Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

Once, when “a certain lawyer” attempted to ensnare Jesus with a question, the Lord replied, “What is written in the law? How readest thou” (Luke 10:26)?

Regarding the current controversy concerning “the days of Genesis 1,” let us ask, “How readest thou?” Are the days referred to literal days, or are they long ages of time as evolutionists theorize? Let us cite a portion of the text, and ask, “How readest thou?”

And God said, Let there be light; and there was light . . . and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day (1:3-5).  

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years . . . And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day (1:14-19). 

Without argument, just by reading the text, what is your sense or understanding of the language? Are the days figurative, referring to long periods of time? Does each day represent millions of years? “How readest thou?” 

By Weldon E. Warnock

One important phase of the Christian’s life is to attend all the assemblies of the local church where he is a member. Faithful attendance is a good barometer to indicate one’s spirituality. Let us look briefly at church attendance.

The Early Church Assembled

Several passages of Scripture show that the first century church assembled. We read that they continued daily in the temple (Acts 2:46), assembled for a prayer meeting (Acts 4:31) called together by the apostles in order to select and appoint special servants in the church (Acts 6:2), assembled in order to be taught (Acts 11:26), and came together to break bread (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17-34). The author of Hebrews stated, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together . . .” (Heb. 10:25). James wrote about preferential treatment of a rich man over a poor man who comes into the assembly (Jas. 2:2). Clearly, these passages establish the fact of the assembly in the early church and its importance.

Why Should the Church Assemble?

Many reasons are taught in the Bible as to why the church should assemble.

1. To Worship. There are certain acts of worship for which we are to come together. On the first day of the week we are to eat the Lord’s supper. “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them” (Acts 20:7). Also, we are to “lay by in store” upon the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2). Of course, when the church is assembled for these acts, it may, and should, sing, pray, and teach or preach. However, these last three may be done any time the church assembles.

2. To teach. For a whole year Paul and Barnabas assembled themselves with the church at Antioch and taught much people (Acts 11:26). The church at Corinth came together for edification (1 Cor. 14:23-26).

3. To transact business. The apostles called the church together to make arrangements to care for the needy widows (Acts 6:1-4).

4. To report the results of evangelism. “And when they had come and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27).

5. To discuss matters of differences among the brethren. The church at Jerusalem and those who came down from Antioch came together to consider the matter of circumcision, which the Judaizers were imposing on the Gentile churches (Acts 15).

6. To discipline the unruly. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth that when they are gathered together to deliver the fornicator among them to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the spirit may be saved (1 Cor. 5:4-5).

Christian’s Duty

Now then, what is the Christian’s duty toward the assemblies of the church? Obviously, the Christian should be present, if possible, at all of these meetings. That would be the responsible thing to do. If one may miss without cause, then all may. Hence, there would be no assemblies. Let us look at some reasons why a Christian should be at every service.

1. He is commanded to assemble. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb. 10:25). Notice, the verse does not say “assembly” but “assembling.” Verse 24 indicates that in these assemblies we provoke or stimulate one another unto love and good works.

2. In order to do good. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (Jas. 4:17). Attending all the services of the church is doing good. It does good to the one attending and to the welfare of the whole church. Poor attendance on Sunday night and Wednesday night destroy the spiritual vitality of the church. It is also a bad influence on the community that we are trying to convert. One who sits at home when the church meets does not have the good of the church at heart. Those who think that Sunday morning is sufficient want to go to heaven at a minimal effort. This kind of attitude does not reflect devotion to God and commitment to Jesus Christ.

3. In order for elders to feed the flock. Elders are shepherds and they have the duty to feed the sheep (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2). It seems some like the feed that is offered on the “boob-tube” rather than the sincere milk of the word (1 Pet. 2:2). To stay away from the assemblies does not show much of a cooperative spirit toward the elders. Compare Hebrews 13:17. 

