Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

With this issue, we officially begin publication under our new banner Guardian of Truth. We also have added hundreds of new readers to our mailing list through the purchase of Gospel Guardian. That being the case, to write an article respective to our purposes and goals through Guardian of Truth seems appropriate. It should serve to introduce our new readers to this journal and acquaint them with what we intend to do through its pages. To the rest of our readers, this should serve as a reminder of our goals and as an opportunity to assess how well we have been doing in attaining them.

Our Twenty-fifth Year of Service: The Old and The New

We commence our twenty-fifth year of service with renewed determination embodied in our new name, Guardian of Truth. For twenty-four years, Truth Magazine has circulated among Christians; through its pages many people have been taught the truth on apostasies such as church support of human institutions, church sponsored recreation, and the sponsoring church arrangement. Numerous articles on good moral living, biblical studies, news of the brethren, etc. have been published which have encouraged and edified many faithful Christians.

Last year, after the Cogdill Foundation accepted Theron Bohannan’s sacrificial offer to sell the Gospel Guardian, our Board decided to simply merge the Gospel Guardian and Truth Magazine into one paper. This step unites in one journal the high standards of gospel journalism represented in the past two separate mediums of the same truth. Hence, Guardian of Truth is born. We have retained the volume number of Truth Magazine in order to remind brethren that we have been publishing for twenty-four years and to indicate that the thrust of Guardian of Truth will be the same as that of Truth Magazine. But we bring aboard part of the respected name of the Gospel Guardian to indicate that our thrust will be in the high tradition of Yater Tant during the years that Roy E. Cogdill and others stood at his side, the tradition continued by Eugene Britnell and James W. Adams more recently. In fact, we invited brother Adams to come onto our staff, but he preferred not to take on new obligations now and wished us well in our venture. Hence, we begin our twenty-fifth year of service – a full quarter of a century – with every intention of continuing the finest ideals in the militant propagation of New Testament Christianity. As I reflect upon the stand for truth which has been made in the past through the pages of these two gospel papers, I recognize the rich heritage which has been passed down to us. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).

What do we hope to accomplish during 1981 through the pages of Guardian of truth? We certainly have some specific goals in mind, but let me address the general goal first of all. Our primary goal is to publish a paper which contains articles on Bible subjects which are true to the Book. We have no desire to see so much as one page or one line directed toward the teaching of falsehood; if we should deem it necessary to publish an article which defends a false position, we shall strive to be sure that it is answered and in the same issue, if possible. Hence, our foremost aim is to teach the word of God in its purity.

Though Guardian of Truth will continue to be largely addressed to the Christian, non-Christians can continue to read it with profit since the fundamentals of the gospel must be stressed and emphasized again and again on our pages. We have addressed topics of controversy among Christians on our pages, just as the New Testament itself does. When it is necessary to call attention to a false position held by a Christian, every attempt will be made to make sure that the discussion is held on an honorable level. Though no man is infallible in this regard and every writer views his own material subjectively, I shall strive to present controversial material in a manner which is as inoffensive as possible. But we are more concerned about the danger of offending the Lord and undermining the truth by failing to defend it than we are of offending the nicer-than-the-Lord sensitivities of some apostates.

Brethren should be mature enough to realize however, that there is no way to expose a man as a false teacher which will please that man. He will cry “foul” regardless of how careful his opponent is in trying to call attention to his false doctrines. Luther Blackmon used to say, “There is no way to skin a cat which the cat will like.” I have already found this to be so in my little experience as editor of Truth Magazine.

Guardian of Truth will be a militant journal. As editor, I have no interest in seeing us compromise with denominationalism either inside or outside of the Lord’s church, with worldliness, or with any of Satan’s disciples. The staff of writers whose names are assembled on our masthead feel exactly as I do in that regard. We shall not hesitate to call sin by its name. Neither shall we hesitate to expose a false teacher who is posing as a teacher of righteousness when he seeks to make inroads among the people of God.

