Truth Magazine

By Lewis Willis

I guess most Americans have been as frustrated as I over hijacking of aircraft. The mentality of the modern terrorist is difficult to understand. It seems apparent to me, at least, that the difficulty in dealing with this matter is the traditional difficulty that comes when civilized people try to deal with those who are uncivilized. There have been many examples of the uncivilized behavior of these Shiite terrorists, as well as the other terrorists the world has recently encountered.

To illustrate what I mean, one morning one of the hostage crewman aboard a TWA plane became ill. They contacted the control tower from the plane and told the tower they needed a doctor. However, all of the major news networks said they gave instructions to the doctor to “keep his mouth shut” and not talk to the press about the matter or they would “cut out his tongue or make his wife a widow.” I was appalled at the mentality of such people. I can scarcely imagine a more brutal act than to cut out someone’s tongue. This demonstrates the barbarian nature of those terrorists. I think most people in the world, because of such words and deeds, realize how difficult it is for our government to deal with such people.

However, as I thought about this, I realized that I had heard of the removal of a person’s tongue in quite a different context. It is as barbaric in this context as it is with those hijackers.

Here is where the brutal, monstrous, horrid, shocking thought was first introduced to me. It is found in the rules of the masonic temples all over the country! As a person enters Masonry he passes through three Degrees. Each of these degrees symbolize achievement and understanding of the principles and ideals of Masonry. Some of this information is secretly given to the initiate. When those secrets are given to the person, he takes a vow that he will not divulge those secrets and it is here that there is a comparison between Masonry and the terrorist hijackers of that TWA plane.

The first degree for the Mason is the Entered Apprentice at, Degree. He solemnly swears that he will in no way reveal any of the secrets and then he swears, “All this I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a firm and steadfast resolution, to keep and perform the same without any equivocation, mental reservation or secret evasion of mind whatever, binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by its roots and buried in the rough sands of the sea at low water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours, should I ever knowingly violate this my solemn obligation of an Entered Apprentice Mason. So help me God, and keep me in the due performance of the same” (Handbook of Freemasonry, by Edmond Ronayne, p. 70).

In the next degree, the Fellow Craft Degree, he swears to keep the secrets, “. . . binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my breast torn open, my heart plucked out and given as a prey to the wild beasts of the field, and the fowls of the air” (Handbook of Freemasonry, by Edmond Ronayne,.p. 123).

The vow of the last degree, the Master Mason’s Degree, he says, ” . . . binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my body severed in twain, my bowels taken from thence and burned to ashes, and the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven, that no trace or remembrance may be had of so vile and perjured a wretch as I, should I ever knowingly violate this my solemn obligation as a Master Mason. So help me God and keep me in the due performance of the same” (Handbook of Freemasonry, by Edmond Ronayne, p. 173).

I was just thinkin, isn’t it strange that some Christians will get all worked up over some terrorists threatening to cut somebody’s tongue out but he turns around and, in order to become a Mason, he vows that he will let his be torn out if he ever reveals the secrets of the Lodge. Why wouldn’t the deeds by Masons be as barbaric as those by terrorists? And, how in the world can a Christian involve himself in such nonsense?

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 21, p. 659
November 3, 1988

By David J. Halter

I. Introduction:

A. A perfect analogy for the church.

1. “Winning isn’t everything, it is the only thing”?

2. Society today places too much emphasis on winning at the cost of spiritual values.

3. If an athletic coach does not win, he loses his job.

4. “Quitters never win and winners never quit!”

B. Our lesson:

1. Old and New Testament winners and quitters.

2. Attributes of a winner and a quitter.

3. Applications for Christians and the church.

II. Discussion:

A. Bible quitters:

1. Lot’s wife (Gen. 19:26; Lk. 17:31).

2. The unfaithful spies (Num. 13:31-33).

3. Some of Jesus’ disciples (Jn. 6:60-66).

4. Demas (2 Tim. 4:10; Col. 4:14; Phile. 24).

5. Judas (Jn. 13:18-27; Matt. 26:14-16,20-25; 27:3).

B. Bible winners:

1. Joshua and Caleb (Num. 13:30; 14:7-10).

2. David (1 Sam. 17:45-51).

3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Dan. 3:14-19,25,27).

4. Paul (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

5. Apostles (Acts 4:18-20; 5:28-29).

C. Characteristics of a loser, quitter:

1. Always negative, can’t be done attitude (Num. 13:31).

2. Excuse hunters (Prov. 20:4; 26:13; Lk. 14:15-24).

3. Blames failures on others (Gen. 3:12,13; 1 Kgs. 18:17-18).

4. Refuses to face problems (Jon. 1:1-3).

5. Cannot make up his mind, hesitates (Gen. 19:15-16).

6. Procrastinates and puts off (Acts 24:24-25).

7. Wilts under pressure (Matt. 13:20,21).

D. Characteristics of a winner:

1. Always positive, can be done attitude (Num. 13:30; Phil. 4:13).

2. Never hunts an excuse, sees what needs to be done and sets about to get it done (Gen. 42:1,2).

3. Is not afraid to fail, does not blame mistakes upon others, accepts full responsibility for own actions (Prov. 24:16).

