Truth Magazine

By Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

As Nehemiah went about rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he faced many problems. One of his biggest problems was the opposition of outside forces. Three men in particular, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, did all that they could to try to hinder the work that he was doing. The sixth chapter of Nehemiah pays particular attention to the efforts that these men made in trying to stop Nehemiah’s work. They tried to distract him (vv. 2-4). They tried to discredit him (vv. 5-9). They even tried to lead him in to sin (vv. 10-13). None of these things kept Nehemiah from completing the task that his God had put into his heart. The wall was finished and his enemies sadly watched all their efforts to prevent it go for naught (vv. 15,16).

Although these men were unable to accomplish what they had hoped, something interesting is recorded concerning one of them toward the end of this sixth chapter. Tobiah had special connections with some of the Israelites. He had married one of their daughters. As a result, some of the Israelites tried to convince Nehemiah that Tobiah was not really a bad fellow. It says that they reported his good deeds before Nehemiah. Of course, Nehemiah knew better. He had first hand experience of Tobiah’s deeds. He was able to see this man’s fruits and knew exactly what kind of man he was. Tobiah may have had some good points to be sure, but that didn’t change the fact that he had done much harm to the people of God.

Nehemiah’s experience reminds me of what many have to put up with today. Many times there is a brother who causes untold harm to the church either through his teaching or through his actions. Good men in the church begin to oppose this brother and limit his influence and invariably someone will come to the brother’s defense. Many times a contentious brother will have relatives in a congregation that will try to “report his good deeds” and try to convince those who have observed his corrupt conduct that this brother is really no threat to the purity of the church. Many will allow a factious brother who is a relative or close friend to blind them to the harm done by the brother. We need to judge such men by their fruits (Matt. 7:15,16) and not just by what others say about them.

Nehemiah knew what kind of man Tobiah was despite what his supporters among the Israelites said about him. Unfortunately, many of the Israelites could not see the things that Nehemiah saw in Tobiah. As long as Nehemiah was in Jerusalem, he was able to limit Tobiah’s influence. But as soon as Nehemiah returned to Babylon, Tobiah seized the opportunity. Through his friends, he was able to gain a strong influence in Jerusalem (Neh. 13:4,5). We can imagine the grief and heartbreak that Nehemiah experienced when he returned and found this enemy of God’s people dwelling in the very house of God (Neh. 13:6-8). Nehemiah now had to start all over again to rid the people of the influence of this enemy.

Are we able to see divisive and corrupt men for what they are and deal with them accordingly (Rom. 16:17; Tit. 3: 10)? Or do we allow ourselves to be influenced because such enemies of the cross are close friends or relatives? How many times are false teachers defended and followed by friends and members of their families? How many times is the conduct of one who has fallen into sin defended by friends and family members? Too often.

Fortunately, the Israelites had a man like Nehemiah, courageous enough to stand against their enemies, despite the influence that these enemies had among some of their brethren. We need men like that today, who are willing to stand against corrupt men who try to exercise their influence over us. Men who will not “yield submission” to them “even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue” (Gal. 2:5).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 4, p. 102
February 20, 1986

By Ron Halbrook

Preaching on Bible baptism is as vital today as it has ever been. This is true, first because it is a part of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16). In every case of conversion beginning in Acts 2, sinners who put their trust in Christ were baptized as a part of their initial response to the gospel. When sinners wanted to be saved from their sins, they by faith in Christ were baptized in water immediately – “the same hour of the night” (Acts 16:33) – without delay. The same clear instruction is needed today if sinners are to be saved by the blood of Christ.

Second, the need of such teaching is urgent because denominationalism fills people’s minds with prejudice, resentment, and resistance on this subject. Brethren have taught much on Bible baptism and must teach much on it still. This is not because we believe in the ritualistic idea of baptismal regeneration or that baptism alone saves – as, in fact, several denominations believe which baptize infants or baptize the living on behalf of the dead. But the ground for our teaching so often on this subject is the same basis upon which the farmer and rancher decide where to repair the fence. He repairs it where it is down! In the religious world today, the fence is down at the point where the Bible speaks on baptism. Denominationalism works very hard to keep the fence down at this point, and seeks to tear it down as fast as true children of God can repair it in the hearts and minds of people. We must work very hard to keep it up!

