Ephraim’s Idols: Bats in the Belmont Belfry Disturbed by Witch

By Ron Halbrook

It has long been known there are bats in the belfry of the Belmont Church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee, but only recently did we learn our poor brethren are haunted by witches as well! Belmont is a long-time leader in liberalism and doctrinal looseness of most every variety: no-patternism applied to the worship, organization, and mission of the church; so-called Pentecostal or charismatic movement; Ketchersidian grace-unity error; social gospel programs; and, a general sprinkling of you-name-it. Once the New Testament pattern is denied, brethren are put to sea without chart or compass; some sail faster than others, zigging and zagging with every wind, Belmont faster than most. Koinonia Bookstore across the street on 16th Ave. South is closely affiliated with the church on Belmont Ave. and is well stocked with a hodgepodge of denominational and ecumenical and Pentecostal nonsense.

A1 Jaynes, a bookstore director, swore out a warrant charging Mary Locke with disorderly conduct in allegedly disturbing the bookstore’s musical concert-prayer meeting on August 28, 1978. Laughing and giggling rippled through the crowd when Miss Locke quietly walked through the store wearing a witch’s costume and carrying a broom. Yet, in Special General Sessions Court, “Church members and bookstore patrons testified they believe in demonology and did not take Miss Locke’s actions tightly” (Nashville (TNJ Banner, 14 Sept. 1978, p. 19). Her own hair-raising testimony explained that Belmont members felt she was demon-possessed and harassed her with anonymous phone calls, black crosses attached to her door, and black cats hung from her doorknob in paper bags. She “broke down in tears when she testified about finding a black kitten suffocated in a paper bag. The bag had been stapled and attached to her door” (ibid.). She claimed severe harassment caused her to enter the psychiatric unit at Vanderbilt Hospital, where she was notified of Jaynes’ warrant. After more than two hours of testimony, in which “several bookstore patrons and church members testified they believe in demonology and the exorcism of demons,” Judge Earl Porter dismissed the charges against Miss Locke (Nashville Banner, 16 Sept., 1978; p. 28).

When Steve Wolfgang, Raymond Harris, and myself spoke on Satanism, demonology, and witchcraft, we agreed that vie found almost nothing of value on the subjects in reviewing dozens of denominational books and articles (cf. Chaps. 1-3, Biblical Authority, 1974 Florida College Lectures). Belmont is blighted by the superstition and ignorance of our age. During the period when the Lord allowed Satan a miraculous manifestation, He equipped His people with gifts and powers to triumph over it (Mk. 16:17-20; Heb. 2:1-4). This confirmed the Divine origin of the new, gospel revelation. Once the revelation was completed and confirmed, the period of miraculous conflict was ended (1 Cor. 13:8-13). The spurious claims of later centuries, including the power in black crosses and cats, resulted from the spirit of apostasy and the blight of ignorance which apostasy breeds.

We trust that though the bats in the Belmont belfry were disturbed by a witch’s appearance, they will not be distraught. Doubtless some other sensation will soon engage their attention. Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, pp. 267-268
April 19, 1979

Drawing A Bead

By Larry Ray Hafley

Too much of a good thing can be harmful. It is sunshine that created deserts. Excess equals abuse. Truly, “one can make a sin out of anything.” The exhortations to temperance include “over much” indulgence in items that are good.

Reactionary Writing

The transition is not clear, but a comment or two may be in order with regard to reactionary writing. Did I say writing? Why not reactionary teaching? Alright, then, reactionary teaching. One needs to react to negative events in a positive, constructive manner. Gospel preachers must necessarily respond and react to events that cross the path of their work (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Criticism may arise at this point. “He is a `reactionary.’ Every time he sees a movement in the bushes, he fires from the lip-or the typewriter.” Yes, one can abuse a necessary thing such as reaction to people, places and events that concern the purity of the gospel.

Do not forget, though, that much of the New Testament is reactionary. See the letters to Corinth, Galatians, Colossians, and Hebrews. Much of the material in these epistles is in reply to teachings, response to questions and reaction to actions. Jude is another example, as an examination of verses three and four will clearly show. Reaction is often better than inaction. Therefore, let each one listen and read with caution and candor, even when we feel that someone is “over-reacting.”

This article, you say, is an example of “reactionary writing”? Well, watch what you say about it. You might be guilty of reacting!

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, p. 267
April 19, 1979

Instrumental Music In Worship

By Johnie Edwards

To use instrumental music in worship or not to use, it is the question. This has been a source of problems among the people of God for centuries. The divisions which have resulted over this question are unnecessary for the Bible is clear on the matter.

Five Ways To Settle The Question

The question concerning instrumental music in the worship of the New Testament church can be solved by looking at and understanding these five ways:

(1) Realize that we today live under the New Testament. As one discusses the question of instrumental music with those who use it, they soon turn to the pages of the Old Testament for their authority in using it. We, today, do not live under the authority of the Old Testament, but of the New. Paul said that Jesus abolished the law. “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances . . . .” (Eph. 2:15). Other passages teach the same thing (Matt. 5:17-18; Rom. 7:6; Gal. 2:21; Heb. 7:12; Heb. 10:9-10).

(2) By knowing that there are two kinds of music. There are only two kinds of music – vocal and instrumental. That is all there is!

(3) Ask, “Which has the Lord commanded to be used? Vocal or instrumental?” Then read and see what the Lord has authorized in the New Testament for us to engage in. It is that simple. By reading the sum total of the passages that deal with music in the New Testament you will find that the only kind of music used was that of vocal music. Read them: Matt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15;.Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12; Heb. 13:15; Jas. 5:13. To use the words of the Apostle Paul, we learn that each one is to sing, “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

(4) Did the First church use instrumental music in worship? As one reads the pages of the New Testament after the Lord’s church was established in Acts 2 only vocal music was used. Read the New Testament to see if you can find a church in the New Testament using instrumental music in their worship. The apostle to the Hebrews summed it up when he said, “. . . in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Heb. 2:12).

