Truth Magazine

By William C. Sexton

“Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things” (Gal. 6:6).

When I first moved back to Kansas City after being away 23 years, I was pleased to find about nine “sound” congregations in the area, instead of the four that were here when I left. Although some of them are small, I considered such to be evidence of growth.

I was speaking at Blue Springs shortly after I moved back, and I expressed my observation of the growth. Brother Lindy McDaniel, after the lesson and in response to my observation remarked, that “when we see the meeting houses filled with enthusiastic brethren in meetings, then we’ll see the growth we are potentially capable of producing.” I believe that he’s right. However, I’m concerned that the “growth” may not be all that balanced and real. Here I express some observations in that regard, for our consideration.

Discouraging Evidence

I find it discouraging having as many congregations in the area who claim to be “sound,” that when a meeting is going on, so very few show up from other congregations. What is reflected by such action or the lack of it? I’m afraid that therein lies a deeper problem than we are freely admitting!

One expressed to me, rather off handedly, that he hoped that we’d give little consideration to what other congregations are doing when we plan a meeting – we’d thereby manifest a real concern for the souls of the lost! There may be some truth there worth pondering, yet I wonder if there isn’t some undercurrent forces at work there too, which need some uncovering!

Perspective On Numbers

To be overly concerned about numbers is not good; and such reflects, perhaps, an egotistical view. Some will drive many miles to hear a certain (“big name”) preacher, yet they wouldn’t travel. across the street to hear another – that reflects human attraction and attachment rather than love for the gospel and souls of the lost. Neither should we let up because others do not support us (2 Tim. 4:10, 16), remembering that all faithful men have had to stand alone or apart at time. Yet, we need to deal honestly and forthrightly with such action – or the lack of support!

Danger Areas

We conservatives may like to feel that we are growing, presenting the truth on a united front, etc., when in fact there are so many weak spots in our defenses. I truly believe that the “truth” is the only thing that will make men free and stand ultimately, providing the only real basis for growth (Jn. 8:3132; 2 Pet. 3:18). However, men have often been puffed up, feeling secure, thinking that all was well when in fact they were weak, miserable, and in great need of the divine remedy (cf. Rev. 3:15-20).

The plain truth is that we are all too busy, and there is evidence of a lack of true dedication. We can all find things to do to “justify” ourselves from attending a meeting. But I have observed over the years that people as a rule do what they want to. Honesty demands that we admit that we do pretty much what we want to. Therefore, if we really wanted to attend, we’d do so; otherwise, we’ll make justifying excuses!

Effect of Lack of Support

New members, filled with enthusiasm, anticipate many loyal, dedicated Christians from surrounding congregations at a meeting, singing with zest and life in worship of God. Frequently, they find a meager few, with no real reason present other than the simple lack of interest in the true gospel message being presented; they cannot help but be “let down.” I see it on the faces, detect such in the voice, see the results after the meeting. Often there is not the zeal and zest after as before, simply because they have been disappointed by the lack of support of older Christians.

Yes, I believe the effect is evidenced on many fronts and in various ways. Preachers are often affected, too, by the lack of support. Often you can see the apologetic, rationalizations, etc., but you know deep in the heart, they are reading the “body language” rather correctly – “there’s simply not the real interest in what I’m saying.”

Correct Response

Not for a minute am I suggesting that we need to let up, be unconcerned about presenting the gospel in meetings of all sorts, when the opportunity can be made. I’m saying, though, let us observe the playing field and the players! There is an evidenced lack of support of the gospel from quarters where there ought to be much.

I am truly grateful to see brethren who will drive even up to and over a hundred miles to attend a meeting, and there are some around, but often they are in places where there are very few “sound brethren” around. Preachers who have worked in hard places often will drive and lend their support. Last year when I was in a meeting in Merrillville, Indiana, brother Leslie Diestelkamp and his wife drove over 65 miles to attend the meeting, on a rainy night. Recently, in a meeting in Morrrilton, Arkansas, some brethren drove from Beebe which must be 60 or so miles. Brother Dick Blackford related to me recently that in a meeting out in the northwest (Utah, Wyoming, etc.), that it’s not unusual to see people drive over a hundred miles to attend a gospel meeting. Why? Because they are hungry to hear the gospel! I see reports from the northeast and other “hard” places where the same is true.

