What Do You Want on Your Tombstone?

Doug Burleson, Goodwood Blvd. Church of Christ, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Everybody leaves some kind of legacy. We will all be remembered for something. We live in a world that strives to be remembered for great accomplishments that are forever memorialized in the history books, huge estates, or perhaps even a statue or building dedicated in our honor. As I think about leaving a legacy I cannot help but remember the words of Paul to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:26-35. As we think about the kind of legacies we want to leave, notice five things Paul said that he had accomplished in his life.

First, Paul was compassionate (Acts 20:26). Through his tears Paul reminded the Ephesians elders that he was "pure from the blood of all men." People had tried to kill him on numerous occasions, yet Paul was patient and always sought the good of others, even when it came at his own expense.

Second, Paul was truthful (Acts 20:27). Paul had not "shunned to declare all the counsel of God." We all know that some lessons are easier to teach or preach than others. A good test of integrity comes when we are faced with a real challenge and we choose to follow and proclaim God’s will rather than our own will.

Third, Paul was an encourager (Acts 20:31). Paul reminds the Ephesians elders that for three years he did not cease to "warn every one night and day with tears." Of all the people gathered on the shores of Miletus that day, Paul had more of a reason to ask for encouragement than anyone else. He had suffered more and worked harder than most of us ever even consider and yet he continued giving. Through the imprisonments, beatings, trials, shipwreck, rejection, and general suffering he always had an encouraging word.

Fourth, Paul was content (Acts 20:33). He reminds us that he had "coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel." Paul had sacrificed much to be an evangelist and yet he found contentment by focusing on things above. Instead of trying to climb the social ladder, Paul was content to put others before himself.

Finally, Paul reminds us that he was a hard worker (Acts 20:34-35). He worked hard with his own hands to build up others and emulate the life of the Lord. I am sure there were many days when Paul was tempted to sit back and take it easy and yet he was driven by his passion to reach the lost with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I would remind you that this picture we get near the end of his life is a far cry from where we see Paul in Acts 9, as a Christian-killer. This is the power that God can have in our lives. His word transforms us. I pray that we will all seek this kind of epitaph and live lives that give God the glory!

Spiritual Maturity

Ted D. Burleson, Editorial

Peter has left the imprint of his personality on the world in such a way that it cannot be forgotten. He has helped spread a kingdom that will endure forever. But along the way he lost many battles and made many blunders. His spiritual maturity did not come in a day nor was it accidental. He was human.

There are indicators of inward, spiritual maturity just as there are indications of outward, physical maturity. By observing life we can note the development of spiritual maturity. There are two views of Peter presented in the New Testament. First, we get to know Peter as a young Christian. There were few noteworthy characteristics in his life yet the Lord said of his possibilities, "Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone" (John 1:42).

The second view of Peter is from the close of his life after he had matured spiritually. Peter, an older man who was facing death wrote, "Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance" (2 Peter 1:14, 15). Peter looked for a better life beyond the grave. "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13).

Jesus called Peter to serve Him (Mark 1:16, 18). Before this call, Peter’s highest ambition was to catch more fish than the day before. But when Christ called him, his eyes were opened with a new vision for life. Life was more than working, catching fish, and mending nets. He left all to follow Christ and that hour marked the start of his spiritual maturity.

The new vision for living that Peter found in following Christ is the same discovery we make when we find that life is more than working in a store, keeping house, selling products or manufacturing goods. It is to see that life is a divine vocation (Ephesians 4:1) and that a person’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15).

The story of Peter's big step is found in Matthew 16:13-19. Peter had matured enough to understand that Christ is God's Son and is more than a mere man. His doubt was replaced with faith.

The record of Peter learning a valuable lesson on love is found in John 21:1-17. While this part of his life was marked by some of the oddest and most humiliating experiences of his life, Peter learned about love. He had blundered, denied Christ, and given up in despair. Peter learned that Christ still loved him and had plans for his life. He learned that love equips one for service (cf. John 21:16, "Lovest thou me?"). For spiritual maturity to develop there must be love in the heart.

We see how Peter lived and grew out of ignorance, weakness and prejudice into a life of joy and peace. He was soon to be put to death but he evidently had no fear for he was living in accordance with God’s divine will.

Editor’s Note: Thanks to brother Brandon Jackson for doing such a splendid job editing the previous (Spring) issue of Words of Truth. Readers will note that this issue is dated "Summer 2004." The Lord willing, we will be back on schedule with an October edition in the near future. Thank you for your patience.

