Truth Magazine

By Bill Cavender

A few days ago a long-time friend and faithful brother in the Lord phoned to talk with me as he passed near Port Arthur in his work. He phoned to see how the family and I were doing, to tell me of his work in a new congregation begun about two years ago, and to ask my advice.

He lives in a small town, about 6,000 population, near a large metropolitan area, and for years he and his family drove into the city to worship, about 35-40 miles round trip. Desiring to begin a faithful, scriptural church in his own community (there was already a very liberal-modernistic church of Christ in the town), he consulted with several other families from different congregations who are within driving distance of his community, and they agreed together to begin a “faithful” church in that community. They set the date, met in the city hall, and began with thirty-seven people present and shortly grew in number to fifty or more, had a contribution of about $275.00 per week, bought a lot on which to build a meetinghouse, and the future looked bright. Two or three were baptized, several confessed neglect, and all prospects were for a good work, a good church, and steady growth.

Then it began. As the men took their turns preaching at the worship hours and teaching the classes, their opinions began to be expressed, resulting in disagreements, strife and strained relationships. One brother preached on the Lord supper, proving (?) how sinful it is to have and to take the Lords supper on Sunday evening, that this evening supper is “a second supper,” and that if it is after 6 p.m., it is in reality Monday because the Jewish days began at sunset. Brethren tried to teach him the truth but when they would not accept his opinion, he pronounced his anathemas upon them and left  to join himself to the liberal church in town where they also have the Lords supper on Sunday evening!

Another brother in the congregation preached on the sin-fulness of the Bible college (a college where the Bible is daily taught in classes) and how sinful it is for parents to permit and pay for their child to attend such a school. (One family in the church has a daughter in Florida College, Tam-pa, Florida.) Discussion with the brother by this family and other brethren availed not, and even though Florida College is not connected with any congregation, has never taken a contribution from a church and has no intention of doing so, the brother who preached his opinion still insists the college is sinful and this family is committing sin!

And two brethren strongly insist it is sinful to have a wed-ding or funeral in the meetinghouse, although they have no meetinghouse, no one has died, and no one has gotten married. And another young man has preached the past two holiday seasons how sinful it is for the other brethren to give gifts to loved ones, decorate a tree or have a family gathering during the holidays.

My friend concluded in about these words: We have thirty now meeting, hobbyism reigns, relations are strained, there is little love for each other, every opinion is a matter of faith to some, brethren are suspicious of each other, and associate very little with one another. We began so well but have got-ten crossed up over a bunch of opinions.

This is a sad, tragic story but not an isolated case by any means. Many conservative (?) churches are majoring in minors, pushing opinions as matters of faith and gospel, resulting in divided churches, alienated brethren and hindrances to spiritual growth. Many churches and preachers have little influence for good because of extremism. Brethren pride themselves on “standing for the truth” when the truth of God in the New Testament says nothing about the opinions they hold so dear as they make these opinions matters of faith and conscience within themselves. Then they bind these “matters of faith” on others, wanting their con-sciences to be everyone elses guide.

Hobbyism and opinionism have ever been the bane of the Lords work. The missionary society and mechanical instruments in worship hobbies led to division and strife over one hundred years ago, resulting in the Christian Church. In our generation, opinions and hobbies over institutions supported by churches and unscriptural centralized co-operation between churches has resulted in a new sect of liberal-modernistic churches, denominational in attitude and practice, but still calling themselves churches of Christ. On the other hand, many brethren and churches who opposed those innovations of liberalism, have gone or are going to opposite extremes, making all kinds of opinions matters of faith and doctrine. There are the old ones which have ever been with us, such as: sinful to use printed literature; sinful for women to teach a class of children of women; sinful to have Bible classes for different age groups; sinful to have a located preacher; sinful to cut a womans hair or to wear make-up; sinful for a woman to worship without an artificial covering on her head; sinful for a Christian to vote or have anything to do in or with civil government. Then some of the new ones going around: sinful to sing an invitation song; sinful to have Sunday night communion; sinful to have a wedding or funeral in a meetinghouse, sinful to give contribution by check; sinful to put the name “Church of Christ” outside the meetinhouse (it must be “Church of Christ Meets Here”); sinful to send a child to Florida College, etc.

When the world (and the church) so desperately needs good sound gospel preaching, godly living and strong, loving churches, we are giving them opinions, strife and ill-will. Some of us may just go to hell along with the world for such ungodliness if we do not repent.

