Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and Perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:12).

In every age, the Christian is tempted to be conformed to the world in which he lives. By the word “world,” Paul refers to that mass of thoughts, pursuits, interests, styles, goals, etc., which characterize men at any particular period of time. There is the ever present danger that the Christian will allow the world’s standards to become his own.

Our world is characterized by significant dangers. A number of Christian beliefs are openly attacked by the worldly philosophies of this present age. Humanism, with its rejection of God, denies the moral standards of the Bible. Many who have no direct attachment to atheistic humanism have accepted the ethical codes of that movement. The ethical standard of atheism says that man should not withhold from himself any temporal pleasure in the hope of obtaining some future reward beyond the grave; atheism denies any afterlife and therefore has nothing to offer beyond the grave. Consequently, if fornication gives a man and woman pleasure, they should indulge themselves; if drinking a six-pack of beer with friends is enjoyable, get together and enjoy yourselves; if watching a sex movie turns you on, you should be free to watch that movie.

Our generation has accepted these moral standards which have been formally stated in the Humanist Manifestos I and II, and have been popularized in the pornographic magazines, such as Playboy. The general attitude of the young men in our age is that if a person has the opportunity to commit fornication and does not take advantage of it, he is a fool.

Bible Morality Must Be Preached

As the world around us has accepted more liberal moral standards, some of us preachers have been so reserved in our preaching that we do not like to deal specifically with the issues confronting our young people. While none of us wants a sermon which is so explicit in its depiction of fornication and immodesty that it is pornographic itself, we cannot leave any doubt about what forms of sin we are fighting.

The Bible has somewhat to say about fornication and adultery (1 Cor. 6:12-20; Gal. 5:19; 1 Thess. 4:3-7). If there was ever a generation which needed to hear what the Bible says about these subjects, it is this generation.

The Bible has somewhat to say about the evils of strong drink. Drunkenness, revelry, and social drinking are specifically forbidden (Gal. 5: 19-21; 1 Pet. 4:3). Godly people are warned about the dangers of intoxicating beverages (Prov. 20:1; 23:29-35). Our beer-drinking, social-drinking society needs to hear what the Bible says about this subject. We dare not leave the fight against drunkenness to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The Bible has somewhat to say about the dangers of “looking on a woman to lust after her” (Mt. 5:28; Prov. 6:23; Job 31:1). Salacious literature is available in most minute markets in the local neighborhood; R- and X-rated movies are piped into many homes by network and cable television; the beaches are filled with men and women in near nudity. Our pornography plagued and lascivious society needs to hear what God has spoken on this subject.

The Bible has somewhat to say about “lascivious” behavior (Gal. 5:19). The word “lascivious,” from aselgia means “unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence . . . wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movement, unchaste handling of males and females” (Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, pp. 79-80). The word covers a whole multitude of sins generally accepted in our society. “Unbridled lust” is depicted in the bedroom scenes on television and in the movies repeatedly. “Filthy words” are the tools of trade of almost every comedian and are part of the standard vocabulary of most Americans old enough to be able to speak. Better words to describe the modern dance could not be imagined than “indecent bodily movements.” “Shamelessness.” is certainly the characteristic of a society which has lost its ability to blush (Jer. 6:15; 8:12). It is manifested in our society by television talk show hosts who discuss any private matter before millions of people, by men and women who go to public beaches with nearly nothing on, by those who openly say, “I’m gay,” and any other number of brazen admissions of immorality. The Bible has somewhat to say about lasciviousness, and we preachers need to be proclaiming what it has to say.

What the Bible has to say on these subjects needs to be preached openly and without apology. These are not subjects to be withheld from the general public and taught in the privacy of some classroom in a local congregation! They need to be preached in the pulpits on Sunday morning, on the radio and television, in bulletins and magazines, and in any other forum we have opportunity to use.

How Are We Doing In This Fight?

Only God knows for sure. However, there are some signs which point to the fact that far too many of us are being “conformed to this world” rather than having our minds “renewed” by the teaching of the Bible.

