Truth Magazine

By Elmer Moore

On the nights of September 30 thru October 4, 1985 and March 3, 4, 6, 7 of 1986, 1 was privileged to moderate for J.T. Smith in his debates with Charles A. Holt. The propositions for these debates involved the “local church” and the “eldership.” The first debate was held in Lake Jackson, Texas and the second one in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I do not intend to present a review of the debate as such, but simply state my personal appraisal of it.

First, let me assure everyone that I have no ill will toward brother Holt; neither do I have a personal axe to grind with him. I firmly believe that he espoused false positions in the debates, and failed miserably as a debater.

It was a disappointment to me that brother Holt did not debate the issue at all. Fact of the matter is, he did not debate – period! I know that he understands what a debate is supposed to be. He knows that arguments of the opposition are to be examined with fairness and candor; yet he completely ignored the major portion of brother Smith’s arguments, choosing rather to devote most of his time in a tirade against his brethren. I don’t recall ever hearing a more bitter, vindictive, castigation of the church of the Lord in terms as severe, in my life. My judgment is that I listened to nine nights of a man who has~ become so bitter against his brethren that he seeks opportunity to brow-beat them. Nine times in his last speech in Chattanooga, he compared the church of Christ to the Roman Catholic church. Brother Holt stated in the debate that he had no intention of answering brother Smith’s arguments (referring to them as “quibbles”); but intended to teach the people. Yet brother Holt advertised the affair in his paper, The Examiner, as a debate.

My judgment is that brethren ought not to provide him any further audience where he can further his tirade against God’s people.

The church of the Lord is indebted to brother J.T. Smith for bringing these matters into the open. Many felt that brother Holt had abandoned the views he held in the 1960s. The debates have certainly been eye-openers.

Also it is well to note that in January of 1985 the charter for Holt Ministry, Inc. was filed for record. This was done for the express purpose of making possible the advocacy of brother Holt’s position, either through his paper, or a number of other ways that were mentioned in the charter. This was almost a year before the debate in Lake Jackson. The debate was well timed. Surely now all know that the only change that brother Holt has made regarding his position on the church and the eldership has been from bad to worse.

I believe that brother J.T. Smith not only did a thorough job in defense of the truth, but was kind and courteous toward brother Holt throughout.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, p. 234
April 17, 1986

By Kenneth Thomas

One would have to not only deny the studied conclusions of learned men of our day, but many plain Bible passages as well, to argue with the truth of our title for this discussion. Our thoughts translate into our actions. Unless we learn to dismiss the thought which would lead to disobedience, disobedient we will be! Faithfulness conversely works the same way, we must engage in positive thinking which will lead to proper actions in obedience to our Lord. This being true it is extremely important that our thought patterns be guided by divine revelation through God’s word (Psa. 1:2; Jas. 1:18, 21-25; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

As He Thinketh. . .

Solomon to whom God gave a degree of wisdom above his fellows said, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7). Our Lord addressed Himself to this same subject when in Matthew 15:18-19, He stated, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

As you can see, each of the sins listed above finds its source in the mind (heart) of man. That’s where it was conceived. When it is allowed to pass through a gestation period and is finally born as the act, it becomes sin as James states in James 1:13-15. Two of the sins listed in the context, at least, become sin when dwelt upon so as to lack only opportunity to actually carry out, those being fornication and murder. See Matthew 5:28; 1 John 3:15.

I heard a song which left in my mind the sentence structure which I used in a sermon recently called “Living As Christians in a Wicked World.” I took the title from an article I read also. Anyway the song translated into my thinking in these words, “first you think the thoughts, then you talk the talk, then you walk the walk.” You may have heard the song but regardless of that, it portrays biblical truth. If you have read this far, and if you accept the conclusions I have reached as biblical, then you will profit by studying with me further, on:

Some Things That Mold Our Thinking

David prayed in Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and redeemer.” He also pronounced the man (person) as blessed (happy) who meditates on things spiritual (God’s word), day and night (Psa. 1:2). David also said in Psalm 119:11, “Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” The apostle Paul admonished Christians to think of certain things so as to have the peace of God in their (own) hearts. “. . whatever things are true . . . noble . . . just . . . pure . . . lovely, of good report . . . praiseworthy, meditate on these things” (Phil. 4:7-8).

