Truth Magazine

By Heath Rogers

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few” (Acts 17:11-12). This passage is a testament to the noble minded Bereans. They heard the word of God spoken by an apostle, yet they were not satisfied with his message until they first investigated it in light of Scripture. They weren’t taking anything for granted. It was only after a careful examination of the word of God that they came to believe.

To assume means to take something for granted, to suppose something to be a fact. We make assumptions about things every day. But we also realize there are times when an assumption just will not do. If we start having chest pains, we don’t assume it is heartburn and that it will go away. We seek medical attention. If we have car trouble, we don’t just assume it will be all right. We don’t want to be stranded somewhere. We climb under the hood or take it to a mechanic. If we get overcharged on a bill, we don’t assume it is correct and pay it. We call the company, find out what the charge is for, and get it corrected. 

How much more important are our eternal souls than these things? Yet many people are satisfied with what they have heard someone say about the Bible, and have taken it to be the truth, though they have never searched the Scriptures for themselves. They are resting their faith, and their fate, upon dangerous assumptions. What are some of these assumptions?

I’m A Good Person

Some people think they don’t need religion, church or the Bible because they are good people. I’m glad they think they are good. But the fact is that all of us can find people worse than ourselves to make ourselves look good.

The Bible is concerned with our sin. Whether good or bad, all of us have sinned (Rom. 3:10, 23). And there’s not a thing our goodness can do to save us (Tit. 3:5). In Acts 10 we are introduced to Cornelius. He was devout, feared God, was generous to the poor, and prayed always — certainly a good person by our standards today. Yet he was told to send for Peter and he would be told what he “must do.” Despite his goodness, he was lacking something. When Peter came to his house, he commanded them to be baptized (Acts 10:48). Cornelius teaches us that being good is not good enough, we must be a Christian. 

I’ve Been Too Bad

This next assumption is to the opposite extreme. When talking to some about becoming a Christian, they will say, “You don’t realize what I’ve done. God would never have me. I can never be forgiven for what I’ve done.” They feel that they have been too bad to be saved. This is the biggest lie that the devil has ever told. God is the one who does the saving, why don’t we let him decide who he will and will not save? 

When one responds this way I ask them to consider what the Jews on Pentecost had done. Peter told them that  they killed the Son of God (Acts 2:23, 36). When they asked what they should do, Peter didn’t tell them that they couldn’t be saved. He told them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). If God was willing to forgive the very men who were responsible for the murder of his Only Begotten Son, why wouldn’t he forgive you?

The first group of people that we looked at believe that Christianity is for bad people. These folks believe it is for good people. The fact is that the gospel is for all. 

God Has Already Chosen Who Will Be Saved and Lost

When I was in college, there was one day each semester that the Gideons would be on campus handing out their New Testaments. I was sitting in a lecture hall awaiting the beginning of a class on one such day and I heard a couple of young men sitting behind me flipping through their New Testaments. One said to the other, “You know, it says in here somewhere that God has already chosen who will be saved or lost. So, what’s the point?” Then I heard him close it and put it away. I have often thought about that young man. He closed his Bible because of an assumption, something he had heard someone say about the Bible. 

The Bible does teach that we are predestined or chosen by God. The question is “How?” Are we chosen strictly as individuals without regard to our faith or obedience (as the young man assumed)? Or are we chosen as a group of individuals who meet specific qualifications based upon our faith and obedience? I believe it is the latter. 

Ephesians 1:4 tells us that we were chosen by God in Christ. God determined before the world began that he would save those who have entered his Son through faith, repentance, and baptism. He left the choice of believing, repenting, and being baptized up to us. 
There are some serious consequences to face if God has chosen us as individuals. For one thing, it would make him a respecter of persons, which the Bible says he is not (Acts 10:34-35). And it would make God cruel. Why was the gospel to be preached to all if not everyone could be saved by it (Mark 16:15)? Wouldn’t it be cruel to offer eternal salvation to someone you had no intention of saving? The Bible says that God wants everyone to be saved through a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:3-4). Heaven’s invitation is extended to “whosoever” (Rev. 22:17). That includes you. Open your Bible.

Doesn’t Matter What You Believe,  As Long As You Are Sincere

This assumption is dangerous because it is half true. We have to be sincere — but it does matter what we believe! Paul shows us that it is possible to be sincerely mistaken (Acts 23:1). Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). 

Many want to see God as a kind, gentle, grandfather figure who loves everyone, will only condemn the “Hitler” types, and is tickled to death that anyone would do anything for him. This is not an accurate representation of God. True, God is loving, merciful, and forgiving. But he is also a righteous God who has always required obedience. It is dangerous to make assumptions about God. 

