Truth Magazine

By Lewis Willis

It would be a blessing if we were able to see the end of a thing at its beginning. This would be especially valuable regarding moral or ethical behavior. For instance, if a person could see at the time he takes his first social drink that he would end up being an alcoholic, he probably would gracefully decline the drink. If he could see himself as the alcoholic losing his job, abusing his wife and family, the break up of his home, the loss of his self-respect and his respect in the community, the loss of his health, perhaps committing a crime or killing someone in an auto accident – I say, if he could see this as the end of the seemingly innocent social drink, he would not imbibe. However, like so many other things, someone else is always the alcoholic.

The same thing could be said of numbers of other things. When a young person first experiments with drugs, he does not think for a moment he might become a drug crazed addict who commits crimes to support his addiction. The person who sees something laying around that can so easily be picked up without anyone knowing, does not consider himself becoming the common convicted and imprisoned thief. If the married man, telling suggestive little jokes to the girl in the office or on the job, could see ultimate adultery and divorce, he would refrain. As I said, if we could only see the end of a thing at its beginning, we would not make so many mistakes and get into the fixes in which we often find ourselves.

But this is not an article about moral issues as such. I intend it as an article on spiritual concerns. I have been teaching a class on Wednesday night, studying the book of Luke. We are now at that point where we have just studied the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. We see him in company with the Lord and the other apostles. Next we see him leading a mob through the darkness of Gethsemane, coming to Jesus, betraying him with a sign of deep affection – a kiss. I read this statement recently: “It is a sad little line that tells us of Judas slipping away from holy company to betray his Lord. No truer statement was every penned than the few words in John 13:30: Judas went out ‘…and it was night.’ It was night and the darkest night of Judas’ life. What was the poor man thinking of? The Lord himself called him a friend; surely Judas loved this wonderful man with whom he had companied for 31/2 years. Was it the money? Was there some sort of personal notoriety he longed for? I doubt that we can know the whole of it; only that he was motivated by the Devil. But his night did not come suddenly. There is always a certain twilight preceding such a dark hour” (Jerry Johnson, The Light [Vol. 20,

No. 2] pg. 15). Judas is the classic example of the point I seek to make. Would he have done what he did had he known the end that would befall him? Would the story have been the same if he could have envisioned his own disgrace and suicide? His fall did not happen in a moment – it happened slowly!

I preached a sermon recently in which I looked at some of the ideas and actions now found in Churches of Christ. It is hard to imagine that these things are the result of a decision several years ago to send $25 a month to some human institution doing what was considered to be such a good thing, or the decision to have an innocent little congregational dinner in the classroom section of the building. How could this possibly lead to some of the things we now see in liberal churches? It happens slowly!

Well, as Christians, most of us could hardly imagine that we might fall away completely from the Lord. We would never consider just getting up and walking out of the assembly, never to return again. However, the sad truth is that some do walk away, never to return. You see, it happens slowly. We may not really know all of the factors that entered into it. Perhaps they seem so small and imperceptible at the time. Perhaps it was the demands of our job, school activities, or, something that needed to be done around the house or on the car. It really does not matter what it was. The sad truth is, the troubles and cares of life were given priority over the things of God so many times that suddenly we realize that God has slipped from our lives. Did we intend it? No! It just happened – slowly. We missed a few Wednesday nights. Then it was all Wednesday nights. Then, a few Sunday nights – then all Sunday nights. Lo and behold, then it was a few Sunday mornings until it became all Sunday mornings. It happens slowly but we wake up one day to realize that we have fallen away from the Lord. Had we seen this end when we started this process months before, we would have stopped it immediately. Now there is not enough faith left to even care. Apostasy is the sad and tragic end to a handful of small, seemingly meaningless little carelessnesses.

One has to remember the words of Paul at all times: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Is it not the course of wisdom to pause occasionally and ask ourselves: “What is more important than God and our service to him?” If anything comes before God, the twilight of ultimate darkness has set in around us. It is time for alarm!

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 9, p. 260
May 3, 1990

By Clinton D. Hamilton

Question: The following question had been received by brother Houchen and passed along to me: What is the “Restoration Principle”? Is it still valid for men today?