The Music We Listen To

If you think you can fill your mind with a steady diet of “hard rock” or “punk rock” music performed by such people as Madonna or Cyndi Lauper and not be adversely affected, then you may as well stop reading right here for you have already been overtaken by Satan’s lures! If you are already hooked on Boy George or Prince or if you enjoy and listen to such groups, as many do, like KISS (which stands for “Kids in Service to Satan” I have been told), you have a problem whether you or your family recognize it or not. It isn’t too late if you are willing to listen, but if such an article as this “turns you off,” I would say it’s mighty close to being too late for you!

Here’s how Madonna is spoken of in a magazine article in Newsweek (3/4/85), “MADONNA: The new woman as classic sex siren, she promises more than an invitation to dance.” I’m not sure of this but it appears that Madonna is a name she’s taken as a spoof and put down concerning the virgin mother of Jesus because and I now quote, “Madonna’s new album, ‘Like a Virgin’ (Sire), recently No. I for three weeks, is already ‘triple platinum.’ In 14 weeks it has sold some 3.5 million copies.” Some of the new rock and punk rock female stars and some of the males glorify the “alternate lifestyle” doctrine of lesbianism and male homosexuality. All of them glorify and advocate what has come to be called “free love.” Brethren, it’s anything but free if I may make a play on their word. It is enslaving and very costly in many cases both physically and especially spiritually (Gal. 5:16-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Rev. 21:8).

When so many young people and some not so young are “turned on” by such as this my friends, if doesn’t speak well for the future of our nation. As Christians we have our work cut out for us and in too many cases we are failing since we are either ignorant of these things or involved ourselves so that few are speaking out in protest. Please read Proverbs 14:34.

When gospel preachers preach, teach and write on such topics as this, they need the parents to reinforce what is stated and written and if we would all stand together we would have a chance to succeed in supporting our children in standing together against such filth.

The Music We Listen to And, See as Well

Along the same lines as the above, yet even more devastating to the minds of young and old alike are the special rock stations such as MTV where those who tune in cannot only hear but view the contortions and bodily gyrations as vulgar, lewd motions are made with the body as the words leave not one thing to the imagination. The frenzies in the audience indicate to any honest observer exactly the intent of the performer.

I can remember when this country (at least a part of it) was so outraged at the swinging hips and vulgarity portrayed by Elvis Presley that Ed Sullivan’s show cut him off from the TV viewing audience at the waist. Today what he did wouldn’t even raise many eyebrows. We have now been conditioned to the place that we aren’t shocked anymore. We have lost the ability to blush as did Israel of old (Jer. 6:15). In order to be capable of discerning between that which is wholesome and good and that which is sinful and unwholesome in God’s sight we must spend time with “the book”I The Hebrews writer indicated this very truth saying, “. . . by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. . . Solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern (know the difference between) both good and evil” (Heb. 5:12,14).

I See Nothing Wrong With It

Too often Christians rather than being “transformed by the renewing of your minds” have been conformed to the world’s way of thinking (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Jn. 2:15-17; Jas. 4:4). Sadly, the above statement is all too often true of many members of the body, they actually “see nothing wrong with . . . … Think a few minutes with me as you read a list of things that weak, uninformed, worldly-minded members see nothing wrong with:

1. Dancing that tends to produce lasciviousness (Gal. 5:19).

2. Addiction to nicotine (Gal. 6:17; 1 Cor. 6:12; Matt. 5:13-16).

3. Watching the filthy soap operas on TV and other filthy programs as well as attending movies where bad language and immodesty, etc., abound (Eph. 5:11; 2 Cor. 6:15-17; Phil. 2:15).

4. Reading suggestive or sometimes downright pornographic literature (Phil. 4:4-8).

5. Wearing short shorts and halters, going to public beaches and pools and mixing with others even scantier dressed (1 Tim. 2:9) and again, example (Matt. 5:13-16).

6. Listening to and telling filthy jokes (Eph. 4:29; Col. 4:6).

7. Missing the assemblies of the church for trivial matters. See no need to attend every possible service (Heb. 10:24-31; Acts 20:6-7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:17).

