Truth Magazine

By Joe R. Price

Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? (Rom. 10:13-15)

The country of Romania desperately needs the gospel of Jesus Christ. While spending almost six weeks in Bucharest, Romania this spring adopting our new daughter (May 15-June 21), many exciting things happened. One of the most exciting was my opportunity to observe its society and to assess the prospects of preaching the gospel in that Eastern European country. While a number of obstacles exist which must be considered by anyone going there to preach the word, I believe that an effective work of spreading the gospel can be done there.

Since the end of World War II, Romania has been ruled by communistic dictators who made no secret of their opposition to Christianity. Children were openly taught in school that they were their own god and that religion is dangerous and destructive. One Romanian told me that this description of religion was reinforced by using examples, such as the Jim Jones massacre in South America. Such atheistic instruction has reaped its harvest of godless values. Materialism, greed and worldliness abound in Romanian society. And, many Romanians are equally skeptical of their own Romanian Orthodox Church (the state church). During the past 45 years, their priests were often informants for the government. As one Romanian woman told me, “How could I trust a priest with my life’s problems, when he might turn my name over to the secret police?!” Besides the error of the Orthodox Church’s priesthood system (Jas. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:5,9), one can see how such behavior might cause distrust toward others who go there preaching the gospel of Christ.

With the overthrown of the Caucescu regime in December 1989, Romania did open its borders to numerous religious organizations (some had already been granted official status). It is now permitted to take Bibles and religious materials into Romania. Distribution is also permitted and is easily arranged. (I gave away 25 Bibles, 50 Bible correspondence booklets and 250 Bible tracts within the span of 30 minutes on a street corner!) Many religious groups now have a presence there (including an institutionally-minded church of Christ in Bucharest of about 75 members). While I was there, the leader of the Romanian Orthodox Church led a debate in the Romanian Parliament asking why so many missionaries from the West were coming to Romania. Obviously, he does not see the need and wants restrictions placed upon such work. However, interest in other religions appears to be growing. And yet, this interest is hard to accurately access. Many Romanians have a strong desire to leave their country, and the appeal of a religion from the West often carries with it the hope of escaping the political and economic chaos and hardship of Romania. Therefore, any proclamation of the gospel in Romania must emphasize that one obeys the gospel to enter Christ, not to enter the West (1 Cor. 2:1-5; Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27; 2 Cor. 5:17).

In practically every village of Romania, the most prominent structure is a Romanian Orthodox Church building. To a Romanian, the church is the building. And, while many Romanians consider themselves Christians, they believe they are granted moral liberty by their church. While talking with one Romanian about true worship and the need to regularly assemble with fellow Christian, he told me that as a member of the Orthodox Church he had “liberty” to do as he pleased. If he wanted to smoke or drink (which practically every Romanian does), it was not sin. It was evident to me that many Romanians separate their religious life from their moral life (this is no different from any other place, including America!). These is little or no concept of sin against God, even among those who consider themselves Christians (Psa. 51:4; Rom. 6:1-2). Anyone preaching the gospel there must be prepared to demonstrate that Christianity produces a radical change in lifestyle and is not a religion of convenience (Acts 26:20; Eph. 4:17-24; Col. 3:5-11). As one Romanian told me, “Our country is lacking a moral foundation. That must change if our society is to improve.”

Preaching the gospel in Romania (particularly Bucharest) will mean dealing with the presence of liberal brethren, who have been there since the first of this year. The Eastern European Missions organization (headquartered in Vienna, Austria and supported by churches in the U.S.) has sent preachers into Romania, and there are also churches in the U.S. which are sponsoring an English School which is conducted during the week at the same location the church meets. This church-operated English School is their major point of contact with native Romanians, as the Bible is their textbook. While teaching English to Romanians may indeed be an expedient means of introducing the gospel to them, such unauthorized arrangements must be avoided, and will have to be addressed by brethren as they preach the gospel there.

Taking the gospel to Romania will mean confronting the economic realities of this third world, communistic society. Its economy is in shambles. There have been two major commodity price increases there this year, yet wages have not kept pace. Romanian currency, the leu, is practically worthless. The exchange rate at the bank during my visit was 60 lei to the dollar.. But, many individuals were exchanging lei for dollars at the rate of 175 to 1. While a monthly salary averages 4000 lei, an average pair of shoes costs about 3000 lei! Consequently, the people are hungry for U. S. dollars. Any American going to Romania can expect to pay for many of the things he needs in dollars (at an inflated price, of course). Housing is mostly found in apartment buildings (called blocks) which rise to heights of 10-15 stories. Foreigners can obtain housing (either rent or buy), but only by using dollars. For a person intending to move there, it would be very helpful to have a Romanian contact assist in arranging a place to live. While single family housing does exist, most Romanians cannot afford it. A possible suggestion for preaching the gospel in the Bucharest area would be to rent or purchase a house which could serve as a meeting place for worship and classes, as well as lodging for preachers.

