Truth Magazine

By Tom Roberts

If one could have access to a newspaper published anywhere in the Roman world during the first century, the headlines, daily news, advertising, classified ads, and yes, even the comic section would probably have made us blush with shame. The Roman world was a hedonistic society, a culture that explored the depths of sexual and immoral pleasures. Philosophy, religion, customs and history combined to provide a climate that encouraged wantonness and excess. Philosophies (such as Epicureanism) supported sin with a rationale that man could not help himself: “if it feels good, do it.” Religion (with its pantheon of gods) gave its blessing to sexual impurities by including all kinds of vices within the embrace of heathen temples that were little more than brothels. Customs of the day (fornication, homosexuality, pedophilia, etc.) made immorality such a common practice that chastity and virtue were practically unknown. From the athletic contests (often featuring nudity among the participants) to the wares available on the street markets, sin was a part of the daily lives of those in the ancient world. Historically, the lascivious life was well established by the time the gospel met face to face with one of Satan’s more popular devices, the lust of the flesh. This theme of Acts whereby the gospel reclaims souls from sinfulness is very much needed in our day, a time more and more reminiscent of the darkness of the Greco/Roman world.

Jewish Morality, the Last Outpost

Had it not been for the influence of the Jews who were faithful to the Law of Moses and who were dispersed throughout the Roman world, nothing at all would have been remembered of the early days of the earth when men “knew God” (Rom. 1:21). The Ten Commandments as exemplified by the Jewish minority was the only contact Gentiles had with virtue. At the time the gospel began to be preached, there was a total absence of any moral code extant among Gentiles except some weak, aesthetic philosophies that were based on the faulty premises of man’s sinful nature. It is notable that when the gospel was first addressed to Jews (Acts 2-9), the approach was to verify the events of Jesus’ life and death by the appeal to the Old Testament. These people already had knowledge of morality ingrained into them from their youth up. In fact, the early church was a Jewish church. It was only later, when the gospel was probated to the Gentiles, beginning with Cornelius in Acts 10, that confrontations began with a profligate lifestyle.

Of course, the Jews themselves had not avoided the temptation to abandon morality entirely. The Greek culture (Hellenism) had given Rome its modern ideology. In those cities where Jews had been scattered, the temptation was to imitate their peers, In fact, Jerusalem itself was not immune to an inroad of hellenization through the public baths, the games, education, jobs and religion. Many Jewish families saw their young people act, dress and talk like the Roman overlords. Which parent today does not understand this? Our own people reflect this same struggle in today’s society and not a few have been lost to the siren call of worldliness. We need to see anew the “power of the gospel” (Rom. 1:16) in combating this deadly evil.

The Battle Is Engaged

We must never underestimate the power of the gospel in overcoming worldliness. All is not lost today because all was not lost then. As badly as darkness covered the face of the populated world, a light of truth exposed the lost to a better way of life. Jesus had told the apostles that they would be his witnesses in “Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). As the integration of Jews and Gentiles was completed, instruction began which weaned the Gentiles away from their previous life. As the debate over integration finished in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit instructed the new Gentile converts to “abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality” (Acts 15:20,21,29). As Paul and Silas returned to Asia Minor to continue the work of conversion, they took with them the letter containing these instructions and read them to the churches (16:4). The battle was engaged.

Leaving behind strong churches throughout Palestine and Asia Minor, Paul was directed to Europe by the Macedonian call (Acts 16:9). Through Luke’s account in the book of Acts, Paul’s journeys to the strongholds of sin is recorded. As the Lord told Paul in a vision in Corinth, “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. ” A beachhead was first established in Philippi, then the gospel was preached southward throughout Greece until Corinth was reached. Before his life was finished, Paul also visited Rome itself. In every place, he proclaimed a holy God and a holy way of life. On Mars hill in Athens, he taught the philosophers about God and the futility of idols. At Corinth, he met and baptized those who had been given over to the basest of life styles. He preached plainly: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

This was the same message that he had preached in Asia Minor. To the Colossians, he had taught, “. . . put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry.” “. . . put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Col. 3:1-14). To the Galatians, he had taught, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another so that you do not do the things that you wish.” Following this passage (5:17) is a list of the “works of the flesh” as contrary to the “fruit of the spirit” (5:19-24). Christians were (and are) to “crucify the flesh with its passions and desires.” To the Philippians, he had written that they should be “filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and the praise of God” (1:11). They were taught to have the “mind of Christ” (2:5) by which they would become “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (2:15).

