Truth Magazine

By Ron Halbrook

Social Drinking the Lure of Respectable Sin

For The Truth’s Sake, intoxicating drinks should be totally avoided. Some folks admit the sinfulness of drunkenness, a lesser number oppose reveling, but very few recognize the wrong of social drinking. Alcohol and other drugs may be subject to limited medicinal use (1 Tim. 5:23), but when used for the pleasure of their intoxicating effects are dangerous and sinful. It is often supposed that every occurrence of the word “wine” in scripture refers to an intoxicating drink, but as Young’s Analytical Concordance says the Bible term means “wine, grape juice,” “what is pressed out, grape juice” (p. 1058). The use of wine in each separate context clarifies whether the reference is to an intoxicating or non-intoxicating drink. For instance, Jesus did not contribute to reveling and debauchery in John 2:1-10 by making a liquor (150 gals!), but He made the freshest and purest grape juice ever tasted by man. “It is utterly impossible . . . to imagine Jesus being present in a tipsy crowd, to say nothing of aiding such carousing by his first miracle” (R.C.H. Lenski, John’s Gospel, p. 197).

1 Pet. 4:3 condemns as sinful (1) the debauchery in “excess of wine” or the drunken stupor, (2) “revelings” or intoxicated party making, and (3) “banquetings.” Banquetings is translated from a word which means simply “drinking,” without reference to amount. It is drinking parties but not drunken parties. R.C. Trench, an authority on Greek terms, said in Synonyms of the New Testament that banqueting is drinking “not of necessity excessive,” though it is related to drunkenness and reveling because it is the first step which gives “opportunity for excess” (p. 211). This, then, is the cocktail party drinking, sipping the intoxicant, “having a few drinks with the boys,” social drinking! Such practices belong to the old life of sin, not to the will of God.

Why is this so important? We must be always “sober” in watching for Satan’s attempts to destroy us through temptation (1 Pet. 5:8). Sober “signifies to be free from the influence of intoxicants” and therefore clear-minded, in full control of one’s senses, powers, and judgment at all times (see W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Vol. IV, p. 44). “The effects” of alcohol begin “after the consumption of 1 or 2 beers or 1 or 2 cocktails,” as doctors have pointed out (see James D. Bales, The Deacon and His Work, p. 33); the American Automobile Association textbook Sportsmanlike Driving points out that “the `higher’ centers of judgment and reason are impaired” starting after “the first drink” (pp. 67-68). All Christians, certainly elders, deacons, and their wives, should be “vigilant” or “sober” in abstaining from wine with its intoxicating effects (1 Tim. 3:2, 11). Mental, moral, spiritual alertness is essential if we are to resist Satan.

Social drinking should never be found among God’s people; when it is, it must be repented of and put away or else the church must purify itself by disciplinary action (1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6).Alien sinners need to repent of all sinful use of intoxicants, along with every form of evil, and to be baptized in water for the remission of sins in the blood of Christ (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

Truth Magazine XXII: 37, p. 604
September 21, 1978

By Leslie Diestelkamp

The Family Room

That room in a considerable percentage of new houses that has been designated “The Family Room” is of relatively recent origin. At least it has come to a maximum of popularity in the last two or three decades. Sometimes it is furnished much more comfortably and realistically than other rooms, and it is designed as a place of maximum relaxation and as a facility for ideal family association.

Under these relatively ideal circumstances there is certainly opportunity for a joyful and a rewarding togetherness of husbands and wives and of parents and children. The deep, soft carpets, the various comfort chairs, the clean paneled walls, suitable pictures on the walls-all of these plus other various facilities-produce a circumstance and an atmosphere that is altogether conducive to pleasant, happy days and nights of family circle events.

Face The Facts

But let us take an inventory. What has happened to the average family since the advent of the popular family room? Indeed, it has been a one-way street, a constant deteriorating process, a seemingly irreversible trend away from a close family association. Why should this be true? With much better facilities and with much greater opportunities, why has the family so frequently fallen apart? Why is there now so much more alienation of husbands and wives and of parents and children? Perhaps it may be well to consider some reasons for such failures:

I. In many households, the family room may have become a substitute for a family circle. In other words, men may have built family rooms to substitute for the care and concern, the devotion and dedication, the love and loyalty that they really owe their families. It may have seemed easier to provide facilities than to supply family leadership. But we need to remember that all the facilities we may buy with money, even indoor swimming pools, game rooms, etc., will never take the place of love and affection nor will such facilities replace direction and discipline.

2. The family room can sometimes provide the setting for togetherness physically but complete separation emotionally, mentally and spiritually. This is what I mean: we may sit in the same room for hours, almost unaware of each other while our attention is glued to a television program. And we may be naive enough to believe we are providing a situation of “togetherness.” Indeed, we may all be able to recite the names of all the actors on the Hollywood stages, while at the same time we may barely know the nature, the desire, the longing of each other!

