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ALOOF TO TRUTH !
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When Jesus the Christ neared the completion of the work God had given Him to do, He focused on what
laid immediately ahead. As called ambassadors we need to take heed, at this time, of having the extraordinary
blessings of understanding that the on going work of the church for this age, will soon culminate with the return
of Jesus, the Christ.
His return will be ushered in against the backdrop of the most terrifying and turbulent times in all of
human history. It is for this reason we must cling to having great hope for God's rule of peace, and focus on
God's clear admonitions and instructions we have been given from His word.
Some of these things we need to be reminded of on a regular basis. They are things we must not turn
away from, knowing some have wandered from the truth, as they have been unwilling to truly heed the resolute
and unchanging teachings from God.
Nonetheless, we are to complete the job God has given to us. We have been called and entrusted with
the truth of God. This is the truth that has set us free. Christ's testimony notes: “And you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Proclaiming this truth was part of the work given to our liberator,
leader and Savior Christ.
Truth, is a word frequently used in the book of John. It's basic meaning, truth is that which corresponds
to fact. Many truths concerning the religion of God had been obscured by the myths and inventions of the Jews,
or we could say, (Judaism). The Jews did not know the truth. They were in the bondage of ignorance, error and
sin. Law of their own making and superstition.
Words, like John 8:32, were not well received by these self righteous, religious, pharisaical leaders, in
Christ's day! In fact they eventually were so inflamed by those who heard them, they had Jesus Christ rejected
and murdered! What they did not understand, was Jesus, the Christ fully understood the consequences of the
work He was completing.
The message for all the Churches of God today is found in Matthew 24:14, “This gospel of the kingdom
will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations.” We understand this to mean that the Churches
of God has been given a job to do and to complete. A task for which, we are accountable to God for.
Christ said to His Father at the end of His life, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the
work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). After His resurrection, He said to His disciples, “As the
Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20: 21).
Before His physical death, what did He promise His disciples? We find Christ promised, “Most
assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these
he will do, because I go to the Father” (John 14:12).
God has sent us, like those earlier disciples to become the instrument by which He could proclaim His
soon coming kingdom and His truth to the world. At Pentecost God established His church and sent the Holy
Spirit to empower His disciples, with strength and force needed for preaching His good news. Those of us in
God's church at this present time should consider the following words of our Creator found in John 5:36, “But
I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father has given Me to finish, the same works
that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.” So it is with us, brethren, we have been given the
ongoing work of Christ and that work and our commitment to it bears witness of our calling, and God's
continued hand in leading His church. Christ shows us how we could evaluate our relationship with Him.
“Herein is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, so shall you be My disciples” (John 8:15).
The foundation of our role in the body of Christ is for us to be Christ like. God's called and converted
people are to express the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit. Which is the power, force, and employment of the
fruits of the Holy Spirit, by this we can have the very mind, that is the very same strength, of character and
outlook as our Savior, Jesus the Christ.
We see evidence of this in two verses. One in Philippines 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also
in Christ Jesus.” And the other in I Peter 4, verse l. The Apostle Peter presents the need for unity and to have
unselfish humility, in other words, be more concerned with the interest of others. This thought is expressed, “For
as much then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that
has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” Peter is urging us God's called to model our life both in thought
and deed after the example of Christ, our Lord.
Perfection of character should be our goal. To do this Paul challenges each of us to, “Examine yourselves,
whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in
you, except you be reprobates?” (2 Cor 13:5). Except you be a failure! As we examine and test ourselves each
year, let us consider what we are doing.
In the spirit of the encouraging words of God's angel in Revelation 3, we find it revealed to us that we
have struggled against compromises, even though we are a scattered, small and weak group. Christ says, “I know
your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength,
and have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (Rev. 3:8).
The assembly of Philadelphians received only words of praise from the Lord. Why, because the saints
had been faithful and zealous for good works and obeyed even in their own human weakness. They had trusted
in the Lord — not fables. As a result they had been able to persevere with the truth by living it out in their lives.
They had not denied Christ's name, therefore He would set before them an open door of opportunity that no one
would be able to shut.
This examination requires us to think of another question that is established in Amos 3:3, “Can two walk
together unless they are agreed?” This has meant some really difficult choices each one of us have had to make
as we have encountered these tests and questions. Both on our own part and from God. We know from scripture
that it is God who can open doors for us.
We have seen disciples who were the talk of God's called out ones, suddenly being scattered in confusion.
However, as the apostles lives moved forward to the day of Pentecost and the empowering of God's Holy Spirit
ascended upon them, God gave them a work [a responsibility] to do. This same memorial day of Pentecost
empowered the called church with God's Holy Spirit to finish the work God has given them to do.
