Truth Magazine

By Norman E. Fultz

He was in the furniture business, a merchant in a moderately sized southern town. In a musical message in his radio advertising, he invited folk to “Come on down, We’ll sell you some happiness.” A catchy jingle! And it reflected an idea widely held in our society, that happiness is to be found in the possession of “things.” The truth is, however, that this precious commodity is not for sale by a merchant anywhere.

Money can’t buy happiness, a truism! Contrary to the bumper sticker which says, “Whoever said that money couldn’t buy happiness, just doesn’t know where to shop.” Someone else was getting much closer to the truth when he said, “Happiness comes not from the things you have, but from the lives you touch.”

There are many evidences of unhappiness in our society. Marriage problems, family conflicts, escalated divorce rates, hundreds of thousands of patients in mental hospitals due to stress from many causes, ten million alcoholics, millions more abusing drugs of other sorts, a near epidemic suicide rate – all are mirrors of unhappiness.

But they are all seeking happiness the drunkard and the sober man, the rich and the poor, the learned and the illiterate, the criminal and the law-abiding citizen. However, most do not know where it can be found, and the result is that they are seeking happiness in all the wrong places and in wrong behavior. Their search thus becomes counter-productive. Let me explain.

Happiness! What Is It? Where Does One Go To Get It?

Happiness is not to be found in the satisfaction of unbridled lusts. The writer of Ecclesiastes shows the fallacy of this idea in chapter two. And many moderns who sought to fulfill all their lusts with no restraint have learned too-late that a life of promiscuity often increases the loneliness and emptiness it hoped to alleviate and pangs of guilt enslaved them. Millions have learned that strong drink neither drowns one’s sorrows nor offers a lasting sense of euphoria. It rather creates an insatiable longing for more (Prov. 23:35). Permanently broken lives are often the result of experimentation with drugs when addiction has occurred, leaving a monkey on one’s back, pain and frustration in the heart. And that is to say nothing of the agony felt by loved ones who stand by in an utter sense of helplessness to do anything.

Happiness is not found in self-centeredness. Jesus Christ taught that there is more blessedness in giving than in receiving (Acts 20:35), and it is better to serve than to be served (Matt. 20:28). How different from the modern philosophy that cries, “Look out for number one.”

Happiness is not to be found in self-pity. Instead of self-pity, inspired Scripture rather teaches that one should develop a sense of pity toward others (1 Pet. 3:8). Such an individual sees the pitiable plight of the less fortunate and seeks to remedy that plight. The word used in the passages means “tender-hearted or compassionate.”

Happiness is not found in vengefulness. How truly miserable one makes himself who harbors a “get even” attitude. Instead of “rendering evil for evil ‘ or railing for railing,” to the contrary, offer blessing (1 Pet. 3:9).

Where then, or in what, is happiness to be found? Consider the divine recipe for happiness found in 1 Peter 3:8-12 which includes a quotation from Psalm 34:11-15. The passage asks for the attention of those that “would love life and see good days.”, What better way to define the happy life?

Teachability. The plea the writer makes is, “Hearken . . . I will teach.” An attitude of teachability, of openness to hear the will of God is involved.

Rule the speech. The inspired penman instructs “keep the tongue from evil.” That evil would include falsehood, vulgarity, profanity, faultfinding, and tale-bearing among other such unsavory kinds of speech. And he appeals, keep “the lips from speaking guile.” Deceit, flattery, pretense are forms of guile prevalent in some circles of society.

Control the conduct. Both negative and positive considerations are involved as he pleads, “depart from evil and do good.” Contentment, one of the companions of happiness, and disorderly conduct do not go together.

And finally, he that would love life and see good days should promote peaceful relationships. “Seek peace and pursue it, ” he says. And remember that Paul said to the Romans, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (12:18).

Friend, has happiness eluded you9 Have you sought for it in all the wrong places? If you would enjoy true happiness, seek God’s will and let him have his way with you. And there is this promise, “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (1 Pet. 3:12).

