Truth Magazine

By Lewis Willis

No, this is not the title of the latest 007 movie or the title of a CIA thriller or the latest rage on the best seller list of current novels, though I do admit that is sounds like it. In fact, I think an imaginative person might turn it into a money-making production.

On second thought, imaginative people have already turned it into quite a productive fund-raising idea. It is the life blood of every “faith-healing ministry” in the country. And to illustrate the effectiveness of “The Placebo Effect” in raising funds, just observe the big buildings, technical equipment trailers and the deceived masses who gather around the users of “The Placebo Effect.” Remove it from these ministries and they would quickly die a natural death – as surely as a person dies when his “blood” is gone.

The Akron Beacon Journal (August 21, 1982) reported a visit from one of these faith healers to our area. On September 11, at the Hudson Holiday Inn, she participated in a two day symposium of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. The Association grew out of the work of psychic Edgar Cayce. The seminar included ESP experiments, lectures on the development of psychic ability and the testimony of “faith healer,” Olga Worrall. Mrs. Worrall is listed in Who’s Who of American Woman and she is the author of a book, The Gift of Healing. This Cleveland native is one of the most researched healers in the nation. She helped open the New Life Clinic at the Mt. Washington United Methodist Church in Baltimore. She reports she discovered her clairvoyance as a child. At that time, she had visions of people she did not know, only to discover that these people died about the time she “saw” them. She says, when she lays hands on people, “sometimes wonderful things happen. Tumors disappeared, and things of that nature.” Because she feels her “gift” is God-given, there is no charge for the treatment. However, if you wanted to hear her tell about the treatment, it would have cost you $59.00 in advance or $69.00 at the door, if you went to the seminar. If you only wanted to hear her speech, it cost you $6.00 at the door.

With regard to the great research that has gone into her work, Science Digest reports that most scientists and doctors attribute the favorable results of the testing to “sloppy research” and attribute the apparent cures affected by faith healers to “The Placebo Effect.” The Beacon Journal defines “The Placebo Effect” in the following manner: “A placebo is an unmedicated preparation given to a patient to humor him or to be used as a control in an experiment. Thus, a placebo effect is a cure effected by causing a patient to believe he is being cured” (my emphasis, L.W.).

Any physician will tell you that many patients can be “cured” if you can make them believe the treatment given will bring about the cure. And our national hypochondria presents both physicians and faith healers with an ever present reserve of “patients.” Furthermore, both the physicians and faith healers are making a fortune off these people who “think they are sick.” Obviously you do not have to have much “power” to “heal” a person who only thinks he is sick. The measure of success at every healing “ceremony” (as you know, not every case is healed) is determined by the number of people susceptible to “The Placebo Effect.” And I can do the same thing for those folks that Ernest Angley, Rex Humbard or Oral Roberts can do for them. Come to think about it, I could probably pay off my car with a healing service on the parking lot out here if there was just some way to certify those who are susceptible to the power of suggestion.

I surely would like to see Mrs. Worrall, or one of her buddies try using “The Placebo Effect” on some of the following situations: (1) In Matthew 8:23-27, Jesus calmed a storm to the amazement of His disciples. Do you suppose “The Placebo Effect” would work on a tornado? (2) In Matthew 14:15-21, Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fishes. Any faith healer who would like to attempt this feat with “The Placebo Effect” has an invitation to try and I volunteer to supply the loaves and fish! (3) In Luke 4:1-6, the Lord produced such a draught of fish that the fishermen’s nets broke in bringing them aboard ship. This happened after they had fished all night without success. Do you suppose “The Placebo Effect” would work for the frustrated fisherman? And, (4) Find one of these fellows who will try “The Placebo Effect” on raising the dead, as Jesus did in Mark 5:35-42 and John 11:38-46. I will volunteer to drive them to the “cemetery of their choice.”

I am persuaded that you could look for five years for a faith healer who would attempt any of the above and be unsuccessful in your search. And, I think we all know why! Let the hypochondriacs be victimized and let the spiritually blind applaud. But, let not our faith be shaken by “The Placebo Effect.”

