Truth Magazine

By Dennis C. Abernathy

I have been asked to write this article on the subject of “pornography”, which I am glad to do. In this article we shall not deal with a huge list of “statistics” and draw from that tabulation the conclusion that we have a problem with pornography! Really, all one has to do, is live in our society, to know that we face a grave danger in the form of pornography. Pornography is not something that people indulge themselves on in secret (or it is not a thing done in a corner) in today’s world!

Today we hear a great deal about pollution. The polluting of the air, water, the land, etc. We are in trouble! If we can believe the experts, man has so befouled his environment that now he is faced with a self-induced calamity. The pollution of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we live upon is a most sinister threat to our health and happiness, and we had better be concerned about it! Former President Nixon warned: “We have become victims of our own technological genius.”

But while the world’s best minds grapple with the problem of air and water pollution, a far more lethal type of adulteration has descended upon us. And, ironically, this contamination arouses only slight concern compared to that of our physical environment! We are talking about “inner pollution”, or pollution of the heart and mind.

Consider the man who puts up a beautiful fence around his yard, yet his yard looks like a garbage dump. Also the man who beautifies the outside of his house, yet the inside is a total wreck! Yet, what about the individual who wages the fight against air and water pollution, yet all kinds of filth and defilements are found lodging in his heart?

From a moral standpoint, our country has reached the “open sewer” stage. Anyone who would argue the point need only investigate the average news stand or glance at the entertainment pages of their local newspaper. To read reports from those who have made a thorough investigation and appraisal of the “adults only” books, movies, etc. is shocking indeed. Even more shocking than that is, the fact, that this form of contamination is accelerating at an unbelievable pace. It seems that the adult movies, plays, books etc. are competing with each other to see just how far they can go! One New York critic, after seeing an off Broadway play, wrote: “After this, what can there be for an encore?”

With the onslaught of this form of corruption, has come a burgeoning rate of crime which is now almost beyond anyone’s power to stop or even check. I am made to wonder what our beloved America will be like when my little girls are adults!

The printed page, movies (in theaters and on television screens) and much of the music of today have a tremendous influence on the attitudes, manners, and morals of their recipients.

Just here, I think it would be good to give a definition of Pornography. Porneia is the Greek term for sexual uncleanness of all kinds, including fornication. Grapho means to write or picture. So you can see that we are talking about obscene books and films sold in the adult book store. It includes many of the adult magazines found in the drug stores and on the news stands. Many of the movies in the theater and an increasing number of shows piped into our homes via the TV screen are pornographic.

In the case of the printed page, censorship for all practical purposes, is non-existent. The most lurid and obscene literature imaginable is now freely circulated, obviously protected by the nation’s highest courts. Listen! We are speaking about Hard-Core pornography, not just the “girlie magazines.” It is almost hard to realize how lewd and vicious some of this trash really is.

Although these publications carry the Adults Only warning, any thinking person knows this is only a ridiculous attempt to justify their existence. Where is the evidence that adults are not demoralized by these publications (any person with any knowledge at all know they are affected irregardless of age), and of course all control is lost the moment the purchase is made. There are no laws to keep such material out of the hands of young people once they are sold. If you do not believe teenagers and even pre-teens are reading this obscene material, you had better wake up in a hurry!

I am told (and let me tell you this; I believe it) some of the photographs in these publications are too vile to describe—and most are posed by young people. Certainly, they must be influenced very strongly by drugs, etc., for few people, however depraved, would even do such things much less allow themselves to be photographed in the act!

To the person whose mind is obsessed with sex, who knows little about history (and cares even less), or whose god is the “almighty dollar”, the moral decline of our nation means little. Yet any sensible, and right thinking person, knows and realizes that obscene literature, movies, TV, etc., encouraged by permissive courts, can fatally weaken our nation! This fact is not only underscored by history; it is affirmed by the conduct of those who have abandoned the morals of the past. Today we are witnessing a callous indifference toward patriotism, and a total lack of respect for our rich heritage, and toward God Almighty and His Holy Word! Many of the young people today solve their problems by painting daisies on car doors; by carrying their “Make Love, Not War” placards, and etc. These are the fruits of an inner pollution problem! A pollution, I might add, that we cannot survive. “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Prov. 23:7).