4. Faces up to problems, does not run away from them (Psa. 11:1).

5. Does not hesitate when knowledge of the truth is his (Acts 8:36-38).

6. Does not procrastinate and put off, recognizes that today is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).

7. Comes shining through when under pressure, persecution (Acts 21:11-15).

E. Applications for the church, Christians:

1. Many who quit going to church or who change congregations every few years manage to blame someone in the church.

2. Many who do not attend the services of the church faithfully are excuse hunters:

a. I was too tired, we got in late last night.

b. Company came to the house, and I did not want to embarrass them by leaving for church.

c. I don’t like the way the preacher preaches, he steps on my toes all the time.

d. The seats are too hard (I actually heard this one! – DJH).

e. The building is too cold, hot, etc.

f. I’m too ashamed to go, I know I am in sin and my conscience bothers me because I know I’m I wrong.

3. Many are like the prodigal son who wasted his substance in riotous living, too busy in pleasure.

4. Winners, however, plan their time around the Lord’s kingdom:

a. Such as company coming; wonder why company never come between some folks and church (Jn. 1:45)?

b. Never too tired to go to worship (2 Pet. 2:2).

5. Winners are always the ones to be depended on to support meetings, church discipline, visiting, teaching, etc.

F. Conclusion:

1. What are you? A winner or a quitter?

2. Truly winners never quit, and quitters never go to heaven!

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 21, p. 660
November 3, 1988

By R.J. Evans

How many times have you reasoned, “I’d be happy, if only. . . “? And then the dream usually continues with “if only I had more money,” or “if only I had married someone else, ” or “if only I had more friends, a better education, a better job,, a bigger house, better health, etc. The breakthrough into happiness for many hinges upon those two words, “if only.”

What Is Your Concept?

Most of those of the world have little trouble coming up with their own formula for happiness. It usually consists of wealth, status and power, and freedom from frustration of any kind. If this is similar to what you have conjured up in order to be happy, then you need to consider whether this is a worthwhile goal or not. The best way to find out is to consider others who have lived in such conditions. King Solomon is a prime example of one who “had everything.” According to 2 Chronicles 6-9, Solomon had enough wealth to make some of our modern-day “tycoons” seem like paupers.

Consider Solomon’s Wealth

On a yearly basis, Solomon received six-hundred sixty-six talents of gold (2 Chron. 6:13), “besides that which chapman and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon” (2 Chron. 6:14). Six-hundred sixty-six talents of gold would be about 960,000 ounces. Comparing that with today’s standards (say at $300 per ounce) it would amount to something like $288,000,000.

There was no need for Solomon to purchase certain items. He made two hundred targets of beaten gold and three-hundred shields made of beaten gold (2 Chron. 9:15-16). His throne was made of ivory, overlaid with pure gold – “There was not the like made in any kingdom” (2 Chron. 9:17-19). All of the drinking vessels of King Solomon were made of gold, in fact, “none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon” (2 Chron. 9:20).

In 2 Chronicles 9:21-22, we read of Solomon importing finery from all parts of the world. Then, those who visited him, seeking his wisdom, brought “vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year” (2 Chron. 9:23-24). When the Queen of Sheba came “to prove Solomon with hard questions,” she brought spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones (2 Chron. 9:1-2).

But wealth was not everything. The Bible says that Solomon “loved many strange women” (1 Kgs. 11:1). Of course, this is an understatement, for “he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines” (1 Kgs. 11:3). A total of a thousand women!

But Was Solomon Happy?

Being king, Solomon could do just about anything he desired, and that is precisely what he set out to do. He wrote about this in the book of Ecclesiastes. He experimented with almost everything under the sun, but this non-stop entertainment grew tiresome (Eccl. 2:1); he mentions drinking wine (Eccl. 2:3); he built elaborate houses, temples, vineyards, gardens, etc. (Eccl. 2). He stated, “So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor” (Eccl. 2:9-10).

In consideration of the aforementioned, one would be almost certain that Solomon was a very happy man. But was Solomon genuinely happy? Unfortunately, Solomon was miserable. “Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit” (Eccl. 2:17).

