Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

This issue of Guardian of Truth is devoted to the problem of immorality among preachers, elders, deacons, and Bible class teachers, which seems to be occurring with greater frequency each year. I cannot say that we are glad to bring this special issue to you. The truth of the matter is that I am ashamed of the ungodliness among those who claim to be spiritual leaders which has necessitated this issue of Guardian of Truth.

There is rarely a month that goes by but that I hear of some preacher, elder, deacon, song leader, or Bible class teacher who has been guilty of fornication or adultery (which generally leads to divorce and remarriage). Among those who have fallen into this sin are some whom I have respected for many years. The staff of Guardian of Truth has not escaped unscathed. What has been occurring in our society at large has spilled over into the church, spiritually destroying, not only weak members, but many of our leaders as well.

This issue of Guardian of Truth is designed to help overcome the problem of immorality among those who are serving the Lord, both in a public and private capacity. The writers for this special issue are older, mature men of faith and wisdom. They have displayed in their lives the ability to resist the temptation to be involved in these kinds of sin. Some of them have experienced first-hand the heartache which involvement in sins of immorality brings (some of their own family have been guilty of the very sins which they abhor).

Those who enter the role of public service among God’s people have an extra responsibility to be sure that they conduct themselves in a manner that is above reproach. We should so walk that “the ministry be not blamed” (2 Cor. 6:3). When Paul collected funds for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem, he made every effort to conduct himself in a manner that was above reproach. He wrote, “. . . avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Cor. 8:20-21). Teachers of the word “receive the greater condemnation” (Jas. 3:1). Consequently, it is absolutely imperative that gospel preachers, elders, deacons, Bible class teachers, song leaders, and others who serve in a public capacity conduct themselves in such a manner that “the ministry be not blamed.”

This series of articles calls our minds to the impact which a public servant’s sin has on the church, community, his own family, and his reputation. Material is provided to encourage each of us to be feeding habitually his own spirit to prevent falling victim to this sin. Some of the common pitfalls into which brethren are falling are discussed with suggestions being given for how to avoid them. Advice is given regarding how to put the pieces back together again once one has fallen into sin. Hopefully this material will help keep others from falling. If nothing else, it will call our attention to the magnitude of the problem.

There are occasions when an innocent brother or sister suffers because of ungodliness on the part of his mate. For this reason, I have asked a divorced, preaching brother to write on this subject. He is writing anonymously at my request, not his own. To the best of my knowledge, this brother is doing his best to rebuild his reputation which has been damaged because of the apostasy of his wife. Having gone through the crucible which one involved in this must endure, I thought that his words would be helpful to encourage those who might have to face similar problems. Those guilty of sin need to be reminded that God’s grace is sufficient to forgive any and every sin. If God could find room for penitent David to serve in his Kingdom after his sin with Bathsheba, he can find room for any other person to serve after his sin. We need to be aware of the spiritual needs of a penitent brother who is trying to rebuild his life. Paul wrote regarding the penitent fornicator at Corinth, “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” (2 Cor. 2:6-7). If being swallowed up in over-much sorrow poses a danger for the penitent guilty party, the danger of overmuch sorrow must rest also upon the innocent from whom everyone has withdrawn because they cannot judge what has caused the marriage to go sour. The article by this brother should cause each of us to reconsider how we treat brothers and sisters who are going through a divorce.

Though I doubt that any of us will enjoy these articles, I do hope that each of us will profit from them. I wish that a copy of this special issue of Guardian of Truth could be placed in the hands of every gospel preacher, elder, deacon, Bible class teacher, song leader, man who serves in a public capacity (announcements, Lord’s table, prayer, etc.), and in the hands of the wife of each of these men. Let none of us be so arrogant that he thinks that this material is not relevant to him. Paul wrote, “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Rather, let us be on guard to avoid the temptations of the devil.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 1, pp. 1, 26
January 5, 1984

By Mackey W. Harden

Alexander the Great; Napoleon Bonaparte; George Washington; Abraham Lincoln; Winston Churchill; Douglas McArthur; Dwight David Eisenhower; they all had something in common – they were all great leaders. The annals of World History are replete with these and more; men who possessed outstanding qualities as leaders. When we who are Americans reflect on the history of our great country, we are proud and feel so privileged in having had men as Founding Fathers who were indeed great and notable leaders. Had it not been for men of this stature we might not be the greatest country in the world, enjoying the freedoms we now have. We are certainly privileged above all people in the world.