(Reprinted from Messenger of Truth, Jan. 1975, published by Imhoff Ave. Church of Christ, Port Arthur, TX)

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 14 p. 12-13
July 15, 1993

By Bruce Reeves

The work ethic of the Christian is a topic of great importance. In this article, we will take a serious look at Gods teaching concerning a godly work ethic. Worldliness is invading the Lords church even today. One manner in which this is happening is the unscriptural ideas many Christians have concerning the role our work should play in our lives.

While doing research for this article, some of the titles I saw concerning the loose attitude many have when it comes to ethical principles in business was disturbing. This very attitude seems to be working its way into the Lords church, and it alarms me to see such an attitude on the part of Christians. Some of the titles I saw were as follows: “Honesty, Is it Still the Best Policy?”; “Ethics For Sale”; “Whose Ethics are the Most Ethical?” We will look at what Gods Word reveals to us concerning the work ethic of the Christian.

What The Work Ethic Of The Christian Should Be

In thinking about what the work ethic of the Christian should be, the first principle that comes to mind is the truth that the Christian ought to be honest in everything he does, including his work.

Be Honest

I am still a young man, but one thing my parents have always impressed upon me is that since I am a Christian. I ought to give an honest days work for an honest days pay. There is a prevalent attitude that everyone wants to get all he can and give as little as possible. Especially, is this true with the attitude of people toward their jobs. It used to be that an employer could expect an honest days work for an honest days pay. Many employees spend their time complaining either to fellow employees or to their bosses about what the other person is not doing and how hard they are having to work. God has instructed us in his word that-if a man does not work, he should not eat. He also gave us some guidelines whereby we are to work. (I Thess. 4:11-12: “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.”)

As Christians, we need to think about what God commands us regarding our jobs and our attitude toward our employers. We need to realize as children of God, that we are to be servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With goodwill doing service; as to the Lord, and not to men.” Do we render service with goodwill or do we do so with a sullen attitude! The Christian should not be the one who is a burden to those around him. Rom. 12:11: “Be not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”

When we make mistakes in our work places, do we admit them and correct them? Or, more often, do we look for reasons to blame them on someone else or refuse to admit we made them in the first place? Peter said, “for what glory is there, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently …?”

Worldly Perversions

Too many Christians possess a dishonest and difficult work ethic rather than an honest one. Sometimes we seem to be the ones who cause envy and strife in the work place. By the things we say, we hurt others, all in the name of “business.” 1 Peter 2:1 says, “Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies, and envies and all evil speakings.” Brethren, as Paul has said in Romans 13:11-14, its high time we awake out of sleep, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you living a lie? There may be one looking at you! (One who looks at a person who claims to be a Christian may develop the opinion that if this is what a Christian is, he wants no part of it.) Through a sinful work ethic, will you be the one guilty for turning them away from the Lord? Some of us seem to cast Gods will aside when it comes to work and have decided that we can do what ever we choose regardless of whom it may hurt. Some would do anything, in order to advance in their work, including: social drinking, lying, cheating, all sorts of wickedness. Paul says, we ought to practice a work ethic that adorns the doctrine of Christ (Tit. 2:9,10)

Many Christians are very active in the worship service and do a great deal of speaking upon the subject of “Putting God First.” Yet in their daily lives, will go to the work place and completely forget about their service to the Lord and Gods instructions regarding the Christians work practices.

Adorn The Doctrine Of Christ

Do you possess the type of work ethic that adorns the doctrine of God? As some have said, “If one could be arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Can those we work with see our dedication to Christ by the way in which we conduct ourselves? In Matthew 5:13,14, Jesus speaks of the servant of Christ as the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. Can our fellow-workers see the light of honesty, justice, and faith shining through our hearts by our behavior? Or do they rather see “salt that has lost its savor and is good for nothing, but to be trodden under foot,” because of our distasteful and disgusting hypocrisy? Folks, its time we come to the realization that we must be Christians in all aspects of life including earning our daily bread. 1 Peter 2:9: “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” We are Christians! We are special, sanctified, separate.

If we will strive to adorn the doctrine of God in our work place, we will chew forth a worthy influence to those around us thereby glorifying Gods name. Paul says in Colossians 3:17: “But whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord.”