The Source Of The Worst Pollution Is In The Human Heart

Jesus said, “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which came out of him, those are they which defile the man (Mk. 7:15). He then goes on in verse 18 to say: “. . . Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all those evil things come from within and defile the man.” My dear reader, the Lord is saying that one’s conduct (speech, dress, etc.) is but an evaluation of his heart! “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” (Matt. 12:34-35). In other words, if a man fills his heart with corruption, it will be that which flows out of his heart. That is why the Bible says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” (Prov. 4:33).

This is the point of attack made by pornography. It affects one’s heart or mind. It warps one’s concept of what is right and good. It awakens, kindles, and inflames the vilest forms of lust, which lead the individual down the road of degradation and ruin. Note the following illustration:

“A teen boy stops by a drug store for a snack before going home. As he passes the magazine rack he notices a section of magazines displaying nude and semi-nude women. He stops and begins to shuffle the sports magazines, but his eyes are concentrated on the pornography. Passions he hasn’t known before begin to stir within his mind. Curiosity arouses, but he hesitates to reach for any of the alluring magazines. Something seems to warn him of the evil before him. For the moment he refuses to go so far as to pick up one of the pieces of trash, but he has become careless. He has allowed to lodge in his mind pictures which have appealed to lust.

This carelessness continues for several days until one afternoon at the same magazine rack the boy gets bolder, bold enough to not care who is looking, bold enough to get one of the magazines in hand and look through it closely. Eventually, he has scanned the pages of all the nude magazines. The figures are fixed in his mind. He thinks about them at school. He thinks about them on a date as he makes advances to the girl. He talks about them with his buddies. He feeds his thought processes on them as every female he sees becomes the object of hidden lust. He is bolder now having stifled any warning of danger.

Boldness leads to habit. The boy’s collection of pornography grows as he manages from various sources to buy the foul print. He is introduced to all types of sexual experiences. Through the literature he becomes acquainted with perversion in all its vile forms. Thoughts are not enough. He constantly seeks companions to fulfill his lust. On and on it goes until things happen he never imagined when he first started the downward trail. His mind is a moral sewer. His body a deceased wreck. His future is dark. He is a slave to the lust he only played with at first!”

When people ignore what God’s word says about purity of heart—when they leave God out of their lives, they are on the road to ruin. Hear Paul to the Romans: “Therefore, God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them . . . . God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire towards one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper . . . . and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them” (Rom. 1:24-32).

Phillipians 4:8

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence, and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” How can one obey this injunction of Paul, while filling his mind with pornography (whether it be in the form of dirty books and pictures – in the theatres or on the TV – or through the dirty and suggestive lyrics of many of the songs today)? We must cultivate proper and pure thinking and leave no room in our hearts for that which is base and vile.

Young people, heed the danger flag before you dabble with pornography. There is nothing good that can come from it. Do not be deceived. There is too much good and wholesome literature – too many good and wholesome things God has given us – for us to degrade ourselves with the trash and filth coming from depraved minds. “Keep thyself pure” (1 Tim. 5:22).

If you are a sinner, purify your heart (Acts 15:9; 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Pet. 1:22). It is through obedience to the faith (the gospel) that one’s heart is purified. Have you obeyed God? Have you had your sins washed away (Acts 22:16)? Why not resolve to do that today?

Are you a Christian, but have gone back into the world (the mud and mire – the pollution of sin)? It is a low state indeed (2 Pet. 2:20-21; 2 Pet. 1:4). You need to repent of your sin and seek forgiveness at the hand of God (Acts 8:22; Jas. 5:19-20).

This is the way for the Christian, under God, to combat moral pollution in his own life. We must start with ourself. We as parents must educate our children against the dread disease of pornography. What do your children read? What do they watch? What records do they listen to? Do you know? Do you care?

