Truth Magazine

By Terry L. Sumerlin

Though I am one who, like Brother William B. Wright, believes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cures-i.e. a Christian is wise in marrying a Christian; I do not concur with his conclusion drawn from passages of scripture on the subject. According to Brother Wrights reasoning on certain passages (though his conclusions on the passages and his conclusion to the article did not harmonize), it is sinful for a Christian to marry a non-Christian. This I do not accept. Thus, lets consider his usage of scripture.

Under his heading “An Important Principle,” we find a number of passages taken from the Old Testament to show that the old patriarchs married “their own.” Also, passages are cited in reference to “mixed marriages”- of the children of Israel and the condemnation of such by Nehemiah. To show the lesson we are supposed to get from this, Rom. 15:4 is given: ” . . . whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning. . . .” Yet, I do not believe we are to misuse O.T. passages (or new for that matter) in order to make application where there is not such, as I believe our good brother has honestly done. If one will look closely at Neh. 13:24, he will find the following primary reason given for the condemnation of “mixed marriages” among Israel: “And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod and could not speak in the Jews language, but according to the language of each people.” As I understand it, Nehemiahs condemnation primarily had to do with “mixing of races” so as to provide an impure lineage for Christ (as seems to have been the case with all such O.T. passages); and secondarily with possible spiritual damage as in the case of Solomon, being affected by such a marriage. Yet, the second was not necessitated by the first (consider the marriage of Moses, Num. 12: 1). As to the marriages of the old patriarchs, the fathers also chose wives for their sons. Maybe, this is also “for our learning.”

Moving from this point, though, to the section headed “New Testament Teaching,” lets consider the passage used by Brother Wright in 1 Cor. 9:5. I, too, believe the passage is dealing with a “believing wife,” but I do not agree with the idea that such infers that the unbelieving woman is not an eligible mate for a Christian. Our brothers reasoning on the passage is comparable to saying that because Paul approved eating meats and eating herbs, but said nothing of eating them together, such is sinful! Notice in 1 Cor. 9 Paul says it is approved to be single or marry a Christian. Does the fact that in this place nothing is said about marrying a non Christian, make it wrong? I think not!

Though no specific application is made of 1 Cor. 7:39, I take it that our brother intends to say from this that since widows are to marry Christians (“only in the Lord”), this implies that all Christians are to marry “only in the Lord.” This, I believe. Yet, I do not believe “only in the Lord” means Christian. If such is the meaning of the expression, then children are bound by Eph. 6: 1 to only obeying parents who are Christians, i.e. “in the Lord.” The expression, rather, seems to mean widows are to marry and children are to obey their parents only to the extent that they would not be caused by “obedience” or “marriage” to disobey the Lord. This is a far cry from proving “mixed marriages” wrong.

In connection with what Brother Wright has said on 2 Cor. 6: 14, let me say that if this passage is teaching that marriage of a Christian to a non-Christian is sinful, in itself, one has a serious contradiction between verse 17 of the same chapter (“. . . come out from among them and be ye separate . . .”) and 1 Cor. 7:12-13. The truth of the matter seems to be that the passage is teaching that we should not enter into any agreement, etc., which would give the non Christian the advantage that would cause the Christian to sin. Though such could exist (and often does) in “mixed marriages,” the context seems to indicate that this is not specifically under consideration.

In conclusion I must say that I see something strange in reasoning by which one labors in an article of such length as the one under consideration to prove something in violation of Biblical principles, and then ends it by saying that the individual who marries a non-Christian is to be treated as any other Christian. If I understand the Bible correctly, when one violates Biblical teaching he (she) sins. Yet, the article does not lead one to believe such. Notice: Either the marriage of a Christian to a non-Christian violates Biblical principles and is sin; or such a marriage does not violate Biblical principles. I take the latter! Though a “mixed marriage” might show a lack of judgment; I do not believe it reflects on ones godliness!!!

(Readers are asked to refer to Vol. XVI, No. 46 of Truth Magazine for “The Beginning of Sorrows”)

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 5, pp. 10-1
November 30, 1972

By Billy W. Moore

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 55:8-9) Truly, the ways of God are higher than our ways but one of the grand lessons of the Old Testament is that Gods way will work. We may not understand why God has commanded this or that, but if we have the faith to work his ways, his ways will work.

Sometimes the way of God appears foolish unto men. But let us remember that of some it is said, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools . . .” (Rom. 1:22). “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness.” The very idea that the crucifixion of a Jew on a cross was the only means of salvation was utter folly unto many of the wise men of Pauls day. But God in his wisdom could see that the world by wisdom knew not God, thus it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (1 Cor. 1:18, 21) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men, God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise … and the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty … and the base things of the world, and things which are despised, that no flesh should glory in his sight. (See 1 Cor. 1: 18-29)

Jeremiah the prophet said, “0 Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” (Jer. 10: 23) The wise man said, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6) One great use of the Old Testament is to learn that Gods way will work, therefore, trust in the Lord.

