Truth Magazine

By Jimmy Tuten

There was a time when “freedom of religion” was a subject we discussed with our religious friends. Now we hear brethren reporting that they “preached for a free church” last Sunday. They talked about “free men,” “freedom,” and we know where they are coming from – from the same recesses of the mind that causes one to say, “I don’t have to belong to the church of Christ, I have religious freedom.” While all of us desire liberties, there is still a great deal of misunderstanding and confusion as to what “religious freedom” means. It certainly does not mean that a man can go to heaven believing and practicing anything he wants to believe and practice in religion. It simply means that I do not have the right to force you to believe what I believe, or accept my faith. And one certainly should not work a hardship on or persecute another so as to deprive him of his right to worship as he pleases. It does not mean that his faith is acceptable to God, or that his worship is pleasing just because he has the liberty to do as he pleases. One certainly should make up his own mind about a religious matter, but should remember that God will hold him responsible for the decision he makes. God has given His Word, the Bible (I Cor. 2:7-16). He expects us to read it, study it, and be directed by it alone (2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 5:17; Matt. 7:21-23).

When one argues that we cannot see the Bible alike, he engages in verbal quibbling. Such will not be tolerated by God. Would God give us something we cannot understand? Did not the Christians of the first century understand the Word of Christ and His Apostles? T hose who refused to walk after the apostles’ teaching were considered “disorderly” (Rom. 16:17). They were marked (I Tim. 1:19-20). We have today the same teaching that first century Christians had, and if they could understand it, abide in it, be of one mind regarding it, we can too. Religious freedom, or tolerance does not mean that God will condone anything that men want to do in the name of religion. It does mean that in our dealings with one another, one man should not attempt to force another to do what he does in religion. Force has been exerted in the past, resulting in death and confinement. Even now, some of our own brethren are using force of all shades to make people accept their beliefs. Settlers from the old country set the stage for “religious freedom,” but this only means that no ruling power has the right to force a man to worship or serve God a certain way. I repeat, it does not mean that God will accept anything and everything done in the name of religion. Our government may let us do as we please in religion, but God does not grant that same privilege. When we believe that others are violating Scripture in religious practices and attempt to set them right with the Bible, we should not be accused of intolerance. Error should be condemned and persuasion to accept truth should be made. When this is done, no principle of religious freedom is violated.

Some men do not want to be disturbed in their religious practices. They like what they are doing, and they are afraid that if someone proves from the Bible that they are in error, they will have to give it up. So they excuse themselves and ease their consciences on the basis of religious freedom. They think that man ought to let them do as they please and that God will do the same. Can we not see that man tolerates many things in religion that God will not tolerate?

Free To Choose, But Responsible

Man is free to choose what he wants, but God holds him responsible for the decision he makes. Please read carefully Deuteronomy 11:26-28. This is exactly the principle today. God has never forced a man to serve Him, but He has appealed to him and warned of awful consequences for disobedience. Man is free, allowed to make a choice, but he is responsible for the choice he makes, and that before God. If he wants to be a Satanic worshiper and go to hell, that is his choice. If one attempts to turn him away from Satanism, considering the consequences, he should not be accused of intolerance. The only freedom God grants man is the making of a choice as to whom he will serve (Deut. 30:19-20). Life is not promised to the man who serves the devil. The government of the United States permits any man to worship as he pleases. Even though this liberty exists and protection from wicked men who would exert force is granted, God will not tolerate any religious error practiced in our country. It only means that an individual who wants to follow the doctrine of the devil has the freedom to do so without fear of being put in jail. It also means that those who want to follow God’s Word only may do so without fear of persecution. But God will judge the man who follows Satan and bless the one who follows His Son. Jesus said, “In vain do they worship me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men” (Matt. 15:9). This is still true today. Our government does not interfere with those who want to worship God after the traditions of men, but before Jehovah their worship is vain. When we attempt to point out the error of those who err we should not be accused of religious intolerance.