Put First Things First

In having a proper attitude toward our work, a Christian should “put first things first.” Of all people, Christians ought to be a people who have their priorities straight. Often times we allow the Lords church and our families to take a backseat to our work. We should ask ourselves the question, “what type of sacrifice am I offering Christ?” Romans 12:1,2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice.” Not only are our lives our sacrifice to God, but our worship is as well. Many of us have been putting Gods kingdom on the back burner for too long! Do we really think God is going to be pleased with a lame, sick and half-hearted sacrifice such as that? Brethren, we need to give him our most dedicated offering, by putting Gods kingdom first. (Matt. 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God …”)

The Home: Our homes are of precious value. The family is a beautiful treasure created by the hand of God. The future of the kingdom of God starts in godly homes. In order for our homes to be what they should, they must be directed by the word of God. This loving haven of rest doesnt come by accident. It requires our time and care. It forever seeks our priority. For too long our families have been neglected and the kingdom of God has had to pay the price. In Ephesians 5:23-29, Paul depicts the importance of the home. Paul teaches that the husband is the head of the family and is to love his wife as Christ has loved the Church. The wife as well has a great responsibility to God and to her family. She is extremely important to the structure of the home. She isnt just a “housewife”; she is the keeper of the home and the heart of the family. Children ought to see parents who put Gods kingdom first, who love their homes, and who are honest in everything they do. So often when we fail to put first things first, destruction sets in. There are too many Christians today who have focused their efforts in their work and have given the Lords kingdom nothing! The church was so important to Christ that he gave his life to purchase it. Shall we fail to give the church which Christ died for the priority it deserves?

Worship and Work: There seems to be a trend among some young Christians that is very upsetting. It is great for young Christians to work, but when they are missing worship services to work, something is wrong. If working were an absolute necessity, it might be understandable. But its not a necessity to have a better automobile, or more of what we already have (Matt. 6:33). Young people, we should put first things first.

The future of the Lords church is in our homes today. Are you neglecting your families in order to possess more things. This time is precious! Someday your children are going to be gone from your home. Our homes demand our love and time. According to a University of Maryland study, parents have been spending an average of about 17 hours per week with their children. Although our work plays an important role in our lives, the first thing in our life should be God. Christ should be the center of our lives. When we leave God out of our lives; our lives will be void of any lasting love or joy!

Often times some would forfeit their Christianity for material things. What would you say to Jesus if he were standing before you now? “Lord, Ive been a Christian everywhere but at work,” seeing that he gave and sacrificed everything for our souls. Realizing as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane with sweat as great drops of blood pouring down his face, “Not my will, but thy will be done.” Friends, Jesus would say to us, as he did in Peter in Matthew 16:23-26 “For thou savourest not the things of God, but those that be of men.” Jesus has said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” In verse 26, he tells us that even if you gain everything in the world, and yet fail to gain the salvation of your soul everything was vain.

I would hope that through a proper understanding of the importance of the Lords church and our families; we will recognize the relationship they ought to have to our work.

Principles For Developing A Godly Work Ethic

(1) Understand the difference between temporary and eternal things (2 Cor. 4:18).

(2) Love the Lord! (Jn. 14:23)

(3) Set your affections on heavenly things (Col. 3:1-3).

Conclusion

I would hope this article would not only help us to develop a godly work ethic, but also godly lives. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 14 p. 18-19
July 15, 1993

By Donnie V. Rader

The story of the conversation of Cornelius and his household is found in Acts 10:1-48. Peter recounted the events when he went to Jerusalem, Peter related the story of this conversion there (Acts 15:7-9). Lets look at Cornelius, the miracles surrounding his con-version and the gospel message he heard.

Cornelius

1. A Gentile (Acts 15:7). Cornelius was the first Gentile convert. At the time of his conversion the church was made up largely of Jews. This family was the first of the Gentiles to become Christians. Today it has been reversed. Now the church primarily consists of Gentiles with only a few Jews obeying the gospel.

This conversion proved that the Gentiles can be saved just like the Jews (Acts 11:18; 15:7,9).

2. A military man (Acts 10:1). Cornelius was a centurion of the Italian Regiment. He was a man of power and authority. He had a lot of men under his command. Yet, with all of this power, he had the same needs as the lowest private or a civilian  he was in need of salvation from his sins.

3. A moral man (Acts 10:2,22). The text tells us that he was “devout” man which means he was a sincere and devoted individual. He was also good to others for he gave alms to people. He was a “just” or honorable, honest man. He had a good name and reputation. What better neighbor could be found? If you were to list his good traits and contrast them with his bad ones, the good would no doubt out-weigh the bad. However, in spite of his good moral character, he still needed to hear the gospel and be saved (Acts 11:14). I learn from this that sincerity and honesty within themselves are not enough.

4. A religious man (Acts 10:2). He was devout. He was devoted to his religious service and activities. He had an active religion. He feared God. He stood in awe of Gods majesty and greatness. He was afraid of doing that which displeased God. He prayed to God. This tells us that his faith in God was real.

Again, in spite of being religious, he still was not a child of God. Being religious and being devoted are not enough. One still needs to be obedient to God like Cornelius had to be.