8. Spending money they can’t afford for various things and going into debt for years for something they want, yet giving very little to Christ (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-8; Matt. 6:33).

9. Not diligently studying the Bible and preparing for Bible classes (2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 4:3,16; 1 Cor. 12:14-27).

10. Rarely, if ever attempting to win a soul to Christ by sending literature, setting up a home study, etc. (Acts 8:4; 2 Tim. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14).

11. Make little or no attempts to restore the erring to Christ and faithfulness (Gal. 6:1-2; Jas. 5:19-20; Matt. 18:15-17).

12. Consistently put family and friends and sometimes jobs before Christ and faithfulness (Matt. 10:34-37; Lk. 14:26-35).

13. Not visiting the sick, shut-in, etc. (Matt. 25:31-46).

14. Never finding a needy person or family with whom to share their blessings (Eph. 4:28; Lk. 10:30-37).

What has the religion of Christ done to change you? Are you a conformed or a transformed member of the body of Christ?

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 236-237
April 17, 1986

By Dick Blackford

A Fresh Look At A Troublesome Topic

Every man deserves the right to be heard at least once. And one should not draw a conclusion about his message before considering all that he has to say on the subject. So hear me out. I’m not going to give you all those quotes from dancing instructors and ballroom operators about the effects of dancing. For one reason, I cannot document them. And I’m not going to make the old argument that “if dancing is good exercise, then why don’t boys dance with boys?” They are now doing that. I suspect, though, that you might find it profitable to ask some homosexuals why they like that kind of dancing. They won’t give you that old “it’s good exercise” routine. We need to examine this defense as well as some others that are frequently offered for dancing.

1. “It’s good exercise.

This is one of few arguments that has ever been advanced in favor of dancing. But the fact that the “slow dance” has always remained popular pretty well defeats that. And I have the audacity to say that those who attend dances are not looking for exercise. Other methods of exercise are far superior. Why not get together and do pushups? Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Yes, but that’s the fault of the argument, not the parallel. The truth is, it is easy to develop an unhealthy interest in the “physical fitness” of others either consciously or subconsciously (and I think you know what I mean). Bodily exercise at its best is profitable for only “a little.” Try exercising yourself unto godliness. It “is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:7,8).

2. “It’s fun.”

I would be ashamed to admit that the only criteria considered for a particular practice is whether or not it entertains me, for the Bible says sin is “fun” (temporarily, Heb. 11:25). While the homosexuals don’t use the “good exercise” argument, they do use this one. Many of them are honest to a fault. Ask them why it’s fun. I dare you. “It’s fun” is a poor argument when one’s soul is in jeopardy. And it is.

3. “It’s the social thing to do.”

The person who uses this argument will always be a follower and never a leader. He (or she) will be a pawn in the hands of the majority. There happens to be a higher authority and criteria for deciding such matters. The majority was wrong in Noah’s day. The majority crucified Christ. The majority thought the earth was flat. The majority will be lost (Mt. 7:13,14). And here’s a paradox: The majority of the time, the majority is wrong. People whose primary interest is in “the social thing” usually make poor Christians. They possess a short-sighted “this world” view. But life on earth is not an end in itself.

4. “Dancing helps me develop poise.”

We must learn the difference between poise and poison. The end does not justify the means of obtaining it (Rom. 3:8). Physical poise is not a requirement to enter heaven. Spiritual poise (balance) is. Man looks on the outward appearance but Jehovah looks on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). Inspiration condemns those who “glory in appearance, and not in heart” (2 Cor. 5:12). A person who is that concerned about poise has his eyes on the wrong goal. He (or she) may be viewing himself through the wrong end of the telescope (Rom. 12:3). We are trying to go to heaven. Remember?

I personally find this argument a difficult one to believe, especially when considering the kinds of dances that are popular. For example, the “bump” was the current rage. In this dance the partners seem to receive a thrill from a collision of their posteriors in time to the music (that’s as polite as I know how to express it). My, what skill! What co-ordination! What poise! What exercise!

5. “I can dance without having evil thoughts.”

