The Proclaimer

PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD

Edited and Published by Jack Critchfield

In This Issue:
Walking In The Light
Absence Of Evil Is Not Enough
Meditate On These Thing
Travel Tips
The Danger Of Apostasy

Walking In The Light
Jack Critchfield

The New Testament speaks of the Christians walk as being in the light. This light that is referred to is not a physical light such as the sun, but rather a spiritual light. It is a light that guides the spirit of man. Jesus called Christians the light of the world (Matt 5:14) who should shine brightly that men might glorify God (v. 16). Paul called them the children of light (Eph 5:8), indicating that we are actually the reflected light of Jesus, the true Light of the world (John 8:12). Paul also encouraged us to wear the armor of light (Rom 13:12) to fight against the spiritual and moral darkness around us.

One New Testament passage in particular catches our attention because of the promises it gives to those who walk in the light. "This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:5-7).

This passage makes two important promises to those who walk in the light of God. First, we gain fellowship with God - and through Him, fellowship with all the saints. Secondly, we gain the full forgiveness of our sins. We are promised nothing less than eternal salvation through walking in the light of God! So what is the light of God? This becomes the all-important question.

In the physical world, light makes everything near it visible; light allows us to see. The greatest light is the sun; the lesser lights are the moon, candles, light bulbs and such like. All these things illuminate the way we should walk and the obstacles that we should avoid.

Jesus said that He was the light of the world (John 8:12). Like the sun for the physical world, Jesus is the true Light (John 1:4,9) for mankind. He reveals to us the Father's will, showing us the path to take, exposing the obstacles to avoid. The revealing light of Jesus comes to us through God's word which Jesus fully revealed, "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).

Paul tells us that when Jesus came, He revealed the great light of the gospel (2 Cor 4:4). That gospel fully reveals the mind of God toward us, "...as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3).

Those who are walking in light are obeying that word that Jesus and His apostles revealed to us. This has several specific applications that we should understand.

First, we must trust our spiritual vision when we walk in the light of God. Instead of entrusting our lives to the darkness of human wisdom, we live according to the certain revelation of God. Paul said, "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7).

Christians live according to the spiritual light of God through our unfailing trust in Him. We do not live according to human reason that is illuminated by the false light of this world. Christians obey God even if they do not fully understand His commands. We trust the light of God above our own judgment. We trust the word of God in spite of our own judgment.

Second, to walk in the light of God, we must step out of and away from the darkness of sin. The Apostle John said we cannot walk in darkness and have fellowship with God (1 John 1:9). A Christian cannot "walk in the light" and follow the will of Satan. "Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God" (1 John 3:9). Paul made the same statement with these words, "How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (Rom 6:2). Both passages teach that sin is completely inconsistent with the Christian life. Grace is not indulgence, forgiveness is not license to sin, and the gospel is no excuse for a casual attitude about sin. Sin is darkness, but we are the children of light. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them" (Eph 5:11). We cannot participate in sin. We cannot associate with sin. We cannot condone sin. We must take an active stance against sin. We must uncover sin and rebuke it.

Third, we know that "walking in the light," is doing the will of God now. Jesus is our perfect example of this. He knew what God required of Him, and He did not hesitate to do it. Not even fear for His life could keep Him from obeying. "Jesus answered, 'Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him'" (John 11:9-10).

Jesus taught us to pay immediate attention to the light, to act while the light still shines in us, to obey while we still have the chance. Time can and will run out.

When we walk in the light we trust our spiritual vision. We turn away from all sin, and we obey while we know what God wants us to do. Are you walking in the darkness or the light?

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Absence Of Evil Is Not Enough
Clarence Johnson

In Matt. 12:43-45, Jesus said, "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation."

Perhaps, in passing, we learn a fact or two about demons from these verses. For instance, apparently demons could come and go from those who were demon-possessed, but if the demons left of their own free will, they could also return at will. On the other hand, when Jesus or His apostles cast them out, they were not permitted to return, but instead were apparently consigned to the abyss or bottomless pit. See Luke 8:31. However, this parable was not really spoken to enlighten us about demons. It was spoken to tell Jesus' audience something about themselves: "So shall it be with this wicked generation."