We cannot cleanse the whole world. God’s people have almost always been outnumbered, outvoted, outwitted and outraged by the pollutants which have taken over the minds, morals, and wills of wicked men. But we can begin with our own household. We can teach our children the truth concerning pornography and we can do all in our power to eliminate it from their daily activities. Also, we can confess our sins to God, and we can be sure our own hearts are unpolluted.

Yes, the great battle is not with water and air pollution, but, with those things that pollute the heart and mind of man.

QUESTIONS

1. Define Pornography.
2. Discuss the importance of air and water pollution as compared with heart pollution.
3. How do you view the moral condition of our country today and how has pornography played a part?
4. What are the main sources of pornography?
5. Does pornography affect only young people?
6. What is the source of pollution?
7. Quote and explain some passages of Scripture concerning the heart.
8. The battle against pornography must start where?
9. How would you refute the “artistic value” arguments presented by the porno pushers? Is pornography simply an “artform.”
10. Will we be judged according to our deeds? Does this include our thoughts? How does pornography affect the thoughts and intents of our heart?

Truth Magazine XXIII: 22, pp. 359-361
May 31, 1979

By Johnny Thompson

I was going to the prom! I thought about it for days, and then decided to go. After all, I would be a senior but once. So why not?

I well knew that informing my parents would be most difficult. I was a minister’s son who had been taught all my life the problems and dangers involved in the modern dance. I decided to tell them at breakfast.

“Dad,” I said, “since I am a senior, I have decided to go to the Senior Prom.” I waited for his reply, but there was only silence. I expected my father to take me to task severely. I thought certainly that mother would cry. But still there was silence, a terrifying silence. Then my father replied, “So you are going to the prom?”

“Yes sir,” I said, “after all I’ll be a senior only once.” He looked at me and then hung his head. Then he said words I’ll never forget: “Son, your mother and I have tried to teach you for the past sixteen years what is right and what’s wrong. We’ve done our best to bring you up as a Christian young man. But you’re right Son, you are a senior. You are almost grown. So if you have decided to attend the Senior Prom, go ahead, but please remember this: if the Lord should come and find you there, please tell Him that you came because You wanted to, not because We sent you.”

Those sobering words shook me into reality. I then knew that this was a temptation that I must overcome. I must not go! I have never regretted not going, but continue to thank God that I was given the strength to throw my influence, fully behind the church and its work in the community. Remembering this temptation, I take encouragement from James 1:12, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.”

Truth Magazine XXIII: 22, p. 359
May 31, 1979

 

By Marshall E. Patton

Dancing is an age old problem in the church, and it continues to present itself anew with each rising generation. While the problem appears over and over, dancing itself appears in a new form from generation to generation. This study shows, however, that the same basic evil in dancing of the past is likewise present in that of the current generation – hence, the problem, regardless of the form or the generation.

Objectivity

One aspect of the problem is found in the fact that far too many do not study the issue objectively. All too often social, sometimes a party spirit, and other pressures make for a prejudicial, biased, and opinionated study. Some hold that preachers are so bound by antiquated views, tradition, and a desire for acceptance among their peers that their teaching is void of objectivity; that because of these pressures they simply can not “get with it” in this modern hour. Bible class teachers are sometimes viewed in much the same light, and others who oppose dancing are thought of by some as radicals, “kill joys,” and objectors without due regard for facts.

In the hope of greater objectivity, let it be observed that while the possibility of such on the part of some exists, surely, more serious thought shows such views to be a reflection upon the integrity of our teachers in general as well as a threat to our future security. Those who are experienced, who are void of a reputation of extremism, :and who are recognized as careful students of the word are well schooled in the dangers of such pressure influences. Among these we find many who have the faith and courage to search out and stand for truth regardless of such influences and consequences. The consensus judgement of such is worthy of the greatest respect and study.

Consensus Judgment

I believe that it goes without debate that the consensus judgment of the more faithful among us (preachers, elders, deacons, Bible Class teachers, and others) is that dancing, as opposed in this article, is wrong. It would be folly for one seriously ill physically to ignore the consensus judgment of the best qualified in the realm of therapeutics. Likewise, we must conclude that it would be equally foolish to ignore the consensus, judgment of the best qualified in the field of Bible knowledge. Young people, especially, should be very careful to avoid the path of folly in their study of this issue.