Christians go to the neighborhood swimming pool and beaches in the same kind of attire as the rest of the world. I hear stories of elders having pool parties in their homes where members of the church are invited over and mixed swimming occurs. I hear of Christians allowing their Christian children to attend modern dances, such as the prom. Unfortunately, involvement in these activities is not limited to weak, recently concerted members; weak Christians who have been appointed as elders and deacons are now involved. There is no way to know how many Christians are involved in watching the pornography of R- and X-rated movies coming into the home through cable television. Christians justify social drinking and beer parties on the basis that “my boss expects it of me.”

The impact of worldliness on the church is not limited to the occasion when one of the pretty young girls in the congregation comes forward confessing, “I have not been living as a Christian should,” gets married within a few days, and has a baby six months after her wedding. The worldliness was there when she attended the dance, spent long hours petting while parked at the drive-in theater or isolated road, went to the public pool in her skimpy swimsuit and watched the bed-romping scenes on television or at the movies. This worldliness has spread like a gangrene among us and it is past time that we should be alarmed by it.

The fornication has got to stop! The drinking has got to stop! Dressing immodestly has got to stop I Reading and/or watching pornography has got to stop I Going to the public beaches and mixed swimming has got to stop! Attending the prom and other dances has got to stop! A Christian cannot expect to go to heaven while continuing his practice of these things.

Conclusion

If we truly love those involved in these kinds of sin, we will do what we can to call them to repentance. Their soul stands in jeopardy before God so long as they continue in these sins. Unfortunately, some of us have become so desensitized to immorality that we are not very much alarmed when we see it. We are numbed to it. Or, could we say, as Paul said, we are being “conformed to this world”?

Brethren, let us not forget that sin has not changed. The dancing which was wrong when we were children is still wrong. The dance has not been “cleaned up” so that it is no longer lascivious. The mixed swimming which was wrong twenty years ago is still wrong. The attire which is worn at the modem beach is not more modest today than it was then. The drinking which was wrong when we were children is still wrong. Drinking is not less sinful or less of a problem in modern society than it was twenty years ago. These things are still sinful and those involved in them must be called to repentance. Our love and faithfulness to God demand that we preach the moral standards revealed in the Bible.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 13, pp. 386, 406
July 4, 1985

By Phil T. Arnold

Have you ever had the occasion to witness an individual called upon to comment upon a particular passage and react something like this? He ponders momentarily, skims a little, and then confidently responds by saying, “Well, it just says what it means and means what it ways.” Such allows a class to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time but perhaps with less benefit than desired. It may be that such a response is evidence of a lack of knowledge of the text or a failure to prepare for our studies, or, more likely, both. Yet, this answer is still far better than many offer when commenting upon particular Bible subjects and texts. Because of a lack of love for the truth, “pet” doctrines and practices, and prejudices, individuals offer some pretty strange interpretations”(?) of simple passages and simply cannot (?) understand what certain passages have to say. In an effort to cling to the Bible and claim continued allegiance without changing their doctrine or lives, they invent fanciful and imaginative exegesis that make void the word of God. They conclude that while “that may be what the Bible says, but surely that isn’t what it means.”

What Does The Bible Say About Creation?

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). The Bible plainly and firmly declared that “the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Heb. 11:3b). This creation is revealed to have been accomplished in six days with the work of creation being mature and full-grown. Yet, many attempt to hold to the Bible and deny these simple and unalterable truths about the origin and development of life and this world. The theistic evolutionists, therefore, often conclude that while the Bible makes such statements this is not really what it means.

I recall being in a discussion with an anthropology professor who attempted to allegorize everything pertaining to man’s origin and early existence in order to bring the Bible record into harmony with his false theory about early man. Thus, to him the story of Adam and Eve being cast out of the garden of Eden was not a literal story but simply God’s way of figuratively describing the time that man’s early ancestors left the trees and began walking upon the grasslands of ancient Africa. Such an “interpretation” (?) of the first three chapters of Genesis takes a prejudiced heart, a fertile imagination, and a lack of love for the truth. Yes, the Bible says what it means and means what it ways. God created the world and all therein exactly as the Bible relates and not in harmony with science falsely so-called.