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 15, p. 467
August 4, 1988

By Alicia DeBerry

(Alicia, aged 15 years, is the oldest daughter of Royce DeBerry, minister for the Eastside church of Christ in Indianapolis. This material was originally prepared for an English class, but is here reproduced for its excellent content. Some footnotes have been eliminated to make for easier reading. – Donald P. Ames)

On January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court made a tragic decision that resulted in more loss of life than all the American wars combined. They decided that a woman’s right to abortion was protected by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. According to the U.S. Supreme Court, the word “person” does not include the unborn, therefore they can be killed legally without penalty. Anyone who wants to terminate her pregnancy before the 24th week of the pregnancy may do so. There are over 1.5 million abortions each year in over 1,000 clinics and 1,600 & hospitals. That works out to be 4,200 abortions a day, 177 an hour, 3 a minute and 1 every 20 seconds. One out of every three pregnancies in the U.S. ends up in abortion. In today’s “modern” society, there are numerous laws protecting wildlife, a but none protecting the defenseless “unborn.”

The unborn child is commonly referred to as “potential life.” This infers the child is not yet living. However, modern science disproves the above statement. Both the sperm and ovum have life; they come together to create a new life. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to say life begins at conception. Dr. Joshua Lederberg, a Nobel Laureate in genetics, wrote the following: “Modern man knows too much to pretend that life is merely the beating of the heart or the tide of breathing” (“When Does Human Life Begin?”, Ethics, Vol. 1, article #88, May 3, 198 1, p. 2).

From the moment of conception until the third month, the developing child is called an embryo, which means “the growth within.” After the third month until birth, the developing child is called a fetus. On the 19th day of development, the embryo’s eyes form. The mouth is capable of opening by the 28th day. After 30 days, the circulatory system forms, and the mother and embryo no longer exchange blood. Shortly after that, the heart begins beating. The embryo looks distinctly human by the end of the first month. However, in most cases, the mother isn’t even aware of the pregnancy yet.

The nervous system begins forming around the 6th week, and by the 2nd month is very sensitive to pain. Brain waves have been recorded as early as the 43rd day. After the 8th week, everything that is found on a healthy newborn is found all ready on the embryo. Now, only growth is required. By the l0th week of development, the eyelids close if touched, palms close into fists if something brushes across them, and the lips pucker and try to suck when touched. After the 12th week, the embryo will react to touch, turn its head, kick its legs, flex its wrist, make fists, and, curl its toes. The mother, in most cases, will not be aware of the movement.

The embryo will also suck its thumb and swallow amniotic fluid. The sex of the child is now distinct, and very advanced brain waves can be recorded. At the 4th month, the ears begin functioning, and the fetus will become accustomed to the voices of mother, father, or even brothers and sisters. Babies born between the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy have a 70 percent chance of survival in the best-equipped natology centers. Abortions can still be performed on a fetus of the same age. Dr. Jerome LeJeune said the following: “At two months of age the human being is less than one’s thumb’s length from the head to the rump. He would f it at case in a nutshell, but everything is there: hands, feet, head, organs, brain. . . . With a good magnifer the fingerprint could be detected” (Phyllis Gapen, “Abortion: Hard Choices For Medicine,” New Physician, Vol. 1, July-Aug., 1981, p. 29).

When a woman decides to terminate her pregnancy, the type of abortion done will be determined by what “trimester” her pregnancy is in. The first trimester is from the time of conception until the 12th week. At this time, the decision is left totally up to the mother and her physician. The second trimester begins at the end of the first 12 weeks and runs until the 24th week. The state may, if it wishes, regulate abortions during the second trimester. The third trimester starts at the end of the 24th week and runs to the end of the pregnancy. Abortions can be performed at this time up until birth with the permission of the maternal doctor and the state if the mother’s health is in danger in any way.

