Albert Hull
This caption to this message is an old-fashioned one, but relevant to the present times in which we live. It is admitted by most that great changes have occurred in our world especially in the latter part of this century, and with rapidity as we move toward the 21st Century! One would question what next as we continue to move downward. While we do not want to sound pessimistic, but realistic, the same has taken place within assembly life. A return to timeless truth is vital for preservation of individual testimony, the perpetuation of gospel outreach and assembly witness. As there were giants in the land in the days of Joshua and David, opposing and defying God, so likewise we have spiritual giants who oppose with relentless defiance timeless truth in our day. We are confronting "giants," not "pygmies." Therefore we need timely voices to declare the whole counsel of God with fearlessness and feeling, with conviction and compassion (Acts 20:26).
What do we mean by timeless truth? It simply means "truth" is ageless, it never requires change or adjustments and it will triumph eternally! Dispensations, difficulties, denials, or demons can never change TRUTH. "The grass withereth and the flower fadeth, but the Word of our God shall stand forever" (Isaiah 40:8). Amen! His truth goes marching on! Indestructible! Unstoppable! Undaunted! It is a mighty bulwark in a crumbling society, an undimmed beacon in a dark world. Let us not change it as do others. Ponder it! Practice it! Preach it! Never change it! We will choose five areas to consider: a) Creation b) Depravity c) Redemption d) Discipleship e) Gathering unto Him
a) As to Creation - Gen. 1: 1; "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. What a statement of fact in one brief sentence! This master stroke by the Eternal Author forever defeats all the opposition of liberals, atheists, agnostics, intellectuals, and all humanistic ideologies that relentlessly attack "the TRUTH" as to Creation. While myths, mysticism, and modernism permeate our society, we rest in God's completed revelation. In this "wonder-book" all voices echo with unanimity, melody and rhythm. "We believe the God." We join them with a loud Amen (Psa. 19 & Psa. 8). Timely voices are needed to perpetuate the truth as to the origin of creation. It is indisputable that Divine Persons have left their trademark on this vast domain. One can hardly imagine that scientists and philosophers of the past sought to propagate that the earth was flat, held up on pillars, or balanced on the back of a superman called Atlas, etc? The writer with one majestic stroke of the pen says, "He hangeth the earth upon nothing" (job 26:7). Even scientists have come to believe this. 'Great and marvellous are Thy works" (Rev. 15:3). This, beloved saints, is an impregnable Rock; here we stand!
Thine Almighty power and
wisdom,
All creation's works proclaim,
Heaven and earth alike confess Thee
As the ever great I AM.
b) The truth of total Depravity - This timeless truth has been assailed by ancient and modern philosophy. It is watered-down with fanciful words to obscure its solemn reality. We must not reduce its solemnity! We must not weaken its validity! We must preach its certainty! Humanism in our present age advances the idea that there is something meritorious in everyone! They accept the Devil's lie in the garden, "Ye shall be as gods knowing good and evil." These deceptive ideas are swept into oblivion by a look at history - a look at present day society and a look at the human heart! (Jeremiah 17:9). We blush with shame as our race continues in its descent, morally, socially and spiritually. May timely voices continue to alarm the lost of their perilous and total ruin in these last days. Modern preaching soft-peddles these eternal realities. Speculation instead of Revelation and easy believe-ism without repentance. The terms, ungodly, lost, sinner, condemned, guilty and dead in trespasses and in sins are called archaic. Can we improve on these my brethren? (Caution!) Speak the truth in love with passion and with power, with tears and with conviction. What a humiliating picture of fallen humankind! The diagnosis is correct, the case is hopeless. Patchwork will make it worse and only a NEW BIRTH will suffice.
Such deep transgressions to
forgive,
Such guilty, daring worms to spare
c) The Redemptive value of the precious blood - What a subject! Angels wonder at it and they also wonder at the objects of it. While they are admirers, we are the recipients of its value, virtue and victory. We wonder and we worship! Let us not be ashamed but rather aflame with the privilege to proclaim the "fullness of redemption." This offer is to all humankind, from the slave to the sovereign, from the pauper to the prince, the rebel to the religious, all classes, cultures, creeds and color. There are no exceptions, no distinctions, no partiality and no boundaries. This timeless truth needs timely voices to perpetuate this much-blessed and unique message. We need anointed lips to tell it. May the Lord of the harvest THRUST OUT those who will sound the "silver trumpet" of redemption, in these closing days when many voices choose to remain silent. Redemption is the scarlet line that commenced in Genesis, continues throughout the scriptures, whether by picture or prophecy, and climaxes in the Revelation where it is the theme of the Universe.
Redemption! what a wealth of
truth is here;
To free the captive from all sin and fear,
Imparts the joy to sound the gospel call,
That tells of 'full provision' made for all.
d) The Discipleship truth - To use a current expression, this truth is where the tire hits the road. This truth comes with challenge, conviction, and cost as to what is true Christian living. Too many have a wasted life! Many intended to follow the Lord, but have they missed the road? Too many waited too long until their "virgin exercise" was buried in the "vice-embrace" of the world. The call to discipleship should follow on the heels of conversion. Youth, vitality, vigor, obedience and submission is the soil in which the Lord plants the path of "discipleship." Character, conviction, courage and compassion are the ingredients developed by the call "follow Me." The need of the times calls upon young, godly, unworldly and energetic believers to count the true cost of discipleship and forsake all (not some) and follow Him. There will be opposition, persecution and isolation, but there will be COMMENDATION from the Lord. "It is the way the Master went, should not His servants tread it still?" Discipleship calls for obedient, warm, weeping, worshipping hearts. It is not the flair for preaching, prominence, position, or power, but humble bond-service to and for others in love to Christ that counts. Redemption when it touches the soul with power can be an irresistible force that cries out, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" Has the world drowned the call? Has the ambition for material gain and the desire to have both worlds dulled our spiritual aspirations? Think of the clarion call of Jehovah to Abram, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, the disciples, and Saul of Tarsus. Endless are the names of those who 'sold-out' to Christ. "Of whom the world was not worthy." Remember the investment of a life for Christ pays dividends far exceeding anything of earth, and never diminishes but increases. It is basically ALL for Christ and nothing of PROUD SELF. It is not showmanship but discipleship! Timely voices as to the call of "discipleship" is vital, my brethren. If any man come after Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife and children, and brethren and sisters, yea, and his own life also, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE" (Luke 14:26-27). The head is bowed, the heart is broken and the spirit is subdued. The demands are clear. Can we reply, "Lord we have left all and followed Thee?" The need of timely voices to set forth this timeless truth is evident.
Against the door posts of
eternity,
That high and lofty place of Thine abode,
Pierce through mine ear the sign of slavery,
And point me any service any road!
A slave! I would not
question, would not choose,
Man's praise or blame no more can trouble me,
Even my right to self, in Thee I lose,
And in this slavery flnd that I am free
(to be continued)