Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

The Guardian of Truth is happy to announce that brother Robert F. Turner has agreed to contribute articles to this paper on a regular basis. Brother Turner was born in Scottsville, Kentucky on 3 November 1916. He was married to Vivian Allison on 12 December 1936. They have two children (Barbara Semmelmann and James A.) And three grandchildren.

Brother Turner has been preaching the gospel for fifty years. He has done local work in Illinois, Indiana, Arizona and Texas. In 1962, he moved to Burnet, Texas to begin work with the Oaks-West Church; since then, he has made Burnet his home. In 1968, brother Turner resigned from the local work at Burnet and began to work full-time in gospel meetings, holding 20-35 meetings each year. In January 1979, he “retired.” For the next four years, he taught the fall semester at Florida College and then held 10-12 meetings each year in addition to that. He is presently living in Burnet and conducting 10-12 meetings each year.

Brother Turner is best known to many of our readers for his work in Plain Talk. For twenty years he edited and wrote this 8-page paper which had a circulation as high as 8,000. His unique style of writing has been attractive to many readers all over the United States. We think our readers will enjoy his articles and we feel privileged to have them as a welcome addition to Guardian of Truth. Brother Turner will be writing a regular column, one which will appear 18-22 times each year. You can expect to read his material on page 6 or 7, depending on the layout. I know that you will look forward to reading from him and will benefit from his years of study.

Both brother Turner and I want our readers to know that there has been no compromise of convictions in our agreement to work together. We met together and discussed specifically some of the areas we thought that there was disagreement. We rejoice in the fact that we found no disagreement of substance between us. Brother Turner has been misrepresented by those who would imply that he believe a Christian may sin with impunity. He believe all sin, whether committed ignorantly, inadvertently, or presumptuously, is contrary to God’s will, and forgiveness is promised only upon conditions set forth in God’s word. We both believe that grace for the Christian is continuously available but conditionally received. The Christian who is involved in the practice of sin must cease the practice of his sin in order to stand justified in the sight of God.

Though there is no doubt that each of us would express some thing differently, we are aware of no significant different in doctrine or application. Brother Turner’s name has been linked erroneously with some other writers who have made very loose statements regarding “continuous cleansing.” Last year, I perceived that some brethren among us were ready to cut themselves off from men who disagreed on “continuous cleaning” but who had no difference in practice or in application of scriptural concept. Consequently, in an editorial dated 1 March 1984, I expressed that I had no desire to cut myself off from those who disagreed on this subject but whose practice was the same. In that editorial, I mentioned several men with whom I perceived disagreement and from whom I did not want to be cut off. Among those I mentioned was brother Turner. Unfortunately as I can now see in retrospect, this wrongly implied that brother Turner’s beliefs are identical to some others who have taken positions on continuous cleansing with which both brother Turner and I are in disagreement. My statement also implied that there was a difference in my convictions and brother Turner’s on the subject of continuous cleansing. Though some have assumed and asserted a difference exists, so far as he and I can tell, there is no significant difference between us on this subject. Though my main purpose was to express my desire for continued fellowship with him and others, I recognize that my statement implied that brother Turner took a position which he denounces. I regret that my statement misrepresented his convictions and apologize for it.

Brother Turner has a free hand to write on any subject he pleases in Guardian of Truth. Based on his past work in other periodicals and bulletins, we look forward to his contributions to our own work.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 12, pp. 358, 377
June 20, 1985

By Kenneth E. Thomas

No married man may reach his full potential for service to God and man without the proper kind of woman to encourage and share his trials, tribulations and victories. Many men have been made great men just because of the woman chosen for a lifelong companion and helpmate. Other men have been held back and lived a life of mediocrity and some complete failure both as to this world and in the one to come because of marrying a woman of the wrong disposition and attitude.

During the Jewish exile period, Nehemiah laments the sad conditions of his people and lays some of the blame on the wives they had chosen.

In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: And their children could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish (foreign) women cause him to sin (Neh. 13:23-26).

