Truth Magazine

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

By Irven Lee

Older preachers who live now can well remember the decades of the depression years and the war years when with some effort several could be baptized in one gospel meeting. That was not a period of perfection that deserved a halo because many churches were weak and small. Circumstances were such that rapid growth was possible. Many new churches were established, and older ones grew. Hope could be found in many hearts. It was a good time to preach if one were content to live without much money. Then this day ended when the innovations began to come.

Zeal went way ahead of knowledge as men set out to help the Lord make better plans for His church. Big institutions were set up to collect and spend money. These big central agencies were not like anything found in the New Testament, but they were very much like the arrangements that were common among the denominations. It seems that many of our brethren wanted to be like the nations about us. They wanted the Lord’s church to be as well planned and as well organized as the denominations!

Family life buildings were established in some places to provide “Christ centered recreation for all ages,” whatever that is. They could offer basketball, arts and crafts, sewing, volley ball, exercise classes, ceramics, painting, and table games and thus be a “friendly church that fills your spiritual needs”! These plans are from the minds of people who are not so hungry for Bible study and for gospel preaching.

The sun went down on the happier period of growth. Division, bitterness, and worldliness came in as apparently welcome guests. There is cancerous growth in some places brought on by food, fun, frolic, and more efforts to be acceptable to the world they have copied. This requires more compromise of principles of conviction and less concern for a “thus saith the Lord.”

The most digressive element is now finding wonderful harmony with their “brethren” of the Christian Church. They may soon add the instrument and be in fall fellowship. The other things have already been added. The Christian Church will not have to change one thing. It will only have to notice that those who had been in the narrow way are now in the broad way with it.

That must be a pleasant surprise to these people of the Christian Church.

During the time of the Old Testament there were periods of apostasy, and then occasions of repentance and restoration. Since Christ there have been periods of unbelief followed by periods of awakening faith. This is a dark period of frustration, friction, and factions. The first quarter of this century was such a period for our brethren, but the next twenty-five years was a period of growth.

Truth crushed to earth shall rise again,

The eternal years of God are hers;

But error, wounded, writhes with pain,

And dies among his worshipers. (William Cullen Bryant)

Truth is and always has been powerful and able to make one free from the bondage of sin (John 8:32; Heb. 4:12; James 1:21). The word of God is truth in spiritual matters (John 17:17). No group of “great preachers” now living will be able to come forth with something more powerful or enduring than the living Word. We need not apologize for the sword of the Spirit or the parts of the Christian’s defensive armor (Eph. 6:10-20).

God is, and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). His precious promises are not empty words (Heb. 13:5,6; 1 Peter 5:6,7; Matt. 28:20). “If God be for us, who can be against us? ” (Rom. 8:31) Let the devout young saints come forth and speak boldly as they ought to speak (Eph. 6:20). Time, patience, effort, and boldness can again prepare the soil for planting and harvesting by God’s help. He will give the increase.

Modernism, humanism, liberalism, and hedonism have captured America’s fancy. The promoters have presented themselves as being the intelligentsia and the elite among society. They are without God and without hope in the world (Eph. 2:12). They have no more to offer than the philosophers of the sin-sick Roman world into which the apostles went to preach the good news. One of the best known facts of history is that the apostles and their brethren did not preach in vain. Our addicts of alcohol and other chemicals, with all their fornication and greed for money, are not showing America a beautiful picture. A beautiful dawn is ready to erase some dark shadows. Show the world the beauty of holiness, walk by faith, walk humbly with your God and see that godliness has the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8). Please read and follow the advice our Lord gave in Matthew 10:24-42.

All the prophets, apostles, and other great servants of God were bold from courage prompted by great faith. The gospel is God’s great power. You have it, along with His promise to be with you, as you take it to all nations. Cowards have no place in God’s army.

More athletes, politicians, and business men are speaking up in recognition of God and the Bible. There is a stirring of interest in a return to truth. The effects brought on by humanism, hedonism, modernism, and greed are horrible, and millions are beginning to notice and to desire a return to honesty, stability of marriage, respect for property rights, and for law and order. The gospel of salvation can be preached in a world like this. The fields are ready to be prepared for planting, but the laborers are few. Pray about it (Matt. 9:35-38).

