God's objective Truth exists. Jesus said the Father's Word is Truth (John 17:17). Jesus commanded His apostles to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every person (Mark 16:15). That is another way of saying that the apostles were to preach the Truth, for "the word of Truth" and "the Gospel of salvation" are the same (Eph. 1:13). The church has the same commission today: preach the Gospel or Truth. However, we understand that some reject the Truth and thus never receive the remission of sins. Others accept the Truth about how to be saved, and are baptized into Christ, but later do not receive what the Bible teaches on other themes. It is interesting and important to see how people, both in and out of the church, react when they do not like some Bible teaching, or when they cannot answer the Truth.
        In both the Old and New Testaments we see that some physically persecuted the messengers of Jehovah when they did not like what the prophets preached or could not answer them. When Zechariah the son of Jehoiada rebuked the Jews for transgressing the commandments of God, king Joash ordered men to stone Zechariah to death (2 Chron. 24:20-22). Why? Not because Zechariah's message was false, but because Joash and the people did not like what he said! Jeremiah was imprisoned and beaten for the same reason.
        What about our Lord Jesus? He always preached the Truth (John 8:45,46), but the Jewish leaders were jealous of Him (Mark 15:10) and turned Him over to Pilate, claiming He was worthy of death.
        Stephen was killed, not because he preached falsehood or compromised the Truth, but because the Jews did not like the Truth he preached (Acts 7).
        It is written that others mocked the prophets of God who preached the Truth. Jehovah sent His messengers to exhort the Jews to repent and return to Him, "But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets..." (2 Chron. 36:15,16). We read of the same thing in the New Testament when Paul preached the Gospel in Athens: "And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked..." (Acts 17:32). On a later occasion when Paul preached the Gospel before King Agrippa II and Festus, Festus said to him, "Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad." Paul's response was, "I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness" (Acts 26:24,25). Today, many laugh at us when we preach the Truth, but their mockery does not change anything: the Truth is still the Truth, and only those who obey it will receive eternal salvation (2 Thess. 1:6-9).
        "You do not have any love." That is what we often hear when we preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) and refuse to compromise the Truth. It is possible that one may preach the Truth and do so in an unkind manner. We want to say without reservation that we do not approve of speaking unkindly or purposely offending someone when teaching or preaching. It is absolutely necessary to speak with a good attitude or a spirit of love. However, we must be careful that we do not make false conclusions on this matter. Consider this question: Which is more important, to preach the Truth, or to preach with a kind spirit or good attitude? In other words, which is more important, one's message or one's attitude? Both are important! It is false to say that it is acceptable to preach with an unkind spirit as long as one preaches the Truth. It is also false to say that it does not matter if one preaches the Truth or not, as long as he manifests a kind spirit. A third false conclusion would be to say that one who preaches the Truth, and nothing but the Truth, has no love. Jesus preached the Truth. Did everyone accept what He said? No. Does that prove He had no love? Of course not. Paul met opposition everywhere he preached the Gospel. Does that prove he had no love for those to whom he preached? Of course not. We will not knowingly continue to fellowship those who are walking disorderly, for this is the command of the Lord (2 Thess. 3:6,14). Does that mean we have no love? If so, then it means the Lord, who commanded us to withdraw from the disorderly, has no love. But, our God is a God of love and mercy, so those who carry out His will cannot be doing wrong. Paul told the church in Corinth to stop having fellowship with a brother who was a fornicator (1 Cor. 5), but he later told them, "Let all that you do be done with love" (16:14, NKJV). Thus, it is possible to obey the Lord's command to withdraw from the ungodly, and to take such action with a spirit of love for them.
        "Let's quit arguing about little things and just work together to preach Christ." This is what some brethren say when we point out the error they are openly teaching or supporting. First of all, in the New Testament "to preach Christ" (Acts 8:5,35) means the same as "to preach the word," "to preach the word of the Lord," and "to preach the Gospel" (Acts 8:4,25). Thus, if one is really "preaching Christ," then he is preaching the Truth, not only about the earthly life of Jesus, but also the teaching that comes from Christ. Second, when a brother in Christ teaches that one can receive the remission of sins before baptism, we do not consider it a small thing, for the Scriptures teach that baptism is for one who is not yet saved (Acts 2:38; 22:16). We could never consider it a small thing for a congregation to have sisters leading prayers and songs in worship services or preaching when men are present, for the Holy Spirit clearly shows that men are to be in the role of leadership in the church (1 Tim. 2:8,11,12). It is not a small thing when one teaches a man can divorce his wife (not for her fornication) and marry another woman, and that God approves of this second so-called marriage. Jesus called this relationship "adultery" (Matt. 19:9), so how could we consider it a small thing? I mention these three specific examples of departure from the Scriptures because these things are currently being propagated in the Ukraine.

Some Things God Does Not Know

Dub McClish

In numerous statements the Bible proclaims God’s omniscience—He knows all things (Rom. 11:33–34; 1 John 3:20b; et al.) In spite of these plain averments, the Bible also reveals some things God does not know. This claim does not imply any weakness in God; any such limitations are entirely self-imposed. Consider some things God does not know:

• A sinless responsible human being. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3: 23; cf. 1 John 1:8). (Note: “all have sinned,” not “all have inherited Adam’s sin.”)

