Truth Magazine

By Eric Norford

We live in an age in which technology is tremendous, money can be earned abundantly, a person can be anything he wants to be, and can do practically anything that he wants. In a society where problems abound on every hand, the Christian is exposed to practically everything the world has to offer. It seems as the years go by, it will get worse, and Christians will become more loose in their attitude toward sin. In fact, should present trends continue, the so-called Christian will altogether remove the word “sin” from the Bible. Whether or not that happens, God still calls sin, sin. There is no such thing as a little sin or a big sin. Sin is still sin and God says through James (1: 15), that sin, when it is finished brings forth death. Yet, some Christians have the idea that it is not sin, but a “mistake.” Sin is disobedience of God’s law. It is a transgression (1 Jn. 3:4); sin is unrighteousness (1 Jn. 5:17); sin is an omission of doing what is right (Jas. 4:17); sin is an action not “of faith” (Rom. 14:23). God’s word is very plain about sin. Sin will send a person to Hell – even one sin will. One sin kept Moses from entering the land of Canaan (Num. 20:12; Deut. 34:4), one sin killed Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1, 2), and one sin killed Uzzah, who thought he was doing right by steadying the ark of God (2 Sam. 6:6-7). When God says something, we better not go against it!

However, there are Christians who have the idea that they can commit any type of sin and get by with it. This shows the world’s impact on people’s minds. It is no wonder that the divorce rate is ridiculous, fornication is out of control, murder for an unwanted pregnancy (abortion), filthy language, homosexuality abound, etc. God’s word is still very plain about these, they are sin. Divorce is wrong, if it is not for the cause of fornication. Divorcing for every reason, then remarrying someone is wrong; those living in this condition will go to Hell, unless they change and make it right with God according to the Scriptures (Matt. 19:9). God still says pre-marital sex (fornication) and sex with someone who is not your husband or wife, while you’re married (adultery), is sin (1 Cor. 6:9-10). Language that is disgusting and dirty is wrong, for a Christian is to speak wholesome, godly words (Eph. 4:29). Abortion is murder, regardless of what every pro-choice person in the world says about this; he is not God. Man has no right to take a life that has been formed by God himself and kill it (Isa. 44:2,24; 49:5; Gal. 5:19-21). These passages show that God made the womb and murder is a work of the flesh. Homosexuality was an abomination to God in the Old and New Testaments and it still is today. Despite the gay movements and despite what some church leaders say about it, it is sin (Rom. 1:24-27, 32). God destroyed two cities for this same sin in Genesis 19:1-29. There are many other sins that we have not touched on: stealing, telling a lie, hatred, drinking, drunkenness and such like: those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:21)!

These problems have crept into Christians’ lives and in the church and they are getting worse. Christians just shrug them off and think they will pass. Paul says that we are not to be conformed to the world but “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2). We need to stand up against sin and drive it from our minds! If we have the idea that sin is not a big deal, God help us. God says sin is still sin and we have cited passages which teach that a person who commits sin will not inherit the kingdom of God. The fact is, God will not send you to Hell, you will send yourself there. We need to be living our lives according to God’s Word and not by the world’s offerings. If we sin, we have an advocate with the Father (1 Jn. 2:1-2). This must be true repentance, not the idea that “I got that sin off my shoulders and now I can go do the same thing later today.”

This writer likes the words that Peter expressed in 2 Peter 3:11, after he discussed that the Lord has promised that there will be a judgment day (v. 10) and knowing this will happen. He said, “What manner of persons ought you to be?” How should we be living – God’s way or the world’s way? God’s way will lead you to eternal life (Matt. 7:21; 2 Jn. 9); the world’s way will lead you straight to Hell (Jn. 12:48). In Hell, there is complete darkness (Jude 13), eternal fire (Rev. 20:10; Mk. 9:45), eternal separation from God (2 Thess. 1:7-9); it is the second death (Rev. 20:14; 21:8). Do you still think sin is some minor thing? One sin will send you to eternal damnation. Some can attach another name to sin to make it look innocent or disguise it; however, God says sin is still sin.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, p. 175
March 21, 1991

By Andy Alexander

The Lord strictly teaches that his children are not to fellowship with those who teach and practice false doctrines (2 Jn. 9-11). Those who violate God’s standard are to be marked and avoided by faithful Christians, yet most people blindly follow false teachers in the denominational world and support them with their attendance and contributions (Rom. 16:17; Tit. 3:10).

