Truth Magazine

By Eugene Crawley

By inspiration we are told, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Heb. 5:12). In other, scriptures, we also note the fact that Christians are to grow, are to put away childish things and become men (1 Cor.13:14), and thus become an asset to the cause of Christ. In other words, we are to grow up and be able to help others, instead of demanding attention ourselves. We are to help solve problems that arise, not be a problem or a contributing factor.

After the Corinthians had been Christians for some time, Paul wrote to them saying, “I have fed you with milk, and not with strong meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able” (1 Cor. 3:2). They were yet “babes in Christ” (v. 1); they just had not grown up, had not made the progress that they should. The time had come that they ought to be teachers, but they were not ready for such work; they had not prepared themselves and, thus, made it necessary for Paul to write to them as “unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ” and not as “unto spiritual” (stronger). The fact that they had failed to grow as they should had contributed to the existing weakness and problems in the church at Corinth (I Cor. 3:1-4), that demanded attention and instruction from Paul, which he should have been able to direct to others, even with help from these very ones.

The Lord expects us, after we have been Christians for some time, to be able to help in His work instead of being a hindrance or a problem that necessitates attention and encouragement if we are to remain faithful. Yet, sad as it may be, there are those who have been Christians (members of the church, anyway) for many years who still demand, as much as they ever did, attention and effort from others to keep them attending as they should. My brethren, these things ought not so to be! We should make the proper use of our time and opportunities so that we would soon be able to help others, instruct them in the way of truth – yes, he teachers!

If you wonder why it is that some who have been Christians only a few years have advanced more than you, and others who have been for many years, it might do well for you to “take stock.” You might well ask yourself such questions as: Have I attended regularly all the services possible? Have I attended Bile classes as I should? Have I really been interested in learning more and being, able^.to do more in the Lord’s work? Have I contented myself with attending only the Lord’s Day morning worship? One’s attitude toward spiritual things determines the .time and effort he will use in them.

Is it “time you, ought to be” teaching, leading singing, presiding at the Lord’s table, leading prayer, serving as an elder or deacon, or any number of other important works? If so, and you are not, then you need to ask yourself some searching questions. Possibly it is “high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Rom. 13:11). Be one who worlds, not one who makes work! If all of us “do what we ought” and be what we ought then the church will grow, souls will be saved, and God will be glorified, and we’-shall be greatly blessed.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 7, p. 114
February 14, 1980

By Irven Lee

The pure in heart and life are at the opposite extreme from the unclean, fornicators, drunkards, thieves, and carnally minded people who are at war with God, home, and society in general. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). The crime wave is bringing a reproach upon America today as this comment from Proverbs suggests. The bank robberies, corruption . in government and business, along with shoplifting and stealing from individuals show that honesty and respect for property rights are gone from the hearts of the masses. We should be thankful for every faithful law abiding citizen that is still in our country. What country is left on earth which has a wonderful record for respect for law and for people?

The home is a very important unit of society in a nation. The Bible gives much instruction to every member of this social unit because God planned that the home produce children who have the righteousness that will bring glory to God and serve as the salt of the earth to leaven society with the righteousness which exalts and purifies. There are organizations such as the National Organization of Women (NOW) which is exerting powerful influences against the Bible teaching on home and marriage. We should be aware of the unholy poison associated with every program it offers the people. The leaders of this organization are atheistic and in sympathy with Communism. They have a very powerful lobbying influence in Washington. They seek to influence the National Educational Association, various women’s clubs, and the thinking of children in every way possible.

Unbelief has found its way into the hearts of many university professors, text book writers, and the writers of reference materials in our public school libraries. When precious faith is gone, man is left to think that he is only an animal, so to him there is no such thing as right and wrong except as it relates to his own selfish desires. The fight against God and His word is on in America, so there is a real need for many more soldiers in the Lord’s army who are not ashamed of the gospel or any part of it. Christians who preach, or are parents, or who face the barbed oppositions of Satan’s forces should fight a good fight. This is no time to retreat.