• A sinner whom God does not love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; et al.). God loves even the most sinful and debauched, and He wants them to be saved.

• A sinner for whom Christ did not die. Christ Jesus “gave himself a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:6; cf. 1 John 2:2; Isa. 53:6; et al.). John Calvin, not Jesus Christ, invented the doctrine of the “limited atonement.” All sinners have an equal opportunity of salvation through Christ.

• Anyone who will be saved outside of Christ. “And in none other [than Christ, DM] is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved” (Acts 4:12; cf. Eph. 1:3; Col. 1:14; 1 John 5:11; et al.). Jesus said; “Iam the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John14:6).

• Anyone who is “in” Christ without being baptized. “Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” (Rom. 6:3). “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ” (Gal. 3: 27). To claim to be “in” Christ without having been Scripturally baptized is to claim to know more than God knows.

• Anyone’s entering Heaven without being saved on earth. Jesus said to unbelievers in His time, “I go away, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sin: whither I go, ye cannot come” (John 8:21). He also said, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord…” (Rev. 14:13).  Several centuries after the New Testament was completed, uninspired men invented the doctrine of purgatory, the doctrine of a “second chance.”

• Any responsible person who will escape the Judgment. “For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). All will keep this appointment (Heb. 9:27).

  Blessings of Pandemic

Shane Carrington

911 scarred us. And scared us. But patriotism, national unity, and church attendance all increased. Our great adversity brought tragic loss of life and financial instability, but blessings also arrived. Now, as then, some proclaim that “God brought this pandemic on us because of our worldliness and wickedness as a society. This is God’s judgment,” they declare. Without an inspired prophet of God to clarify this, though, how could anyone boldly make such an announcement? God works in history — “the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind” (Dan. 5:21) — it is true. But He also gives humans free will. God is sovereign, but in sovereignty He allows humans to make choices. God through providence interacts with His creation, but He also declares “time and chance overtake them all” (Eccles. 9:11), so He does not pull the strings on all earthly occurrences. “God wanted COVID-19 to plague us to get our attention.” Perhaps.

Again, without a modern, inspired prophet declaring this as God’s purpose, we cannot say this with certainty. God allows us to suffer many things. He can use these as He wills. But in a universe of “time and chance” (Eccles. 9:11), He can also let things run their course. Trust the Lord, pray to God, and shine His light in time (regardless what we endure). He will walk with us now (Heb. 13:5,6), and, if we are faithful, we will someday “walk with” Him “in white” (Rev. 3:4; 2:10). Nothing we endure can force us from God (1 Cor. 10:13). And He can use pandemic to bless us. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2,3). We would rather posses ease and tranquility, and these have their place in benefitting us. “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 2)

One of the reasons God wants us to pray for our national leaders/authorities is, “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:2b-4

Tranquility can enhance our ability to spread God’s word of salvation! But trials also have their place, and we are enduring some of that at this time. Blessings of adversity What benefits can the faithful find in pandemic? Consider a few:

• It can build greater spiritual “endurance” (James 1:2,3) in us. “And let endurance have its perfect result” (James 1:4) — strengthening us spiritually to be more like Jesus. • It can give us greater appreciation of worship assemblies. Having been apart so long, and we don’t know how much longer it will persist, coming back together will be a glad reunion that will make us more appreciative of time together in worship and study.

 • It can help us realize more fully that “the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away” (James 1:11). Relative to most people around the globe, we are financially wealthy. Comparing our homes and diets to theirs is actually no comparison. We can tend to take our material blessings for granted. Suffering can realign our priorities. May we learn spiritual focus, including good stewardship of financial blessings, through our current circumstances.

 • It can help us slow down. We Americans tend to busy ourselves into oblivion, participating in every activity under the sun from dawn to dusk. Business is a mark of prestige in our culture. COVID-19 forced us to slow down. God required a weekly Sabbath for ancient Israel. We crave more activity than that, almost afraid of missing out on something. While God gave us no such requirement in the New Testament, slowing down rests our minds, bodies, and spirits — things we all need for mental, physical, and spiritual health. Hopefully this forced break will break some of our NASCAR habits, helping us focus more on family, character, and faith.

• It can help us realize the important place our spiritual family has in our lives. Not being able to see one another face to face builds a longing to share the same physical space again. God created humans as social beings, and spiritual family is vital to growing faith. Individual responsibility is essential (James 1:19-27). But as disciples, God has incorporated us into His body with one another: “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart” (1 Pet. 1:22). This grows dearer due to our physical separation. May we stay in contact with one another in the interim!

• It is increasing our outreach. We currently reach more people with the gospel than we had before. Having 200+ screens viewing our live-streamed worship assemblies is common right now. Previously, we came nowhere close to that. The numbers for this will go down when we can physically assemble, but unbelievers and disciples needing restoring are also watching. Pray for a harvest! Periodically, God allows His people to face adversity. This is not the first time for you or me; if time continues, it will not be the last. The faithful trust God through both hardship and prosperity, strengthened in His gracious word and promises, realizing that the end of our lives in this physical world brings us everlasting peace and comfort in His unfiltered presence. What a glorious, unending day that will be! Find daily purpose and strength in Him, and, whatever trials may come, we can rejoice in the Lord!   

