Truth Magazine

By Robert F. Turner

The words “brother” and “sister” suggest family ties, with first application to the blood relationship that exists when we have the same parents. However, most of us are familiar with its application in a broader sense: as Jewish “brethren” (Acts 2:29); and fraternal or social “kinship,” even “brothers in Adam.” We also recognize its extension to the spiritual realm, where “children of God” (Rom. 8:16) conform to the image of God’s Son, “that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (v. 29).

When we write of “brethren in the Lord” we refer to a spiritual tic made possible by the Lord and enjoyed only “in Him. ” Such a designation has a warm and meaningful connotation, and should not be carelessly applied. It should not be cheapened by use as a title, as is “Reverend.” Once it was announced that “Brother and mistress Robert Turner are with us . . .” and I arose to a point of order. I said “brother” is not my title; and if I am a “brother” my wife is a “sister.” These designations, applied to spiritual relationships, indicate our belief that the ones addressed are children of God, and that we have kinship with them in God’s family.

The “Grace-Fellowship” movement (and I suppose that means whatever the reader chooses) frequently produces a criticism of those who “fail to recognize” one another as “brethren.” They reason that since all children of God are brethren (or sisters) on the basis of Fatherhood (having the same spiritual Father), our “recognition” has nothing to do with it. There is an element of truth here. All true children of God are in one and the same family, and are therefore brothers and sisters in God’s sight, whether we recognize it or not. But our sight is not as good as God’s sight. The observation about “Fatherhood” does not address the problem of how we are to know brethren, and extend fellowship. It plays with pretty words while ignoring the issue.

God knows absolutely who are acceptable in His sight, and who are not (2 Tim. 2:19); for He is author of the relationship, and sees the innermost recesses of each heart. But we can know only in a relative sense those whom God approves. We know (believe) such things to the extent we have learned the divine will (from God’s word); and to the extent we are able to read the hearts of individuals on the basis of apparent “fruits.” In neither of these fields are we infallible, no matter how sincere our efforts. We would like to recognize all brethren, and are trying to do so; but man’s desire is not enough to correctly identify the children of God.

(1) Shall we treat as brethren all who claim to be His children? This would ignore what we know of the divine standard. (2) Shall we select from God’s will that which we deem important, and fellowship on the basis of these limited rules? This makes us judges of the law, rather than those judged by the law, and brings us under God’s condemnation (Jas. 2:10-12; 4:11-12). (3) Shall we rest our case on “the way we do it”? There is no avoiding the fact that application of God’s law is possible only to the extent we know that law; but to be satisfied with our way as the standard is tantamount to saying we know it all (1 Cor. 8:1-3), or do it perfectly. Paul says we should not 46measure ourselves by ourselves” (2 Cor. 10:12f).

The legalist tries to solve these difficulties by legal technicality – by finding a “loop-hole” in the law, that seems to justify his conclusion. Others seem to think d4grace” can be applied at their discretion (like a Watkin’s liniment), regardless of God’s instructions. Presuming to speak for God is a dangerous practice. “He will not require it . . . . God hath forgotten . . . . He will never see it . . . .” These are the thoughts of infidelity, no matter how piously they are uttered (Psa. 10).

Brethren with strong “Church of Christ” loyalties may find it difficult to accept, but the truth is: doctrines we have espoused, “the way we have done it,” and our traditional concepts of “brethren,” are not the final word. They are products of our study and understanding of God’s word, subject to human error. We are only saying what most of us surely know to be true. Truth is not relative; it is absolute, and will judge us in the last day (Jn. 17:17; 12:48). But our knowledge, and our practices, are subject to corrective revision. Willingness to “search the scriptures” and readjust faith and practice as needed to conform, is proof of a noble spirit, God approved (Acts 17:11).