We seek to be a Guardian of Truth. We do not seek to sit on the truth to keep others from sharing in it but we do seek to guard the purity of revealed truth. When the Judaizers tried to bind circumcision on the first century church as being essential for salvation, Paul said, “. . . to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you” (Gal. 2:5). This expresses our attitude as a Guardian of Truth. We do not want to see the truth of God shackled by human tradition; we do not want the wisdom of God hidden beneath the philosophies of men. Consequently, we shall guard the precious truth to be sure that it is not tainted by human philosophies and traditions.

A second major goal of Guardian of Truth is to publish a balanced paper. There will be times when doctrinal errors’ must be dealt with; however, we shall attempt to publish articles on other subjects than these doctrinal issues in the same issue or in issues before and after that. We do not want to see the paper become obsessed with one issue. My idea of what a paper should be like is that it should contain material aimed at the new convert, the growing Christian, and the mature Christian; in that fashion, every Christian would find something which would be of interest to him.

A third major goal of Guardian of Truth will be to inform brethren of the news among brethren. We have invited and encouraged gospel preachers to send in field reports to keep brethren informed of the progress of the work in various parts of the country. Many have responded and we hope that many more will begin to send in their field reports.

Special Issues

In the past, Truth Magazine has published several special issues which have provided more in-depth studies of different topics. We have two specials planned for 1981 which will be multi-issue specials. The first special will be a study of 1, 2, 3 John. The material for this special is already in hand. I can assure you that this material is exceptionally good; the writers have provided questions with their articles. Hence, the material would make a very good class workbook. Those who might be interested in purchasing extra copies of these issues should send in their orders prior to publication so that enough can be printed for brethren to use them in their Bible classes as they desire.

The second special issue which is planned for 1981 is a special on the eldership. This will also be prepared with questions in case brethren desire to use it in an adult Bible class. Assignments for this material have not yet been made but we hope to have this available for publication by late summer or early fall.

Let’s Get Together!

If we sound excited about 1981, that is because we are. We are excited about hundreds of new readers, about the specials which we have planned, about the warm reception which we have been getting among brethren, and about the encouraging words which we have received regarding our labors. We are excited because all of this means more service and better service to you, the reader! Consequently, we are looking forward to another year of service through the printed page under our new masthead Guardian of Truth.

You are invited to be a part of this effort to preach the gospel of Christ in keeping with the highest ideals of the New Testament. Pray for us that we turn not to the right or to the left from that highway of holiness. Send us your suggestions for articles, special themes, workbooks, and other improvements. Your constructive criticisms are valuable to help us see ourselves as others see us and to help us make corrections where needed. We are always happy to consider for publication in Guardian of Truth your manuscripts which proclaim the gospel of Christ in its purity and simplicity.

Help us introduce the paper to new readers. Let us know if you can use a few sample copies of the paper. Why not personally subscribe for an individual ($11.50 per year) or a group (10 copies for $7.50 per month)? Would the church where you worship consider sending the paper to each family as an aid to enrich their Bible study, knowledge of current problems, and the positive application of spiritual principles to daily living? More churches are using this service and enjoying its benefits, but someone must make the suggestion – let it be you! Let’s get together to make the Guardian of Truth as effective as possible during 1981 in the spread and the defense of the gospel of Christ!

Guardian of Truth XXV: 1, pp. 2-5
January 1, 1981

By Hoyt H. Houchen

Question: Concerning Tit. 1:6 and the qualifications of elders, must all of an elder’s children be free from the charge of living riotous and unruly? Also, must all of his children be believers? If so with the first, why not with the second?

Reply: The Scriptures teach that certain things are required of men in order that they may qualify to be elders in a local church. Included in the qualifications, as set forth by the Holy Spirit in both 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1, for a man to be an elder, (1) he must have a family (a wife and children, I Tim. 3:2, 4; Tit. 1:6), (2) he must rule well his own house (having his family under control, 1 Tim. 3:4), and (3) he must have children who are believers (Christians, Tit. 1:6). The word “believing” in this passage is from the Greek pistos. While at times the word simply means “faithful” or “trustworthy” it may, in other instances, refer to those who are Christians (Acts 10:45); 16:34; 1 Tim. 6:2 etc.). These “believing” children are not to be accused of riot or unruly. The word “riot” is the same word that is translated “excess” or “riot” in Eph. 5:18 (“And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot. . . “). Being old enough to conduct themselves as profligates, it is logical to conclude that “believing” children in Tit. 1:6 would be those who are Christians.