Once Saved/Always Saved

This assumption is dangerous because it gives one a false sense of security. It teaches that all one has to do is become a Christian and he is saved forever regardless of what he does. We can see why this doctrine would be embraced by so many. It is a license to sin!

Galatians 5:4 says, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” Heaven is not guaranteed to us the moment we are saved. Heaven is a promise based upon the condition that we remain faithful until death (Rev. 2:10)! 

Conclusion

Our soul is the most important thing that we have because in the end it is the only thing that we will have. We have our lifetime to secure a resting place for our soul. Heaven and hell are just too important to be satisfied with assumptions. We don’t have to take anyone’s word for what the Bible says. Ephesians 3:4 tells us that “when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.” Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Search the Scriptures for yourself and find the truth.

23 S. Margaret St., Joliet, Illinois 60436 heathrogers@mindsprind.com

By John Smith

While on jury duty recently, I had the opportunity to gain some interesting and challenging insight into the attitude of the world toward immodest apparel. (As far as I was able to determine, none of my fellow jurors was a New Testament Christian.) Several times during the two-day trial a female bailiff came into the court bringing papers to the judge. While on break, one of the male jurors said that he was considering writing a note to the judge requesting that the bailiff change clothes. Her bright blue dress was such a distraction that he had trouble concentrating. The dress was a bit on the short side, but that was not the problem in this man’s mind. It was hard to tell whether she had used a shoehorn to put it on or if it had been spray painted on. Simply based on what she was wearing, he and other men on the jury referred to her as “Jezebel.” When one man saw a small cross hanging on a necklace, he suggested that her name be changed from Jezebel to Mary Magdalene.

On the second day of the trial, a female witness came into court wearing a short, tight shirt. Later during deliberations we were discussing her testimony. For some reason she was the only witness asked her occupation by the defense attorney. Discussing this, two male jurors laughed and said based on how she was dressed they expected her to say stripper or exotic dancer. 

You see, what you wear or don’t wear reflects on your character and profession of faith. It is sad and embarrassing when professing Christians fail to admit what those of the world readily acknowledge about modesty and character. In the parable of the unrighteous steward, Jesus noted that the children of this world are more shrewd than the sons of light (Luke 16:8).

Warm weather is upon us again and with the coming of warmer weather, clothes begin to shrink and disappear. The world follows rules given by the whim of society’s style and wishes. Little can be done at large for the world’s values but the Christian has a responsibility before his God. This responsibility is to present himself as an example of holiness. The pattern of holiness is not governed by the world but by the word of God. Can the Christian dress in any fashion and be pleasing to God? Certainly not! The Christian has a responsibility concerning what is done with the body and this includes the type of garment worn. God has bought us with the price of his Son and when we disregard his law and wear any kind of clothing we see fit, we fail to glorify him — thus we sin! No one who professes to be a Christian can dress like the world and find acceptance in the eyes of God.

It is not surprising that we find people in the world who dress immodestly and are unconcerned for their example and influence. If it is shameful for people of the world to wear immodest clothing, how much more shameful and inexcusable is it for Christians to do the same! People, not professing godliness, are unconcerned about how they influence others or reflect upon the cause of Christ. But those who profess to love the Lord and their fellow man must not make the same serious, soul-damning mistakes.

Fathers and husbands, God demands that you take the lead in your family and this includes exercising leadership regarding modesty. Any time I see a teenager dressed immodestly, my first thought is not one of condemnation for them (after all they are young, inexperienced, and lacking in wisdom). Rather, my first thought is one of shock that her father let her out of the house dressed like that or allowed such clothing to be purchased. Any time you see a young person or wife dressed immodestly, you know that somewhere there is likely to be a prodigal father or husband. Fathers and husbands, do you really want your daughter or wife to be the object of the lustful gazes of hormone-riddled men? Are you comfortable with the knowledge that you might stand in judgment watching your wife or daughter be condemned by our Lord because of her immodesty, knowing that you did nothing to stop it? In such a scenario, who will be next to hear those awful words, “Depart, I never knew you!”

If a randomly selected group of men on a jury can determine what is or is not modest and can understand the immoral impact of it, certainly those of us who are having our senses trained by the word of God to discern good and evil can do the same.

6215 Nolte St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46221 possum8@attglobal.net

By Weldon E. Warnock

In years past I have done a lot of fishing with artificial lures. They worked well in tricking bass that it was above to lay hold of a tasty morsel of food. Men, including preachers in the church of Christ, use artificial lures and   gimmicks to appeal to and attract people to Christ (?). Some churches have the appearance of a glorified country club rather than a church claiming to be the church of the Lord.

