Truth Magazine

By Ron Halbrook

(Introductory Note: The Church of Christ in West Columbia, Texas has used its weekly newspaper column to expose and oppose the antics of Oral Roberts, Jim Bakker, and other false teachers prominently in the national news. A local Assemblies of God church called “The Christian Center” is “pastored “by B. B. Hankins and has promoted Oral Roberts and the P. T.L. program. The Christian Center has several hundred members and is the largest church in our area. Hankins is something of a figure himself among Pentecostals and was recently featured in a national Pentecostal journal.

After our article appeared, Hankins had a large ad in the paper announcing that Don Hurley, “a former Church of Christ Minister, ” would speak at The Christian Center. Hurley isfrom Houston, Texas. “Apostate Preachers” and an article to follow entitled “Debate Thy Cause” were written in the context of this controversy. Thesefalse teachers are too shrewd to debate, but our community is more aware that New Testament Christianity is distinct from denominationalism. We hope these articles will be informative to the readers of the Guardian of Truth and will encourage brethren to uphold the truth by opposing error in their local communities. R.H.)

Apostate preachers are men who have known the way of truth but then departed “from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Tim. 4:1-2). Such men contradict New Testament teaching and “consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ” but become “destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (1 Tim. 6:3-6). They make shipwreck of their faith, err “concerning the faith,” blaspheme the truth while proclaiming new knowledge “falsely so called,” and do the Lord’s cause “much evil” (1 Tim. 1:19-20; 6:20-2 1; 2 Tim. 4:14). As America suffered betrayal at the hands of Benedict Arnold, the kingdom of Christ has suffered at the hands of Judas, Hymenaeus, Alexander, Philetus, Demas and others.

The teaching of apostate preachers is as destructive and deadly as gangrene or cancer (2 Tim. 2:17). These ministers of Satan and enemies of Christ deceive multitudes by professing godliness and pretending to preach the gospel of Christ (2 Cor. 11: 13-15; Phil. 3:18). How can we recognize these men who enroll in the Dishonorable Hall of Faltered Faith?

1. They are billed as having “ministered in the Church of Christ for 20 years” (1985 ad for Darwin Chandler in Alvin, TX), “a former Church of Christ Minister” (1987 ad for Don Hurley in West Columbia, TX), or some similar statement. Their “glory is in their shame” as they “call evil good, and good evil” to make their apostasy appealing (Phil. 3:19; Isa. 5:20). They are “not at all ashamed, neither could they blush” for the abomination of deserting “the old paths” of truth (Jer. 6:15-16).

2. They often defend the fraudulent “miracles” and theories of a direct operation of the Holy Spirit which are popular in our time. This causes them to deny and to pervert God’s promise that all true miracles would cease when New Testament revelation was completed at the end of the first century (1 Cor. 13:8-13). Such men soon interpret their emotions rather than Scripture alone as the Spirit’s word (1 Pet. 4:11).

3. Denominations and sects are accepted and approved. “The Spirit” is said to “move” in them all, contradicting the Spirit’s clear statement that “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Cor. 14:33). The prayer of Christ for unity based upon truth is exchanged for a mess of modern ecumenical pottage (Jn. 17:17-21). The “one body” becomes many divided churches; the “one Spirit,” many diverse voices; and the “one faith,” many different creeds. What a mockery of Ephesians 4!

4. Instrumental music is worship is embraced by making flimsy arguments which were exposed and destroyed years ago. “Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” The gospel still teaches saints to worship by “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19). The man does not live who can find authority from Christ for mechanical instruments in worship.

5. Recreation and carnality in the name of religion are promoted – including church socials and meals, contests, prizes, parties, ball teams, entertaining movies, gyms, arts and crafts, secular education, day care centers, politics, and constant emphasis on money, money, money! This is endorsed by men who once preached that God’s kingdom is spiritual and eternal, not a social club (Rom. 14:17; 1 Cor. 11:17-34).

6. Apostates end up accepting the heresy that alien sinners are forgiven before water baptism. Apostates must swallow such theories as salvation by faith alone, by raising a hand, by signing a card, by saying a prayer, by “feeling” the Spirit, and the like. Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Galatians 3:26-27, and 1 Peter 3:21 are deserted.