STANDING FAST IN THE FAITH
Darryl Harrison

          To say that the world in which we live is divided religiously is certainly an understatement. Any seeker of religion will have no problem finding a church or doctrine which suits his own tastes. Just like the local buffet restaurant, many selections are available, but all honest persons yearning for the truth must question this present arrangement. Is it God's will that people be divided over the most crucial of subjects? The Philippian jailer asked the question, “What must I do to be saved?” That question is still being asked today, but unfortunately Bible answers are not being given. False doctrines relative to the plan of salvation abound and the Lord's church must equip itself to fight these errors tooth and nail.

        The apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 16:13, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit ye like men, be strong.” Every word in this powerful verse rings out with the concept of war and spiritual conflict. Paul, in essence, was calling the church at Corinth to arms. The New Testament church today must also heed this militant call to war. The line of demarcation has been drawn and the enemy has been identified, but the fact of the matter is that many pulpits throughout the land have imposed a self-restricting ban on doctrinal preaching for fear of offending the masses (2 Tim. 4:1-4). Weak elderships are retreating instead of preparing the flock for a protracted confrontation with the wicked adversary of God's people -- none other than Satan. Peter describes him “as a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8) of whom Paul said “we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11). The church has an obligation before God and man to stand for the truth by which we shall gain the ultimate victory.

        Concerning the doctrine of Christ, that is, the inspired teaching of the New Testament (Acts 2:42; Titus 1:9), we should uncompromisingly promote and defend it. The beloved John wrote so forcefully in 2 John 9, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.” Keep in mind that John was known as the apostle of love and wrote much on the subject in his epistles. It is therefore not unloving or unkind to expose false teaching and those who propagate it! In fact, it is the most loving thing any faithful Christian can do for his fellow man. There is a current trend in the religious world and also in the church to tone down this blessed doctrine. The preaching which characterized the first century church was plain, bold and loving. The Gospel which filled the streets of Jerusalem and caused men to be “pricked in their heart” (Acts 2:37) is the same Gospel that will save men today (Rom. 1:16).

        Considering the fact that we have the responsibility to stand for and defend the Gospel, there is an inevitable conclusion that will be drawn. When the doctrine of Christ is presented as it should be, then conflict is to be expected. Darkness hates light (John 3:20). In the same sense, error does not like to be exposed by the light of truth. If the church never faces any attack from the world, particularly the denominational world, then that is a good sign that we are not standing as firmly as we should. Whatever happened to the kind of preaching and Christian living that caused the church to grow in the first century? This was a time when God's people loved God and man more than their own lives (Acts 20:24). They unhesitatingly drew the “sword of the Spirit” and met in battle the foes of the Gospel of Christ.

        The church of the 21st century must return to the divine pattern of evangelism in order to be pleasing to God. We must be convinced the only answers that are sufficient in matters of religious doctrine are Bible answers! Will we not hearken unto the commands of the captain of our salvation (Heb. 2:10) and faithfully execute our mission so that souls may be won back from the devil's grip and that God may be glorified? May each and every member of the body of Christ heed the personal admonition to “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3).                                                                                                                             

Our Cares and God's Care

Dub McClish

A verse that we all should commit to memory and upon which we should ever rely is the following: "casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7). When we learn to trust this promise, it will bring us great consolation and courage.

There was great anxiety among the brethren to whom Peter wrote because of persecution. They were being "put to grief in manifold trials," and their faith was being "proved by fire" (1: 6–7). There was a "fiery trial" among them (4:12). Peter gave numerous indications that these brethren were undergoing great sufferings for the Lord. Opposition and persecution brought great anxiety to their hearts. Peter told them how to deal with these anxieties.

The "anxiety" of this passage refers to those things about which we worry and about which we are unsettled or undecided. It reminds us of Paul's familiar exhortation: "In nothing be anxious . . ." (Phi. 4:6). The Lord made a lengthy statement on this subject in the Sermon on the Mount:

Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on…. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (Mat. 6:25–34).

If there is a difference in the exhortations of the Lord, of Paul, and of Peter, perhaps it is this: The Lord and Paul urge us not to be anxious in the first place. Peter tells us what to do when we nonetheless become anxious and worried.

The antidote for worry is the promise of God's care and concern for His children. The word Peter used for God's "care" refers to His interest and concern and implies both the will and the ability to meet our needs. If God cares for the sparrow and the raven and adorns the expendable grass of the field, does He not much more care for those who are His children (Luke 12:6, 24, 28)? If He knows the very number of the hairs on our heads, He knows and is concerned about all of our far more important needs (Luke 12:7).

The promises of God and His Son that they are ever with us are many. God's promise to Israel in this respect applies to us: I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee. So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me? (Heb. 13:5–6).

Our Savior promised that He would be with His people as they do His work "always, even unto the end of the world" (Mat. 28:20). Peter's words are an echo of Psalms 55:22: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee." Therefore, let us fret less and trust and pray more.