Let’s face it, there are those who are “religious” for “filthy lucre’s sake” (Tit. 1:11; 1 Pet. 5:2). They cry “religious freedom” because they do not want their “trade” to “come into disrepute” (Acts 19:27). We all know that people do not study the Bible as they should and depend on the priest or preacher to give them ready-made answers, consequently false teachers take advantage of their ignorance. Some false teachers are wedded to their false doctrines while others find it an easy route to “big money.” There is just enough truth mixed with the error to deceive and they should be exposed. Yes, they will cry, “persecution,” under a false concept of religious tolerance. Why do we not see the same thing in politics? When a crooked public figure is exposed, are the exposers charged with intolerance? Why should it be so in religion?

Weak Preaching

The sentimental, sick idea regarding “religious freedom” has produced a weak and sickly type of preaching all across the land. In turn, it has produced a weak faith in the hearts of the people. The same is true among those who are our brethren who are caught up in the mania of “free men,” or “free churches.” Faith in the hearts of religious people in denominationalism is all but destroyed. Only a vigorous type of preaching will produce a vigorous faith in the people. Brethren, you can be no stronger than the teaching you receive. Someone said, “like people, like priest,” meaning that one is no stronger in faith than the strength of teaching receiving from those who preach.

Final Word

Do not misunderstand the issue. We should not, even if we could, force a man to worship God according to the truth. But we should not fail to teach mankind the right way, condemn error in every man in the hope that he will correct himself. This is not religious intolerance. Men should not attempt to justify themselves by hiding behind a false concept of “religious freedom.” No one in this country will force anyone in religion, by threat of death or imprisonment. Even the infidel may disbelieve and preach his opinions without fear of persecution. But all this does not mean that men may exercise the same privileges with reference to God’s Word. Religious freedom does not guarantee that every man is right in what he does in the name of religion. Our only standard of what is right and what is wrong in religion is the Word of God. No man is right who does not follow that Word. If this is not true then we should throw the Bible away, or burn it! If we are not going to respect God’s Word as revealed in the Bible, then how will we ever know what is right and what is wrong? Why not stop serving God altogether? This is why so many have gone astray and no longer serve God. This ridiculous, false idea of “religious freedom” will eventually destroy every mite of faith in the heart of mankind. The abuse of “freedom of religion” should be condemned and destroyed by faithful men of God. When people yell for tolerance, what they really want is special privilege. They think more of tolerance than of Truth.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 25, pp. 406-407
June 19, 1980

By Donald P. Ames

(NOTE: My apologies for this material getting in so late. I waited quite a long time for the kit from Quality Publishers, which never arrived. I was then slowed down by plans for our up-coming move to Leland, Illinois. Next year I’ll do better. – DPA)

To say that I am not overjoyed over the selections available this year is probably an understatement. It is a shame that conservative brethren cannot put out a sound system of rotating VBS literature, but no doubt the cost of producing such would be prohibitive. Some of the material published (i.e., Sweet’s) looks about as inviting as that from the denominations, and all kits this year manifest a growing looseness toward the word of God.

Gospel Teacher: “Doing God’s Will”

Of the three kits we finally received, I suppose this one is least objectionable. It deals with the thought of doing-the. will of God in the world, in the nation, in the church, in the home and in our individual lives. It has some excellent material on attitudes toward authority in the high school booklets and, over-all, contains some very good material. All three kits include a book for the adult class as well, but this kit has no teacher’s manual for the adult nor high school class. The cut-outs are pre-stamped for easy removal in the lower grades, and the material is attractive.

On the other hand, most of the work in all the classes below the high school age must be done in the class room itself, which places a tremendous job of preparation upon the teacher, and very little study for the kids. Refreshments are recommended for the classes, and in the high school student booklets both the bus ministries and “mission VBS” (VBS held at other churches by larger churches) are promoted quite strongly. I did not find this in the lower grades, and perhaps it might be a good occasion to discuss what is wrong with these projects – if you do not have a lot of outsiders present to be influenced by the booklets. Thus, I find this kit least objectionable, but hardly feel like recommending it.