A task force for the Methodist Church has just completed its second meeting on homosexuality. Why was a task force needed? God has spoken on this subject and declared that it is a sin that will keep one out of heaven (Rom. 1:27). The task force is needed because there is a move in the Methodist Church to accept homosexuals into full fellowship. Where does that leave the members who do not approve? They are guilty of condoning this and all the other errors that the Methodist Church is engaged in. The answer for the Methodist member who does not approve: find the right church!

Many denominations are allowing women to preach and teach the whole assembly. For years Pentecostal churches have allowed women to preach, but this practice is now accepted in many other denominations as the feminist movement in the past two decades has gown stronger. Has anyone ever considered to search the Scriptures to learn what God’s will is in this matter? Paul commanded, “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Tim. 2:11-12). What does a person do who is caught up in a church that is teaching and practicing this sin? Find the right church!

The Baptist Church teaches that man’s sins are forgiven the moment he believes in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that belief is necessary and no one who has read and studied the Bible will argue about the need for a man to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that he has been raised from the dead. There are a vast number of Bible passages that affirm this teaching (Jn. 3:16; 8:24; Mk. 16:16; Rom. 10:10). However, we must take all of the passages that deal with our salvation and not just the ones that tell us to believe. A sinner must also repent of his sins if he is to avoid eternal punishment (Lk. 13:3). The Bible also teaches in Romans 10: 10 that confession with the mouth that Jesus is the Christ is necessary. Can we leave out confession and repentance as the Baptist would have us to do and please God? The Bible also teaches that baptism is the place where man’s sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). Jesus placed belief and baptism prior to salvation in Mark 16:16. Can we omit any part of the plan that Jesus has given. What does a person do if he finds himself in a denomination that practices these things which are contrary to God’s will? Find the right church!

There are many other practices which are being done in the name of Christ in the denominational world, but they do not have his approval. Things which may appear small in the eyes of man, are still departures from God’s word and those who teach, practice, and support them will perish, because they are not obeying the gospel (2 Thess. 1:7-9). Where do we find support in God’s word for quarterly observance of the Lord’s Supper, instrumental music in worship, men to wear titles such as Father, Reverend, Monsignor, etc., social activities as a means to induce people to obey the gospel, women preachers, and taking up collections during the week? Search the Scriptures and see if these acts are authorized (1 Jn. 4:1; Acts 20:7; Matt. 23: 8- 10; 1 Cor. 11:34; 1 Tim. 2:12; 1 Cor. 16:2).

What’s the answer? Find the right church! And, if you cannot find the church that you read about in the Bible, then start one and try to lead as many people out of error as you can.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, p. 171
March 21, 1991

By Billy Ashworth

While a prisoner of the Roman government, Paul wrote the saints at Philippi who were not in prison, saying, “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). Earlier, Paul had written: “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord . . . For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus” (3:1,3).

The epistle has been called “the Epistle of Joy” since the words “joy” and “rejoice” occur about sixteen times in the letter. It is probably the most affectionate and personal letter Paul wrote that has been recorded in divine revelation. It has very little censure in it, but is mostly devoted to encouragement for his brethren and sisters in the Lord. Is it not striking that Paul, a prisoner in Rome, could write such a letter to saints at Philippi who were relatively free to exhort them to “rejoice in the Lord”? Saints there must have needed this encouragement as many do today.

Recently, while walking in the mall with my wife, I saw a sign at the entrance of a business establishment which read: Hiring management Trainees – Only smiling faces – No grouches,” I remarked to Lois, “I wonder how many of our brethren and sisters could apply.” I observe people’s expressions while greeting them at the assembly building. Some are smiling, friendly and seem to be filled with joy. Some appear burdened down with cares, anxiety and almost despondent. Then a few seem to be hostile. (These observations have been made over a period of nearly thirty-eight years. Therefore, I am not referring to any one group of people.) Why such a wide range of attitudes among the people of God?

I call attention to the fact that Paul is not suggesting, or hinting, that the saints at Philippi “rejoice in the Lord.” It is commanded, and therefore not only can be obeyed, but must be obeyed. I find no commands in Scripture that are optional on the part of those who are so instructed. God does not command one thing of us that we cannot obey. He is a just, omniscient God, no respecter of persons; he could not by his very being command things impossible to do, and then condemn his grandest creation, mankind, for failing to obey.

