Truth Magazine

By Dennis C. Abernathy

The apostle Paul tells the Ephesians that “there is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:4-6). Just as surely as this passage shows there is but one God, it shows there is but one body. In other words, if you believe in one God, you also believe there is one body (that is, if you believe the Bible)!

Our Lord has but one body on this earth. “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another” (Rom. 12:4-5). “But now are they many mem4ers, yet but one body” (1 Cor. 12:20).

Since we now know there is but one body, the next question is: “What is this one body?” Let the Book answer. “And He is the head of the body, the church . . .” (Col. 1: 18). Notice further, “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church” (Col. 1:24). One last passage, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23). The church is His body! “The body” — “the church.” How simple. But please notice that this does not say “a church … .. some church,” or “just any church.” But it does say “the church.” What does this prove? It proves there is but one body and this one body is the church. It follows then, that there is but one church!

This being the truth, why will men encourage people to “join the church of your choice and glorify God”? (Billy Graham, “My Answer,” 12/15/55).- May I ask a question in all sincerity, not to be ugly or offensive, but plain and forthright. How is it that there is a Catholic church, a Seventh-Day Adventist church, several different kinds of Baptist churches, Methodist churches, interdenominational churches that are composed of many different beliefs, and on and on we could go, yet with each of these claiming its existence by divine authority and all claiming to acknowledge the Bible as being true? Is the Bible the “infallible rule of faith and practice”? I can read of Paul addressing “the church of God at Corinth.” I can read of “the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae.” I can read of “the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons” (1 Cor. 1:2; Col. 1:2; Phil. 1:1). Then I can read of “all the churches of Christ” sending greetings (Rom. 16:16). But my dear friend, I must humbly confess that I have never found where Paul addressed the Presbyterian Church, the Baptist Church, or the Methodist Church. Have you? I cannot find anything like “the Seventh-day Adventist Churches salute you” in the Word of God. Can you? Have you wondered why this is so? Doesn’t it appear that something is wrong?

Ah! But someone says, “these organizations are but branches of the vine, or members of the one body of which Paul speaks. But when one defends error (or tries to) he finds himself engrossed in even more error. Now we have a “Baptist branch of the church,” a “Methodist branch of the church,” and I suppose the smaller, less prominent groups might be considered I ‘twigs. ” But notice, if you will. Until the various denominations came into being (whose beginnings are not found in the Bible), the church must have been without “branches” and consequently could not have been fruitful. A vine with no branches that bears no fruit is worthless! But we are supposed to believe that today God has branches, and branches, and branches, and branches. That there are branches of branches, and branches of branches of branches. Talk about “spiritual evolution.” And not only that, but all of these branches are growing from the same vine, with every one bearing different kinds of fruit. Talk about an oddity. My friend, who can believe it!

No, dear reader, there is but one body, the church. You can read all about it in the Bible. It is composed of the “saved,” who have been added to it by the Lord Himself (Acts 2:37,38,41,47). The units that make up the one body are Christians and not congregations or different denominations. These Christians form local churches when they meet together in their localities and do what God has ordained in His Word.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 17, p. 532
September 5, 1985

By Ronnie Milliner

We all enter God’s family at different times. We mature at different rates. How are those who are more mature or stronger in the faith to treat those who are weaker? How should the weak react to the strong? Paul deals with these relationships in Romans 14:1-15:13.

Not Damning (14:1-12)

Paul admonishes, “Receive the one who is weak in the faith” (14:1a). The realm in which Paul is dealing in this section of Scripture is the area of opinion (14:1b, NASB). This point is important to remember for some individuals want to apply the writer’s instruction to areas unauthorized by the Word of God.

Two examples are given-one in the matter of diet, the other in the matter of day-keeping. “One believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables” (14:2). In the other area, “one person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike” (14:5a). If a man chooses to eat only vegetables, he is not violating any sacred principle. The man is not to be condemned for his actions, neither is he to try to bind his personal view on other brethren.

The reason we are not to condemn our weaker brethren is that we are not the Master (14:1), we are not the Lord (14:7-9), we are not the Judge (14:10-12). “Each of us shall give account of himself to God” (14:2).

