Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

We want to continue an examination of what the plea to restore the New Testament church means.

5. The plea to restore the New Testament church means the restoration of apostolic evangelism. The early church saw its mission as taking the saving gospel of Jesus Christ to the world which was lost in sin. They were committed to the obedience of the charge of the Great Commission.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matt. 28:19-20).

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mk. 16:15-16).

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And , behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high (Lk. 24:46-49).

From the Great Commission, we can learn that the apostles preached the gospel, the Word, the Christ. They preached “repentance and remission of sins” in the name of Jesus. In doing this, they made disciples or penitent believers; when these penitent believers were baptized they were saved or received the remission of their sins.

In this apostolic commission is found the apostolic rule of conversion: (a) preach the gospel; (b) faith or belief; (c) repentance; (d) baptism of penitent believers; (e) salvation or forgiveness of sins.

Having noticed the charge of the Great Commission, we can readily see that much of modern preaching in denominationalism (and some among us as well) is wholly unlike the plain preaching of the apostles. Sermons should convict men of sin, show them the way to salvation through Christ, and teach men all things whatsoever Jesus has commanded us. To restore the apostolic preaching of the New Testament church is going to require that we cast aside sermons designed to influence politics, propagate social change, treat temporal ills, create a better self-image, teach one how to manage his finances, teach pop psychology on how to have better inter-personal relationships, teach time management, and other self-help lessons. Many of the sermons preached today would have left the 3000 present on the day of Pentecost still in their sins.

6. The plea to restore the New Testament church means the restoration of the names worn by the followers of Christ. In the New Testament, the followers of the Christ are designated by several names, which names signify the Christian’s character, his relation to other children of God and to their Lord. Here are some of the names by which they were known:

a. Disciples (Acts 11:26). The word “disciples” means “learners” or “pupils” of some great teacher. “Disciples of Christ” means “learners of Christ.” The designation indicates the relation that exists between Jesus and his followers as that of teacher and pupil.

b. Brethren (Acts 6:3). Jesus said, “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren” (Matt. 23:8). The word “brethren” indicates that relationship to God as his children (2 Cor, 6:17-18) and to one another as brothers and sisters. The term indicates that tender and endearing relationship which exists between fellow disciples of Christ.

c. Believers (1 Tim. 4:1). The designation of disciples as “believers” points to their conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16).

d. Saints (Rom. 1:7). The word “saint” emphasizes that disciples have been “set apart” to God. As his set-apart people, they are also committed to walk in holiness. The followers of Christ are to be holy in heart and life.

e. Christians (Acts 11:26). Three times in the Scriptures, the Lord’s disciples are called Christians.

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:26).

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian (Acts 26:28).

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf (1 Pet. 4:16).

A Christian is a “follower of Christ.” This is the “worthy name” by which he is called (Jas. 2:7).

As Christians worked together in local congregations, they also were designated by various terms. They were called the “church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2), “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16), the “house of God” (1 Tim. 3:15), and several other names. Some may object to calling these terms names. Paul exhorted the saints at Corinth not to cause others to stumble saying, “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God” (1 Cor. 10:32). If I can understand that Gentiles and Jews named two groups of people, I can also perceive that “church of God” is used as a name for a third group of people.

The plea to restore the New Testament is a plea for men to renounce the unscriptural and divisive names by which men are called today. Let us forever throw aside such terms as the following: Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Pentecostal, Episcopalian, Congregationalist, Unitarian, Muslim. Let us restore the names worn by the followers of Christ and be content therewith.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 14, pp. 418, 439
July 16, 1992

By Michael R. Baggett

All You Can Eat

Vegetable Soup

with beef or chicken, cornbread or crackers, dessert and drink

Adults: $3.50 – Children: $2.00

Carry Out:

Pints: $1.50 – Quarts: $3.00 – 2 Quarts: $5.00

Entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m.

The Wilborn Ashby Family

Fellowship Building of Ashland Church of Christ

(intersection of Highways 4 & 5)

All proceeds go to Magnolia Bible College

“All You Can Eat”

The fact that some churches are putting the Lord’s church in the “fast-food business” is clearly seen in advertisements from time to time. (The one above is taken from The South Reporter, published in Holly Springs, Mississippi.) Who would have dreamed forty years ago that a “church of Christ” would sell food to the public to raise money? Today, some seem to think that if it’s a “good cause,” any method of doing good is accepted with God; in other words, the end justifies the means.

It is not true that the end justifies the means. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. ” When Nadab and Abilm thought they could offer a “strange fire” to God, God showed his disapproval of their means when he consumed them with fire! (Lev. 10:1-2). The fire for burning incense was to come from the altar (Num. 16:46; Lev. 6:12-13). When God told Moses to “speak” to the rock to get water, Moses struck the rock with his rod instead! Moses’ method got water out of the rock, but he wasn’t allowed to enter the promised land because of his method! (Num. 20:8-12) Moses was punished because he did things “his way” rather than God’s way. Getting water his way did not justify the way he got it.

