Truth Magazine

By Wallace H. Little

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, nights or day. I also and my maidens will fast likewise. And so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law. And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).

At Tala, in Metro Manila, Philippines, there is a leprosarium. This is where the pitiful lepers are herded to die. Their families often go with them. The government provides little, other than a place and material to build their nipa huts. Unless they are already too crippled when they arrive, they must do the construction. In time, other members of the family get this loathsome disease. Even the small children are hit with it by the time they are 25. There are few old people there. Most dont live long enough to grow old. Its people are shunned. What do you preach to them?

I have been there several times. I shake “hands” with some who have no hands, and “walk” with those who have no feet. I do not enjoy the experience. After leaving, I carefully cleanse myself with alcohol. Yet several Filipino preachers have gone, and still go there to teach. In the late 1960s, these established a church there. One moved there and lived among them for 10 years, strengthening the brethren, and slowly converting others. When he left, another brother began going there every other Lords day. He preaches, then eats lunch with them.

When an American asked him how he was able to do it, knowing that he could catch the disease himself, he replied: “If 1 do not eat with them, they will not study the Bible with me. I try to be careful, and clean myself with alcohol after I leave.” I asked him what would happen if he did catch the disease. He said: “These people need to hear the gospel. If I die, I die.”

How many of us have this kind of courage?

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

By Olen Holderby

While some departures from God happen more quickly than others; I have never seen what I would call a sudden departure. Most departures are gradual, a bit-by-bit process. Hebrews 2:1 appears to be a good text for this subject, and it fits perfectly with our title, “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (NKJ). The Authorized Version says, “lest at any time we should let them slip”; making it appear that there might be some item of teaching which we let get away from us. Such is not the intent of the passage. The New American Standard says, “lest we drift away from it.” It can be seen, then, that it is our drifting that is under consideration, and not something that is drifting away from us. This demonstrates that how well we are anchored to God and his ways depends, largely, upon our learning of the truth and our holding on to that truth, in both teaching and practice.

The Possibility of Drifting

Our text has already established this possibility as a fact; but further reflections may help make this an indelible idea, and that it should be. “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4). In Luke 9:62, Jesus said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth taken heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). One may be “overtaken in a fault” (Gal. 6:1). While our drifting may be purely unintentional, and even denied, nonetheless it can happen to any of us. We know that this can happen to the “lowly” in our midst; but let us not forget that it can hap-pen even to the “mighty” of our number. When David received the news that both Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle, he said, “How are the mighty fallen in the midst of battle!” (2 Sam. 1:25). And again, “. . . for the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, and they are fallen both together” (Jer. 46:12).

At the time when our text was written, those people were drifting back to Judaism. In our time the danger is in drifting back into worldliness or into denominationalism. To recognize the slightest bit of drifting in our lives should horrify us (Heb. 4:11). It can happen! Even to you!

Reasons For Drifting

The reasons for drifting may not be as numerous as the drifters; but there may be many reasons for drifting. First, it is the easiest course to pursue (Matt. 22:5). It is easier to overlook a little neglect than to press for improvement (Heb. 2:3). It is easier to accept a little immorality in our friends or Loved ones than to condemn their sin (1 Thess. 5:21; Rom. 12:2; Matt. 19:9). It is easier to keep our mouths shut than to stand up and defend the truth (Jude 3). It is easier to make excuses than to get up and do what God said do (Heb. 5:9).

Jesus pointed out that the cares of this world could affect the productivity of the Word in our lives (Matt. 13:22). This is exactly how some start their drifting away from God. The Hebrew writer warned of the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:13); and this becomes a strong current with which we may drift. Or, we simply might become “weary in well doing” (2 Thess. 3:13); and, we are urged, “Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Heb. 12:3):

In addition to the above, there are other, and important, causes for some drifting away from God and his word. A lack of knowledge is a big factor (Hos. 4:6; Eph. 4:18). A failure to comply with 2 Timothy 2:15, 1Peter 3:15, or Ephesians 5:17 makes many people easy prey to all kinds of error and immorality; thus, their drifting away is assured.

