Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

It was my good pleasure and privilege to serve as an assistant to brother Dick Blackford during his debate with Steve Epley, a Pentecostal preacher. The debate was held in the meeting house of the Pentecostals in Owensboro, Kentucky, during the week of June 9th.

Before I get into the pertinent details of the debate, a word must be said about my service as an assistant. Frankly, I was simply outstanding! Whenever Dick needed water to drink, I poured it for him. Whenever he needed papers, notes and charts shuffled, I came through. Not once did I spill a single drop of water. It was a tremendous performance. Of course, I was there to help Dick, but he was so well prepared and so thoroughly organized that I was not needed in the least. So, if you are in a debate and do not need any help with arguments and ideas, call me I can pour you water to drink with the best of them.

Seriously, the preparation Dick made was amazing. He had over 200 charts beautifully constructed and carefully arranged. Dick has a kind and loving manner of speech that comes across to those with whom he disagrees. Brother Blackford is not afraid of “going to the jugular” when it is necessary to do so, but he has a way of getting the truth to the minds of men without being personally offensive.

Those who despise debates because of their alleged tendency to “get nasty” should have attended this one. The audiences were respectful and attentive. The disputants pressed their points without rancor or bitterness.

Mr. Epley is an above average debater. He likes to debate and will likely meet other gospel preachers in debate. Do not take him lightly. He is an effective speaker and knows how to turn an argument. He follows the standard Pentecostal line, but he relies heavily on the material of Raymond Bishop and other adept Pentecostal debaters.

The building for the debate seated 225 people. There were 300 present the first night. There were a dozen or so Pentecostal preachers present. There were about that many gospel preachers present, too. Consider this. During the debate, brother Blackford preached to more “outsiders” than he will preach to in gospel meetings over the next 10 years. Think of the opportunity that represents. No, no one was baptized as a result of the debate; at least, not immediately, but the seed was sown in the hearts of men and women who needed to hear it. The Lord will give the increase; His word will not return unto Him void.

With careful planning and under the right circumstances, more debates need to be held. Let us uphold the hands of men like Dick Blackford in efforts of this kind.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 15, p. 458
August 7, 1986

By Robert F. Turner

In the early days of what is now the Oaks-West church in Burnet, a young man answered the gospel invitation by declaring his faith in Christ, and his desire to be baptized into Christ. We had no baptistry at that time, so we asked leaders of another church in Burnt, if we might use their baptistry. We were refused. The preacher said, “You will baptize him into a sect; bring him to me and I will baptize him into Christ.” I replied, “You mean the one baptizing him makes the difference?” No reply! We took the boy to a lake and baptized him “into Christ” – not because we did the baptizing, or because we uttered the right words, but because that is what takes place when one obeys Jesus Christ.

I doubt the boy had any “views” on institutionalism. He had learned that he was a sinner, that Christ had died for sinners, and wanted each of us to trust and obey Him. By repenting of his sins and obeying the Lord in baptism the young man came into an acceptable relationship with Christ, his sins being forgiven. My baptizing him, even if I espoused a “sect,” would not make this act “sectarian baptism.” Nor was his baptism valid or invalid on the basis of “church authority” to baptize. Baptism is not a “church” ordinance, it is the Lord’s ordinance, depending upon the subject’s compliance with the Lord’s teaching for its validity. The “sectarianism” of the church who heard his confession, if it had any, would not invalidate his baptism. Scriptural baptism is a covenant, direct and immediate, between the subject and his Lord.

The subject must have proper respect for Christ, and act in compliance with the Lord’s will, in order for that baptism to have divine approval. For example, if the subject submitted to baptism out of respect for a “church” ordinance, as an initiative ritual of some sort, that baptism could be called “sectarian.” If he was baptized for some reason other than that given in the gospel of Christ, seeking to obtain some benefit promised, not by the Lord, but by some religious group, we could call that sectarian baptism. If he ignored the instructions of the Lord concerning the nature of baptism, accepting sprinkling or pouring on some “church” authority rather than the immersion commanded by the Lord, that would be sectarian baptism. It is very possible that some young people (and older people) have been baptized to “join” a local “Church of Christ” – with nothing more than sectarian baptism.