Lambert: God’s Way Is Best

This kit is attractive, and deals with why God’s way is best today for the home (morality, divorce, etc.), church, worship, in serving others and for happiness. It too contains an adult booklet for those who wish to have an adult class. The cut-outs for the lower grades are not pre-cut, but it does contain some very good material on why we need to be concerned about morality, pre-marital sex, divorce and remarriage today; as well as getting involved in the work and worship of the church.

However it seems as if Lambert felt called upon to go out of their way to include material so conservative brethren would not use their material – or have lots of problems if they did! The Nursery and Beginners booklets advocate and contain a letter to be taken home to the parents for special fruit to be brought for a fruit basket for the class (church) to take to a needy family (not necessarily Christians). The Junior book advocates strongly the idea of universal benevolence – including caring for strangers, orphans, widows, etc. The Intermediate booklet further promotes the idea that church benevolence should involve aid for the old folks home, orphan home, campaigns, disaster aid, blood banks, etc. These are riot ideas included only in the Teacher’s Manual, but strongly pushed in the Student booklets too. I cannot in good conscience recommend them, despite some otherwise good material contained therein (what is it someone once said, even rat poison is 98% wheat and only 2% poison).

Sweet: Jesus, My Best Friend

Sweet Publishing Co. continues their heavy promotion of their own bank account. T he entire kit is full of ideas that are essential to follow their laid out program – all of which must be ordered separately (from them, of course!). The program would fall through without the use of their puppets and film strips (order separately). T he songs are special, designed to emphasize special points in the lesson (order separately). T-shirts are heavily promoted in all student booklets (order separately). And the organizational set-up that is recommended (like last year’s). looks more like the president’s plan to run the entire government than a simple VBS, with special committees, leaders, directors, teachers, supervisors, etc. In fact, it comes across almost like something expected from a large Baptist or Methodist denomination than something designed as a vacation Bible school. The teacher’s manuals are full of lists of books to be bought and read to do a good job – all new and not readily available, of course.

Heavy stress is placed on “mission VBS” in the manuals. The lower grades are suggested as being divided into departments within the class-room (auditorium?) for centers for blocks, art, books and puzzles, home living centers and discovery centers (I could not find a Bible center recommended). Refreshments are urged in the grades. Responsive prayers are encouraged in the Junior student books (sort of like a chant, with the teacher reading a phrase, then the students reading another in response; doesn’t sound like the type prayers Jesus taught in Matt. 6). The Teen booklet denies the authenticity of Jn. 7:53-8:11, but acknowledges it does sound like teachings of Jesus. It also implies that Jesus directly functions in our lives in some mystical way today as He responds to our “direct call.” T he adult class also has a book (at least that seems to be the only place I can conclude the book is to be used for) entitled “T he Power T o Be” by Thomas Olbricht (who formerly, if not still, was on the board of the ultra modernistic journal Mission). It passes along the name of Good News For Modern Man as if it were a good, acceptable translation of the word of God (which it is not!), and is full of doctrinal error, such as claiming that Mark wrote his gospel strictly from memory of what he had heard from Peter, and at that, possibly after Peter’s death! It also denies that there-are any rules to be kept in the course of following Jesus, but rather that Jesus was more interested in molding lives of love than setting any guidelines. It also advocates the idea one should not discourage “gifts” of the Holy Spirit today, even though you may not personally feel they are valid. T here was more, but that was about all I could stomach in one setting. Sweet has continued to move toward denominationalism to the point I would not trust any literature coming from them without careful examination first.

Quality?

Despite repeated promises, nothing to date has been received from Quality Publishers. I do not see how it could hardly be worse than what has been offered thus far. Last year they did have a good kit (“Praising Jesus”) in their rotating series and, personally, as of date, I would about as soon discard all three kits and urge our readers to try it or maybe even set up a program of Bible study worked out by the elders and teachers for the age levels and coordinated to coincide with the other classes of their own choosing. If and when Quality Publishers does release their kit, perhaps it will offer a decent alternative.

