Truth Magazine

By Irvin Himmel

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).

A person’s outlook depends on the state of his heart, not outward circumstances. One may be cheerful in the face of depressing conditions, or he may be miserable in the face of encouraging conditions. One’s character depends on the state of his heart.

Why The Heart Needs Guarding

The following are a few basic reasons why everyone needs to keep watch over his heart:

(1) Thoughts are formed there. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts. . .” (Matt. 15:19). The word of God is a “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. . . ” (Prov. 23:7). “And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” (Matt. 9:4) Since all thinking is done in the heart, it must be guarded with all vigilance.

(2) Purposes are planned there. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat. . . ” (Dan. 1: 8). “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give” (2 Cor. 9:7). Barnabas exhorted the new converts at Antioch “that with purpose of heart they would cleave to the Lord” (Acts 11:24). Whether good or bad, all purposes and plans are made in the heart.

(3) Desires are produced there. “For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire. . . ” (Psa. 10:3). “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psa. 37:4). Paul said, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Rom. 10: 1). Desires arise in the heart, hence it must be guarded carefully.

(4) Decisions are reached there. All determinations, judgments, and conclusions are made in the heart. “Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God. . .” (Deut. 4:39). “Judge in yourselves. . . ” (1 Cor. 11:13). “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed. . . ” (Psa. 57:7). All the reasonings, ponderings, and considerations on which decisions are based, and all the verdicts reached, call for guarding against wrong conclusions.

(5) Actions are generated there. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: Ali these evil things comes from within, and defile the man” (Mk. 7:21-23). “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Lk. 6:45). The words of the mouth and the deeds of the life are but a reflection of the heart. Whatever else might be worth guarding, the heart demands close watchfulness.

How to Keep the Heart

Each person must be his own heart keeper. Someone else might serve as his housekeeper, shopkeeper, or ground keeper, but no one else can be the sentinel of his heart.

(1) Keep the understanding. Solomon asked that he be given an “understanding heart” (1 Kgs. 3:9). God gave him “a wise and understanding heart. ” But in later years Solomon did not guard his heart. He married foreign women who “turned away his heart after other gods” (1 Kgs. 11:4). The proper way to guard the understanding is to keep the mind enlightened by the word of God.

(2) Keep the will. The volition is that faculty of the heart that purposes, chooses, and decides. To guard it is to keep it in submission to God’s authority. “. . Not my will, but thine, be done” (Lk. 22:42).

(3) Keep the memory. This is the part of the heart that stores information. It should be kept free of rubbish and stocked with valuables. The Israelites remembered the onions and garlic that they had in Egypt and forgot the mighty power of God.

(4) Keep the conscience. This is the faculty of the heart that approves or condemns. Paul was careful “to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16).

(5) Keep the emotions. All our feelings and passions must be controlled according to the will of God. Holy emotions should be stirred by the promises of the gospel. “Rejoice in the Lord alway. . . ” (Phil. 4:4).

Every faculty of the heart must be kept under constant watchfulness. “The power to talk straight, look straight, and to walk straight comes only from the heart that is right with God” (George Kufeldt).

The Wellsprings of Life

The heart is like a reservoir which feeds the streams which flow from it. Whatever is in the well of the heart will show up in the bucket of deeds.

If the source, whether a fountain, spring, or reservoir, is polluted, the streams which flow from it will be polluted. A corrupt heart produces a corrupt life.

The heart is the control center of one’s life. There can be no real change in character without a change in heart.

“Fill your heart so full of the word of God that it becomes the controlling force of your life. This is the secret of the easy way to speak and to live as you should. . . ” (R.L. Whiteside).

Unbelief makes the heart evil and leads it away from God. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, p. 232
April 17, 1986

By Hayse Reneau

Harmony of 1 Corinthians 7, Bringing Passages Referring To The Same Subjects Together

To The Married

(1) “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. . . . (7-9) For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as 1. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. . . . (17) But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called everyone, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. . . . (28) But and if thou marry thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.. . . . (32-35) But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. . . . (39-40) The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment [i.e. unmarried]: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God. . . . (25,36-38) Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful…. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin [by not giving her in marriage], if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. . . .