Not only the book of Acts (that records the evangelism), but also the rest of the New Testament that testifies to the power and success of the gospel message, has become a testimony to our world that we must turn from darkness to light. The evils of the ancient world are now modern. We have inherited not only the lifestyle of the Romans, but the diseases and social disorders as well.

Can We Learn Our Lesson?

We don’t know the numbers of the Christians in the first century. The Bible is strangely silent concerning how many members belonged to the early churches. However, one thing is sure. Everyone who turned to the Lord received forgiveness of sins, was added to the Lord, gained fellowship with God and had the promise of eternal life. To people who are in the darkness of sin and who know firsthand the heavy burden of guilt and worldliness, the gospel is a saving message. It will take the vilest of sinners and turn them into precious children of God. It will destroy the power of Satan in lives that before were hopeless and helpless. There is power in the gospel because there is power in the blood of Christ. Let us continue to preach Jesus to a lost and dying world. There are people all around us who need its gracious news as much as any citizen of ancient Rome.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 23, pp. 718-719
December 3, 1992

By Vestal Chaffin

According to statistics about one out of every three marriages in this country ends in divorce. If God’s law for the home were observed and respected today, surely it would indeed be a balm for our nation. I am thoroughly convinced that the homes are at the very tap root of many of our problems as a nation. God intended that marriage should be “until death do us part,” Jesus said, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt. 19:6). When God’s law for this divine relationship is flouted and trampled under foot, we can expect nothing but a harvest corresponding to the seed that we sow. Can our nation and our society long survive under these conditions? When Edward Gibbon the famous historian, wrote about the fall of the great Roman Empire fie attributed five things to the citizens of that empire, that contributed to its down fall. The very first thing he attributed to them was the “Rapid increase of divorce, with the undermining of the sanctity of the home, which is the basis of society.” Wake up America!

In the first few verses of Judges 2, we are left with the impression that Joshua had a tremendous influence for good upon the children of Israel. Verse 7 of that same chapter says, “And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord., that he did for Israel.” The next verse tells about the death of Joshua, and then in verse 10, the record says: “And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them which knew no the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.” This is the very seat of our problem in America today. Another generation has arisen that does not know the Lord! God has foretold the doom of those who forget him. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psa. 9:17).

Where is there a better place to begin reforming the homes of this nation than with members of the Lord’s church? The home is the place where children receive their earliest and most enduring impressions. For this reason parents need to be so very careful of the kind of early impressions that we leave upon our children. In the home is the place where the character of children is molded and formed. Usually children become in life what parents make of them. Have you considered seriously the kind of impressions that are being made upon your children in the home life? We cannot have children who enjoy attending the services of the church, and living the life of a Christian, unless there are proper home conditions. Let us plead with you brethren and sisters in Christ, give all diligence to make your home what God would have it be. Set an example before the world in making your home a pillar of righteousness in your community.

The responsibilities of parents to their children are many and weighty! Parents should be an example to their children in all things. They should not engage in bad habits before their children, such as smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, drinking alcoholic beverages, dancing, wearing scanty clothing, and many other things that are so prevalent in the lives of many so-called Christians today. How can a parent teach his children not to engage in these things if he engages in them? Not only should parents be examples to their children in not doing certain things, but they should set the example before them in doing right! They should set an example before their children in reading and studying the Bible. Every family should have a time set aside each day to read the Bible together, and pray together. Parents should set the example before their children in studying their Bible class lessons, and attending every service of the church.