One’s baptism depends upon the genuineness of one’s faith in Christ (Mk. 16:16); and genuine repentance, crucifying the “old man” or former way of life (Rom. 6:6). It is the symbolic burial, before the resurrection to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-11). It is not “for remission of sins” because someone said this at the time of the immersion, but because divinity gave it this purpose (Acts 2:38; 22:16). It does not bring into the “right” church because it is the initiation ritual of any church, but because the Lord’s church consists of all who, come to Christ. We must put greater stress upon the true nature of baptism, and its indication of a changed allegiance and life, if we are to do much about the problem of sectarian baptism. If we continue to regard “our” baptisms as valid, and “their” baptisms as sectarian, we are arguing on the wrong basis (cf. Mk. 9:38f), and only adding fuel to the problem.

There are many things the scripturally baptized may not understand. But God-approved baptism involves conscious willful faith in Jesus as the Christ, recognition of one’s absolute need for Him, and a submission of man’s will to His will. Such a convert then grows in the knowledge of “all things whatsoever I command you” (Matt. 28:18-19). An attitude toward divine authority has been established that affects his treatment of all subsequent questions. His worship and work, collectively and individually, is dictated by his understanding of the Lord’s will, not to please himself or his peers. Church members who settle questions on the basis of traditional practices or “the great middle section,” have abandoned the Christ they once received and promised to serve.

When thinking along these lines some are prompted to ask, “Could a member of some denomination have been scripturally baptized?” It is certainly possible, although such baptism is contrary to most sectarian teaching, and the one with such an understanding is on his way out. One does not get into a denomination by scriptural baptism, and those who faithfully serve the Lord, growing in the knowledge and sincerely conforming their practice to each new truth learned, could not remain in a church whose worship and work is without divine authority. And when they do leave the denomination how are we to regard their baptism? The problem is not who baptized them, or where they were baptized. It is the far more basic, where they truly baptized? The fact that they are leaving some sect is encouraging, but we should be concerned that they are not simply “changing sects”; nor should we encourage them in a false hope.

It is true that sincerity in repentance and trusting faith are things we can but imperfectly judge, and some have concluded from this that we have no right to question anyone’s baptism. But that is tantamount to saying we can not help one another get to heaven. If our faith is true conviction, 94we also believe, and therefore speak” (2 Cor. 4:13). With loving concern we examine their fruits that we may know them (Matt. 7:16-20). 1 question people who come from churches believed to be in error because of concern for their souls. If one has only been sprinkled as an infant, or, if allegiance was to some church rather than unto Christ, it is in their interest that the error be corrected. In the final analysis you might say I am questioning their faith rather than their baptism, but it is done in exactly the same vein and for the same reason that I would welcome their assisting me to a better understanding of God’s will, and the way to heaven (1 Pet. 3:15).

Sectarian baptism gives a false hope, both in “our” churches and in others. It is in the interest of eternal souls that we should avoid sectarianism in our own lives, and do all possible to bring others into true fellowship with God.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 15, pp. 455, 471
August 7, 1986

By Ron Daly

The inspired and authoritative edict of the apostle is, “If therefore ye were jointly raised with the Christ, the things above keep seeking ye, where Christ is, at the right hand of God sitting. The things above keep minding ye, not the things upon the earth” (a literal translation of Col. 3:1-2).

Paul, in these texts, places before the Colossians (and by principle and implication all of us in the body), one of the greatest motivating stimulants to righteous living that can be found anywhere. He says in essence, “Brethren, if you were raised up together with Christ in baptism (Rom. 6:3-4), you must not stop short of receiving a ‘full reward’ (2 Jn. 8) by participating in ‘will worship,’ etc. (Col. 2:18-23), but by all means continue to seek heavenly things, where Christ is now sitting with authority at the right hand of God.”

Paul personally knew by experience what it means to give up all for the Lord’s kingdom now, and eternal glory hereafter! He had “far more labors, far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death, received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes, three times beaten with rods, once stoned, three times shipwrecked, spent a night and a day in the deep, had been on frequent journeys, in dangers of rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren, in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure, apart from such things without, there is the daily care of all the churches” (cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-28, NASV). Yet, in the face of such great perils, this great man could preach the gospel, write epistles, combat error, and uphold the down trodden and faint hearted. How? He knew “if God is for us, who can be against us” and “in all these things we are more than conquerors, overwhelmingly so, through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:31-39). Absolutely nobody, then or now living, more eagerly awaited a better home than did Paul! He wanted to be in heaven so badly that he wrote, “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting those things which lie behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. . . For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (Phil. 3:13,14,20,21).