Why then brethren should it be that we in our own area do not support the gospel when it is preached? Why not bring that “prospect” we are studying with to a meeting on that night, instead of having the in-home study and allow him/her to witness and participate in the worship with other enthusiastic Christians?

Beloved, let us heed the apostle Paul (Rom. 11:25; 12:16) when he said, “lest ye should be wise in you own conceits. . . Be not wise in your own conceits.” Are you really dedicated to the saving of souls? Are you really supportive of the gospel message? Your body language, action, tells the story very plainly!

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 3, pp. 82, 87
February 4, 1988

By Wayne W. Walker

The inspired account of the very first sin ever committed is found in Genesis 3:1-24. Sin is a problem that every one of us faces and with which we must cope. The more we learn about the subject from the Bible, the better we will be able to avoid and overcome it. And there is a great deal that we can learn about sin from the third chapter of Genesis.

1. First, we notice the temptation. Satan, in the form of a serpent, approached Eve and focused her mind upon the prohibition. “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'” Adam and Eve could eat of every tree in the garden except one, but Satan emphasized this one negative, and thus distorted the situation. Eve apparently understood God’s command, although we are made to wonder why she added, “Nor shall you touch it.”

Then the devil very plainly changed God’s command. “You will not surely die.” All he did was add one little word, “not,” but in so doing he simply denied God’s word. There is reason to believe that the devil was equivocating. Adam and Eve would die spiritually when they ate, but not physically. In any event, Satan was living up to his reputation as the great deceiver. Then he cast doubts on God’s goodness. “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” The basic appeal of humanism is to cause people to desire to be their own gods. Thus, they are deceived just as was the woman here.

Eve was tempted in the very same ways that we are tempted (I Jn. 2:15-17). She saw that the tree was good for food -the lust of the flesh. She saw that it was pleasant to the sight – the lust of the eyes. And she saw that it was desirable to make one wise – the pride of life. Jesus was tempted through these same avenues (Matt. 4:1-11). By his example, we can know that if we will resist the devil, he will flee from us also (Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9). This is what Eve failed to do.

II. Because of this failure, Eve sinned. “She took of its fruit and ate.” Not satisfied with this, “She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” Many believe, based on 1 Timothy 2:14, that Eve, being tricked, ate without fully understanding the consequences of her actions, but Adam did so with full knowledge of what he was doing. This is entirely possible. Whatever the case, both of them did the very worst thing they could do. They disobeyed God and did exactly what he had told them not to do.

Sin takes several different forms. Sometimes it is a direct transgression of God’s law, like Adam and Eve’s, doing that which God has specifically forbidden (1 Jn. 3:4). Other times, it is a failure to do what God has positively commanded must be done (Jas. 4:17). Sin may also take the form of a violation of one’s conscience, even if the act itself is not one of disobedience to what God has said (Rom. 14:23). In fact, “all unrighteousness is sin” (1 Jn. 5:17). Anything that is not right in the sight of God, i.e., in harmony with his revealed will, is sin.

III. Adam and Eve not only sinned, but also tried to cover up their sin from God. When they heard the sound of the Lord in the garden, they hid themselves among the trees. Many other people have tried to hide their sins from God, as do many people today. David thought he could hide his sin by letting time take care of it. Jonah thought he could hide his by running away from it. However, the trees of the garden could not hide Adam and Eve from God. Neither can we hide our sins from him because he is omnipresent (Psa. 139:7-12).

Since they were not able to hide from God, they evidently decided to lie their way out of their predicament. Instead of owning up to their wrong and telling God the whole truth, they merely said that they were hiding because they were naked. Ananias and Sapphira tried to cover up their sin by lying in Acts 5, and it did not work then either. God is omniscient (Psa. 139:1-6). He knows everything about us. As soon as Adam said the word, “naked,” he was trapped! “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23). And even if we are successful in covering up our sins from men while on earth, we shall still have to face them in the day of judgment (Eccl. 12:13-14).