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 3, p. 76
February 3, 1983

By Luther Bolenbarker

It is extremely hard and rare when in our perusal of the daily newspapers or any other news publication that we are not confronted by headlines and advertisements in which alcohol in beverage form is the subject or primary cause for the article being written. In fact alcohol, when used as a beverage, has become such a problem in our society that our government publishes a publication sponsored by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (tax supported) which deals with alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The May 1977 issue deals with the growing concern about the destruction alcohol is causing our nation, especially among our youth and women. In the years since that issue, the problem has not diminished, but rather, has increased. Surely, no thinking person can deny that alcohol is a very serious problem.

Karl Marx, the founder of communism, once called it a “capitalist evil” and Russia is now being over run with alcoholics and is having to fight its havoc.

An honest look at beverage alcohol reveals its dangers for everyone. No one is immune to its dangers and effects, not even. Christians. Probably everyone of us has family, or friends who are caught in the snares of alcohol. As I work in my office, almost daily alcoholics, with seemingly the saddest stories in the world drop by looking for another buck or two in order to get another bottle. Yet in the face of all we can visually see, some say, “It won’t hurt me.”

One who uses alcohol as a beverage disregards the wisdom of the Bible. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise . . .” (Prov. 20:1). The opposite of wise is dumb, so what does that make a drinker according to God’s word? “It is not for kings . . . to drink wine . . . lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted” (Prov. 31:4). Isaiah 28:20 warns of its effects on stability and vision. Habbakuk 2:15, 16 warns that one not tempt his neighbor and be the cause of his downfall. A reading and study of Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:7; and Proverbs 23:29-35 would also serve to solidify the harmful effects of alcohol when used as a beverage.

The question of “wine in the Bible, used by Jesus” often is raised. Its use then as a beverage and/or a medicine does not begin to parallel the use of hard liquor today. Bible scholars tell of two distinct Hebrew words (yayin and tirosh). One refers to fresh juice primarily and the other to a fermented wine causing drunkenness that was denounced. It should also be noted that at times the word “wine” was used to refer to fresh juice still in the cluster or on the vine (Isa. 65:8).

Alcohol as a beverage harms the body and impairs its productivity. In the Bible, it appears that wine was used for healing and medicine (Luke 10:34; 1 Tim. 5:23). Its use, rather abuse, today has an undeniable harmful effect on the body and is classed as the number one drug problem instead of a healing agent. If it were used today as a medicine, some would never be sick again in their lives! Documented sources are inexhaustible showing highway deaths (50,000 w ), mental illness and diseases all related either directly or indirectly to alcohol when used as a beverage.

Beverage alcohol causes suffering to its users and to their victims, who most of the time are innocent. It has made many a man or woman worse than an infidel (1 Tim. 5:8) because of their neglect, unconcern or abuse of their families and friends. When an area has a riot or civil disturbance or even election day, one of the first stores to close is the liquor stores. People in places of authority know that where there is no fuel to fan the fire, it goes out. It is known that alcohol can and often does influence passions and trigger destruction. A “meek and mild, law-abiding” citizen when sober seems to lose all sense and reason when under the influence of alcohol. Ask any policeman or judge who has experienced dealing with family disturbances and divorces, and they will tell you that beverage alcohol is the main cause of law enforcement problems and the higher taxes required for alcohol rehabilitation programs. A recent government survey reported that alcohol, “. . . accounts for over 1/2 of all arrests in our nation.” In some communities the rate is higher and is rising and more shocking. Think of this: over 300,000 men and women now in our federal prisons could be on the streets, free if it were not for beverage alcohol!

What can the Christian do? Be convinced that there is a difference worth enjoying between the hard, useless life of a drunken reveler and a life. of spiritual peace and service to one’s community, God and His church. Be informed, not deceived, by the pleasures of sin for a season. Look beyond the bottle to the “gutter or jail” and ultimately Hell. Resist the advertising and morally lax climate that surrounds us and which will swallow us up if we do not. Abide by the law of God and man. Study and teach the issues of truth taught in the Scriptures which forbid drinking and drunkenness; especially do this for your own family. Pray and insure that your conscience and influence are in order (clear).

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Alcohol has many defenders but no defense.” This is still true today. The following article from U.S. News (4/26/82) shows the priorities of our lawmakers: Recall of Dangerous Products: “A recall by the Food and Drug Admin. of 55 Million cans of Alaskan Salmon, because one person died of botulism in Belgium.”