Paul, even as Abraham, “was looking for a city which hath the foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10). He desired “a better country, that is a heavenly one” (Heb. 11:16). All of this explains why Paul could “give up” the religion of his childhood and endure patiently all hardships (Gal. 1:13-16). When compared to the glory to be revealed, he counted all these things as “dung” in order that he might gain Christ (Phil. 3:4-11).

Friends, let us so live that when we come to the summit of life’s mountain and view by faith the “summer land so fair and bright” which lies just beyond the bands of Jordan’s chilly waters, that we may with Paul say, as he penned words, among his last to Timothy, “For I am already being poured as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 15, p. 458
August 7, 1986

By Irvin Himmel

Smile, I Say There, Smile

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken (Prov. 15:13).

Like many other proverbs, this one is a contrasted parallelism. Most of the wise sayings in chapter 13 are of this type. Two thoughts are placed alongside each other to depict opposites.

A merry heart produces a cheerful expression on the face. Sadness of heart produces a broken spirit. The prevailing attitude of the heart colors the whole personality.

A Real Smile Comes From The Heart

Children sometimes wear funny faces. A mask with a hideous facial expression would be suitable for a Halloween costume, but a mask with a big grin might be chosen for a happy birthday party of small kids.

The smile with which some grownups greet others does not come from the heart. It, like a mask, is a disguise. This is not the cheerful countenance suggested in the proverb. That which puts real luster in the personality and makes the face shine is a cheerful, joyful heart.

The heart stands for the thoughts and the attitude of the individual. Nothing could be more decisive to one’s general outlook than the condition of his heart. Indeed, “as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7).

Causes of Heartache

The New English Bible translates Proverbs 15:13 in this way: “A merry heart makes a cheerful face; heartache crushes the spirit.”

Many who have sorrow of heart, reflected in sadness of countenance, need to think about why thy are burdened within. Here are a few reasons:

(1) Guilt feelings. A person who sins but does not comply with the will of God to receive forgiveness should feel guilty. The remedy is to turn to the Savior in humble submission. But sometimes people who have obeyed the gospel still have guilt feelings. Their problem is unwillingness to forget the past and to fully trust the Lord. Why should one feel badly over a sin which has been washed away by the blood of the Lamb? Forget that sin and rejoice in the Lord!

(2) Temperament. Every human being has his own balance or mixture of qualities, physical and mental. It seems to be in the make-up of some individuals to be cheerful and pleasant, whereas others tend to the grumpy, gloomy outlook. Early in life I took note of the fact that on my mother’s side of the family there was a more cheerful outlook, generally, than on my father’s side of the house. Whatever may be the causes of one’s temperament, it is a fact that some have a natural disposition to always talk of themselves and their problems and troubles, and this kind of temperament can lead to hurtful melancholy – a rather morbid view of things.

(3) Physical conditions. Sometimes people are depressed because they are overworked. The body requires ample rest. There may be chronic illness that gives one a feeling of dejection. Or, it may be that a spell of sickness comes right when one has a highly important task to perform, and because he is laid low for a few days, he allows himself to have sorrow of heart. It is worthy of mention that some people learn to cope with physical handicaps and chronic diseases, and their bright outlook puts to shame a lot of us who enjoy good health!

(4) Grief and anxiety. A certain amount of heartache is to be expected when a close friend or relative dies. But it is senseless for one to sorrow to the point of despair. Worry is a chief cause of despondency. And so often people worry over things which may never come to pass. Jesus teaches us, “Be not anxious.” We must learn to cast our cares on the Lord, for He does truly care for us.

(5) No self-confidence. Sorrow of heart in some cases centers around lack of self-confidence. Faith in the Lord should give one assurance that he can achieve something worthwhile in life.

(6) Lack of faith. Here is the undergirding cause of all heartache. Many professed Christians have never learned to fully surrender to Christ. He provides us with guidance through His word; He offers comfort and help; He guarantees victory to all who keep faith in Him; He will never fail us.

There is another proverb similar to the one we are studying. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (17:22). A joyful heart works wonders, like a good medicine, and it is much less expensive. Try it!

God can give health to the countenance. This thought is expressed in Psalm 42:11, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

As D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has put it, “Unhappy Christians are, to say the least, a poor recommendation for the Christian Faith; and there can be little doubt that the exuberant joy of the early Christians was one of the most potent factors in the spread of Christianity” (Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure, Foreword).

Smile, I say there, smile. . . from the heart!

Guardian of Truth XXX: 15, p. 457
August 7, 1986