Parents have the responsibility of teaching their children God’s Word. When God gave Israel the law of Moses, sealed by the blood of animals, he said, “And these words, which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deut. 6:6-7). Notice first, that these words were to be, not simply in a book, but “in thine heart.” God’s word must dwell in the heart of parents for them to be able to teach them effectively to their children! Second, the, were to teach them “diligently unto thy children.” They were not to teach carelessly, indifferently, but they were to teach them with painstaking. If God required such under the law sealed by the blood of animals, how much more does he require us to teach the spiritual and eternal law of God, sealed by the blood of his Son, unto our children? Thus we have the admonition, “And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). When we carry out God’s instructions as parents we will influence our children for good and they will follow God’s way.

To a great degree we are influenced to be what we are in character by the environment in which we are reared. Henry Drummond, once said: “Strength of character may be acquired at work, but beauty of character is learned at home. There the affections are trained. There the gentle life reaches us, the true heaven life. In one word, the family circle is the supreme conductor of Christianity.” Perhaps there is far more truth in these words than many have ever realized.

The Bible demonstrates the fact that as a child is taught at home, so will he be, to a great extent when he becomes a man. For example, we are told that Ahaziah, “Did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin” (1 Kgs. 22:52). Concerning Ahaziah, Matthew Henry says, “He walked n the way of the house of Ahab, that idolatrous bloody house; for his mother was Ahab’s daughter, so that he sucked in wickedness with his milk. The child may be expected to resemble the mother. When men choose wives for themselves they must remember they are choosing mothers for their children, and are concerned to choose accordingly” (Vol. 2, p. 753). In 2 Chronicles 22:3, we have this concerning Ahaziah, “He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly.” Truly, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.”

Fathers and mothers should cease to be so permissive in the home; They should stop trusting in pseudo-psychology. Parents should stop seeking after man’s wisdom and “trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). Mothers, what are you instilling into your child’s life? Will it cause him/her to honor and reverence God and his word when they reach adulthood? Or are you planting the seed of eternal destruction in your child?

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 23, pp. 710-711
December 3, 1992

By Randy Harshbarger

Uncle Sam points a finger and says: “I want you.” The Marines are looking for a “few good men.” The Lord is too. The Lord is looking for men and women of faith and righteousness who will stand in the gap, wield the sword of the Spirit effectively against Satan and sin, and contend for the purity and simplicity of the gospel. Consider the cry of David long ago, as he too asked for a few good men.

The twelfth Psalm, one of many by King David, pleads for a return to the Lord, as sin and rebellion were the order of the day. Much of what is spoken of in this chapter could very well fit today’s society. Indeed, the wickedness of our age should make every Christian cry out as David did, for a return to principles of godliness and decency. James 4:4 says: “Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God.” Friendship with the world spells disaster for the child of God. Any courting of that which is against God will cause us to be lost.

David said, “Help Lord, for the godly man ceases to be” (v. 1). Yes, the number of godly men and women seems to be diminishing. Too many are running toward destruction in their mad pursuit of life (Matt. 7:13-14; Phil. 3:19). There is a great need for people who will love the Lord and his word and will dedicate themselves to living according to the oracles of truth and honor. The influences of the world are hardly subtle. Without shame, sin is flaunted on television, in the movies, and in advertizing (for almost every product). Christians are constantly bombarded with the message that says, “If you think it is right, then it is right.” Godly men and women must cry out as faithful watchmen (Ezek. 3 3: If). A constant diet of filth will adversely affect anyone who does not take steps to counterbalance such influences (1 Cor. 15:33).

David said concerning the children of men: “They speak falsehood everyone with his neighbor” (v. 2). There is no longer a premium on honesty. Too many people “speak falsehood.” Liars abound in the government, in business, and sometimes even among brethren. If that possibility does not exist, why did Paul warn against it (Eph. 4:25)? Falsehood and dishonesty will bring about the downfall of our nation (Prov. 14:34). Liars should fear the eternal torment awaiting them (Rev. 21:8). Psalm 12:6 says: “The words of the Lord are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.” Precious metals must be refined by fire to rid them of dross. The words of the Lord are always true and pure. “As for God, his way is blameless; The word of the Lord is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in him” (2 Sam. 22:31). There is no impurity in what the Lord says. In contrast, consider the filth of the world. Cursing and using God’s name in vain is simply a way of life for many. “Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (Prov. 30:5). The speech of the Christian must edify rather than tear down (Eph. 5:4). We need to be careful what we say and how we say it. This is true in our dealings with people in the world and especially true with our families and brethren.