Preachers not preaching the whole truth on some subjects is another factor in drifting away from God (2 Tim. 4:2; Mk. 16:15; Acts 20:27). Apostolic preaching was distinctive preaching on all subjects; both the positive and negative truths received appropriate attention. Compromising the truth is closely related to not preaching the whole truth; and this serves as a stimulus in drifting away from God: We may accept a little error, overlook a little error, ignore a little error, tolerate a little error, or mix a little error with the truth; and, when we do this, we have already taken one or more steps in drifting away from God. When this compromising is done with reference to morals (1 Cor. 5), the current of drifting appears to be even swifter. In proportion to our bringing every thought into captivity to Christ (2 Cor. 10:4-5), the drifting may be reversed.

There are those people who simply do not wish to live as Christians; they want all the advantages of Christians, but they seemingly have no interest in the attached obligations. All such need to study carefully the statement of Jesus in Matthew 16:24.

The Ruin of Drifting Away From God

If Nadab and Abihu could speak, what would be their advice (Lev. 10:1)? Do you think that the man who picked up sticks on the Sabbath day (Num. 15), if given a chance, would take that step again? Then, there is Moses (Num. 20), who in his anger smote the rock, and deprived himself of the promised land; his one step was one step too many.

Ananias and Sapphiras brief stint at drifting was fatal to them (Acts 5). Demas loved this present world and forsook Paul (2 Tim. 4:10). The Jews, time and again, drifted away from God. After discussing some of their departures, the Hebrew writer says, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12). The ruination of departing from God is so obvious that it ought not to be necessary to prove it to any concerned person.

How To Prevent Drifting Away From God

Our text says that we ought to give the “more earnest heed” to the things which we have heard, to the truth. All three of these words are necessary for us to get the full impact of the expression. The noun “heed” (prosecho) means “to hold to.” The adjective “earnest” (spoudaios) suggests “to hasten.” However, these are used in our text with the adverb “more” and literally says “more abundantly” (W.E. Vine, 551, 351-2). Surely we can see in all this some intense action, some real urgency; and, if we read the next two verses, we will see it as consistent action. As a part of this thought, we have 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always a-bounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” While these are not all that we might offer; yet, brethren, these are the basic ingredients for preventing our drifting away from God and his word. Anything less than these will make us easy prey to all sorts of departures.

The Reward for Not Drifting Away From God

This, of course, has an obvious answer(s). A crown of life (Rev. 2:1W; a crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:6-8); an inheritance in heaven (1 Pet. 1:3-5)  all, or each, of these are expressive of the promised reward. And, we are told that if we overcome we can share the Lords throne with him (Rev. 3:21).

Conclusion

Brethren, let each of us examine himself closely (2 Cor. 13:5); and, let us do so in view of the possibility of our drifting away from God. Let us understand when this has happened, and let us immediately apply the remedy. Let us be thankful for those who call such to our attention. Let us remember that we have a hell to shun and a haven to gain; and, if we avoid the former and reach the latter, we must not drift away from God and his word.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 14 p. 16-17
July 15, 1993

By Ken Cooper

The idea that a person is saved by merely accepting Jesus as his personal Savior and praying for God to forgive him is taught by many today. However, this doctrine is mans idea, not Gods. One will never read in the Bible of a person who became a child of God, or had his alien sins remitted, through prayer.

A case in point is the conversion of Cornelius in Acts 10. Here we learn that the Lord told Cornelius that his prayers had been heard and then told him to “send men to Joppa, and send for Simon” (vv. 5,32). Why send for Simon? Was it so Simon could tell him he had been saved through prayer? No. Peter later reports it this way, “Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter; who will tell you words, by which you and all your household will be saved” (Acts 11:13-14). Cornelius was a man who was seeking for truth, one who wanted to hear what God would have him do. Cornelius was not told that his prayers had saved him, rather, to send for Simon Peter who would tell him what to do to be saved.

Another example from which we learn this same truth is the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-11 and 22:1-21). Saul was traveling toward Damascus, when a light from heaven shined around him. Jesus spoke to Saul and told him to go into the city where he would be told what he must do. For three days, Saul could not see, he did not eat or drink, and he prayed. Did fasting and prayer cause the Lord to save Saul? No. Jesus sent Ananias to Saul to tell him what he must do. “And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16).