The dilatation and curettage (or the D & C) method of abortion is safe up until the 12th week. In this method, a small scraping instrument that resembles a rake is inserted through the cervical opening. The instrument is called a curette. The contents of the uterus are than scraped out. The dilatation and extraction method (or D & E) is an abortion method used in the 2nd trimester. The cervix is dilated to one inch or more in diameter. The contents of the uterus are then cut up inside of the womb and removed with forceps. When this is completed, the doctor must inspect the remains in order to insure no fetal or placental material is left remaining. Death and dismemberment doesn’t come in moments but takes a matter of ten minutes or more. Limbs may be torn off and the body lacerated well before the brain is crushed. Is it possible that the fetus can experience terror or some unspeakable, silent pain? (Landrum Shettles, David Rowik: Rites Of Life; Michigan; Zondervan Corp., 1983, p. 69)

Another method is called “Instillation” or “salting out.” It is used to induce miscarriage or still birth. This is used during the second trimester. A large needle is inserted through the abdominal wall into the uterus. Some of the amniotic fluid around the fetus is withdrawn and is replaced with a solution made of salt, urea, and a hormone called prostaglandin (“The Doctor’s Dilemma,” Ethics, Vol. 2, article #16, Aug. 15, 1982, p. 12). About 24-48 hours later, contractions start, and the fetus is expelled through the vagina. This method of abortion fails 10 percent of the time. When the method does fail, the fetus is removed surgically. Some of the time when the fetus is expelled, it shows signs of life (Myron K. Denny; A Matter of Choice, N.Y.: Simon & Schuster, Ind., 1983, pp. 64-65). Because of the percentage of failure and the controversy, this method is not used as widely today. It may take hours before the fetus dies. “Salting out” actually poisons the fetus and causes hemorrhaging and shock before death. In most cases, the mother can feel the fetus moving around wildly as if to escape the poisoning invading its nest. This method gives the fetus’ skin a burnt look.

The “hysterotomy” is an abortion method used in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. It is a major surgery that is basically the same as a Cesarean section. The only different is that when doing a hysterotomy, the goal is to end a life, whereas in doing a cesarean, the goal is to save a life. All babies aborted by this method are born alive. They move, breath, and some even cry. However, these babies aren’t wanted so they are thrown in buckets and encouraged to die.

There is a lot of public controversy over abortion. Proabortionists have many arguments they use to justify abortion. Abortions are accepted by most as the best thing to do when an “unwanted” pregnancy occurs because an “unwanted” child shouldn’t have to be born. No child is actually unwanted if allowed to be born. Many couples wait years for a child to be placed in their homes. Some people believe that with more unwanted children being born, there would be more child abuse. However, since 1973 when abortion was legalized, the child abuse rate has climbed over 400 percent (Robert G. Grant, “Abortion,” Candidates Biblical Scoreboard, 1986, p. 7). Others believe if abortions are made illegal, women will resort to back alley abortions with coat hangers. This same argument would support the legalizing of other forms of crime. Should we legalize bank robbery, murder, or the use of cocaine to keep these people from harm in the back alleys while they perpetrate their deeds? Most believe abortion is all right in matters of rape, molestation, and defective fetuses. When our society starts killing those that aren’t “perfect,” we are in fact borrowing Hitler’s theory of a “perfect” society. In cases of rape or molestation, who is at fault? Who should be punished? The unborn child did nothing to deserve such a punishment as death. He did not ask to be put in such a situation. 97 percent of all U.S. abortions are a matter of convenience or economy though, and only 3 percent are due to rape, incest, or defective fetuses (Ibid.). Those who support abortion believe we have replaced “dangerous illegal abortions” with “safe legal abortions.” Both are equally dangerous to the unborn child!