Recognizing and meditating on that responsibility we can not become "aloof or indifferent." Webster
defines this word "aloof' in several ways: 1). Out of involvement; 2). Not interested in or concerned about
something; 3). Apathetic; 4). Indifferent, 5). Not easily interested or moved. All above are characterized by lack
of active quality. Some of the synonyms of the word "aloof " are: unconcerned, indifferent, detached,
disinterested, unimportance, insignificance, coolness, carelessness, apathy, insensibility and nonchalant.
As the Church of God, In Truth works at trying to help God's called to understand His truth and His
Divine Calendar, we are often amazed at some peoples colossal disinterest in the truth. Truth of God's weekly
Sabbaths and His set apart annual Holy Day Sabbaths. They probably will never fully know the truth at this time,
they are locked into being called the Laodicean remnant church that we read of in Rev 12:17.
The Thessalonian church had this aloofness toward truth also. The Apostle Paul wrote, “With all
deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they
might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them a strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they
all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thess 2: 10-12).
M. Scott Peck wrote in his books, "The Road Less Traveled," pg.50, “Truth is avoided when it is painful.
We can revise our maps only when we have the discipline to overcome that pain. To have such discipline, we
must be totally dedicated to truth. That is to say, we must always hold truth to be more important, more vital
to our self-interest, than our comfort. Conversely, we must always consider our personal discomfort relatively
unimportant and, indeed, even welcome it in the service of the search for truth.”
An aloof person that has been called to salvation, will not accept any truth that will be painful to him,
even if he knows what the inspired proverbs tell him he is to do: “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and
instruction, and understanding” (Prov 23:23).
You and I know brethren that are aloof and indifferent toward any number of spiritual things. Some
brethren are aloof toward keeping God's annual Holy Days! Some are aloof about studying new truth! Many
want to continue postponing God's annual Holy Days, while others are just bored with church and with the whole
Sabbath keeping obligation!
The truth is a treasure to be gained at any cost and never to be relinquished, whatever the temptation! Let
me refresh your mind with a story I've quoted before. “There was a ship discovered many years ago among the
icebergs of the Arctic Ocean, with the captains body frozen while making his last entry in the log book. The crew
was found, some in their hammocks and some in the cabin, all frozen. The last date in the log book showed that
for thirteen years that vessel had been moving among the icebergs: A drifting burial chamber, manned by a
frozen crew.” Brethren, don't let “aloofness” cause you to drift like the frozen Laodiceans.
Jesus Christ gave His called, two choices in Rev 3:15, “I could wish you were cold or hot.” The Lord
wants us to be one way or the other. In other words, He wants us to be zealous and active or dead, but not
somewhere in between. It is the lukewarm, and the aloof, who cannot be reached. They think they are fine the
way they are. The Lord told the Laodiceans to repent in Rev. 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be
zealous therefore, and repent!!” Repent was the first words out of Christ's mouth when He begin to preach
(Matthew 4:17).
We are living in a time of the greatest gospel revelation in history. There are more preachers, more books,
more gospel media saturation than ever. Yet there is more distress, affliction and troubled minds among God's
people. It appears that God has begun to wrap up life as we know it. He is accomplishing this by allowing the
world to have more problems, along with a great magnitude of personal problem and a wave of evil that we have
not experienced before. Consequently, the called of God are being forced to choose sides.
The Lord is not letting us be “fence sitters” any more. Lukewarmness is no longer being tolerated. And
no one is exempt from God's purging. We're all in the “fire” together. But, rather than get burned up from
aloofness, indifference, ignorance, apathy and fear, we should find out how to use these difficult times to our
advantage, to grow in Godly truth and character!
Some are aloof in their concern for one another. Christ requires a new and higher standard of love.
According to what we find said in John 13: 34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one
another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are My disciples
[students], if you have love one to another.” If we have genuine love for one another, other things will take care
of themselves. The Apostle Paul expressed this, "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another" (Rom 13: 8).
Paul is speaking of earnest out going concern, for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.
The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi was asked, “What it took to make a winning team.”
Here’s what he said, “There area lot of coaches with good ball clubs who know the fundamentals and have
plenty of discipline but still don't win the game. If you're going to play together as a team, you've got to care for
one another. You've got to love each other. Each player has to be thinking about the next guy and saying to
himself "if I don't block that man, my partner is going to get his legs broken. I have to do my job well in order
that he can do his. The difference between mediocrity and greatness is the feeling these guys have for each
other”(Quoted from "Leadership," vol. 15, no. 3).
As faithful, called members of the
Church of God, let us truly show love and care
for one another. Let us take seriously the Lord's
“new commandment” to truly learn to love one
another, so that we can be a winning team, not
a aloof, lukewarm Laodicean.
Luke 16:10
“He that is faithful in that which is least is
faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in
the least is unjust also in much.”
