Watchman Magazine

Among the fruits of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:23 is gentleness. As a fruit, it is something to be cultivated and brought about in maturity, and it is what the God who planted us desires that we produce. The New Testament shows that the word describes temperament or character and a way of behaving towards others.

The word translated gentleness or meekness is the Greek praiotes¸ and the lexicon tells us it means: Mild, soft, gentle

1. Of things, mild; of sounds, soft, gentle
2. Of persons, mild, gentle, meek, especially after having been angry; of animals, gentle, tame
3. Of actions, feelings, etc., mild

(Henry George Liddell. Robert Scott. A Greek-English Lexicon. Revised and augmented throughout by Sir Henry Stuart Jones with the assistance of Roderick McKenzie. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1940.)

It describes a manner, an attitude, a person’s character, a way of responding. Too often we are inclined to mistake “meek” for “weak!” Our Lord was certainly not weak! Gentleness or meekness describes a calm disposition, particularly under fire–which actually requires a great deal of strength.

• Continue reading

Faithfulness is one of nine fruits of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 of which it is said “against such there is no law.” The only way in which we will be able to possess this precious fruit in our life is through hearing and study (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 2:15). Knowledge is an essential element in all of faith, and is sometimes spoken of as an equivalent to faith (John 10:38; 1 John 2:3). Faithfulness is an essential element that each and every Christian must possess in order to go to heaven; “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10).

The Word “Faithfulness”

Faithfulness is the Greek “pistis.” There are 244 uses of the word “pistis” (faith) in the King James Version of the New Testament. It primarily means to have a “firm persuasion” which is usually gained from having a conviction based upon hearing. It is used in the New Testament to mean “faith in God or Christ, or things spiritual” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, New Testament, p. 222). Vine’s goes on to say:

• Continue reading

The word goodness (agathosune, in Galatians 5:22) implies any or all actions done for the good of another. The world’s definition and that of Jehovah’s for goodness, however, lie in stark contrast. To the world, goodness might be witnessed in a doctor helping a young woman rid herself of an unwanted pregnancy, a business providing marital benefits to same sex couples, or a legislator vying for the legalization of illicit drugs or physician-assisted suicides.

As those who love Christ, we understand that any act of goodness must be carefully confined to that which our Lord describes as such within the pages of His word. “Trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10). “That in us you might learn not to exceed what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6). Seeing how the world is horribly misguided and mistaken, might our definition of what is good be skewed sometimes as well?

• Continue reading

Don’t we all wish to experience kindness from others? It is one of the sweetest manifestations of the change that comes over the new convert. It should always be one of the most evident manifestations of the living word seen by others in the child of God. In fact, all Christians have already been the beneficiaries of the ultimate form of kindness in God’s love for us as we can read in Ephesians 2:7, “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Because we recognize that this is so, we begin in our faith owing others that which we have already gained through Christ. God’s kindness should actually be prayed for just as David did in Psalms 119:76 where he said, “Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.”

Kindness is a most beloved word of God’s faithful to be considered. Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” The KJV uses the word “gentleness.” The Greek word is chrestotes and is defined by Vines as “goodness of heart, kindness.”

• Continue reading

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

“Longsuffering” is one of the fruits the Spirit creates in our lives as we live by His divine directions received through the written word.

Definition:

Vine: “MAKROTHUMIA, “Forbearance, patience, longsuffering. MAKROS, ‘long,’ THUMOS, ‘temper,’ is usually rendered ‘longsuffering,’ Rom. 2:4; 9:22; 2 Cor. 6:6; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 4:2; Col. 1:1; 3:12; 1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:10; 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 3:15; ‘patience’ in Heb. 6;12, and Jas. 5:10.”

Vine’s notes: “Longsuffering is that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish, it is the opposite of anger, and is associated with mercy 1 Pet. 3:20. Patience is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency, and is associated with hope, 1 Thes, 1:3…”

In defining “longsuffering,” the following words are used, “forbearance,” “patience,” “self-restraint,” “not hastily retaliate or promptly punish,” “opposite of anger,” “does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under pressure,” “opposite of despondency,” “long tempered.”

• Continue reading

Introduction

In the New Testament, the word “peace” is found at the beginning or end of every epistle except for James and 1st John. The breadth of its meaning is apparent when it is linked with “grace” (Romans 1:7), “life” (Romans 8:6), and “righteousness” (Romans 14:17). What are the different shades of meaning of this wonderful word?

