Truth Magazine

By Raymond Harris

The awesome responsibility for bringing children into the world should be carefully considered by all of the age and disposition to do so. With the coming forth of each generation, society is only twenty years from barbarism! Yes, twenty years is all the time we have to educate and civilize the infants born into our midst each year.

When these tiny “Bundles of Joy” come into our midst, they know nothing of our language, our culture or our customs. They must be taught to understand and communicate with others in their immediate environment. At birth the child knows nothing of our religion, our values or interpersonal relations. Unless they are taught (and caused to believe), they will never reverence God, accept the difference between right and wrong, or come to respect the person and property of others.

The infant is totally ignorant about Communism, Fascism or Democracy. We cannot “assume” that our offspring will instinctively or automatically agree with and share our political beliefs. They must be enlightened and informed as to the strength and weakness of all political systems, if they are to function intelligently as adults in a world largely controlled and influenced by a variety of political ideologies.

The newborn knows nothing of civil liberties, civil rights, racism or prejudice.

The newborn knows nothing about respect, decency, honesty, morality, manners, conventions and propriety.

Truly, each little bundle of “total ignorance” must be tamed and schooled and trained very carefully if civilization is to survive!

If the child learns to accept and obey the rules, it is a start.

If the child leans to love and respect his parents, brothers and sisters, and playmates, it is a start.

If the child is fortunate he will have parents and other teachers who will impress upon him the fact that certain things are always right and there are certain things that are always wrong.

If we succeed in pointing today’s toddlers in the right direction, we will survive for a while.

On the other hand, if our little ones grow up filled with selfishness, prejudice, rebellion and greed, we are doomed to a bleak future. If our little ones grow up indoctrinated with situation ethics, humanism and other Communistic inspired philosophies, God help us!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 22, p. 680
November 15, 1984

By Keith Pruitt

A few years ago, Ira North and his Madison bunch invited Kitty Wells and company to perform during the Big Day In May celebration. Thousands of non-concerned irreligious people attended, no doubt, to get their bellies filled, not with the Word, but with food and to hear the old country classics of Mrs. Wells. At that time, few thought that the music fair would spread to other congregations.

A few days ago, the congregation at East Alton received an invitation to attend a youth rally in Jacksonville, Illinois. At first one would pass it off as the usual garbage that hits file 13, but at second glance there was something in this invitation that would remind one of the above mentioned event at Madison. On Saturday, after lunch, a group named Time of Day is to perform. There is a footnote on the side to explain what this group is all about. It reads as follows: “Harding University presents Time of Day, a group of five musicians who will perform a repertoire of country and top forty songs.”

One could imagine all sorts of things from that bit of information. Maybe they’ll do Michael Jackson’s tune “Thriller” or one of the other current top forty songs like “Footloose.”

One can not help but weep over the foul odors coming from Zion. The unscriptural teachings propagated within the ranks of liberal minded brethren is giving the church the undeserved reputation of being a denomination. In fact, some people within those circles are preaching that very idea. Although he has tried to deny the statements, Rubel Shelly has taught such to be the truth. And perhaps to some degree he is right about some folks claiming to be members of the body of Christ. They think of the church as just “another denomination” and they act accordingly.

So why should this scribe be so upset and hurt over things that occur such as the above? For the same reason Jeremiah wept over the southern kingdom of Israel and Jesus pled for the same reason with Jerusalem. Souls are at stake.

There is some happy news in the midst of this sad chaos. In recent weeks, there have been many in the Alton area who have left these unfaithful brethren to return to the truth. As many as twelve in the last eleven months have come to East Alton from these congregations. May the glory be given unto God. People are willing to listen to the truth. They are tired of the ungodliness associated with the other camp.

As Joshua said in the long ago, Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 22, p. 678
November 15, 1984

By Tom Roberts

“It don’t matter to me,” asserts the words of a song, and with some Christians, it could be a theme song. I continue to be amazed at the lack of conviction among Christians about even the most fundamental teachings of the Lord, both of public worship and private life.

