Truth Magazine

By Terrell Bunting

As a young missionary/evangelist living in a country far from my own homeland, experiencing the realization of a society not interested in God’s word, working with a handful of Christians struggling to hold forth the word of God, and coupled with maintaining my own faithfulness and development as a servant of God, I begin to truly understand the writings of Paul as he portrayed his feelings towards his brethren. Paul, as an evangelist, was often dependent upon their prayers, financial assistance and steadfastness. I would like to underline what God has revealed unto us concerning the matter of “brotherly love which has no boundaries.”

My intention with these words is to praise the thousands of faithful Christians who have touched me and my family’s lives during the past six years. These thousands upon thousands of Christians are truly “lights in the world” which rarely receive the recognition they desire. Too often the emphasis is placed upon the preacher who leaves his country, his family and his brethren. Yes, I will admit there are many sacrifices to be made, but for once I wish to present the other side of the story. Just as evangelists in the New Testament did in the various letters found in the Bible.

Brotherly Love Has No Boundaries

Christ prayed that the same love that God had loved him with might prevail among his disciples (Jn. 17:25-26). Paul admonished the brethren to be “kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love” (Rom. 12:10). We are taught to serve one another in love (Gal. 5:13-14). Our love is to increase and grow (Phil. 1:9). As a recipient of the brethren’s love, I wish to confirm that brotherly love has no boundaries. Though we live thousands of miles from our brethren we are not forgotten. About two years ago I suddenly became ill and was admitted into the hospital and was there for a total of 37 days, first suffering from spinal meningitis and then later kidney surgery. During this time my grandfather died. We received hundreds of cards, letters, flowers and phone calls from brethren who were concerned — a true manifestation of their love. These brethren were from all over the world, not only the USA. “Bless be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love” has become more meaningful to me each day I live.

For us to continue to devote our lives to the Lord’s church in this country we depend upon the financial support of our brethren. Paul spoke highly of these brethren at Philippi and Thessalonica who sent unto his needs (Phil. 4:10; 1 Thess. 3:6-7). We rejoice in the Lord as Paul did as we too have been greatly blessed by many congregations and individuals who have sacrificed in order to see the gospel taught in this land. From small struggling congregations to large, well-established congregations we have been recipients of this “work of faith and labor of love” (1 Thess. 1:3). The writer of Hebrews expresses it well, “God will not forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister” (Heb. 6:10).

Brotherly Comfort and Consolation Has No Boundaries

The Bible speaks of brethren comforting one another. Paul spoke of the great joy and consolation he had, being refreshed by his brethren. Peter wrote of the compassion that was to abound among the people of God. We often think of comfort and consolation in times of difficulty and sadness. Brethren from all over the world have comforted, refreshed and provided us with much needed encouragement. Imagine working for six years in a place where no more than two have been baptized, where the local congregation has only 10 members and three children, and where one tries to do his best to interest society in the truth where immorality has become “morally accepted.” As an evangelist in such a place, I have come to understand the value of patience and endurance for the cause of Christ. I firmly believe there are others to save in this land, maybe not hundreds or thousands but the value of the few souls searching is more than worth my time, effort and patience. So many brethren have written us and comforted us, encouraged us, sent packages, and asked in what way they could help us. All of this has refreshed our commitment to God. This year we lost our son and once again we were comforted and consol-ed, by whom? Yes, our brethren! I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 12:26, “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it, or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.” Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:4-11 concerning the comfort he had received in his tribulation, being comforted by brethren within the comfort of God. It is with deep emotion that we thank our brethren for the comfort they have provided us over the past six years.

Because of this love, comfort and consolation which has no boundaries, I remain committed to a life as an evangelist for a small, struggling congregation of the Lord’s people, far from my homeland, my brethren and most of my family. Who is to be thanked? It is the thousands of brethren who faithfully serve God, pray for others, are aware that the kingdom of God is much greater than just the USA and are aware that there is a need to evangelize the whole world!

I close with the passages from God’s word which portray the feelings I have because of my brethren’s love throughout the world. What a wonderful, marvelous family we belong to.

