Truth Magazine

By Lewis Willis

Until now, I have been a private environmentalist. Not anymore! In the past I have been totally “turned off” by the public displays of environmentalist groups. All of us have heard of Earth Day, which is an effort to get us to realize what we are doing to this place where we live. The protest movements at various sites of environmental damage have inspired as much disgust as they have sympathy for the cause. It was frightening to learn of the threat to residential health at Love Canal. It was disgusting to learn of a movement to shut down a sawmill town of 30,000 in Washington, putting people out of work, to save 10 owls. Animals of various kinds and sizes have become extinct throughout history. While it is bad that modern children cannot see them, our civilization has survived the loss. There are still a lot of animals and birds around. Thus, I will not join any marches to promote the cause.

However, even though we are not out protesting, isn’t it a cause of concern what we are doing to the earth? We see scenes of smog pollution in Los Angeles, with the accompanying protest by people who have flown in from all over the country. The smog is caused mostly by car, truck and airplane exhaust. Do these environmentalist think the planes they flew in on burn water for fuel, and emit no harmful smog-causing exhaust emissions? They are not very consistent. But though they are not consistent, we have to agree that we are messing up this place!

Last Saturday, a week ago, was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and there was a spring-like feel in the air. I swept out the mud and salt the cars had brought into the garage through the Winter. I swept up the leaves that had blown inside the patio fence. I even washed a couple of windows. I decided to pick up the papers that had blown onto the lawn since last fall. It was appalling to see the garbage that was there. Empty cigarette packages, gum wrappers, straws, shipping tape, hamburger boxes and wrapping, beer cans – I could go on. Things which thoughtless, uncaring people just decided to throw down on the ground because they were too stinking lazy to take them to a trash can. I wonder about the mentality of people sometimes. I have never tasted beer in my lifetime, but I could not tell you how many beer cans and bottles I have picked up off my lawn, deposited there by ignorant people who think they have a right to throw their trash any where they want to. The church parking lot joins my backyard. I found numerous huge globs of chewed gum that had been thrown onto the lawn. You know, that gum disappears into the snow when snow is on the ground, but it is always there for someone to have to pick up or step in when the snow melts. How do you feel when you step in the gum of somebody who believed they had a right to throw it on the sidewalk? About the same as when you stepped in it on the lawn? Have we reached a point where we do not even care about the way we are trashing up this place where we live? Were we raised to do things like this?

The Bible says that God created the earth (Gen. 1:1). Solomon said that the Lord used his wisdom in making the earth (Prov. 3:19). David said the earth is full of God’s riches (Psa. 104:24). His glory and handiwork are shown by his creation (Psa. 19:1). The earth is the Lord’s (Psa. 24:1; 1 Chron. 29:11). When God had completed his creative work, he declared it “good.” God then made man and delivered to him his beautiful creation (Gen. 1:27-31). He did not put man in the Garden of Eden to trash it. He put man in Eden to dress it and to keep it (Gen. 2:15). The very first problem encountered by the earth was produced by man’s sin. “Thorns and thistles” appeared on the earth as punishment for the sin of Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:18). The fortunes of the earth have been going downhill ever since.

I do not suppose we should be terribly surprised at this. The church manifests the wisdom of God who brought it into existence (Eph. 3:10-11). It is his handiwork (Eph. 2:10). But, look what men have done with the church of God. In like manner, the earth manifests the wisdom of God who brought it into existence. It is his handiwork. But, look what man has done with the earth.

It seems that it is past time for God-fearing people to realize the blessing we have in the earth that God provided for us and start taking care of it. The plastic bags we bring our groceries home in, and which we use in disposing of our garbage, will be around in landfills for no one knows how long. I don’t know what to do about that, but, it is not necessary for me to drive down the highway, or in front of your house, and throw my trash out the window of my car. Somebody has to pick it up, unless I decide not to throw it down. Thousands of dollars in taxes are spent yearly picking up trash on the nation’s highways, which could be used for something productive if we would just stop and think what we are doing. Somebody even had to pick up the trash left by those who gathered to celebrate Earth Day. These great environmentalists just threw their trash on the ground like everybody else! A federal program is not needed to solve the problem of neighborhood trash. We just need to think about what we are doing to God’s creation.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 11, p. 328
June 6, 1991

By Raymond E. Harris

As we discuss religion with our neighbors, relatives and friends, we find there is much confusion regarding the Holy Spirit. There is much discussion about who the Spirit is and what he might be doing today. The roll of the Holy Spirit in the conversion of sinners is always a hot topic; and, invariably we get to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

As we enter into this study of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit we want to consider the action, the element, the agent, the subject, and the design involved in such.