Not Deterring (14:13-23)

In dealing with our weaker brethren we should not “put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (14:13). A man should not be caused to violate his conscience, for if he does he is sinning (14:23). Can you imagine destroying one spiritually “with your food the one for whom Christ died” (14:15)? Is my food (or my “rights”) more important than my brother’s soul? Instead of demanding our way, “let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food” (14:19-20).

Not Dividing (15:1-13)

The stronger need to carry the weaker, not put them down. Build up, not tear down. Christ was certainly one who was not looking out for just self. He was willing to sacrifice Himself for others, and so should we. Even though there may be differences of knowledge due to different stages of maturity, we should still be one. “Be like-minded toward one another . . . that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:5-6). Never should God’s people divide over matters of indifference.

Conclusion

We are a family. Families have problems and differences, but they seek to resolve their problems. God, our Father, has told us, His children, how to handle our problems. We can settle any matter if we will follow His will. “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification”

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 18, p. 548
September 19, 1985

By Jack Holt

On May 20th and 21st, brother Bob LaCoste of the Wonsley Drive congregation in Austin Texas debated brother Bill Jackson of the Southwest congregation, also of Austin. The discussion was held one night in each building on the subject of church benevolence. Brother LaCoste affirmed: “The Scriptures teach that the church may grant benevolent aid only to those persons who are members of the church2′ Brother Jackson affirmed: “The Scriptures teach that the church may grant benevolent aid to a person who is not a member of the church.”

Brother LaCoste’s general demeanor was excellent, and his speeches dealt with the issues. Brother Jackson’s behavior was beneath that of a Christian gentleman in several particulars. His speeches were filled with language that could only serve to widen the gap between brethren, and in the last speech of the debate he introduced six new arguments and ridiculed brother Elmer Moore, who was brother LaCoste’s moderator, for making a point of order concerning the new material.

The first night of the debate was held at Wonsley with brother Jackson in the affirmative. The building was full (about 300 faithful brethren, and about 75 from Southwest). The second night of the discussion (at Southwest) found about 250 of our brethren in attendance, and less than 100 from Southwest-this in spite of the fact that Southwest boasts a normal attendance of near 350.

The truth prevailed in an outstanding fashion during the debate. In his first speech, brother Jackson charged that brother LaCoste believed that we must have specific authority for everything that we do. Brother LaCoste corrected brother Jackson on this, but brother Jackson continued to make the charge throughout the debate. In the course of making this charge, brother Jackson continually attempted to identify brother LaCoste with the anti-class, anti-located preacher, and anti-women teacher movements.

In his first negative, brother LaCoste took 2 Corinthians 9:13 away from brother Jackson so effectively that brother Jackson did not dare mention it again until the final speech of the debate. Brother LaCoste showed that pantas (“all”) could not have reference to alien sinners in the context of that passage.

Of course, brother Jackson brought out several passages which described individual duties in benevolence, and tried to apply them to church benevolence. Brother LaCoste demonstrated from 1 Timothy 5:16 that God has made a distinction between the benevolent duties of individuals versus the benevolent duties of the churches. All brother Jackson could do, again, was wait until his final speech when Bob would have no chance to answer, and then ridicule the idea that there was

any distinction between individual and collective duties in benevolence.

When brother Jackson brought up Galatians 6:10, he charged that brother LaCoste was inconsistent to contend that the verse spoke of individual action only, since he authorized collective action in regard to paying the preacher from Galatians 6:6. Brother LaCoste pointed out that he didn’t even believe Galatians 6:6 was talking about the preacher’s salary. He further explained that he looks to passages like 1 Corinthians 9:3-18; 2 Corinthians 11:8; and Philippians 4:10-20 to authorize a church paying his salary, and not Galatians 6:6. But apparently brother Jackson did not hear him, for even in his review of the debate (published June 20, 1985, Gospel Advocate), he charges brother LaCoste with looking to Galatians 6:6 to authorize the church paying his salary.

Brother Jackson spent the first 22 minutes of his first speech without even referring to a passage of Scripture. He argued from the basis of history that “antism” was wrong. Brother LaCoste simply pointed out that the proposition did not say, “History teaches that the church may grant benevolent aid to a person who is not a member of the church,” but that the proposition did say, “The Scriptures teach . . .” By referring to brother Jackson’s recent opposition to an Austin congregation’s building of a swimming pool, brother LaCoste got brother Jackson to admit that he was an “anti,” too.