For I bear you record, that if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes and have given them to me (Gal. 4:15).

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints (Phile. 4-5).

All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. (Tit. 3:14-15)

I am appreciative brother in Christ living in a far away place.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 4, p. 1
February 18, 1993

By Mike Willis

Anyone who reads a daily newspaper or listens to a news cast on television is impressed with how much bad news is reported — a wreck on the interstate, a murder in the inner city, unrest in the Middle East, a corrupt politician. The list is nearly endless and nearly all of it is bad news . One song writer, reflecting on the bad news, wrote, “Sure could use a little good news today!”

There are a lot of good events which happen every day which are not reported in the newspapers. They are judged not to be newsworthy. We would not minimize any of these good events which happen daily, but all of them pale in comparison to the “good news” of the gospel. The word “gospel” is translated from euangelion which is defined as “good news.” Indeed, the gospel is good news. In keeping a balance in our preaching, we need to emphasize the good news of the gospel.

God Controls The World

We may be distressed by the events which we witness occurring — the decision to allow homosexuals to serve in the military and to make abortions more accessible, and similar such events. However, the good news of the gospel is that God is still in control of the world. This is what is taught in the following passages:

… the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men (Dan 4:17).

… until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will (Dan 4:32).

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will (Prov 21:1).

God’s eternal purpose will be accomplished. We should be encouraged to know that this world is under the direction and control of Almighty God, not merely subject to the caprice of men. This is good news.

God’s Providence

The good news of the gospel does not end with telling us that God controls the world, the gospel reveals that God providentially watches over the needs of every individual. This is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Consider the words of these texts:

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, 0 ye of little faith? (Matt. 6:30)

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Heb. 13:5-6).

To know that my God knows my every need, even before I ask of him, is good news.

God Loves Us

There are a number of concepts men have about God. In mythology, sometimes the gods were angry with man or toyed with men; on many occasions, the gods were indifferent to the needs of mere men on earth. The good news of the gospel is that our great God loves us. Here is what the gospel reveals:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16).

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him (Rom. 5:8-9).

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us. . . (Eph. 2:4 ).

Sometimes men have the concept that God is watching with an all-seeing eye with the intention to find some fault in their lives to justify casting them into hell. If that is the nature of the God whom you know, you need to exchange that concept of God for the God revealed in the Bible — the God who loves you so much that he is doing everything short of destroying your free will to effect your salvation. If you should so live as to be destroyed in hell, your everlasting damnation will not be pleasant to God; it will cause him grief. The good news of the gospel is that God loves you.

Jesus Died For Us

No greater expression of the love of God can be found than in the gift of his Son. The sacrifice of Christ on Calvary was an atonement for the sin of mankind (1 Jn. 1:7-10; Rom. 3:24-25; Heb. 9:14). The blood of bulls and goats was not adequate to redeem man from sin (Heb. 10:4). Man was unable to redeem himself. Only an act of the redeeming grace of God could save man from sin. The good news of the gospel is that God acted to redeem man. He sent his Son

Jesus to die on Calvary, to shed his blood for the remission of our sins.

The atonement made on Calvary is adequate for the remission of the sins of every man (1 Jn. 2:2). The forgiveness is available to wash away any and every sin (1 Jn. 1:7). Consequently, I can be thoroughly washed and cleansed of my sins. This is the good news of the gospel.

God Hears Our Prayers

The Bible reveals that the same God who saves us is a “prayer hearing” God (Psa. 65:2). He asks and commands that his children pray to him (Lk. 18:7-8). There are several important concepts in the idea that God hears and answers our prayers. Consider the following: (1) It says that God cares for me; (2) It says God is able to hear and answer my prayers (he is omniscient and omnipotent); (3) It says that God is willing to hear and answer my prayers; (4) It says that there is power in prayer (Jas. 5:16). To know that there is a God in heaven who listens to my prayers and answers them is good news.