Desired to know the word of God (Acts 10:33). Cornelius was open and receptive to the truth. He wanted to know what God has said  including what God would command to be done. When Peter had come, he said to Peter, “Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all things commanded you by God.”

Miracles Surrounding His Conversion

There were three miracles connected with this conversion. The reason for these is obvious from reading the text: this is the first conversion of a Gentile.

1. An angel appeared to Cornelius (Acts 10:3-8). The angel told Cornelius that his prayers had been heard (v. 4). The fact that God hears the aliens prayer all will agree. God may even respond somehow. It seems here that he did. However, that is not the same as the assurance that God answers our prayers (1 Pet. 3:12). Otherwise, passages like 1 Peter 3:12 would be meaningless.

Cornelius was instructed to send for Peter (vv. 5-6) for he would tell him what he “must do” (v. 6). This appearance had nothing directly to do with his salvation. If it did, why do we not read of such in other cases of conversion? The angel didnt save Cornelius. There is no evidence that he believes in Christ at this point.

2. Peters vision (Acts 10:9-18). While Peter was on the housetop waiting for a meal to be prepared, he fell into a trance and saw a object like a great sheet coming out of heaven with all kinds of animals and beasts in it. He heard a voice that told him to rise and eat. He refused saying that he would not eat that which was common or unclean. The voice rebuked him saying, “What God has cleansed you must not call common” (v. 15). The point was that the Gen-tiles (who had been considered common and unclean) can now be accepted into the kingdom of God. This is the explanation that Peter later gave saying, “I shall not call any man common or unclean” (vv. 28-29).

3. Reception of the Holy Spirit (vv. 44-47). As Peter was speaking the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his family. What did they receive? They received Holy Spirit baptism. What fell on the Gentiles here was like that that the apostles received (vv. 45,47). What Peter saw on that day reminded him of Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 11:16). It was called the same gift (Acts 11:17). Peter said God gave them (Cornelius and his house) the Holy Spirit “just as he did to us” (Acts 15:8).

What did this prove? It proved to all present that the Gentiles are now gospel subjects (Acts 11:18). It did not prove that Holy Spirit baptism is for all believers in all ages. It did not prove that Cornelius was saved before baptism. If it did, it proved he was saved before faith.

The Sermon (Acts 10:34.48)
Peter made three fundamental points in his sermon.

1. There is no partiality with God (vv. 34-35). Peter preached that God is not a respecter of persons  he shows no partiality. Rather, he accepts everyone who (a) fears God and (b) works righteousness.

2. Salvation through Christ (vv. 36-43). Jesus Christ was: (a) anointed with the Holy Spirit and power (v. 38), (b) killed by crucifixion (v. 39), (c) raised from the dead the third day (vv. 40-41), (d) ordained to be the judge of the living and the dead (v. 42), (e) a fulfillment of the prophets (v. 43) and (f) the one through whom men can have the remission of sins (v. 43).

3. What man must do. Cornelius was told to hear words whereby he could be saved (Acts 10:6; 11:14), believe in Christ (Acts 14:43), repent of his sins (Acts 11:15) and be baptized (Acts 10:48).

Peter stated that Cornelius did what he was told to do to be a child of God (Acts 15:7-9). You can be saved the same way that he was.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 14 p. 14-15
July 15, 1993

By Jady W. Copeland

A basic principle from the time God drove Adam and Eve from the garden has been that a man provide for his family (Gen. 3:19). By the “sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread” and as divine revelation unfolds, we see that the head of the family was to provide for his own (1 Tim. 5:14).

When Jesus was on earth he taught another principle that needs our attention at this time, and that passage is found in John 6:27. “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life which the Son of man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal on him” (NKJ). Jesus had miraculously fed the 5000 and from this, along with the miracle of walking on the water, it is understandable that they sought him and many followed him. Then Jesus makes the above statement which gives us to this day a lot of “food” for thought. Is he saying they were not to work for a living? No, but he is contrasting the value of working for daily bread and working for “food which endures to everlasting life” and only Jesus can supply that “food” (in. 6:27,53-56).

Now with the above principle in mind, we see a direct application to our theme possessed by possessions. Eating of the bread of life (by imbibing the teachings of Christ) is more important than physical bread as one keeps us alive for perhaps 70-80 years, while the other gives us eternal life. This of course doesnt mean earning our bread here is unimportant; but it does mean it is of lesser importance than working for the bread that brings eternal life. It is a contrast. In this whole series, we have been showing that the eternal is more important than the temporal.