Is it a sign of weakness to acknowledge we have less than perfect knowledge? Do not confuse truth searching with instability (Jas. 1:8). Conviction is an essential element in the service of God; and with Paul we should say, “we also believe, and therefore speak” (2 Cor. 4:13). But our convictions must be objectively determined, the results of prayerful and diligent study of God’s word. I am persuaded such convictions will be coupled with humility – for we will become aware there is so much more we do not know. On the other hand, superficial knowledge or a few “church doctrines” learned by rote and not well grounded by “going on to perfection,” may leave us heady, cocky, and with little more than a sectarian faith. The strong man continues his search for truth; the weak fears to question his traditions with further study.

We treat as brethren in the Lord those we sincerely believe to be participants with us in the search for truth, and whom we believe to have come far enough in their knowledge and obedience to be treated as children of God. We freely acknowledge our judgment does not make them children of God, nor does it prevent that relationship; but it is all we have by which to determine fellowship during our earthly sojourn. God knows exactly those who are His; we know (?) to the extent we know the truth, and the heart and life of the individual.

With such a concept, can we be positive and emphatic in our teaching and practice? We cannot be honest with self and God and if we act any other way. Conviction and conscience demand we act in keeping with what we truly believe,. and we are warned that any other course is sinful (Rom. 14:5, 23). We may also sin by failing to be considerate of another’s conscience (vv. 1-3, 10); but this does not mean ceasing to teach what we believe to be the truth, seeking to change another’s conscience (v. 14; 1 Cor. 8:8; 10:27f). Honesty and concern for one we believe to be in error prompts us to teach and warn him. The same level of understanding that gives me hope, tells me others have no hope. If I am convinced you are about to partake of a poison, have I no obligation to warn you? Failure to teach truth and exercise corrective discipline are often the results of lack of conviction and/or concern for lost souls.

We believe God’s word is unified and understandable, and no division can be rightly blamed upon God. The “sword” Jesus brought was not wielded arbitrarily Jesus did not come desiring division among families (Matt. 10:34f). But the very nature of God and truth tolerates no rejection. His sword separates those who love self more than God, who love their own way more than God’s way. God wields that sword in the final and absolute sense; and knows exactly what He is doing. But we too have a swordwielding obligation, despite our limitations of relativity. We are to recognize those who serve Satan (judging by their fruits), and have no fellowship with them (1 Cor. 5; etc.). Our judgment will not be infallible, but failure to act may be inexcusable.

In the final analysis, all we or anyone else can do is apply ourselves wholeheartedly to the service of God, doing the very best we can to follow His will in faith and practice. If, in our sincere effort to serve God, we err in judgment concerning our brethren on earth; surely this is better than lack of conviction and effort on earth, which can separate us from our brethren and from God in heaven.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 23, pp. 711-712
December 5, 1985

By Tommy L. McClure

Introduction

Numerous have been the efforts of some modern religionists to turn people from the word of God. Often I have heard: “I know I am saved because of the way I feel, and I would not give my feelings for a stack of Bibles a mile high”; “the Bible is just a dead letter”; we live in a modem age, but the Bible was written two thousand years ago”; and “I know the Bible says. . . but I think . . .” Many, earnestly seeking for salvation, have been turned from the plain statements of the Bible to the mourner’s bench to “pray through” for salvation and to pray for a “Pentecostal shower” from above, whatever those expressions mean. The design of all such statements is to darken counsel, foster ignorance, stifle understanding, keep back from wisdom, and keep men in the way that leads to hell! The devil is the designer of them; deceived or deceitful preachers are the propagators. People need to be taught the truth about the necessity of the word of God!

God’s Word Reveals His Character

Nature shows that there is a God of glory whose handiwork is magnificent (Psa. 19:1), but to know of God’s character it is necessary to investigate His revealed word. Revelation (God’s word, the Bible) tells us that He is merciful, gracious, longsuffering, and when He speaks He will make good His word (Num. 23:19). He cannot lie, according to the Book (Tit. 1:2; Heb. 6:17,18). There is no respect of persons with Him (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11). Love is so characteristic of God, we are told He is love (1 Jn. 4:8). Yet, God’s wrath against sin is such that He is referred to as a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29). These and other characteristics of God are to be learned, not in nature and physical science, but in His Revelation – the Bible!