Men come to God through the drawing power of Christ and not claptrap methods of carnal men. Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). Jesus is the lure God uses to draw men out of the bondage of sin. Our Lord also said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44). The next passage, verse 45, shows how God draws men to Christ. “It is written in the prophets, And they all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” Observe that a man coming to Christ must be taught, hear, and learn. We see this process in every case of New Testament conversion in the book of Acts.

On Pentecost 3000 souls were converted to Christ by the power of the gospel preached by Peter. They continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers (Acts 2:42). The apostles preached daily in the temple and from house to house (Acts 5:42). We read that believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both men and women (Acts 5:14). Again, “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly” (Acts 6:7). Here were the results of preaching the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Indeed, it is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). We don’t need antics of a circus, clowns, entertainment, ham and bean dinners, recreation that involves church gymnasiums, church sponsored ball clubs, etc.

Many are so accustomed to the church playing and partying that every time they hear the word “fellowship” or read it in the Bible, they think of donuts and coffee. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with Christians getting together to eat and to have a good time. This can bring us closer together. But social activities are not a function of the church, paid for out of the treasury of the church. Social activities are functions of the home, not the church. Paul wrote, “What? Have ye not houses to eat and to drink in?” (1 Cor. 11:22). Also, “And if any man hunger, let him eat at home” (1 Cor. 11:34). How appropriate are Paul’s statements in regard to kitchens and banquet halls paid for out of the treasury of the church.

My friends, the Bible says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4). Many can’t say this today with a straight face. God help us to put our confidence in the power of the gospel, that brings us to the saving blood of Christ.

87 Ormond Dr., Scottsville, Kentucky 42164

By Walton Weaver

Words are often used in the Bible in both a good and a bad sense. This is true of the word “provoke.” The word is often used in the Old Testament to show how Israel provoked God to anger by her idolatrous practices. In anticipation of the time when the Israelites would begin their trip to the promised land which God would give them, Moses said to Israel, “When thou shalt beget children and grandchildren and have grown old in the land, and act corruptly and make a carved image in the form of anything, and do evil in the sight of the Lord your God to provoke Him to anger, I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that you will soon utterly perish from the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess; you will not prolong your days in it, but will be utterly destroyed” (Deut. 4:25-26, NKJV; see also Deut. 31:20).

It happened just as Moses had promised. First during the wilderness wanderings (Num. 14:11, 23; 16:30; Deut. 9:22), and then numerous times after the people had settled in the land (Judg. 2:12; 1 Kings 14:15, 22; 15:30). The prophets often describe how God was provoked by the sins of his people (Isa. 1:4; Jer. 8:19; 11:17; 44:8; Ezek. 8:17; Hos. 12:14).

The New Testament also uses this word in a bad sense. But here we find it used especially with reference to our dealings with one another. Love, we are told, “is not easily provoked” (1 Cor. 13:5), or stirred to anger. Again, Paul says, “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Gal. 5:25). Fathers are instructed, “provoke not your   children to wrath” (Eph. 6:4). In Colossians it is simply, “provoke not your children” (Col. 3:21), although the KJV adds the words (in italics) “to anger,” evidently bringing the point over from the parallel passage in Ephesians. 

There are only two places in the New Testament where the word “provoke” is used in a good sense when Paul is describing the behavior of Christians: 2 Corinthians 9:2 and Hebrews 10:24. In the first of these passages Paul is commending the brethren in Achaia whose “zeal hath provoked very many” by being “ready a year ago” to participate in the work of helping the needy among the saints in Jerusalem. In the latter passage the writer urges his Jewish readers to “consider one another to provoke unto love and good works.”

“To provoke” is to excite, arouse, or call into action. Christians sometimes need to be incited, stimulated, or aroused to a good thing. Too often we are more inclined to irritate one another rather than to incite or stimulate each other to that which is good.

Consider One Another

Perhaps one of our greatest weaknesses, and, no doubt, one reason that we fail to provoke one another as we should, is that we do not give the consideration to each other that we ought. Paul prefaces this statement with the words, “consider one another.” If we were first in the habit of giving the attention to one another that this verse enjoins, it would come natural for us “to provoke one another” to the end that Paul charges in this verse. It is the mutual care on the part of the members of the body that is central in Paul’s statement. It is that care and concern for the welfare of the body that will lead the members “to provoke one another unto love and good works.” One serves as the purpose of the other, so that we are not surprised that Wuest translates as follows: “And let us constantly be giving careful attention to one another for the purpose of stimulating one another to love and good works” (Hebrews in the Greek Testament 182). 

