Truth Magazine

By Wallace H. Little

George W. Cornell, a religious writer for the Associated Press, recently wrote: Scholars Seek True Words of Jesus. His article discussed Robert Funk and his “Jesus Seminar” deciding which New Testament words “Jesus actually spoke.” Can such arrogance do this? Dare created man pit his puny intellect against creating Divinity’s omniscience? These “scholars” apparently believe they know the Bible better than the men who penned God’s words as he inspired them. Except for the seriousness of it (Jn. 12:48), it’s laughable. How foolish (Psa. 14:1)!

The Bible claims inspiration (“God-breathed words”) twice (Job 32:8; 2 Tim. 3:16,17). In 1 Corinthians 2:11-13, the apostle Paul explains: “For who among men knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit of God. But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words” (ASV).

This inspiration fulfilled Jesus’ promise (Jn. 14:26; 15:26; 16:13). “. . . the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My name, . . . shall teach you all things, . . . bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you . . . testify of Me . . . guide you into all truth:. . .”

The Bible says the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost all are God (“God” is a plural noun). Christ was the creating God (Jn. 1:1-3; Heb. 1:1,2), the ” fulness of the Father . . . the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 1:19; 2:9). All spoke the same thing. What God the Father said, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit also said.

We’re in sad shape if our salvation depends on the “scholarship” of Mr. Funk and his “Jesus Seminar.” We either believe all the Bible or none of it. God gives us no other choice. Believers know all New Testament words are “true words of Jesus.” Skeptics know nothing.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 13, p. 390
July 4, 1991

By Raymond E. Harris

Thus far in this study of Holy Spirit baptism, we have discussed the action, the element, the agent and the subjects.

We have learned that the action of baptizing is always “dipping.” The element in this case is the Holy Spirit. The agent or administrator of Holy Spirit baptism was always Deity (Jesus or the Father). And, the only subjects or recipients of such baptism revealed in the New Testament were the twelve Apostles and the household of Cornelius (Acts 2 & 10).

In this article we want to consider the design of Holy Spirit baptism and draw some final conclusions.

5. The Design: When we discuss the “design” of Holy Spirit baptism we are talking about the aim, the goal, the intent, the purpose or reason for the action.

As we carefully study the two accounts of Holy Spirit baptism as revealed in the New Testament, we find that each was for a very specific, yet very different, purpose.

The Apostles

In the case of the Apostles we learn that as a result of Holy Spirit baptism they:

1. Would be taught all things John 14:26

2. Would remember all things that Jesus had taught them John 14:26

3. Would receive testimony concerning Jesus John 15:26

4. Would be guided into all truth John 16:13

5. Would learn of things to come John 16:13

6. Would receive power Acts 1:5-8

7. Would become witnesses for Jesus Acts 1:5-8

8. Spoke with tongues or languages they had not previously known Acts 2:4-11

9. Were empowered to preach the Gospel of Christ for the first time Acts 2:14

10. Were able to confirm that they were the men of God with the message of God Heb. 2:3-4

The Household of Cornelius

In the case of the household of Cornelius we learn that as a result of Holy Spirit baptism:

1. They spoke with tongues or languages they had not previously known Acts 10:46

2. They magnified God Acts 10:46

3. The Jews were astonished that the Gentiles received the gift as well as the Apostles . . . Acts 11:15-17; 11:15-17

4. Peter was convinced the Gentiles were to receive the blessings of the gospel Acts 10:47

5. All the Jews come to realize that “God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life . . Acts 11:18; 15:8-9

It is obvious from a study of the foregoing passages relative to Baptism in the Holy Spirit, that such baptism was always a gift. No one in all the New Testament was ever commanded to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. It was not something within the control of mankind.

What About Holy Spirit Baptism Today?

The last biblical record of Holy Spirit baptism was the household of Cornelius as recorded in Acts 10. That would have been about the year 43 A.D.

Now we come to the book of Ephesians, written about 64 A.D. In Ephesians 4:5, the Apostle Paul tells us that just as there is one Lord and one faith, so there is but one baptism. But, you ask, what is the one baptism of Ephesians 4? We discover the answer to this question by considering the design or purpose for Holy Spirit baptism. It was never for or in order to gain remission of sins and salvation. That was the purpose of water baptism (Acts 2:38; 8:35-39; 22:16).

Conclusion

1. The Apostles received Holy Spirit baptism to empower them to

(a) Know all the gospel

(b) Speak all languages to go into all the world.

(c) Work miracles to confirm that their message was from God.

2. The Apostles proved they were the men of God with the message of God by manifesting their great power.

3. The confirmed word is now recorded in the New Testament. We have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).

4. Because of the events at the household of Cornelius everyone was made to understand what Jesus meant when he told the Apostles to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.”

Hence, we see that today we have no need for Holy Spirit baptism. God’s word is forever confirmed and recorded and “whosoever will may come.” The purposes for Holy Spirit baptism have been completely and totally fulfilled.