7. Much is said about “the end time” by miserably mangling Old Testament prophecies of the kingdom (actually fulfilled in the church; Acts 2:16-47), Jesus’ prophecy of the fall of Jerusalem in Matthew 24, and John’s vision of the suffering of the early church in Revelation (1: 1-3). Some even dabble in date setting. Fascination with perverted theories of “the end time” is an old mark of apostasy (2 Tim. 2:18).

8. Urging straightforward rather than devious conduct, Solomon said, “Debate thy cause with thy neighbor,” but apostates fear open discussion and resort to potshots and misrepresentation from afar (Prov. 25:9). Christ and the Apostles debated often because truth has nothing to fear or hide (Matt. 21-22; Acts 17:17). Apostates have many excuses for not following this honorable example of Christ in controversy.

We have published several articles and preached several sermons recently teaching that the claims of modern miracles by Oral Roberts, Assemblies of God, and other Pentecostals are all equally false. To follow Christ’s example of honorable controversy, we propose a formal discussion of both sides of the “miracles” issue. We will affirm the following proposition for two nights and Don Hurley can deny it: The Bible teaches that the miracles recorded in Scripture ended when the New Testament was completed. Hurley can affirm for two nights and we will deny: The Bible teaches that the miracles recorded in Scripture are still being performed today. To accommodate the crowds expected, we are willing for the discussion to be conducted in the same facility where Don Hurley recently spoke here in West Columbia. We will keep you informed on Hurley’s response to this proposal.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 2, pp. 45-46
January 21, 1988

By Larry Ray Hafley

If you can read around and see through some of the denominational language and concepts, the following words by a Calvinist (Hardshell Baptist) will be helpful. The author, Wayne Camp, was formerly a Landmark Missionary Baptist of the Ben M. Bogard, Hoyt Chastain, Vernon L. Barr, Albert Garner school of thought. However he has left them, and is tied and allied in dogma and doctrine with the Primitive Baptist philosophy. Though he would prefer to be labeled (I say not libeled) as a “Sovereign Grace Baptist,” it amounts to the same thing. Under the title above, Camp says:

“One of the first things Paul mentions in his first letter to Timothy was that he had left him in Ephesus to rebuke some who tended toward error. ‘I besought thee to abide in Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine’ (1 Tim. 1:3). In the fourth chapter Paul again deals with false teachers and their heretical doctrines. Paul then tells Timothy: ‘If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ’ (1 Tim. 4:6). Those members of the Lord’s churches who read these lines need to hear these words of Paul. I once spoke about the heresies of one false teacher and one member of the church that I pastored at the time came out and rebuked me for mentioning other churches and preachers from the pulpit and being critical of them. He said: ‘I don’t think you ought to mention other denominations and what they believe.’ I said: ‘Brother, you must not want me to be a good minister of Jesus Christ.’ I then showed him these words of Paul and he went on his way. Later he apologized. When your pastor mentions false teachers and their teachings and warns you of their error, he is just doing part of the full work of the gospel ministry. To seek to silence him on these matters is tantamount to seeking to make him less than a good minister of Jesus Christ.

“In his epistle to Titus, Paul listed the qualifications of a minister of the gospel. Among other things he said that he must be one who is ‘holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught.’ The purpose of this is ‘that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith’ (Titus 1:9-13).

“It is incontrovertibly clear that the good minister of Jesus Christ will “pose, refute, and rebuke sharply those who peddle perverted doctrine. The church member who objects to his dealing with heretics and their heresies would keep him from being a good minister of Jesus Christ. In 1 Tim. 4:1, Paul declares that those who ‘depart from the faith’ do so because they are ‘giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons.’ It is hard to understand why anyone would object to the minister exposing demonic doctrines and those who teach them. If you have a pastor who speaks out against heretics and their heresies from time to time, be thankful that God has given you a pastor who is a good minister of Jesus Christ!

” . . . Paul instructed Timothy to ‘preach the word’ in season and out of season. He was to preach it when men wanted to hear it and preach it when they rebelled against it. There is simply no substitute for the preaching of the word of God. . . This preaching of the word may include rebukes to those who err. It includes reproving and exhortation” (Camp, The Grace Prodamator and Promulgator, September 1, 1987).