Unfortunately, I find little thus far this year to recommend.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 25, pp. 405-406
June 19, 1980

By Mike Willis

Inflation has been hitting each of us in recent months. Gasoline prices are approaching $1.50 per gallon; it now costs nearly $30.00 to buy a tank of gasoline for a larger car. Interest rates are running nearly 20%. If one has to borrow money on today’s market, he will pay dearly for it. Prices at the supermarket reflect the inflationary spiral when one purchases a product which has three price tags on it, one pasted on top of another to reflect the increase in cost.

Support of gopsel preachers simply must go up in such an inflationary period. When inflation is reaching nearly 18% on an annual basis, preachers must receive a generous raise just to stay even. To move is not even practical to those who must purchase a house simply because of the interest rates on homes. A man with an 8% mortgage would have his house payment to double if he borrowed the same amount of money at today’s market price of interest. Hence, preachers cannot afford to move just because some brethren are inconsiderate about giving him the needed raise. Brethren must be realistic in compensating preachers during this period. Whereas a good many brethren have labor contracts which have an automatic cost of living raise for their employees, the preacher does not. T o a large degree, the preacher is at the mercy of elders and, in churches without elders, the brethren in general. T he pressures of inflation are hurting your preacher; how long has it been since he was given a raise – not just a salary increase, but a raise which reflected a real increase in buying power because it was greater than the inflation rate?

T he pressures of inflation are being felt by local congregations in more than one way. T he number of requests for support which arrive where I preach demonstrates that raising support is becoming harder. It is becoming more difficult to raise outside support because a greater percentage of one’s budget is being used to keep present programs going. Heating and cooling costs on a good many buildings has risen to $350-400 per month. Radio programs, bulletins, class literature, and preacher support are all increasing. Churches are suffering from the pressures of inflation. How long has it been since you increased how much you are giving? Salary increases have come from your job; has your giving increased to reflect these increases in pay? We are expected to give as we have been prospered (1 Cor. 16:1-2); as your prosperity has increased, has your giving increased?

Cogdill Foundation Also Feels The Pinch

The pressures of inflation are hitting Cogdill Foundation even as they are hitting other industries. Our costs have gone up through the years. Yet, we have tried to hold the line on price increases as much as possible. T he last time we announced a price increase on our graded literature was in 1975; hence, the announcing of an increase on our literature is necessary at this point.

T o illustrate our need for a price increase, let me show you how closely we have been operating. Our class books sell for $.95 retail; they wholesale for 57e. We received a new printing of some of our pre-school material the other day and it was invoiced at 63e per book. Even I have enough sense to know that the volume of our sales will not make money at this rate. Hence, we are literally forced into raising our prices on our graded literature.

Truth Magazine Price Increase

On January 1, 1979, Truth Magazine announced a price increase from $7.50 per subscription to $10.00. We were operating at a considerable loss at the time we announced that price increase. It cost us $11.07 to print and mail a subscription which we sold for $7.50. By changing printers and cutting back on our usage of color, we thought that we could operate for several years at this price. However, we were not prepared for the present rate of inflation.

Consequently, beginning August 1,1980, we will be forced to increase our price to $11.50 for a one-year subscription and $14.00 for a foreign subscription. We shall hold the line on our group subscriptions at $.75 per family per month (this is $9.00 per year on an annual basis). We regret having to announce an increase in prices but we must operate this on a sound financial basis for us to stay in business.

Despite our increase in prices, Truth Magazine continues to be one of the best bargains in religious periodicals. Compare our prices with the following papers:

Vanguard (24 page monthly) $9.50

Gospel Anchor (32 page monthly) $7.00

Sentry (I6 page monthly) $6.00

Gospel Guardian (32 page monthly) $7.00

Searching The Scriptures (24 page monthly) $7.00

The Preceptor (32 page monthly) $6.00

Faith And Facts (76 page quarterly) $4.00

Gospel Teacher (32 page bi-monthly) $7.00

I remind you that Truth Magazine is a sixteen page weekly. T o give you some comparison in prices, compare the number of pages and the prices of these various periodicals.