3. We may become involved in a family room lifestyle that defeats the very intended purpose of that facility. When T.V. dinners are eaten on T.V. trays so that no one will miss “the show,” then we have missed the greater opportunity for significant togetherness when we should have all sat around the same dining table at the same time. When junior refuses to come to the table because he will not leave the T.V. and when family “communication” (conversation) is sacrificed at the altar of entertainment, then the family room is a curse, not a blessing as it should have been.

Doing Together

In these affluent times when money is so plentiful, it may usually be easier to provide “things” for our family than to supply association among ourselves. And this may be the real cause of the un-doing of the family structure that is so vital to happiness and success. This inclination to pay the price in money instead of in attention and care has been exploited by the toy industry, so much so that many families spend hundreds of dollars annually for those super-duper toys that are intended to entertain the children and spare the parents that responsibility.

So, some may ask, “What can we do together?” Well, if your children are already addicted to the expensive toys and if they are already caught up in the permissive self-sufficiency that rebels against parental guidance, it may be exceedingly difficult to do anything that will salvage the family circle. But if you still have time-if your children are small or still unspoiled by the affluence of our times, there are many things you can do to promote a happy, healthy family relationship.

For instance:

Go together! Go hiking or cycling together. Go picnicking together. Go camping together. Go, together, to any decent kinds of recreation and entertainment. Find a private place and go swimming together. Work together, play together, read together, and especially worship together. And remember, every one of these items and dozens of others can provide a real base for closeness and communication, a real foundation for like-mindedness and mutual joyfulness.

But also, stay home together. Make your home a sanctuary! Let your house be a haven for the whole family-a place of refuge from the ugly and vile things of the world outside, a place of security from the violent and turbulent affairs even nearby. Let it be a shelter from the storms of life. Most of all, let the home be a place of release from tensions, a quiet resort, a jubilant group-action of people mutually devoted to the same ideals and to each other.

The family circumstance that I have tried to portray can be a happy, secure, serene association even while living in a shack by the side of the road, in a humble cottage or crowded apartment. If attitudes are right, the house and its facilities make little difference. If attitudes are wrong, all the facilities in the world will not make a happy, successful family circle. If your family room consists of the kitchen, the living room or the front porch, or if it is indeed a luxurious special room, you can make it a source of satisfaction for the family and of approval by God. Do it today, for the sake of all those souls involved at your house!

Truth Magazine XXII: 38, pp. 618-619
September 28, 1978

By Carol R. Lumpkin

Baptism is not for any and every one. It is for believers only. It is only for those who have matured enough to surrender themselves to Jesus. It is only for those who know their guilt of sin and desire it to be removed. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). Only believers may be baptized. This rules out babies and the uninformed.

Babies are sinless! Infants and small children do not need baptism for they are not guilty of sin. Sin is the transgression of God’s law (1 Jn. 3:4). Since little children cannot know the law, they cannot sin. Jesus affirmed the innocence of little children, when He said; “Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14).

A child is born without sin. He does not bear the guilt of Adam’s sin. A child does not bear the sin of his parents. A child may reap the results of his father’s sin, but he is not accountable, or guilty, for them. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father. . . ” (Ezek. 18:20).

It is a perverted, non-biblical view of man that allows the doctrine of “total depravity.” Man was created without sin. A child is born without sin. Every person born into this world remains good until he or she individually sins. Babies are not little devils in sin. They are innocent, safe and pure before God (Matt. 18:1-3).

Infant baptism is based upon the false doctrine that babies are born sinners and need baptism to remove those sins. The doctrine of children being born in sin was introduced by Augustine in the fifth century. The need for infant baptism grew out of this false concept. Many people who now practice infant baptism no longer believe the “total depravity” doctrine. To reject that doctrine should also lead them to reject infant baptism.

Who can be baptized? This question, parents often ask. How old must my child be before he can be baptized? To answer this, other questions, must be asked. How much about Jesus does your child know? What does he know about sin? Does he know why he must be baptized? For what purpose is baptism? Before a person may be scripturally baptized, he must believe that Jesus not only lived, but that he died, was buried and resurrected from the grave (1 Cor. 15:1-4). These facts must be believed. The person desiring baptism must believe in Jesus (Jn. 8:24); repent of his sins (Lk. 13:3); confess Christ as God’s Son (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (Acts 2:38).

Jesus commanded His apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mk. 16:16). Those who were taught and became believers could request baptism. When Philip preached Jesus to the eunuch, he believed and requested baptism (Acts 8:3538).