Those of us who are citizens of an even greater kingdom, the kingdom of Christ, are privileged to have even a more notable Leader, Jesus Christ. While the aforementioned men were great leaders in regard to certain portions of American and World History, they do not begin to compare to the great leadership of the Lord Jesus Christ. He left the resplendent glories of heaven and came down to this earth; He went to the cross and died there so mankind might be redeemed from the power of the Devil and released from the bondage of sin. Jesus, our Great Leader, says, “Follow me” (cf. Mt. 4:17-22; 9:9; Jn. 1:37, 43, etc.).

There is a word in the Greek language that is used in reference to our great Leader, Jesus Christ. This word, archegos, connotes leadership, and is employed in the New Testament no less than four times. Through our study of this word in Scripture, those of us who are Christians should rejoice in that we have such a great Leader to follow, Jesus the Son of God.

Prince Of Life

The book of Acts records two of the four occasions where the word archegos is found (3:15; 5:31). The first eleven verses of Acts chapter 3, relate the story of Peter and John performing a miracle on the man who was lame from birth. As this trio entered the temple, the people were amazed at what had transpired. Peter took advantage of their interest, preaching them a sermon about Jesus whom they had crucified, by whom this very miracle was made possible. “But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you,- and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses” (Acts 3:14-15). The word “prince” in verse 15 is from the Greek archegos. Thayer’s Lexicon says this: “leading, furnishing the first cause or occasion . . . . 1. the chief leader, prince: of Christ, Acts V. 31. ” How privileged we are – Christ is the Chief Leader of life, of eternal life! Peter said just a short time later, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:30-31).

Captain Of Our Salvation

The Hebrew writer said: “But-we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Heb. 2:9-10). Christ is the “captain” of our salvation, and thankful indeed we should be for such a wonderful Leader! W.E. Vine defines the word captain in verse 10: “archegos, primarily signifies one who takes a lead in or provides the first occasion of, anything …. the word suggests a combination of the meaning of leader with that from whence a thing proceeds.” Christ is the captain of our salvation, being made such because of His completeness, brought about through His suffering and death. “. . . And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . . And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:8-11; cf. also Heb. 5:8-9).

Author And Finisher Of The Faith

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1-2). The word “author” found in verse 2 comes from the Greek archegos, which has already been defined to denote leading. The verse states that Jesus is “the author and finisher of our faith.” The word “our” has been supplied by the translators. The context, and other versions, indicate that Jesus is the author and finisher of the faith – the system of faith (cf. Acts 6:7; 13:8; Gal. 1:23; 3:23; Jude 3). The word “finisher” is also of vital importance. From the Greek teleites it is defined by Robert Milligan in his commentary on Hebrews: “it means a completer, perfecter, finisher; one who brings any scheme or enterprise to its full and perfect consummation. ” What a blessed privilege is ours in having such a leader and perfecter of the faith as Jesus Christ!

King Of Kings, Lord Of Lords

The temporal kingdoms of the world will no doubt continue to be led by great leaders, as in centuries gone by, but none can compare to the greatest Leader of all times, Jesus the Christ. He is “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:16; 17:14). How privileged Christians are to be followers of the Prince of life, the Captain of our salvation, and the Author and Finisher of the faith. Paul told Timothy how to conduct himself “unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.- which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords . . . . to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen” (cf. 1 Tim. 6:12-16).