Romans 1:7, “…to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 8:6, “…For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”

Romans 14:17, “…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

The Biblical word “peace” signifies far more than merely the absence of war. It carries the idea of completeness and wholeness. It conveys a sense of inner-satisfaction and fulfillment. It communicates the idea of contentment and serenity. In its fullest sense, it expresses our hope of reconciliation and redemption.

• Continue reading

Each Christian should have a life filled with joy. However, it is not something that is automatic. Rather, effort must be put forth to bring about joy. The Holy Spirit revealed joy, part of the fruit of the Spirit, comes about as the result of a “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 22).

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines joy (chara) as “joy, delight.” Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament says it is “joy, gladness.” These are somewhat vague definitions. And, sadly, joy has been redefined by men. Many today believe that joy in the life of a disciple of Christ involves nothing more than a superficial feeling of giddiness. They believe it derives from a “church” baseball game, a “fellowship” dinner, or a “religious” retreat. That is, many have a shallow view of what joy in the Lord truly is. The Spirit said, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Joy is deeper than what men would lead you to believe. It is more concrete than the fleeting, fleshly things of this world. Joy in the Holy Spirit is, as He defined it, walking in the Spirit. To walk in the Spirit is to abide by the revelation of the Spirit (Romans 8:1, 2).

• Continue reading

Love is a many faceted thing. The Greeks used specific words to communicate the various aspects of “love”. The Greek word eros conveyed merely sexual or “erotic love”. The word storge was limited to the “natural affection” in “family love”. Phileo focused one upon the intimate, warm, and tender relationship in “friendly love”. We see such tenderness in the love the Father has for the Son in showing Him all things that He does (John 5:20). This is also the tender love the younger women were taught to manifest towards their husbands and children (Titus 2:4). Then, there is agape, listed as one facet of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. This is the “love” we manifest by actively seeking the well being of others.

While eros and storge never occur in the New Testament, agape hardly ever occurs in secular Greek. William Barclay quotes Richard C. Trench as saying it was “born within the bosom of revealed religion”(Flesh and Spirit, page 64). The verb and noun forms of this Greek word are found more than 250 times in the New Testament. While phileo does occur in the New Testament, and was the highest form of love among the ancient Greeks, it cannot sufficiently describe the love God demands of those who follow the teachings of the Spirit. The glowing feeling of love (phileo) one has by his or her attachment to a friend is not the feeling one has in interacting with a persecuting enemy. But God demands that we love (agapao) our enemies (Matthew 5:44). This love transcends what we are naturally “attracted to” or what we emotionally “fall into”. This is love we determine to manifest because of our attachment to God and the Spirit’s revelation.

• Continue reading

With this June 2001 issue on the “Fruit of the Spirit” we finish our two part series on Paul’s lists of virtues and vices in Galatians 5:19-23. The May 2001 issue of Watchman contains articles discussing every “lust of the flesh”. It is our prayer and hope that these two issues will be helpful to Christians for years to come, as they seek to study God’s will in this area.

This issue constitutes an extensive word study of the list of “fruit of the Spirit” that is found in Galatians 5. I want to express my appreciation to all of the men who have contributed to the study. You will find the writing to be uniformly excellent.

• Continue reading

(Several months ago, brother Jack Holt emailed me with a request that I publish the apology below. I had full intention to do so at that time, but then ceased publication of the magazine for several months. With the resumption of the publication of Watchman, the apology should have been included with the May issue. I am sorry for the delay in publishing such a worthy sentiment. Brother Holt asked again a few weeks ago that the apology be published. This I am eager to do.)

In recent months I have expressed unscriptural views on several topics (the Lord’s Supper, the role of the Old Testament, the social use of church facilities, institutionalism, instrumental music, and fellowship in the realm of divorce and remarriage on the basis of Romans 14). Through 20+ years of preaching I held scriptural views on these topics, but doubts arose in my mind and I expressed them as convictions. For this I apologize and ask forgiveness for any that were hurt by my actions. Not by way of excuse, but during the last year and a half I have suffered from a brain tumor and severe depression. Clearly these things had an impact on my judgment. After radiation treatments, and medical treatment for depression my mind cleared and I realized the wrongs that I had done. I can only pray that brethren will be understanding and forgiving.

When my daughter was 8 or 9 years old, she had her first “conflict” between worldly and spiritual activities. Her softball team was in a tournament, and had an important game scheduled on Sunday morning. My daughter dearly wanted to be at that game. When we got to services, she saw one of her favorite “grandmas” at the front of the building. She ran up to her and said, “I’m having to miss my softball game this morning because of church!” I will never forget and will always appreciate this wise sister’s answer to her. She hugged her, and said, “That’s wonderful! I’m so proud of you!” My daughter walked away from her happy and proud that her sacrifice was appreciated, rather than sad at her “loss.”

