Truth Magazine

By P.J. Casebolt

This report is labeled ’93” to distinguish it from earlier reports on the Philippine work which I made in 1977 and 1984. Others will be making reports on their journeys to different parts of the islands.

Since three other American preachers were visiting congregations on the northern part of Luzon, I decided to direct my efforts southward. Brother Dannie Jarlego traveled with me from the time I arrived on February 17, to the time of my departure on March 29. On Luzon, we visited congregations in the Metro Manila area, at Infanta/Real, and at Mercedes in Camarines Norte. A possible trip to Iriga was aborted because of the erupting volcano, Mt. Mayon.

On Mindoro, we visited congregations at Villa Celestial, Libertad, and Pulosahi in the southern area of Roxas. From there we traveled northward to Victoria, Alcate, Aurora, Evangelista, Calaguimay (San Isidro), and Calapan.

On the island of Palawan, we visited Brooke’s Point, Sarasa, Samariniana, Locon, and Inogbon. On the way back to the airport town of Puerto Princesa, we visited congregations at Aramayan, Nara, and Plaridel. We spent two days preaching in Puerto Princesa with morning, afternoon, and evening assemblies.

On the central Visayan islands of Negros and Cebu, we visited congregations at Bacolod (Minoyan), and Cebu City. There is now a congrgation meeting in the home of brother Bob Small at Cebu. Bob is carrying on his work in China from his home in Cebu, while also helping the work in the Philippines as he has opportunity.

On the island of Mindanao, we visited three congregations in Davao City, and at Savoy and Bansilan in Davao del Sur. Because of the bombing at Zamboanga City air-port terminal, and for efficiency’s sake, we aborted our flight to Zamboanga, and took the bus/ferry across Mindanao to Pagadian. From there we traveled to Sampoli in Zamboanga del Sur, and preached four times in the meeting there.

After returning to Manila, we traveled south by bus to Mercedes in Camarines Norte, and preached there March 22-24. I preached my final sermon at Tondo (Manila), on March 28, and left for home on the 29th. I preached at 35 different congregations, visited briefly with brethren at two or three other places, including the leper colony congregation at Tala, near Manila. I was able to preach 53 times, and there were 53 baptisms. But I would hasten to add that the Filipino brethren had already planted the seed, did the groundwork, and did the actual baptizing. With the exception of one man whom I personally baptized in 1984, all of the baptizing has been done by Filipino preachers in meetings where I have preached. I think this practice would be a good explanation/commentary of 1 Corinthians 1:13-17.

Besides the opportunities to preach the gospel, I was able to minister to the physical needs (food/shelter/medical treatment) of several dozen saints at different locations. On one occasion alone, 22 congregations were represented in a meeting where benevolent aid was distributed. Members from at least a half-dozen of these congregations had been driven from their homes and lands by the communist rebel group known as the New People’s Army (NPA). By individual contributions from brethren in the states, I was able to act as messenger and administer this relief to needy saints. The first century apostolic pattern of sending directly to the source of need, whether in benevolence or evangelism, still works best in the 20th century (cf. Acts 11:27-30; Phil. 4:15, 16).

In spite of plans which had to be changed or aborted, my time and financial resources were used efficiently and effectively. I only spent two nights in what could be called a hotel by any stretching of American standards, and even there I shaved in cold water. I had three warm-water showers in six weeks, and from the time I left home on February 16, I shaved in cold water until I got back to the airport in Detroit on March 29. When in the Manila area, I stayed in the home of brother Jarlego, and we stayed in the homes of our Filipino brethren during our travels (with the exception mentioned above, and two nights spent in the home of brother Small in Cebu). And the only reason we stayed in the hotel at Bacolod was because the Filipino preacher did not receive our telegram, and was not at the airport to meet us. And we spent one night on a ferry boat, as you always do between Cotabato and Pagadian Cities.

God knows I am not murmuring or complaining. The Filipino brethren always gave us the best they had (or what they thought was the best), the Lord gave me physical strength and the opportunity to make the trip, and in my limited way I can only thank the American brethren who sent me, the Filipino brethren who received me, and render both thanks and praise to God through Jesus Christ. No earthly being benefited from this effort more than did I, and both time and words fail me to tell the whole story. Only the judgment can complete the account, and for that I gladly wait.