It is not at all unusual any more to hear of well-known preachers who have stood for a certain way of life for years suddenly changing and practicing something different. One president of a “Christian” college has left the church and joined the Presbyterians. Another was involved in an automobile collision that took another’s life, and the accident happened due to the fact that the preacher had been drinking. Some preachers who used to oppose liberalism are found to be leaders in liberal churches. A number who used to oppose church choirs now defend special singing groups and solos. Some simply refuse to take a stand on any controversial issue and will, like a chameleon, adopt the color of those around him at the moment.

But it’s not only preachers. It is amazing to see a lack of conviction among members of the church at large. We see members who will drift back and forth between liberal and faithful churches as though there is no distinction. Immodest apparel has been accepted without a whimper. Indecent movies are a way of life. Vile language is heard everywhere and defended because “everyone is doing it.” Drinking and gambling are not considered evil unless they “get out of hand,” whatever that means. Increasing numbers see nothing wrong with missing worship services to engage in recreational outings. Folks are more concerned with having a good time than service to the Lord.

Today’s greatest social sin is to have conviction about anything. A person with conviction is viewed as a fanatic, as narrow minded, and as an intolerant bigot. It matters little what subject is under consideration – to have conviction about anything is the one unacceptable, unpardonable crime. It is considered gracious to stand quietly and allow the Lord’s name to be defiled, to follow gutter language, to hear the unspeakable spoken. It is being broad-minded to be in the presence of those who drink and laugh at those who won’t. People refer to others as “sophisticated” who are able to allow any kind of profane and worldly speech or habits to occur in their presence without an objection.

Folks, do you ever object to anything? Does anything offend your sensibilities? Do you find anything at all religiously wrong or morally shocking?

The definition of conviction, as being used here, is: “a doctrine or proposition which one firmly believes . . . fixed belief.” When one has a firm belief about something, it is usually followed by a way of life consistent with that belief. Anything less is moral cowardice or hypocrisy.

We need people of conviction in the Lord’s church today. We need conviction about the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection, about scriptural worship, about faithfulness, about attendance, about language, about marriage, divorce and remarriage, about morals, about liquor, about evangelism, about the mission of the church and much more.

One can well understand how Elijah must have felt (1 Kings 19) when it seemed that all Israel had turned aside after Baal. He said “. . . and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” Thankfully, God reminded him that there were thousands of others who, like Elijah, still served the Lord. At times like these, we need to remember that there are good men and women, faithful Christians around the world, who do have conviction. They are serving the Lord, drawing the line against evil, standing up and being counted for the cause of Truth. For each and every one of these, we thank the Lord.

But to those of you who read this who are drifting with the tide of compromise and who have been too week to stand with the Lord, let me urge you to be like Joshua, that wonderful warrior for Jehovah. he said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Josh. 24:15). We cannot have conviction and do any less. Hey, where’s your conviction?

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 22, pp. 683, 693
November 15, 1984

By Carl McMurray

In our previous article we dwelt with what I have referred to as “moral arguments” condemning the use of alcohol as a beverage in any amount. We repeat that we feel there is a need for more teaching on this matter since we have ourselves witnessed an unclear sound from those sometimes filling the role of teacher and preacher. If these ones are not going to instruct a lost world in how to put off service to Satan and clothe themselves with Christ, who is going to do the job? This situation of a growing acceptance of “social drinking” in the church of God needs an exact application of Ephesians 5: 1011. We need to be “. . .trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead expose them.”

In addition to the principles presented in my last article, please consider what the Scriptures say directly to this subject. Before doing so, however, decide within yourself the answer to one question. Does God contradict Himself? As you read His word, will you find places where He condemned an action in one place, and then commended the very same action elsewhere? If your answer was yes, you have no need to read any further. Your God is a God of confusion (1 Cor. 1:33) and it will do no good to read and study because your God makes mistakes and in so doing is no better than man. If, however, you agree with me and answer no, consider the end result of that attitude. There is no value in argument or running from passage to passage as if contradictory doctrines were being presented. If we find a single passage that gives a clear answer (true to its context) on any subject, that is all there is to it. If other Scriptures appear to say different, it is because we are using them out of context, misunderstanding all that is involved, or both. We say all this simply to draw the attention of some to the fact that God would not condemn something and commend it at the same time. And that is exactly what some have Him doing when they try to justify drinking (even a little) by the Scriptures. Please notice:

Proverbs 20:1. Here wine is called a “mocker.” This is defined as to deride,(1) or make a mockery.(2) God warns then that this wine is that which will deceive men and make them foolish. This is the same kind of language you might use with your child in explaining to him why he should not experiment with drugs. He is condemning the drink.