Inconsistency

Inconsistency poses a problem for both the guilty and the observer. All of our literature – that used in Bible classes, religious papers, tracts, books of sermons, etc. that deals with this subject sound a unanimous voice against dancing. The Christian, therefore, who engages in such finds himself at variance with the literature throughout the brotherhood as well as the oral teaching thereof. This puts him in a bad light with his fellows and at a disadvantage to explain his inconsistency to others.

Dancing in the Bible

The dancing of which one reads in the Bible may be divided twofold. (1) There were dances expressive of great joy and gratitude on occasions of victory and signal favors wrought or bestowed at the hand of God; also dances by which devotion, honor, and praise were shown unto Him (e.g., Ex. 15:20; Judges 11:34; 1 Sam. 18:6; 2 Sam. 6:14; Psa. 30:11; 149:3; 150:4; Lk. 15:25). In these dances men and women danced alone – no mixed dancing. (2) There were dances for amusement, pleasure and entertainment. There often involved hilarity, revelling, and mixed dancing (e.g., Ex. 32:19-28; 1 Sam. 30:16; Job. 21:7, 11-20; Matt. 14:3-6; Mk. 6:21-28). Concerning the two kinds of dancing, only the former has any semblance of approval. Even then, those involving some religious aspect (praise unto God) are found in the Old Testament. There is no authority for such in the New Testament age (John 4:23, 24).

Works of the Flesh

Among the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21), we find “Lasciviousness.” Webster defines this word as follows: “Wanton, lewd, lustful – tending to produce lewd emotions; the synonym of licentious, lecherous, salacious the antonym of chaste.” Again, it is defined: “Indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, p. 79, 80). There are two expressions in the above definitions worthy of special attention, because they identify, beyond doubt, the modern Disco dance (as well as others), namely, “tending to produce lewd emotions” and “indecent bodily movements.” The suggestive positions, provocative movements, and seductive gyrations of the Disco dance and other forms of the modern dance are here identified as lasciviousness.

If one were trying to produce lewd emotions by indecent movements of the body, could he do better than employ the bodily movements of such dances? In order to see more clearly the lascivious aspect, omit for the moment the presence of music, and ask the question, “Is there a Christian woman anywhere who would condone another woman engaging is such bodily movements before her husband even in her own living room?” The-presence or absence of music does not change the lascivious aspect. One thing wrong with dancing is that it takes and grants privileges that are not tolerated anywhere else in decent society. Even if a mature Christian (one schooled and experienced in the control of his passions) should be able to withstand temptation, we need to remember that the average man of the world is void of such strength, and many could care less.

Sometimes women say that such does not so effect them. Perhaps there are exceptions – more often among teenage and single girls. This point involves a study of the psychological and biological differences between the male and female, which space limitations forbid just now. However, just remember that no matter how innocent one may be of lewd emotions in such dances, he cannot be sure that such does not “produce” or “tend to produce lewd emotions” in another. Remember, “Lasciviousness” is condemned in these words “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

“Revellings” is also listed among the works of the flesh. A study of this word as defined by Webster and by lexicographers shows that it means a lack of restraint and self control; emotional excitement; that which is boistrous, loud and noisy. While this word may not be descriptive of every form of dancing that falls into the category of amusement, pleasure, and entertainment, it is descriptive of the modern dance hall and that associated therewith. It, therefore, must be considered in a study of this theme.

A few years ago, Paul Harvey, under the heading of “Pagan Dance Nothing New,” said:

“I had no business in that night club except that friends insisted I ‘should know what’s going on.’

“It was one of those places where, in suspended cages, girls wiggle and giggle to a jungle drum beat. Later, I’m told, they dance on tabletops among the customers. I didn’t wait.

“Anyway, I said, `that’s one degree of vulgarity that I’ll never get on TV!”