In response to the first part of the question, all of the children of an elder must be free from the charge of being riotous and unruly. As a father he must “nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). If his children who are in his household are out of control, he has not obeyed the admonition of Eph. 6:4. Furthermore, he does not rule well his own house (1 Tim. 3:4). Therefore, he would not be qualified to serve as an elder.

In response to the second part of the question, all of an elder’s children would not have to be believers (Christians) if there are some in his household who were not old enough to obey the gospel. If those children of a man’s family who have reached an accountable age have become Christians, but there are younger children not yet accountable and, therefore, have not become Christians, he would meet the qualification of having believing children. Should there be any doubt about him fulfilling that requirement, please consider this. Suppose there was a man who had been faithfully serving as an elder in a congregation. He has children who were Christians. His wife became pregnant and bore him a child. We do not believe that this man becomes disqualified to serve any longer because he now has a child who is not a Christian. Logic shows us that all of a man’s children do not necessarily have to be Christians in order for him to qualify to serve as an elder. Should there be those children in his household considered to be old enough to obey but who have not obeyed the gospel, would be another matter.

So, as to why all of the children of an elder must be free from the charge of living riotously and unruly, but all of a man’s children would not have to be believers, is explained by the reasons above.

Question: At what age do you feel a child should be baptized? Do you feel that a child should be held back?

Reply: The specific age at which a child should be baptized cannot be determined. It all depends upon the circumstances. One child may be taught sufficiently at a very early age and will, therefore, want to render obedience. Whatever the age may be, the child should be accountable; that is, he should know right from wrong, realizing that he is lost and must obey the gospel. When the age of accountability is reached must be determined by each individual case. One child may have reached it at a very early age, whereas another child may not have reached it until later years. How much the child knows, his awareness of his condition and his desire to be baptized are determining factors as to when the child is a proper subject of baptism.

Dealing with the child who wishes to be baptized can be a very difficult matter. A young child should not be pressured to be baptized, neither should he be discouraged. First, parents should make it their duty to teach their children fully as to the seriousness of the step in becoming a Christian. Also what is involved in being a Christian, in addition to the truth about baptism itself should be greatly stressed. Children need to know that there are other things important as well as baptism. When they have been sufficiently taught and thereby become proper subjects of baptism, then it should be left up to the child as to when he should be baptized.

Guardian of Truth XXV: 1, p. 2
January 1, 1981

By Larry Ray Hafley

The answer to the question above is simple, but the issues involved are complex. They are complex, not because truth is difficult, but because truth has been obscured (2 Cor. 4:4). To a member of a religious denomination, my response will appear bitter or bigoted or both. Therefore, it is essential that this essay be an explanation and clarification of certain pertinent points and principles. These points and principles are:

(1) Who is the “we”?

(2) What is the “peace” that is sought?

(3) What are the “denominations”?

(4) What do the Scriptures say on the question at hand?

Who Is The “We”?

By the term or pronoun, “we,” I refer to Christians and to that which is designated and described in the New Testament as “churches of Christ.” These churches were comprised and composed of saved people (Acts 2:36-47; 11:21-27). They were congregations or groups of the saved in various localities (1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2). They belonged to Christ and were subject to His will and word (Acts 20:28-32). The churches were not warring factions with diverse, distinct doctrines such as characterized modern religious denominationalism. Obviously, Baptist Churches are not established in the Methodist system of faith and Presbyterian doctrine will not found a Lutheran Church. But in the New Testament, the preaching of the apostles made believers who were banded together in local units called churches (Acts 9:31; 1 Thess. 2:14). They walked according to the same rule and were governed by the same standard, the word of God (1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17; 2 Thess. 2:15).