Infants are not born sinners. Infants cannot be taught the word of God. Infants cannot believe the word of God and request baptism. Baptism is for believers only.

Truth Magazine XXII: 37, p. 594
September 21, 1978

By Dennis C. Abernathy

I am sure that a great many are aware mat we live in a time that is not characterized with respect. We see this “lack of respect” on every hand and in every facet of life. The word “respect” simply means, “to consider worthy of esteem” and carries with it the idea of deferential regard and honor. I certainly do not pretend to know all the reasons for this general lack of respect (although I do have some ideas on the subject), but I certainly can suggest some areas wherein there is a crying and pressing need for respect. Consider the following:

1. There is a Pressing Need for Respect for God. There are many today who do not even believe in God, much less, respect Him. “God that made the world and all things therein . . . . . seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things . . . . . For in him we live, and move, and have our being . . . . . For we are also his offspring” (Acts 17:24-28). Do most people recognize these things? No! With most, it is as it was with Israel of old. They have forsaken God. “For my people have committed two evils: They have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” (Jer. 2:13). Listen to the language of many today. God’s name, used in vain, is no uncommon thing. Look at many of the TV commercials and see the profane use made of God and those things that pertain to Him. Visit many worship (?) services of the Lord’s church today and notice how respectful (?) many are. Have we lost sight of the honor and respect that is due our Creator? For shame! “For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him” (Psa. 89:6-7).

2. There is a Pressing Need for Respect for God’s Word. There was a time when people, for the most part, were willing to go to God’s Word and see what He said on any matter. They may have disagreed over the meaning of a passage, but not that it was from God Almighty. If an individual has respect for the word of God, he will receive it as such. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thess. 2:13). What the word of God says should end all argument, that is, if we respect that word! A proper respect for the word of God will lead one to “speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter. 2:11), without any addition or subtraction. “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may kept the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2, 12:32). Further we read in Rev. 22:1819, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophesy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophesy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

But is there this respect for the word of God by the majority of folk? Nay, there is not! Man has added and he has subtracted to suit his own fancy. The Book says we are saved by faith (Rom. 3:28; Gal. 2:16) but man comes along and says that we are saved by faith “only.” The Book says “not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24); man says that it is by “faith only” and that it “is a very wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort.” The Book says we are to sing and make melody in our hearts unto the Lord (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Man, in his wisdom, comes along and says, “Lo we want to sing and play upon instruments. The Book says, “Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Man comes along and says it is “impossible for one to fall.” The Book attributes for itself completeness and perfection (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3; Jas. 1:25;, but man comes along and says we must have the Spirit operate upon our heart first so that we can then understand the Word. The Book says the gospel is God’s power to save, but man (even our own brethren) comes along and uses every gimmick, scheme, and trick in the old denominational book to get people into the number. You notice, that I say “number” and not the “body of Christ.” It is impossible to get people into the body of Christ through these means. Are we drawing people to Christ through the puppet shows, magic tricks, youth retreats, prizes on the buses, etc.? Jesus said, “Ye seek me, not because you saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled” (Jn. 12:26). As long as the loaves and fishes held out they would follow Jesus. As long as the gimmicks hold out many today will follow. But Paul said the gospel is the power to save (Rom. 1:16). He told Timothy, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Tim. 4:16). Of course some brethren make their distinction between “gospel” and “doctrine” and try and say Paul was all wrong about it anyway.

What has happened? I will tell you what has happened! In the mad rush to keep up with the denominational world and society in general, many have lost respect for the Word of God. The doctrines, commandments, and schemes of men are held in high esteem while the Bible is thrown on the junk heap as out-moded.

3. There is a Pressing Need for Respect for Decency and Morality. Today we are bombarded with indecency of speech, dress, and manners. Indecent language, pictures, etc. come into the home via television, radio, newspapers, magazines and other avenues (Phil. 4:8; Eph. 4:29). Some wear few clothes, and others wear clothes from material of such nature that they may as well not wear any at all (1 Tim. 2:9-10). Many evidently do not know how to act decently and civilized around women and older folks (1 Tim. 5:1-3). Morality (according to the Bible) is outdated and now we have the “new morality.” Everyone is now his own standard and “love” is the guiding force. Of course, to them love is just the avenue to gratify their every lust and desire. The cry goes up, “You cannot legislate morals.” I do not want to legislate morals, but God has! He has spoken! (Read Gal. 5:19-21 and 2 Cor. 12:20-21.) Will we heed His Word?

Yes, on and on we could go. Certainly we live in a disrespectful age. But we do not have to live that way. We live in the world, but we do not have to be of the world. Let us strive to live a life of respect for God, His Word, and for our fellow man. God will be pleased and we will be blessed.

Truth Magazine XXII: 36, pp. 582-583
September 14, 1978