 

American vs. Filipino

I am reluctant to write anything which would erect or emphasize any real or imagined barriers between Filipino and American brethren. The relationship between Americans and Filipinos dates back almost 100 years. As far as the Lord’s church is concerned, I know of no other nation which is supporting the cause of Christ in the Philippines. Whatever spiritual relationship there is, it must of necessity be between Americans and Filipinos. To ignore this relationship would rob both people of valued privileges and opportunities.

After commending some of the seven churches of Asia, the Lord would add, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee” (Rv. 2:4). I have “somewhat” against both American and Filipino brethren, and for that matter, I even have somewhat against myself for failures in word and/or deed. Some of these matters need to be addressed on a personal, case-by-case basis, on both sides of the ocean. But I think some of our conflicts in culture and Bible principles can be aired publicly for the benefit and improvement of all concerned. We have nothing to hide from brethren in either country, and those of us who act as messengers/mutual contacts need to continually examine ourselves and make whatever corrections or improvements are possible.

All who are personally involved in the Philippine work recognize the two terms “Filipino time” and “American time.” And we are not talking about the approximate 12-hour difference in solar time. Americans who go to the Philip-pines are on a strict schedule of arrival and departure, and the time in between must be allocated accordingly.

Filipinos live in a culture where time is not of primary significance, ,and for very good reasons. The transportation systems of our two countries are as different as daylight and dark. Americans rush here and there to maintain schedules, and our highways and airways, along with our personal and public vehicles of transportation permit such a practice. Filipinos depend mostly on public transportation, and most buses, taxis, and ferries are filled beyond description. If a Filipino doesn’t catch one bus or taxi, he waits for another. If it doesn’t come today it will come tomorrow, next week, or next month. And the Filipino has time to wait. He cannot change the system, nor can a few American preachers change the system. But we can adjust to it.

Filipinos have a habit of saying, “Plenty of time,” and I have missed several planes, buses, and ferries because they will not check a schedule in time. I have had vehicles run out of fuel because the drivers (and the brethren who contracted the vehicle), would not fill up the tank with fuel and prepare for such an eventuality. This isn’t just a matter of culture or custom, this is a direct violation of such passages of Matthew 25:1-13 and Romans 12:11. And you wouldn’t have to leave America to find folks who live both their material and spiritual lives by this principle of procrastination.

But while Filipinos cannot change their transportation system, or prevent flat tires, they can try to adjust to such things, or at least when visiting Americans have a schedule to keep. Even when schedules are made, Filipino brethren do not always allow for flat tires, eating, summarizing sermons, baptisms, or impromptu side trips to visit another congregation or some brother needing support or benevolence.

American preaches can help by not trying to crowd too much into one trip, acquainting themselves with the geography of their travels, insisting on a written schedule, and then insisting that the schedule be followed. Two Filipino preachers told me that we Americans need to do more “insisting” and I have done this until I am ashamed of myself, but sometimes we Americans do not understand what we are asking of the Filipino brethren. They cannot change centuries of culture and geographical expressions of creation in a month’s time, and sometimes we are not aware of extra expenses involved in our requests.

Often, the problem of benevolence vs. preaching/edification presents a barrier between Filipinos and Americans. Special benevolent efforts have been conducted on behalf of the Philippines, and sometimes a mission has the twofold purpose of preaching the gospel and relieving needy saints. But sometimes the visiting preacher is so overwhelmed by demands made on his time and financial resources for benevolent purposes that he has no time left to preach. Moses could not satisfy all of the pleas for help among his Israelite brethren (Exod. 18:13-26), and Peter and the apostles could not satisfy all the demands made on their time for purely benevolent reasons (Acts 6:1-4). And while some Filipino preachers have abused the benevolent issue, there is a real and continuing problem in the Philippines with respect to drought, typhoons, volcanoes, hunger, food, shelter, and clothing. And their problem needs to become our opportunity, to the extent of our ability.