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 20, pp. 632-633
October 20, 1983

By Ron Halbrook

The original Gospel Guardian was short lived, consisting of only eight issues from October of 1935 through June of 1936, but its call for sound doctrine rang loud and clear, far and wide. The editor was Foy E. Wallace, Jr. (1896-1979), who turned the subscription list over to the Firm Foundation in the summer of 1936. From 1939 through early 1949 Wallace-edited the Bible Banner, with much of the load being carried by Roy E. Cogdill during the last three years. In May of 1949 the new Gospel Guardian commenced through the consultation and cooperation of Wallace, Cogdill, and Yater Tant. Finally, in January of 1981 the journal joined hands with Truth Magazine under the banner Guardian of Truth. The call for sound doctrine, loud and clear, far and wide, still goes out!

Someone has compared the gospel journal to a blackboard – it is a place for the gospel preacher to write. The paper is no better or worse, no more helpful or harmful, than the individual Christians who write in it. Gospel preachers and papers should emphasize the spiritual nature of the gospel (it is a message for saving souls in eternity, not for social and political reform) and the spiritual work of the local church (the work is to establish saints in the gospel and to convert sinners to the gospel). The Gospel Guardian’s power for good can be seen in its emphasis upon purity in faith and practice, the spiritual nature of the gospel, and the spiritual work of the church. Those themes were written large and often on the pages of the Gospel Guardian – and need constant emphasis in the Guardian of Truth.

C.A. Norred sounded the needed theme in an article entitled “A Homily on Benevolences,” which appeared in the Gospel Guardian, Vol. 2, No. 3 (Mar.-Apr. 1936), p. 39. At the article’s head appeared the following words in large print: “The Evils of Begging Created a Multitude of Eleemosynary Institutions Established by the State and Sustained by Revenues Derived from Taxation. The Church Is Not Divinely Pledged to Public Material Benevolence; It Is Not a Glorified Relief Agency; Its Resources Relate to Spiritual Values and Lie in the Realm of True Benevolence.” Norred expressed “The Mission of the Church” beautifully in the excerpt reproduced below:

But what is the church to do in the field of benevolences? When we not only encounter the everpresent call of the needy but fall under the influence of epidemics, and general calamities – what shall we do? Is the church to have no part in general benevolence? We should do well just here to take notice of the truth that the church is not divinely pledged to public material benevolence. To say the very least that could be said, the church of the New Testament period lived in the midst of catastrophes and general calamities as numerous and pressing as we experience today. Yet if the church ever undertook to function in the field of public benevolence the fact is not stated in the inspired record. Also, it must be admitted that we are without the general machinery necessary to such a general function. The individual therefore who would employ the church in the field of public benevolences undertakes a work for which there is no inspired example and for which there exists no divinely approved machinery.

And, secondly, we should bear in mind that we are called to a benevolence supremely above that possible with this poor world. When the world gives its silver and gold it has given all it has to give. It may fill the hungry mouth, it may cover the shivering frame with warming garment, and it may work the hope of a well-fed and comfortable tomorrow – but this, in very large measure, is all it can do. But the church of God can break the bread of life to those who perish spiritually, it can clothe with the garments of a likeness of Christ, and it can fill the heart with the peace that passeth knowledge and a hope of life where life is life indeed. Ours then is the true benevolence, a benevolence in the real values of life.

This field of true benevolence is worthy of our most serious consideration and thoughtful discrimination. In times of distress and major disaster the world is quick to turn to the church for things of material sustenance. And such is easily understood; for the world thinks very largely in terms of food and raiment, even as the multitudes at Capernaum sought Jesus that they might again have bread to eat. And it is disappointing to find even some Christians falling victim to the notion that the church is a glorified relief agency. To be sure, we may share our bread with the hungry and our covering with the needy – but this is regulated by distinct statute; but we have a ministry far beyond this poor field. And it is in this higher field that our real resources should be looso. Silver and gold are not our gifts to bestow but such as we have, and our resources relate to spiritual values, we can give in profusion and unto eternal life.