In the years that have followed, all of my children have suffered similarly, as gospel meetings, Wednesday night classes, and even Sunday morning assemblies have conflicted with their secular schedules. These are rather mild cases, but are nevertheless characteristic examples of how those who follow Christ suffer in the face of an uncaring world. Paul said that such would be the lot of all Christians, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Anyone who names the name of Christ will suffer as a result of his profession.

I am proud to say that my children have suffered these persecutions stoically, but it breaks my heart that they have had to give up even this little bit for their faith. Having said that, I believe these “losses” to be among the most powerful and important lessons they have learned in their short lives as Christians.

• Continue reading

I must begin by saying up front that I am not a farmer, nor a gardener, nor anything else that may faintly resemble either of those noble professions or avocations. I am a city boy, born and raised. Having said that, however, after almost 25 years of preaching the gospel, I have picked up enough information along the way to be able to address this topic. Watchman is a webzine dedicated to the truth of God’s word, so we will limit our remarks to His revelation and not any personal frame of reference.

The theme of this month’s issue is on the “fruit of the Spirit” from Galatians 5. I am certain that Stan and the writers who have contributed to this issue have done a superb job of putting before us the issue of “bearing” that fruit in accord with the will of God. Of that fact I have no doubt. In this article, I want us to focus on three passages that have to do with the general topic of bearing fruit and see what the Lord says about this important task.

“By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8). Discipleship is demanded of the Lord. The goal of the Great Commission was to “make disciples” (Mathew 28:19). It was the “disciples” who were called “Christians” (Acts 11:26). The obvious point is that if we are going to prove to be disciples, we must bear fruit, and, not only that, but, as Jesus said, bear much fruit.

• Continue reading

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (NKJ).

As a youngster, I heard 2 Timothy 2:15 discussed widely in class and used often in gospel preaching. In most instances, the passage was relied upon to urge Christians to “study” (KJV) their Bibles and to “rightly divide” (make a distinction) between the Old and New Testaments. While there is no doubt that “being diligent to present yourself to God” will include studying the scriptures, and “rightly dividing the word of truth” will include distinguishing between the covenants, it is also true that this passage carries a deeper meaning than then allowed. The instruction to Timothy in verse 15 is embedded in a wider context of preaching the gospel that lends weight to the work of evangelism. We must learn this lest we “need to be ashamed.”

• Continue reading

The Gospel Guardian (November 1972, reprint from 1956)

To have the proper background to enable us to understand the “autonomy of the local church,” we must have an understanding of the New Testament uses of the word “church.” By an investigation of the word of the Lord it will become evident that the word “church” is used in two senses by divine writers. First, it is used in what may be called the “universal” sense. This simply means that the word “church” is used to include all of the saved in all of the world. When Jesus said, in Matthew 16:18, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” he certainly did not refer to any particular local congregation, for if he did, then all other congregations would be without divine origin. The word was used in the institutional, or universal, sense. The same is true of the statement made by Paul in Ephesians 5:25, as well as in many other New Testament references. However, in the second place, the word is used in a “local” sense. By this use of the word reference is made to all the saved in some particular locality, as “the church of God” at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:1, 2), or “the church of the Thessalonians” (1 Thessalonians 1:1). The “local” sense of the word is also found in such expressions as “the churches of Galatia” (Galatians 1:2), “the churches of Judea” (Galatians 1:22), and “the seven churches which are in Asia” (Revelation 1:4). The first, or “universal,” sense of the word refers to the people of God in the aggregate, but the second, or “local,” sense of the word has to do with “local congregations.” With this proper meaning of the word in mind, as used by New Testament writers, let us consider the “autonomy of the local church.”

• Continue reading

The belief that mankind inherits sin is widespread in what is popularly known as “Christiandom.” Indeed, it would be hard to find a church that does not believe in some form of it. The Roman Catholics teach it as “original sin.” We know of no group among the Protestant Evangelicals which would deny every form of it. Indeed, the New International Version of the Bible witnesses to this fact. Among the scholars who participated in its preparation were those from the following denominations: Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Christian Reformed, Evangelical Free, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Nazarene, Presbyterian, and Wesleyan (Preface to the Fifteenth printing of the NIV). Representative from these various religions joined in producing a translation which consistently translates the Greek word for “flesh,” when it speaks of the flesh of man, as “sinful nature(s). The NIV translates Psalms 51:5 thusly, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”

In light of the pervasiveness of this teaching, it behooves those preaching in countries where English is not the mother tongue to check translations of various verses. On the topic of inherited sin, Psalms 51:5 has been a point of conflict for years, so it should surprise no one to find it so in other countries. Please notice the following examples of renderings of this verse from some Bibles of Eastern Europe:

• Continue reading

Editor’s Note: The Guardian of Truth Foundation recently published a new book by Larry, entitled The Christ, The Cross, and The Church. Larry has graciously consented to our excerpting a few passages from the book for the benefit of our readers. This article is the second excerpt. Ordering information is available following the article for those who wish to purchase the book itself.