Preachers who want to preach to have a second salary, and preachers who will only pick up and repeat the words of psychologists and popular writers will not be able to stop the tide and turn it in another direction. These men will only go along with the tide. It takes strong men who arc well prepared to stand against the popular wiles of the devil. Having done all to stand, stand therefore! Fight a good fight! War a good warfare! God bless you, every one!

My generation lost many battles in the last thirty years, but the war between truth and error is not over and it will never be. There are some worthy new recruits enlisting and training to be loyal soldiers of Christ. Watch the tide fall back as the frightening effects of humanism become more and more apparent. Make a bold counter attack and have your names written in the Lamb’s book of life rather than among the ungodly entertainers and other promoters of carnal pleasures. Make whatever sacrifice it takes to get the job done. Let us pray that the beautiful dawn of a new day will soon be seen in which men will speak as the oracles of God.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 242, 246
April 17, 1986

By Donald Willis

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign as king over Judah. Josiah was blessed by having a good mother and capable advisers. Josiah attempted to bring Judah back to God, whom they had forsaken. He first destroyed the evil worship, and set up divine worship, restoring the religious days that God had ordained.

Josiah did not establish a new religion, he simply found the rejected religion of God and restored God’s people to faithful keeping of the commandments. This type of restoration is yet needed in the late twentieth century.

Josiah’s high priest said, “I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. . . ” (2 Kings 22:8). Who would have thought that God’s law book could be lost in the Lord’s house? People elevate human laws, creed book, personal opinions, denominational rulers. . . and it has become difficult for one to find the Law of the Lord. Yet, it must be found, for it reveals the righteousness of God (Rom. 1:16-17); and it is the revelation of God whereby the child of God is completely furnished unto all good works (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Reject the laws of men, and require the keeping of the Bible. Demand the preacher give book, chapter, and verse for every teaching that comes from his mouth.

Many lose the law of God in their own homes. The home should be responsible toward God and His law. The Bible should be cherished by the family. Bible reading is important (2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11-12). Our young people need to see the parents reading the Bible. Devotion around the table or in the living room can enrich the child’s life. But, the Bible is hidden beneath the TV, or under a stack of magazines, or newspapers. Restore the Bible to the home!

Many lose the Bible in their own personal character. The Bible is the best book of books! Agreed! Yet, the benefit of the Bible is not in possessing a Bible; but in the reading of it, making application thereof in one’s heart. Until the Bible has changed our character, it has been of little benefit to us. When one reads the Bible, either the life will be changed, or one will quit reading the Bible! How does it affect you?

Yes, the Bible was lost! And, today the Bible is lost! No, we have our personal copies of the Bible. Yet, when a people cease to follow the Bible in the churches, appreciate the Bible in their homes, and apply the Bible to their lives, in reality the Bible has been lost. The only way that I can change this is with me. You can change with you by respecting the Bible and teaching it to your family and neighbors. Really, that’s what Christianity is all about anyway!

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, p. 239
April 17, 1986

By Jimmy Tuten

Throughout the brotherhood there is an excessive, persistent enthusiasm for the positive. We are witnessing the philosophy of a popular song of a few years ago: “Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.” While this is an utter impossibility even in the area of religion, it has resulted in the kind of preaching that can be best labeled warmed over pablum. Some preachers have become time-servers and crowd pleasers who act more like public relations men and pep-rally enthusiasts than the preachers they ought to be. Bible preaching has been replaced by hirelings who are afraid and refuse to fight the error that they know exists in the congregations where they preach. The blind lead the blind and together they go tripping into hell. The church is in a crisis and she needs men who will make God’s will and way clear in an age of foggy, unclear thoughts and ideals. God’s Word is indeed clear, plain, aggressive and logical. It is not myopic or mysterious. We must speak in love, but we must speak all the truth, and only the truth in love. Failure to do this has contributed to the present rise in the pseudo unity movements, such as the Joplin, Missouri meeting of recent months. If brethren were preaching Ephesians 4:3-6 like it ought to be preached instead of the insipid indefiniteness so often heard, the unity-in-diversity business would not be gaining ground. Mergers involving the Church of Christ and. Christian Church where the instrument is used the first fifteen minutes and excluded during the rest of the service would not take place (The Flint Journal, Flint, Mich. [9/3/831).