Paper	Number of Pages	Cost
Vanguard	288	$9.50
Gospel Anchor*	384	$7.00
Sentry**	192	$6.00
Gospel Guardian	384	$7.00
Searching The Scriptures	288	$7.00
The Preceptor	384	$6.00
Faith and Facts*	304	$4.00
Gospel Teacher	144	$7.00
Truth Magazine	816	$11.50

* Uses a smaller page size than Truth Magazine

** Is not professionally type-set.

When one compares the number of pages published in relationship to the cost, he can see what a good bargain Truth Magazine is when compared to other papers.

Conclusion

The exact amount of price increase on other Cogdill Foundation publications can be obtained by writing the bookstore. Probably by now, some of you have already received written notice of our increased prices in giving you an opportunity to purchase quantities prior to the increase. In a similar fashion, we are going to offer any renewals of Truth Magazine at the old price until August 1, 1980. Hence, if you would like to renew your subscription or extend it for another year at the old price, do so prior to August 1,1980.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 25, pp. 403-404
June 19, 1980

By Ron Halbrook

For the truth’s sake, not only must the gospel be proclaimed, it must also be obeyed. It is not proclaimed merely as a basis for speculation and mental exercise, but is proclaimed “for obedience to the faith among all nations” (Ram. 1:5). The Good News of God’s grace and forgiveness through Christ ought to be gladly accepted and obeyed by all men, “but they have not all obeyed the gospel” (Ram. 10:16). “7 he god of this world bath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ . . . should shine unto them.” “T he light” is hidden and “the treasure” lost unto those who give themselves over to “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:3-7). Satan is served when we walk “according to the course of this world . . . the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience,” fulfilling “the desires of the flesh and of the mind” (Eph. 2:2-3).

Men may ignore and reject the gospel, still it is Good News. The message does not change its character simple because some turn away their ears from hearing it. Others are glad to hear and glad to obey. It is still good news that (1) Jesus Christ does for man what man cannot do for himself, and that (2) Jesus Christ reveals the love of God. There are other reasons the proclamation is good:

3. Jesus Christ reveals spiritual things. In spite of all man’s advances in knowledge and all his accomplishments, “there is no new thing under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9). The planning and striving of man cannot reach beyond a realm called life “under the sun” in Ecclesiastes. All governments and nations constructed by men are temporary. Every social arrangement, restructure, or plan will change in time. Economic systems built with the utmost care must finally crumble. Money, knowledge, pleasure, and all other labors are left behind at death. What then? And, even while we live and struggle and labor “under the sun,” what is our relation to God? Can we know His will for us? Can we know when we have obeyed His law and when we have erred – can we know His law? Is worship accepted in heaven? Is there conscious existence after death? Are there rewards and punishments – can we be with God in eternity, or be separated from Him?

The eye, ear, and heart of man cannot pierce beyond life “under the sun” to uncover things in the mind of God, but He has revealed Himself in the gospel of Christ, “comparing spiritual things with spiritual words” (1 Cor. 2:9-13 ASV). That is Good News, indeed! Rather than offering plans and schemes of earthly reform, Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you,.they are spirit, and they are life” (Jn. 6:63). Going beyond the realm of material kingdoms, interests; and cares; Jesus pointed to a spiritual birth, a spiritual kingdom, and spiritual blessings. He said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3:5).

4. Jesus Christ conquered death. One by one, each of us comes face to face with death. With flowers, memorials, and manicured graveyards, we try to soften the shock, but death is an enemy and it will wrestle each of us down into the grave. Jesus Christ entered the mighty castle of death, but “the gates of Hades” could not hold him (Matt. 16: I S ASV). “He is risen,” angels told the first visitors to His grave; prophets had foretold it and eyewitnesses then reported it (Matt. 28; 1 Cor. I5:1-8). He has promised to raise “all that are in the graves” when He returns – “they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (Jn. 5:28-29). Christians know that when He returns, “the dead in Christ shall rise first” and then the faithful living will join them “to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Words of comfort, Good News!

What of you, dear reader? Will you not accept and obey the gospel? Moved by faith, repent of your sins, confess Christ’s name, “be born of water and of the Spirit.”

Truth Magazine XXIV: 25, p. 402
June 19, 1980