Perhaps as scholar A.L. Williams has suggested, this passage should be looked at primarily as a "solemn warning against a merely negative improvement." Luke's account of this parable is found in Luke 11:24-26. Luke tends to keep things more in chronological order than Matthew did, and records this parable as coming immediately after the statement, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." See Matt. 12:30.

The scribes and Pharisees prided themselves on not being guilty of the hideous sins of those commonly referred to as publicans and sinners. Jesus warned that the absence of certain evils did not within itself assure a person of being right with God. One may make numerous reforms, be swept and garnished, but unless he becomes openly identified with Christ, he is still a negative influence with regard to the work of the Lord, and is scattering instead of gathering. Not only so, he is an open invitation for evil influences by attempting to be neutral toward that which is holy.

Even in our society, many consider themselves good Christians because of what is not in their lives. They do not murder, the do not steal, they do not rape.. All this is commendable and necessary, but it is not sufficient within itself to constitute a right relationship with God. Even a wax dummy in a store window does not murder or steal or rape. But he is not a Christian.

Have you obeyed the gospel? Do you search the Scriptures to grow in grace and knowledge of God's will? Do you seek to interest others in the will of God and the welfare of their souls? If not, you scatter abroad.

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Meditate On These Things
Kent E. Heaton Sr.

The mind is a beautiful blessing given to man whereby he can ponder and think and challenge his world with better things. From the mind come imagination and thought. The mind represents the hope and the aspiration of all man's needs and wants. From the complex mass of the brain, millions upon millions of thoughts explode upon the eyes of the soul. "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." (Psalm 139:14)

The mind is also the seat of a great battle. In the garden of Eden, Satan used persuasive words to tempt the woman. He did not force her by strength of physical power but with words he caused her to ponder the law of God. "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate." (Genesis 3:6) Paul describes the battle with Satan as a spiritual war - "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

The overwhelming battle of the mind is brought to full reality by Paul in Ephesians 6:12 - "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." With every moment of our existence, we wrestle against the power of Satan seeking to control and direct our lives. He accomplishes this by the power over our minds. God has offered a way to defeat Satan and refuse to allow Satan to control our lives. "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Paul encourages us to set our minds on these types of things to protect us from the influences of the devil. Meditating on truth, nobility, things that are just, pure and lovely and those things that are of good report with virtue and praise - this should be the mind of the child of God. To meditate on these virtues purifies the mind of the evil influences. Thinking on these things will defeat the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). Giving thought to these things will increase the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23).

To mediate on something is to give timely cause to its design, purpose and growth in my life. I must awaken in the morning with the desire to think about things that are true during the day. My actions - determined by my thoughts - are based upon an honest character showing righteousness to those around me. The outlook I have is pure and lovely and looking for the "good report" instead of the bad. My mind looks for the moral goodness in myself and those around me and I seek to share my life with others in need. The result is a day filled with praise and thanksgiving to God for allowing me to meditate and set my mind on things above, "Where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." (Colossians 3:1)

The mind is a terrible thing to waste - especially when we have so many good things to think about. These good things come from time spent in the house of God, sitting at the feet of the Creator and seeking His counsel from His words. What do you think about all day? Meditate on these things!

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Travel Tips
Matt Allen

Just south of Mt. Rushmore, US highway 16A makes it's ascent into the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Called the Norbeck Byway, the road twists its way up through narrow one-lane tunnels carved out of granite. When compared to most other roads in our country, the Norbeck Byway is not easy to travel. While traveling up a steady climb, one must negotiate the switchback curves, deal with on-coming traffic on a narrow road, and watch out for wildlife that might cross the road. But the view at the top is worth it! At it's highest point, one is able to take on a magnificent view of the Hills.

In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus explains that the road to heaven is not the easiest to travel. Jesus said that when compared with the world, few will make it to the final destination. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." We must make it our top priority to find heaven. If we miss heaven, we have missed it all! Jesus wants those who seek Him to know that no one is going to "coast" into heaven. It will take effort. It will mean we will have to be alert as to what is going on in our lives. It will mean sacrifice. But the reward at the end is worth more than all the effort one made to get there. But since all who read this are still traveling toward that destination, here are some travel tips in getting there.