1. The Action: The action of baptism is always the same regardless of what one is baptized into. It is regrettable that most Bible translators anglicized the Greek words baptisma and baptizo into “baptism” and “baptize,” rather than simply to translate the words into English. A literal translation would be “immersion” and “to dip.” In other words when one baptizes another, he dips him. When one is baptized he is immersed.

Notice the action described in the following Scriptures. Mark 1:9: “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw. . . ” Hence, when Jesus was baptized in water, he was immersed in the Jordan River and came up out of the water.

Acts 8:36,38-39: “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip.” Again we see that when the eunuch was baptized in water, he went down into the water, he was baptized or dipped and then he came up out of the water. The action of “baptism” is always the same.

So with Holy Spirit baptism. Those who received this baptism were “immersed” as that is the meaning or definition of the term.

2. The element: When the New Testament speaks of water baptism, it means immersion in water. When the New Testament speaks of Holy Spirit baptism, it means immersion in the Holy Spirit.

Note the following Scriptures: In Acts 1:5, 8, Jesus instructed his Apostles, “For John truly baptized with water; but ye (the apostles, R.E. H.) shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.” “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Hence, we see that Jesus promised the Apostles that they would shortly receive Holy Spirit baptism and that as a result of that baptism, they would receive power to witness or preach concerning Jesus.

Now, let’s consider the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to the Apostles as found in Acts 2:1-4: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Notice that in Acts 1:5, 8 Jesus promised the Apostles that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Jesus did not say they would be baptized by the Holy Spirit but rather “with” or in the Holy Spirit. He said that when that baptism took place they (the Apostles) would receive power. Now as we look at Acts 2:14, we see that when baptism in the Holy Spirit took place, it was manifested by a sound that sounded like the rushing wind and the appearance of cloven or divided tongues that looked like fire. It is written that these fire like tongues sat upon each of the Apostles. As a result of being baptized in the Holy Spirit the Apostles were empowered to speak various languages.

In Acts 2:6,8,11 we are told that the multitude which gathered immediately after the Apostles received Holy Spirit baptism were confounded. They noted that the Apostles were Galileans but they were able to speak in the many languages of the people. They quizzed, “How hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born?” They marveled, “We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”

So, we summarize by saying that Holy Spirit baptism has to do with one being immersed, in the Holy Spirit. This baptism was accompanied by supernatural manifestations of unusual sights and sounds. Holy Spirit baptism also caused the recipients to receive supernatural power to speak in unlearned languages and to magnify God (see Acts 10:44-46; 11: 15-17). (All special emphasis such as italics in Scripture text mine, R.E.H.)

To Be Continued.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 11, p. 329
June 6, 1991

By Clarence W. Fell

For sometime now I have been making a list of evangelism ideas. I have culled out the foolish and kept the more sensible. This is not a list of brand new ideas, it’s just a list of ideas. Some of the ideas may never be appropriate for you. That’s fine. Ignore the ones that don’t work for you and focus on the ones that do.

1. Rotate among various ideas. Experiment with various ideas and combinations and see what works in your location. Don’t get stuck in a discouraging rut. Work one for a while and them move on to another idea. Don’t use just one way unless it really works. Sometimes two or three ideas can work together complimenting one another. Choose a combination that works for you.

2. Give a copy of this list to all interested members and ask for their comments. Sometimes an idea list like this will spark new and better ideas.

3. Gospel meetings (weekend or all week along).

a. Various subjects with the same speaker or different speakers.

b. Have a theme, using the same speaker or different speakers.

4. Classes on popular subjects (evolution, abortions etc.).

a. One night a week other than Sunday or Wednesday.

b. Place ad in paper and other media as desired.

c. Hold class at a location other than church building (park, home, library, rented room … etc.). This may bring in some people that attend a denomination and those who hesitate to go to a “church building.”

5. Short radio spots, 10 to 30 seconds, presenting a brief biblical thought and closing with schedule of services and invitation to attend.

6. Short T. V. spots, similar to radio spots, presenting a brief biblical thought and closing with schedule of services and invitation to attend.

7. Newspaper article once a week, or as appropriate. 100-500 words. Close with schedule of services and invitation to attend.

8. Tract-A-Month club. Announce through bulletin, word of mouth and other media as desired. This is not an official organized club. It is simply a way to encourage members and non-members to read tracts. Choose one tract a month to advertise and distribute among those interested. Have a monthly discussion group and talk about the tract.

