Truth Magazine

By John A. Smith

As Christians we have a unique opportunity to touch the lives of others. It has rightly been said that Christianity is a “One-Another” religion. We are not to look out merely for our own personal interests, “but also for the interest of others” (Phil. 2:4). The practicing of “One-Another Religion” – looking out for the interests of others – should lead us to be involved in the lives of others and in our communities.

The Proverbs writer saw the benefit that active righteous people could have in their communities and declared them to be a blessing. “When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked” (Prov. 11:10-11). “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). In order for this blessing to be experienced, the righteous must let their presence be known. There is no blessing when the righteous sit idly by and keep their influence to themselves.

Jesus acknowledged the beneficial influence of the righteous when, at the conclusion of the “Beatitudes,” he declared that those who possess these characteristics should also exhibit them. He declared that they are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matt. 5:13-16). He further said that we are not to “light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand. . . Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:15-16).

Jesus calls upon the righteous to uncork their salt shakers and let their savor be known. Just as salt was an indispensable household commodity in Palestine, so Jesus declares that the children of God are equally indispensable in their communities. They can be more than a savoring influence. They can also be a “moral disinfectant” in communities which would otherwise be left to degenerate values. Christ-like people need to look beyond themselves to the interests of others and the community and let their savoring disinfectant be effective.

As lights of the world, we do not produce light ourselves. But as “moons” we merely reflect the light of the Son to the darkened earth. Many of our communities are starved and groping for this guiding light. As “reflections of the Savior” the righteous need to put their light in a conspicuous place to “give light to all who are in the house” to the glory of the Father. As Christians we must be involved people.

A Christian’s involvement in neighborhoods, communities and schools should come from a sincere love for others and the saving of their souls. One of the characteristics of love which Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 13:5 is an interest in others. Because he loved others Paul said that he was willing to “spend and be spent” (1 Cor. 12:15). Motivated by a desire to save souls, Paul sought not his own but other’s well-being and not his own profit but the profit of many “that they may be saved” (1 Cor. 10:24,33). Involvement with others will open doors of opportunity, which otherwise might never open, whereby we may reach them with the Gospel.

Involvement with others, “salt shaking,” and “light-shining” will also provide the Christian with opportunities to glorify God. Our lights are to shine for that very purpose (Matt. 5:16). If we are actively involved with others doing good work, “they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God” (1 Pet. 2:12).

Christ-like people should find no lack of motivation for involvement and community service.

Applications

One Christian stepped forward in a local school district to volunteer his service on a citizen’s committee which was to draft a “Family Life” (sex education) program. As a result of his efforts, that program is being built upon solid biblical morals and not the permissive values of groups like Planned Parenthood. In the philosophy statement which he helped to draft, abortion is condemned, pre-marital sexual abstinence is promoted, and contraception is to be taught only within the context of marriage. Christians can have an impact!

All over the country I hear of parents working wit Little League Baseball, Soccer, local schools and other agencies who successfully keep these activities from interfering with mid-week Bible studies. There are those who work tirelessly to help promote modest apparel for sports and school activities. Those who help see that creationism gets a fair shake in classrooms provide a much needed service. I am always encouraged to hear of godly parents who volunteer their time as coaches and team-parents thereby having an opportunity to interject spiritual values into these activities. God bless these active, “one-another,” “light-shining” people! Our communities need more of them.

Others are serving in more quiet and less noticeable ways. Many of God’s children all across the country are involved in helping elderly neighbors, caring for the sick, visiting nursing homes, helping provide for the less fortunate, and countless other thoughtful ways. They make themselves available to neighbors for any service that they might be able to render. They are truly a blessing and servant of others.

It is my prayer that more Christians would see the need for community involvement and use their God-given talents for the service of others. May we all have the spirit of our Lord and see ourselves as those who have “not come to be served, but to serve.”