Prayer is not the way God has given for the alien sinner to be saved. No person is saved without first being taught (Jn. 6:44-45; Mk. 16:15; Acts 11:14), and no one is saved without obedience to the gospel (2 Thess. 1:8-9; 1 Pet. 4:17; Acts 2:27-38; 22:16). God tells us in the New Testament that we must: (1) Believe on Christ (Acts 16:31); (2) Repent of our sins (Acts 2:38); (3) Confess that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:37); (4) be baptized to have our sins forgiven (Acts 22:16).

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

By Kevin Campbell

I imagine that just about everyone realizes that there are some lessons in life that must simply be learned through experience- No matter how much others may teach and warn, nothing drives home a point quite like experience. The “school of hard knocks” has many graduates, most of whom are able to learn the lessons the first time around. A moment of carelessness with a gun or an automobile can teach a lesson that is sometimes fatal in its consequences. Usually, however, we are able to learn from experience to heed the warnings and admonitions given by those who are wiser.

This is especially true in regard to spiritual matters. Some have learned that “evil communications corrupt good manners” (I Cori 15:33) only after having experienced the results. Additionally, the same could be said of Paul’s ad-monition to “shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as dotha canker” (2 Tim. 2:16-17). It is one thing to preach against false doctrine in some general fashion when not faced with the consequences of it and quite another to have to take a stand against it that may be altogether unpopular (2 Tim. 4:1-5). Sometimes it takes a personal involvement to realize the heinous nature of fasle teaching and the deceitful ways in which its advocates attempt to spread it.

Over the last half a year, my family and I experienced several traumatic events that reinforced several biblical truths in my mind: It is not as though I did not know these truths or did not believe them: But the events referred to brought these truths out and made them more personal and applicable.

In October of last year, my wife’s grand-father passed away in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Having been notified by phone the evening of his decease, my wife and I began to make plans for her to fly up to be with the family. After making arrangements with the airline and taking care of several other related matters. I went down to a nearby ATM to make a cash withdrawal for her trip the next morning: After I withdrew the money, I was then accosted by a young titan who demanded the money (after indicating there would be trouble if I did.not comply). I surrendered the money and he escaped with another accomplice to a nearby car.

Nearly a month later, we planned a trip to Kentucky and through Georgia to pick up some of the furniture that had been left from the estate of my wife’s grandfather. Not having a vehicle of our own to pull the U-Haul trailer we would need, we were able to borrow a Suburban from a member of the church here in Baytown for the trip. We left on Thanksgiving day but that evening had car trouble and had to stop in Little Rock, Arkansas until repairs could be made the next morning. The next morning I went out to load our luggage and found that the Suburban and the U-Haul had both been stolen. We reported the incident, rented a car and returned home to Baytown to find that our house had been broken into and that several items had been stolen.

 If you had ever been the victim of such crimes, you know that there are a whole spectrum of emotions that you go through: disbelief, fright, anger and resentment, just to name a few. During the weeks following these events, I thought long and hard about several things. I would like to share with you some of the lessons that were etched into my mind as a result of these unfortunate events.

1. Evil Is Rampant. Having never experienced anything like this before, I realized that there are people in this world who do not give a hoot about other people’s possessions and feelings. Many in this world will do what it takes to pros-per, even if it means taking what does not belong to them. Paul spoke of the attitudes of these people in 2 Timothy 3:1-4:

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

You may notice that several of the above descriptions are in bold print. These are some of the ones that I automatically identify with those who perpetrated such deeds. We are now reaping the fruit of the “Me Generation,” where the emphasis was placed on self and the instant gratification of one’s fleshly desires. No doubt some of the items that were stolen were sold to finance someone’s drug habit or other immoral behavior.

Such attitudes and behavior are somewhat shocking. I grew up in a family where I was taught to respect the belongings of people and to treat others as I wanted to be treated. To experience first-hand the covetous and ungodly attitudes of those who believe otherwise has been eye-opening.