“Now three shows feature little else: ‘Go, Go,’ ‘Shindig’ and ‘Hullabaloo’ (Cf. “American Bandstand” – mep).

“And many variety shows are interspersed with similar pagan fertility rites.

“Choreographers must never have read anything more profound than `Billboard’ and ‘Playboy’ if they genuinely consider their product avant-garde. It is, conversely, as old as the Old Testament and as unimaginative as burlesque.

“The Greeks, the Romans, the Persians, the Egyptians, the Arabs, the Turks, the Sardinians, the Mongolians, the Chinese – certain alley cats and dissolute dogs – long ago allowed such self-expression as is masqueraded as ‘new”‘ (Paul Harvey, ABC News, Via Bedford Bulletin, Vol. 1, No. 52, Jan. 16, 1966).

According to an AP dispatch from Hollywood (sometime ago), Ginger Rogers said of the twist:

“The twist is ungraceful, vulgar, and exhibitionism personified. I think it’s scandal. It is the most obscene dance I’ve ever seen, worse than the shimmy ever was” (Via God Speaks to Today’s Teenagers, by James Meadows).

Space limitations preclude further quotes which show that even many “not of us” put those who engage in such dancing in a bad light. This is significant in relation to the issue because of the principle of influence (Matt. 5:16).

It should also be observed that in listing the works of the flesh, Paul adds to “lasciviousness” and “revellings” the expression “and such like.” These works of the flesh identify acts that would excite to unlawful desires and passions on the part of either the performer or observer. Furthermore, it does not meet the issue to say that properly supervised and sponsored dancing falls into a different category. Supervision can have some control over the aspect of revelery, but one cannot supervise the thoughts, emotions, and passions of another.

Dancing, as opposed in this article, identifies the participant as foolish, inconsistent, indulging the works of the flesh, condemned by the Scriptures, and without hope of heaven. Repentance is mandatory by a loving Heavenly Father who would have all men to be saved.

QUESTIONS

1. Name some influences that often keep one from studying this issue objectively.
2. Is it foolish to ignore the consensus judgment of the best qualified on any issue?
3. What is the consensus judgment of the best qualified teachers and most of the more faithful in the church on dancing?
4. In what problem of inconsistency does one who engages in the modern dance involve himself?
5. Distinguish between the different kinds of dances found in the Bible.
6. Are dances of devotion, honor, and praise unto God authorized in the N.T.?
7. Are dances for amusement, pleasure, and entertainment approved in the Bible?
8. Does the change in the form of dancing from generation to generation change its basic evil?
9. Define “lasciviousness.”
10. May one be guilty of “lasciviousness” who does not experience lewd emotions himself?
11. Identify “lasciviousness” in different forms of dancing.
12. Does “revellings” apply to the modern dance hall?
13. Does the modern dance limit one’s influence for good? How?
14. While the supervision of a dance may control in some measure the revelry aspect, can it control the thoughts, emotions, and passions of the participants?
15. What did Paul say of those who “do such things” (Gal. 5:21)?

Truth Magazine XXIII: 22, pp. 357-359
May 31, 1979

By Mike Willis

When I was young enough to barely remember going to worship services, I distinctly remember attending a gospel meeting at a congregation located not far from my home at which the preacher condemned worldliness. He preached extensively about the sin of worldliness and condemned the very appearance of evil. Finally, he came to the application of his lesson and applied the passages pertaining to worldliness to playing dominoes. About 10-15 people responded to the invitation that night, primarily to confess unfaithfulness in the matter of worldliness. I specifically remember the young, local preacher personally confessing his worldliness in playing dominoes.

Things have indeed changed since those days. When I was a lad, the brethren discussed whether playing cards and dominoes were sinful in an effort to avoid any resemblance of interest in things worldly or doubtful. Even when some practices which did not violate a clear Bible principle were condemned (as in the case above), an earnest effort was made to oppose worldliness and to keep the church pure! Today the “clergy” is discussing whether or not homosexuality, prostitution, fornication, gambling, and any number of other sins are wrong and churches are filled with such filth. In fact, many of the things condemned in the Bible as being sinful have now been legalized and become respectable in American culture. In many cases no effort is made to oppose worldliness and to keep the church pure. I am reminded of Paul’s statement, “for the fashion (schema) of this world passeth away” (i.e., it is constantly in a state of flux and change).