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 11, pp. 321, 340
June 1, 1989

By Jimmy Tuten

Introduction:

1. In the early ’60s Prime Minister Harold McMillan of England said: “The winds of change are blowing across the face of the earth.” How right he was!

a. It is staggering to pause and contemplate the changes that have taken place in our generation. All the changes in generations past fade into insignificance when compared to those that have taken place in this ,century in which we live.

b. Everything about us changes; only change itself is unchanging. Truly “the changelessness of change” is ever before us.

2. There are some things that never change: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea and forever” (Heb. 13:8). Our Lord never changes! Yet, in this rapid-moving world, faith in God, faith in his Son Jesus Christ, and faith in the inspiration of the Bible and loyalty to the church of our Lord are no longer points of permanence in the minds of modern man.

a. How refreshing, how like a drink of cool water in the heat of the day are these words, “Jesus Christ, the same.”

b. The kingdoms of this world have come and gone, but Jesus is the same. From eternities of old he has gazed in eternal majesty upon the efforts of men to lift themselves up, only to mark their fall by his eternal wisdom.

c. Tons of earthly surface through the ages have been washed from the hills to fill the valleys. Rock have been eaten away by the elements of nature, but our Lord changes not.

3. “Jesus is the same yesterday. ” How far back does that take us?

a. Back before the seas or mountains, before the first sunrise, or the first bird raised its voice in melodious harmony, Jesus was there.

b. He stands in the midst of eternity and grasps the past and the future to weld them together into an everlasting span. He precedes history, for he is eternal (Jn. 5:58).

4. Yet, the historical Christ is the greatest fact of all time. The Christ of yesterday is our Lord and Savior today.

a. But before he could meet our problems, direct our lives and plead our case with Jehovah, he was “born after the flesh” (Gal. 4:4,23-24).

b. Hence our subject: “Mary’s Child, God’s Son” (Lk. 1:31; Jn. 1:1).

5. How natural it is to love a baby. But the baby Jesus is the only one ever loved more than any other, even our own.

Body:

I. Less we in thoughtlessness lose sight of the significance of Christ’s birth, we need to consider the words of the prophet Isaiah (Isa. 9:6-7).

A. “A child is born. ” But, more than this: a son is given (Jn. 3:16).

1. Earthly sons are not given, they are conceived. Hence our text foreshadowed the mystery of the incarnation.

2. This prophecy was given many times before: in Eden (Gen. 3:15), a virgin conceiving (Isa. 7:14), etc.

B. The Old Testament promise is often noted in the New Testament.

1. Hebrews 2:14 – “Partakers” (sharers) in flesh and blood (Gr. koinoneo, have in common). Jesus “took part” (Gr. metecho, became a partner with) in the same (Phil. 2:5-8).

2. Galatians 4:4 – “Made of a woman.” This is the only time that such a reference is made: he was not conceived, but made.

C. Genesis 3:15. This cannot be relegated to myth, allegory or poem. Yet, some in the church agree witiv. such statements as: “The Biblical myths that ChriKtians deal with are familiar: the ‘paradise story, Adam and Eve, the Fall, the Flood, the Tow~i of Babel, the miracles, the resurrection, and ascension. These are myths to be solved for a myth is a combination of symbols pointing to an ultimate concern” (The United Church Herald, Mar. 9, 1961, p. 15). Brethren Dr. Neal Buffaloe, John Clayton, etc. are examples of those who treat the book of Genesis as containing things that “never were.”

1. Is the book of Genesis literal and historical, or mythological and allegorical? If we are unwilling to accept Genesis 1-11I as historical then we would have to reject:

a. Any biblical concept of the origin of man.

b. The unity and harmony of the Old and New Testaments.

c. God’s personal design of the plan of salvation.

d. The sonship of Jesus.

e. The truthfulness of the writers of the Bible.

f. The overall authority of the Word of God.