A third reason we need to teach much and often on Bible baptism is that some among us “depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Tim. 4:1-2). These men make “shipwreck concerning the faith,” contradicting the great truths they once preached and defended (1 Tim. 1:19). As the cancer of apostasy progresses, such men “overthrow the faith of some” others who are not well grounded (2 Tim. 2:17-18).

Where these apostates once preached with emphasis and exclamation marks, they now speak with speculation and question marks. Their sermons used to be girded with the bands of Book, Chapter, and Verse quotations, but now with the spaghetti strings of what modern theologians and pop psychologists have to say. Frequent, pious reminders are given of how much we have to learn from denominational leaders by men who now are “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7).

Men who used to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” now earnestly defend denominational doubts, dodges, and dogmas on baptism (Jude 3). As these sweet-spirited souls granulate into sugar, they have temper tantrums and go into tirades crying out against “legalism.” A “legalist” in their eyes is someone who insists, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). “Legalists” emphasize that only the baptized are saved from their past sins by the blood of Christ in the gospel age, only those immersed are truly baptized, and only those who know its purpose is remission of sins receive Bible baptism. There is much talk by these apostates about searching for “common ground” they are always finding more and more of it with their denominational neighbors, less and less of it with their brethren who insist upon a “thus saith the Lord” for all things .

Let us not be intimidated by the vast numbers of the lost, by the vast power of denominationalism, or by the rash railings of false brethren. Let us diligently equip ourselves by immersing ourselves in Scripture so that we may be workmen who need not to be ashamed, “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (4:2). You will know it is “out of season” when men falsely accuse you of put ting the Bible or the church or baptism above faith in Christ. Preach the word, anyway. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doc trine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Tim. 4:16).

(See elsewhere in this issue of the paper an article on “Bible Baptism” by Foy E. Wallace, Jr. [1896-1979], taken from the Bible Banner, May 1948, page 14. Brethren who are liberal on institutionalism, centralized cooperation, and church sponsored recreation are engaged in battle with one of their own princes who now believes that people in denominations are in Christ if they were baptized to “obey God” even without understanding the scriptural purpose of remission of sins. In response, “Bible Baptism” has been widely reprinted. Wallace’s book The Present Truth [1977] is a collection of his journal articles and incorrectly gives the date of that article as August 1938. Current reprints from that source bear the same error.)

Guardian of Truth XXX: 4, p. 104
February 20, 1986

By Raymond E. Harris

Homosexuals are a disgrace to any society. In pagan and so-called unenlightened countries known homosexuals are killed because they are so despised. However, in enlightened America, homosexuals are defended and shielded.

1 . Some say they are sick.

2. Some say they are “freaks of nature.”

3. Some say they are the unfortunate victims of the society that produced them.

4. Others just contend that they have simply chosen an alternative life style.

Today any who would dare oppose this dirty, filthy, vulgar way of life is charged with being intolerant, lacking understanding, not caring and being unloving. Also, they cry that their civil rights are being violated! What about the civil rights of those who practice incest, prostitution, public exposure or even rape? Really!

In fact, homosexuality is a violation of natural law, a violation of God’s law and until recently a violation of most states man-made laws. The bottom line is that homosexuality is sin. In every age God condemned such gross practices:

1. Genesis 18:16-19:20 (1,898 B.C.). God said the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah were “very grievous.” (Isn’t it strange that the scum which we once jailed and charged with “Sodomy” are now called “Gay” and pampered and defended as poor misunderstood folk who deserve our compassion and understanding?) God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone. But we are being told such should be allowed to flaunt themselves in every area of society.