Can one stand for what is right and at the same time not stand against what is wrong? Some think so and are taking no outward stand against error while they harbor an inward loyalty to truth. We have a generation of preachers who cannot stand the spotlight of disdain, so they take a nothing negative, nothing controversial, stance in the pulpit. This “for nothing” and “against nothing” mania is not a for-the-Lord position (Matt. 12:30). We sing, “Who is on the Lord’s side, Master, here am I,” not realizing that a “here am V is involved and requires a commitment. If Elijah were to stand in our midst today he would cry aloud: “how long halt ye between two opinions.”

Preaching of the Word of Gd requires that the heart be touched, the conscience pricked, that men be built up and that there be a “root up and destroy” evil, error and untruth thrust. Simply said, it is time we did some stepping on toes regardless of the cries of horror. If we are true to the Book, we will do it! Can one preach the whole counsel and do less? I think not (2 Tim. 4:1-6; Acts 20:27)!

When will we learn that one cannot stand for what is right and be passive for what is wrong? King David stood for what is right even in his personal imperfections. He acknowledged his sins, sought forgiveness and cried, “I hate every false way” (Psa. 119:104). He could not be for what was right while not being against what was wrong. If we are what we claim to be, we today will cease trying to stand for truth and be passive regarding error at the same time. We must deal with the negative and the controversial, whatever be the cost. The principle of warning the wicked of the error of his way is as true today as it ever has been (Ezek. 3:18-19). How can a gospel preacher hold his peace and find rest while attempting to middle-the-road it? Shades of “curse Ye Meroz” (Judg. 5:23).

According to Judges, the people Israel had forsaken God and were chastened by Him. Jabin, king of Canaan had sent forth his army under Sisera to do battle against Israel. In penitence Israel cried out unto God and He gave them victory under Barak. But the people of Meroz; took no part in the conflict. They could have helped Israel with telling effect. In assigning a reason for the curse of the inhabitants of Meroz the Bible says: “because they came not to the help of Jehovah, to the help of Jehovah against the mighty.” They had refused to help God’s people and this amounted to refusing to help God. Some of God’s people today are fighting for their spiritual lives and there are hordes of brethren who come not to their aid. James says, “To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (Jas. 4:17). Whenever we preachers are able to minister to the weakest of congregations and do it not, we fail to minister to God and His Son (Matt. 25:40). Again, I ask, how can ye do nothing? How can we be indifferent and inactive? The inhabitants of Meroz were cursed for doing nothing!

That God wants us to be watchful and to guard against all error and wrong doing is obvious to all who know and accept the Scriptures. The need for watchfulness is greater than ever (Rev. 3:2; 1 Tim. 6:20). Away with the babblings about “keepers of orthodoxy,” “guardians” and “negativism.” We are to be guardians and keepers of truth (Phil. 1:17). There are those who will criticize you for so doing, but they are oblivious to their self-contradiction as they criticize critics, judge those who pronounce righteous judgment, and guard against those who would guard truth and right.

Are you against the wrong and for the right? Or do you go along with the crowd? Most of us stand for something, but what do we oppose? Will we continue to do nothing about the ills in the church?

The story is told of a godless man who was for years the scandal of his town. People had come to think of him as an atheist and a servant of the devil. This embittered him all the more. When he died and his will was read, there was a provision in it that his fifty-five acre farm was to “go to the devil.” His lawyer did not know how to carry out that wish, and so he did nothing. Years went by before the lawyer decided that he would drive out to the farm and took it over. When he arrived, he was startled by a scene of bleak desolation. Fences were down, the house had fallen in, the equipment had rusted away and the fields were covered with weeds. He decided that his obligation to the old man had been fulfilled. By doing nothing, he had let the farm go to the devil.

There is a lesson in this for us!

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 238-239
April 17, 1986