On the other hand, brother LaCoste made a well-organized presentation of the truth while in the affirmative. After demonstrating the New Testament pattern in regard to whom the church may relieve, brother LaCoste pressed brother Jackson to see the parallel between his own position in regard to musical instruments in worship and the Bible’s pattern in church benevolence. Brother Jackson never dealt with the argument.

I could go on, but I think you get the general idea. I sure will be glad when brother Jackson and his brethren decide to come on out and defend their position from the Scriptures. Brother Jackson certainly did not do so in this debate.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 17, p. 524
September 5, 1985

By Larry Ray Hafley

Recently, received a letter from a brother who was “turned off” by some articles which I had written. Here are some of his comments to me:

I believe my evaluation of your attitude to be fair (and consistent with others I know who know you well). This being said, please allow me to ask you these questions.

1) Do you have anything positive and constructive to say about anyone or anything?

2) Are you really the jerk and smart-aleck you seem to be? You remind me, in attitude toward your work, of John McEnroe-one who is talented, who has a very enjoyable and rewarding job, but one who does not enjoy what he is doing. (Or do you enjoy cutting people down all the time?)

Comments?

P. S. You may use the article, but you are not free to use my name, in print.

Believe me, brethren, that is a genuine letter. I did not make it up. If I had, I would not have been quite so hard on myself! How can I possibly respond to this letter without proving that I am a “jerk and smart-aleck” who has nothing “positive and constructive to say about anyone or anything” and without appearing as though I “enjoy cutting people down all the time”? It will be difficult, but I will try. Please bear with me.

A Serious Response

Laying aside feeble and futile attempts at satirical and sarcastic humor, please allow me to kindly, yet candidly, make the following remarks for your sober reflection.

Why not simply file this letter in a trash bin? Why not smile and ignore it? Perhaps that would be the prudent course to to pursue. However, from a few similar letters and comments we have heard, the sentiments expressed in the letter are being whispered about. They must, in our judgment, be dealt with lest they slowly worm their way into the hearts of men. Jesus publicly exposed private doubts and undermining murmurs of His enemies (Matt. 9:2-8). His open response repressed the leaven of reproach and gave His deeds and doctrine a fairer hearing. Bringing such letters out into the open gives them a hearing they do not deserve, but if the word of truth ultimately is given a freer course by tending to them, then our efforts will not be in vain.

First, to those who are appalled by the militant, controversial tone of Guardian of Truth, are you also appalled by the strident, personal attack on me? I, and other authors appearing in this journal, may have (in your judgment) “come on too strong” and “overstepped the bound of ‘Christian journalism… in times past. Grant it, for the sake of argument. Do you not see that our articles and “attacks” at least have the benefit of dealing with issues of Bible teaching rather than with calling one ugly names, making false charges about his life and work and impugning his motives? What “positive and constructive” thing did he say to me? Did he “enjoy cutting” me down? Surely not.

Second, what specific errors of mine regarding the teaching of the word of God were enumerated? Will you not agree that my articles, however disgusting and distasteful they may be to you, at least attempt to grapple with specific issues of difference? In all the long, tedious and weary controversies in this paper, where do you find an article, whether dealing with Arnold Hardin, Guy Woods, Ed Fudge or Darwin Chandler, that simply discredits them personally without citing book, chapter and verse against their errors? We have never called brother Woods (or anyone else) a “jerk and smart aleck” and ignored his teaching. Can you not see the difference?

Third, errors and false doctrines do not sprout on trees or spring out of the air. They grow on people. Every false way has a human advocate. R.H. Boll was wrapped up in premillennialism. Guy N. Woods was wedded to institutionalism. Edward Fudge was welded to the new unity movement. Whether rightly or wrongly, these men and their movements were specifically cited and indicted, reproved and rebuked, exposed and opposed, “with all longsuffering and doctrine.” They were not merely castigated as “jerks and smart-alecks” or simply called. false teachers without proof. Attempts, whether successful or not, were made to deal with the doctrines they taught. Again, please note the difference between “rebuke them sharply” and “attack them personally.”