(5) Realize how the Bible teaches a thing. The Bible teaches a thing by: (1) A statement of fact; (2) A direct command; (3) An apostolic example; or by (4) Necessary Inference. Since there is no statement of fact, direct command, apostolic example or necessary inference authorizing instrumental music in worship, then there is no divine authority for its use in the worship of the church of God. It is not a matter of finding a matter of finding a passage of Scripture which tells one not to use instrumental music in worship but rather finding one that tells us to use it.

These five things will forever help one to understand what the Bible teaches about the use of instrumental music in worship.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, pp. 266-267
April 19, 1979

You Cannot Afford To Drink

By Irven Lee

The cost in dollars for the drinks for a life time for an alcoholic is a very great figure. Let the young man or woman think of the cost per drink and use a little simple mathematics to see what the total would be for a life time. Please do not forget that it takes more and more alcohol as time passes and liquor becomes king. Make another estimate (Please!) as you consider the natural progression as the body demands more.

Not only is there a large amount of money to be given to the liquor dealer, but as King Alcohol becomes more demanding one is less able to earn. There are days when the drinker cannot go to work. Many lose their jobs and take one for a smaller salary if they can find it. This is demonstrated by a few million people each generation so there is no excuse for a failure to realize this.

There are many other prices that must be paid for the habit. Repairing or replacing the wrecked cars is very expensive. Court fines and hospital bills may reach to heights not expected early in life. Funeral costs are high for the drunkard who kills himself or others in wrecks or drunken brawls.

The cost in dollars of the drink habit only touches the hem of the garment. There are costs for which no monetary value can even seem sensible. The lives of children may be scarred seriously, and no price tag can state the amount of damage done in this realm. The children did not ask to have you for a father or a mother. They have an inherent right to sober, kind, and loving parents who do not allow alcohol or anything else to wreck the home and to bring on divorce. All understand that many divorces are related to alcohol, but the divorce is only part of the story as far as the injury to the children and the marriage companions is concerned.

Some who drink become irritable, others go to sleep, and others become funny or silly according to one’s point of view. Alcohol works on the brain of man which is a very important part, of his fearfully and wonderfully made body. Temporary impairment of mental ability is the result of each drink at first. There may be permanent and miserable damage before the end of life (See Prov. 23:29-35). The liver and other parts of the digestive system may be permanently and seriously damaged. The heart may be affected. How much is your health worth? Have you considered the possibility of being shot or stabbed with a knife at some drinking party? You have heard of such, have you not? Is there any possibility that you, in some period of intoxication, might shoot or stab a friend?

One’s soul is worth more than the world about us, and the Bible is very plain in telling us the eternal destiny of the drunkard (1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Gal. 5:19-21). Do you believe the Bible? Oh, but you are not a drunkard since you drink only small amounts! All drunkards began that way. None ever intended to be a slave to the habit. Are you sure how much it takes to displease the Christ who died for you and the God who gave you your wonderful body that should not be defiled? “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).

The alcohol habit puts one in company with others who drink, and that same habit gradually cuts one off from the close ties of friendship with sober people. Evil companionships add to the evil effect of alcohol. Sin tends to grow in clusters. Stealing, fornication, enslavement to other drugs, disrespect for law, and other evil things tend to follow as night the day. Drinking cuts one off from prayer, Bible study, and the hope of a Christian, and it leaves man alone in a dark world when the reaping of corruption sets in as promised (Gal. 6:7, 8). To be without hope and without God in the world is not the good life (Eph. 2:12).

Every man has an influence, and that influence goes the way he goes. His children are likely to follow in his steps, but if he is a Christian he may bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It has never been easy for me to understand why children of alcoholics drink, but it seems to be their usual course of life.

The Bible speaks of drunkenness, and it does not speak well of the habit. People tell us that an alcoholic is a sick man. If we see him while he is vomiting, or going through delirium tremors, we can easily see that he is sick. When reason has been dethroned and we hear him talk, we can easily see that he is deranged. If he had never taken the first drink he would never have- known that he was an alcoholic. His sickness can be healed by giving up the habit by means of a strong will. Doctors of the right kind can often help in his fight to conquer the habit. Tens of thousands of drunkards have thrown off the yoke of bondage and are free men, so it is evidently a possibility: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

There are two ways that one may travel in this life. There is the narrow way that leads to eternal life, and there is the broad way that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13, 14). There is no reason for starting down the wrong road. Surely none plans to go onto destruction! The farther one goes down hill the harder: it is to get back to the high plane. God knows and has, recommended that which is best for man. He loves the world enough that He gave His Son to pay the price for our salvation and to speak the wonderful words of life. Christ left us an example that we should follow in His steps.

Young people, you cannot afford the cost of alcoholism, so stay completely away from the danger. Do not take the first step in the wrong direction. To older people who are slaves of the habit, we say in all humility that the Lord would call you to repentance. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9). You have already paid a dear price for an unfortunate habit, but there is more to pay beyond the river of death. Repent and help rescue those you are carrying with you on the low road. Many need the help of the man who has had enough of sin so that he has returned to his Father. Think of the prodigal son of Luke 15. All that he spent in riotous living was wasted. It was a great day when he decided to go home. Your friends may have forsaken you, but your Father has not.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, pp. 265-266
April 19, 1979