Now that their lie was exposed and their sin known, the only other route left open to them, aside from acknowledgment and repentance, was to “pass the buck.” Adam blamed Eve who “gave me of the tree, and I ate.” In effect, he was also blaming God (“The woman whom You gave to be with me”), implying that if God had not given him Eve, he would not be in this mess. Eve then blamed the devil. “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” It was from Eve that Flip Wilson must have drawn his now-famous line, “The devil made me do it.” There was some truth to both of these accusations, but notice that each one was still held accountable for his or her own actions.

IV. This brings us to the punishment. God turned his attention first to Satan, whose deception was the heart of the problem. The form that he used, the serpent, was cursed to crawl on its belly. And the devil himself was promised that the seed of the woman would arise to crush his head, that is, to deliver him a crushing blow. This is sometimes called the “proto-evangelicum” for in it, the first glimmers of hope for mankind through the gospel are found. It was in Jesus Christ, who was “born of a woman” (Gal. 4:4), that this promise was ultimately fulfilled. He came to destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn. 3:8).

Next, God spoke to the woman. It was she who was beguiled by the serpent (2 Cor. 11:3). Even so, she should have known better. Therefore, God said that he would greatly multiply her sorrow in her conception, so that in pain she would bring forth children. God’s place for the woman has always been in the home, providing for the needs of her family (1 Tim. 2:15; 5:14; Tit. 2:4-5). Also, as a result of her sin, her desire was to be to her husband and he was to rule over her. God’s word teaches that women are to be in subjection to their husbands who are their heads (Eph. 5:22-24; Col. 3:18; 1 Pet. 3:1-6). Today’s feminists may not like this, but it is what God has decreed.

Then, God passed judgment on the man. No longer would he be provided with all he needed unconditionally. The ground from that time onward would bring forth thorns and thistles so that he would eat of it through toil and the sweat of his face. For this reason, mankind has always been required to work to make his livelihood (Exod. 20:9; Eph. 4:28). “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thess. 3: 10). The responsibility to provide for the needs of the family falls upon the husband and father (1 Tim. 5:8). But even more serious, whatever God had planned for human beings before the fall, they would now return to the ground from which they were taken (Eccl. 12:7; cf. Gen. 2:7). No, we do not bear the guilt of Adam’s sin, but because we are born into a sinful world and become sinners ourselves, we must bear the consequences (1 Cor. 15:21-22).

Conclusion

There are many lessons that we can learn from this account. We must recognize that sin is still with us (Rom. 3:23; 1 Jn. 1:8-10). There are some who seem to want to debate which kinds of sins will condemn and which will not. I do not wish to be drawn into this argument, except to say that sins which are confessed, forsaken, and covered by God will not be imputed to us (Prov. 28:13; Rom. 4:7-8). All I know to preach about sin is that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).

However, we have good news. We know that “each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (Jas. 1:14-15). Therefore, we can turn to God for help to overcome temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). “And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” (1 Jn. 5:3). And when we do sin, it is in Christ that “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Eph. 1:7).

Jesus Christ is our Advocate with the Father (1 Jn. 2:1). Therefore, if we will confess our sins, we can know that God will be faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). In this way, we have the promise that the blood of Jesus Christ the righteous will cleanse us from all sin (1 Jn. 1:7). The statement that is often made is, I believe, true that what mankind lost in Adam, we can regain through Jesus Christ. May we ever be thankful to him who died for us as a sacrifice for sin. Praise God for his love and grace!

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 3, pp. 75-76
February 4, 1988

By Ron Halbrook

The American press is the envy of the world because it serves the public both by reporting facts and by discussing and debating a wide range of issues. In the process, the womanizing of politicians like Gary Hart has been exposed along with the religious scandals of Oral Roberts, Jim Bakker, and the PTL. All who speak in the public arena welcome public review and discussion unless they have something to hide. We promised to update the cover-up of false teaching at the Christian Center.

In previous articles we offered to meet Don Hurley in debate on modern day claims of miracles. He affirms them and we deny them. Our articles have generated letters, phone calls, and personal discussions, but still no word from Mr. Hurley or B.B. Hankins about our proposal to present both sides of the question to the public. We are open to the comments of our readers and will share some of them in this column, as follows.