What Bible student isn’t familiar with king Ahab of Israel who, on top of walking in the steps of wicked king Jeroboam, added insult to injury by marrying Jezebel the daughter of an idol worshiper of the Zidonians? He was influenced to build a house for the false god Baal in Samaria. (See 1 Kgs. 16-31-33.) In 1 Kings 21 we are treated to an example of just how wicked Jezebel, wife of king Ahab, really was. Ahab tried to buy a vineyard from Naboth. Since the vineyard was his inheritance, Naboth was not disposed to part with it, even if the king did want ft. The king pouted, would not took at anyone and refused to eat. When his wife Jezebel found out what his problem was, she conspired a way to have Naboth put to death for, of all things, blaspheming the true God (whom she did not even believe in), knowing the law of God that the penalty was death by stoning. The charge was made, the penalty paid by this innocent man, and Ahab got his vineyard as his possession (1 Kgs. 21:1-13). A prophecy was issued against Ahab that the dogs would lick his blood which later literally came true (v. 19). See 2 Chronicles 21:5-6 and 2 Chronicles 22:14 as an example of a son doing evil because of his mother’s influence. John the immerser’s head was cut off at the instructions of a mother who had been burned by John’s preachings against her adulterous marriage to Herod, Philip’s (her real husband’s) brother (Matt. 14:1-9).

It is difficult enough, to say the least, to live as we are enjoined to do and train our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, when both parents are faithful, dedicated Christians. It becomes virtually impossible when there is division or even a lack of commitment to the principles of New Testament religion for this to be accomplished! There are, of course, exceptions to even this general rule. For example, there are cases when one, whose parents are far from being Christians, hears and later obeys the gospel and serves the Lord in faithfulness. Then there are cases when, so far as we can see, both parents are totally dedicated to living as Christ’s word directs, and their children never obey the gospel or go away from everything they were taught as children. But the general rule is, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6; see also Eph. 6:4).

Too many parents and some who profess to be Christians have a great desire to see their children popular in school and among their peers and will not set their foot down against a number of things commonly practiced in the various school systems of our land. If our children aren’t taught to forego those questionable or actually sinful practices while under our care in grade school or high school, don’t expect them to gain conviction enough later in life to be a peculiar person and try swimming up stream against the tide of popular opinion, practices of society and false religions. It will rarely happen! You see if they are allowed to dress immodestly and to participate in religious holiday activities at school or go to the prom, etc., they are forming the habits and convictions that will likely follow them the rest of their adult lives, again with few, rare exceptions.

Someone said, “Give a boy and a pig everything he wants, and you will have a fat pig and a bad boy.” That’s just about the case, don’t you think? Children hear the preacher as he talks about “taking up the cross,” “giving yourselves to the Lord,” “sacrifice,” and “be not conformed to this world,” and they watch their own parents leave off important spiritual matters and do just about what they want to, when they desire to, with little attention to modesty, sacrifice, and influence! What do you think they think when this is the case? You know! You may not want to admit it, but you know what they think. Also, as far as they are concerned, the preacher is just an “old fogy” who is out of touch with real life and wants to take away all of our fun. The happy, fun-filled fife, my friends young and old, is a life lived wihin the rules of the religion of Christ. It is then that we can, “rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4).

Just imagine how wonderful it would be in eternity to be one like Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, of whom revelation speaks through the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 1:5, whose faith was such as to influence this son and grandson to obey Christ and become a companion to Paul, one of the greatest men and gospel preachers (except Jesus) ever to walk among men! The man wrote by inspiration the greater portion of the New Testament Scriptures and “labored more abundantly than they all by God’s grace” (1 Cor. 15:10).

Do you as a parent ever attempt to influence your son or daughter to consider giving themselves in a lifetime of service to the Lord’s work as a preacher or the wife of a preacher? How about working to qualify as a deacon or elder or as the wife of either of these? Actually, many mothers have discouraged their children from this noble work simply because too often the pay isn’t nearly what they could make in another line of work. Secondly, they have to be out all hours of the day and night dealing with spiritual problems or teaching the gospel of Christ, and the women have to stay home and keep things in order or many times go along to assist in babysitting, etc. Then since the women of such servants of Christ know that criticisms of their husbands work will always be a factor to contend with, some say, “I’ll never marry a preacher or an elder or a deacon, etc.” And as I said above, many times a mother will tell her daughter what a sorry, sad life such would be and discourage her. Brethren, is it any wonder that we aren’t, setting the world on fire for the Lord? Why, it’s amazing that we do as well as we do I Our greatest enemy isn’t the denominations fighting against us. We are being defeated from within by the very ones who should be holding up the banner of truth against all odds, and in the face of every kind of opposition and persecution!

Besides, we should rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer and sacrifice for the cause that cost the blood of God’s only Son (Acts 5:41-42). Thank God there are still many godly mothers and grandmothers, faithful elders, deacons, preachers and members.

Here is a poem I composed to all the good mothers.

Good Mothers

Good Mothers, my friends
Are hard to find.
No one ever had one
As good as, mine.

She’s ahead of most,
And of none is she behind.
I’m so happy there are
Mothers almost like mine!