It is sad but true that evil and doubt from the world tend to come right on into the church. Ignorance of the Bible is alarming among church members. That means that weak faith and low moral standards are found among those who are nominal Christians. Let each church put away from among its members every wicked person lest his influence leaven the whole lump. (Read all of I Cor. 5.) The Bible classes and the pulpit preaching should be very effective in fighting for faith and purity. There is need for love of God and hope in His promises. The love of God and the love of the world cannot abide in the same heart (I John 2:15-17). It is high time to awake out of sleep and wrestle against wickedness in high places. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). God knows what is best, so those who follow the counsel of God are blessed abundantly. They receive one hundred fold for their sacrifices in this life, with persecutions, and in the world to come eternal life (1 Tim. 4:8; Mk. 10:28-30). Take hold of faith and of the hope set before you. Share it with others.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 6, p. 109
February 7, 1980

By Judy W. Copeland

Brother Romulo B. Agduma, Kidapawan, Philippines, passed this life November 25, 1979 in his home. From a letter I received from his son, Reuben, the only mention as to the cause of his death Was that “he rested from his lingering illness of Hypertension, but he had never been bedridden until the last moment of his breath.” He was 51 years of age at his death. Survivors include his wife, Romona, a son, Reuben and three daughters Rachel, Ruth and Rhoda. Reuben attended Florida College a year or more in the early 70’s, and is now preaching there in the same area where he has lived for many years. Funeral services were conducted by Virgilio Villanueva, of Lambayong, and Brother Ramon Carino read scriptures at the grave side service.

While with the Calmopt Avenue church in 1958, I began correspondence with Rpmulo Agduma since the church there was supporting him. At that time, the institutional issues were being discussed and I subscribed to the Gospel Guardian for Brother Agduma and asked him to study the issues. Soon he learned the truth and took a stand against the innovations of the time, which position was instrumental in getting his support cut off from the Harlengen, Texas church. Since that time I have corresponded with Brother Agduma and, on a preaching trip to the Philippines in 1973 and 1976, 1 became personally acquainted with him. In all the years (while far removed from him in person) of his work, I have always found him to be true to his family, his God and himself. He was instrumental in helping (through his paper among other ways) many to understand the true nature of the church and its work. Many faithful churches in the Philippines are there because of his teaching and work. It is impossible for one who has not been to the Philippines to know the hardships, work, and the sacrifices that some make to work and preach in that land. Brother Agduma lived in the midst of the Muslem territory where those rebels gave the government so much trouble through the years, and finally moved his family from M’lang to Kidapawan where he thought it would be safer. He bought a home there and lived there until his death.

Brother Agduma was not always in agreement even with brethren about many things. This is a tribute to his honesty and faithfulness to what he believed to be right. He was not willing to sacrifice principle for friendship. Even with some of the more influential men in the Philippines as well as America, he was not in agreement with matters pertaining to morals and issues, but always stood by his convictions. I had the utmost respect for his sincerity, integrity, knowledge of the word of God and his willingness and ability to proclaim it. You could not desire a more hospitable home than the Agdumas’. On the last trip (1976) to the Philippines I spent several days and nights there, and truly was treated like a king. Brother Agduma and I felt particularly close, since we had been corresponding so long, and since I discussed with him by letter the issues that were raging in the 1950’s. The Philippines truly have lost a great soldier and the Agduma family a wonderful father and husband. May they find comfort in his word and promises, and may those he taught take up the “sword of the spirit” and wield it as faithfully as he did. May God grant strength and hope to the family.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 6, p. 108
February 7, 1980

By William C. Sexton

Recently an article came across my path wherein the writer ridiculed the idea that repentance and confession are necessary conditions for forgiveness of sins. After his ridicule and rationalization, then he dogmatically declared, “The condition is continued striving after Christ and truth . . . .” Let us consider that declaration in light of God’s word and our soul’s eternal salvation.