Christians often forget that they are “members one of another” (Rom. 12:5). In the passages where Paul discusses the church under the analogy of a human body (Rom. 12 and 1 Cor. 12) Paul is teaching that no individual Christian can function effectively by himself. Man was not meant to be alone. People need people, and we need each other as Christians. Did you hear about the man riding in a cab in Times Square in New York being handed this note: “I’d rather you talk to me than tip me, I’m lonely. Your driver.”  How many lonely people do you suppose we have attending our services, and yet no one speaks to them?

Unto Love And Good Works

Paul gives us a specific message that caring Christians need to be sharing with each other. We need to stir each other up, arouse each other — but he wants us to excite and stimulate each other “unto love and good works.” I can’t think of two things that brethren need to be stirred up about more that these, can you? Christians in every local church I know need to be loving more, working more, and provoking more. There is probably more said on the subjects of love and good works than on any other subjects when it comes to instruction given in our New Testaments to Christians.

1. Unto Love. First, Christians need to be stirred up to love God more. But how much is “more”? Jesus answers, “with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37). We should also ask, “more” than what? Again, Jesus answers, “more than these” (probably the fishing boat, gear, etc. used to make their living) in his question to Peter (John 21:15), and more than one’s father or mother (Matt. 10:37). Also more than food and raiment, or whatever has to do with this life (Matt. 6:33).

Second, Christians need to be stirred up to love each other more. The law had required that one love his neighbor as himself (Lev. 19:18), and Jesus gives this as the second greatest commandment of the law (Matt. 22:39). But how much “more” should Christians love each other? Peter answers, keep growing in love until you “love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1 Pet. 1:23). Do people grow in love? They most certainly do. Paul prayed for his Philippian brethren “that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:9-11). Christians can stir each other up to just his kind of love for God and each other.

2. Unto Good Works. It is sad but true that most Christians do not realize the real purpose of their salvation. Our salvation is not an end in itself. God has not saved us just so we can be saved.  No, he has a marvelous purpose in mind in saving us from our sins. Here is the way Paul describes it: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). God wants his people to be working, and he wants others to see their good works (not just their good moral life) and glorify him in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

But then he also wants us to be stirring each other up “unto good works,” or to the end that we might be doing the good works he has planned for us. Do brethren need to be aroused to do work in the kingdom? Surely, when one notices that about all that is done in a given community is done by ten percent of those who make up the local church at that place, all must concede that there is a great need for Christians to be stirring each other up unto good works. Who is to do the work of teaching the lost, visiting the sick, cheering up the depressed, comforting troubled hearts, taking care of the needy, encouraging others to faithfulness, and of stirring up each other unto love and good works? The preacher? Yes. The elders? Yes. All the members of the Lord’s church? Yes. If these works are not the works of all the members of the Lord’s church, then why the admonition that we each be arousing one another “unto love and good works”?

In The Assemblies

It is amazing to me that brethren have not seen that this work of provoking one another unto love and good works is one of the purposes of our assembling ourselves together. This is made clear by the admonition that follows the one to provoke one another unto love and good works: “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).

Our assemblies are well suited (because they are designed by God himself for that purpose) as a means  of encouragement for those who attend and participate in the activities provided (Bible study and worship as God has planned). In addition to admonishing each other in the songs we sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), we are also often admonished and encouraged in the Bible class studies and in the sermons preached (1 Cor. 14:17; 2 Tim. 2:15; 4:2; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). But as Hebrews 10:24-25 shows, these assemblies provide an excellent place and opportunity for every Christian to “provoke one another unto love and good works,” and no Christian should ever stop attending the assemblies because every Christian needs the kind of “provoking” commanded in Hebrews 10:24, as well as the “exhorting” mentioned in Hebrews 10:25. But, in addition to this, every Christian is commanded to be in these assemblies and to be provoking and exhorting other Christians.

When Christians begin to take seriously what each and every Christian is to be accomplishing in our assemblies the debate over “which assembly” we must attend will end. It is sad when the whole of one’s religion has come to center upon that issue — a question I am sure was not even in the mind of the writer. The word “assembling” does not refer to any particular assembly. Rather, it describes what ought to be the habit of every Christian, i.e., attending the assemblies of the church to provoke one another unto love and good works, and, more generally, to exhort one another in whatever way is needed at a given time. 

1820 Hairston Ave., Conway, Arkansas 72032 wpweaver@arkansas.net