Proverbs 23:29-35 is a picture of the one who is mastered by this drug. Notice especially vv. 31-32 where he says, “Do

not look on the wine There was a type of “wine” which these people had access to (unfermented juice) which was considered a blessing and strength to the body. The wine in this passage (fermented) however, is warned against in such plain language that it cannot be mistaken. Though it is attractive to eye and palate, it has a power that can deceitfully overcome us. Can we honestly believe that the Father inspired this clear warning but the Son would not heed it? Instead, He created about 150 gallons of alcoholic brew in John 2: 1-10. This is what I meant when I said that if it appeared there was a contradiction, we must be misunderstanding something. Certainly it seems that in almost every discussion on the subject I have been a party to, there was a tremendous amount of misunderstanding about the several ways that those people had available to them to keep fruit juices unspoiled and unfermented all year long. All their d6wine” was most assuredly not alcoholic.

Proverbs 31:4-7 is worthy of note. The world looks to Christians for their example (realizing it or not) as people of Solomon’s time looked to their king. How shall we expect others to put off carnal appetites when we strive to walk as close to sin as we can. 1 Peter 4:17 gives the idea that God is going to deal first (or more strictly) with those who have more knowledge. He expects Christians to be leading people to that which builds them up (1 Pet. 2:12), not that which may enslave them. Which does drinking accomplish?

1 Timothy 5:23 is a passage often misused. Rather than point to the fact that Timothy was told to drink “a little wine” (in which case there is much evidence to the fact that it may have not even been fermented), why not answer the question of why did an apostle had to order him to drink it? Why was he drinking strictly water, if the practice was as acceptable as some try to make it seem? Could he not have been holding to the highest ideal of godliness, setting an example in his conduct (1 Tim. 4:12), paying close attention to himself (1 Tim. 4:16) so as not to take chances with his salvation or anyone else’s? This is all aside from the fact that the “wine” we’re speaking of in this context was more in the realm of our cough syrup (if it was alcoholic) than our fortified shelf variety Ripple. There is no justification for drinking in this passage.

Galatians 5:21 condemns not only drunkenness but also revellings or carousings. Note that this is not being drunk but simply partying with the aid of intoxicants. Those that practice such, whether drunken or not, shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Peter 4:3 addresses the entire spectrum of drinking and condemns it all! (1) Drunkenness, that is, an excess of wine or strong drink to the extent of losing judgment or control. (2) Revelling, i.e. partying with aid of drink. (3) Banquetings, drinking without reference to the amount. Another definition would be drinking, not necessarily of excess.(3) This is simply “social drinking.”

We make our point again in conclusion. Would God teach and warn against that which has such power to master us, then turn right around and allow it on other occasions? Yes, even more than allow it, provide it (Jn. 2: 14 0), and command it (1 Tim. 5:23). Can we see that there are different kinds of “wine” in the Scriptures, just as there are different “breads,” “meats,” and “spirits.” That wine, and that which is described as “strong drink” (having an alcoholic content), which has the power to intoxicate, is plainly warned against.

I am aware of at least one church of Christ (so-called) that presently serves an alcoholic wine in the Lord’s Supper, so do not believe that this is not a growing problem. I wonder what is taught to new Christians who eat at this table about wine with their meals at home and beer at their get togethers. Drinking is such a widespread problem that we have had visitors to our worship refuse to partake of the Lord’s Supper until later, after being assured it was unfermented juice. This one, who was not even a member of the church at the time, was aware of the danger in even a little drink. He is a member of A.A. and can see what many brethren keep themselves from seeing.

No form or amount of drinking (social or otherwise) is compatible with truly Christ-like behaviour in our socieV today. It is wrong brethren, and the only answer for it is confession and repentance.

Endnotes

1. Wilson’s Old Testament Word Studies, p. 278.

2. NAS Exhaustive Concordance, Holman.

3. Synonyms of the New Testament, R.C. Trench, p. 221.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 22, pp. 677-678
November 15, 1984