As people turn from the word of God, morality and godliness decrease. Immorality and ungodliness are on the rise today for this very reason. People don’t know “beans from split coffee” about the Bible because they have been turned from it by deceived or deceitful men who have caused them to think the Bible is unnecessary! They know not the character of God or the way of godliness, for there is no such thing as being God-like in this world apart from the Book which reveals His character! Numerous Bible statements plainly show the absolute necessity of godliness or God-likeness (1 Tim. 4:7,8; 6:6,11; Tit. 2:11,12; 2 Pet. 1:5-11). Therefore, God’s word is absolutely necessary!

God’s Word Reveals His Will

We would not know a thing about God’s will for man were it not for Divine Revelation. Paul repeatedly said, “For this is the will of God. . . ” (1 Thess. 4:3; 5:18). Peter said, “For so is the will of God. . . ” in setting forth Christians’ obligations toward civil rulers (1 Pet. 2:13-17). God’s will is expressed in God’s word – not in natural sciences, or in the philosophies, creeds and opinions of men! Many who take pride in knowing about God know nothing of His will for man because they have not investigated His word where that will is expressed!

Is it important that man know and do the will of God? Watch! We must do the will of the Father to enter the kingdom (Matt. 7:21); for our prayers to be valid, they must be according to His will (1 Jn. 5:14); the Psalmist delighted to do His will (Psa. 40:8); the Psalmist also called upon God to teach him to do His will (Psa. 143:10); Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Thy will be done” (Matt. 6: 10); the mission of the Son while on earth was to do His will (Jn. 5:30; 6:38; Heb. 10:7,9); doing the will of God is essential to kinship with Christ (Mk. 3:35); he that doeth the will of God abideth forever (1 Jn. 2:17)! Since it is absolutely necessary that we do His will, but since we cannot know His will apart from His word, the word is absolutely necessary!

The Word of God Is Essential To Knowing The Promises Of God

God’s promises are expressed in His word! There we are told of “the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 1:1), of “the promise of eternal inheritance” (Heb. 9:15), and of the promise of “eternal life” (1 Jn. 2:25). God’s promises are conditional and the conditions are set forth in His word – often in the same passage as the promise. Note one “ample: To the Corinthians, Paul said, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my ‘sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 6:17-7: 1). The promises given are: “I will receive you,” “will be a Father unto you,” and “ye shall be my sons and daughters.” The conditions laid down are: “come out from among them,” “be ye separate,” “touch not the unclean thing,” “cleanse ourselves,” and “perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Stargazing will not reveal these promises nor the conditions on which they are to be granted, for the promises are not set forth in nature or in natural phenomenon. The scientist may look at his test tube and the astronomer may peer into the heavens by means of his telescope and see many wonderful things, but there they will never see the promises of God, because there they are not revealed. They are revealed in the word of God. Therefore, those who would turn men away from God’s word would turn them from the promises of God and the conditions upon which they are based, leaving the impression that the promises are of little worth and the conditions non-essential!

The Word Of God Is Essential To Knowing The Threats Of God

The careful Bible student knows of the threats God has made against wicked men. Knowing these threats, true believers earnestly try to shape their lives according to God’s pattern so as to avoid the threats God has made. They learned of these threats by the word of God, not be means of natural science, nor by human genius. They read such statements as: “But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile” (Rom. 2:8,9). From God’s word they learned that “. . the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). They also read “. . . the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (2 Thess. 1:7-9). These and other threats God has given against the wicked in His word, nowhere else! Therefore, he who would turn you from the word of God, by minimizing its importance or by speaking disparagingly of it, would keep you ignorant of the destruction which awaits wicked and ungodly men! Such a parson is not your friend, regardless of how pious he may seem!

