In John 8:32, we read Jesus' words, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Later, in John 17:17, Jesus prayed to His Father in behalf of the apostles, "Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth." Yes, truth matters.
All across the land, there are those who cry for "religious tolerance, deeper understanding, and a Christ-like spirit." However, these same voices, which are gentle and tolerant when dealing with erroneous, conflicting doctrines and false teachers, are calloused and intolerant toward those who insist on a "thus saith the Lord" for what they believe and practice. They ostracize and brand as "legalists" those who call for "book, chapter, and verse" when they deal with human creeds and doctrines. Must we endeavor to hold the line of distinction between TRUTH and ERROR, or should we just acquiesce, acknowledging the sincerity of those who, through ignorance, practice error?
In the past, God demonstrated that truth matters.
- He was not so tolerant with the unrighteous before the flood! Genesis 6:5-7 says, "Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented Jehovah that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And Jehovah said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the ground; both man, and beast, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; for it repenteth me that I have made them."
- The homosexuals at Sodom saw that truth matters when God obliterated their city with fire from heaven (Genesis 19). Truth on this issue is not obscure.
- "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
- And if a man lie with mankind, as with womankind, both of them have committed abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them...
- Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, having in like manner with these given themselves over to fornication and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire" (Leviticus 18:22; 20: 13; Jude 7; cf Romans 1 :26-27).
- If Nadab and Abihu had lived, they would have told about God's intolerance concerning the strange fire they offered without His authority (Leviticus 10:1-3).
Indeed, "Every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward." (Hebrews 2:2) We do not manifest proper respect for truth and godliness when we tolerate error and sin that God has openly opposed!
Jesus also taught that truth matters. Jesus promised to build just one church. "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) He prayed against others that would rise to compete against it. "Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, (art) in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us." (John 17:20-21) In that prayer, He recognized the division of sectarianism and that it would be the seed of unbelief and infidelity.
After He purchased that one church with His own blood (Acts 20:28), He became its head (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18), and its Savior (Ephesians 5:23). You can accept the church Christ promised, built, purchased, and saves; or you can take a chance that there is salvation in another church that is not mentioned in the Bible. Indeed, truth matters.
The church, a saved body of people, has a spiritual mission. Although individual Christians may become involved in many good community activities, the church must not be diverted from its spiritual mission--preaching the gospel to save the lost, as well as edifying itself in love (1 Timothy 3:15; Philippians 4:15; 2 Corinthians 11:8-9; Ephesians 4:16). Benevolence toward needy saints is also a work of the church (Acts 2:44-45; 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Romans 15:25-27). Benevolence, however, is a fruit of being a Christian and is not the means used to propagate the gospel. If the church exists for the purpose of rendering aid to needy persons, then its mission is no greater than that of the Red Cross.
Many churches attract new members by advertising recreational, educational, and social activities. We must never forget that it took the precious blood of Christ to purchase the church. Therefore, the church's mission must be directly related to the purpose for which He shed His blood. Government, schools, civic clubs, and homes (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:22-34) can provide social activities. The church has a higher, holy mission, and its energy, resources, and time should not be diverted to secular responsibilities. Indeed, truth matters.
Recently, in a California church of Christ's announcement advertising their "Third Annual Youth Gospel Meeting," they not only announced Bible classes and worship, but also "fellowship activities." These activities include BB-Q, games, sports, pizza, laser tag, bowling, and video games. In small print on the announcement sent out by the elders of the church, we find the statement, "While these recreational activities are optional, they have been planned by individual members for further fellowship..." (Where in the Bible do we find the word "fellowship" applied to such recreational activities? mg) A registration form included with the announcement provides space for health-care information and registration information. Also requested are the fees necessary for the various activities; make checks payable to_______. In the accompanying letter from the elders, we read, "Our plan is to provide a weekend of spiritual and recreational activities that will allow our young people to meet and enjoy the company of other young people who have chosen Christ as their Lord and His way as their way in this life."
Someone will say this is parallel to a gospel meeting. Brethren, let us take our Bibles in hand, search the scriptures, and be honest. Are the above activities really parallel to a gospel meeting? Are gospel meetings planned for only one segment of the congregation?
- When have we had people register ahead of time to attend a gospel meeting?
- When have those who plan to attend a gospel meeting been required to furnish health permits?
- When and where have we had individuals who plan recreation for those who attend a gospel meeting?
- When have we announced that the purpose of our gospel meeting is to provide "spiritual and recreational activities that will allow young people to meet and enjoy the company of other young people"?
When Cornelius planned for what we might call a "gospel meeting," he declared to the apostle Peter, "Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord." (Acts 10:33)
It is not my desire to question the motives of those who planned the Third Annual Youth Gospel Meeting; but brethren, "we are drifting" into the water with those who have left the truth. Truth still matters.
Let me add a hearty AMEN!!! KMG