What Does The Bible Say About The Number Going To Heaven

I realize that some have placed an exact number upon the inhabitants of that glorious eternal home, but it is not to this that we have reference. Rather, we inquire as to whether or not heaven will be the abode of the majority of mankind. What does the Bible say? “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13, 14). But the world ponders as to whether or not Jesus meant “few” when He said “few.” You see, man through his intellect cannot conceive of a God who would allow the majority of mankind to be lost eternally and to experience the horror of hell. In fact, man is not so sure that God meant “hell,” an everlasting place of torment, when He said “hell. ” This too does not harmonize with the God of love (?) of their imagination. Yet, heaven and hell are both mentioned with frequency and in terms to suggest without doubt that hell is a literal place of punishment and terror, time without end.

The Bible also gives us examples of God’s judgment and the “few” who escaped the wrath of God. There were but eight souls who entered the ark and were delivered from the flood. Only two, Joshua and Caleb, entered the promised land in contrast to the multitudes that left Egypt and perished in the wilderness. Yes, the Bible says what it means and means what it says and it takes a prejudiced heart, a fertile imagination and a lack of love for the truth to arrive at the interpretation that most people will go to heaven and all others will simply cease to be, for there is no hell. The Bible says what it means and means what it says. Many will go unto destruction and few will enter into life eternal.

What Does The Bible Say About Man’s Salvation?

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, he became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:8, 9). Yet, man has with great persistence proclaimed that salvation is “wholly of grace” and by “faith alone.” God’s word says, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24). Man denies that this is what James meant (the necessity of obedience), continued to profess allegiance to the Bible, and preaches his own doctrine of salvation apart from and without obedience. The objection in this matter is most often made to baptism as being involved with the salvation of man. This in spite of what God’s word has to say. The words of Jesus declare, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk. 16:16).

I remember discussing this passage with a denominational preacher who simply could not understand this statement of Jesus in light of his own concept of salvation. In an effort to understand the passage as his doctrine demanded and convince me of my error, he pulled a commentary from his shelf and read aloud the comments of one he held in high esteem. He was surprised to find the following comment: “This passage appears to teach the necessity of baptism in salvation, but we know this cannot be so.” In other words, “That’s what the Bible says, but that’s not what it means.” Sadly, his surprise and inability to understand Mark 16:16, as well as many other passages in God’s word, did not alter his firmly held belief. His lack of love for the truth, prejudiced heart, and fertile imagination had given him an alternative to what the Bible actually said. My friend, the Bible says what it means and mean what it says. We best believe and obey it, if we would be saved.

Unfortunately, those who wear the name “church of Christ” are not immune to a hardened heart that blinds our eyes and will not allow us to see the truth. For years, numbers within the church have had difficulty in understanding (?) what the Bible teaches about divorce and remarriage for any reason. Their strange interpretation of repentance allows for a continued living in a sinful relationship. As such problems (divorce and remarriage other than for fornication) increase in the church, I fear that more and more brethren will have trouble believing that the Bible means what it ways and says what it means about this subject.

Even now we also witness new (?) teaching of a strange sound concerning other areas which we once understood differently. The grace of God is now allowing our fellowship to be broadened beyond those who walk according to His commandments and “sin” no longer is that which necessarily and always separates us from God. Such is but a fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah anew, which says: “Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the heart of this people has grown dull. Their hears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should hear with their ears, lest they should understand with the hearts and turn, so that I should heal them” (Mt. 13:14,15).

Yes, The Bible Says What It Means And Means What It Says

The Bible says what it means and means what it says even when it talks about failing to love the truth, believing that which is false, and standing condemned. Therefore, let each of us guard his heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Let us maintain a love for the truth, study it diligently, apply it uniformly, and live it faithfully. “And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 12, pp. 374-375
June 20, 1985

Reprinted From The Christian Chronicle, May 1985

“Give, but give wisely,” seems to be the best advice offered by people with experience in benevolence.

No one claims it is possible to avoid fraud entirely, but “the Lord knows our motives are right” is no excuse for inadequate research, they say.

Here’s the best of the advice we found:

– Don’t rush. If you are being rushed, something may be wrong.

– Insist on positive identification including a social security number.

– Don’t be afraid. Ask the hard questions. If they are offended, that’s a good sign something is wrong.

– Be cautious when callers seem to have a wide acquaintance with brotherhood names, elders, issues, etc. These are used to disarm. Do not accept them as proof.