The one baptism of Ephesians 4:5 is water baptism. It is for the “remission of sin.” Mankind will have need for such till the end of time.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 13, p. 396
July 4, 1991

By Ron Halbrook

Graduation from some level of schooling or training is a stepping-stone. It means that someone has been looking ahead, planning ahead, and making preparation for the future. It is a time of memories and reflections, but also a time to look to the future and to move forward in life. As we look ahead in life, we must also look above for guidance and direction from God. God gave the Bible as “a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105). What does God’s Word say to the graduate?

1. Life comes in steps and stages. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up” (Eccl. 3:lff). Every stage of life has its peculiar struggles and rewards. “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (7:8). Patience, preparation, and persistence pay off. There will be days of prosperity and days of adversity. We cannot go back to the past, but must go forward from one step and stage to another. What, then, does it all mean?

2. Rejoice and remember God. Is it possible to make sense out of the struggles and cycles of life on earth? Yes! While we are young, God wants us to learn to rejoice in the blessings of life and to put our trust in him as the Sustainer and Guide of our lives.

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth . . . .

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil (Eccl. 11:9; 12:1, 13-14).

The full meaning, purpose, and happiness of life is found in serving God. To love, honor, and obey God is man’s wholeness. Sin dishonors God, brings many sorrows, and ends in the eternal torment of hell. Every one of us will face God in Judgment Day, and spend eternity with God in heaven or away from God in hell (1 Thess. 4:17; 2 Thess. 1:7-10).

3. Be a faithful Christian. When young people come to an age of knowing right and wrong, and doing wrong, they can understand the truth of God’s pronouncement, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). We cannot escape or remove our sins, but Jesus died on the cross as the gift of God’s love to provide a perfect sacrifice for our sins (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8-9). We lay hold on God’s free gift of pardon when we meet the conditions of faith in the gospel, repentance from all sin, confession of Christ, and immersion in water (Mk. 16:16; Rom. 10:10; Acts 2:38). Then, we must be faithful to assemble with God’s people for worship and faithful to serve God in our daily lives.

4. Be unselfish, honest, and diligent in all things. To “love thy neighbor as thyself” is the second great commandment, next to loving God (Matt. 22:39). Unselfish love will make us honest and diligent in all the affairs of life. “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor” – it excludes adultery, murder, stealing, lying, covetousness, and such like (Rom. 13:9-10). We can work hard and excel as we make a living for our family, “provide things honest in the sight of all men,” and help people who are in need (Eph. 4:28; Rom. 12:17). Alcohol, illegal drugs, and gambling may be popular in certain circles, but such practices lead to many hurtful temptations and to the abuse of our fellow man.

5. Keep yourself pure for marriage, and pure in marriage. God made the sexual nature of mankind as a blessing in marriage, but immorality involves the perversion of this capacity. “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4). It may appear “exciting” to try sex outside of marriage, “but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:18). This perversion of a unique gift from God brings dreadful curses upon ourselves and our partners in sin. Resolve to marry someone who is worthy of your love and trust. Plan to spend a lifetime with this one, and this one alone. “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt. 19:4-9).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 13, p. 389
July 4, 1991

By David J. Halter

When I was a small boy growing up in West Tennessee we would travel almost every weekend to my grandfather’s farm in the west central Tennessee hills. I used to look forward to these trips because of the thrill of the outdoors. My brothers, cousins and I would spend endless days and hours exploring the woodlands and hills around grandfather’s farm.

As with most farmers, Daddy Joe Halter raised a variety of crops and farm animals such as corn, watermelons, cantaloupes, cotton, hogs, chickens and milk cows. One Saturday, grandma Halter had her boys catch an old rooster to butcher for Sunday dinner. Two of my daddy’s brothers, teenagers then, caught that old rooster and wrung his neck and then turned him loose in the yard. What a sight for my eyes! A chicken running around without his head!

One of the things my grandfather did was to keep several 5 gallon buckets on the back porch for table scraps. They were called “slop buckets.” Everything went into those buckets that could not be used for food. Nothing was wasted because money was hard to scrape out of those old sand and clay Tennessee hills.

About the most exciting part of a day was to watch Daddy Joe take the “slop buckets” to the hog pen and feed the hogs. Those hogs would fight, push, shove and bite in order to get the “slop.” The tenacity, ferociousness and meanness of those hogs has never left my memory.

That old hog story has a lesson for us today when it comes to our service for God. In the Old Testament book of Malachi, we find God accusing the children of Israel of violating his laws concerning offerings:

Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? Saith the Lord (Mal. 1:7-8).

The Law of Moses specifically prohibited the offering of animals which were blemished in any way (Lev. 22:21-22). The children of Israel were to offer to God only the best of what they have been blessed with.

In our worship of God today in the church, he expects no less of Christians.

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:6-7).

Too often we offer in worship that which is blemished. Sometimes folks are too tired (from running around Saturday nights and every other night); too busy with earthly pursuits; out of money to give to God liberally, to give to God scripturally (Jn. 4:23,24; Rom. 12:1,2; 1 Cor. 11:27-30).

In closing, let me just say this about the hogs and the Lord. Those hogs were glad to get table scraps, God isn’t!

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 13, p. 399
July 4, 1991