God Has Promised Heaven to the Faithful

The Lord has also promised heaven as the eternal reward of those who are faithful to him. Jesus said to the Apostles shortly before his death, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” On. 14:1-3). Not even death can keep us from our eternal home, for Christ will raise us from the dead and take us to be with him in glory (1 Thess. 4:13-18). The beauties of heaven are described for us in Revelation 21. Indeed, the hope for eternal life in heaven is good news.

Conclusion

Let us not allow the circumstances of life to drive us into despondency. Let us keep our eyes focused on the good news of the gospel. There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic, even in the face of the “bad news” which is reported on the evening news and in the daily newspapers.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 4, p. 2
February 18, 1993

By Connie W. Adams

Care One for Another

I lift the following heartwarming item from a recent report from Thomas Bunting about the work in Norway:

“In response to an article in brother Connie Adams’ paper, I have received letters from brethren in the States, Italy, Philippines and Mexico. These words came from faithful brethren who are laboring under very difficult and hard circumstances. They write to us to encourage us to hold out, to be strong in the Lord and to trust in God.

“The work in Norway is slow regarding the progress of the work, but one living in Norway does not suffer the same anxieties and physical needs that some of these brethren must live under. I hope that I can convey the thoughts or feelings I have, but do you get the picture? Brethren in the western States, who struggle to establish the Lord’s church about like we do here in Norway, encourage us to hold out. Brethren in Italy, who have suffered religious persecution, write words of encouragement to keep up the fight. Brethren in Mexico and Philippines, who live under extreme poverty, write to encourage us to keep up our faith. Do you begin to see the real character of faithful Christians? Those who suffer hardships can understand best the difficulties of others. These are Christians who suffer themselves, not writing to ask for something, but writing to give something.

“Like the letters of Paul, these brethren write and tell of their prayers on our behalf. They tell us of their concern for us and the Lord’s work here. They send words of encouragement for us to keep the faith and continue to proclaim the true gospel. Thank you one and all for your help!”

What Retirement?

After the announcement went out that Searching the Scriptures was ceasing publication a number have concluded that I was “retiring.” Some have asked what I planned to do with my spare time. I have told them I would like to have some. For nearly twenty years my spare time was consumed editing and publishing a paper. For the last 18 years, I have conducted 18-23 meetings each year from March through November and then spent winter months teaching a class every other day. I am continuing to write as I can for Guardian of Truth, the meeting work continues as before and so do the classes. My wife and I have no retirement plans. As long as health permits and opportunities are open to preach the word, that is what we will do. Check our meeting schedule for 1993. If you are in one of these areas, we would love to see you.

Hard Work and Success

I am teaching a high school class this winter using Mike Willis’ excellent workbook on Proverbs. I really like the lessons on “laziness.” Consider this verse: “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich” (Prov. 10:4). I am weary of hearing successful people lambasted. There is a direct relationship between effort and success in any worthwhile thing. Some of this mouthing springs from envy. I like what I heard one prominent business man say. He said, “The harder I work the luckier I become.” We have bred a nation of people all too willing to feed at the public trough and it places an extra burden on those who are willing to work for a living, pay their taxes and provide enough “pork” for a “big brother” government to take care of all those with hands out for the public dole. Meanwhile, we see “help wanted” signs in businesses all over America.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 4, p. 3
February 18, 1993

By H.E. Phillips

Worship springs from the heart, and it expresses gratitude, affection and adoration. Cornelius offered such worship to Peter for coming to his home with the word of salvation, but Peter refused it (Acts 10:25). One worships when he feels great gratitude, awe and fear.

Worship means different things to different people. For that reason the majority do not take the time to learn the difference between true worship and false worship. All worship that does not conform to God’s will in all respects is not scriptural worship.

The Worship of Cain and Abel

And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto Jehovah. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and he countenance fell. And Jehovah said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door: and unto thee shall be its desire, but do thou rule over it (Gen. 4:4-7 ASV).

A brief account is given of the sacrifices offered unto Jehovah by the first brothers, Cain and Abel. Details are not given regarding any instruction God gave to these brothers in reference to their sacrifices. However, sufficient evidence is given to determine the contrast in their worship to God. One was accepted and the other rejected. It is pro-per to conclude that the same requirements were given to both of them alike.