Food shortages do exist, depending upon the time of year. Romania has rich farmland, but much of its produce is exported for currency (to support its domestic work force). Such items as butter and cooking oil were in short supply during my stay. And, lines can be seen as people wait to buy what is available. Winter is expected to bring with it many more shortages. Don’t expect to find McDonald’s, Denny’s or an American style supermarket in Romania!

Medical care in Romania is archaic by western standards. The hospitals are reminiscent of those of the 1940s and 50s. Even the most common medical supplies are not always available. Syringes am still used for multiple patients (which led to the spread of AIDS among many children there). The doctor I stayed with told me of hospitals without rubbing alcohol! Obviously, one going to Romania to preach the gospel will not receive the level of medical care in Romania we have come to take for granted in America.

The past two years have seen a great deal of political unrest in Romania. There was the December 21-22, 1989 revolution which ousted Nicolai Caucescu. Then, the riots of June 13-15, 1990, which saw many Romanians killed when coal miners were hauled into Bucharest to put down the unrest. I witnessed near riot conditions in Bucharest during the anniversary of this event, as eight bus loads of soldiers with riot gear stood by if needed. It is clear that many Romanians are dissatisfied with their current government, which is still very communistic. Unless economic and political reforms show some real progress soon, I fear that more violence will erupt.

Getting into and out of Romania, while possible, is still quite an adventure. Entering by train took three hours at the border. Entering by automobile can take up to 24 hours. Armed guards patrol the borders and the airport. There is no easy access into the country. Expect to be searched and searched again when entering and leaving Romania.

One might be tempted to say “Romania is a lost cause” after considering the religious, moral, economic and political conditions of the country. But remember with me the Roman Empire of the first century. It was religiously and morally bankrupt. It was steeped in paganism and idolatrous immoralities. Economic hardships were a way of life for millions, and political unrest could be found throughout the kingdom. Yet, the gospel of Christ was “preached in all creation under heaven” (Col. 1: 23). Souls were saved, churches were established, and the influence of Christianity spread (Acts 8:4; 1 Thess. 1:7-9; Rom. 1:8; Matt. 5:13-16). Our faith in the power of the gospel of Christ as well as our compassion for lost souls must compel us to give serious consideration to taking the gospel to this country which so desperately needs it. Unless we act, Satan will continue to hold sway over the 22 million souls of that nation.

Can such a task be accomplished? Yes, but two things will be needed. First, churches must be willing to support preachers to go to Romania to preach the gospel (Acts 13:1-3; Phil. 1:3-7; 4:15-17). There is currently a great deal of interest among brethren over Eastern Europe. This must not merely be a momentary concern. Let it be a genuine zeal to do what can be done to spread the gospel to these lost souls. There must be an ongoing commitment to sustain men in Romania to do the work there.

Secondly, there must be preachers who are willing and able to do the work which needs to be done. I had the wonderful opportunity to visit with five fellow preachers in Bucharest before I returned home. Brethren Buddy Payne, Gary Odgen, Joe Rose, Lonnie Fritz and David Teel were touring Eastern Europe to visit brethren, distribute literature, and to survey future opportunities for spreading the gospel. Brethren Rose, Fritz and Teel intend to move to Eastern Europe in the near future. We discussed at length the Romanian situation and the prospects of men going there to preach. Let there be no doubt, sacrifices will have to be made by preachers and their families in order to accomplish the work there. Communication with the West is difficult, food and medicine are not plentiful, and political revolt is possible. But, the rewards will be tremendous! I found the Romanian people to be warm and friendly, eager to help. Although I speak no Romanian, the language barrier was not a problem, since many Romanians also speak English. The gospel must be sown there. It will find receptive hearts (Lk. 8:11-15).