Children Need Parents–Not Pals

Sellers S. Crain, Jr., Rivergate Church of Christ, Madison, Tennessee

A few weeks ago a national politician in a public address advocated allowing states to decide the issue of "homosexual marriage" instead of endorsing a constitutional amendment which would prevent such unions from taking place. He also openly voiced his support for his daughter’s lesbian lifestyle. She currently has a leading role in his political campaign.

It is my hope that no Bible believing Christian would support "homosexual marriages," since the Bible plainly condemns homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). While my convictions on this matter have been clearly stated on a number of occasions, it is not that issue which disturbed me most about the politician’s speech. It was endorsing a sinful lifestyle simply because his daughter chooses to live that way.

It is a common occurrence today to hear parents say, "I support my child no matter what they do!" I have heard this expression from parents whose child is living in an ungodly sexual relationship, or were not a Christian. I love my children as much as any parent could, but I will not make a statement such as that. I cannot and will not support my children in anything that is sinful. They know this, and I don’t believe they would expect me to make such a claim to love them–absolutely–, and I will no matter what they do. That will never stop, but I will not support them in any sinful conduct or actions. There is a vast difference in loving my child and supporting them in sinful behavior.

In contrast to this politician’s support of his daughter’s homosexual lifestyle is the Utah family of the confessed killer of his pregnant wife and unborn child. They love their son too, that is clear, but they are not supporting his ungodly actions. Instead they are supporting the grieving family of their deceased daughter-in-law. It had to be hard for them to admit to themselves that their son committed this horrible act. Can you even imagine the pain and heartbreak that revelation brought? Yet it was his own family who convinced him to tell the painful truth and to confess what he had done. Their actions took real love, both for him, and for their daughter-in-law and her family.

Many parents today have stopped being parents. They are afraid they will lose their children’s love or respect if they tell them "No," or if they refuse them their heart’s desire. We are not to be our children’s pals; we are commanded to be their parents (Deuteronomy 6:6-25; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20, 21). This means holding them to a high moral standard, imparting spiritual values, expecting them to respect your values, training them, correcting them, disciplining them when necessary, and being the right kind of example for them to follow. When those children are grown, they will love you more for having done these things than they will if you failed to provide for them the guidance and instruction they needed.

Daniel Whitworth, 1960-2004

Elders all over the nation are concerned about the "drop- out rate"of our young people. And well they ought to be. It is a tragic thing to see these precious boys and girls, who are so thrilled with Bible study as little people, grow cold and uninterested in the Lord’s work as they grow older. Lately, several congregations have made in-depth studies of all the factors available concerning all their young people, with an eye to learning what might be done to help solve this problem. What do we need? More youth programs? More youth rallies?

From the material that has been published on these studies, it seems to me that one great central truth has begun to emerge. Faithfulness of the young person to Jesus doesn’t have anything to do with special programs or teachers. It is not dependent on whether they are members of a large congregation or a small one. The single most important value is their own immediate family.

One congregation found that where both parents were faithful to the Lord, 93% of the kids remained faithful. On the other hand, if only one of the parents was faithful, that figure dropped to 73%. Where parents were only what we call reasonably active in the Lord’s work, only 53% of the young people maintained their faith.

Now comes the shocker. In those cases where both parents attended only infrequently, the percentage of their children remaining faithful to the Lord dropped to 6%. Do you want your children to go to heaven? Make sure you are leading them by your faithful example.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Our brother Daniel Whitworth went to be with the Lord on September 16, 2004.

Tuesdays (& Thursdays) with Dowell

Joey Sparks, Jasper, Alabama, Student at Freed-Hardeman University

A little over a year ago, I lost my favorite teacher, Dr. Dowell Flatt. I offer this small tribute to him because of the great deal that he gave to me. The similarities to Mith Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie are intended.

There are times in our daily lives when we just can’t help but think. Think about life; think about death; think about good; think about bad; sometimes we just think. Everyone has his or her own times and places that trigger memories. For me, as a sophomore at Freed-Hardeman Univerity, that time to think lasted from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Beginning with my walk from Benson Dorm to Garner Center, Room 210, that hour and a half was my "think zone." Even though as a 20-year-old I would rather be in bed at 7:30 a.m. on most mornings, in this case I didn’t mind the fact that I was awake; I didn’t mind thinking either. Why was I awake at 7:30, yet didn’t mind? It was New Testament Greek IV. During this class time, I would think more about the Bible, about Greek, about God, about life than I would during any part of the rest of the day. I spent my Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. with Dr. Dowell Flatt.