2. Leviticus 18:22-24:1 (1450 B.C.). “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” Leviticus 20:13: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death: their blood shall be upon them.”

3. Judges 19-20 (1350 B.C.). The tribe of Benjamin was because all but destroyed by the other tribes of Israel, because of the Benjaminite’s sodomy, rape and vile ways.

4. Romans 1:26,32 (50-60 A.D.). “And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.” “Who knowing the judgment of God that they which commit such things are worthy of death. . .”

5. Deuteronomy 23:18 (1400 B.C.). “Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, (male prostitute) into the house of the Lord. . .”

6. 1 Corinthians 6:9 (50-60 A.D.) “Know ye not that the God? Be unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate nor abusers of themselves with mankind.”

The foregoing passages show God’s attitude toward homosexuality. Should our attitude be any less stringent?

Guardian of Truth XXX: 4, p. 100
February 20, 1986

By Mike Willis

The attitude which one has toward the word of God is reflected in his obedience or disobedience. As young people mature, some consider the commandments of the lord as grievous and burdensome impositions on their lifestyle. They consider them as restrictions which are imposed on them by the church and which limit their sources of fun. Generally the young people who have this attitude will decide to indulge themselves in the “pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:24-25), thus falling from grace.

Long before sin is committed, apostasy begins when one’s attitude toward the word of God deteriorates. In the book of Proverbs, the writer instructs us in developing the right attitude toward God and His word. He begins by saying, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. . . ” (Prov. 1:7). Those who have a healthy respect for God and His word lay the foundation on which every relationship in life can be built. He who has no fear of the Lord undermines every relationship in his life.

What Wisdom Will Do

The writer of Proverbs describes the right attitude toward and obedience to the word of God. This is called the course of wisdom. What wisdom will do for an individual certainly commends itself to any individual.

1. “Her ways are ways of pleasantness” (Prov. 3:17). The Devil deludes us into thinking that the way to joy and happiness is in sin and indulgence. He entices us saying, “You only go around once in life. Get all the gusto you can.” He makes us discontent when we see others indulging themselves in sin; we think that we are missing out on life’s pleasures. We need to remember that whatever pleasure sin brings is temporary (Heb. 11:24-25). Lasting joy is found in obedience to the word of God.

2. “All her paths are peace ” (Prov. 3:17). The way of disobedience brings sorrow and suffering (Prov. 1:29-33; 2:22; 3:33; 5:22-23; etc.). For examples, see the suffering which follows a life of sexual immorality (venereal disease, AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, shotgun weddings, etc.) and drunkenness (see Prov. 23:29-35). Those who order their lives in obedience to the word of God “shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from fear of evil” (Prov. 1:33).

3. Wisdom will guide and lead us. “When thou goest, it shall lead thee. . . . For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Prov. 6:22-23). In the words of the psalmist, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105). The word of the Lord instructs me in how to conduct myself in the various relationships of life. God my Creator is also God my Guide. He leads and directs me through His word.

4. It gives me safety. “Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely” (Prov. 1:33). he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment and preserveth the way of his saints” (Prov. 2:7-8; cf. 2:11; 3:23-26; 4:6,11-13; 6:22). By walking in God’s light, one avoids many pitfalls into which others fall. He protects me from harm and danger by leading me away from the temptations of sin.

5. It gives a long and prosperous life. “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee” (Prov. 3:2; cf. 2:21; 3:16,18,22; 4:10-13; 8:18,35). One who walks in the commandments of God will avoid the things which shorten one’s lifespan (drunkenness, immorality, etc.) and will not waste his substance on riotous living, causing his prosperity to increase. Truly one can enjoy life to its fullest degree by obeying the word of God. Abundant living is a life lived in obedience to God’s word, not in a life of sin.

6. It will keep a person from the wicked man and woman. The wicked man seeks to persuade the young man to depart from the paths of righteousness and walk in wickedness (Prov. 2:10-15). The wicked woman attempts to seduce the young man into licentious immorality (Prov. 2:16-19). The word of God warns of the dangers of each course of life, thus keeping those who would hear from these life threatening and soul damning evils.