In the book that means "My messenger,"
Malachi, we are given some thoughtful
information, "Then they that feared the Lord
spake often one to another: And the Lord
hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and
that thought upon His name. And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My
jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him. Then shall you return, and discern
between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves Him not" (Malachi
3:16).
The Mount School in York, England, is a boarding school for teenage girls. It was started by the Quakers
in 1831. The school motto is “Faithfulness in Little Things.” That is a great motto for all of us. Christ stressed
this principle in His parable of the talents. Some servants were given more coins than others, but all were
expected to invest them wisely. Those who did so proved they could be trusted with more. It reminds us of the
old adage that says: "If you need help getting something done, find the busiest person you know and get them
involved." The point is that busy people tend to be productive, efficient, organized, and motivated! It is possible
to be too busy, of course. But when God is looking for workers, He doesn't select those sitting around doing
nothing. He wants people who are working, where they are blooming where they're planted, faithful in whatever
talent He has allotted them, and are dependable in little things!
If we will be faithful, the Lord will entrust us with more. Luke says, “He who is faithful in what is least
is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Little things are little things; but faithfulness in little things is a great
thing. If we were to become aloof and lukewarm in the very things God designed for us, we would lose our
identity as His people.
Being aloof and lukewarm, and indifference is easy to recognize because change in action stands out like
a sore thumb! John in Revelation brought out God's servants, By what ? By flowery words? No, I don't think so!
By good deeds? Lots of people do good things. No, they will know we are God's servants by seeing Christ's
genuine truth, loyalty, love and compassion in and through our active actions, applying the talents God granted
us to have!
President Abraham Lincoln said on April 30,1863; "We have been the recipients ofthe choicest bounties
of heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers,
wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the
gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have
vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior
wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the
necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to God that made us! It behooves us, then to
humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and
.forgiveness."
Why did I quote Abraham Lincoln? Because
there is a tendency to forget God when we have plenty.
We are reminded of that in the book of Deuteronomy: “And it shall be, when the Lord your God shall have
brought you into the land which He swear unto your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you great
and goodly cities, which you built not, and houses full of all good things, which you filled not, and wells dug,
which you dug not, vineyards and olive trees, which you planted not; when you shalt have eaten and be full;
Then beware lest you forget the Lord, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of
bondage (Deu 6: 10-12).
Brethren, don't let this Laodicean attitude of aloofness influence your life and cause you to sin against
your Creator God, by not having the proper concern and love one for another. Paul was inspired to tell us, “There
should be no schism [division ] in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members
rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular” (1 Cor 12: 25-27).
The day of Pentecost is a reminder of God empowering us with His Holy Spirit, to finish the
responsibilities God has given us to do. God says in Zechariah 4: 6, it is “not by might nor by power, but by My
spirit,' says the Lord of hosts.”
Paul understanding this verse, when writing a letter to Timothy, while he was a prisoner in Rome. Paul
had heard many who had been called were departing the faith. False ministers, teaching false doctrines had
gained a foothold within the church. The great times of miracles, of the powerful witness of the original disciples
who were taught by Christ and the remarkable commitment that grew out of "first love" had all but disappeared.
Paul felt it necessary to admonish and to encourage Timothy, by writing him, "Preach the word; be instant in
season, out of season; Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when
they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. [un-truths and
lies]. But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, [ambassador] make full proof
of your ministry" (2 Tim 4: 2-5).
God is examining and testing us at this end age, as well as blessing our efforts to both hold on to the truth
and to begin to once again bear fruit in the service to God! The door is open for us to be even more productive,
and for the Church of God, In Truth to reach out with the truth of God's word.
Among our various efforts are weekly letters, news updates, a bi- monthly magazine, sermon CDs, Holy
Day and weekly Sabbath sermons on the remarkable tool of the Internet web page and telephone conferencing.
God is allowing His work to move forward, each Sabbath and annual Holy Days, through meeting together on
the phone conferencing and live Internet streaming. These are astounding and remarkable facilities that were not
available to the people of God just a few years ago. Now, we literally are able to assemble together spiritually,
not letting our widely scattered, separated locations, stop us! Notice Daniel 12:7 "........ swear by Him that lives
for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when He shall have accomplished to scatter the power
of the Holy people, all these things shall be finished.”
In addition to reminding us of our role in the on going challenging service to God, let each of us in no
way diminish the importance of what God places on our individual shoulders. We need to fervently stir up the
gift [talent] of God's spirit in us, to do individually what we have been gifted with!
David gives us a example to follow in Psalm 62:8: “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour
out your heart before Him.” God is a refuge for us brethren, our focus must remain on those things yet
to be accomplished, which God has given us to complete.
Our opportunities are boundless if we stay close to God. Always seeking to obey Him and
to do those things that are pleasing in His sight! With all attentiveness, let us all heed Jude's
striking words, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most Holy faith, praying in
the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus
Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 20-21). ☜
James Russell