I am convinced that a big part of this problem has its roots in a lack of discipline in the home, a breakdown of the family unit, and the resulting lack of respect for authority. When children are not required to respect and obey their parents, how in the world are they going to respect the property of others, much less the authority of government and God?! The intellectual elite of this country has pulled the wool over parents’ eyes by telling them that it is destructive and harmful to their children’s development for them to be spanked and disciplined on a regular basis. The Bible teaches that “foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” (Prov. 22:15). Some object to such practice by saying, “Oh, I love my children too much to spank them. I want my children to know that I love them and spanking does not convey love.” The Bible however, says, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes,” and, “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying” (Prov. 13;24; 19:18). If only parents would learn that discipline is a necessary form of love.

2. God Will Judge. The Bible teaches that each man is to be held accountable for his deeds (2 Cor. 5:10). Both in this life and in the life to come, the Bible teaches that there are punishments for disobedience.

First of all, God has ordained the civil government to be responsible for the punishment of evil doers. Paul wrote:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil (Rom. 13:1-4).

Those who are disobedient to the laws of the land, and thus to the law of God, are to be punished for their disobedience. The civil government is ordained of God to punish those who work evil deeds. Some today protest that prisoners are not treated well and even speak of various forms of punishment as being cruel and unusual, the death penalty in particular. The truth of the matter is, criminals today are not being punished as they should (for the most part). This is one reason why such a large percentage of those arrested for certain crimes are ex-convicts who have not even been out of prison for more than three or four years. If our government would really get serious about crime and punishment, some of these activities could be curtailed: Having been through the experiences that 1 have, j would be wholeheartedly behind penalties such as the cutting off of the hands of those who steal. If such were carried out, it would not take long for many thieves to get the message (and before too long some repeat offenders would not even have the ability to steal!).

Secondly, I am also reminded that in the end, each per-son will have to give an account of his deeds before the Lord himself (Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:5-11). This is significant in light of the fact that the civil authorities do not always have the ability to punish those that commit evil deeds. Not only is there a civil punishment to be meted out, there is also a spiritual punishment to be handed out to those who repent not of their wickedness. Paul speaks of the “indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish” that will befall the wicked upon the day of judgment (Roth. 2:8-9).

The fact that God is just and will punish those who commit such deeds is to be a source of comfort to those who are the children of God. In 2 Thessalonians 1;6-10, Paul speaks of the retribution and vengeance that will be handed out to those “who know not God and obey not the gospel.” David cried out to God regarding the wicked and said, “Break their teeth, 0 God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, 0 Lord: Let themaway as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces. As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun” (Psa. 58:6-8). Only one of the perpetrators involved in the crimes committed against my family has been caught. The sad thing is, the detective told me that since he was a juvenile, he will probably get off with just probation. In the mean time, the others involved in that crime as well as the other two have never been caught. Sadly, one day they will have to stand before a just God and be held accountable for their deeds.

3.God Is Merciful. The previous point regarding God’s justice and the coming judgment led me to think about and consider God’s mercy. Although I do not make my living as a thief, I realized that I too had been under the same condemnation as those who are thieves, murderers, rapists, etc. Paul said, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). In addition, James tells us that “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (Jas. 2:10). This consideration has caused me to reflect on the mercy and grace of our God. What deep love he has shown for us! How great is his mercy and grace, that he would pardon us who were his enemies and love us before we loved him (Rom. 5:8; 1 In. 4:9-10,19).

I also realize that although I may cry out unto God for justice, the same mercy that has been bestowed upon me can be bestowed upon those who violated my property and sense of security. The great depth of God’s mercy is demonstrated in that he even forgave those who crucified and rejected his Son (Acts 2:36-38; 3:14-15,19). The challenge for me is to be able to forgive those who have wronged me, when they repent, as the Lord has forgiven me (Matt. 6:14-15; Eph. 4:32).

The apostle Paul is a good example of one who deserved a just punishment for his sins, yet was able to find mercy. It is apparent that he felt the burden of the great debt that he owed to his Lord and the great grace which “was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” 1 Tim. 1:14). May we ever strive to give God the great glory and honor that he deserves for his work of salvation in Christ. And may we ever remember the great debt that was cancelled through his grace and the sacrifice that was necessary to accomplish such.