God’s Word Is Essential To Knowing God’s Standard Of Judgment

How can one be prepared for the judgment if he knows not what the standard of judgment will be? The Bible, God’s revelation to man, makes that standard clear “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (Jn. 12:48). Paul speaks of “. . . the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel” (Rom. 2:16). I believe this passage teaches that the gospel is to be the standard of judgment with Jesus as the agent of judgment. However, if “according to my gospel” is to be taken in the sense that the gospel reveals the judgment, and not in the sense that the gospel is the standard of judgment, it makes little difference to me. If I am wrong, still man today knows of the judgment by the gospel, and in that gospel, nowhere else, can be learned of the standard by which he will be judged in the last day!

In fact, everything man knows about the judgment comes from the word of God — its certainty (Acts 17:31; Heb. 9:27), the awesome scene (Matt. 25:31, 32), its scope (Acts 17:3 1; Eccl. 12:14; 2 Cor. 5:10), its righteousness, no bribing, plea bargaining, and no covering nor withholding of facts (Acts 17:31; Eccl. 12:14), its basis (Rom. 2:6, 16; Rev. 20:12, 13), its personal nature, each one giving account for himself (Rom. 14:10,12; 2 Cor. 5:10), its fixed nature, the day set or appointed (Acts 17:31), and its finality, no court of appeal nor reversal of decision (Matt. 25:34, 41, 46). This and all else we know of the judgment we get from the word of God! Is one your friend who turns you from that word by making you believe it is unimportant, thus causing you to be ignorant of the judgment? No, a thousand times!

The Word Of God Is Essential To Knowing The Way Of Salvation

What would man know of salvation or damnation were it not for the word of God? Exactly “the little end of nothing whittled off!” The Bible reveals the fact that all men have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). The Bible is the book which tells of the origin of sin and its results (Rom. 5:12). Note that sin entered the world by Adam and death passed upon all men because all have sinned. The Bible tells us how sin enters the life of each individual -he allows himself to be enticed by his own lust (Jas. 1:13-15). The Bible tells us that those who yield themselves to serve sin become its servants (Rom. 6:16,17; Jn. 8:34). The Bible reveals that the bondage of si n is a hard bondage (2 Pet. 2:14-19). And it is the Bible which tells us that those in sin’s bondage are on the road to hell (Rev. 21:8)!

Likewise, it is the Bible which tells us what to do to be delivered from the power of darkness and be translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Col. 1:13). There we learn of the question asked Peter and the other apostles by those on Pentecost: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) In the next verse we have the inspired answer: “Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). In the Bible we can read the statement of the Son of God Himself in which He tells men of both salvation and damnation: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:16). The Bible tells us that the angel told Cornelius of Peter: “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 11:13,14). It records for us the words Peter spoke on that occasion (Acts 10:34-48). The preaching of Peter, John, Paul and others as recorded in the Acts Of The Apostles clearly sets forth the way of salvation, and the damsel was right when she said of Paul and those with him, “These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation” (Acts 16:17). If men will but look in the Book, they can see that way!

It is the Bible which tells us how this way was made possible! God’s love for man is the source from which the way of salvation came (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8). Because of that love, God’s Son appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Heb. 9:26). After the sacrifice was made on Calvary, He entered into heaven with His own blood to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb. 9:12,24). Thus, man is not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ (1 Pet. 1:18,19). In the words of Paul, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit” (Rom. 8:1). Now, having learned all this from the word of God, we can joyously tell sinners:

“There is a fountain filled with blood

Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood;

Lose all their guilty stains.”

Conclusion

If it is important to know the character of God, His will, His promises, His threats, His standard of judgment, and the way of salvation He has provided, then the word of God is important! The truth is: Instead of the Bible being a “dead letter” or “out dated” or “unimportant,” it is the most important book in the world! Read it! Study it! Practice it! Never be turned from it! Preach it! Defend it against the onslaughts of Satan and his ministers! And, with it, turn the world upside down and false teachers inside out!