Aborted fetuses make for a very profitable industry, considering the source is abundant. The fetuses are sold by the bag, batch, or pound for approximately $25.00. The Washington, D.C. General Hospital made $68,000 between 1966-1976 on aborted babies (David W. Balsiger, “The Issue,” Presidential Biblical Scoreboard, 1984, p. 7). Collagen is a gelatinous substance found in connective tissue, bone, and cartilage. Cosmetic companies enrich their products with collagen. Unless it specifies animal or bovine collagen, it is most likely collagen that is obtained from grinding up aborted fetuses. Twelve leading shampoos and rive leading hand creams contain collagen obtained this way!

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, living fetuses were dropped into meat grinders and homogenized to obtain tissue cultures. It was necessary for them to be alive for the best quality cultures! In Finland, a grant of $600,000 from the National Institute of Health allowed researchers to slice open one baby without an anesthetic so that a liver could be obtained. The researcher in charge said the baby was completely formed and “was even secreting urine” (loc. cit.). In California, babies aborted at 6 months were submerged in jars of liquid with a high oxygen content. The purpose was to see if they could breathe through their skins. They couldn’t (loc. cit).

In conclusion, birth does not create life but manifests something all ready created. A welcomed child is a baby from the start. Yet an unwelcomed child is only a fetus or embryo. In war, the medical corps saves lives. In abortion, the medical profession takes lives. The major difference is aborted babies get no Purple Hearts, no taps, no Memorial Day – not even a beggar’s funeral.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 16, pp. 481, 500-501
August 18, 1988

By Don Willis

Under a beautiful but hot Akron, Ohio sun, in one of the most beautiful seasons, with flowers in full bloom, the diseased body of Frankie Willis was laid in the grove in a very imposing pastoral setting. Warren Berkely, who is married to a niece who once lived with Lewis and Frankie and now preaches in Highlands, Texas, gave comforting Scriptures at the grove, and the dismissal prayer was led by Mike Willis, a brother-in-law.

Frankie Jean Flanagan married Lewis Willis, faithful gospel preacher, a little over 30 years ago. This marriage union was a very close knit one, with cherished moments of marital happiness. Her support enabled Lewis to faithfully pursue his work as a gospel preacher, lifting him in his emotionally low periods and keeping him humble when he felt too important.

To this happy union were born three children who are all Christians and happily married: Andrea Y. Middleton, A. Scott Willis, and Angela L. Turnbow. Also, there are three grandchildren: Cameron Middleton, Brandon Willis, and Monica Jean Turnbow, all born in the some year. Monica will wear her grandmother’s middle name. Such a show of affection and appreciation has never been so experienced in the lifetime of this writer. Hundreds of sympathetic Christians and friends from the radio audience come into the funeral home the day prior to the funeral to lift the hearts of the family. The beautiful floral gifts surrounded the walls, and were later sent to the local elderly care homes. Food for the family overflowed. How greatly these people expressed their love, appreciation and support!

Local evangelist William Foist, who often accompanies Lewis on his weekly Sunday morning radio program, read the fitting Proverbs 31, the exaltation of the godly woman, followed by many edifying personal words of love and comfort.

Cecil Willis, a brother-in-law, in his venerable and invincible manner set forth the wonderful comfort and hope of the Christian. God is the source of all comfort, and has assured us of his love and compassion.

Donald Willis, a brother-in-law, spoke regarding the charge of Paul, “Run, that ye may obtain” or “Run to Win.” While many run with “uncertainty” regarding Christ, commitment and direction, Frankie Willis knew her God-given responsibility. She was a Christian. She supported her husband in his labors. She was a concerned mother, and led all of her children through the difficult years of teenager uncertainty to responsible adulthood. She was a winner! Frankie did not attempt to fit the “preacher’s wife” mold, but was true to her wifely duty. Once, at a difficult financial period as preachers often experience, Lewis entered into business. Frankie expressed her concern for the family direction and desired that he return to full time work as an evangelist. This is when the family moved to Akron, and truly this has been one of the most wonderful works in their preaching life. When Frankie’s condition was diagnosed as terminal, everyone was so despondent. Frankie remarked to me over the phone, “it looks like we must begin to practice regarding death what we have been preaching.” She exemplified such a remarkable poise, composure and trust becoming an outstanding example of the manner in which a Christian should face death. Sure, she had her moments, as did Christ in Gethsemane, in which she wept many tears; but was sustained in the hour of death by on undying trust knowing that God would keep that which was committed unto him.