Don't look off the road. If not careful, while traveling US 16A, one can be so mesmerized by the view of the mountains that he can run off the road...Not that your author would ever do that. :) In several places on the road, it is a long way down off to the side. Likewise the road to heaven is filled with the view of the world and what Christians have left behind. If one gives attention to these things, then focus is lost and the danger of running off the spiritual road is great. Demas is one who ran off the spiritual road. Paul wrote in 2 Tim. 4:10, "for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica…" Running off the spiritual road can be dangerous. We do not know if Demas ever got back on it. Jesus wants Christians to stay focused upon heaven. In Lk. 9:62 He said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." We must not lose our focus! What kept Paul going through his many trials? Focus upon the goal. He told the Philippians, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13-14) Keep your eyes on the road at all times!

The road is slippery when wet. Who has not seen the signs along our highways that depict a car sliding off the road during rain? US 16A is no different in that regard. During rainy conditions drivers must be cautious. While traveling upon the spiritual road one must be prepared for the stormy trials of life. Often, trials seem to rain down. Instead of being washed out or sliding off the road let us use the Word of God to strengthen us. The Scriptures warn us that the trials will come, perhaps by temptation, persecution, or physical suffering. Jesus said in Jhn. 16:33, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Let us place our trust in Christ. He overcame, and through Him we can overcome! With Christ - there is hope!

The road is one way so be prepared. In many places, US 16A is one way in direction. In those areas, it is illegal to turn around and go the opposite direction. The road to heaven is one way in nature. Heaven can only be reached by going down the road that Jesus Christ has established. Since there is no other direction in which to proceed, one must be prepared to make a commitment to Christ for the long term. Jesus Himself told the church at Smyrna to "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." If we turn around and go the other way we will be unpleasing to Christ and we cannot expect to reach heaven.

Take advantage of these travel tips. Keep them fresh in your mind. The goal of heaven is obtainable and you can find it. The road to heaven is not that easy, but the effort put forth to get there is worth it!

-- via Southside Messenger

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The Danger Of Apostasy
Jack Critchfield

As we look at the word of God, we find instruction on what God would have us do with our lives. It also reveals the shameful indifference, neglect and apostasy that God's people are so prone to. Even if it just a casual study of the Old Testament, one thing stands clear. The children of Israel were continually backsliding. It continued even after the division of the ten tribes and is still with us in the Lord's church today. How could the people of Go be so nonchalant when He has poured blessing upon blessing upon them? It seems that instead of praising God and seeking His will, they are bent on self-destruction.

When we look at the Old Testament books of Judges, Jeremiah and 2 Chronicles, we learn of God's wrath upon His people, which eventually produced the bondage they had to endure.

1. They defamed Jehovah wherever they went.
2. They went backward not foreword.
3. They mocked the message of God.
4. They engaged in rampant idolatry.
5. They were not grateful for their blessings.
6. They lived in abject immorality.

As a result of such behavior, they eventually wound up in ruin and captivity in Babylon. God sent prophets to teach, rebuke and plead with them to repent and turn back to Him (Ezek. 36-37). Jeremiah reminded them that they had gone from riches to rags, from scarlet to garbage (Lam. 4:5). The sad result of their spiritual decline was seventy years of captivity and slavery. The hope of the promised Messiah kept some striving for God's favor, but most simply cried, "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" (Psa 137:4).

God exhorted His people to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding…Keep My commandments and live…Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 3:5; 7:2; 14:34). To search their minds with a sincere attitude of remorse was difficult, but absolutely essential if they were to avoid apostasy (Lam. 3:40). Their deep sin truly had become bread upon the water that had come back to haunt them.

When we study Jeremiah, Habakkuk and Malachi, we can see world history - past, present and future. The Greeks fell because of moral and spiritual suicide The Roman Empire crumbled because of the same thing. Today, we see nations following the same footprints. One of the most famous of Roman orators stated, "A monstrous contest of wickedness is going on." Can we (America) be far behind? As we look at our society today, we see the unbridled passion of a wanton society that is engulfed in a mad rush of hedonistic and shallow values that pander to the flesh. The problem of uninhibited pleasure is the order of the day. Sadly, it has filtered into the family of the Lord.

If we expect to be pleasing to God and to avoid the pitfall of apostasy, we must return to the beauty of holiness and the enrichment of godliness.

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The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.

Author Unknown

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Jack Critchfield, Editor & Publisher
403 Coit Way, Salinas, Ca. 93907
jcritch@jps.net