9. Mail out letters and follow up with a friendly phone call or visit. Tell about film strips or Christian evidences or mail lesson one of a correspondence course. I have heard of congregations using a mass mailing service to mail thousands of pieces. Normally 3 to 5 percent response is considered very successful for mass mailing campaigns.

10. Film strips, slides and video. (See a catalog for available titles.)

11. Public debates on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Choose a topic with wide appeal, perhaps abortion, evolution, humanism, capital punishment . . . etc. Technical issues that only members of the church understand will generally not have wide appeal. However, there is a time and place for such debates.

12. Dial-A-Message. A caller receives a brief recorded message and then has the option to leave his name and address for further information. Advertize phone number in various media as desired.

13. Vacation Bible School or Summer Study Series in morning or evening.

14. Bulletins. Encourage members to distribute by hand or mail. Plan bulletin to have an article for the lost and an article for the Christian.

15. New comers list. Some towns have a list of all new people to the area. Send each new family a letter of welcome and invite them to services. Include any material deemed appropriate, perhaps a tract on “What to Expect When You Visit”

or “Who Is The Church of Christ?” Follow up with a visit or a phone call.

16. Branching through members. Encourage members to turn in names or set up home Bible studies.

17. Local radio talk show (half to full hour). Speaker interviews a guest or covers current news items relating them to the Bible or covers religious topic of choice and encourages audience to call in and comment or ask questions. Some congregations broadcast sermons live or prerecorded.

18. Low pressure door-to-door distribution of meeting or VBS announcements or bulletins or other desired material. (Why not take an area census?)

19. Use telephone to advertize meetings, VBS . . . etc.

20. Personal work groups. Meet monthly to discuss personal work, related ideas and prospects.

21. Give name and address of visitors to members and encourage members to send a card, note or letter. A simple “Thanks For Visiting Us” card can be printed and placed in the tract rack for members to use.

22. Locate all free public bulletin boards in malls, stores, libraries, parks, laundries . . . etc. Have a group meet once a month to keep material on boards stocked or current as needed. Also consider using store windows for announcements (always check with management first).

23. Locate free public service announcements that may be available through area newspapers, TV or radio stations and use as needed.

24. Leave printed material where allowed (laundry, doctors office, waiting rooms, businesses . . . etc.). Keep materials stocked and current.

25. Train new personal workers by taking them out and showing them how to do it. A class on personal evangelism is good but don’t stop at a class, take the students out and show them how to do it. Give them first hand experience in personal work. Then when they are confident and comfortable they can show someone else how to do personal work. It’s an apprenticeship approach or on the job training.

26. Set up a booth at fairs, malls, flea markets, craft shows or other appropriate places when allowed, and distribute information about correspondence courses, film strips, home Bible studies, etc.

27. Check newspaper for weddings, births, anniversaries and other special occasions. Send these an appropriate letter and follow up with a visit or phone call.

28. Use yellow page ad to emphasize home studies, film strips and correspondence courses.

29. Run a classified ad in the paper seeking indiviuals for private Bible studies or correspondence course.

30. Have Ladies, Mens, Parents, Teenagers, Young Married, or Elderly Persons classes at some time other than normally scheduled services. The idea behind scheduling at a different time is to encourage those who attend the denominations regularly to attend your study. There may also be some advantage in having the classes at a location other than the church building.

31. Invite an Elder, Deacon, Teacher, Preacher or other members to your family activities. This will expose nonChristian family members to members of the local congregation. Hopefully this will develop delightful friendships and lead to teaching opportunities.

32. Develop a library specifically for personal workers. Include appropriate printed material, audio tapes, film strips and/or video tapes.

33. When non-Christian friends or family members are in the hospital let an elder, deacon, preacher or other member know so they can drop by for a brief friendly visit or send them a get well card.

34. Billboards and other roadside signs used permanently or temporarily with either permanent or changeable message. Also consider yard signs for members to use in their yard to announce gospel meetings or VBS. Bumper stickers can also be used to let people know about the local congregation.

So there you have it. I hope one or more of these ideas will be of benefit to you and spark better ideas. If you come up with a new idea or have one that I have missed write it down and send it to me. I am interested in learning of other ideas and adding them to the list.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 11, pp. 326-327
June 6, 1991

By Harry R. Osborne

The book of Philemon in the New Testament is short in length, but teaches us a great lesson about dealing with others. The apostle Paul wrote it as a letter to a fellow Christian, Philemon. The letter was carried by Philemon’s runaway slave Onesimus who had been converted to Christ by Paul.

The letter is basically a request by Paul for Philemon to release Onesimus from physical service so that Onesimus might join Paul in the spiritual service of preaching the gospel. Paul does not require Philemon to do as he wishes, even though Paul had authority to do so. Listen to the way Paul expresses it:

Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ – I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me (Phile. 8-11, NKJV).