Yes, preaching and spiritual things need to take precedence over material things when there is a conflict (Matt. 6:33; 2 Cor. 4:16). But we need to understand the predicament of some Filipino brethren and the preachers being sup-ported in that country. How does a Filipino preacher decide between using his often meager support for bus fare to go preach in the next bario and the immediate medical or food needs of his own family or needy brethren? And if he asks for additional help he is often rebuked for making such a request.

Every culture has its characteristics, some good and some bad. I am as ashamed of some American habits as Filipinos may be of some among their own people. But when we become Christians, we need to subject our native cultures and traditions to the law of Christ, and allow it to make us better people. And if God’s people cannot remove or ad-just to cultural barriers, it is their own fault, and not the fault of the Christ or his gospel which has called them into the family of God (Gal. 3:26-29).

American preachers have been guilty of poor management, immorality, teaching false doctrine, and sowing “discord among brethren,” yet we condone or wink at such things on this side of the ocean while using similar things as an excuse to cut off all support and encouragement to our brethren in the Philippines (and possibly other countries).

We need to continue investigating and communicating with those who are personally involved in the Philippine work. It is not the work of a few Americans and Filipinos, it is the Lord’s work. Some of us have taxed our physical and mental capacities to the utmost, and taken on extra correspondence and financial obligations, but we do so gladly for the rewards involved. And may God bless every American and Filipino brother or congregation who/which has had a part in that effort. To God be the glory.

As a final thought, let me emphasize the good which has been done in the Philippines by such publications as Searching the Scriptures and Guardian of Truth (formerly Truth Magazine). I know that some have used the addresses of congregations listed in those publications as a means of asking (or begging) for financial support, but I also know of much good that has been done by the teaching contained in these papers. And I trust that even this and similar reports can be used for good on both sides of the ocean.

Bear in mind that subscription rates for foreign countries are much higher than in the continental United States. And if a subscription expires, no Filipino or publication can stand the financial burden of that subscription for long. But I will guarantee you this one thing: any paper sent to the Philip-pines will be read, reread, and passed on for someone else to read. Maybe we could subscribe for someone, and check with the various editors/business offices to see if someone is on the mailing list. I could supply editors with some prospective names/addresses, but I don’t want to become a national clearing house for such an effort. I already have whole file cabinet full of Philippine correspondence, stacks of letters yet to be filed, and the letters from my last trip are just now beginning to arrive. But I will do what I can for the Lord’s work, which knows no national boundaries.

And if in the process I can keep a few more Filipinos and Americans (including myself) out of hell and help them on their way to heaven, I’ll be thankful now and for eternity. And unless the Lord has something better for us to do, we can rehearse it all after we have entered “in through the gates into the city.”

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 11, p. 19-21
June 3, 1993

By Larry Ray Hafley

Dear

Thanks for sending me the material on hand clapping in worship. I suppose 1 should not say that I “applaud” your efforts in opposing this innovation!

Sober minded reverence and godly fear are taught in the Bible (Titus 2:6, 12; Phil. 4:4-6; Heb. 12:28). Even the world knows the differencea moment of prayerful silence before a ball game in memory of someone, is different from the reactions during the game itself.

The spirit that advocates hand clapping and applause is a dangerous one, as you know. It is not confined to this one topic. It is a package deal. Usually, those who approve applause are the ones who see nothing wrong with “an occasional beer” or glass of wine. They are soft on the marriage question and other moral issues. They support “pep rally” preaching and “pop-psychology sermons” that are full of the contemporary slang and “buzz words” of fundamentalist evangelicals, televangelists and others. This sort likes the lavish praise on Charles Holt and relishes the reading of Max Lucado, Rubel Shelly, Warren Wiersbe and any other vague, trendy, religious generalizer and mesmerizer.

While they subtly take swipes at the work of men like T.W. Brents and Roy Cogdill, considering their preaching to be the cause of all “our current pharisaical legalism,” they sweetly commend those who teach error on divorce and remarriage with the mild disclaimer that they do not “fully agree.” However, any sermon that teaches the truth on marriage is seen as a “personal attack” against “sincere” brethren.