Mothers who are Christians
Have a place to fill;
To guide and keep the house
And with godliness fill.

To be an “help-meet”
To the head of that home.
Be there for the children
Not cause them to roam.

“The hand that rocks the cradle
Rules the world” it’s been told,
That’s how great a woman’s influence
Can have on her fold.

So mothers take warning,
For good or for bad,
What you do or don’t do
Will be seen in that lad.

That lassie will also
Mimic your traits;
They’ll see you, in her
In dozens of ways.

What a joy if you are
The mother Christ wants!
What a horror if you are not,
It will come back to haunt.

God bless you good mothers
On this your special day.
God help all others
To seek out your way!

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 12, pp. 365-366
June 20, 1985

By S. Leonard Tyler

Solomon wrote a long time ago, “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded . . . . Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard . . . . A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health” (Prov. 13:13,15,17).

Most of the difficulties and differences in religion today could be solved or settled by a proper attitude toward the word of the Lord. Solomon could have had more in mind in his statement than just God’s word, but it definitely is included and seems to be the primary thought. To me, it has direct reference to God’s word and commandments. The “honor” must refer to both man and God. To respect the advice of wise men will bring honor from them. The same is true with God. But to despise either is disrespecting and dishonoring toward them. Adam Clark, in his commentary on Proverbs, makes, this observation: “The revelation which God has given to man — ‘shall be destroyed,’ for there is no other way of salvation but that which it points out.” This is a very true observation of God’s word.

The conclusion and consequences are here given of two choices which express two attitudes. “Whoso despiseth the word” and “he that feareth the commandment.” The contrast is absolute. To despise the word is to disrespect, refuse to reverence, or reject its authority. To “fear,” as here used, means to respect, revere, to regard with love and honor, accept. To “despise” the word of God is to refuse it as being from God and/or to reject its message, commandments, or direction.

We are living in an age and society where all established religious truths are looked upon with scorn and distaste. “Orthodoxy” of any kind is considered trite in nature and narrow in application. Those who teach a true commitment and fidelity to any established rule or standard of measurement for a life style are classified as “legalists” or “behind the times,” or seeking to become “judges. ” Yet, the Book of God claims to be from God and to reveal His eternal and divine will for man’s salvation. To reject or “despise” this claim is a blatant refusal to accept God’s revelation.

The attitude most emphasized from Genesis to the close of Revelation is that of absolute trust and unwavering devotion to the will of Go4 which the Bible claims to set forth. To reject the Bible as being inspired, the very word of God, is to reject God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and every divine principle or revelation set forth. A rejection of God’s will is a rejection of God. This leaves man to his own will, plans, and design for life. However, and what a tragedy it is, such an attitude towards God and His will robs man of every spiritual blessing or aspiration he has. It leaves man a barren, unprofitable, spiritless mortal and robs him of every hope of living after death. He becomes his own God or accepts some other creature’s philosophical theory of man’s evolving from nothing to live and return to nothing. If that is education, wisdom and progress, I don’t want “none” (any) of it. But thanks be to God that is not education, wisdom or progress!

Look at these terms: “feareth the commandment . . . . Good understanding . . . faithful ambassador.” These expressions promise blessings, rewards, favor, and health. These are for the ones who look to God for guidance and direction, and who faithfully accept and adapt them to practice. They keep God’s commandments with love. They understand God’s will and gladly grasp it by faith. They arise with zeal and tell others of God’s way.

We believe that God is alive. Jesus Christ is His only begotten Son who came to this earth, lived, died, was buried, arose from the dead, ascended back to the Father, and then sent the Holy Spirit to reveal and confirm His word so that it could be understood for man’s salvation. We believe it, love it, obey it, and teach it for the salvation of man. All men “whosoever” will hear, believe, and accept it — have life.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 12 p. 353
June 20, 1985

By Olen Holderby

Once again we are permitted to consider some things that deal with both our happiness here and our eternal welfare. This thought places a high degree of importance upon our subject. The lesson will, in the main, deal with the relationship of young Christians to older Christians.

Age Groups

In the physical realm there are, as normally expressed, five age groups: infancy, childhood, adolescence (youth), maturity, and old age. However in the spiritual realm there are only two groups: babes in Christ and mature Christians. These are related to growth, rather than to years.