Dr. Flatt was 62 years old, but seemed older. Maybe it was his failing health, maybe it was his unmatched wisdom, maybe it was his deep knowledge, or maybe it was his hunched back, glasses, balding head, and soft eyes (several students lovingly nicknamed him "Yoda" from the Star Wars movies). Whatever it was, he seemed like a man who had been through it all, witnessed it all, had it all figured out, and thanked God for it all. He had noticeably fought many battles. He fought battles against false doctrine and denominationalism. He fought against departures from the truth that came from within. He fought for Christian education. He fought for the hearts and souls of the lost. He fought the good fight of faith. However, I am convinced that his toughest battle was against Depression. For almost two decades he had dealt with intense headaches, loneliness, confusion, criticisms, and unanswered questions about his debilitating condition. He was proud to say that in his time of dealing with the disease, he had only spent two periods of time in the hospital. Once at the time of diagnosis and once again in December of 2002–right before I was to have him for class again (I had previously had him for NT Greek I and II in 2001-2002).

Those of us who were privileged to have been around him knew that he was fighting this battle and that he was fighting it hard. Not long after leaving the hospital in December, he began selling his tract, "Dealing with Depression" (available from Hester Publications in Henderson, TN). In this tract and in his speaking engagements related to the topic, he cleared up many myths about Depression: he established that it is not related to faithfulness to God, that it is a disease, that it can be treated, and that it can be defeated at the end of this life with God’s help. The emotional conclusion to his presentation ended with him looking forward to standing in heaven with his cousin Lester Flatt (yes, the Flatt in Flatt and Scruggs), who also suffered many health problems, and proclaiming, "Depression is ancient history!" His tract sold like wild fire. He kept us informed in class about how well it was selling. It was helping people who suffered from Depression as well as those who didn’t suffer from it. I always told myself that I needed to buy one. I never got around to it. Luckily, I had the real thing–I had the man who had dealt with this crippling disease, looked it in the eyes, come to grips with many of its perils, and looked to Jesus on the other side. He wasn’t living proof that Depression could be cured, for it couldn’t. However, he was living proof that it could be dealt with while remaining faithful to God.

I thought a lot at 7:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays that semester. Sure, I thought about New Testament Koine Greek, James, Colossians, and Textual Criticism. But I also thought about the many life lessons imparted to us by Dr. Flatt. He emphasized simple things like loving your wife, respecting authority, saying "thank you," saying "you’re welcome," remembering your family heritage, taking your medicine properly, being honest, printing clearly, and taking time to do things well. He also displayed many deeper character traits that we all should strive for: humility in prayer (he led the best prayers of anyone I have known), accountability for assigned work, meditation on the words of songs, and many others. Of the many times I learned something from Dr. Flatt outside the classroom, two events stand out from the rest:

The first occurred when he changed my "B" in NT Greek II to an "A" (that kept my GPA at 4.0). He called me one Wednesday morning and told me that he had just arrived back home from Africa and that "a man does a lot

of thinking when he’s flying over the ocean." He told me that because of my perfect attendance and good attitude, he was changing my grade. I had never fully understood grace until that morning–I know I deserved a "B."

The second of those two events occurred on August 4, 2004. On this warm summer day, Dr. Flatt tragically took his own life. Among all of us who loved him so dearly–mental and physical health professions, his family, and friends–no one knows what he was thinking that day. Chances are, because of Depression, he wasn’t thinking clearly and certainly wasn’t himself. Of all the thoughts that have raced through my head since that August day, the most comforting have come from the dear gentleman himself. He taught me to cherish the Bible. In times like these where answers are not to be found, it offers the constant reminder that Jesus is the ultimate answer and everything will be alright with him. The Bible has comforted me like no other. He had also encouraged us students heavily in February of that year to attend FHU’s Annual Bible Lectureship. That year’s title was, "When We Hurt: Triumph and Tragedy in Job." Today, those lectures that he encouraged me to attend will help me to deal with his untimely passing. One of the most memorable things I learned from those lectures was the fact that Job, while he was on the earth, never got an answer to why he was suffering. Like Job, we may never

get answers, but we still have God, and he is more than enough to see us through. He also taught us that Philippians 4:13 is better translated, "I can endure all things through Christ who strengthens me." Through Christ, I know that his wife, Mrs. Della, Dr. Flatt’s family, his many beloved students, his fellow faculty members, and even, I, myself, can endure the pain and unanswered questions that have been left in the wake of his death.