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 23, pp. 708-709, 727
December 5, 1985

By S. Leonard Tyler

I am taking the liberty to pass on to you some of Mr. Henry Halley’s thoughts presented in his Halley’s Bible Handbook (24th Edition, copyrighted 1965, pp. 826-828). His expressions are denominational, being a denominationalist, but, not withstanding, he pushes the group singing, choirs, solos and special selections aside for the beauty, enjoyment and effectiveness of congregational singing. He also suggests that no “long winded preacher” should crowd out congregational singing, while he emphasized the need of purposeful preaching and pulpit appeal but not to the distraction of congregational singing. I may differ somewhat in his proportionate arrangement of the hour: twenty minute prayers: twenty minutes singing and twenty minute sermon but agree with allowing time for all.

Mr. Halley places emphasis upon the need and effectiveness of congregational singing. While differing from him on choirs, solos and special selections in the worship, I heartily agree with him on the need for good congregational singing. It has a divine place as well as a very special purpose in our worship to God. Professionalism is out in singing, preaching, praying and/or any other act of divine worship to Almighty God. It must come from the heart of the worshiper.

The New Testament instructs, “Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). These texts teach congregational singing. Each one should sing with grace in his heart unto the Lord while teaching and admonishing others. Allow me now to quote from Mr. Halley’s book.

“CONGREGATIONAL SINGING next to Bible teaching is the BEST FEATURE of a religious service, the most effective way to preach the Gospel. A Singing church is always well attended. People love it. A SINGING church and a TEACHING pulpit. “Moses sang, and lead the people in singing. Miriam sang. Deborah and Barak sang. David sang, and wrote the Psalms to be sung. Jesus and the Twelve sang, Paul and Silas sang. The angels sing. In heaven EVERYBODY will sing.”

He also suggests that Luther’s hymns bore his preaching over central Europe and states that singing made the great Welsh revival. Then asks, “Was there ever a revival without it? The very best way now to rejuvenate dead churches would be to sing them into life.” Think of some of the exploiting Evangelists’ campaigns today. How are they winning and holding their audiences? Not by the message of truth of God’s word but rather by the professional exposition of musical entertainment. Mr. Halley may have over evaluated the effectiveness of singing, notwithstanding, he certainly calls our attention to a very important fact. Singing weighs heavily upon the hearts of people. Think of Elvis Presley’s songs, lyrics and lascivious gyrations that turned the whole international musical world upside down and with it the moral standard came tumbling down into the hippy jungle of uncontrollable, emotional passion.

Parents, be not deceived into thinking that the type of songs, lyrics and gyrations your boys and girls see and hear are without lasting effect upon their innocent minds in forming their concepts of life and the type of character they want to become. Singing carries with it a great influence with the quickest results both within and out of the religious world. “Is any merry? Let him sing psalms,” is applicable (James 5:13).

Singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs is not to take the place of any other act of worship. Singing has a place in the divine plan and should hold and fill that place effectively. We must never think or say, “We just do not have time to sing.” Take time to sing praises to God and to teach and admonish one another. This should not be a task. It should be a love and joy fulfilled.

This is the more reason that selecting the songs should be carefully done. We are going to sing praises to Almighty God. We are going to teach and admonish one another, We are going to sing from our hearts with joy and thanksgiving to worship God acceptably and express unto Him our sincere devotion and praise.

Our attitude should be just as reverent, sincere and consecrated in singing as in any act of worship. It is just as divinely prescribed and its purpose is just as holy and heart searching as any offering given in worship.

Paul said that lie would sing with the spirit and understanding also (1 Cor. 14:15). What is your attitude toward singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs? Do you love it? Are you glad to join with others in singing praises to God with grace in your heart? Then open both heart and mouth and let the praises ring and the joy of your own heart be expressed in singing, not to please men, but to praise God and teach people.

When is it most important to sing? Any time and every time we sing in worship to God. Sunday morning, night; Wednesday night, during the meeting – whenever we have the opportunity to sing and make melody in our hearts unto the Lord, let’s do it with all our might.

In the words of an old hymn:

“All hail the pow’r of Jesus Name!

Let angels prostrate fall!

They bro’t the royal diadem,

And crowned Him Lord of all!