Fourth, letters like the above are the only resort of those who cannot or will not openly defend their doctrines. Their purpose and effect, whether publicly or privately espoused, is to poison your mind against us so that you will not fairly evaluate our arguments.

When the Lord worked miracles which confirmed His mission and message, His person and purpose, the enemies of truth said, “Yes, He performs miracles, but He does it by the power of the devil.” Conclusion? He is in league with Satan, so you cannot believe Him. Thus, without dealing with a simple issue or Scripture, they blinded the minds of them that believed not. Therefore, Jesus dealt decisively and directly with this subterfuge (Matt. 12:22-30).

When the Lord was successful in His efforts to convert the publicans and sinners, His enemies said, “See, He is a friend of sinners. He associates with them, so He must be a sinner. Remember, ‘birds of a feather flock together.”‘ Once again, they had riot answered a single argument. They discredited Jesus’ character and thereby attempted to nullify and stultify His influence and doctrine. Jesus replied logically and firmly against this effort to assassinate His character (Lk. 15).

Hence, these cheap and carnal turns and tactics are not new or unexpected. If a man believes my position is wrong, let him, if he so chooses, hold me in utter and abject personal scorn and contempt; but, then, let him answer my false teaching. It is one thing to verbally vilify a man, but it is quite another to ably answer him.

Fifth, and please excuse these personal remarks, Baptists have called me a “water salvationist” who “trusts in water to save and not the blood of Christ,” but they have not shown that my position on Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38 is in error. Baptists have said, “Alexander Campbell started your church.” Well, suppose I have a church and suppose Campbell founded it., Does that prove that the Baptist Church is the New Testament church? Pentecostals have charged that I “blaspheme and deny the power of the Holy Ghost,” but they have not answered scriptural arguments which show that miracles and tongues have ceased. I expect such recriminations and accusations from the denominations, but I desire better things from my brethren who would disagree with me.

In all the negative letters I received from those who abhorred and deplored my exchange with Stanley Paher (see January 3, 1985 issue of G.O.T.), no one attempted to answer the questions I raised or the arguments I made-no not one. Again, please grant every terrible thing about my attitude and imagine the worst, assume that I am a despicable wretch, should not someone have said, “Brother Hafley here are the Scriptures and argument; that answer your questions and contentions”? (Editor’s Note: Though a few wrote judgmental letters decrying brother Hafley’s alleged “bad attitude, ” no one wrote saying, “I believe brother Paher taught the truth. ” Brother Hqfley presented the truth in such a way that error was plainly exposed (Tit. 1:11). Brother Hafley’s love for saints test they believe brother Paher’s false teaching motivated him to write. He manifested the same “zeal for thine house ” (Jn. 2.17) as Jesus manifested when He cleansed the temple. Would these critics make the same negative judgment of the Lord as they made of brother Hafley?)

Sixth, this fervent appeal to you, dear brethren, does not establish my position on any topic. To those who may approve and applaud my work, and who may like me as a fellow human being, do not be deceived by our friendship. What I have argued or contended for on any subject is not confirmed because you like me as a friend. Luther Blackmon used to say that the only fellow he “hated” worse than someone who called him a false teacher was one who called him a false teacher and then proved it! You would have to see the subtle, mischievous grin on his beloved face before you could fully appreciate what he was saying. Things often sound snide in print that would be better received in person. So, let us not take a stance on any issue or question because we either like or dislike the person or the medium in which it appears. My friends should not condemn a person or position because it or he does not “agree with what brother Hafley believes.” I do not believe my friends will do so. I believe they are loyal to the Lord, not Larry. I am persuaded that they are able to distinguish between their personal regard for me and their love for truth. I know they will side with those who disapprove of me if they see I am wrong. That is the way it ought to be.

Seventh, doctrines are more important than the men who endorse or condemn them. The issues that affect the future of the faith, the gospel, and the church of the Son of God are too important to be lost and buried in wrangling and vain jangling. Our interest and fight in the historic battles of the past were not centered on men. It was not Otey vs. Briney as a personal battle. It was the principles regarding Bible authority and the work and organization of the church in the fight over missionary societies. It was not Hardeman vs. Boswell. It was the authority of the word of God and the worship of the church in the fight over mechanical instruments of music. It was not Wallace vs. Boll. It was premillennialism and the kingdom of and kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was not Woods vs. Porter or Woods vs. Cogdill. It was the authority of Scripture and the work and organization of the church.