I must frankly confess that I liked the old days better when the distinction between right and wrong was clearly admitted and acknowledged. Those were the days in which the majority of sinners practiced their sins undercover because society as a whole rejected them because of their immorality. Yet, I cannot find a time machine which enables me to be removed from this decade and placed in that of a few years ago. All things considered, I am not even sure that I would want to be. Yet, I do admit that I liked the aspect of the old society better than that which exists today.

Gospel Preachers and Worldliness

I have been disappointed in the stand which so-called “preachers” have taken on any number of issues relating to morality. I have seen denominational clergymen on television defending homosexuality and stating that the Bible teaches that we should love everyone and not condemn others simply because they have a different form of sexual expression than we have. I have heard radio programs in which preachers discussed the topic, “when is lying not lying?” I have participated in a talk-radio program in which a denominational preacher refused to “condemn” prostitutes for their sin in his special ministry to prostitutes. Indeed, the denominational world around us has capitulated on the subject of morality.

It appears to me that this period of time should be especially ripe for preaching what the Bible says about morality. I cannot help but believe that there are literally thousands of Americans who are sick and tired of clergymen pussyfooting with Satan and who would like to hear what the everlasting gospel has to say about morality. I think that they are tired of hearing discourses on nuclear power plants, supporting guerrillas in South America, communal living, and other such social topics. I think that they would appreciate good gospel preaching on such topics as clean, godly living.

Unfortunately, the likelihood of them hearing these kinds of sermons is diminishing. Not a few of those who purport to be gospel preachers are compromising on the subject of worldliness. In an age that is being threatened by evils of over-indulgence of alcoholic beverages, gospel preachers are defending social drinking. In an age that is crazed by sexual stimulation through immodest apparel, gospel preachers are participating in mixed bathing. In an age when divorce and remarriage for unscriptural reasons is becoming socially accepted and the American family is being unscripturally altered, gospel preachers are teaching that those guilty of destroying homes through fornication have the scriptural right to remarry. Uncertain sounds are coming from the trumpets of those who should be sounding clarion notes for repentance.

Some of the stories which I hear regarding gospel preachers scare me inasmuch as they indicate what is no longer being preached. I have talked with men who relate that they had a discussion with another preacher regarding whether or not social drinking was wrong. I have been told of preachers who were housed in motels during gospel meetings being found mixed bathing by the local evangelist. On some occasions, the local evangelist simply jumped in the pool with them. Others among us are heavy smokers. These things indicate at least this thing to me: these men are not preaching against social drinking, mixed bathing, and smoking!

I am saddened to hear of a preaching brother becoming involved in some gross act of immorality such as fornication. Usually, however, such a man humbly repents before God, tries to reconstruct his life on the basis of God’s word, and resolves to serve the Lord throughout the remainder of his life. I have compassion on such a brother and suffer with him through the agonies which his sin brings to him. However, I know that this man will continue to preach against worldliness, perhaps even holding himself up as an example of how it can cause any of us to fall.

Such does not happen among those involved in social drinking and mixed bathing. Most of them are unwilling to admit that what they are doing is sinful. They are persuaded that there is nothing wrong with it, except that some old fashioned brethren think that it is wrong. Hence, they must practice their sins undercover, lest these “old fogeys” detect them. Having reached these conclusions, such brethren will not repent of the immorality which they are practicing. Rather, they will continue to practice them in secret.

This erosion of moral conviction among preachers is sometimes seen in secret lasciviousness followed by secret fornication followed by a cover-up. They refuse to repent, run from their error by moving to a new area, and either explicitly lie when questioned or else implicitly lie by maintaining a “righteous” silence. Those who refuse to repent of worldliness and who “get away with it” are likely to repeat and increase their sins.