Consider Paul

At this point another man comes to mind who, to some, would have had every right in the world to be miserable. This man is the apostle Paul. At times he had to go back to his old trade of tent making. He did much traveling under adverse conditions by foot or by ship. His life was one of constant danger. Paul catalogs many of his sufferings, perils and anxieties in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28. Also, there was a great deal of worldly honor given up by Paul “for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:4-11). Then, on top of all that, Paul had what he referred to as a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7).

Yet Paul Was Happy

True abiding happiness is not derived from earthly wealth, position, sexual freedom, or unlimited power. Paul was a contented man. A “contended” man is a “happy” man! “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Phil. 4:4).

Did Paul know something about happiness that Solomon didn’t? No, Solomon knew the basic formula for happy living, but he ignored it and it literally ruined his life. As an old man, reflecting over the wasted years, he gave wise advice to the young “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw night, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Eccl. 12:1). Then his closing words, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13). And these same principles, if you obey them, can make you happy, no matter what your situation in life may be. If you choose to ignore these principles, then the results will be otherwise.

Conclusion

Christians can be happy! Christians should always be happy! What an occasion for rejoicing a Christian has with all the joys and blessings that are ours as children of God. We enjoy all the spiritual blessings which are in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3). We enjoy the peace of God which passes all understanding (Phil. 4:4-7). Happiness is obeying and faithfully serving God. If you have not yet obeyed the gospel of Christ, we encourage vou to do so now.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 20, pp. 627-628
October 20, 1988

By Larry Ray Hafley

Due to a misunderstanding of Romans 6:14, some conclude that Christians are not under any kind of law. We are not under law for justification (Rom. 6:14; 10:1-5; Gal. 2:11-3:29). Does the grace and truth Christ brought contain laws which we are bound to obey (Jn. 1: 17)? Is grace incompatible with law as light is to darkness?

(1) Absolutely not, for without law there would be no need for grace. “Where no law is, there is no transgression” (Rom. 4:15), “for sin is the transgression of the law” (I Jn. 3:4). And without sin there would be no need for grace (Rom. 4).

(2) “Do we make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law” (Rom. 3:31). True grace, true justification by faith, establishes law, Hence, false grace, phony faith, voids law.

(3) We are to “look into,” “be under” (subject to) and “fulfill” (obey) the law of Christ, because by it we shall be judged (1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2; Jas. 1:25; 2:12).

(4) One cannot receive the crown of life “except he strive lawfully” (2 Tim. 2:5). How can one strive lawfully without law?

(5) “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46) The very concept of “Lord,” its essential nature, implies law. “The things which I say,” equals Christ’s commandments (Matt. 28:20), and they are law (Rev. 22:14; Heb. 5:9).

(6) All agree that Luke 24:44-49 refers to the New Testament system of salvation by grace. “It is written, ” Jesus said (Lk. 24:46). Where was it’ 4 written” “in the prophets” that salvation through Christ would be “among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Lk. 24:44,47)? One place is Isaiah 2:2,3 – “all nations . . . from Jerusalem.”

Further, note: “And he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths, for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isa. 2:3). The terms, “ways,” “paths,” “the law,” and “the word of the Lord,” are equivalents. So, the law went forth, “out of Zion … .. beginning at Jerusalem” (Isa. 2:3; Lk. 24:47). Salvation by grace, repentance and remission of sins in the name of Christ, is the law that went forth out of Zion, beginning at Jerusalem. It is the gospel (Mk. 16:15).

(7) Isaiah 42:1-7 refers to the Christ. It, among other things, describes his nature, mission and ultimate success. Isaiah says, “and the isles shall wait for his law. ” Matthew says, quoting the same passage, “and in his name shall the Gentiles trust” (Matt. 12:21). Have Gentiles received “light,” “salvation” and “eternal life” (Acts 13:47,48; Isa. 42:6; 49:6)? If so, they have received his law, or trusted in his name. If Gentiles are not under law, they have not trusted in his name, nor have they received light, salvation or eternal life.

(8) Christ now reigns on “the throne of his father, David” (Lk. 1:32,33; Acts 2:29f.). Does a king reign without law?

(9) Jeremiah prophesied of the New Testament (Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:8-13; 10:15-18). The Holy Spirit said, “This is the covenant that I will make with them I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” (the laws). To those who say we are not bound by laws, we inquire, are we bound by the new covenant?

Also, the “word of God,” “the word of the kingdom” (Matt. 13:19; Lk. 8:11), is sown in the heart (Lk. 8:12). That word in the heart is the law written in the heart (Lk. 8:11,12, Heb. 8:10; 10:16).

(10) “The law of the Spirit” is the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16; 8:2). Are we under the gospel, subject to it?

Law cannot justify, for all have sinned. Grace through Christ provides forgiveness to all who have sinned. Under law for justification, sin reigns unto death. Under Christ, grace reigns through righteousness which it provides. This the good news of the gospel (Rom. 5:21).