1 What do Mr. Hurley and the Christian Center have to hide or to fear? Those who are asking this question may read John 3:19-21 for the answer. When men are not teaching the truth, they hide their doctrines and practices from the light of truth which would “pose them.

2. Does Proverbs 25:9 (“debate thy cause”) apply only to private problems? Verses 9-10 teach a principle that applies to matters of both private and public dispute. In any matter of controversy, we should deal with our opponent in an open, honest, and direct way. Otherwise, our underhanded methods, treachery, and dishonesty will be exposed as a disgrace. Christ and his apostles debated their cause publicly, reflecting the open spirit of Proverbs 25:9. People who refuse this open spirit by avoiding examination of their teaching and people who resort to anonymous letters do not meet this standard and so must suffer the disgrace of their actions.

3. Is it right to call the names of false teachers? Paul called the names of such false teachers as Hymenaeus, Alexander, and Philetus (1 Tim, 2:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:17-18). Paul told Timothy to follow his example – “these things teach and exhort” (1 Tim. 6:2).’Shall we censor the Bible when it called names or censure the inspired apostle who taught us to identify false teachers?

4. Since there are problems in the Churches of Christ, why should you debate preachers from other churches? While Paul was debating false teachers outside the church, he was also debating his own brethren who were falling into apostate doctrines (Acts 15; 17:17).

5. Jesus and his disciples did not debate but only went from city to city teaching their doctrine. Debate is one of the methods of teaching that Jesus used from city to city, debating such subjects as the appearance of God’s kingdom, proper authority in religion, duties to God and civil rulers, man’s immortal spirit and bodily resurrection, the need to obey all of God’s Word, and the human and divine nature of the Messiah (Matt. 12:22-30; 21-22). False teachers will not follow this example of Christ. Will Mr. Hurley or Mr. Hankins follow it?

6. In Acts 19:9-10 Paul left those alone who would not hear him. Verse 8 says, “And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.” If Mr. Hurley, Mr. Hankins, or any other representative of the Christian Center is willing to engage in a series of discussions for three months, we will agree that is sufficient time for them to learn and obey the truth. After that, we would do well to teach others.

7. In Matthew 15:14 Jesus told his disciples to leave the opposing religious leaders alone. Jesus was in the midst of a series of debates with the Pharisees and his own disciples were surprised at his severe speech when they saw that the Pharisees were offended by it. Jesus taught them that they should not be surprised at the need to uproot false doctrine because this is the work of God. “Let them alone” does not mean to quit debating them because Jesus continued to do that. The meaning is that if false teachers are offended by our opposition, let them worry and be troubled if they will but we must go on preaching the truth.

8. Matthew 7:15-20 says that we can judge people by their good fruits, so we don’t need to debate. Verse 15 begins with the words, “Beware of false prophets.” When men hide under the cover of silence and darkness to avoid debate, what kind of fruit is that? Public examination helps people to judge the fruits of false teachers and that is why Jesus and his apostles did so much debating.

9. We should be bold enough to teach as the early Christians did by going into people’s homes and by meeting them in front of stores such as Jumbo’s. We are willing to teach people anywhere they are willing to study, and we do teach in the homes. We cannot teach people very well while their arms are full of groceries and they are struggling to get to the car. The early Christians not only taught in homes but also publicly, and that included debates (Acts 20:20; 17:17; 19:8). Some people are not bold enough to follow that example or even to sign their private letters.

10. Mr. Hankins is a congenial person and wants to be positive, not to debate. A winning smile and a friendly manner do not prove a person is preaching the truth of God’s Word. Jesus said that false teachers appear in “sheep’s clothing” and as “an angel of light” (Matt. 7:15; 2 Cor. 11:13-15). A true evangelist must be both positive and negative (2 Tim. 4:2). When men debate against debating, argue against arguing, controvert controversy, and make negative statements about others being negative, they are not so positive after all! When preachers try to be so positive that they avoid debate, they are trying to be more positive than the Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles ever were. That’s just a little bit too positive!