Ours is the true benevolence!

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 20, pp. 632-633
October 20, 1983

By Vernon Love

The apostle John wrote unto Gaius, and condemned Diotrephes for his “love for preeminence.” Then he told Gauis what he would do to him when he arrived. If you have ever met a Diotrephes, you will know why John was condemning him. Let’s look at John’s description of Diotrephes and discuss others we know who are like him.

(1) He Loved To Have Preeminence (3 Jn. 9). He wanted to be first, to be chief of all, or would be nothing at all Christ is the only one who is to have “all the preeminence” (Col. 1: 18). No one should be seeking to obtain preeminence in the local church or in the brotherhood.

(2) He Would Not Receive The Apostles. John said, “he receiveth us not.” Jesus said, “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me” (Lk. 10:16). So when Diotrephes would not receive the apostles, he was rejecting Christ and God.

(3) He Spoke Against John With Malicious Words. John said, “Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words; and not content therewith.” Diotrephes could not prove the apostles were wrong so he had to use “malicious words” against them.

(4) He Would Not Receive The Brethren. Diotrephes would not receive the brethren and would put out any one who would. Now he was some Christian! It had to be his show or nothing. No one else had better dare get in his way.

(5) Some 20th Century Examples of Diotrephes. You can spot a “Diotrephes” by his wanting his way all the time and will not yield to others. They will insist their ways are right, everyone else is wrong, and they will use ridicule to prove their point instead of the truth. They usually are the ones who either talk the loudest or the ones who talk the most.

They are also very subtle and they can manipulate brethren in many ways. Some will always have a “partner” who will chime in every time so they have more prestige f6r their view. When I was a boy in Indiana, our nii6bors had two large dogs who would -chase me when I would go by on the bicycle. However, if one would come out and bark and the other dog was not around, then he would not chase me by himself. A lot of Diotrephes are like that; if they can have a partner then they will stand for their view. If they have none who will come to their defense then they will back off.

Another way they try to get their way is to say “any way you all want to do it is all right with me.” However, they will be quick to tell you how they think it should be and if you don’t go along with their way, you will be in big trouble.

There is the “pious” Diotrephes who is the one who comes to you with honey dripping out of his mouth, trying to get you on his side so you will agree with him. If you do not go his way, look out, that honey turns to poison real quick.

The “arm waving” Diotrephes will come to you and with great gestures will try to make you think he is your friend, and wave his arms like he is on your side. What he is really doing is setting you up. He is the one who is trying to pressure you to go his way and will wave his hands to make more emphasis on his position. If he cannot get his way, then he will even try to go behind the brethren and undo what they have decided.

Another one is the fellow who comes with the statement, “They all think so and so, so what do you think?” This usually over the telephone and you need to be aware that this fellow has not talked to all the brethren but only a few. Then he will call the next one and make the same statement until he gets enough to think as he does. Often times this “Diotrephes” will have a private meeting in the church yard or vestibule and have it all set up with few of his cronies. They even have the nerve to get up and make their decision known to the church and the church has to like it or lump it. You can usually know if a Diotrephes is in the church by the way the men attend the business meeting. If some will not attend, it is usually because of the way the meeting is conducted and because some in the meeting are going to have their way or else.

Then there is the “seniority” Diotrephes who uses the argument that they have been in the church longer than anyone else, they are older than those in the church, so that means all should bow to their will.

The “politician” is the one who will try to get you to go along if the others will go along. Often times they have not gotten others to agree, they only imply they have. Usually they will be like Diotrephes in that they are not concerned too much about what the apostles have taught us to do. If they cannot get their way, they will turn upon the opposition and say many unkind things until they give in and go along with Diotrephes.

May we all examine ourselves, and strive to conduct ourselves – at all times so that’ we are “receiving the apostles,” that we are working with those we are worshipping with and never let it be said we have become imitators of Diotrephes.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 20, pp. 630-631
October 20, 1983