The issues at stake which affected the future of truth and righteousness were more important than the men who espoused them. Otey, Briney, Hardeman, Wallace, Boll, Boswell, Porter and Cogdill have gone the way of all the earth, but the vital principles and issues remain to confront the faultless faith, the glorious gospel and the changeless church of our Lord and Savior. And so it is, my brethren, with current issues, doctrines and positions. The men are nothing but future food for worms who will rot in forgotten graves, but the issues of truth and error, of righteousness and unrighteousness, will continue to afflict the house of God for good or ill. Duty demands and eternity commands that we contend earnestly for the faith, for the truth, and not over persons or magazines that perish with using.

Make no mistake about it. The questions, doctrines and issues that challenge us today are fraught and loaded with eternal consequence. The fight over the missionary societies and mechanical instruments of music was dismissed by some as a fuss over “methods” of preaching and worship. The premillennial fight was shrugged off as a mere question over “unfulfilled prophecies,” whose truth could not be determined by uninspired men anyway. The institutional fight was condemned as a “preacher fuss” over “how” to care for orphans. How wrong they all were! And how wrong we will be if we carelessly refuse to consider the rudiments and elements of Calvinism that cancerously pervade and permeate vital organs of the nature of sin and forgiveness as taught by the new unity movement.

Some said that Roy Cogdill led away brethren and opposed the Herald of Truth because he was not chosen as its spokesman! Some say that Willis, Halbrook and company want to “control the brotherhood” via Guardian of Truth, so they use nefarious and sinister methods to destroy those who oppose them. Others have referred to this paper as “the Gospel Advocate” among conservatives which seeks to quarantine and silence all who stand in the way of its power-hungry political machinations. Our objective has been, is, and must remain to sound forth Christ’s word. This means both the positive and the negative, and in the most effective manner possible. Those who teach error must feel the sword of the Spirit. Let us as soldiers not be concerned with the feelings of teachers of error to the point of sheathing the sword, or worse, disparaging those who wield it faithfully.

Frankly, brethren, it is an insult against your faith and good sense when men insinuate that you could be controlled by a paper. Those who so charge must not have a high regard for your faith and your ability to think for yourselves. We, however, labor under no such illusions, or delusions. You are not led by men but by the Holy Spirit of God through His Word.

It is not a question of “who” is right-whether Otey or Briney, whether Hardeman or Boswell, whether Wallace or Boll, whether Woods or Porter or Cogdill, whether, Halbrook or Fudge — “who” is right is not the issue. The question is, “What is right?” What does the word of God teach-that is the issue in any controversy. Do not ever forget that.

Eighth, like most normal, sensitive people, I was hurt and embarrassed by the letter which spawned this article. I should not, perhaps, allow one the satisfaction of knowing that his remarks, however well intentioned they may or may not have been, bothered me. 1, of course, view the remarks as totally unfounded in fact and wholly untrue, and, like the little boy stifling and choking back tears, I would like to say, “Didn’t hurt a bit.” But it did. Knowing that, I trust that you will be generous with me if my remarks in your opinion, tend to be self-serving. They are not so intended. Lash and lacerate me or anyone else who strays from the truth. “Cry aloud and spare not.” I hope I will not hold or harbor a grudge against the one who wrote. Please pray for me to that end. Pray that I will not be animated or motivated by bitterness and revenge.

Ninth, please try as impartially as you can to weigh what I have said on the scales of truth and love. Whatever I write you may feel free to attach my name to, if it represents what I have said. Tell the truth on me and you may use this article “in print.”

Tenth, and last of all, letters like the above will not intimidate our efforts. We shall continue to speak the truth in love, both “in season and out of season.” We shall not be deterred or detained in our determination to see the elimination and extermination of “every false way. “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Tit. 2:15). Our mouths will not be stilled nor our cause stopped by those who prate “against us with malicious words.” If we are wrong, smite us “hip and thigh,” cite book, chapter and verse; put your index finger on the passage, for that is the only correction we will accept. We are “set for the defense of the gospel” and will not surrender one iota of the faith to the taunting tirades of those who oppose themselves. We will give “place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.”

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 17, pp. 528-520
September 5, 1985