As young people grow into adulthood, they face the great challenge of choosing a vocation. Somehow they must fulfill the great responsibility of providing for their family. Shall it be self-employment, or shall I work for wages? For what am I best suited, mentally, physically and psychologically? But too many fail to consider the most important question in choosing a vocation  namely, what vocation will allow me to best serve Christ? Counselors in schools usually do not ask that question. But parents, as they train their children to make their way in this life, need to counsel them in this most important area. Sure, we need to guide them as to what they can do best and like best  whether physical labor, or otherwise. But they need to realize there may be many areas in which they can make a good living, but there is only one way to heaven and that is zealous and faithful service to God. And if the occupation prevents me from serving God in the best possible way, then I will have chosen a work that cheats me out of my best service in the kingdom.

After all what will it matter if I leave much to my children, or if I leave nothing? (The latter may be better for them.) What does it matter if I am a doctor or a teacher as long as I am serving God with all my heart and soul? It matters much if I have an occupation that will not allow me to have time to teach the lost, visit the sick, relieve the depressed, comfort the broken-hearted and encourage the wayward. Let us not be “possessed by our possessions” so that we will have no time for his work. Many a man has wasted his talents (as an elder, deacon, song leader and personal worker) because he “didnt have time”  his job would not allow it.

Some Guiding Principles

Is it morally right? Little time need be spent here. Surely all who read this will realize they couldnt choose gambling, selling liquor, prostitution or other occupations that are of themselves immoral. And some occupations demand dishonesty, and some have found that they had to leave certain vocations because of this.

Will it prevent me from worshipping God? Zeal, fellowship with God and other Christians and love demands that 1 worship on the Lords day to remember the death of Christ, etc. Will the vocation I choose prevent this? If so, pick another. Though there may be exceptions (as I heard of in one case) it would seem to me that being a professional athlete (at least in some sports) would prevent me from worshipping God on the first day of the week. Some occupations prevent the person from meeting every Sunday. I would question this very seriously. Strength in him and his cause depends to a large extent on the encouragement and help I get from worshipping with the saints (Heb. 10:24). Parents, guide your children toward vocations where they can grow to their greatest height in the kingdom and teach them that to do less is not good spiritually.

Will it allow me to reach my greatest potential in the kingdom? Will it allow me to do my best for Christ? Life here is temporary; we are but pilgrims; eternity is certain so why should not we choose the work that is best adapted to achieving the greatest good for him who died for us? If he gave his best for me, why should I give second best for him? Perhaps many potentially good preachers have chosen secular work. But I am thinking more of others who choose occupations which take them away from home much of the time. Many times congregations are robbed of good teachers because they are away so much. Had they chosen an occupation where they had weekends off, they could have been a much greater influence for good on their peers and the young generation if they had been home more  and been able to teach in the local church. Many churches have been rob-bed of potentially good elders because they arent home enough to serve. In congregations where Ive been we had good teachers, but couldnt use them because they were gone too much. This is not only true of men, but often it is true of ladies as well. (We will get to working mothers later.)

It is certainly important for one to choose a vocation to which he is best suited mentally, emotionally and physically. But it is even more important to choose work that will allow him to save souls, influence brethren for good and do many other things to build up the kingdom. If I had a youngster in his formative years, I would not encourage him to be a salesman who had to be gone from home too much. I would not encourage him to be a fireman who had to miss many services on a regular basis. I would not encourage him to be a politician where he is tempted in so many ways. I would not encourage him to be a professional musician that is a performer as this certainly does not lend itself to faithfulness in Christ. And while it is true that in most professions, one can manage to worship on Sunday, and do some work for the Lord, why not pick one where the best work possible can be done?

As in every phase of the life of a Christian, choosing a lifes work is a matter of priorities. Jesus set forth the greatest principle in Matthew 22:37 when he said that the greatest commandment was “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” If this guiding principle is firmly planted in the mind of a child from birth, he should have no problem in choosing a work that would allow him to do his best in serving God and his fellow man. God did not give us the privilege of setting the priorities in life. He only gave us the choice as to whether or not we want to serve him. When I deliberately choose an occupation that will not allow me to do my best in his kingdom, I have made a great (probably fatal) mistake. Of course many have already chosen their work before becoming Christians. In that case they have to do the best they can or change professions. But if you are a parent reading this and still have time to guide your children in the proper direction, please don fail them (and the Lord) by neglecting to teach them in this regard. Souls hang in the balance  perhaps their own and the ones they could teach, What a shame to waste so much great talent in the kingdom of God simply because someone was possessed by their possessions” and chose an occupation with “things” in mind instead of God. Think on these things; the Bible

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 14 p. 10-11
July 15, 1993