Maybe you can, but I suggest you see a doctor. Medically speaking, normal males are several times more easily “turned on” than females. Syndicated columnist Lindsay R. Curtis, M.D., says, “For the most part, men are in a constant state of sexual readiness, even when it is the farthest thing from their minds . . . this desire in a woman is slow in awakening. . . ” (“Sensible Sex.` A Guide For Newlyweds, p. 41,42). “Male arousal occurs in a matter of seconds, and very few seconds, at that. It begins almost instantly . . . in wives, arousal normally requires much more time” (God Speaks Out On “The New Morality, ” A Production of The Graduate School Of Theology Ambassador College, pp. 235,236). See also The Stork Is Dead by Dr. Charlie W. Shedd (chapter titled “Boys Turn On Easier But They Turn Off Harder,” p. 111).

Consider this, however. Can you control the thoughts of your partner(s)? Can you control the thoughts of the spectators? Jesus said, “Woe unto the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must needs be that the occasions come; but woe to that man through whom the occasion cometh (Mt. 18:7).

6. “The Bible doesn’t say ‘thou shalt not. . .'”

This argument has been spread to cover a multitude of sins. But it is wearing thin. How do you know the Bible does not say, “Thou shalt not dance”? Have you read the Bible through? Before taking someone’s word for it, I challenge you to read the Bible through. It will give you something to do with all of the spare time you have on your hands and will be time well spent. I have never known a dancer who was an avid student of the Word. They rarely have their Bible class lessons or seem interested in “the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Pet. 1:22-25).

If it was necessary to have a “thou shalt not” for every prohibition, the Bible would be so big that one person could not carry it. Why are we unable to see that the Bible deals with some things generally? We need to stop requiring itemization. The Bible contains principles and instructions that may include a whole category of things. Such is the case with dancing, gambling, social drinking, etc.

7. “The Bible condones dancing in Luke 15:25 and other passages.”

No it doesn’t. First, even if this did have reference to modern dancing it must be observed that to mention a thing does not necessarily imply endorsement. Jesus did not uphold every minor event mentioned in His illustrations. He certainly did not endorse the dishonesty and deceit in the parables of the unrighteous steward and the hidden treasure (Lk. 16:1-3; Mt. 13:44). Second, “Social dancing, as we now understand it, was almost, if not altogether, unknown in ancient times. . . . Of dancing for its own sake, of its practice as an art, there is no trace” (Hastings Bible Dictionary, p. 550). Hastings goes ahead to mention that the only known exception to this was the case of Salome which caused Herod to become so ecstatic that he made a rash promise which he later regretted. It cost John his lead, a case clearly not endorsed in Scripture. “Women seemed generally to have danced by themselves. . . . Of the social dancing of couples in the modern fashion there is no trace” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, p. 1170).

Three categories of dances are mentioned in Scripture. (1) Religious dances of the Old Testament (Ex. 15:20; 32:19; 1 Chron. 15:29). (2) Expressions of rejoicing (Judg. 11:34; 1 Sam. 18:6; Psa. 30:11; Lk. 15:25, etc.). (3) The passionate dance of Salome before Herod (Mk. 6:22). However, the dancing upon the prodigal son’s return is obviously parallel to and representative of the holy joy among the angels over the repentance of a sinner, as mentioned in two previous parables (Lk. 15:7, 10). The burden of proof that this incident is parallel to modern dancing is upon those who are pro-dancing today.

8. “Look at all the people who have danced and nothing happened to them.”

So far as you know, nothing happened. But one person cannot read the mind of another (1 Cor. 2:11). Really though, is this the way we determine the goodness or badness of a thing – by the number who escape unharmed? Would you judge war that way? Several came home from the recent war without a scratch on them. Does that make war a good and wholesome practice? I know a mother who does not think so. Her son returned home in a box which contained his remains. He was my childhood playmate. War has many effects. So does fire. People have escaped from burning homes, but do we conclude that such things are good because of the number who seemingly escape unharmed? Think about it.