In an era of counterfeit ecumenism and genuine (but condemned) compromise, it is refreshing to see some who will take a militant stand. Preaching that does not reprove and rebuke men and their errors has been, is, and always will be popular (Isa. 30:11). There is no place for noncombatant, conscientious objectors, in the army of the Lord (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:10-18). Praise, applause, subscriptions and “a preaching position” must not be allowed to blunt the sword of the Lord and of Gideon. Agag still must be hewed in pieces, but where is Samuel? Goliath’s head still must be cut off, but where is David? And what of the future if Samuel becomes Absalom and David becomes Delilah?

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 2, p. 37
January 21, 1988

By Joe Neil Clayton

The people of God are troubled to learn of the death of a beloved servant of Christ, brother H.L. Bruce, by his own hand. This perplexing news is considered incredible by those who have walked by his side, and have a deep appreciation for his steady affirmation of the Word of Truth. A mind so clear in the understanding and the presentation of the gospel, we think, cannot be the same mind that would contemplate an action so drastic, so uncharacteristic. Yet, as we consider the outcome, we are forced, reluctantly, to admit that it is altogether possible.

Brother Bruce was widely known, having served in churches across the Southwest and West. Born in Arkansas at Sulphur Rock in 1934, and growing to maturity in that region, he ultimately came to the decision to become a preacher of the Word. He has served churches in Texas at Mt. Pleasant, Pittsburg, Klute, Baytown, and most recently in Amarillo with two congregations, Pleasant Valley and Dumas Drive. At other times he worked in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Ontario, California. He has also worked in many Gospel Meetings in other places.

Brother Bruce had a reputation of integrity, boldness, and moral worth unexcelled, in the view of many who knew him. He effectively presented truth when in the pulpit, depending upon the content of his lessons to have the proper impact on his hearers, rather than personal style and eloquence. He had a ready command of the teaching of God, and could defend the truth ably.

Separate from his ability as a preacher, he was a respected father and husband, as well as showing Christian friendship with many across the country. He was generous with his time to aid others in their understanding of God’s Word. Yet, during the latter part of his life, he carried burdens that were not readily discernible to his friends and family. The problems that faced him have been experienced by many preachers of the gospel, but his ability to cope with them was perhaps less sufficient than found among his contemporaries.

When a man reaches the decision that, as a Christian, the most dedicated and rewarding service that he could render to the Lord Jesus is to become a preacher of the “gospel of grace,” he enters into that service with enthusiasm. He considers, as well, that this service holds the promise of saving many souls, a purpose and a goal certainly pleasing to the Lord. He therefore orders his life to fulfil this service, in order to reap these satisfying rewards for both himself and his Master.

Having made this decision, however, he may be unaware of the toil and trials inherent in this vocation (though some vicarious notion of this can be found in reading of the experiences of the evangelists of New Testament times). He may also be unaware of the personal temperament needed to fulfil his goals. When trials come, he may experience disillusionment because his resources to meet them are in short supply. If he retreats from his commitment, he usually is like John Mark, weakened only for a while. When the trial is past, he girds himself with the fortitude to try once again. He may have been strengthened by the experience of overcoming his doubts, but he may rather carry a deep scar of self-deprecation because of his temporary defection. So, he struggles on, embarrassed by his momentary retreat, fighting a battle within himself to recover his confidence, goaded by the knowledge that the expectations of his Master are demanding.

But experiences of this sort have the tendency to repeat themselves. Brethren whose minds center on worldly values, and worldly tactics to obtain them, cause endless heartache to men whose only goals are to hold up the truth, and live faithfully to it. The apathy of worthy brethren, also, allows those with less pure motives to have their way. The spirit of many a dedicated man has been sorely tested in the forefront of some such spiritual battle, when, like Uriah, he felt isolated and abandoned. He stands at a fork in the road at such times, one way seemingly hopeless, leading to bitterness and uncontrollable depression; the other more hopeful way leading to freedom from anxiety, where every problem is committed to God “by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving,” resting on the promise that “the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” He mistakes the way, however, and enters on that road which tends to unsettle the mind, so that it does not meet problems soundly. This road may eventually appear to have no “point of return” to the disillusioned mind. In such a state, he may finally do harm to himself. We abhor the conclusion that a mind so influenced can be held responsible for its thoughts and acts, and this judgment brings us a measure of the comfort earnestly desired. Even so, regret and anguish come to those who see the resulting tragedy, and wonder why they did not prevent it.