Due to the current situations which exist in Romania, my recommendation is that, if possible, a rotation of preachers alternate going into Romania. Perhaps two or more men could go to Bucharest (a city of about 2 million) and obtain housing, etc. with the help of contacts which already exist there. After staying for a period of several months, they could rotate out as other men move in. This would eliminate the need of taking a family into the difficult circumstances of Romanian society. And, it would allow for some continuity to be maintained in the work. However, this would require the harmonious (not to mention scriptural) working of a number of evangelists. Perhaps brethren based in Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, or some other European country could make such expeditions into Romania to begin and strengthen the work there. Or, brethren from the States could go whenever possible. Any scriptural arrangement is encouraged. I would be happy to discuss this sort of effort with anyone who is interested.

When the Lord sought for one to go to Israel to warn the nation of its sins and to urge repentance, he said “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah replied, “Here am I; send me” (Isa. 6:8). Who is ready? Who will answer the call to take the gospel to Romania? “How shall they believe in him whom they have not heard And how shall they hear without a preacher?”

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 17, pp. 520-522
September 5, 1991

By Eric Norford

This writer heard a story a few years ago about a twelve year old girl that came from a family that had split. The mother and father divorced after fifteen plus years of marriage. The father had been committing fornication with an eighteen year old girl. The father thought his children would understand and love his new wife. However their reaction was the opposite.

It is very sad to say that the majority of homes in our society are like this one: husband and wife divorce because one did not remain faithful to the vows each made before God and man. There are even homes that split for no reason. What is even sadder is that some Christians have divorced for no reason that is scriptural and some even for scriptural grounds.

What we need to do is go back to what the Bible says about the home. When we see what God wants in the home, then the problems we face as Christians, can be put to flight. What does God want in the home? He wants commitment from the husband and wife, father and mother, and children. Until all are committed to God and his ways in regard to the home, our homes and lives will not be pleasing to God.

Committed Spouses

God wants a husband and wife to be committed to each other. In Genesis 2:24, we find the institution of marriage given by God. God saw that is was not good for man to be alone, so he took a rib from man and made a woman and brought her unto the man. When Adam saw the woman, he made this statement from God, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be one flesh. ” God intended from the beginning that a man and a woman stay together for life. However, we find later that man began to take more than one wife and began to put away his wives. It is true that God allowed this to happen throughout the Old Testament, but “from the beginning it was not so.” God never intended for a man to have more than one wife. If he wanted that to occur, would he not have created two?

We have Jesus in Matthew 19:3-9 replying to the Pharisees’ questions regarding marriage-divorce- remarriage. Jesus goes back to the beginning of creation to show that God joined the man and the woman together and said, “What God joined together man was not to put it asunder.”

What we need today are spouses committed to each other. Wives are to be in subjection to their own husbands as the church is to Christ. Husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. This is illustrated brilliantly in Christ and the church (Eph. 5:22-33).

Our young people need to be taught what God wants in a marriage relationship. One man for one woman for life. If they are not brought up this way, what will become of our society or the church?

Committed Parents

God wants committed parents. Children are a heritage of the Lord (Psa. 127:3-5) and a gift from God (Gen. 33:5). It is a tremendous responsibility to bring up children, Children are dependent upon their parents and parents need to be there for them. This means parents must spend time with their children. In our society, we have gotten away from this, In the 1930’s and ’40’s, parents spent about three to four hours daily with their kids; however, in the 1980’s and early ’90’s, parents spend about fifteen minutes daily with them (according to present statistics). Have you ever wondered why crime is up all across this country? Most of it has to do with children not receiving enough attention from father and mother. The gang problems throughout this country are a case in point. The child comes home from school to an empty house and becomes lonely. In order to cure the boredom, he will go out and do something just to receive the attention that he is craving. If parents will be there for their children, then the child is not as likely to go out and do something wrong.

According to Ephesians 6:4, “fathers are to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” How can this be effectively done if the father spends little or no time with his child? If you train up a child in the way that he should go, then when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6). We need to tell our children Bible stories every day because a failure to do so could bring great pain for the parents.

Children also need to be disciplined when they do something wrong. This is for the benefit of the child, so when he gets older he will not do this wrong thing again. Parents, when they discipline, do it out of love. It is up to the parents to decide whether corporal punishment or something else should be used. The Scriptures talk about discipline in Proverbs; the wise man says on several occasions, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes” (13:24), “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying ” (19:18), ” Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell” (23:13-14), and “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (29:15). Discipline needs to be done or we will have a generation that will not be able to tell what is right or wrong.

We need parents committed to their children. They need to spend a great amount of time with them to tell them about God and life.

