Truth Magazine

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

By Larry Ray Hafley

If you are the lest bit squeamish, please do not read further. What follows is pretty, strong stuff. It is more like Quinine than Kool-Aid, so drink slowly and swallow gingerly.

Random Quotes

“While the Methodists have changed greatly from the days of the Wesleys. . . the Catholics are no closer to grace than in the days of Luther.”

.”The Roman Catholic Church often speaks of the gospel, but in the light of the false and vicious doctrines of its church, the news is anything but good.”

“INCENSE. I have a long standing desire to write a book on ‘The Nonsense of Incense’ for incense is used by a large number of sects and false religions. We, of course, find no use of incense at all in the true church, but only in the religious ceremonies of Israel in the Old Testament.”

“In other words, dispensationalists and other pretribulational premillennialists should never, never violate the Savior’s clear warning about setting dates. Those who break this taboo can expect to suffer the consequences.”

“NOW HE KNOWS!” Victor Paul Wierwille, founder of the unitarian cult, the Way International, died at his New Knoxville, Ohio, headquarters late last May. His first surprise on his decease was that his ‘soul sleep’ doctrine was completely erroneous. And that was followed immediately by the tragic realization that Jesus Christ is deity. Wierwille’s most famous book was Jesus Christ is NOT God! and his life was dedicated to battling that blessed Bible truth.”

Who Wrote Those Excerpts?

The authors of the quotes above were not graduated from the Foy E. Wallace, Jr. School of Preaching. They probably never had a course in dignified didactics in all their life. No, the authors have never written a line for the old Bible Banner, Gospel Guardian or Guardian of Truth. They are Baptists and the quotes were taken from a couple of sample issues of a Baptist paper. I certainly do not agree with Baptist doctrine, but I like the bold, clear and direct way they write. I appreciate their manner if not all of their content. It is like the New Testament, plain, blunt, concise, straight.

The apostles never let eloquence, poise or grace in the pulpit interfere with their Preaching. That is not to say that one must be rude, crude, graceless or tactless just for the sake of meanness; however, I am convinced that we need more “great plainness of speech” in our preaching and teaching. Christians need to be on guard against the winsome spirit of good words and fair speeches that please our ears rather than challenging our hearts and pricking our consciences. A gift of gab is not necessarily a gift of God. “Take heed how ye hear.” We need palates of the car that are more concerned with what is said rather than with how smoothly and adroitly it is spoken. “Take heed what ye hear.”

When the only time a fellow can be bold and witheringly critical in his speech is when he is condemning godly reproof and rebuke of error, something is rotten up the creek. Smiles, grace, wit and personal charm are not substitutes for preaching the truth and exposing error. If one can smile, be gracious, manifest wit, and exude charm while he is disarming and disabling the doctrine of demons, he should be encouraged and widely used.

Not every lesson should run the audience through a blackberry patch; neither, though, should every sermon serve us cotton candy to eat. Balance is needed in all areas of life. But let us be sure that, like the Baptists quoted above, we speak forth the words of truth and soberness with all longsuffering and doctrine. There are still mouths who “must be stopped” (Tit. 1:11). There are still men and issues that must be firmly and aggressively dealt with – “Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” (Tit. 1:13). There are still those who are “crept in unawares” (Jude 4). There are stiff “grievous wolves” of the two-legged variety that must be exposed and opposed. For those and other reasons, it is needful that we I ‘earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3). Speak the truth in love, but speak itl Duty demands it; faith motivates it; love tempers it; truth will prevail.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 3, p. 82
February 6, 1986

By Titus

Although Titus is not mentioned in the book of Acts, it is clear from Paul’s epistles that he was a trusted and dear friend. Titus was a Greek (Gal. 2:3) who had been converted by Paul (Tit. 1:4). He accompanied Paul to the Jerusalem council which is spoken of in Acts 15 and Galatians 2. Paul went to Jerusalem to settle the issue of whether the Gentiles had to keep the Law of Moses in order to be saved. Controversy centered around Titus, and he became a test case. The Judaizing teachers demanded that Titus must be circumcised, but Paul refused to give in to their error. After extended discussion, the apostles and the elders clearly proclaimed that the Gentiles were not bound by the Law.