4. Material Possessions Are Perishable. One of the lessons that has been indelibly impressed on my mind is the fact that there are more important things than televisions, VCRs, money, cameras, clothes, cars, etc. After being robbed at the ATM machine, I have replayed the events in my mind numerous times, looking at what I could have done differently. For starters, I could have waited until the morning to go down to the cash machine. I also thought that perhaps if I would have challenged the perpetrator to prove he had a gun before handing the money over, I might have “called his bluff.” The flip side of that is that if I had been wrong, I could have lost my life and have left a wife with three children to care for on her own. In the final analysis, I did the only thing I could have done and am thankful that I was not injured, much less killed.

I am now able to better appreciate many of the warnings in the Bible related to the fleeting nature of material possessions. Jesus said:

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust cloth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust cloth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Matt. 6:19-20).

Until you actually experience it, it is hard to really believe how easy it is for someone else to come and take your possessions. The feelings of vulnerability and violation are immense. To know of the Lord’s promise that our treasure in heaven cannot be stolen or corrupted is an even greater comfort to me now than it was before.

I fear that a great problem we have in the church today is a love of material things. We have become so focused on this life and the enjoyment of it that some have placed their confidence in their possessions and worldly standing. Jesus used the parable of the rich fool to warn us regarding the danger of trusting in material possessions. He said:

Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (Luke 12:15).

Friend, what good will it do you if you have great possessions come the day of judgment? You cannot take them with you (1 Tim. 6:7) and they may keep you out of the kingdom of God (Matt. 19:23-24). Jesus posed the question, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matt. 16:26) I now understand by experience the fleeting nature of things temporal and the importance of laying up treasures in heaven and not on the earth.

5.Christians Are Compassionate People. When we made plans to go on our trip, we planned on leaving on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday) and returning the following Monday or Tuesday. Since the vehicle we had borrowed had been stolen on Thanksgiving night, we rented a car and began the trip back home. We returned on Saturday (finding our house had been broken into) and informed several of the members here in Baytown what had happened.

On Sunday morning as we went to worship, people began coming up to us and handing us checks and cash to help in replacing some of the items that were lost. We figured that we had lost several thousand dollars of our own personal property in addition to the damage that was done to the Suburban we had borrowed and other property that had belonged to others. That afternoon, my parents flew in from the Atlanta area with more help from brethren in that area and my grandmother called from the Tampa area to tell me that she was sending some help in the mail from several brethren down there. All told, we were able to replace our property, repair the Suburban and return it to its owners and pay several other expenses related to the trip. Another family member called from the Birmingham area and offered help from the brethren there, which we declined. Even several weeks after the trip, we were still receiving monetary gifts from brethren in Georgia and Mississippi. The compassion and love that was demonstrated to our family was overwhelming. I again offer our heart-felt thanks to all those who helped and those who offered to help.

It is impossible for me to remember all those who helped since some of the gifts were given anonymously and others were passed on through other individuals. However, a special word of gratitude is in order for the members of the Pruett and Lobit church here in Baytown; for the members of the Jonesboro church of Christ in Jonesboro, Georgia and the Poplar Street church of Christ in Griffin, Georgia; for the members of the Morris Road church of Christ in Gulfport, Mississippi; and for the members of the Temple Terrace church of Christ in Temple Terrace, Florida. If I have omitted some, please forgive me and understand that it as an extremely traumatic time and it was very difficult to keep up with the records of who had given us what. We attempted to respond to each person or family individually, but I am afraid we may have left some out. Please accept our heart-felt thanks.

The examples in Acts 2:44-45 and 4:34-37 remind me of the attitude and disposition of those brethren who came to our aid. One passage however, really sticks out in my mind when I think of these brethren. In Mark 10:29-30, Jesus said:

Verily I say unto you, There is no man that bath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

What a blessing to know that there are those who are concerned enough to help! What comfort our brethren have been to us in our time of need! Their compassion and love is something that we will never forget and will set an example for us to follow for the rest of our lives.

The lessons I have had emphasized in my life as a result of these occasions have been taught in the Bible for a long time. Friend, do not wait until you too experience these type of things to learn these lessons. Learn to trust the wisdom of our Creator and to obey his will now while there is opportunity. Study your Bible and learn of his ways and his mercy. Do not trust in material possessions but trust in the Savior for your salvation. Then, you too may have the peace of God in your heart and the hope of eternal life in the world to come.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 12, p. 16-19
June 17, 1993