Lasciviousness

Take a good look at that word. If you don’t know what it means, you need to learn. It can keep you out of heaven (that’s how serious it is). It is placed in a category of some of the most vile sins imaginable. The word appears in the following passages (read them): Mark 7:22; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:19; 1 Peter 4:3; Jude 4. Lasciviousness (Gk. aselgia, also translated “wantonness,” Rom. 13:13) means “wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females. . . ” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, pp. 79,80). Though some words have changed in meaning since the first century, this one has not. It is still defined as “tending to excite lustful desires” (Webster’s New World Dictionary, p. 824). Lasciviousness can be reflected in the way you walk, the way you talk, the way you sit, and the way you dress. I have never known a dancer who had taken the time to study the word, lasciviousness.

The Bible says a man can become guilty of “adultery in his heart” by looking on a woman to lust after her (Mt. 5:28). He is certainly responsible for his thoughts (Prov. 4:23; Mt. 15:19). But it may also have been that the female was guilty of lasciviousness. Reread Thayer’s definition. If dancing does not qualify, then what would? Don’t evade that question. Dancing is like playing with a candle in a room full of dynamite. One cannot put out a fire by pouring on gasoline.

What About Your Parents?

Some of you who are reading this are dancing, in open rebellion against your parents. God looks at that far more seriously than you do. “Rebellion is as witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. . . ” (1 Sam. 15:23). All disobedience makes self-will, the human I, into a god. The sins of pride and haughtiness lead to disregard for parents. In the Old Testament a rebellious son was to be stoned to death (Deut. 21:18-21). Paul said even the heathen nations of the past knew that disobedience to parents was a thing worthy of death (Rom. 1:28-32). “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Eph. 6: 1). That’s the best reason in the world for doing a thing – because it’s right (God said so!). Your attitude in this matter will be determined by the degree of love you have for your parents – even if you don’t agree with them.

Others of you may be thinking of taking up dancing and have plans to try to hide your involvement. As sincerely as I know how to say it, I truly feel sorry for you. “It is an awful hour when the first necessity of hiding anything comes. The whole life is different thenceforth. When there are questions to be feared and eyes to be avoided and subjects which must not be touched, then the bloom of life is gone. Put off that day as long as possible. Put it off forever if you can” (Philip Brooks).

Conclusion

Elders, preachers, parents, are you shirking your responsibility to declare “the whole counsel of God” concerning lasciviousness? Are you pure from the blood of all men (Acts 20:26,27; Ezek. 3:18-21)? Parents, are you helping your children with this problem by providing a wholesome alternative in entertainment?

Generally speaking, I am encouraged by the quality of young people I see growing up in the kingdom of God. I appreciate the manner in which you are facing life’s problems and I feel fortunate to be associated with many of you. Young friends, you may not like my direct approach in dealing with this matter. I was a little sarcastic at times, but that was to help you see the point (Jesus used sarcasm for the same reason). However, I desire that we be friends and not enemies. “Am I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16) I am trying to do for you the biggest favor that one person can do for another. I hope you appreciate it and receive it in the manner intended.

If you have a further defense for dancing which you feel outweighs all other considerations mentioned herein, I would be glad to hear it. If not, let’s plan on seeing each other in heaven. Until then, may God receive the glory for any good done by this treatise.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 240-241, 246
April 17, 1986

By Steve Wolfgang

I had been to the cemetery many times before – too many to count. The Lexington Cemetery, one of the most beautiful in the country, is the resting place of the bodies of at least fifteen preachers well-known to students of Restoration History. We followed the familiar path past the towering monument over the tomb of Henry Clay Speaker of the House, Senator, Secretary of State, Presidential candidate, moderator in Alexander Campbell’s 1843 Lexington debate with Nathan L. Rice. One section removed lies the body of J.W. McGarvey.

Today was different, however. This was no enjoyable tour of interesting Restoration History sites. On this warm, windy, Wednesday, March 12, 1986, we had come to lay to rest the body of our fallen brother, Robert B. Crawley.

Bob Crawley was born May 29, 1928, into a family of Christians in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Attending David Lipscomb College as a 16-year-old high school student, he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1949. After one semester as a teaching assistant at the University of Florida, he moved to Indianapolis to preach at the 40th and Capitol church. While there, he married Leta Crosslin on May 7, 1950. Thus began more than thirty-five years of preaching the gospel of Christ.