2. “One who doubts the Genesis account will not be the same man he once was, for his attitude toward Holy Scripture has been eroded by false teaching. Genesis is repeatedly referred to in the New Testament, and it cannot be separated from the total Christian message” (Richard Culp, Remember Thy Creator, pp. 160-161).

D. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever!

II. The Holy Angel’s Explanation to Mary (Lk. 1:30-35).

A. Mary’s child was God’s Son, with whom she went down to the gates of death and came up bearing in her arms -Immanuel!

B. Several thousand years of prophecy were fulfilled in that hour.

C. Deity entered human history and the hearts of mankind through the gateway of a virgin’s womb. What a birthday that was and yet, nowhere are we ever instructed to observe it (i.e., in Scripture). It is the death of our Lord in the Lord’s Day communion that we are commanded to keep.

D. Those who saw him saw God. Those who today know him know God!

1. His birth promised creation’s rebirth.

2. His death promised its redemption.

3. His resurrection promised its glory.

4. His ascension guarantees its eternity.

5. His return will complete it.

E. Therefore, wise men came to worship him and wise men still do.

III. His Birth Changed the Calendar. Why?

A. God promised him.

B. Angels announced him.

C. Faith expected him (Anna and Simeon).

D. Sin needed him.

Conclusion:

1. Jesus touches the human heart in his cradle. His very name was a sign (Lk. 1:30-33, “Jesus,” i.e., Jehovah is salvation).

2. Jesus touches the sinner only through the cross (1 Cor. 15:1-6).

3. God’s greatest gift was not his Son in the manger, but his Son on the cross!

4. Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:1-6, this initial forgiveness of sin is a part of a more complete process known as conversion, or the new birth:

a. Jn. 3:3-6, “born of the water and the Spirit” – enter the kingdom.

b. Matt. 18:3, “converted . . . as a little child” – enter the kingdom.

c. Matt. 7:21, “doeth the will of my Father” – enter the kingdom.

5. “By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8).

“Tho’ a thousand times in Bethlehem, Jesus born should be, the love of God can ne’er be felt, Till Christ be born in thee! “

6. Ye must be born again (Jn. 3).

(Credit is due to Sermon Outlines by Harry Rimmer.)

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 11, pp. 330-331
June 1, 1989

By Hal Snyder

The Great Commission requires that Christ’s disciples teach others (Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15-16; also read Jn. 6:45). Christianity is certainly a “taught” religion. People will not be converted without teaching, for none will be saved against their will or by accident (Acts 2:40; Heb. 5:9). And, no one can remain faithful as a child of God without continuing to learn (2 Pet. 3:18). So long as we may live, we must keep on studying, learning, living, and teaching the word of God (Gal. 6:9).

The church’s primary mission is to save the lost (Lk. 19:10). This is accomplished by evangelizing (Acts 20:20), edifying (Eph. 4:11-16), and ministering to the saints (2 Cor. 9:1).

Our teaching involves saint and sinner alike – people learn from what we both say and do (Matt. 5:16).

Consider how the church teaches people:

1. From the pulpit. Still this is the most powerful means of emphasizing the word of God. It has the advantage of teaching many at one time (many can be persuaded by the same words) and people are in attendance because they choose to be there. But there are some disadvantages, too. The preacher relies on his judgment (or that of the elders) in the selection of material to be presented. Unfortunately such may not be what everyone needs and there is no opportunity to deal with questions or problems of audience. Yet pulpit preaching remains an effective means of reaping the fruits of the labors of the entire congregation.

2. Personal evangelism. This allows everyone in the congregation to get involved (not so much a collective work of the church, rather work by individual Christians – see Acts 5:42). This is the most effective method of teaching because it allows the teacher to deal with questions when they arise and many personal problems or misunderstandings can be dealt with immediately. No doubt this is the most effective way of reaching people with the gospel of Christ.

