Truth Magazine

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

By Keith Ward

We presume at the outset that most of us know what to do to be good. However, through carelessness, trials, and weaknesses, we often fail to do as well as we know, and are tempted to think that the sin is small and we will repent later. In our rush to enjoy sin’s pleasures, Satan causes us to forget the consequences. To stiffen our resistance to the lure of sin, God gave the following reasons for being good.

Virtue

When we cast about for a way to explain this quality to her class of 5-7 year olds, Dene and I decided upon and our children can still repeat, “Virtue is when you want to be good.” Many are good from fear of being caught and punished, but virtue is being good for the love of goodness. Among all men, only Jesus was fully virtuous. Yet, we are commanded to “add to our faith virtue” (2 Pet. 1:5). Each man has different strengths: One loves good in that drunkenness never tempts him, another so that “other women” are hardly comprehensible, still another so that he would never steal. Each man also has weaknesses; areas where the struggle with temptation is a daily battle we are ever on the verge of losing. Thus, we need to add to our virtue, our love of being good for its own sake.

Meditation on Jesus’ life and sacrifice increases our virtue. How can one who is thinking of Jesus’ agonizing death on our behalf desire to do evil? How can one who is thinking of Jesus’ love want to do anything but good? We add to our virtue by “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). The problem remains that Satan injects many distractions and our thoughts become involved with television, finances, sports, etc., instead of with Christ. As long as we are in this life, virtue will need adding to; we will not reach such a degree of wanting to be good that we will turn from every sin (1 Cor. 10: 12). But, each day should see progress made toward that goal.

Virtue is the highest and noblest motive for obedience to God. God knew that we would begin our service to Him with a small amount of virtue, that we would need time spent in fellowship with Him to grow, and that, at times, Satan’s enticements would erode our virtue. Thus, God gave other reasons for being good.

Rewards

Moses weighed the “recompense of reward” given by God in the balances against “the pleasures of sin for a season” and chose “ill treatment with the people of God” (Heb. 11:25-26). If each of us would as soberly consider the rewards of the two ways of life, we would surely, as Moses, choose to be good. However, for the most part, men never stop to think beyond, “Sin is pleasurable; sin is now; let us enjoy it.”

God holds forth the rewards of being called His children, of having joy and peace in this life regardless of outward circumstances, and of going to heaven when we die. Though our virtue may not always be sufficient to cause us to want to be good, a reflection upon God’s great recompense of reward for being good should lead us on in paths of righteousness.

Punishment

Influenced by the “customer is always right,” “Win friends and Influence People” at any cost philosophy of our day, we have become too “sweet” to frighten people into obedience. Neither Jesus nor God had any such qualms about threatening the disobedient to get them to repent, or the saved to keep them saved. “Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown,” inspired Jonah threatened (Jon. 3:4). Jesus threatened punishment upon the disobedient so severe that it would be better to cut off a hand or foot, or tear out an eye than to go there. The worms shall destroy this earthly body. But, can you imagine existing in a place, endlessly, hopelessly aware, in a body endlessly eaten by worms, “Their worm dieth not”? “Eternal destruction from the face of the Lord” where “the fire is not quenched” is too horrible to contemplate (Mk. 9:42-48; 2 Thess. 1:7-9). When a man considers any action that might even possibly send him to such a place, he ought to recoil from it. With hell as the punishment for the least sin, who can but “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Rom. 12:9)? God intends that we should be too terrified to sin no matter how great the enticement. He chose to reveal the facts about hell to us to motivate us to be good.

Prayer

We need God too much to risk angering Him. We can plow, plant, fertilize, and weed, but God sends the sunshine, the rain, and the increase. Or, He withholds them. In all life’s endeavors, God supplies the greatest part to our success or failure. Many a parent has sighed the prayer, “Thank God it was just a virus,” when their child’s fever and illness went away. But, how often it was “just a bug” instead of a more serious disease because God heard the “effectual fervent prayers” of righteous parents, shall not be known this side of eternity. As anxious husbands or wives breathed a quick, “Thank you, God” as their overdue spouse and family drove up, how often was their safety the result of God’s providence – the car that ran the red light just before or after they got to that intersection? The sleepy truck driver that decided to pull off for a nap instead of pushing on and, perhaps, causing a wreck? The differential gears that “locked down” at 15 mph instead of 55 mph (this happened to Dene)?