Committed Children

God wants committed children. Paul says in Ephesians 6:1-3, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thyfather and mother, which is thefirst commandment with promise,- that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” There is a movement among us that is trying to win children’s rights and involved with this are the following: children can do whatever they want, they can talk back to their parents, they do not have to obey them, they can sue their parents if they get a spanking, etc. God forbid! Children are to be in subjection to their parents. They are to obey their parents even if they don’t like doing what they were told to do.

Children will one day take care of their parents. When mom and dad get old in years and cannot do much, this is the time that children are to requite their parents (1 Tim. 5:4).

We need children committed to their parents and God, so they will teach their children the same way.

Conclusion

God has an answer for every aspect of the home, if we will only heed to what he says. Our homes will be better, and divorce will be the farthest thing from our minds. God does not like the home to be torn apart by man’s wisdom because he first instituted it and sustains it. Are we committed to our spouses? Are we committed to our children? Are we committed to our parents? If we are to be pleasing to God, we better be. May God help us to keep our homes pure.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 17, pp. 518-519
September 5, 1991

By Larry Ray Hafley

The words of the Bible are the words of the Holy Spirit, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21). Paul affirmed this same truth concerning the New Testament (1 Cor. 2). He called it “the testimony of God” (v. 2), and “the wisdom of God” (v. 7). Those things ” revealed” and “received” were spoken and written, “not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but (in words – LRH) which the Holy Spirit teacheth” (vv. 10-14; 2 Thess. 2:15; 1 Cor. 14:37). Thus, when we read the Bible, we are reading the revelation of the Holy Spirit.

Why is this important? Many religious people have no respect or reverence for the authority of the Bible as the word of God. Instead, they turn to their own priests, pastors, preachers and prophets as a source of divine revelation. What the Pope or some council or human decree declares is defended and given deference and preference over the Bible. They claim that the Holy Spirit provides inspiration and illumination through their church’s chosen leaders. They accept the words of these men as the words of the Spirit while they denigrate the Bible.

If you doubt this, why are the churches today holding their ecclesiastical conventions to decide such matters as women pastors, acceptance of homosexuality, and the qualifications of elders, bishops and priests? In part, it is because they do not view the Bible as the authoritative word of God, as a communication of the Spirit. It is necessary, therefore, that we “know assuredly” that the Bible is the word of the Spirit of God. As such, it is final, complete and absolute in power and authority (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Jude 3; 2 Jn. 9).

(1) In Jeremiah 36, the very words of God were written. “This word came unto Jeremiah from the Lord saying, take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken. . . . Then Jeremiah called Baruch . . . and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the Lord which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book. And Jeremiah commanded Baruch . . . go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the Lord in the cars of the people. . . . And Baruch . . . did according to all that Jeremiah . . . commanded him, reading in the book the words of Jeremiah . . . . When Michaiah . . . had heard out of the book all the words of the Lord. . . ” (Jer. 36: 1-11).

The facts are too plain to miss. The words of the Lord were given to Jeremiah who spoke them to Baruch. Baruch wrote them in a book. When the words of Jeremiah were read, the people were hearing the word of God. The same thing is true today when we read the words of the Bible.

(2) In Hebrews 3:4, the writer cites Psalm 95:7-11. He says the text was that which “the Holy Spirit saith.” In Hebrews 4:7, the Hebrew writer again quotes Psalm 95, but this time he says that God spoke “in David,” or through David. As David said, “The Spirit of the Lord spake by (through – LRH) me, and his word was in my tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2; cf. Mic. 3:8). So, when we read the Bible, we are reading what “the Holy Spirit saith.”

(3) In Hebrews 8:8, the author refers to Jeremiah 31:31-34. The text in Jeremiah, the Hebrew writer says, is what “saith the Lord” (vv. 8, 9, 10). Again, in Hebrews 10:15, reference is made to Jeremiah 31. This time the author says, “the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before. . . . ” Then he quotes the passage in Jeremiah 31. Hence, “the Holy Spirit said” what was written in the passage. When we read the Bible, we are reading what “the Holy Spirit saith.”

(4) “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith” (1 Tim. 4:1). These are the express, explicit words of the Spirit, “the words of the faith” (1 Tim. 4:6 – NASB). When we read what Paul wrote, we are reading the word of the Spirit, “the commandments of the Lord,” “the word of God” (1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Thess. 2:15; 1 Cor. 11:23; 14:37). Paul’s words were Scripture, God breathed, received “by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:16; Gal. 1:12; Eph. 3:3).

