Truth Magazine

By Lewis Willis

For the first time in many, many years, researchers are reporting a decline in the number of divorces in this country. Through the 1960s and 1970s, the number of divorces being granted shocked the consciences of those who are spiritually-minded. A professor of sociology at Johns Hopkins University, Andrew Scherlin, said, “The climbing divorce rate had to stop somewhere or we’d find ourselves with 110 percent of all married couples getting divorced.”

This information was reported by the New York Times and printed in the Akron Beacon Journal (1/14/85). In 1981, the number of divorces reached a record high when “53 of every 1,000 people, or 5.3 percent, received divorces.” It is commonly said that there are about 215 million people in this country. If so, in 1981 almost 11.4 million of those people were divorced. The figure is shocking.

However, the last three years there has been a decline in the number of divorces to 49 out of every 1,000 people being divorced, or 4.9 percent. This means that 10.5 million people were divorced by the end of 1984. That’s a lot of people! However, there was a decline. Researchers are at a loss to explain this decline but they believe it is legitimate because it has sustained itself for three consecutive years. Some are even of the opinion that the institution of marriage might yet survive! Perhaps some people are beginning to think for themselves a little bit. We’ve heard so much about personal freedoms in recent years that many people became confused. Some people apparently have been turned off by such movements as the “gay rights” movement and the “women’s liberation” movement. We in the Lord’s church have tried to continually preach against the sin of divorce and remarriage as it is so commonly practiced in our society. I was just thinkin, do you suppose the message is beginning to have an effect? Let me share with you the following article from The Light (Vol. 16, No. 1, January 1985) entitled, “I Am A Tired Woman.”

I Am A Tired Woman

. . . tired of being told that I am not happy, and that any illusions I might have to the contrary are indicative of a low mentality or at best a lack of originality or imaginative thinking.

. . . tired of being told by unmarried females that being a wife and mother is not rewarding.

. . . weary of those married females who, having made shambles of their own marriage, tell us that the institution of marriage won’t work, who having found themselves unequal to the task of finding happiness in marriage, intimate that we are less than adequate if we do not seek fulfillment outside of marriage.

. . . tired up to here with those who choose to ignore the basic and most apparent differences between men and women and their capabilities, thereby proving once more the truth of the old adage that “there is no one so blind as he who does not wish to see. “

. . . and full of pity for those who complain of being the playthings of men while they strut around in broad daylight in such a sad state of undress that they leave no doubt whatever as to what they consider their primary function in this life.

. . . tired of watching those who have never learned the art and grace of being a woman, yet seek to undermine everything that is feminine, trying to make men and women into carbon copies of each other, not for the betterment of mankind, but for the sole purpose of satisfying their own selfish desires.

. . . fed up with those who are so interested in their own so-called “rights” that they actually want to pass a bill making it illegal to treat us like women, stomping thus on the rights of those of us who have found fulfillment in being a woman, who know how to make not only ourselves happy, but also our husbands, our children, and those around us – who know what it really means to be a woman and to be treated like a woman.

. . . yes, but I am a woman. And I like it that way!

Author Unknown

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 23, p. 718
December 5, 1985

By Mark Mayberry

You’ve heard the saying, “Money is the root of all evil.” As they say in Tennessee, “It ain’t so, McGee!” We should realize that money is not inherently evil. Money itself is neither good nor bad. When used properly it can accomplish much good. However, for money to become the driving force in our lives is a perilous sin. 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (KJV). The text doesn’t say that money is the root of all evil; it says that the love of money is the root of all evil. Other translations give a slight variation to the last part of this verse: the NAS says money is “the root of all sorts of evil.” The NIV says it is “a root of all kinds of evil.” What are some of the dangers that come from a love of money?(1)

1. The desire for wealth becomes a thirst which is unquenchable. A Roman proverb said that wealth is like sea water; it doesn’t quench man’s thirst, it makes it greater. The more man gets, the more he wants! Christians are to have a vastly different attitude. “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Tim. 6:6-8). Ecclesiastes 6:9 says, “Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire . . . .” We should enjoy what we have rather than constantly be longing for more. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you… (NAS). The following popular song illustrates the concept we are talking about.

“A Satisfied Mind”(2)

How many times have you heard someone say,

“If I had his money, I could do things my way.”

But little they know, it’s so hard to find

One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind.

Once I was living in fortune and fame,

Everything that I dreamed of to get a start in life’s game.

Then suddenly it happened, I lost every dime,

But I’m richer by far with a satisfied mind.

‘Cause money can’t buy back your youth you’re old,

Or a friend when you’re lonely,

Or a love that’s grown cold.

The wealthiest person is a pauper at times,

Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.