In a time when so many religious scandals and cover-ups are being exposed, it behooves all of us who teach publicly to be very much open to public examination, investigation, and discussion. What do we have to hide or to fear if we are preaching the truth of God’s Word? Many of our readers indicate an interest in the proposed debate on claims of miracles today, but there is no indication that Mr. Hurley or Mr. Hankins wants such an open study.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 3, pp. 72-73
February 4, 1988

By Dick Blackford

(Names and places have been changed to protect the family. This is the last letter.)

Dear Joe,

I talked with Jeanette recently and she told me where things presently stand regarding your problems. Of course, I was disappointed. I haven’t given up on you yet and I wanted to make another effort to change the course on which you are headed. Again, it is my decision to write. Jeanette did not ask me to.

It has been over 7 months since I wrote the first time. You will remember that I closed the letter by reminding you that sin is like quicksand; it always drags the sinner deeper. Sure enough, that is what it is doing to you, for you are now contemplating divorce. The wise man describes the man who falls into an adulterous situation. “With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; till a dart strike through his liver, as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life” (Prov. 7:21-23).

After giving exhortation on fidelity in marriage, he said: “And wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction,- and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray” (Prov. 5:20-23).

I know the kind of teaching you received from your parents. Look at what sin is doing to you. You are trampling under foot everything you know to be right. “My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother. bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck . . . to keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart, neither let her take thee with her eyelids” (Prov. 6:20-25).

Joe, Jeanette has some good books which I recommended, particularly the book Men in Mid-Life Crises, by Dr. Jim Conway. But you refuse to read it. Why, Joe? What are you afraid of? “Show thyself a man!” instead of being wrapped up in your own ego and using your neighbor’s wife to feed it. Even if you marry her, she will still be your neighbor’s wife. God won’t recognize it.

You have gotten so involved that an attachment has developed and you are getting too weak to say “No” and mean it. How many times have you threatened to break off the relationship and then didn’t stick with it? Remember, all of those youthful feelings that she seems to be reviving are artificial. They’re not real. You are not recapturing your youth.

I realize I have dealt strongly in this letter and it may affect our friendship. I thought long and hard before saying some of these things but I then decided it was needed. I am willing to risk the friendship. What do I have to lose if you get a divorce and marry another man’s wife? You have become like a man running headlong over a cliff who ignores all of the caution signs and the warnings of friends and loved ones. When Paul wrote the Corinthians, he asked, “What will ye? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Cor. 4:21) I have tried to reach you through the spirit of gentleness. It may appear that now I have used a rod in this attempt to “snatch you out of the fire.”

Staying with Jeanette “for the sake of the kids” while continuing your adultery won’t get it. For one thing, it is hypocrisy. For another, Jeanette won’t put up with it and I don’t blame her. She shouldn’t. She deserves better. Anyone who becomes that wrapped up in his own selfish pursuits and has such little regard for others does not deserve the kindness you have been shown. The audacity and the gall to even suggest such a thing is beyond imagination!

Joe, “not divorcing” is not God’s goal. Just to have the same residence is not what he wants. If you no longer love Jeanette, you can learn to. Love can be learned. In many Oriental countries the parents choose the mates for their children. They learn to love, and divorce is minimal. God commands a husband to love his wife (Eph. 5:22-32). He never commands the impossible, therefore love can be learned. We learned to love our children after they were born. But marriage is neutral. It can neither succeed nor fail. It is as the persons who make it up. Great persons make great marriages. Bad persons make bad marriages. Marriage cannot be better than the people in it. A marriage must be maintained – daily!

Part of the joy of growing old is thinking about fond memories of years gone by. If you marry another man’s wife, what fond memories will you be able to share about the past 25 years of your life? A mate whom you betrayed? Loving children who begged you not to do it? Grandchildren who will never know the joy of going home to Grandma and Grandpa? It will never be the same again.

Your friend and brother,

Dick

P.S. I have been teaching a men’s class on the role of husbands and fathers. I am including two of the lessons. I challenge you to read them. Call me if you need me for anything. I’ll come.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 3, p. 74
February 4, 1988