George LeMasters, gospel preacher and close personal friend, read the emotionally packed letter written by Lewis in tribute to his wife on their thirtieth wedding anniversary. There were no dry eyes left as the love for a husband toward his wife and the despair over her physical dilemma were felt.

As her death drew near, sitting on the edge of the bed and surrounded by those held very near, this husband encouraged his dying wife to loose his hand and reach up and take the hand of Jesus . . . and she relaxed, closed her eyes, and moved into that realm that we call death. “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.”

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 15, p. 471
August 4, 1988

By Mike Willis

As Jesus prepared his disciples for his imminent death, he told them that he would send the Holy Spirit to them. He promised, “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth” (Jn. 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit was to be a Comforter for the apostles just as Jesus had been while present with them.

The Spirit had a work to perform when he came to the apostles. As the “Spirit of truth” Qn. 14:17), the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (Jn. 14:26).

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me (Jn. 15:26).

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come (Jn. 16:13).

The work which the Holy Spirit performed is described in John 16:8-11:

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

In the remaining portion of this material, I want to draw attention to the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin. Though this is not the totality of the Spirit’s work, it is a part of his work.

Convicting Of Sin

We can learn how the Holy Spirit accomplished his work of convicting men of sin by examining how Spirit inspired men did their work of preaching. We cite several examples:

1. On Pentecost (Acts 2). When Peter preached under the influence of the Holy Spirit, he charged that those in his audience were guilty of crucifying Jesus. “Ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain” (2:23). Some of those present were “pricked in their heart” (2:37), having been convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit.

2. Stephen’s sermon (Acts 7). When Stephen spoke under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the Jews refuted him but “they were not able to resist the spirit by which he spake” (6:10). They charged him with blasphemy and brought him before the elders and scribes. In his defense, the Spirit convicted the audience of sin saying, “Ye stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye” (7:51). Like those on Pentecost, these were “cut to the heart” (7:54) having been convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit, but unlike those on Pentecost, these refused to obey the gospel.

3. Paul’s sermon to Felix (Acts 24.25). Paul preached to the Roman procurator Felix during his imprisonment at Caesarea. The Scriptures state, “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled.” The Holy Spirit convicted Felix of sin.

4. The assembly at Corinth (1 Cor. 14.24-25). The effect which gospel preaching through the Holy Spirit was to have on the unbeliever can be learned from these verses which emphasize that prophesying is to be preferred over uninterpreted tongues.

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

The preaching of the gospel exposed the sins of the man’s heart, convicting him of sin.

5. Paul’s example at Corinth. Paul faced a church with many problems at Corinth. He sought to correct those problems through teaching. However, he saw that more severe action might be necessary. Consequently, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, he wrote: “What will ye? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?” (1 Cor. 4:21) Impenitent sinners would provoke a response from Paul which they did not desire. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit again he wrote, “For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, back-bitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: and lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed” (2 Cor. 12:20-21). There is a threatening tone in these inspired words.

Quench Not The Spirit

The work of convicting men of sin is a work of the Holy Spirit. The exhortation of Paul, “Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19), contextually applied to miraculous spiritual gifts, has application to the Spirit’s work of convicting men of sin as well. Some modern preachers belittle the work of convicting men of sin.