I once visited the family of a man who was in the hospital with a severe heart condition. I spoke the following to his son who is not obedient to God. “I know you love your Dad a lot and that you are concerned for him. And, you should realize that because you do not live as his child, God does not hear your prayers. Don’t you wish you could add your petitions to ours at the throne of God?” In effect, I appealed, “If you will not be good for the love of good or for the hope of heaven, or for the fear of hell, won’t you be good to be able to pray for those you love?” My appeal was in vain.

Everything in life is tentative. We may lose our job; our dream home may burn down; we, or a family member, may lose our health; we are subject to dangers as common as highway accidents, or as unusual as having an arm ripped off when removing a quilt from a spinning washer. We can depend on nothing remaining the same. Only God is a rock (Isa 44:8). Our channel to “receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” is too vital to endanger for any pleasure (Heb. 4:16). One seriously doubts that the sinful child of God who turns to God only in time of need, “God forgive me; now give me will be heard. Our love for our family and recognition of our dependence upon God for even the basic necessities of life should motivate us to be good, “For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their supplication: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (1 Pet. 3:12).

Conclusion

It would be wonderful if all of us were always good from the highest motive of virtue. But, some of us, some of the time, are weak enough to need reminding of our reward for being good, or our punishment if we are bad, or our dependence upon God and consequent need of prayer to motivate us to be as good as we ought. As God revealed all of these motives, any combination of them will save us — if we are good.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 22, pp. 690, 693
November 15, 1984

By Board of Directors For Guardian of Truth Foundation

The Board of Directors of the Guardian of Truth Foundation elected brother Fred Pollock as its new president on 14 September 1984, due to the recent resignation of brother Earl Robertson. The Guardian of Truth Foundation board expressed confidence in brother Pollock for his strength as a Christian, his past service to our board, and for his broad business experience.

In assuming his new duties, brother Pollock said, “I look forward to supporting in this role the good work of Mike Willis, O.C. Birdwell, and all their co-workers. With this dedicated capable group and wise policy direction by a Board of faithful Christians, we promise to continue providing a Bible-oriented journal and other printed materials for use by Christians as they seek and follow God’s will as revealed in His Word. We solicit the prayers of all saints in this effort.”

Fred Pollock is an elder in the Mill Road church in Cincinnati, Ohio, a long-time member of the Board of Directors of Florida College, and Associate Director of Research and Development of the Procter and Gamble Company. Brother Pollock attended Freed-Hardeman College and received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Vanderbilt University in 1947. He is the son-in-law of the late, well-known gospel preacher, B.G. Hope and the father-in-law of Royce Chandler who preaches in Mason, Ohio. Brother Pollock will serve out the unexpired term of president of the Guardian of Truth Foundation. Brother Robertson relinquished his duties in a letter to the board on 15 August 1984. After more than twenty years as board member and several years as president and chairman of the board, brother Robertson requested “to be released from Chairman of your board and board membership,” and stated that he intends to spend a period of time at home before taking up other plans. As the board always has done in the past, it honored the resignation of its president and selected a successor. The board is thankful to brother Pollock for his willingness to accept the challenge of this new assignment.

The Guardian of Truth Foundation continues to operate as a nonprofit business organization. Its purpose is to publish the Guardian of Truth magazine and other literature useful to Christians. The two series of class literature published by the Guardian of Truth Foundation, Walking With God and Truth In Life, continue to be used by many faithful churches because their content is true to the Bible. Brethren have appreciated the primary emphasis of these two series which is to create an attitude of respect for the Scriptures at every grade level. We are currently revising these workbooks to give them added strength. The Foundation is committed to publishing new literature and reprinting classics which will be useful to Christians for years to come.

The overall direction of the Foundation in publishing and marketing religious literature was reviewed in the 14 September 1984 board meeting. Taking note of the accomplishments of both past and present leaders, the board expressed several reasons why it expects continued progress in serving the needs of brethren for sound teaching material. For instance, the Board commended O.C. Birdwell and his entire staff for its work in moving the bookstore to Bowling Green, Kentucky, in operating the bookstore, and for his management of the business. The Board also commended Mike Willis for his service to the foundation in editing Guardian of Truth.

The Foundation’s board, its new president, and the staff of our whole operation look forward to improving all our services. Brethren, let us hear from you about your needs and suggestions for improved service.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 22, pp. 675-676
November 15, 1984