1. The Bible says, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; . .”; (1 Pet. 4:11). Also, Paul, the inspired apostle, said if we would be “justified” in our “sayings” and “overcome” when we are judged, we must “let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4).

2. It is strange how some will ridicule the idea that God covers all in the revelation, denouncing those who call for the acceptance of the Bible on all matters as being “Legalist.” The Bible claims that the forgiveness of sins for the non-Christian is conditioned on one coming to “Christ” wherein is salvation (2 Tim. 1:10; 2 Cor. 5:17); the Bible teaches clearly, also, that one is “baptized into Jesus Christ” (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27). Now, all the ridicule and rationalization in the world will not change that: honesty, continued striving and searching, etc. will not, according to the scriptures, bring one “into” that relationship with Christ. In the same manner, the child of God who sins is told to, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thoughts of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22). Furthermore, the beloved man of God, the apostle John, said, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8). To offer salvation on conditions other than the ones set forth in God’s word, then is to offer something that is “strange” as the fire offered by the priests in Lev. 10:1-2.

3. One can ridicule the idea that such inspired teachings are complete and rationalize that there must be another category of sins which are not included in these passages otherwise “we’ll all be lost.” However, when one makes such a claim, he is turning from the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 2:9-16), which has been revealed to the apostles and which was spoken and written “in the words” which the; “Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” Such was written so that we may read and “understand” (Eph. 3:3-4). God has preserved such for us, and we can chose to accept and abide in His wisdom or we may turn to and glory in man’s wisdom – ours and/or that of others. When we respond to God’s clear teachings with ridicule and rationalization, we are replacing Divine wisdom with man’s, All who follow us in such directives are under the same captive and destructive forces.

Beloved, we must be willing to walk by faith and not by “sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Therefore, we need to ask for book, chapter, and verse. If such is given, then we need to consider it honestly and carefully, to see if indeed such is the true intended meaning (cf. Mt. 4:1-11; 2 Cor. 2:17; 4:1-4). If we find that it is, then accept it, appreciate it and advocate it with fervor, zeal and love (cf. Acts 4:19-20; 5:29; 1 Thess. 2:13; Jas. 1:21-25).

4. If there is a verse of scripture which says “the condition (of forgiveness) is continued striving after Christ and truth,” then I do not know where it is and would like very much to have some one point it out to me. However, with my understanding of the scriptures, I believe that it is to be found right by that passage that say, “Once saved, always saved” or the passages that say, “Salvation is by faith only!” When we find one, we will find the other; if one is missing, so is the other!

It is sad when one gets himself so worked up that he will set forth dogmatically his plan while ridiculing the conditions set by God in His revelation, while they are also charging others with being “self-righteous.”

Satan, the opponent of man is working over-time deceptively to get you and me to accept such as the word of God. Some really run scared when some one calls them a “Legalist” (one who believes in a system of works). Beloved, I have heard that slander hurled at God’s people for 25 years. Denominational people always view the idea that one has to be baptized, to be saved as a system of work; so, people today who have taken up part of the same concept relative to a child of God being forgiven follow in their “father’s foot-steps.”

Our plea is: do not be deceived; God will not be mocked. Seed produces after its kind. I challenge each to ask the proclaimer of such statements as we have dealt with here to produce book, chapter and verse for such or to stop their mouths! As Jeremiah advised long ago, “ask for the old path, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jer. 6:16; cf. Mt. 7:13-14; Jn. 15:6, 7; 2 John 9). To abide within the “teachings of Christ” is to have the Father and Son’s protection and blessings; to move beyond them is to be on one’s own! Where are you, my beloved friend? Where are those who are influenced by you? Can you abide by 1 Pet. 3:15 and follow the route you have chosen? Death is coming to all, and eternity has two places, and it will be a long time! Think.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 6, p. 107
February 7, 1980