Joy is listed in the catalog of the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22,23). Notice that joy is related closely with love and peace. In fact, in the English construction joy is between the other two. For a person to experience true joy, he must be filled with love and will be at peace with God, his fellow men and himself. A lot unhappiness on the part of people is because they have poor self-image; even sometimes they seem to be overcome with self-hate. I have read “experts” say that many drug addicts, including alcoholics, become such because they do not like themselves and try to escape reality by indulging. in alcohol and other drugs. (Alcohol is a drug – the most abused of all drugs. It is redundant to speak of people indulging themselves in “alcohol and drugs.”)

I believe Paul’s secret to rejoicing, even while in prison is found in the Philippian letter. Let us notice some of the things he cited:

1. In the first chapter, Paul wrote: “Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; . . . I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense in the confirmation of the gospel, ye are all partakers of my grace. . . And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.” Here we find Paul rejoicing in remembrance of these faithful saints for whom he prayed with joy. He was thankful for their fellowship in the gospel and was confident that they would be faithful and without offense till the “day of Christ.” He loved them (” have you in my heart”) and rejoiced in their love for truth (vv. 9, 10).

2. Paul saw in his imprisonment and afflictions a fallout for good. “That the things that have happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel, so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace and in all other places: and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” This is an example of faith overcoming fear in Paul’s brethren, when they observed his unwavering faith in God and fearlessness of men, and caused then to preach boldly.

Paul saw that, from what looked like a great injustice as a consequence of the maliciousness of the unbelieving Jews, God worked it all out for his good (see Rom. 8:28 and following context). By having been sent as a prisoner to Rome, Paul was able to reach people even in “Caesar’s household” (cf. 4:22). Also, he saw other saints encouraged by his own boldness, to preach Christ “without fear.” Just to think of all the good that came from what seemed to be adversity, filled Paul’s heart with joy.

3. In chapter 2, Paul exhorted, “If there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Here Paul’s exhortation is for the unity of the saints in love in the bond of peace which would prove them worthy of his love and joy in them. And, this is the pathway to joy and peace.

4. In chapter 3, Paul again exhorts: “Rejoice in the Lord . . . For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus.” Notice, that in all these exhortations, Paul exhorts to “rejoice in the Lord. ” How does one become a Christian “in the Lord”? Galatians 3:26,27: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Paul wrote the Ephesians: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (1:3). How joyful we should be that we are children of God in Christ, and that we have all spiritual blessings if we are faithful.

5. Paul explains how he was rejoicing in the Lord.: “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before; I press toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13,14). Brethren, we cannot rejoice while mourning over things past which we cannot undo or indulging ourselves in self-pity because of mistreatment by others. There are some things we must forget in order to reach toward the goal.

6. Finally Paul learned to be content: “For I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content” (4:11). No person can be joyful in discontentment, always looking at everything as being wrong, looking at everything from a negative view to the point we despair and feel like nothing is right with us and the Lord’s church. When Elijah, the bold prophet of God who destroyed the prophets of Baal, fled from the wicked Jezebel who threatened to kill him, and finally stopped running, God asked him: “What doest thou here, Elijah?” The reply: “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and 1, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it way.” Elijah was far from rejoicing. He was despondent! Nothing looked good. But God told him to get up and get busy. God said, “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him” (1 Kgs. 19:10,18).

We need to learn this lesson. When things seem to “go to pieces” and nobody is faithful any more but “I only,” remember God is still on his throne; Jesus is still at his own right hand, ruling in his kingdom and there are thousands of faithful Christians out there!

I believe Paul’s wonderful words found in 1 Corinthians 15:53-57 when he was refuting the heresy afloat at the time that there would be no resurrection of the dead: “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” If one believes this, he must truly rejoice!

Then consider these words: “For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Cor. 4:17; 5:1).

Christians need to remember that we are the children of God. What a wonderful thing to be recognized of Jehovah God as his children and to be able to approach him in prayer as “Our Father.” We are assured that he will hear and answer our prayers if we are faithful (cf. 1 Jn 3:1-3).

To rejoice, we must: Determine to be joyful. Some people never come to terms with life by deciding to control their thinking. We learn what we should think as given by Paul in Philippians 4:8. After one reads that catalog of proper things to think on, is it any wonder that so many “Christians” today are not rejoicing because they have let the things of this world crowd out the things of God? The liberal media, most modern educational systems, and the world in general are filling the minds of professed Christians with evil ideas and philosophy.