Purpose Of Marriage, In Addition To Procreation

(2-4) “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto his wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. . .

Sexual Duty In Marriage

(5, 10,11) “Defraud ye not one the other except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. . . . And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried [apart], or be reconciled [return] to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

Christians Married To Unbelievers

(12-16) “But to the rest speak 1, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath a husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save they wife?. . . .

Don’t Obey This Ordinance Of The Jews Trying To Escape Distress

(17-19) “But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called everyone, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. Is any man called being circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. . . .

Suffering Is Same For Freemen And Servants

(20-24) “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? Care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called being free, is Christ’s servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God . . . .

Fathers Withholding Daughters From Marriage

(25,36-38) “Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. . . . But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

Nevertheless he that standeth steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. . .

Try To Ignore This Present Distress, It Won’t Last Forever

(29-31) “But this I say brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had not; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they had buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use the world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

(26) “I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man [person] so to be.”

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 230-231
April 17, 1986

By Aude McKee

In recent years, we have heard a great deal about “Unity in Diversity.” This doctrine was designed to get people to ignore differing attitudes toward authority and was an appeal for religious unity in spite of fundamental differences. The purpose of this lesson is to show that God can take people of vastly different backgrounds, personalities, educational attainments, etc., and use such to accomplish His purposes.

The Lord’s apostles are listed in Matthew 10:24, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:13-16 and Acts 1:13. As you study these names you will notice some variations. Peter is also referred to as Simon and Cephas, Bartholomew is also called Nathanael, Thomas and Didymas are the same person, and Levi is another name for Matthew. You will also observe that there are two men listed as James. One is identified as the brother of John and the other is the son of Alphaeus or the less. Simon, to be sure we don’t confuse him with Simon Peter, is Zelotes or the Canaanite. Finally, the author of the book of Jude, is also called Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus.

About some of these men very little is known. James, the son of Alphaeus, was a short fellow and so was nick-named “the less.” We probably would have called him “Shorty.” But it didn’t matter to Jesus if a person was fat or skinny, tall or short, handsome or ugly. The Lord looks on the heart, not on the outward appearance (1 Sam. 16:7). Andrew, Peter’s brother, was a fisherman by occupation. He had been a disciple of John (John 1:35-42). The greatest recorded thing Andrew ever did was to bring his brother to the Lord. He was not one of the “inner circle” and yet there is never a hint of resentment in Andrew’s heart. Nathanael was a man of sterling character (John 1:43-51) and this is all the information we have about him. Jude is mentioned only in the gospels with the exception of the book he authored, and all we know about Philip we learn from John’s gospel. Philip was a very practical man. When he told Nathanael that he had found Jesus of Nazareth, the one about whom Moses and the prophetshad written, Nathanael’s response was, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip didn’t make any extended and complicated arguments to convince Nathanael but he simply said, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw a hungry multitude He asked Philip where they could buy food to feed them. Philip’s reply was that it would take a common laborer 200 days to earn enough to feed a crowd like that (John 6:1-14). Just here a question is in order. What role did these five little-known men play in the growth of the kingdom of God and the salvation of souls? If we are prone to answer “little” or “none” we could be making a sad mistake. The book of Acts is a record of some of the work of some of the apostles. We ought not to be guilty of assuming that those who received the most publicity were the most important. John 13:1-17 teaches us that the Lord does not measure greatness by the same rod we often use.

Other apostles were much more prominent and they better illustrate the diversity found among these men. James and John were fishermen by trade and this business was not an easy way to make money. Kingdom business also requires a lot of hard work, exposure to bad weather, etc., and so they were prepared for much they would have to face. These boys were from a well-to-do family (note “servants” in Mark 1:20), yet when Jesus called they left a profitable family business and became as poor as their master. James and John were part of what we have sometimes called the “inner circle.” These two, along with Peter, were allowed in the room when Jairus’ daughter was raised from the dead (Mark 5:2243), they were present at the transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-9), and were nearest the Lord in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36-46). Of all the apostles, none had such a transformation of character as these two. They had an inordinate desire for power (Mark 10:35-45) and they had a fiery temperament. On one occasion, they were ready to bring fire from heaven and consume those who opposed their Lord (Luke 9:51-56), and so it is no surprise that Jesus nick-named them “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17). James only lived about ten years following Pentecost – he was put to death by Herod (Acts 12:1-2).