Brethren, there is more to Christianity than just attending services. But this is an important part of it. Actually, those who refuse to attend all the services don’t take very seriously the other duties of being a Christian. Show me a person who neglects the assemblies of the church and I will show you a person who is doing little, if anything else for the Lord.

87 Ormond Dr., Scottsville, Kentucky 42164

By Ron Halbrook

Young men and young ladies, I urge you to read the Bible as the guide of your life. American education originated in the desire to equip young people to read the Bible. Please consider a few reasons this is so important for your life.

1. I urge you to read the Bible because it is the only book in all the world given to us by the guidance of God. “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Every word God gave in Scripture is true and right. The Bible is the infallible Word of God.

2. I urge you to read the Bible because it is the only book in all the history of the world protected and preserved by the providence of God. Both the Old and New Testaments contain God’s promise that he will protect his Word. “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever” (1 Pet. 1:24-25; Isa. 40:7-8). God preserves his Word so that each generation can have the opportunity to read it. He wants you to read it.

3. I urge you to read the Bible to learn the way of salvation. That is its main theme. We learn in Genesis 3 that our greatest problem is sin. God promised to send a Savior through the seed of Abraham: “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). The Old Testament further explains God’s promise of a Savior:

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we  like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isa. 53:4-6).

In the New Testament, read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to learn about the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31).    

To better understand the way of salvation, read the Great Commission and the book of Acts. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16). The book of Acts records how the gospel was first spread and how men received it. Read Romans through Revelation to learn how we are to live, worship, and serve God in the way of salvation.

4. There are many other reasons to read the Bible. Read Genesis 2:24 and other passages to learn God’s plan for true married love. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” If you make God’s Word the foundation of your marriage, your home will be one of the greatest blessings of your life. Read Proverbs to learn words of wisdom which apply to every aspect of life. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (1:7). “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (14:34). “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (20:1).  Read Ecclesiastes to learn the true meaning of life. “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 shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil” (12:13-14). 

I urge you to read the Bible with confidence that you can understand the one book in the world given by your Creator to guide you through life and to give you eternal life. God designed the Bible so that when we read it, we can understand his Word (Eph. 3:4). Young man, young lady, read the Bible as your guide in life!

(This article gives the gist of my remarks as one of the speakers on the Baccalaureate Program at Columbia High School on 21 May 1995. Our second son, David, graduated on 26 May.)

3505 Horse Run Ct.,Shepherdsville, Kentucky 40165

By Johnie Edwards

The goings on among some churches of Christ is hard to believe. Take a look at some of these things which are going on among some churches of Christ:

1. Supporting a Billy Graham Crusade: A Nashville, Tennessee church of Christ is bringing Billy Graham to Nashville this month to preach. Mr. Graham preaches, among other things, salvation by faith only. The Bible does not teach such. James said, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24). It’s hard to believe some have drifted so far!

2. A Good Friday and Easter Service: The Bering Drive Church of Christ in Houston, Texas conducted a “Good Friday Service” in April. Their bulletin stated, “Come remember the day Jesus died on Good Friday at 7:00 p.m. “Join us for breakfast, a dramatic presentation from the Gospels, and a celebration of Jesus, the Resurrection and Life. Come worship as the Bering Chorus presents special songs for Easter.” Ever read anything in the Bible about the Lord’s church conducting this kind of a service? It’s hard to believe but it happened!

3. A Passover Meal: A church of Christ “shared a Passover Meal.” I thought the Passover belonged to the Jews of the Old Testament as they remember the sparing of their first born in Exodus 12. Beats me!

4. Baked Potatoes, Ice Cream and Prizes: A church of Christ conducted a fifth Sunday singing and their bulletin stated: “The April singing offered a new menu for the supper with baked potatoes, pies and ice cream. Prizes will be given to those who can answer special questions about singing.” I thought the gospel of Christ was the drawing power (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-2), not potatoes, pies and ice cream with prizes! Didn’t Paul say that the “Kingdom is not meat and drink . . .” (Rom. 14:17)?

4121 Woodyard Rd., Bloomington, Indiana 47404