We must keep malice out of the heart, and keep love in the heart. We must love the good, and hate the evil (Amos 5:15; Rom. 12:9; Psa. 97:10). We must be loving and forgiving (Eph. 4:31,32). We must love God supremely and each other dearly (Matt. 22:37-39; 1 Pet. 1:7,8,22; cf. 1 Jn. 4:6-21). We must be thankful people; our hearts must be filled with gratitude (Phil. 4:6,7). Ingratitude is inexcusable, showing one’s lack of love for a loving heavenly Father from whom “every good gift and every perfect gift cometh down” (Jas. 1:17). The Father’s greatest gift to mankind was the gift of his only begotten Son to die for the sins of mankind (Jn. 3:16). What love; what matchless grace the loving Father has bestowed upon us!

Finally, we must keep our eye on the goal of spending heaven with God the Father, Christ our Savior and the redeemed of all ages in the Father’s house where Christ went to prepare a place for his own – in a holy city, new Jerusalem where God shall wipe away all tears. There will be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. Why so? Because there will be no sin there (Rev. 21:2-4,8). How could anyone who truly believes in all these things (promises) fail to rejoice?

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, pp. 180-181
March 21, 1991

By Lewis Willis

The children of Israel were often taunted by their heathen, idolatrous adversaries. Because they could see no physical presence of Jehovah, they mocked at his existence. One of the Psalms makes an excellent point based on this conflict:

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased (Psa. 115:2-3).

The Psalmist proceeds to discuss the idols of men. He said they were made of silver and gold. They had mouths but could not speak; eyes but could not see; ears but could not hear; noses but could not smell; hands but could not handle; feet but could not walk; nor could they speak through their throat. In fact, he said, they had been made in the image of the men who made them (vv. 4-8). How could these people seriously question Jehovah? They wanted to know where God was. David said that he was not on the earth, but that he resided in heaven. Thus, to expect God to resemble dumb idols made in the image of man, by men’s hands, was futile.

All of this is undoubtedly true and I have noted as much in the paragraphs above. However, the point I wish to make is stated in the last phrase of our test: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. This is a truly profound and important fact to recognize and respect. In his deliberations concerning time, earth and man, he has acted as it has pleased or suited him! Candidly, I do not see how we could ever please him without recognizing this truth.

Furthermore, things that God has done to his own pleasure are “good” for man. Moses spoke of God’s commandments, “And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day” (Deut. 6:24). Jeremiah made a similar statement, “And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me forever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good,- but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me” (Jer. 32:39-40). It is essential that we recognize today that when God did as he pleased, his every act was good for man.

If we deny this, then we will be searching for something else that we believe to be good for us. If we acknowledge this truth, we will content ourselves with what God has done and set ourselves to the task of submissive obedience unto his will. It occurs to me that this could well be the reason why so many of us are disobedient unto God; why we are trying almost constantly to rework what God has done.

Now, let us apply what we have learned. God had the right, being Almighty God, to do whatever pleased him. That is exactly what he did and we must accept this. “Good” will come to us only if we confine ourselves to his pleasure. Consider, then, the following thoughts:

1. It pleased God to put the blessing of salvation in Christ and his body, the church (Eph. 3:11; Acts 2:47). We must be careful to respect this and get into Christ and his church.

2. It pleased God to grant entry into Christ on the conditions and terms of the Gospel (Gal. 3:26-27; Rom. 6:3-4; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). We must be careful and obey those things he has commanded.

3. It pleased God to assign a specific worship to be offered by the church (Acts 20:7; 2:42; Eph. 5:19; 1 Cor. 16:2). We must be careful that we confine our worship to that which pleased God who appointed it. After all, we are not worshiping ourselves so it does not matter what pleases us.

4. It pleased God for the church to engage itself in only edifying itself, discharging its benevolent duty and evangelizing the world (Eph, 4:12). We must be careful that we not try to involve the church in more than God assigned.

5. It pleased God to organize the church so that each congregation was independent of all the rest, governed by elders who were assisted by deacons, evangelists and all the saints (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2; Phil. 1:1). We must be careful that we not try to set up an organizational structure different than the one God gave.

Many other aspects of the doctrine of Christ could be included in this list of things that pleased God. I think enough has been said to establish the point I am seeking to emphasize. Too many people are trying to re-work the provisions God has made, and re-write the law that governs our lives today. We cannot improve upon that which God has given, nor should we try. We should simply be obedient to his will in all things. Only then will things be “good” for us.

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, p. 170
March 21, 1991