Matthew was a publican – a tax collector for Rome. Natives of each province were appointed to collect duties on all merchandise and they were encouraged by Rome to overcharge, bring false charges in order to collect bribes, etc. When you consider that the Jews were at the mercy of their own countrymen and, in addition, convinced that they ought not to pay taxes at all, you can understand why tax collectors were so despised. Jesus met Matthew at the tax office (Matt. 9:9) and simply said, “Follow Me.” What a great thing it would be if the invitation of Jesus today was as effective in the lives of more people.

Simon was a member of a group of super-patriots called Zealots. This party was organized during the days of the Maccabbees and survived until 70 A.D. They adhered strictly to the law and endeavored, even by violence, to prevent violations of their religion by foreign powers. These were the people who continually advocated armed rebellion against Rome and were largely responsible for starting the conflict that resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem. As we think about these men making the decision to follow Jesus, we need to remember that they had no promise of material reward. They were converted to Christ. They left behind all that was sinful but retained the grand and noble traits of character that especially fitted them for service in the kingdom of heaven.

Peter was usually the spokesman for the twelve and it is interesting that his name appears first in the listings of the apostles. He is also the central figure in the book of Acts up to chapter 13. Peter was an impulsive man. He was as different from Philip and Thomas as day and night. Peter would speak or act and then think about it later. At the transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-9), when he walked on water (Matt. 14:22-23), at the feet-washing (John 13:2-17) and at the arrest of Jesus (John 18:1 -11), this trait of character can be seen so clearly. Then just before Jesus was arrested, He told the apostles that they would all be offended that night but Peter was quick to deny any such conduct on his part (Matt. 26:31-35). A little later, though, he had to “eat his words” with bitter tears.

Thomas was a cautious man. He was not one to believe or act without sufficient evidence. You can see this in John 14:1-6 and John 20:19-31. He is sometimes nick-named “doubting Thomas” but when the evidence was there, he was a staunch believer. In fact, at the time Jesus’ life was in real danger, Thomas was ready to die with him (John 11:8,16).

One man’s name lives in infamy. We can’t hear of Judas Iscariot without thinking of treachery, deceit and depravity. Judas and Esau must have been spiritual cousins. Both sold their “birthright” – Esau for one meal and Judas for about $24.00. Judas held a place of trust among the twelve. He had miraculous power (Matt. 10:1) and he was the treasurer of the group (John 12:6), but he allowed Satan to enter his heart (Luke 22:3). He voluntarily followed the devil and put teaching like Luke 12:15 and Matthew 5:8 out of his mind. But the great tragedy of his life was not his sins but his unwillingness to repent. It has been said that repentance is the most difficult command God ever gave, and no doubt that is true. In Matthew 27:1-5, we are told that when Judas saw that Jesus was condemned, he had second thoughts about his agreement but there was nothing he could do to undo the consequences of his action. If godly sorrow filled his heart, he would have taken the course Peter took. Peter went out, “wept bitterly,” and was forgiven, but Judas “went and hanged himself.” Someone has observed that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Jesus’ apostles were fishermen, government workers, political activists. Some were respected members of the community and some were despised. They came from the rich and poor, from the lettered and the unlearned. But Jesus could take this diverse group and mold a body that could carry the gospel to the world. It is no less true today in the Lord’s church. It has been said that meekness is harnessed strength and often the very traits of character that get us into serious difficulties, can be harnessed and made to contribute to the salvation of souls. There is strength in diversity!

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 225, 248
April 17, 1986

By Ron Daly

The necessity of exposing error is abundantly taught in Scripture (cf. 2 Tim. 4:1-5; 1 Jn. 4:1; Rev. 2.2; Tit. 1:10-11). Preachers of the gospel have the God-given responsibility to boldly speak out against all error, in the church and out! Therefore, I presently address myself to bringing indictments against Pentacostalism.

Pentecostal churches no no right to exist. They are a part of denominationalism, a state of religious division which is antagonistic toward the unity demanded in the New Testament. Denominationalism, of which Pentecostalism is a part, is the very opposite of all Christ prayed for in John 17:11,20-21. Hence, Pentecostalism is not authorized to exist, for it is a “plant which shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:13).