While Paul was staying at Ephesus on his third missionary journey (1 Cor. 16:8), Titus served as his messenger to the church at Corinth (2 Cor. 7:6-7; 8:6,16). This was a very difficult mission, because the Corinthian church was deeply troubled. To entrust Titus with this responsibility shows the confidence Paul had in him. Titus not only helped resolve the problems at Corinth, but he also established good relations with the church. This is a tribute to his tactfulness and his determination to stand up for the truth.

Both Titus and Timothy were companions and helpers of Paul. They were very different individuals. Timothy was sensitive and somewhat timid. Titus seems to be more vigorous. He was a man of decision. Paul knew that his life was drawing to a close. He passes along his mantle and encourages these two men to continue his work.

Crete

Crete was a mountainous island in the Mediterranean located at the southern end of the Aegean Sea. It was about 156 miles long, and varied from 7 to 35 miles in width. In antiquity, the Minoan civilization flourished on Crete. This glorious culture was at its peak between 1600-1400 B.C. However, with the passing of time that society declined. The island was invaded by the “Sea Peoples,” or Philistines. Later, it was subdued by Rome in 67 B.C. There were Jews from Crete who heard Peter preach the gospel on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:11). Paul’s ship sailed past this island when he was being taken to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27:7ff).

By New Testament times, the inhabitants of Crete were known as crude barbarians and were held in contempt by more civilized peoples. Paul recognized their low moral character: “One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans afe always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true. For the cause reprove them severely that they may be sound in the faith” (Tit.1:12-13). This unflattering description is a quotation of a Crean poet named Epimenides.

A lesson could be drawn here. We sometimes are prone to write off certain classes of men. However, we shouldn’t prejudge who will respond to the gospel. All men are in need of the gospel. It doesn’t matter whether they give the appearance of being dignified, or if they are crude and vulgar. There were individuals on Crete who obeyed the gospel, just as there were disciples in the cultured city of Rome.

Historical Background

When the book of Acts closes, Paul is awaiting trial in Rome. He made certain statements in the Prison Epistles that show he expected to be released (Phil. 1:21-25; 2:23-24; Phil. 22). After being imprisoned for over two years, apparently Paul was released from house arrest in Rome. Perhaps his accusers chose not to press chargers against him before Caesar (Acts 24:1; 28:30) and their case was lost by default. Paul was freed and once again was able to travel among the churches. He left Timothy at Ephesus and went on to Macedonia. From there Paul wrote 1 Timothy (1 Tim. 1:3). He also visited Crete where he left Titus to carry on the work of the gospel. Paul went on to Nicopolis in Achaia (Tit. 3:12) where he wrote Titus to encourage him and provide him with further instructions. Then he visited Troas (2 Tim. 4:13) where he was arrested. Then Paul was taken back to Rome and during this second imprisonment he wrote Timothy for the last time. In the closing remarks of 2 Timothy, Paul mentions that Titus had gone to Dalmatia (which is modem-day Yugoslavia). Titus had not deserted Paul like Demas. Rather, he had gone away to further the gospel. Titus was so dear to Paul that he is called “my partner and fellow worker,” “my brother,” and “my true child in a common faith.”

Contents

Paul deals with the subject of church organization. He speaks of the character of those who would serve as elders. False teachers threatened the church on Crete. Paul urges Titus to expose those who promote heresy. He stresses the need for sound doctrine and holy living. Sound doctrine must be upheld, but this was not an end in itself. The acid test of our faith is how we live. The truth must be applied to one’s daily life. In this way we either glorify God, or discredit the gospel. Regardless of age or sex, believers should live consistently with the principles of Christianity.

Outline

1. Opening Greeting And Salutation (1:1-4)

2. The Qualification of Elders (1:5-9)

3. The Threat of False Teachers (1:10-16)

4. Conduct Among Christians (2:1-10)

5. The Proper Response To God’s Grace (2:11-15)

6. Conduct In Society (3:1-2)

7. Christianity Contrasted With Paganism (3:3-7)

8. Dealing With False Teachers (3:8-11)

9. Personal Messages And Conclusion (3:12-15)

Guardian of Truth XXX: 3, p. 83
February 6, 1986