The clapping crowd will applaud a baptism, but they chafe under the old-fashioned gospel preaching that boldly and directly, by name, exposes Protestant baptism error on the subject. This element generally will clap for a gospel sermon (so called), but only if it is laced (or “spiced,” as they would say) with jokes, humor and cute, clever, colorful stories. One that is filled with Scripture, one that analyzes a Bible text and specifically refutes denominational error, they will not applaud. Their clapping reveals their carnal spirit.

Those who clap for motivational sermons on positive living and self-esteem are the same ones who will not applaud a sermon that truly defines and applies the term, “lasciviousness.” No, they will not cheer a sermon on 1 Timothy 2:9 that is specific in its application to godly living. Their spirit is “earthly, sensual, devilish” (as opposed to “heavenly, spiritual, godly”), and their applause is but a sign and symptom of it.

While they rail against “the traditions of the Church of Christ denomination” with words of snide sarcasm, they never seem to find the time or the vocabulary to speak against denominational traditions such as Easter and Christmas. In fact, they are “uncomfortable” with sermons that address those errors. They say we are “driving people away with such preaching.”

The men pleasing applauders speak words that are “smoother than butter,” but “war (is in their) heart.” With pious platitudes, mouthing broad sweeping words of sentimentality, they would feign encourage more preaching about “the doing and dying of Jesus.” They speak in syrupy terms about the need for more lessons on God’s love, mercy and grace. At the same time, they decry sermons that show, by the Bible, how that love, mercy and grace is to be applied and appropriated. Surely, their words are “softer than oil, yet (underneath) are they drawn swords.”

You will notice that this spirit seeks to expand the base of Romans 14. Presently, they want fellowship with error on the basis of that chapter, so long as the error is limited to divorce and remarriage. Selectively and inconsistently, they are not ready (yet) to accept homosexuality, instrumental music, institutionalism or premillennialism on the same basis (the perversion of Romans 14), but (and mark this down) their disciples, the next generation, will be.

You can expect cruel criticism for your stand against this spirit in the church there. You will be accused of being in-tolerant, judgmental, unloving and insensitive. You will feel the sting of these charges, especially when life long friends are swooned and swayed by them. Make no mistake about it, some will be enamored by the wit and charm of these sophisticated elitists. The sweet spirit that appeals for a “softer, gentler approach” to preaching will be contradicted when they turn their verbal venom on you.

Many of the attacks will be personal, not scriptural. They will not address Bible passages on scriptural subjects. Rather, they will assail your manner, your methods, and your motives. You should not be surprised to find that the man who admittedly teaches false doctrine (say, on marriage or the nature of the church) is always considered to be superior to those who teach the truth on those subjects. Those who teach the truth are “too harsh” and are guided by a legalistic party spirit, while those who teach error are pure and sincere and though they are “off the mark a little,” still, they are saying “some things that need to be said.”

Their criticisms will be veiled, indirect. They will speak of “elders and preachers who want to play God,” but they will never cite you by name. So, if you respond, they will say, “Throw a rock into a pack of dogs, and the hit dog yelps every time.” They will speak of “buzzards” who watch a flock, not to lead or feed it, but to pounce and prey on anything that is rotten. Guess who they think the buzzard is? That is right  you!

If you indict Charles Holt’s errors and review them in light of the Bible, you will be accused of ignoring “the good things” that brother Holt says. If you define brother Hailey’s error on the marriage question, you will be accused of attacking a man who has more knowledge and spirituality in his little finger than you have in your whole body. These things will hurt you, but they are part of the price you must pay for standing for the truth. Fortunately, we do not have to suffer as Paul and the Lord did. Naturally, you must guard against the temptation to retaliate against them in an equally carnal attitude. Sadly, through the use of anonymous phone calls and unfair, unjust (and also anonymous) letters, they will seek to provoke you into acting or speaking rashly and maliciously. Beware of all such provocations. Alexander the coppersmith did Paul much evil, going to great lengths to undermine the apostle’s preaching, but Paul left revenge to the Lord (2 Tim. 4:14,15).

Yes, these same loving spirits, who with high school cheers can applaud a baptism and speak with teary eyes of the need for “non-confrontational” cross centered preaching (There is no such thing!), are the same ones who will “belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips” (Psa. 59:7). Truly, their “tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully” (Psa. 52:2). Your soul, brother, is “among lions: and (you) lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword” (Psa. 57:4).