As the procession wound past the grave of John T. Johnson (Congressman and gospel preacher; brother of Richard Johnson, Martin Van Buren’s Vice-President) and, just across the road, the marker commemorating the life of “Raccoon” John Smith, I found myself ‘thinking what many would express that day – how fitting, indeed, for Bob Crawley’s remains to await the resurrection in this location. Though where a person is buried matters little in the larger scheme of things, there was a sense of fitting conclusion to the choice of this location.

Bob had long had an interest in history, particularly the history of the Restoration, but in other aspects of the subject as well. This led him to earn a second baccalaureate degree at Birmingham-Southern College, and a graduate degree in ancient history and classical languages at the University of Kentucky during the 23 years he lived in Lexington. Several years ago, while he was hospitalized fighting the leukemia which afflicted him, I offered to obtain a new book pertaining to Restoration history for him. When he declined, saying, “I’m just not interested,” it dawned on me how deathly ill he was.

I watched with interest as we passed by the graves of those who have gone before, wondering where Bob’s body would

be laid to rest. On we drove, past the grave of L.L. Pinkerton, who introduced the melodeon into the worship of the church at Midway, Kentucky (ironically, not far from the monument for Robert J. Breckinridge, a Presbyterian who wrote a book opposing the use of the instrument in that denomination). Still further we drove, past the grave of Henry Halley, compiler of the widely-circulated Bible Handbook.

Careful study and exposition of the Bible became the hallmark of Bob Crawley’s preaching. Always able to maintain a calm demeanor even when others were visibly disturbed, Bob’s exposition of the Word was clear, direct, and logical.

How fitting it was, then, that the procession should stop between the graves of Isaiah Boone Grubbs and Robert Milligan. As we bore the casket to the place designated, contrasts and similarities filled my mind. Though Bob was every bit the equal of those two, he was perhaps not as widely known, for the simple reason that he was not a “writing” preacher, and they were. Their books, Exegetical Analysis and Scheme of Redemption, among others, live on nearly a century after their departure. Unfortunately for those of us who remain, it was impossible to convince Bob (though several of us tried) that he should write down the results of some of his careful investigations of the Scripture so that others who could not hear him in person might profit from them.

But that does not make his worth any less in the sight of those who knew him, nor, we trust, in the eyes of Jehovah. Bob had come to Lexington in 1962, after 6 1/2 years at Belview Heights in Birmingham, and spent nearly a quarter of a century with the University Heights church. While many other churches were spending the Lord’s money moving preachers from place to place every few years, University Heights enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with an outstanding student and expositor of the Word of God. During the time Bob was in Lexington, new churches were formed in nearly every county adjacent to Lexington/Fayette County.

Even though beset with leukemia, he attempted to preach as his strength would allow – in fact, he was active in teaching up to the very end. He had been teaching a home study each Tuesday in January and February, and preached at Nicholasville, KY, on February 23. He was able to attend several services during Bob Owen’s meeting at Nicholasville March 2-7, and attended the morning services on March 9. Experiencing increased pain, he was taken to the hospital and died Monday morning, March 10.

Ably conducted by James Hahn and Julian Snell, the simple grave side service was appropriate for one who did not stand on ceremony. Though many friends were present, having some from as far as Canada and Florida, there were many more prevented by time, distance, and circumstance from attending. As is the case in battle, upon hearing of the death of a fellow soldier, one can often simply murmur a prayer, pausing only later to reflect on past days, and mutual ventures undertaken together.

Bob Crawley is survived by his wife, Leta; 2 sons, Bruce and Bryan; a daughter, Laura (all of Lexington); and by his father, A. Bruce Crawley of Birmingham, AL. Thanks to the generosity of fellow Christians across the nation, Bob’s medical and funeral expenses have been taken care of, and Leta does not presently face any pressing need, though her future is uncertain at the moment. Her address is 734 Seattle Drive, Lexington, KY 40503. I am sure she would appreciate hearing from fellow Christians.

We do not want to “think of men above that which is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6), nor enlarge our brother in death beyond what he was in life. Like many other preachers buried in Lexington and elsewhere, Bob was not perfect a fact he freely acknowledged. But he was an exceptional person in many ways. Like others who knew him, I shall miss him greatly.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 233, 243
April 17, 1986