Today, Christ is not pleased when men choose to do things their way rather than his way. 2 John 9 says, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. . . ” This means that when churches practice things not found in Christ’s doctrine (the New Testament) they no longer have fellowship with God; instead, they have run off and left him behind! When churches raise money by selling food, having a car wash, or by entertainment, they transgress and abide not in the doctrine of Christ; therefore, they have not God!

Friends, the doctrine of Christ concerning raising money in a local church is a first-day-of-the-week contribution from each of its members (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7). Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:2, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay be him in store as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings (collections) when I come. ” This is God’s way for the local church to raise funds. It may not seem like an important point but, in the Judgment Day, someone is going to give an account for adding to God’s way (Rev. 22:18-19).

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 13, p. 405
July 2, 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. 33:1ff). 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 into 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 works 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. 12:1-2).

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: 14, p. 426
July 16, 1992

By Lewis Willis

“Study” is such a noble thing (2 Tim. 2:15). One would like to rejoice when learning that a “study” was underway, or has been conducted. However, in our 1991 world, 6 ‘study” has become an unsettling concept. It usually means the students have concluded that the Bible does not mean what it says, and they have come up with some new and better ideas than God set forth in the Scriptures. One such “study” is the subject of this article.

Several major denominations have committees studying the subject of sexual relationships, with a view to issuing new policies that will govern those denominations and their teachings on this subject. Every news publication which I have seen has had something to say about these studies some have written on it repeatedly. The Akron Beacon Journal (4-22, 4-27 and 5-4, 1991) covered the subject extensively. Following are some quotations from these articles.

A national committee of Presbyterians are “recommending the denomination rid itself of sexual taboos and view sexual relations as a God-given gift to be enjoyed by everyone, including single men and women, homosexuals and lesbians and responsible adolescents. . . The majority report attacks the sexual attitudes of the church and this country . . . It questions the importance Americans place on marriage … and says that maturity, not marriage, should determine when teens engage in intercourse. . . The church should endorse new family structures, including same-sex couples. . . Homosexual and lesbian couples should enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples. . . The Presbyterian Church has viewed marriage as a prerequisite to sexual intercourse and considered sex outside of marriage a sin. Those beliefs must change, or the church will be seen increasingly as irrelevant to most people’s life styles. . . The United Methodist Church . . . has tentatively decided to recommend dropping its condemnation of homosexual practice. . . The report says it is wrong to condemn non-marital sexual activity as unacceptable simply because it falls outside a particular formal, institutional pattern. . . A reformed Christian ethic of sexuality will not condemn . . . any sexual relationship in which there is genuine equality and mutual respect.” Four local preachers were interviewed, seeking their reaction to the reports. Three out of four – 75 percent – were pleased with the recommendations of the study committees.

Our world is engaged in promiscuous sex on a scale likened unto that of Sodom and Gomorrah and Grecian paganism. Sex outside of marriage is so rampant that the religious world is moving toward sanctioning it and eliminating all condemnation of such godless activity. People, young and old, are being told that they have a “right” to engage in pre-marital and extra-marital sexual relationships, including homosexuality, and no one has a “right” to condemn such. These churches, thinking they have a right to change God’s Law, are passing formal laws and rules so that such activity does not affect their “fellowship” in those churches. If the views of some brethren in the Lord’s church are adopted regarding marriage, divorce and remarriage, it appears that new “rights” will be granted to some in churches of Christ. At least, you will hear less condemnation of those in marriages condemned by the Scriptures. If it is wrong to condemn men such as Homer Hailey, teaching false doctrine on this subject, as Ed Harrell has said, how can we charge those who practice their teaching with sin? What we should do is teach people the truth, and tell them that if they practice error they cannot be in fellowship with God or his people (1 Jn. 1:6-7).

We, in churches of Christ, have no more right to re-write God’s Law respecting sex and marriage than the denominations have. An effort is underway in denominationalism to eliminate the sins of fornication, adultery and homosexuality. If their concepts are adopted, these abominations will become acceptable practice. If the teachings of some brethren are followed, there will be many in the fellowship of the church who have had multiple marriages – with divorces acquired for any cause – and the rules will be rewritten so that they will not be “condemned” for their practices.

Brethren, the Scriptures still teach that marriage is the only honorable place for sex (Heb. 13:4), that fornication and adultery are sins which will prevent entrance into heaven (Gal. 5:19-21), and that homosexual acts are unnatural, lustful and wrong (Rom. 1:2627). No “study” by a church committee can change that truth! The sanction of sin by well-known brethren does not turn it into righteousness! It is time for the religious world to tell its liberal leaders they have gone too far. And, it is time for some brethren to learn that the church will not tolerate their efforts to do the same thing denominations are doing. It will happen only if faithful brethren take a stand!

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 14, p. 421
July 16, 1992