You must continue to speak the things that become sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). You must hold “fast the faithful word” and “by sound doctrine . . . exhort and convince the gain-sayers” (Titus 1:9). Rebuke them sharply that you may stop their mouths and that they may be sound in the faith. If this fails, they will, having itching ears that need to be scratched and tickled, surround themselves with teachers that will turn away their ears from the truth, and they shall be turned unto fables and false doctrine of all kinds. They will maintain a form of godliness and profess that they know God, but they are disgusting and disobedient.

Their pious pretensions will deceive the hearts of the simple and tears and heartache will befall you and all who love the truth and stand therein. But when they leave, after all the tears have been shed, after you are left seemingly alone, a slight rustle, a faint sound will be heard. It will be the applause and approval of heaven.

Stand fast, my brother.

Brotherly, Larry

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 11, p. 6-7
June 3, 1993

By Rick Christian

After a long, gray winter comes the onset of summer and the warmth of the sun and the blossoming of colors we all love to behold. I must admit, I enjoy that time of year and anticipate it greatly as it draws closer. Sometimes though, we have a tendency to forget our convictions in the summer months. This ought not be, for the Lord is not pleased with the “seasonal” Christian. It is at all times we must let our light shine to exemplify the fact that we are a peculiar people! (Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:9)

The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:2 “ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” The term “memory” here is from the original which means to “hold fast” and involves a strict, constant, steadfast adherence to the faith of God. This is not a flippant recall but a determination to stand continually on the precepts of God by continuing to mold one’s intellect, emotions and will around Jesus Christ! The problems which occurred at Corinth were their failures to remember the things which they had been taught by the apostle Paul. Remember, they had received the things he preached (I Cor. 15:1), but failed to remember to hold fast to them. Paul stated in v. 2 that their salvation rested upon the remembrance of the things which he had taught them!

In an effort to remind us of things we ought never to forget (especially in the summer), let us note the following:

Let’s Not Forget to Be Modest

“Modesty”  simply “decent, restrained” (Webster). “unassuming; restrained; decent; retiring in manner and not excessive” . . . Greek (kosmios)  “orderly, well arranged, decent, modest.”

In the warm climate one often finds on the part of some, a casting off their attire. Men and boys parade in public with no shirt on or pants so short or tight that it leaves nothing for the imagination. Women and girls wear halter tops or short shorts and dresses so short they find themselves tugging at material which will not stretch any further in an effort to cover themselves. This seemingly is an admission that this apparel is immodest!

Men, boys, women and girls may be enticed to attend a mixed swimming pool and parade in attire which is less covering than what they wore to bed the night before! Remember, God sees you whether you are in your local town at the swimming pool or away at the crowded beach. Hebrews 4:13 “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Don’t forget, immodest dress causes men to sin (Matt. 5:27,28; Prov. 7:6-23; Rom. 14:21). Immodest dress causes women to sin (Rom. 14:21; 1 Tim. 2:9  “In like manner … “). Let’s not lose our ability to blush this summer. Let’s not forget that immodesty is sinful and can cause one to lose his soul!

By searching God’s word we can see that the terrible con-sequences of the sins of immodesty are many. Many mothers will be lost who did not set the proper example in dress. Many men will be condemned who fell prey to immodesty of women and who failed to restrain those in his household in this respect. Now is the time to “live soberly, righteously and godly!” (Tit. 2:11,12)

Let’s Not Forget to Assemble

“Let’s play ball,” may be on the lips of some as soon as summer arrives. Sports mania! Now, before everybody has a heart attack let me say that I enjoy sports just like the next person. Basketball, baseball, you name it, I like it, but, I will not allow it to become an obsession!

Sometimes folks becomes so obsessed with it that that’s a lot more important to them than mid-week Bible study, attending a gospel meeting or any other service for that matter.