Instead of compelling Philemon to release Onesimus, Paul shows the confidence in him to act of his free will and grant the request. Near the end of the letter, Paul affirms that trust in Philemon saying, “Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say” (21). The apostle Paul did not use feigned compliments or flattery to trick one into some action (2 Cor. 4:1-2). Evidently, Paul had seen or heard of some goodness in the character of Philemon which was the basis for this confidence.

However, the fact that Paul saw some good in the character of Philemon which spurred this trust does not suggest that Philemon was without faults. No doubt, Philemon was filled with the same weaknesses and faults that all of us have. If the apostle had wanted to look for deficiencies in Philemon, he could have found them. If Paul had focused on those shortcomings, he could have declared his doubts about Philemon rather than his confidence in him. The result would have been a far different letter than the one we have preserved by God in our Bibles.

Example of Jesus

Jesus had the same approach as he showed confidence in people of the world to turn from their sin and error unto his truth in John 4. The disciples did not understand why Jesus was talking with a Samaritan woman who was a sinner. They saw no potential in her for anything good.

As Jesus looked out on a field recently planted, he gave a simple illustration of the difference between his view and that of the disciples. “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (Jn. 4:35)

Simply put, Jesus saw what could be based on the Samaritan woman’s desire to hear his teaching. The disciples merely saw what was presently so. Jesus looked for the good that was in the woman and where it could lead. The disciples looked at her faults and stopped at that point. Both saw the woman as a sinner, but Jesus’ hope for her redemption separated his view of her from that of the disciples.

Towards the Lost

Which view do we have of others? Do we look for the good in those who are presently engaged in sin and seek to show them the truth of God’s word? Jesus saw an adulterous woman and tried to convert her through the truth of God (Jn. 4:16-26). If we came in contact with a woman who had been married and divorced five times, would we see her as a good prospect for the gospel? Surely we should see such a woman as one who needs to be shown the error of . her present path, urge her to repent, and show her the truth which leads to salvation. Paul saw a runaway slave and taught him the truth of the gospel through which he was born again in obedience to God (1 Pet. 1:22-25).

Too often, we look at those caught in the practice of sin as unreachable and consider it a waste of time to teach them. We tend to seek prospects who are morally decent and already interested in religious matters. Clearly, those people need to hear the gospel message. However, the “down-and-out” sinners of the world also need to hear the gospel message. Paul, a former murderer and blasphemer, made the point this way:

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life (1 Tim. 1:15-16).

In the Marriage Relationship

When we have problems with our mates, do we have the proper confidence in them from which we can resolve the trouble? The divorce rate of our society could be reduced drastically if husbands and wives would look for the good in the other and act with that in mind, rather than looking for the bad and seeking revenge. All too often, couples get into the “never-always syndrome” in dealing with the other. The wife says, “He always. . . ” to which the husband responds, “She never. . . ” As long as each sees the marriage as “always” a problem and “never” a blessing, no solution to the trouble can be reached. Each partner must look for the good in the other as the starting point towards progress. Separation and divorce are not the solution to problems!

The Bible declares a positive basis for marriage on the part of both spouses (Eph. 5:22-33). The husband is to “love” his wife and seek her good above his own. The wife is to respect her husband and submit to his leadership. The things commanded of each partner suggest they must have some confidence in the other. After all, love and respect do not flourish in the midst of suspicion, animosity and resentment.

Dealing With Children

In dealing with our children, do we see the good in them and let our actions be guided by the dreams of where that could lead? Or do we see their faults and constantly rebuke or berate them? The Bible maintains a difference between proper discipline and provoking a child to wrath (Eph. 6:4). Such provoking brings the child to be discouraged rather than corrected and benefitted (Col. 3:21). Proper discipline points out the right way and seeks peace, not continued hostility (Heb. 12:9-11).

I have seen the terrible result of children whose parents showed no confidence in them. When a parent constantly dwells on the burden presented by a child, the child hears it. When an exasperated parent expresses a desire to get away from a child, it has an effect upon the child that endures beyond the tension of the moment. Our children need to feel our love for them and our confidence in them even in times of correction. Misbehavior needs to be seen as a departure from the child’s norm, not a norm from which the parent would like to depart. There is a big difference between the two!

The same principle should govern other associations. Whether it be the classroom teacher interacting with the students or a boss dealing with the workers, proper confidence in the good qualities of others is more productive than constant fault-finding. In a local church, this quality is absolutely essential if peace and brotherly love are to prevail.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 11, pp. 323-324
June 6, 1991