This scenario may not fit the case of our beloved brother fully, but many of us were aware of his anxiety, and tried to lift it from him. He reached out to us, but we did not perceive the depth of his depression. We advised the course to take, based on what we knew, thinking that he would have the mentality of a survivor. Our advice was based on the yearning to see him find relief, and a return to that placid state which is interpreted by the Apostle Peter as “joy unspeakable, and full of glory.” But, tragically, we were too late in realizing the urgency that the situation demanded. Our tears are evidence of the anguish we feel for ourselves, for his bereaving family, for the church he served, and for all of his Christian friends who “weep with them that weep.”

But, the time has passed for our feeble help to bring back brother Bruce from the brink of despair. We mourn for him, as David of old mourned for the regal house of Saul, who also fell on his own sword in desperation: “Thy glory, O Israel, is slain upon the high places! How are the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath, Publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice. . . How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished! “

The family, the local church, the brotherhood, are all left behind to mourn, so, “leaving the things that are behind,” let us “wipe the tears from every eye,” renewing our commitment to be “like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 1, pp. 20-21
January 7, 1988

By Raymond E. Harris

The foregoing command of Jesus is found in John 11:39. The occasion was the resurrection of Lazarus from his tomb.

Lazarus had been dead four days. Jesus worked this great miracle to prove that he truly is the Son of God. I would like to borrow the expression, “Take ye away the stone” and apply it in a different, but appropriate, way.

In New Testament times when a cave or carved out tomb was prepared for the dead, a large round wheel shaped stone was carved to cover the entrance. The wheel-like stone was often four or five feet in diameter. Obviously it would weigh several hundred pounds and require the combined strength of several men to move it. Hence, the great round stone sealed the opening of the tomb and separated the living from the dead.

Stones Separating Men From God

The Scriptures describe those who are not Christians as “the living dead.” The word “death” means separation. And, so all who are not Christians are said to be spiritually dead since they are separated from God by their sins (Isa. 59:1-2).

This separation from God could end if certain “stones” were rolled away.

(1) In some cases the stone of ignorance needs to be rolled away. It is tragic that so many far and near, know so little about the Bible and Jesus. How sad for millions to live and die without ever understanding how Jesus died to extend to one and all the opportunity of salvation (John 3:16).

(2) With others the great barrier to salvation is the stone of prejudice! Often mis-informed or un-informed people become offended or antagonistic toward the Church or religion in general. It is sad to realize that countless multitudes will spend eternity in a devil’s hell because some stone of prejudice became a mental barrier that kept them from ever realizing the love that God has for them (Acts 2:38).

(3) From time to time we find self-righteousness is the stone that needs to be taken away. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith. “It is the gift of God.” However, the gift is not unconditional. Sinners must believe in Jesus, repent of their sins, confess that Jesus is the Messiah and be baptized for the remission of sins. Indeed it is sad when so many reject God’s simple way and suppose they can work or buy or serve or suffer their way into heaven (Rom. 6-3-8).

To lose one’s soul is to lose all. To save one’s soul is the ultimate victory. For the sake of your own eternal welfare, we implore you to roll aside anything and everything that stands between you and a proper relationship with the Almighty.

Stones Affecting The Indifferent

Jesus taught another lesson. He was about to call the dead back to life (which no man could do). But, mortals could roll aside the stone – and this they were commanded to do. Hence, we see the principle that God will do for man that which is beyond his power; but, man must do his part by responding to the grace of God. Man must do for himself all that he is,capable of doing.

The principle can be applied today to church members who have grown cold and drifted back into the world. It is obvious that real or imagined barriers separate them from God. Anything standing between man and God should be removed at once. Some such “stones” that need to be rolled away are:

(1) Anything that hinders a lack of spiritual growth and development.

a. “Desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2).

b. “Study to show theyself approved unto God” (2 Tim. 2:15).

c. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matt. 5:6). The Bible says faith comes from hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). We suggest that one’s faith can only be maintained and sustained by continued study.

(2) Anything that hinders total commitment and genders indifference.

a. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1).

b. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

(3) Anything that hinders church attendance and worship.

a. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb. 10:25).

b. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world . . . the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 John 2:15-17).

Roll the stone away. Worship this Sunday with the church of Christ.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 2, pp. 33, 55
January 21, 1988