If you are a Christian, you understand the Bible commands that we assemble (I-kb. 10:25). Jesus says in John 14:15  “If ye love me keep my commandments.” Failure to assemble is the sin of omission. James 4:17  “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” Assembly is essential for the proper function of the church (Eph. 4:12-16). How then can this function and mission be successfully accomplished if 1 do not meet and serve and worship with the saints?

Don’t let the Lord become second in your life this summer. If your child’s sport function, or any other function is put first in his life, what message are you sending? Talk to that coach, leader, teacher, whoever and explain to them that assembling is important to you. Most people will understand when you say, “I think ball is important but I think the service of the Lord is more important!” Matthew 6:33a  “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. . . ” Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Let’s Not Forget the Lord While We’re on Vacation

What a privilege it is to live in a country that affords us the freedom of travel, to see places we have longed to see. It’s refreshing. But, when you go on vacation, do you think ahead about where to assemble with saints? (Remember what you just read above about the command to assemble.) The congregation here where I am a member has a directory of churches which is very helpful. I know when we leave to go on vacation my wife fixes the family food to eat as we travel. We certainly must not forget that food! I doubt when you leave on vacation you forget the physical food thus, lets not forget to attend feeding time on spiritual things as well! I should have a compelling “desire” for such food (Matt. 5:6; 4:4; 1 Pet. 2:2-3).

Do you plan on being just as morally sound away from home as you do while at home? Let’s not feel that geographical location can allow me to engage in things I wouldn’t otherwise do at home. Because I am away from those who know me should not permit me to behave in ways which I wouldn’t if I were home! This is not the will of God!

Jonah tried to run away from the Lord but the Lord knew where he was all along! David states in Psalm 139:7-10 “Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If 1 ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” Think seriously of the message we send our children, if they see us behave in an immoral way while away from home. It’s going to be rather difficult to expect them to act godly at school, a friend’s house, college etc. when they witness their parents behaving unseemly while away from home!

Before I conclude let me also state that we must not forget the Lord while we’re on vacation with respect to our giving on the first day of the week (I Cor. 16:1,2). Do you make sure your contribution to the Lord is prepared for the first day of the week even while on vacation? Sometimes individuals may feel a vacation looses them from the responsibility to give locally on the first day of the week.

Remember friend, when you leave your own residence and travel afar, you may leave behind bills to be paid but those bills still must be paid; thus, money is prepared ahead of time to take care of those bills. In the work of the church there are bills that must be paid even if I go on vacation! Prepare ahead that the week you are gone the work doesn’t suffer because you didn’t plan ahead in recognition that you would be gone (I Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8-9).

I hope everyone has a safe and joyous summer and most of all I hope that we who profess to be Christians will not fail in our profession this summer or any other season of the year!

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 10, p. 21-22
May 20, 1993

By Mike Willis

There are many portraits which have been drawn of Bible characters and events, but I don’t ever recall seeing one in which Judas was portrayed. In Bible Epitaphs, C.E. McCartney quoted William Hazlitt to say, “I would fain see the face of him who, having dipped his hand in the same dish with the Son of Man, could afterward betray Him. I have no conception of such a thing, nor have I ever seen any picture that gave me the least idea of it” (18). Judas remains an enigma to us.

What Judas Did

Judas was one of Jesus’ disciples. When Jesus chose his apostles from among his disciples, Judas was one of the twelve selected. He probably was one of the more outstanding disciples to have been selected by Christ. As an apostle, he walked with Jesus every day during his earthly ministry. He heard Jesus’ teaching about God, witnessed the miracles he performed, and saw the character of the only perfect man ever to have lived. He saw the glory of God incarnate (Jn. 1:14; 14:9).

But Judas was a thief (Jn. 12:6). When he witnessed the “wastefulness” of the woman who anointed Jesus with precious ointment, he rebuked Jesus for allowing this to happen (Jn. 12:4-6). Matthew ties this event to his decision to betray Jesus to the Jews for thirty pieces of silver. He probably perceived that Jesus had no intentions of establishing an earthly kingdom and that there would be no exalted position to bring him wealth, power and fame.

At Jesus’ last supper with the apostles, “Satan entered his (Judas’) heart” (Lk. 22:3). He left the Apostles and led the Jews to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. Later, when Judas saw the outcome of his dastardly deed, he regretted what he had done and returned the money to the Jews. Then he went out and hung himself.