7. It brings favor from the Lord. “So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man” (Prov. 3:4; cf. Lk. 2:52). “For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord” (Prov. 8:35). Walking in obedience to the will of God brings God’s favor. In addition to the temporal blessings of God, eternal life is given to those who persevere in obedience to God.

8. It brings us exaltation and honor. “The wise shall inherit glory. . . . Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou doest embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: and a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee” (Prov. 3:35; 4:8-9). Wisdom will cause a man to be respected and honored.

9. It is an ornament of character. “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck” (Prov. 1:8-9). Even as gold chains about the neck are attractive and enhance the appearance of the one who wears them, so also those who meticulously follow the word of God manifest an ornament of character.

If a man produced a book, training seminar, or television program which guaranteed these results to those who would follow what he said, he would have a number one selling book, make millions from his seminars, or have the most watched television program. Though the word of God promises and does these things for us, many neglect it and reject it. Some even scornfully belittle those who seek to obey it. Men need to learn that God’s commandments were revealed to us for our own good (Deut. 6:24; 10: 13). He who rejects God’s word brings sorrow and suffering to his own soul (Prov. 8:36; 1: 18-19).

Rejection Of Wisdom Leads To Unavoidable Sorrow

In Proverbs 1:20-33, wisdom calls for men to follow her. Some turn a deaf ear to her, refusing to live in obedience to the word of God (1:24). The life of sin brings calamity, sorrow, and suffering. When these calamities come, the suffering sinner will call on God for help and deliverance. God responded,

Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: they would none of my counsel: they despised all of my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices (Prov. 1:28-31).

Forgiveness of sins is always available to whoever will repent of them and obey the gospel. However, forgiveness of sins does not relieve one from suffering the temporal consequences of his sins. The drunk who has a wreck which paralyzes him and kills someone in another car can repent of his sins, be forgiven, and go to heaven when he dies. Nevertheless, he will live his life paralyzed and might even be sentenced to prison for his crime. All of his crying and pleading to God will not deliver him from the temporal consequences of his sin.

Many young people forget that sin has such horrible, temporal consequences. They resolve to “enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season,” thinking that they can repent, be forgiven, and go to heaven when they die. But they forget that sowing their wild oats leads to a harvest which they will regret. God Himself will not deliver a man from reaping the temporal harvest of his sin.

The Accessibility Of Wisdom

One does not have to be of superior intellect to know the right way of life. Wisdom is readily available to even the simple (cf. Prov. 1:4). Far from being out of the reach of the common man, “wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets” (Prov. 1:21). However, men must seek her in order to find her.

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasurers; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding (Prov. 2:1-6).

Wisdom is readily available to the man who is looking for her. One must simply consult the word of God to find her.

Young people of every generation face the danger of thinking that they know more than their fathers. Consequently, the wise man warned:

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes. fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones (Prov. 3:5-8).

The word of God must be sought out and exalted above our own uninspired thoughts. God surely knows more than any other what is best for us. Hence, His directions for life should outweigh those given by philosophers, doctors, psychologists, lawyers, or any other of this world’s “wise” men. Certainly they should be exalted above the immature ideas of a young man or woman who is inexperienced in life.

Conclusion

Understanding that respect and reverence for God is the foundation- upon which every other relationship in life is built is fundamental. Truly, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. . . ” (Prov. 1:7). “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Prov. 4:7).

One should not look upon the commandments of the Lord as heavy burdens to be borne. Rather, they should esteemed as the inspired revelation from God which teaches man how to best live on earth in order to enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life, living life to its fullest. Like the owner’s manual which tells how to operate and maintain a machine, the Bible instructs us in how to live life. Its instructions should be carefully followed to avoid heartache and suffering.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 4, pp. 98, 118, 120
February 20, 1986