a realization of a need and God’s ability to supply. “And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

We need to pray for God’s blessings to rest on the meeting. Pray for the members that all might be cognizant of their true priorities and commitment in Christ. Pray for the lost (specifically for those you invite). Pray for the preacher. Paul exhorted the brethren to “pray for him that he might be bold to make known the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 6:19).

“A prayerless preparation will mean a powerless effort in a gospel meeting” (Don McWhorter, Bulletin Digest).

When all preparation has been made, you can be pleased in that you did what you could. You can now say, “We are all here present to hear all things that have commanded thee of the Lord” (Acts 10:33).

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 16, p. 21-22
August 19, 1993