Nowhere in the New Testament do you read of a “Pentecostal Church,” “United Pentecostal Church,” or “Pentecostal Holiness Church.” These are not given in the New Testament Scriptures as designations for the church Jesus built (Matt. 16:18). Inasmuch as the New Testament church is never called by “Pentecostal Church,” “United Pentecostal Church,” or “Pentecostal Holiness Church” is proof defacto that to designate or describe the church as such is to fail “to speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:17). To fail to “speak where the Bible speaks, and to be silent where the Bible is silent” is sin!

Pentecostalism is a religion founded chiefly upon emotionalism, not Scripture! It is not uncommon to hear Pentecostals say, “I do not care what you say, I know what the Lord is doing for me,” or “I do not care what the Bible says, I know what I feel in my heart.” Some have even said, “I would not take a stack of Bibles for what I feel within my heart.”, thus, Pentecostalism is a false religion of subjectivism, emotionalism, and dire ignorance of the Scriptures! Man has no right to trust in his own feelings apart from divine revelation (cf. Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:8-9; Jer. 10:23). Wherever emotions rule, ignorance is usually very prominent. Pentecostalism stresses “personal testimonies,” “preacher bear-say,” and “inner feelings and leading of the Spirit” above and beyond the authoritative, inerrant, perfect, and inspired word of God (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jas. 1:25). Friends, mark this well, whenever people emphasize and depend on “personal testimonies” and “inner leadings of the Spirit,” it will not be 30 days before they will not give the flutter of an eyelid or the snap of a finger for what the Bible says! This is why seventy-five per cent of a “true” Pentecostals repudiate plain Bible teaching without a troubled conscience!

Pentecostalism tends to involve the Holy Spirit in ridiculous contradictions (i.e. if Pentecostalism claims are true, which of course, they are not!). They claim to have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, one of the purposes of which was to guide the apostles “into all the truth” (Jn. 16:13; t4:25-26). Question: If Pentecostals actually possess the baptism in the Spirit, why do they teach and practice doctrines which the Holy Spirit through the apostles declared to be false and sinful, i.e., without divine authority? Why do they have mechanical accompaniment as music in worship when the Spirit through the apostles commands us to sing in worship (Matt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Jas. 5:13; Heb. 2:12)? If Pentecostals are truly guided by the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that guided the apostles, why do they not simply sing as the apostles taught the early church? Also, the Holy Spirit through the apostles guided the early church into a threefold work, viz. (1) evangelism (2 Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-17), (2) benevolence (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 11:27-30), and edification (Acts 20:32; Eph. 4:11-16). Pentecostals have church-operated kindergartens, church financed picnics, kitchens, and other social arrangements. They have their busses, food, fun, and frolic. This is unscriptural; there is no Bible authority for it! It just seems so strange that the men and women in Pentecostalism who claim to have-been baptized in the Holy Spirit would be teaching and practicing things which the Holy Spirit through the apostles condemns!

Pentecostalism is to be indicted because its preachers are fraudulent in their claims to perform miracles. There is not a Pentecostal preacher on earth who can, by the power of God, perform a bonafide sign, wonder, or miracle! All such claims are deceptive and untrue. The Bible explicitly teaches that miracles have ceased, for their purpose has ended (1 Cor. 13:8-10; Eph. 4:11-16; Jas. 1:25; 2 Pet. 13; Jude 3)! Miracles served the purpose of confirming the word of God (Mk. 16:20; Jn. 20:30-3 1). Once all the word was confirmed, they ceased! Some of the less skillful Pentecostals will sometimes say, “I do not know how to answer the arguments of those who say miracles have ceased, but I will continue to testify regarding what the Lord is doing for me.” This involves contradiction; if they have actually received the “baptism in the Holy Spirit,” they would know how to answer the arguments of the adversaries! The Bible says so (Mk. 13:9-11).

It seems that Pentecostal preachers (along with other denominational preachers) are getting too wise (?) to have their doctrines examined under public scrutiny with the word of God! The reason: “The light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, lest his works should be reproved” (Jn. 3:19-20).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 7, p. 213
April 3, 1986