When life has ended, my time has run out,

My friends and my loved ones I’ll leave, there’s no doubt.

But one thing for certain when it comes my time,

I’ll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.

2. The desire for wealth is founded upon an illusion. We think it will give us security, but it brings us anxiety. The more a man has to keep, the more he has to lose. We can easily become haunted by the risk of loss. “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep” (Eccl. 5:12). “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17-18, NAS).

3. The desire for money tends to make us selfish. Our thoughts become fixed on ourselves. However, the Bible says we are to have concern for the needs of others. “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal. 6:10, NAS). “But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” (1 Jn. 3:17-18).

4. The love of money can easily lead a man into wrong ways of getting it. There are right and wrong ways of gaining money. Many accumulate riches by dishonest, deceitful and immoral means. The Christian should not work at a job that brings disgrace upon the name of the Lord. We are not just talking about illegal activities. There are certain ways of earning money that are legal in the eyes of the state, but still wrong in the sight of God: i.e., gambling, producing and distributing alcohol, operating bars, night clubs or dance halls, etc. “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Eph. 4:28). “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right” (Prov. 16:8).

Endnotes

1. Adapted from William Barclay, The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, Rev. ed. (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1975) p. 132.

2. Red Hayes and Jack Rhodes, “A Satisfied Mind” (Fort Knox Music Co. – BMI, 1955).

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 23, pp. 707-708
December 5, 1985

By Weldon E. Warnock

Members of the church of Christ are frequently referred to as “Campbellites” by some of their religious neighbors. Baptist preachers, particularly, appear to get a lot of satisfaction in using this derisive epithet. However, I have never seen a “Campbellite,” nor have I ever heard of one. No one else has, either! I will endeavor to show why I am not a “Campbellite” and why I choose not to be one.

First of all, I am not a Campbellite because I am not a disciple of Alexander Campbell. To be a Campbellite I would have to be a disciple and follower of Campbell. Some say we teach the same things that Campbell taught and are, therefore, followers of him. In many things we do teach what Campbell taught, but we do not teach them because Campbell taught them, but because the Bible teaches them.

Because Campbell taught something and I practice it does not necessarily make me a Campbellite. If this were true, then by the same token I would be a Baptist, Methodist, Catholic and Lutheran, as well as many more. For example, if teaching immersion for baptism makes me a Campbellite, it also makes me a Baptist because Baptists teach immersion. But I am not a Baptist because Paul taught immersion in Romans 6:3-5, Colossians 2:12, and I teach immersion because Paul did. If teaching that we should not have instrumental music in worship makes me a Campbellite, it would also make me a Greek Catholic because they do not use it. But I am not Greek Catholic because the Bible teaches that vocal music only is authorized in worship (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).

Campbell taught some things that I do not believe. For example, he defended the missionary society through which churches may evangelize the world. If I were to accept Campbell’s conclusions regardless of his premises, then I might be a Campbellite. But if I accept only his premises when they are scriptural, then I am just a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ.

Second, I am not a Campbellite because Campbell was not crucified for me and I was not baptized in his name. In 1 Corinthians 1:12-13, Paul shows there are two things necessary for ownership. First, is a crucifixion for, and second, is baptism in the name of the one crucified. Paul was showing the Corinthians that this would be essential for them to be a ” Paulite. ” Obviously, this would also be necessary for one to be a Campbellite.

It would do the Baptist preachers, and Lutherans, some good to take a little “peek” at this passage. John the Baptist was never crucified for anybody; neither was Martin Luther. Jesus was crucified for us, and if we have been baptized into His name, then we ought to be nothing else but just Christians.

Third, I am not a Campbellite because there is no salvation in the name of Campbell. He was only a minister at best. Paul says, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Cor. 3:5-7). Salvation is only in the name of Christ. We read, “Neither is their salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). This eliminates Alexander Campbell, John the Baptist, Martin Luther, or any other mortal man.

Fourth, I am not a Campbellite because I reject all human names and designations. Human names are carnal and sinful. “For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” (1 Cor. 3:4) Any one who wears a name that cannot be found in the word of God falls into this category. Again, we read, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17). A person cannot be a Campbellite or a Baptist, etc. and do it in the name of Jesus Christ.

Fifth, I am not a Campbellite because I am a Christian. The name “Christian” is the one we can read about in the Bible. A more beautiful name cannot be found. Every time the name is spoken, Christ is glorified. Yet, many find more pleasure in wearing human names that glorify mortal men than in wearing a name that glorifies our Savior and Redeemer. The name “Christian” has almost been completely hidden and overshadowed by the denominational and factional names adopted by the imaginations of men.