According to the creeds of men, Satan does not need to influence man. Man is “wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul and body … (and) we are utterly indisposed, disabled and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil.” If that truly represents the condition of man (and Calvinism says it does), then the devil can sleep until the last trump sounds reveille on the morning of the resurrection. The devil may as well spend his time calling hogs to muck and mire as to seek to influence sinners to sin. The hog, according to his nature, need not be influenced or enticed to mud. He will go there because he is “wholly defiled in all faculties and parts of soul and body and is utterly indisposed, disabled and made opposite to all cleanliness and wholly inclined to all mud.” Likewise, man, according to “this corruption of nature,” will sin; he cannot avert or avoid it; he must sin, or so Calvinism says. He will go to sin as the hog goes to mud. So, why, according to Calvinism, should Satan seek to influence us? Keeping the creeds in mind, a Calvinist needs to answer that question.

• Continue reading

They are ridiculously called “sensitives”: people who claim to have the ability to communicate with the dead, for a fee, of course. If your phone bills are high, imagine the overhead of running a business that connects with those beyond the grave. That must surely be long distance and then some.

A book by James Van Praagh has occupied a place on the New York Times nonfiction best seller list for months and has brought new legitimacy to a most illegitimate fraud. “Talking to Heaven: A Medium’s Message of Life After Death” explains that his and other mediums’ success these days can be attributed to the failure of mainstream religion. He reports that Cher has employed him to communicate with a recently deceased Sonny Bono. He says that he receives these “communications” by sensing an “energy level” of a spirit and passing along the message that comes to his mind.

A sociology professor at Eastern Michigan University is equally antipathetic toward religion but also critical of Van Praagh and his ilk. Marcello Truzzi says that “When people talk to the Virgin Mary, they’re talking to a dead person. It’s just a question of how you define this, as magic or religion …. Most of what he gives people is twaddle, and in a way that’s good. What people want is comfort, guilt assuagement. And they get that: ‘Your parents love you; they forgive you; they look forward to seeing you; it’s not your fault they’re dead.’”

• Continue reading

Early on as a young man I aspired to preach the gospel. One of my prized possessions is a sermon outline book, Seed for the Sower by Leroy Brownlow, which was given to me by my friend Jay Bowman when I was about 11 years old. Brother Bowman was aware of my desire to “grow up” to be a preacher, and wanted to encourage me in that quest. I recently passed on the book to a young man who has indicated the same desire to preach.

In addition to the sentimental value of that gift, it has had practical use for me through the years. Though I seldom if ever take a sermon outline book off my library shelves these days, I still use and benefit from material prepared by other brethren. And these days, the material is ever easier to come by, thanks to the resources of the internet.

This month, I want to share with you six internet resources which will be of help to gospel preachers in sermon and bulletin preparation. My thanks to the webmasters of these sites, and to the preachers who have prepared much good material (many times the two are the same). I would encourage our readers to either copy down the URL of this article, or print it out and give it to any young man who is aspiring to, or engaging in the work of a gospel preacher. (In the future, he will look kindly upon your thoughfulness).

• Continue reading

Funk and Wagnalls Dictionary says of “conviction”: “The state or condition of being convinced or fully awakened to awareness” and “a doctrine or proposition which one firmly believes” and “a fixed belief.” This word stands in opposition to and different from the attitude of unbelief or compromise. I fear that the church of our Lord today is suffering from a lack of conviction.

While it is true that the revelation of God came through the apostles and they were absolutely essential to the beginning of New Testament Christianity, it is also true that the bedrock of the early church were men and women of common ancestry that held conviction about service to God. These were the men and women who “took joyfully the spoiling of their possessions” (Hebrews 10:34), because they had “a fixed belief” concerning truth. They suffered, bled and felt pain just like any who are human, but even in the face of all this, they could not be swayed from their convictions. Their conviction was greater than their inconvenience.

• Continue reading