On August 7, 2003, I was at it again. I was thinking. I was thinking about life, about death, about good, about bad. Mostly I was thinking about my friend, Dr. Flatt. It was the day of his funeral in Henderson and I was traveling three hours to say goodbye with the hundreds of others who were gathered there. It was not the ideal way to say goodbye to such a loved one, and it was not the ideal way I would have like to spend that morning right before I went back to school for my Junior year. But for some reason, I was at peace. For some reason, I was in my "think zone." For some reason, everything seemed to make sense, even if it were but for a moment. Then, I looked at the clock in the car and realized why: it was 7:30 a.m.–on a Thursday.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Those of us who have been privileged to sit at the feet of brother Flatt can greatly appreciate this fine article by brother Sparks.

Todd Clippard, Burleson Church of Christ, Hamilton, Alabama

"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted (Hebrews 2:17, 18 KJV).

The primary purpose of the coming of Jesus Christ was to die for the sins of all mankind (cf. 1 John 2:1-2). "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift (that which is unearned/unmerited) of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Because of the absolute holiness of God, sin is an affront to the very nature and essence of God (Habakkuk 1:13). The only suitable punishment for sin is eternal separation from God. Thus, there is no work we may perform in our bodies to atone or pay for our sin.

From the days immediately following the creation, animal sacrifices were offered for sins in accordance with the word of God (Genesis 4:3-5; Hebrews 11:4; Romans 10:17). But until the coming of Jesus Christ, there was no way to obtain the absolute remission of sins: "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4).

A secondary purpose of the coming of Jesus was to experience firsthand the manifold trials and temptations of man. Jesus "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Having successfully overcome all temptations such as are common to man, Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for our sins (1 Peter 1:18-22; 2 Cor. 5:21).

In addition to being the perfect, spotless sacrifice for sins, Jesus also serves as our Advocate (1 John 2:1, 2). Now seated at the right hand of God, Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). If I were ever to need a lawyer in matters pertaining to this life, I would certainly want someone who had shared many of my life experiences, particularly those pertaining to matters requiring mediation. I would want someone who understood my feelings and appreciated my place in life. This experience, combined with training in matters of law, makes for a sympathetic and most effective mediator.

As being both the Son of God (John 9:35-37) and the Son of Man (John 8:28), there is none more qualified to serve as our spiritual Mediator than Jesus. In matters pertaining to sin and spirituality, no angel understands the plight of man: "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?" (Hebrews 1:5). Jesus, as both Divine and human (John 1:1-4, 14), is uniquely qualified to serve as our Advocate and Intercessor before God: "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted" (Hebrews 2:18). What a wonderful and comforting thought! No temptation is beyond his understanding; no problem we face is beneath his concern; no heartache we feel is beyond the scope of his care: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

Johnny Ramsey, Weatherford, Texas

Romans 15:4 tells us to profit from the miscues of the past, but, sadly, history often repeats itself because folk learn slowly. There are basic patterns in the drama of error we mortals pursue. It is truly wonderful, therefore, that Christ Jesus set a noble, perfect example for us to follow that helps us escape the pitfalls of the past. Let us notice a few things we ought to detour around on the road of life.

The Mistake of Adam and Eve: Their basic blunder was to choose the easy route instead of the correct way. But that decision was extremely costly as it brought sin and death into the world (Romans 5:12) and separated man from God (Isaiah 59:2). According to 2 Thessa-lonians 2:10-12, the very same dilemma occurs often in our own way! It pays in the long run to diligently "go with God," even if the challenge is greater (1 Corinthians 15:58).

The Mistake of Ahab: In 1 Kings 21, we learn of a king who coveted another man’s possession. The outcome of these passions was the murder of Naboth and the acquiring of a beautiful vineyard. But, Ahab did not live long enough to enjoy the treasure improperly obtained. In 1 Kings 22, we read of dogs licking up royal blood by the pool of Samaria–the blood of Ahab who thought he could fool God (Galatians 6:7). Many today live and act as though they can fool the Creator–but they are mistaken (Numbers 32:23).

The Mistake of Robbing God: In Haggai 1:6 and Malachi 3:8, we learn of the tragedy in the lives of those who stole from Jehovah. When folk act so unwisely, they actually steal from themselves the abundant blessings God wanted them to have! When we fail to give cheerfully and liberally unto the cause of the Redeemer (2 Corinthians 9:6-11) we remove much of the joy and adventure from our relationship with the One who gave all for us (2 Corinthians 9:15). Conversely, generous, purposeful giving opens the window of heaven, hedges us about with the providence of God and makes each day a closer step into the heart of Jesus, who gave himself for our sins (Galatians 1:4).