“Christian” is a God-given name. It was prophesied by Isaiah in chapter 62, verse 2. The prophecy was fulfilled in Acts 11:26 when “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” King Agrippa said to Paul, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Peter wrote, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Pet. 4:16).

No, I am not a Campbellite. I am a Christian! It is a most worthy name by which we are called (James 2:7).

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 23, pp. 705, 727
December 5, 1985

By Jady W. Copeland

To be a success in life, one must overcome certain barriers that get in the way. In the decade of the 1930s there was an athlete named Glenn Cunningham who was badly burned in an accident. The burns were so severe that the doctors told his parents he probably would not walk again. But he did walk, and he did run. In fact, years later, he became the world’s record holder for the mile run. He had to overcome many barriers with faith, determination and work.

The Christian life is like that; there are many barriers that have to be overcome if we expect to be successful. Ultimate success is to be saved eternally. Like Joshua and Caleb in the report of the spies that went into Canaan, we must have faith. After Caleb had stilled the people he said Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Num. 13:30). Our strength coming from the Lord (Phil. 4:13), we can “possess” the land.

There is a story in Luke 19 of a small man by the name of Zacchaeus that well illustrates the points we want to make in overcoming barriers. Zacchaeus was a publican and he was rich (Lk. 19:1-10). Publicans were the tax gathers; collection points for the Roman government were located in Caesarea, Capernaum, and Jericho, but Jericho was an important point of tax collection for Zacchaeus was a “chief publican.” Publicans represented the connection link between the Roman government and the people, and their reputation was not the best. In fact, they were classified with sinners (Matt. 9:9-13) and with harlots (Matt. 21:31-32). On one occasion Jesus was passing through Jericho where he lived and worked. Zacchaeus was short in physical height, but he was so determined to see Jesus as He passed that he climbed up in a tree for a better vantage point. He was determined to see Him. Taking this familiar story, let us learn some valuable lessons as we draw several analogies to the life of Christians and non-Christians.

The First Barrier: A Bad Reputation

Not being popular with the people, he had to overcome the barrier of his reputation. Perhaps there was some justification for the ill-will of the people toward the publicans, and also some prejudice on the part of the Jews from whom the taxes were collected. Nevertheless, the barrier was there. He must overcome that to see Jesus. He would not let what others think of him as a person keep him from seeing the Lord. Littleness in a person often comes out when he gives excuses for not obeying the gospel, or for not doing more in the work of the Lord. “I would do more, but I simply cannot work with Brother Know-It-All.” Or, “If that is the kind of ‘Christians’ they have in ‘that church’, then I want no part of it.” Yes, such excuses for disobedience and unfaithfulness are heard. Sometimes there may be some truth to such statements, but shall we let the sins of hypocrites keep us from 44seeing Jesus”? The attitude of our Leader presents a far different attitude. On this occasion, knowing how the Jews felt about publicans, Jesus told the little man to come down, for He wanted to go home with him. Jesus was not afraid of the Jews and what they might think; He saw the possibility of saving a person from sin. Such an attitude of fear of what others think keeps some disciples from their duty and gives them a “soft” attitude toward the gospel. Giving in to social pressure causes some to drink, curse and commit adultery. While we must guard our reputation, we must not let such pressures keep us from our duty to God and “seeing Jesus.”

The Second Barrier: Riches

One of the greatest evils of the Lord’s people today is materialism. Zacchaeus was rich, but still he was determined to see Jesus; he would not let this (as is shown in verse 8) hinder him. Yet today, we see thousands of Christians letting material things hinder them (in varying degrees). A contrast may be drawn between Zacchaeus and the rich man of Mark 10:21ff. When Jesus told this person to sell what he had and come follow Him, he went away “grieved” (NKJ) for he was rich. When Zacchaeus heard Jesus, he was willing to give half of his goods to the poor and to repay those he had overcharged fourfold.

Why are riches so hard to overcome? First, because they bind us to this life. We can see no further than this world and thus rely on the material possessions for happiness. But they soon fade. Secondly, they tempt us to gather more wealth, trusting in that rather than spending precious time in the Lord’s service. Thirdly, they are a hindrance because they promise luxury, popularity and status, all of which is so fleeting. Some brethren even think large contributions will substitute for personal service to God. Have you ever heard of people who said, “I can’t preach, but I surely can make money, and I will pay you to preach.” While this may be commendable, does it substitute for personally teaching friends and neighbors? Money (whether we have little or much) gets in our way of serving the Master.