How long has it been since you heard a good sermon on such things as dancing, mixed bathing,, social drinking, and other forms of worldliness? Are we no longer hearing these kinds of sermons because these sins no longer pose a threat to the spiritual development of Christians? Have they quit being practiced by the society around us and no longer are in vogue? We all know the answers to these questions! The reason that some brethren are no longer preaching on these subjects is that they have become convinced that they are not sinful!

The Unchangeable Word

Yet, my brethren, God’s word has not changed in this generation. It is the same today as it was in the first century. What it teaches about worldliness is still true, regardless of who teaches otherwise. Read its condemnation of ungodly behavior:

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21).

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate, affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which thing sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him (Col. 3:5-10).

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them (Rom. 1:28-32).

The Scriptures speak just as certainly today regarding the condemnation of these acts of wickedness as they ever did at any time in the past. Though time has changed, societies have changed their laws, denominational preachers have changed their beliefs, and American culture has treated as respectable things which God has condemned, God’s word remains the same.

In a time when denominational clergymen and, unfortunately, some “gospel preachers” (I use the term accomodatively; when these men quit preaching what the gospel has to say about these subjects, they ceased to be worthy of the description “gospel preacher”) have quit preaching on such topics as worldliness and some among them have actually begun to defend what the Bible specifically condemns as sinful, we need to pay special attention to Paul’s warning, “Be not deceived!” He wrote,

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

Let us be careful that we are not deceived on these matters. What God has said shall not be changed by the presumptuous words of twentieth century clergymen!

A Corrupted Society

Ours is indeed a corrupted society. It reminds me of that society which existed during the days of Isaiah. He mentioned a group of men that had blurred the distinction between right and wrong. Condemningly he wrote, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” (Isa. 5:20). If you think that this has not happened in America, look around you. Witness what has happened with reference to homosexuality. Talkmasters, television hosts, news commentators, justices, and practically everyone else have defended homosexuals; similarly, they have hurled every kind of disparaging remark imaginable at those who have done what they could to condemn homosexuality as sinful.

Tax dollars have been used to pay for abortions. Those who have defended the rights of the unborn baby have been stereotyped as a bunch of narrow-minded, bigoted idiots. Indeed, our society has blurred the distinction between good and evil, right and wrong.

There is always the danger that the society around us will determine what we preach rather than God’s word. Even preachers can be conformed to the world in the message which they preach rather than being solely guided by God’s word. None of us are above falling into conformity with the world around us. Yet, God’s word is quite clear in revealing that what God has spoken is the criterion for determining right and wrong rather than what society around us is saying. Hence, we need to especially be careful in this moment of time and space to “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2).

Is there yet a clarion voice calling the wicked to repentance? Is there a voice crying in the wilderness, “Repent ye”?

Conclusion

I think that there is yet a host of voices crying in the wilderness of immorality, shouting for men to repent of their wickedness and turn in humble obedience to the Lord. It is true, indeed, that a number have muffled their trumpet by compromising in such respects as smoking, social drinking, mixed bathing, and other aspects. However, I am convinced that the greater number of gospel preachers are still preaching what God’s word has revealed on these and a number of other topics.

Brethren, let us hold forth God’s word as a light in the midst of this crooked generation. As the lights of denominations become progressively dimmer as they compromise point after point of God’s revelation, the world around us will see the pure message of God as we clearly preach it. Those with honest and good hearts will be drawn to this message. Let us not compromise with worldliness but rather reprove it (Eph. 5:11).

QUESTIONS

1. How has society changed in recent decades with respect to its practice of an attitude toward worldliness?
2. Relate anything which you have seen as evidence that denominational clergymen have capitulated on the subject of worldliness. Do you think that the members of these denominations appreciate the stand which their clergymen have taken?
3. How long has it been since you heard a sermon on mixed bathing, dancing, social drinking and smoking?
4. Has society’s acceptance of these forms of worldliness changed God’s condemnation of them?
5. Can a man be a faithful gospel preacher while refusing to preach on such subjects?
6. How do you think the world around us will receive strict teaching against worldliness?

Truth Magazine XXIII: 22, pp. 354-356
May 31, 1979