3. Bible classes. This is one of the most effective means of teaching. Most agree that 90 percent of our conversions come as a result of such public teaching. Its advantages are that many people can be taught the same thing at one time; it is a more direct method of teaching than from the pulpit; and the teacher can deal with questions as they arise. But the most serious disadvantage of this method lies in the fact that we can only teach those who are present (Acts 10:33). And often something else is needed to get people there in the first place.

4. Printed page. There is tremendous power in the printed page, be it a newspaper, periodical, or tract. One can study thoroughly the subject at hand; study can be accomplished at the reader’s convenience (when they are in the proper frame of mind); and it is comparatively inexpensive. To be effective, the printed message must be a high-quality product, well-written, and attractive to the eye. But, only where the interest has been aroused will the message be effective. Also the printed material should be given to the right person, in the right way, at the right time. Remember that tracts are effective, particularly in visitation work.

5. Electronic media. The mass media (especially radio and television) can be a means of reaching many people at the same time with a common message. In overall cost and potential audience it is relatively inexpensive at the per listener/viewer rate. On the other hand, it is all too easy to just turn off the radio or TV, or to even change stations/channels. These methods are not as effective because the message is not as direct. The mass media are best utilized to make contacts, which makes any follow-up work (personal visits) imperative. Remember that the one-on-one teaching is the most-effective. Any preaching by this method should involve the interests of the entire congregation. Members of the congregation know the interests and needs of their friends, neighbors, and relatives. This way members, of the congregation can talk to them about the broadcast (subject, questions about the topic, or what was or wasn’t said) in an attempt to involve the contact in the personal evangelism process, invite them to Bible study and/or worship services or, perhaps, give them a tract.

Whatever method we employ, our efforts are concentrated on taking the message to them – that’s the “go” part of Matthew 28:19.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 10, p. 308
May 18, 1989

By Roy H. Lanier, Jr.

In the silence of many pulpits, and in the absence of distinctions formerly made about accuracy of doctrine, hasn’t the time come to step back and take a serious look at just where the church is today in modern America? Have some methods and means gradually crept in, some of which may displease the Lord?

Things that have been heretofore accepted, assumed and granted now are being ignored. A gradual loosening of boundaries that former generations were loathe to violate has taken place. Is it just that today, in the modern genius, men have discovered many expedients that are more helpful in getting the Lord’s work done? One might do well to remember a small but important point: To be expedient, something first must be lawful (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23). Or could it be that today’s generation of churches has carelessly crossed some vital boundaries?

The church is in the eternal purpose of God (Eph. 3: 10,11). The redemption through Jesus Christ, as well as the design of His church, are from eternity.

The design of the church is to accomplish the mission of the Savior. He was to “save the people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21), stated as to “seek and save that which is lost” (Matt. 18:11), and to “give his life a ransom” (Matt. 20:28). Because the church is His body (Eph. 1:22,23), to be the “fulness of him that filleth all in all,” the church fulfills the mission of the Lord.

The church is designed to include all necessary functions in doing the mission of Christ. It is His fulness, the “habitation of God in the Spirit” (Eph. 2:22), God’s “husbandry” (1 Cor. 3:9), and the “pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). Surely none will want to argue that God did not design the church properly or fully to accomplish its purpose.

The church, as designed by God, is vital and absolute. It was purchased by the blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28), a distinction accorded no other organization, and He gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:23,25-30). He is coming to claim it and present it back into heaven. No other group, body or organization has such a promise.

Only one such unit exists (Eph. 4:4; 1 Cor. 12:13,20). God’s design and purpose included only one body, one group, one organization to be thus involved in the mission of redemption.

Spread within and without the local church today, a mass of other organizations interwoven within the framework of the church is manifest. It forms an umbrella round about the church, hovering over it. It is the “Para-church,” foreign to the Bible, but well-known to all in the 20th century.

Mission organizations, benevolent groups, medical units and edification-growth businesses are springing up outside the framework of local churches. Their intents and actions are good, even spiritual. Some of them are on an individual basis for all funding, but many are expecting local churches to finance them.