– Be sure to check phone numbers given for references. Call forwarding can be used to redirect calls to others involved in the confidence game.

– Never give money. If you purchase a ticket, mark it “non-negotiable for cash.”

– Let one person handle benevolence. Consistency and experience reduce fraud.

– Be wary of references who cannot be reached. Professionals often give references who are on vacation.

– Be objective when dealing with emotional requests like “the stranded, new Christian,” holiday pleas, etc. “it is much better not to get emotionally involved,” said Bill Mealer, head of the benevolence program at Madison, Tenn. Church of Christ.

– Be aware that criminals often impersonate faithful Christians. Be sure to check telephone numbers and identities carefully.

– Always call nearby churches and congregations to see if they have received similar requests. Share information, networking helps to foil dishonest schemes.

Said Robert Sharpe, author of a charitable-giving guide, “Before You Give Another Dime:” “By not demanding accountability, the individual makes charitable mismanagement possible.”

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 12, p. 372
June 20, 1985

Reprinted From The Christian Chronicle, May 1985

Churches of Christ are “sitting ducks” for professional confidence artists.

That’s the word from a man who says he has conned churches of $1 million.

Last month, in a rare glimpse into the world of extortion, an ex-convict talked about big-time benevolence fraud among churches of Christ.

A nation-wide telephone scam, revealed in March by Central Telephone Company officials, showed hundreds of churches of Christ have been bilked out of thousands of dollars earmarked for the needy.

After reading about the scheme in the March issue of the Chronicle, a man who identified himself as John Swain, called reporters to offer information.

For more than nine years Swain said he worked with a ring of professionals who specialized in church and charity fraud. Eventually he was sent to prison where he came in contact with Bible study materials and where he became a Christian, he said.

Swain, who was released less than six months ago, estimates he fraudulently collected more than $8W,000 from churches. Now he says he wants the church “to be aware of the problem and help dry up their (criminals’) sources.”

“I am very impressed by John,” said Dan Smith, a church leader in Reno, Nev. “I suggested he contact the Chronicle because he has an important story to tell. ” Shortly after his prison release, Swain lived with Smith for a brief time.

“There is no way I can notify all the different places where I did things that were wrong, that I’m a Christian now, and I’m sorry,” said Swain.

He believes Christians do not realize “how organized and professional some con games have become.” For nine years he said he was involved with a ring of 20-30 individuals who met every three months for an extensive planning session. Swain said the group continues to meet.

“They plot out the next three months, assign every con an area to work in, decide what churches will be hit, and what con they will use.”

Although several denominations and charities are regularly victimized, “churches of Christ are among the easiest and most susceptible to conning because they are so independent of each other,” said Swain. “Most of them don’t even make a phone call to check with each other.”

According to Swain, professional confidence men develop extensive files on church groups: names of congregational leaders; lectureship dates; lists of brotherhood personalities; names of administrators of Christian colleges, even information on current issues.

“They don’t miss a trick,” he said.

Armed with an extensive knowledge of the church, a polished and persuasive manner, they go after churches and are often successful.

Swain said confidence artists not only tailor their spiel to the church they are working, but they also “make seasonable adjustments in the amount of their requests.”

After tax season, money is tight, so they ask for less and increase the volume of calls. However, Swain said, during the holiday season “nobody asks questions. They can easily got $400 to $500 from a single church.”

Swain believes benevolence workers should be careful about references that are eagerly offered.

“Lots of times cons will go to the trouble of finding out when certain individuals are on vacation. Then they will give those names as references, knowing they can’t be reached.

“I think churches should also beware when people start throwing around names of people all over the brotherhood,” said Swain. “That is a tip-off they may be pulling a con.”

Another trick used by professionals is automatic call forwarding used to redirect a church’s call to a crony who then plays the part of the reference.

“Our group found out they could work several churches of Christ-even in the same town-and not got caught,” said Swain.

“I just wish churches would learn to call each other because people with good intentions are throwing away millions,” Swain said.

According to Swain, professionals have modernized their operations. Computer are now used to keep track of their “schemes and responses so there won’t be any doubling up.”

“These people are so shrewd . . . but we could make it more difficult for them if we would take the time to check with other churches,” Swain said.

– Joy L. McMillion

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 12, p. 372
June 20, 1985