“And so were the churches established in the faith” (Acts 16:5). That could not be said of denominationalism. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” does not produce a conflicting, contradictory, confusing cluster of churches. At least, it did not do so in the New Testament.

The “Peace” That Is Sought

The “peace” denominationalism seeks is a sham, a pseudo-peace. It is a lame attempt to smile and maintain separate quarters. The Baptists want their particular party tenets to go unchallenged. The Lutherans want their creed and ceremonies to be left alone. So, ignore the differences. Get behind your sect’s system of religion and allow everyone else to do the same. Do not make faces at anyone – except, of course, those narrow-minded Campbellites. Smile big, play up ecumenical feeling at Easter Sunrise services and at Christmas time. It is the same old song with a little different melody. “I won’t question your sprinkling of babies if you will let me tell the saved they cannot be lost even if they want to be.”

The peaceful co-existence movement is led by those who have no interest in following the pattern of sound words (2 Tim. 1:13). The movement’s disciples cannot bear the label and libel of being associated and affiliated with what is drearily and derisively scoffed and scorned as “Campbellism.” So, they seek acceptance, I was predicted and prophesied: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lust shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:3, 4).

Peace overtures with denominationalism often have their origin in an unreal idealism; their result is compromise; their effect is apostasy. Whenever you hear that a band of the Lord’s disciples is having “fruitful dialogue” with the Baptists or a Christian Church and that they are moving closer in their views, just guess who has moved! Guess who has to “play down” (and, ultimately, lay down) their convictions on baptism or the music question. If brethren will hedge and surrender the truth, “peace” is possible. Such “peace” is impossible when Christians hear and heed the apostolic appeal to arms and are found “casting down imaginations (doctrines of the denominations – LRH) and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).

What Are The “Denominations”?

If you need to be told or have to look it up, this article will not mean much to you. A denomination is a human creation, a man-made church. A religious denomination is a divine abomination. Of all similar groups of men under the cloak and guise of Christ, Jesus said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men …. Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:8, 9, 13). Further, He said, “Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name have done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:21-23)

What Do The Scriptures Say?

The clear import and emphasis of Scripture is that God has never approved of the mixing and mingling of human religion with the divine (Deut. 7:2-6; 2 Cor. 6:14-18). As the Lord once asked the Jews, “Whence was it? from heaven, or of men?” So, we ask about denominational churches, “Whence are they? from heaven, or of men?” If from heaven, who says so? If from men, well, the conclusion is obvious. If it can be established that Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, or Catholic Churches are of God, then all swords should be beaten into plowshares, but denominations cannot be found in Scripture, except in condemnation (cf. 1 Cor. 1:10-15). Where is the commendation of a denomination?

The New Testament is a militant, aggressive piece of literature. Christians are constantly encouraged to “fight,” “war,” and “wrestle” (1 Tim. 6:12; Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 10:3-5). They are told that some false teachers must have their mouths stopped (Titus 1:9-13). Have you ever tried to stop a lying, slow bellied evil beast with your best grin? It will not work. The only recourse is a fight, a war, a wrestling match. It is not always pretty and someone is bound to get scuffed up, but it is what the Lord advocates (1 Jn. 4:1; Rev. 2:2).

These will be peace with the denominations when a Baptist preacher says he is just a Christian and that baptism is “for the remission of sins.” There will be peace when Methodists lay aside their methods for the New Testament variety. There will be peace when Pentecostals recognize that Pentecost is a Jewish feast day and not a church or an experience. Until then, there is a war on, and if you are not in it, you had better enlist. Basic training is conducted in the book of Acts. It will toughen you up and get you ready for some real combat. If you are squeamish, you might read what the Lord said about being on His side (Matt. 12:30). Who was it that said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword” (Matt. 10:34)? Sounds like a Pharisaical anti to me, but you know the Lord said it. So, get your uniform on and stand and fight. Heaven requires it (Eph. 6:10-18).

Guardian of Truth XXV: 1, pp. 1, 11
January 1, 1981