(5) “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him . . . and he sent and signified it . . . unto John: who bare record of the word of God and of the testimony of Jesus Christ. . . . Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written” (Rev. 1:1-3). Jesus told John, “What thou seest, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia and unto Laodicea” (Rev. 1:11).

Observe that to each of those seven churches, it was said, “Unto the angel of the church . . . write” (Rev. 2:1,8,12, IS; 3:1,7,14). After each church was addressed, each was told, “He that hath an car (churches have “ears” – Acts 11:22) let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22). What was written was what “the Spirit saith.” When we read what “the holy apostles and prophets” wrote in the Bible, we are reading the “revelation of Jesus Christ,” and “what the Spirit saith.”

(6) In Revelation 14:13, John said, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord . . . saith the Spirit.” What John wrote came from a voice which came from heaven, and it was what the Holy spirit said. Can language be plainer?

Conclusion

At one time, and in various ways, God spoke unto the fathers by the prophets. Now, though, he speaks unto us through his Son, Jesus the Christ (Heb. 1:1,2; Jn. 7:16; 8:28; 12:49). The Holy Spirit guided the apostles into “all (not part, not some, but all) truth,” giving them “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Jn. 14:26; 15:26,27; 16:13; Gal. 1:12; 1 Cor. 11:23; 14:37). When we read “their word,” we are reading what “the Spirit saith,” for Jesus gave unto the apostles the words which God gave unto him (Jn. 17:6,14,20).

Acts 2 demonstrates the texts above. Peter’s speech is recorded – “Peter . . . lifted up his voice, and said . . . hearken to my words . . . hear these words . . . let me freely speak” (vv. 14,22,29). But these words were spoken “as the Holy Spirit gave (him) utterance” (v. 4). What Peter said and what Luke recorded was what “the Spirit saith.”

What, then, is God’s will? What does the Holy Spirit say concerning baptism, women preachers, homosexuality, or any thing that pertains “unto life and godliness”? What saith the answer of God? We do not need a Catholic Pope nor a Protestant prophet to tell us. If we would know the truth of God on any question, if we desire to hear what the Holy Spirit saith on any topic or subject, we have but to read what the Bible says. Oh, how desperately do men need this lesson today as they vainly seek truth on numerous issues in the councils and conventions of men!

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 17, pp. 515-516
September 5, 1991

By Mike Willis

We continue to examine Philippians 4 to learn principles of spiritual health which enable us to enjoy life’s best moments and to endure its adversities. We have previously emphasized that good spiritual health requires the following: (a) Rejoicing in the Lord; (b) Letting your moderation be known to all men; (c) Living with the awareness that the Lord is at hand; (d) Being anxious for nothing. Good spiritual health also requires that we think on those things described below:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Phil. 4:8).

Let us examine the teachings of this verse.

Mistaken Concepts Drawn From This Verse

In the last century, as the science of psychology developed, men began to study the power of thought over physical health. Mary Baker Eddy and several others reached the conclusion that thoughts control the body’s physical health. Christian Science taught that all disease was the result of wrong thinking; if man could quit thinking wrong thoughts, he could heal his illnesses. Others have developed similar, but less excessive, aberrations by teaching that “anything a person can think he can do” (see books on positive thinking) . If a person can control his thoughts, he can change his living conditions and his accomplishments. Believing this, efforts were made to control the subliminal thinking of man through various mind control techniques (such as listening to tapes played over and over) . The religious book stores are flooded with motivational books and other materials which teach the positive mental attitude philosophy. These authors have tried to “sanctify and cleanse” the positive mental attitude doctrines of its philosophical origins by the quotation and misapplication of several Bible passages, such as Proverbs 4:23 and Philippians 4:8. The positive thinkers have a philosophy toward life which was developed outside the Bible, is laced with false teaching, and leads to doctrinal consequences contrary to the revealed word of God. These philosophers write as if their philosophy was found by a careful study of the Bible when, in reality, the philosophy of uninspired men has been sugar coated with a few Bible platitudes to make it acceptable to the unsuspecting.

We will do well to avoid the excessive claims made from this verse in understanding what it is teaching.

A Scriptural Principle

The Bible truth which is recognized and expressed in this verse is that sin in one’s life springs from sin in one’s heart. If a person will keep his heart from meditating on sinful conduct, he will keep his life free from sin. (Notice that the passage is saying nothing about financial success, achieving promotions on the job, or other physical achievements.) Sin comes from the heart (Matt. 15:19). By keeping one’s heart pure, he can avoid the temptations of sin (Prov. 4:23 -“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”).