Reply: One lives through a generation before he sometimes may realize it. Time passes quickly. One learns something and tends to project that same knowledge to others. Many in the body of Christ hear terms that mean little to them but to older members of the body the terms may be perfectly clear. The “restoration principle” is such a term.

Simply, the restoration principle means that the effort is made to bring back the original condition. It involves putting things back as they were in the beginning. In relation to the religion of Christ, the meaning is to teach and to practice what was revealed to be the teaching and practice of the New Testament.

Several ideas are involved: (1) the gospel is to be taught as it is recorded in the New Testament without addition or subtraction; (2) men are called upon to obey the commands of the Lord as was the case of those who did so as recorded in the New Testament; (3) working together in congregations and individually those who obey the gospel are to practice what is revealed in the New Testament; (4) whatever men may now believe or practice is to be discarded if it cannot be found revealed in the New Testament; (5) one is to be governed only by the testament or will of the Lord as that is revealed in the Scripture and, therefore, no human authority is to be accepted as the binding agent and no human arrangement is to be substituted for the Lord’s to regulate the practice.

Jesus charged the apostles to teach men to observe whatsoever he commanded them (Matt. 28:20). He sent the Holy Spirit to bring to their remembrance what he had said to them in order that there might be no error in their recall and record of what he said (Jn. 14:26). What had not yet been revealed that nevertheless needed to be revealed, the Holy Spirit was to guide them so that they would have all truth (Jn. 16:13). The Holy Spirit was not to speak from himself but was to declare what he heard from Jesus (Jn. 16:13-14; 15:27). It is the New Testament record that the Holy Spirit gave and to which we should give heed (1 Cor. 2:12; 1 Thess. 2:13). What is revealed is what the Lord wants men to know and to do. Wherein men have erred from this, it should be the aim of godly people to reject it and to restore what was in the beginning. This is what is involved in the restoration principle.

Is it valid for men today? Valid has several synonyms such as sound, cogent, convincing, and telling. In a legal sense, it refers to having force or efficacy. The central idea relates to argument which is convincing, based on solid ground and impeccable reasoning. In logic, the argument is valid if the form or structure is correct. No doubt, the meaning of valid in this question means sound. Obviously, the thrust of the question is whether men should now be committed to the restoration principle. In this last decade of the twentieth century, should men concern themselves with restoring New Testament religion?

The answer to the question is an emphatic yes! Jesus promised that he would be with the apostles to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20). The idea is that his authority would be as relevant later even to the end of the age as it was when he gave commandment. Going back to the meaning of “restoration principle” as set forth in preceding remarks and in the light of the authority of Jesus, it follows conclusively that the restoration principle is as relevant today as it has ever been. The principle is clearly in complete harmony with the Lord’s instructions.

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 9, p. 261
May 3, 1990

By Ronny Milliner

Introduction:

A. Text: Jn. 13:1-7.

B. Many Pentecostal churches practice footwashing as a part of their worship services.

1. Footwashing was never done as an act of worship to God in the New Testament.

2. It was done as an act of service to man (cf. 1 Tim. 5:10).

C. In spite of some twisting of this passage of Scripture, there are many important lessons regarding service which we can learn from this passage.

I. Service From Emotion (13:1).

A. Before Jesus engages in this act of service, John reminds us of the Lord’s love for his disciples (Jn. 13:1).

B. The service we offer to God must be with the proper spirit.

1. We are to do “the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:6-7).

2. When it comes to “serving the Lord” we should be “fervent in spirit” (Rom. 12:11).

C. Our service to one another is to be with love (Gal. 5:13).

II. Service Toward Evildoers (13:2).

A. In this group was the one who would betray Jesus, yet he was willing to wash the feet of this traitor (Jn. 13:2).

B. We, too, must be willing to serve even our enemies (Matt. 5:43-48; Rom. 12:17-21).

III. Service in Spite of Exaltation (13:3).

A. The one washing feet:

1. Had been “given all things into his hands.”

2. “Had come from God.”

3. “Was going to God.”

B. Even though Jesus was equal with God, he humbled himself on our behalf (Phil. 2:5-8).

C. It doesn’t matter whether you are a bank president or CEO, as a Christian you are a servant.

D. Remember “God resists the proud” (Jas. 4:6).

IV. Service by Emptying (13:4-5).

A. To serve, Jesus “laid aside his garment” (Jn. 13:4-5).

B. To serve, Paul was willing to lay aside his “rights” (1 Cor. 9:19).

C. To serve, we must be willing to lay aside self (Phil. 2:3-4; Eph. 5:21; 1 Pet. 5:5-6).

V. Service to Encircle (13:6-11).

A, Peter objected to Jesus’ washing his feet.