When Jesus issued the Great Commission, He included all alike when He said, “every creature” or “all nations.” Young Christians are members of the church just like others; they must not be considered a distinct group separate from all others. Such practice makes them a “sect” within the church. There is no such thing as “junior church,” “junior worship,” or “minister of youth,” so far as God’s Word is concerned. We need to remember that young people are just young Christians, developing toward maturity, spiritually as well as physically. Paul expressed this thought like this, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male or female: for ye all are one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

Further, we may be able to see a profitable balance by having the young and old together: the enthusiasm of youth with the wisdom of old age. Surely no young person thinks himself wiser than the old soldiers of the Cross. On the other hand, the old soldiers cannot think of themselves as having the “spunk” of youth. The utilization of both this zeal and this wisdom is, within itself, a safeguard against much that is wrong. Zeal without proper knowledge is bad (Rom. 10:1-3) and knowledge without zeal is no more profitable. Proper respect, in both directions, will add strength to any congregation of God’s people. I understand James 2:9 to forbid any other conclusion, “But if, ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” God gave the same plan for all to obey to become Christians, the same plan by which all are to worship after they become Christians, and the same set of rules to govern the lives of all. Let us find satisfaction, and profit, with God’s arrangement!

All Christians have obligations to all other Christians. “‘And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Heb. 10:24). Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Phil. 2:3). “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you, be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Pet. 5:5). I believe these passages clearly establish the point that all Christians have obligations to all other Christians.

The Older

Whether parents or those merely older, all have obligations toward the young. The very fact that these two groups exist establishes this fact. Every child deserves a home composed of Christians, with godly guidance and influence. Along with this must go the proper example for youth to follow, for the young are imitative. Faithful instruction in the precious truths of the gospel must be consistent. We may see all these things in the instructions given in Ephesians 6:4 and 1 Timothy 5:8.

I recently saw the results of a survey taken in one section of Chicago; seventy-five per cent of all grammar school children had never attended a Bible class of any kind. Ninety-nine percent of all criminals from this section of Chicago were from this seventy-five percent. These kinds of statistics are going to produce other statistics which are going to be more fatal to the society in which we live. Mark that well!

We, see a growing tendency among parents to neglect the necessary discipline, parents who send their children to Sunday school, but never go themselves, parents who are saying, “Do as I tell you, but not as I do.” Parents, this will not work! I heard someone say recently, “Young people spend much time on the street because they do not want to stay home by themselves.” And, from another source, “They would rather be led to do wrong than driven to do right!” Those of you that are older, listen carefully, our young people are going to be led! The question is, “Who shall do that leading?” And, “To what shall they be led?”

Young people need social activities. This is a personal and parental responsiblity, not a church function, nor is it a church obligation. Parents need to see to it that their children have the proper activities, guided by the proper principles. Our young people will have problems in this, as well as in other areas. They will need encouragement from the older set; they will need the wisdom of age. Perhaps enough of this godly assistance will help us avoid some broken hearts and lost souls.

The Younger

Let me just briefly touch upon the obligations of youth to their elders. Of course, children are to obey their parents (Eph. 6:1-2). The young are to respect their elders (1 Pet. 5:5; 1 Tim. 5:1-2). But, how do we apply these thoughts?

Once proper teaching is done, young people, you have the obligation to follow that teaching, to say “No” to temptations. You do not have to search far into the Bible for good examples in this. Moses, Joseph, Daniel, and even Jesus serve as good examples. School activities furnish wonderful opportunities to demonstrate “Christian” character. Young people, you do not have to engage in unchristian things in order to be popular. I knew of a football captain back in Oklahoma who was a Christian. He was the son of a deacon in the church.

When games were scheduled on Wednesday nights, he refused to play. He would not stir up a mess and conduct himself foolishly, but merely informed the coach that he would not be at the game and why. The games were changed to a different night. When he crowned the Homecoming Queen, the audience shouted for him to kiss her. He declined. “What a snob! ” No, not hardly! At the end of the school year he was voted the “allaround” boy of the school and was valedictorian of the graduating class. The idea that “everybody does these things” is not only deceptive, but it simply is not true!, For Christians do not do those things that reflcCt unfavorably upon their, character as Christians. This is true whether we are talking about young Christians or old Christians.

Each of us must exercise his senses to’be able to discern right from wrong (Heb. 5:14). Each of us must examine himself and make sure he is living in harmony with the gospel (2 Cor. 13:5; Phil., 1:27). For each of us must give an account of himself to God (2 Cor. 5:10). Seek Him while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near, hold to His hand as you walk through this life, and even if all others forsake you, you can still go home with Him after a while. Once again, may God bless each of you that you may never be ashamed to stand before Him, for it is certain that you shall.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 11, pp. 340-341
June 6, 1985