These extra organisms may include all sorts of evangelistic efforts not a part of, nor under the oversight of, any local congregation. It is not unknown for mission teams to be sent into foreign nations with the intent of establishing a local office structure outside the framework of any local congregation that might be established. Finances and planning are handled by this office, not by any Stateside church or church begun on the mission field. Radio stations are built, owned and operated by independent boards, but their finances are funded by local churches. Hospitals, medical clinics, foundations for medical operations, and so on, are now an accepted part of today’s working churches. Some of these are independent businesses, perhaps operated on a non-profit basis, but almost totally dependent upon local congregations for funding. Secular schools, called “Christian schools” and “Christian colleges” are quietly getting back into local church budgets.

Relief funds, set up as independent from any oversight of local churches, have sprung up soliciting local churches for their funding. They participate in many good works, but is this the way the Lord designed His church? Growth and edification corporations are now available to local churches, but churches are being asked to contribute regularly to their expense funds. Private care-home businesses are being organized, with every intent of being funded by churches across the United States.

Some necessary distinctions must be made. First, it is right and proper for individuals to do missions and benevolence outside the framework of any local church. In fact, one is not fulfilling one’s responsibility to Christ without doing such. One who is taught the truth is told to “communicate” (share in this world’s goods) with the one teaching him (Gal. 6:6). One also is charged to care for needy family members personally, that the church “be not charged” (1 Tim. 5:16). Thus, many challenges are open to individuals to accomplish great spiritual ends in the name of Christ on an individual basis.

Second, a distinction must be recognized between the individual’s doing something and the local church’s doing the same actions. A local church may feed a needy family, or a godly couple within the local church might buy the needed groceries, never calling upon the church for any reimbursement. Either way, the Lord can be glorified and the needy loved.

Third, the church can only march at the direction of its Head, Jesus Christ (Col. 1:18,19). It must avoid stepping out into the area of human genius and invention to do things that the Lord Jesus has not directed it to do. This was one of the major problems of the Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day; they added their traditions to the instructions of the law of Moses, thus violating sacred trust (Mk. 7:8,9).

Fourth, the church is charged exclusively with its work: teaching and helping (Eph. 4:11,12). Many would say “evangelism, edification and benevolence,” and this is as good a way to say it as any. The church is charged to teach the lost, continue to teach ones baptized (Matt. 28:18-20), and care for the needy (Acts 6; 11:29,30; 1 Cor. 16:1-4). So far as is known, no other work or activity should be charged to the church.

Finally, a church may pay for services received without funding the business itself. The church may purchase lesson books from a publisher, receiving goods and paying for them. Yet, the church cannot fund the man’s private business by making contributions to the firm itself. That is his private business and not within the instructions of the Lord for His church. A church may hire a plumber for needed work, but it has no right to include in its budget the support of the man’s business. The church has no right to fund some man’s business – spiritual or benevolent in nature though it may be.

Let the church be the church. Do not cloud it with all kinds of extra organizations or clutter it with things foreign to the Lord’s instructions. It has the greatest challenge of all centuries; let it be “about the Father’s business.”

Let individuals continue to climb great peaks of performance of spiritual works. Let men continue to invent ways to help redemption’s cause, let organizations flourish that may help in spiritual ways, and let the individuals pay for such great accomplishments.

Let there be accurate distinctions kept between the instructions of Jesus and the changing methods of men. We do not need organizations formed by men, planned to be funded by churches, that deny the absoluteness of God’s eternal planning for His church. God did not make any mistakes in planning, nor did He leave anything out that should be added by men.

God needs men to take seriously His design and go to work. The plans, designs and provisions are there. Why desire to change, add, devise, reorient or restructure the Lord’s church? God needs the help of men today, but in the way of participation, not addition, to His design.

A “para-church” is not the answer; the Lord’s church is the answer devised from eternity. Why question or change God’s provisions?

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 11, pp. 323-324
June 1, 1989