The heart should meditate on the word of God. Notice these verses which command us to fill our heart with God’s word:

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night (Psa. 1:2).

Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word (Psa. 119:148; cf. 119:15,23,48,78).

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psa. 119:11).

Paul specifically commands Christians to think on things which are:

a. True, in contrast to that which is false, a lie, whether it be with reference to God or man. H.A.W. Meyer says that “true” refers to “that which is morally true; that is, that which is in harmony with the objective standard of morality contained in the gospel.”

b. Honest, from the Greek ward semna, refers to things that are revered or venerated. The adjective describes persons in 1 Timothy 3:8,11 and Titus 2:2, where it stands opposed to double tongue, to intemperance and avarice, to slander and unfaithfulness. The AV follows the old English use of the word honest as derived from honorable. It is opposed to that which is mean, frivolous, indecorous, and unworthy.

c. Just are things which are in accordance with eternal and unchanging rectitude.

d. Pure points to that which is free from all debasing elements, clear in nature, transparent in purpose, leaving no blot on the conscience and no stain on the character.

c. Lovely describes “whatever modes of action tend to endear him that does them, to give him with others not simply the approval of their judgment, but to open for him a place in their hearts – whatever things breathe the spirit of that religion which is love, and the doing of which should be homage to Him who is Love.”

f. Of good report describes “things on being seen lead all who behold them to exclaim – ‘Well-done!’ – or indicate on the part of the actor such elements of character as are usually admired and well spoken of; deeds that sound well on being named, whether they consist of chivalrous generosity or meek condescension – a great feat or a good one – noble in idea or happy in execution. “

g. Virtue describes “moral excellence.”

h. Praise may be used of anything worthy of praise or of praise itself. (Note: the definitions given in this list are largely cited from John Eadic’s Greek Text Commentaries: Philippians).

Some Dangers To Avoid

Good spiritual health will be destroyed when we allow our minds to grovel in moral filth. With that in mind, we call attention to some dangers to good spiritual health.

1. Television. Television programs use sitcoms to undermine our moral values, whether it be through conversations which make moral righteousness look absurd and unattractive (think of the conversations which undermine moral righteousness regarding abortion, homosexuality, safe sex, etc.) or by desensitizing our conscience through repeated exposure to ungodly conduct (usually ungodly conduct is presented in such a way that one sympathizes with the ungodly and those who are morally upright are put in a repugnant light). Television displays nudity and other forms of lascivious conduct (dancing, heavy petting). One’s thoughts are exposed to moral filth if he has a steady diet of television.

2. Music. The music of today, whether it be rock or country western, glorifies drinking, fornication, drugs, and other forms of immoral conduct.

3. Literature. There are many pornographic magazines which are popular on the college campus. Many romance novels are little more than erotica.

To allow one’s mind to be filled with morally debased conduct will weaken his resistance to the temptation to sin.

Things Which Stimulate Good Thinking

There are some things which encourage higher thoughts more conducive to purer living. Here are some of them.

1. Reading the Bible. This should go without saving.

2. Considering God’s works. The psalmist wrote, “I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings” (Psa. 77:12). We should meditate on God’s work in creation and in redemption.

3. Read good literature. If we can understand the need to warn brethren not to read such periodicals as Playboy, Penthouse’ Hustler, and other salacious literature, we should also see the need to recommend good literature to brethren, such as Guardian of Truth, Searching the Scriptures, Gospel Anchor, Gospel Truths, etc. We should recommend to our brethren good books which help them understand the Bible better and encourage them to read good literature.

4. Associate with good friends. Our friends have a powerful impact on what we think, through their conversations and deeds. We should avoid friends who tempt us to do things which God condemns (1 Cor. 15:33).

5. Listen to good music. I enjoy the good tapes of religious music which have been produced by the Favorite Hymns Quartet, the Guyer Brothers, and Florida College, as well as some produced by our liberal brethren. Our thoughts will dwell on a higher plane when listening to these good songs, rather than the country western and rock music played on the radio. One also can listen to the Bible, sermons and Bible classes on tape recordings as he travels.

Conclusion

Christians need to be reminded that they cannot fill their minds with moral filth and not expect the devil’s allurements and temptations to affect them. For this reason, God commanded that his children think on things which are pure. Conscious of this, David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, 0 Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psa. 19:14).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 17, pp. 514, 532-533
September 5, 1991