His eternal destiny is not left in doubt. Jesus said, “The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It had been good for that man if he had not been born” (Matt. 26:24). He was the son of perdition who was lost (Jn. 17:12).

Nevertheless, when Luke records the selection of Matthias to take Judas’ place, he wrote, “That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place” (Acts 1:25). The eternal destiny which Judas received was his own place. In the same sense, heaven is one’s own place for him who lays up his treasure there (Matt. 6:19-20). Someone wrote,

The tissue of the life to be,

We weave with colors all our own; And on the fields of destiny

We reap as we have sown.

Each of us going to his own place.

 

We Choose Our Own Place In This World

There are some aspects of life beyond our control. I did not choose the place of my birth, parents, physical appearance or genetic make-up. Nevertheless, there remains much of life which we create for ourselves.

 

1. We choose our marriage companion. There are different kinds of women for a man to choose. A person can go after the one who dresses in the attire of a harlot, is loud and boisterous, and is forward (Prov. 7:10-13). Or, he can look for a companion who is modest in dress (1 Tim. 2:9-10), has a meek and quiet spirit (1 Pet. 3:4), and has the “law of kindness” on her tongue (Prov. 31:26). Every man who goes home from work to meet his mate goes to his own place. He chose for himself the kind of mate to whom he wished to go at the end of every day.

 

2. We choose what kind of home relationship we will have. A person can create his own place by how he con-ducts himself in his home. If he chooses to be selfish toward his wife, neglect her needs, and be abusive in his speech, he should not be surprised to receive in return anger, resentment, and ill will. Each of us goes to his own place  a home he has made for himself by his manner of life.

 

3. We choose what kind of relationship we have with our children. Our children can be the source of much sorrow and grief (Prov. 10:1). Sometimes parents create for themselves this sorrow and grief by how they treat their children. When they do not provide the proper kind of discipline (Prov. 22:15), provoke their children to anger (Eph. 6:4), ignore and neglect their children, and spoil them by giving them everything they ever want, parents create monsters out of their children  monsters with whom they have to live!

 

 

4. Children choose their own place with reference to their parents. Teenagers may be slow to realize that they create their own place by how they act toward their parents. If children sass their parents or otherwise show disrespect, bring home poor grades from school, and are negligent about the chores assigned to them, they should not be surprised when their parents are angry. They have created their own place by their conduct.

 

We Choose Our Own Place in the Church

When we get up to go to church on Sunday morning, we go to our own place. The church with which we worship is what we make of it. We can make the church with which we worship a bad experience if we choose to bite and devour one another (Gal. 5:15). We can go to a church which is dead or dying if we bring half-hearted worship, never mention Christ to our neighbors and friends, and sit back and do nothing to convert our young people and keep them active. If you never open the doors of your home to show hospitality toward other Christians and your neighbors and friends, you will go to your own place when you go to a dead or dying church!

On the other hand, you can go to a church which is alive and zealous, characterized by members who weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Your worship can be directed by a song leader who has prepared himself to lead singing, a preacher who proclaims God’s word from sincerity and dedication, prayers which pour out our hearts’ desires, and a warm remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. What it is depends upon each of us, but it is true that each of us will go to his own place when he leaves for worship this Sunday morning.

We Choose Our Own Place in Eternity

As was especially true for Judas, so also it is true for each of us. Each of us chooses for himself his eternal destiny. I can lay up treasure for myself in heaven (Matt. 6:2W; by patient continuance in well-doing I will reap eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Or like Judas, I can so live that it would be better that I not be born, become a son of perdition, and receive the wrath and indignation of God (Rom. 2:9). But if this is what I receive, it will be my own place. I will have prepared it for myself; this will be the just wages of my unrighteousness.

What kind of place are you making for yourself on earth? Do you go home to a place that is more like a heaven on earth or like a hell hole? Remember, it is generally true that you make it for yourself. What kind of place will you have for yourself in eternity? Heaven or hell? Remember that when you die, like Judas, you too will go to your own place, one which you have prepared for yourself. Which will it be?

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 11, p. 2
June 3, 1993