Middle-income families want their wives to work so they can have more. The man gets two jobs so they can have a nicer home. We insist that the youngsters work to help pay the mortgage payments. So the wife working is not home when the children come home from school, and coming home to an empty house, they look around for things to do, and wind up on drugs, hooked on TV (most of which is filth), or without parental guidance, find their way to other types of promiscuity. Then when the child gets to be 15-18, the parents come to the elders or preacher and want to find out where they went wrong. While the parents were “church-goers” and “we took them to Bible school,” they neglected the most precious possession – but why? Because the wife was working, or the father was too busy to take time with the kids. Not all evil looks evil, does it?

The Third Barrier: The Crowd

Since he was little, the crowd got in his way. It is ironic that often those who also want to see Jesus get in the way of others. They don’t mean to do so, but with their careless lives and hypocrisy (like the Jews in Jesus’ day), they hinder others from seeing Jesus. This reminds us of the story of Mark 2 where the man borne by four had to be taken through the roof to get to Jesus. The crowd hindered, as they themselves were crowding around to see Him. When a man in an East Texas town was asked to attend a meeting, he asked his friend if that was not the church that Mr. So-and-So attended. When the brother answered in the affirmative, the non-Christian said, in effect, “If that is the type of people you have there, I don’t believe I want to be a member.” The person he mentioned was one of the “leaders” in the small congregation. Furthermore, many “good” people keep others from the kingdom by neglect. They simply never mention Jesus to others, and, therefore, keep them from seeing Jesus by default. They may be receptive to the gospel if taught.

The Fourth Barrier: Physical Size

Because Zacchaeus was small, he had to find a way to overcome this. He climbed up into the tree. Today many have physical handicaps, and some let them hinder, and some do not. Sometimes racial or ethnic backgrounds serve as a hindrance, but the Christian that is black, or from a different section of the world, will not let the prejudices of the whites (obviously themselves wrong) keep them from serving God. One of the finest families we have in the congregation where I preach is black, but he doesn’t let the prejudices of a few keep him from seeing Jesus. This does not excuse the white person, and they will have to answer to God for that sin, but the black person must not let such sins of others keep them from Jesus. I knew a man in my youth that preached all over our part of the country in spite of the fact he was paralyzed from his waist down. He was an able proclaimer of God’s word and led many to the truth. Many would have let this keep from service, but not this man. I also know a man who cannot speak a word due to physical condition, but he writes tracts and distributes them to good advantage.

How to Overcome Barriers

The barrier of a bad reputation can be overcome by knowing and realizing who we are. We are the children of God, and a greater privilege cannot be named. Regardless of what others think of me, I want to serve God and “see Jesus” eternally. “I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.” If people are prejudiced against you, that is their problem. They need to realize that “God is no respector of persons” (Acts 10:34). But can I afford to quit the Lord because of what others think? Can I afford not to worship because some belittle my clothes, my speech, or my physical deformity?

The barrier of wealth can be overcome by a determination to give. This can be done when I realize that “I can’t take it with me.” We need them to read Matthew 13:22 over and over again. In the parable of the sower, the seed in the thorns represents the ones who are deceived by riches. Materialism is eating the church alive. We deceive ourselves into thinking we are giving enough. We deceive ourselves into thinking we help the poor, when we make no sacrifice at all. We deceive ourselves into thinking we have to have more, when in reality we want more and are simply selfish about it. Hundreds of appeals go unmet each year by thousands of churches because brethren don’t give as they are prospered; and they don’t give because they drive cars worth $15,000 when they could get by on cheaper ones. They live in homes worth $100,000 when a smaller one would serve as well – if pride didn’t get in the way.

The barrier of the crowd can be overcome by getting a higher viewpoint. Often we pay too much attention to the unimportant things, and leave off the weightier matters. Zacchaeus was not too dignified to climb up a tree to see Jesus. Whether the townspeople would think he was a little boy and doing a very undignified act didn’t seem to bother him. Yet today, clothing (or lack of fine clothing) and other examples of false pride get in the way of seeing Jesus. Read I John 2:15-16 again and think.

Finally, the barrier of physical disadvantage can be broken by giving thanks to God for what we are and what we have. Brother Curtis Porter was a small man physically and did not have the greatest voice in the world, and for years he lived with a blood disease that he knew would take his life. Did he let it hinder him? He was one of the greatest men and greatest preachers and debaters of our time. He had faith. He had love for God. He knew who he was, and he was thankful for what he had. We often feel sorry for ourselves. We are prone to give up if we don’t have the greatest of advantages. Be thankful for what you have, and what you are. It all starts with faith. God being our helper, let us all determine to see Jesus (in our faith now, and in eternity after death). With His help, we can overcome all hindrances, and do good in His service and finally “see” Him throughout the ages because of His goodness and mercy extended toward us.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 22, pp. 688-690
November 21, 1985