Let every Kindred, every tribe:

On this terrestrial ball,

To Him all majesty ascribe,

And praise Him! King of all!

O that with yonder sacred throng

We at His feet may fall!

We’ll join the everlasting song,

And praise Him! Judge of all!

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 23, p. 713

By Ron Halbrook

We are reprinting an excellent article entitled “The Third Epistle of Paul to Timothy” by Steve Gibson (1001 E. Adams Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74003). In the mid-1970s Steve came out of institutionalism but eventually fell back into it. I have loved him much, and love him still. He is a young man with much ability. While at Freed-Hardeman College he decided that our opposition to institutionalism was based on the premise that each practice must be authorized by specific example. I thought he was better taught than that, but have been unable to dissuade him from such claims and his present stance.

Steve is identified with the moderate liberals who are uncomfortable with many things being done and said in the mainstream movement. On 4 November 1984 he spoke on a lectureship in Muskogee, OK on the subject “Anti-ism Is a Tragic Misunderstanding of the New Testament Pattern.” Many of his brethren in the mainstream movement would call Steve’s “Third Epistle” legalism, reactionism, fundamentalism, and . . . yes. . . ANTI-ISM. ” They would turn him over to the one-cup, no-class, no-woman-teacher, no-Bible-college, no-located-preacher, no-literature, no-tuning-fork, and no-meeting house folks who suffer from “A Tragic Misunderstanding of the New Testament Pattern.”

I sincerely commend Steve’s article and commend him for having the courage to write it. The article implies that the Bible is a final and perfect pattern, and that everything not positively authorized by command, example, or implication is sinful. The more he focuses on that principle, the more he will realize that “The Fourth Epistle of Paul to Timothy” is the only authority for church sponsored social meals. the sponsoring church concept with its brotherhood- wide eldership, and donations from the church treasury to orphanages, colleges, and other human institutions. When the archaeologists find this “Fourth Epistle,” be assured we will not insist that authority be given by example only.

The Third Epistle Of Paul To Timothy Steve Gibson

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to Timothy, Associate Youth Minister of the church in Ephesus.

I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went to the Macedonian workshop, that thou mightest share thy dynamic motivational personality with the keen teens. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, candle-light devos be held for all cell groups. Meditate upon new schemes to keep them stirred up and on fire, give thyself wholly to them lest the aged men and women teach them to be sober-minded.

But watch out for them in all things. Do the work of a recreation director, plan a social calendar, entertain at hootenanies, chauffeur to amusement parks, referee ball games, make full proof of thy ministry. For bodily exercise produceth firm believers. These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the field house of God, which is the gymnasium of the church, the backboard and track of progress.

Let no man despise thy youth rallies: but be thou an example of the latest fad, in hugs, in applause, in altar calls, in neo-charismatic spirituality, in cliches. Do thy diligence to schedule Hymeneus and Philetus for next year.

Study to show thyself an intellectual. But progress beyond the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing the rigid traditionalists from whom thou hast learned them. Let the elders that rule be told they have no authority, especially over you.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, preach self-image psychology: relate, placate, and motivate with all values clarification and counseling. Use vague speech, that cannot be pinned down, that he that is of the contrary part may took foolish, having no charges that you cannot later deny. These things suggest and resent as all personal opinion so that anyone who disagrees may be ignored.

Hold back the faithful word, which you were taught, that you may be able by new doctrines both to find and fill felt needs. For there are many dynamic speakers and misunderstood thinkers, specially they of the circumcision, whose mouths must be given a wider hearing. A man that is a heretic to older brethren, after the first and second brother hood backlash, take a caravan of children a hundred miles to hear. Lay hands suddenly on anyone who seems visibly successful: keep thyself popular.

O Timothy, keep that which unknowing parents have committed to thy trust, avoiding doctrinal issues and oppositions o f knuckleheads, so-called. (Copied from The Edifier, 16 May 1985, p. 3, published by Church of Christ, 312 Pearl Street, Denton, Texas 76201.)

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 23, p. 710
December 5, 1985