Cain brought the “fruit” of the ground for an offering to Jehovah. That outward gift bespeaks of the inward attitude that offered it. God was displeased with Cain’s sacrifice because it was not by faith (Heb. 11:4). The first murder was provoked by attitudes in worship (Gen. 4:3-8). Abel offered the “firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof” as an offering to Jehovah. He brought the first and best of his flock. Abel offered his sacrifice by faith, and he obtained witness from God that he was righteous (Heb. 11:4; Matt. 23:35; 1 Jn. 3:12). Faith comes from hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17). Abel’s sacrifice cost him his life because his brother was angered that God did not accept his sacrifice.

What Is Worship?

Worship is an expression of man to his Creator or to some god for adoration, thanksgiving and praise. When man feels gratitude and reverence for his Maker, he seeks some way to express that unto God.

The Greek authorities define the words which are translated “worship” to mean: to make obeisance, do reverence to; to revere, stressing the feeling of awe or devotion; an act of homage or reverence; bowing down to, to honor religiously; to serve, to render religious service or homage; to act piously towards. Henry Thayer says the word for worship is: “to kiss the hand (towards) one, in token of reverence . . . hence in the N.T. by kneeling or prostration to do homage to one or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication” (Thayer 548).

Worship in Spirit and in Truth

Jesus said that those who worship God must worship him in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:24). In spirit is not enough; in truth is not enough. When one feels in his heart the devotion, praise and reverence for another he must find some method of expressing that feeling. Especially is this so if the object of that devotion is God. The question comes, How shall he express what is in his heart? That is what worship “in spirit and in truth” means.

1. In spirit involves the right attitude. Attitude is essential to scriptural worship. True worship springs from a heart of genuine reverence and respect, with a godly life. God rejected ritual worship void of true devotion. The heart and mind of the worshippers must be involved in the worship or it is rejected (1 Cor. 11:27-30).

Worship must be from a heart filled with true devotion, piety and sincerity, and in obedience to the will of God. Cornelius had this good attitude when he sent for Peter (Acts 10:33). Christ was an example of submission to the Father (Matt. 3:15; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 5:8). Worship is unscriptural when it is contrary to the will of God.

The heart must possess these qualities to have the right attitude: the love of God (1 Jn. 5:3; 2:15; 4:19). Child-like humility is characteristic of the spirit of worship (Matt. 18:4; Jas. 4:6; Jn. 13:14; Phil. 2:5-8). The attitude of forgiveness is necessary also to worship God (Matt. 18:21,22; 6:14,15; Acts 7:60). The attitude to sacrifice is essential (Rom. 12:1,2). There must be a willing sacrifice offered with joy and in humility (Phil. 2:5-8).

Worship by the doctrines of men. The doctrines of men produce the elements of unacceptable worship. Ignorant worship: when the worshipper neither knows whom to worship, nor how to worship (Jn. 4:22-24; Acts 17:23). Vain worship: empty, profitless, authorized by the doctrines of men (Matt. 15:9; Rom. 1:25). Will worship: worship directed by the will of the worshipper and not the will of God (Col. 2:23). Unauthorized practices (Jn. 4:24). The worship of angels (Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; 22:8).

Unrighteous worshippers. All worship from those alienated from God is unacceptable worship. Jesus would not accept worship from devils. Worship and service to God go together (Matt. 4:10; Lk. 4:8; Rom. 1:25). God has never accepted worship from one whose life was not right (Prov. 15:8; Isa. 1:13-15; Amos 5:21-25).

Righteousness is a prerequisite to scriptural worship. True righteousness comes only by obeying the commands of God (Psa. 119:15). The commands of the gospel are righteousness (Rom. 1:16,17). There is a difference between the righteousness of man and the righteousness of God (Rom. 10:1-3). It is the difference between life and death.

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, 0 Jerusalem” (Psa. 122:1,2).

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 3, p. 2
February 4, 1993