In his book, Self-Esteem: The New Reformation, Robert Schuller affirms that anything which attacks the self-esteem of man is contrary to the gospel. He decries a message which will “put down a person before it attempts to lift him up” (p. 127). He charges that Protestant Christianity has “manipulated guilty, insecure persons by feeding them ideas that directly generate fear, lack of self-worth, guilt and anxiety about approaching God” (p. 126). Rebuking a sinner for his sin attacks his self-esteem and is, therefore, contrary to the work which God wants the Holy Spirit to do. The teaching of Robert Schuller quenches the Holy Spirit’s work of “convicting the world of sin.” Had Schuller been present when Paul reasoned with Felix of righteousness, temperance and the judgment to come, causing Felix to tremble, he would have stopped the inspired apostle and charged him with sin for destroying Felix’s self-esteem.

Some among us have been infected with the idea that gospel preaching should not make the sinner uncomfortable. The idea that a preacher should “not challenge every false statement” or “challenge (one’s) moral condition” because this would make the sinner “uncomfortable,” interferes with his conversion. Preaching which rebukes apathetic Christians for indifference is castigated as “brow beating,” “shouting at a dead dog,” “hammering on the people in the pew.” Preaching aimed at denominationalism or liberalism is denigrated as “obnoxious name-calling, negative faultfinding” which “runs off everyone who might be interested in filling their spiritual needs.” Another exhorted, “Let us not embarrass anyone because of their evroneous beliefs but build a love for Jesus and truth in their hearts.” I would like to see these criticisms applied to Paul’s preaching to Felix, his rebuke of the Corinthians, and other New Testament, Spirit-inspired preaching. Criticisms of this nature have the impact of “quenching” the Spirit’s work of “convicting the world of sin.”

I sat in a meeting with a group of elders in one congregation who told me that they would not preach on dancing, mixed swimming, and some other forms of worldliness from the pulpit, preferring instead that these subjects be taught in a Bible class. They seemed concerned that preaching these subjects from the pulpit would cause visitors not to return. If what the Bible says on these subjects can be relegated to the classroom, can what the Bible says on other subjects be relegated to the same arena? Are we ashamed for the world to know what the Bible teaches on these subjects? Such attitudes have the impact of quenching the Spirit’s work of convicting men of sin. Some do not want denominational folk and weak Christians who social drink, mix swim, and dance to know that they are lost in the sight of God. So, we preach a message which does not offend them – a message which does not call them to repent of their sins.

If our preaching makes indifferent, half-committed Christians comfortable, leaves denominational folks content in their denominations (or persuades them to leave their denomination for the church of Christ which they view as a better “denomination”), and allows liberal brethren to think there are no differences between us which might jeopardize their souls, we have “quenched” the Spirit in his work of convicting the world of sin.

These comments should not be understood to mean that I am advocating obnoxious, abusive mistreatment of visitors. Indeed, we must speak the truth in love. However, in my twenty-one years of preaching, I have not been exposed to obnoxious mistreatment of visitors. The preaching which I have witnessed on denominationalism generally has been prefaced by statements designed to assure the hearers that one has no interest in offending them, making a personal attack, or otherwise abusing their denominational friends; rather, the preacher only wants to contrast truth and error. Doctrines are read from the creed books and contrasted politely with the Bible. Nevertheless, even this is viewed as “obnoxious name calling” by some brethren. I can only conclude that some brethren want nothing preached from the pulpit which exposes the denominations and liberalism by name.

Conclusion

The work of the Holy Spirit includes “convicting the world of sin.” Not everyone who is convicted of sin will resolve to obey the gospel; some will get mad, turning away from the gospel in anger. Changing the gospel by watering it down so that it does not anger them will not convert those who have no desire to conform to its message. Relaxing God’s standards to accept them into the Lord’s body does not convert their souls. Rather, this encourages them to believe that they are acceptable before God without ceasing the practice of their specific sins. What this does do, however, is make us disloyal to Christ. “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels” (Mk. 8:38).

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 16, pp. 482, 499-500
August 18, 1988