1. But Jesus said, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with me” (13:8).

2. This act of service showed the togetherness of this group.

B. Our ministering or serving is to be “to one another” (1 Pet. 4:10).

C. When the disciples were divided because of some seeking preeminence over others, Jesus showed them the way to togetherness was by service (Matt. 20:20-27).

VI. Service for Example (13:12-16).

A. By this act of service, Jesus said, “I have given you an example” (Jn. 13:15).

B. His life was a life of service (Matt. 20:28).

C. By serving others we let our light shine so others may come to glorify God (Matt. 5:13-16).

VII. Service of Enrichment (13:17).

A. Jesus promised reward to those who serve others by saying, “Happy are you if you do them” (Jn. 13:17).

B. Earlier Jesus had promised reward to those who serve him when he said, “Him My Father will honor.”

C . Reward also comes when we serve other people (Acts 20:35).

D. The final and ultimate reward comes when Jesus returns (Matt. 25:34-40).

Conclusion:

A. Is your life a life of service?

B. If you are not serving God, then you to need crucify self and submit in obedience to his will (Gal. 2:20).

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 8, pp. 230-231
April 19, 1990

By Lewis Willis

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes get the impression that folks wonder whether the Bible really says what it means and means what it says. The nonreligious, the denominationalists and even some brethren seem to doubt what the Bible says. They just can’t believe it says some of the things it says. Even if they acknowledge that it says certain things, they seem to question whether or not that is what is meant. In this article we shall explore some of these matters.

1. “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins” (Jn. 8:24). This seems rather clear to me either believe or die in your sins. Are you one of those people who might say, “Yes, but does it really mean that?” The answer is, “Yes!”

2. “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Lk. 13:3). Does it really mean “repent or perish”? Yes, indeed! Also, Peter said, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22). How many pages would you suppose have been written over the years questioning whether or not this passage teaches Christians to repent if they wish to be forgiven of their sins? Does it really mean that? Surely it does!

3. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:16). Does it really mean that I must believe and be baptized if I want to be saved? “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Sins are washed away in baptism? Does it really mean that? Yes, that is exactly what it means!

4. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 Jn. 4:1). Now, John didn’t really mean that there are many false prophets in the world, did he? Really? Paul said, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which we have learned; and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17). Is that really what he means? Are we supposed to mark and avoid false teachers? If so, why do some brethren get so hyper when you do that?

5. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). Surely he didn’t mean. that we’re suppose to assemble with the saints? Does it really mean that? Some must not believe that it does, because they surely do not assemble.

6. “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19). The religious world has had a field-day trying to decide if this passage really means what it says. When he says “singing,” does he mean “singing”? Or, can you also “play” on instruments of music? Do you see what I mean when I say that people have trouble believing the Bible? This passage means what it says and says what it means!

7. “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” (Matt. 23:33) Of course, everybody knows there is no such thing as “hell,” so, this passage obviously does not really mean that there is a “damnation” that is meted out in “hell.” Or, does it? We know it means what it says, don’t we?

8. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I do and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (Jn. 14:2-3). But, where is Jesus? “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10- 11). These passages say that Jesus has gone to Heaven. But, is there really a place called “Heaven”? Surely these passages don’t mean that? Or, do they?

9. “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Matt. 19:9). A major controversy is underway in churches of Christ over whether or not this passage means what it says. Practically every periodical published by faithful brethren refers to it in every issue. Folks, if we’re going to believe that the Bible says what it means, and means what it says, with reference to points 1-8, we’re going to have to admit that it means what it says here. No “ifs, ands, or buts.” Otherwise, we’re going to encourage somebody to commit adultery, or to remain in adultery and lose his soul (Gal. 5:19-21).

God gave us the Bible to instruct us. God means what he says in it! If we have a problem with this idea, our fundamental problem is a lack of faith in the Bible. We are smart enough to understand what it says, and it is rank unbelief when we ask, “Does it really mean that?”

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 8, p. 237
April 19, 1990