Perhaps there is hope yet (but I doubt it) for a recall of all the cans and bottles of alcoholic beverages that will be the contributing factor in over 50,000 deaths in 1983, and all the other problems which it causes. If not, then at least the hypocrisy and ulterior motives of all its defenders will be clearer than ever.

Don’t let alcohol “bite” you (Psa. 23:32) and cause pain and grief to others!

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 3, p. 75
February 3, 1983

By Johnie Edwards

The mouth is an important tool provided it is used properly. The Bible has much to say about the mouth. Thus, we study.

Old Testament Prophets Were A Mouth For God

The word prophet means “a mouth.” When Moses tried to excuse himself from doing the work of God because he was not eloquent, God said, “Who bath made man’s mouth?” (Exod. 4:10-11). God then allowed Aaron to become the mouth for Moses. “And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shaft be to him instead of God” (Exod. 4:16). Aaron became a prophet to Moses because he was used by Moses as a “mouth.” “And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet” (Exod. 7:1). Thus, when an Old Testament prophet spoke, he was merely the mouth for God, speaking the message of God. Peter expressed it this way: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21).

The Mouth Advertises What’s On The Heart

If you want to know the things that are in a person’s heart, just listen to the things that come out of his mouth. Jesus said, “. . . for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matt. 12:34). This is the reason it is important what one thinks. Solomon said, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he . . .” (Prov. 23:7). This may help us understand why Paul told the Philippians, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).

A Wise Man’s Mouth

Solomon had something to say about the wise man’s mouth. “The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook” (Prov. 18:4). Again it is written, “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself” (Eccl. 10:12). The words of your mouth help to determine whether you are wise or foolish. “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips” (Prov. 16:23). It is important that we engage the gain before we start the mouth!

A Fool’s Mouth

The mouth can be to ones own destruction. Solomon said, “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul (Prov. 18:7). It is as Paul told the Galatians, “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Gal. 5:15). It is possible that by the mouth, people bite and devour one another – thus to their own destruction!

The Need For Open Mouths

There are many occasions for open mouths. Paul’s desire was to use his mouth to proclaim the gospel of Christ. “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19). If one intends to preach, he must open his mouth. As Philip preached to the eunuch, the Bible says “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). In singing, we need to open our mouths and not be afraid to sing out. We need to realize that we are “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

Some Mouths Need To Be Stopped

Just as mouths need to be opened, some mouths need to be stopped! Paul said, “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for fifthly lucre’s sake” (Tit. 1:10-11). Those, in the church, who teach “things which they ought not” must be stopped. This one reason that elders need the knowledge of God’s word. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Tit. 1:9).

Have you checked your mouth lately?

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 3, p. 74
February 3, 1983

By Fred Holthouser

To show that we are dealing with a false religious organization and one that is a false prophet, at the end of this article I will give you a list of the false prophecies made by them and a list of some of the books where these false predictions can be found. So go to your library and look them up for yourself; many libraries have a copy of all their old literature. The predictions of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society have changed so much that it would take a long article just to list eh changes made int eh last thirty years. So it would be impossible for me to quote from all of them in this one article. When I give you the list of predictions made by them, then you should be able to judge for yourself if the Witnesses are true prophets or not. Remember the three point test that a true prophet must meet and pass.

What Is The End?

From 1914 until the present time, they have changed the prophecy of the end of the world on numerous occasions and are still trying to predict when it will end. They have been mistaken so many times that it looks like they would quit making such predictions. As the old saying goes, a child once burned is twice shy of the fire, but not these Witnesses. They still keep predicting right on in spite of the many times they have been mistaken. Remember that this is the only way that they have of putting “pep” back into the organization when the members start to wind down, do not do as much work in going door to door, and fail tot sell all the books and magazines the headquarter think that they should. Just tell them that he end of the world will be here next year or the years after, and watch them get busy in the field service!

The book called The Finished Mystery (started by Russell and finished by Rutherford) on page 62 states that the spring of 1918 will bring on Christendom a spasm of anguish greater even than the one experienced in the fall of 1914. The travail that is coming is to be on nominal Christendom (Babylon). It will be a great and sore affliction time of trouble such as was not since that was a nation. This was to be the fulfillment of Revelation 11:7-13.