Psalm 12:8 says: “The wicked strut about on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men.” The wicked seem to delight in their debauchery. Jeremiah (6:15) lived in a world that had forgotten how to blush. Sin has become such a way of life that nothing is thought about it any more. This mind-set spills over in to the church. The Corinthians (Christians) were blase about the sin among them. Paul exhorted them to correct the matter and they eventually did. Refusing to do so weakened them spiritually. The same is true of us today. “Vileness might be exalted” by the world but it must never be condoned by God’s people. Clear teaching needs to be done that extols God’s will concerning the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:19-24). Application to things such as dancing, principles of modesty, and social drinking needs to be made. Let us cry out for truth and righteousness and be sure we live lives of conformity to God’s will rather than the world’s (Rom. 12:12).

Yes, the Lord wants men and women who will do his will. Let us purify ourselves by his word and remember that the Lord will preserve those who seek the way of truth.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 23, p. 709
December 3, 1992

By Ray F. Dively

Jesus said in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Today church members believe all they have to do is erect a building, keep it open three times a week and the people will come in. The purpose of the church is to save lost souls and edify the saints.

The real reasons we have not evangelized our neighborhoods or this world, are (1) we have never convinced ourselves that the world is lost without the gospel, and (2) we have never convinced ourselves that we are lost if we don’t take it to the world. “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit” (Jn. 15:2).

One may go to a foreign country and another may go to his neighbor, but everyone of us must go with the gospel if he would go to heaven. How wonderful it would be if every Christian would be not just a convert, but a converter.

Every Christian has the personal responsibility to preach the gospel to the extent of his own capacity and opportunity. That responsibility cannot be shifted to another.

The person who has never had the experience of being a part of bringing a soul to Christ has missed one of the most precious experiences of life. It is God’s word which does the converting but we must do our part by teaching. As I Corinthians 3:6 states, “I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

The world cannot be reached by the public assembly alone. A survey showed that 95 percent never win a soul to Christ. The best method of reaching lost souls is from house to house. The Scripture says, “and daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42; 20:20).

The church members have not their talents, time, or opportunities to teach the lost. Each of us must reach the lost. Those of us who are not able to go with the gospel to other lands, must take the gospel to our communities.

The most effective way of making contacts is for the local church to make a door to door religious survey of its community. You will get the opportunity to teach some of these people.

There are many other ways of making contacts. Make the most of opportunities you have with the people you come into contact with each day, the people you work with and your neighbors. The greatest influence that you will have with these people is by living the Christian life. They are watching us.

Visit the sick in the hospitals, whether you know them or not. If someone mentions to you of a friend or relation in the hospital, take time to visit him. We are overlooking the hospitals as a source of making contacts.

Many Christians do not even mention Christ or his church to friends and relations. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). These people will not be reached if we will not do it.

One of the best ways given to us to do personal work is the visitors who attend our services. They had some interest or reason for attending the services. First, get the visitors to sign a visitor’s card and then follow up with a personal visit to their homes.

Every congregation should have a personal work program. There is nothing that will make us more consecrated and dedicated than working to win souls to Christ. Personal work is the heart of the church. Without it the church will not grow. Whenever a church has a personal work program, it grows in members and other phases of the Lord’s work increases.

After a person has been baptized, do not forget him. A large percent of our converts are lost after baptism because we fail to teach them further. Let us take time to visit and teach them the Scriptures.

Christians have the responsibility of teaching lost souls. Do you care enough to do personal work that some lost soul may be saved, also your own?

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 23, p. 717
December 3, 1992