The Mistake of Martha: In the last paragraph of Luke 10, we read a fascinating passage that is extremely pertinent to our daily conduct. It deals not with overt shame and wickedness. It actually calls for discerning, perceptive analysis. The verses in this exciting section hit at one of our very own weaknesses. Do we put our approval on things that are excellent (Phil. 1:10) or do we choose, far too often, those matters that are defiantly wrong and say: "Well, what is wrong with it?" Really, faithful Christians ask instead: "Is this the best thing I can do to glorify God?" There will be a lot of folk in hell who wasted their earthly moments wandering around in the futility of lesser things when they could have known the beauty of holiness.

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4).

Questions and Answers

Andy Kizer, 9^th Avenue Church of Christ, Haleyville, Alabama

Question: Are there biblical principles which condemn gambling?

Answer: Gambling is not just playing a game of chance. One has a chance of winning or losing in any competition. One also takes a risk when he rides in an airplane or car. However, gambling involves the taking of chance specifically for money or another stake, and here it comes to variance with the word of God. Gambling, from betting on horses to matching coins for soft drinks, is morally wrong. It is wrong because it violates many biblical principles, but space will allow me to mention only four. That should be enough for anyone who really wants to do what pleases God to make a decision.

Gambling is morally wrong because the Bible condemns covetousness (Romans 13:9). That other equally covetous persons enter a gambling agreement (which is a mutual agreement to steal from one another) does not keep it from being motivated by a strong sense of covetousness. To covet is "to desire earnestly (and inordinately) to obtain or possess."

Gambling is morally wrong because it violates the principle of work (cf. Ephesians 4:28). "Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labor…."

Gambling is wrong because it, without need, risks our possessions which are a trust or stewardship from God (cf. 1 Peter 4:10), and of which we will some day give full account (cf. Eccl. 12:14).

Gambling is morally wrong because it violates the biblical principle of love (Matthew 7:12) when we seek to gain something from another at his expense without giving anything in return (Also, cf. 1 Corinthians 5:11; 10:24; 1 Timothy 6:10f).

Question: Can a woman be an elder of the Lord’s Church?

Answer: God inspired Paul to list the qualifications of elders twice. These are qualities, attributes, and conditions that must be found in individuals before they can serve God and his church in the extremely important office of a bishop (elder). To Timothy, Paul wrote that the overseer must be "the husband of one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2). This implies (and we necessarily infer) that elders must be men, for men are husbands who have women as wives. To make this even clearer, the original Greek New Testament gives the word for "husband" in the masculine gender, and all the following adjectives (e.g., "temperate," "sensible," "orderly," "hospitable," etc.) are also in the masculine gender. Moreover, the "overseer" (NASV) or "bishop" (KJV, ASV) whom the qualifications describe, is also masculine in gender. There is definitely a reason that as you read through this list of things necessary to qualify one for the eldership, you see the pronoun "he" some six times.

This same list of qualifications is found again in the letter to Titus. This time Paul said the list refers to "elders" (Titus 1:5), and the word he used is definitely in the masculine gender. In verse seven, he called them "bishops" or "overseers." Though a different Greek word is used it is still in the masculine gender. As in Timothy’s letter, so it is in the letter to Titus, that the elder (overseer or bishop) must be the husband (male gender) of one wife (female gender).

When we are led by the word of God, we understand that a woman cannot possibly be an elder in the Lord’s church. Such practice would be anti-Scriptural and a mockery of true religion.

What Has the World Come To?

If I’m not careful I can find myself looking at the world around me and asking the question, "What has this world come to?" When looking at this great nation, especially in light of the apparent loss of morality, I ask a similar question. I can even be guilty of looking at the church with its flaws, feuds, and fights, and asking, "What has the Church come to?"

Perhaps I (and many others just like me) am asking the wrong question. E. Stanley Jones published a devotional book called Abundant Living in 1942. Jones reminds us of the early church. "The early Christians did not say in dismay, ‘Look what the world has come to,’ but in delight, ‘Look what has come to the world.’ They saw not merely the ruin, but the Resource for the reconstruction from that ruin. They saw not merely that sin did abound, but that grace did much more abound. On that assurance the pivot of history swung from blank despair, loss of moral nerve, and fatalism, to faith and confidence that at last sin had met its match."

Look what has come to the world! Are any of my problems, concerns, complaints, or fears too big for the One who has come into the world? The early disciples were accused of turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6) because they understood the One who had come into the world. Today we tend to be more interested in conforming and fitting into the world than turning it upside down. Have we lost our zeal? Have we forgotten what has come into the world?

Jesus Christ, the Son of God has come into the world. I can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13). He continues to be the head of the church and all things remain under his feet (Ephesians 1:22). What am I worried about? Look what has come into the world!

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