According to their book by Rutherford, Millions Now Living Will Never Die (pp. 88-89), it is stated that 1925 would see the resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the other faithful men of old that are mentioned in Hebrews 11. These faithful men would lead the earthy class of people back to human perfection here on earth in fulfillment of Revelation 21:1-4. Some of the other book s that you can find their false predictions in are: You May Survive Armageddon Into God’s New World, Let God Be True, The Truth Shall Make You Free, and Everlasting Life in the Freedom of the Sons of God. There are many more that I can supply anyone a list of upon request and will be glad to do so. Look at 2 Peter 2:1-3, where Peter tells us that false teachers were in his day and that they would always arise. They still arise today.

A lot of these dates were changed as the need arose, so much so that it was hard for any Witness to keep up with what you were to teach at any given time. But to show that this is a false religious organization, let me quote in part from the October, 1968, Awake Magazine (p. 23). Teaching against false prophecies, the article said, “Missing was a full measure of the evidence required in, fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Missing from such people were God’s truths and the evidence that he was guiding them and using them.” Now I would like to ask one question. What organization is more famous for date setting and the missing of those dates than all other organizations on earth put together? I will answer this one for them: that organization is known as the Jehovah’s Witnesses. So by their own articles, they tell us that God is not using them as his visible and legal representatives on earth because never have any of their predictions ever come true on any date set for them to happen!

Let us look at some prophecies of God and see if they were fulfilled or not. Also let us see if God ever changed any of them before they were fulfilled. Take Isaiah 45:1-2. This prophecy deals with the fall of Babylon, and even names the name of the one that was to overthrow Babylon. Isaiah’s writings were completed about 732 B.C. and this prophecy was fulfilled in 539 B.C. by Cyrus the Persian, or 139 years after the prophecy was made. See also Jeremiah 25:8-9. God prophesied that Babylon would overthrow Israel and lead them off into captivity. This prophecy was given in the year 632 B.C. and was fulfilled in the year 607 to 609 B.C., or twenty-five years later. Let us stop for a moment. Did God change any of these prophecies just because they did not come true? Or, did He ever say that they came true but no one saw them come true because they were invisible to the human eye? God never said any of those things and all His prophecies came to pass just like He said they would. So we can see that the Witnesses have not spoken as the Lord commanded and they are to be considered false prophets by all Bible standards.

More False Claims

In the Witness Book of Government which was released in 1928 (pp. 247-250), the seventh trumpet was blown and the Theocratic government was to start to rule over mankind in fulfillment of Revelation 11:15-18. In their book of Paradise Restored to Mankind by the Theocracy, on pages 282-301 (which is a whole chapter), just like in other false organizations they claim to have unity in spite of all false predictions. This in itself is a false claim as the Witnesses have broken into several groups in the past. Some of them are still in existence today, such as the Dawn Bible Students, Back to the Bible Ways, and some others that could be named. But this is enough to show you that there is not much unity shown here, no matter what they claim.

Just like the Roman Catholic Church, in spite of all their wrong predictions and in spite of all that they have done to people and the false teachings that have been done in the name of God, the Jehovah’s Witnesses still claim to be God’s visible and legal representatives here on this earth. What nerve it takes to condemn someone for doing something when you are doing as bad yourself! One time I had the congregation overseer get all over me for my son playing with a toy cap pistol; when I went to his house to see him on some business of the congregation, there his two boys were playing with the same kind of toy cap pistols. He told me when I called his hand on this that I was to do as he told me to do and not as he did. This is typical of the hypocrisy in the way the organization is run from the top down. You just do not question them about what they teach no matter how false it happens to be. What they say goes. If they are wrong in their predictions they will just change them as the need arises for them to do so.

In the eleventh chapter of Revelation, the kingdoms of this world are not asked to join the kingdom of God, which contradicts what the Witnesses teach. The Bible does not teach that the kingdoms of earth with their governments are to become the kingdom of God. After the period we know in history as the Dark Ages, there was a change in the hearts of the world rulers and the change put the Bible back into the hands of the common people. In this way, they could learn the truth of God’s word and come into the kingdom of God in obedience to the gospel plan of salvation on an individual basis. Whole nations have never accepted the truth of God’s word and according to the Bible they never will this side of the judgment bar of God, but we must all stand before this judgment bar of God on an individual basis and not as a nation. We must answer for what we have done in this body whether it be good or bad, as the Bible teaches in 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:12.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 3, pp. 72-73
February 3, 1983