This lesson is illustrated through many Old Testament events, to which we can make only passing notice. If you are not familiar with these situations, then read them and see this grand lesson. And remember: these things were written for our learning. In Old Testament days God was dealing with man in a physical sense, so the effectiveness of his ways could readily be seen.

When God sent Moses into Egypt to lead forth the captive Israelites, Moses was eighty years of age and unknown to the elders of Israel. Why should they trust him? How could he make them believe that God had sent him? Gods way: Moses was given miraculous power . . . turning of a rod into a serpent, his hand becoming leprous, etc. (Ex. 4:1-9) Gods way worked! Israel believed and accepted Moses as their leader.

In their flight from Egypt the Israelites came unto the Red Sea. There was no passage over it. Pharaoh and his army were approaching. Israel cried unto the Lord. But Moses believed God would come to their rescue, and charged them: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day.” God told Moses to “Lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” (Ex. 14:13-16) Men would say, at a time like this we have no need for foolishness. But Gods way did work. What an impression this should have made.

Shortly thereafter, when Israel was in the wilderness, they were without water and they did chide Moses and murmured against him. God told Moses to take his rod and strike the rock in Horeb and water would come forth. With men this would have been sheer folly. I have heard of men “witching for water” with a forked pitch limb, but never of a man bringing water from a rock … except for this instance. But, you know, Gods way worked.

Because of their unbelief, the Israelites were made to wander in the wilderness for forty years. During this time they spake against God and he sent fiery serpents among them and they bit the people and many of the Israelites died. When the people confessed, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord,” they asked Moses to pray unto the Lord for them. God had Moses to make a serpent of brass and put it on a pole, and when one was bitten he was to look upon that serpent on the pole and he would live. To a medical doctor this would be foolish. In fact, no man could believe that a brass serpent could heat a poisonous snake bite. But Gods way worked! They knew the power was with God, not with the brass serpent, but they did not rebel at Gods way, for they were a dying people and this was their only hope.

After the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the time came for entering into the promise land. Israel was camped on the eastern side of Jordan, across from Jericho. But the Jordan was overflowing its banks at this season of the year. There was no bridge, and it would be a long and rough journey to go southward, over the mountains and around the Dead Sea, and then back north into the land. God had a way. The priests who would be carrying the ark of the covenant were to lead the way, and as soon as the soles of their feet shall rest in the waters of Jordan, the waters shall be cut off from the waters come down from above, and they shall stand upon an heap. This would take a mighty feat, considering the flow of a mountainous stream in flood stage. But Gods way worked and all Israel passed over on dry ground. (Joshua 3:9-17)

The city of Jericho was the first city before them and God gave it to Joshua and Israel. But Jericho had a great wall built around it. How could they conquer it? Gods way: all the men of war were to go round about the city once. This was to be done for six days. On the seventh day they were to compass the city seven times, the priests were to make a long blast with the rams horn, and all the people give a great shout. Such military strategy would be laughed at in every camp. But the people believed God. They worked his plan, and his plan worked! How marvelous are the ways of God. (Joshua 6)

There are many other situations in the Old Testament which give further support to the fact that Gods way will work. When someone put poison gourds into a pot of soup-the people needed this food, for there was a dearth in the land-Gods way: put some meal into the pot and all will be well. Who would think of that? No man would believe that the power was in the meal. But they could believe that God had power to purify the poison soup. Gods way worked again. And what about the time Naaman was told to dip himself seven times in Jordan to be cleansed of his leprosy? He went away in a rage! Later, when a servant made him see how foolish it was not to do as he had been told, he worked the plan of God, and dipped himself seven times in the waters of Jordan. You know the results: Gods way worked! Naaman would no longer doubt. He now proclaimed, “there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel.” (2 Kings 5) Or, how about the time when God told Gideon that his army of 32,000 was too great to go against the enemy, whose army numbered 135,000. Those odds do not seem too great a favor of Israel. But God did not want man to glory in himself. So, the army was reduced to ten thousand. But still it was too great. Then the drinking water test reduced the army of Israel to- three hundred men. Not a chance for so few to defeat so great an army as the Midians, had. But God had a way: a pitcher, a lamp and a trumpet for each man. No general would go along with this! But you know what? Gods way worked! (Read it in Judges 7)

Application Of This Lesson

The world was in sin, lost and ruined. But God had a plan: He sent his only begotten son and let him die on the cross for the sins of the world. His death was not left to mere chance, it was not an accident. His followers would have fought for him but he forbade it (Matt. 26:51-53). He could have called for legions of angels to deliver him (Matt. 26:53; John 18:36), but his prayer was, “not my will but Thine be done.” He knew the will of the Father was to provide the only sacrifice for sins that could be offered. Thus, he gave himself once for all.

In the apostolic days many said it was foolish. Some today are crying. We do not believe in a blood religion! Even some of our brethren have denied that the shedding of the blood of Christ was that which took away sin. They ask: Why could not God in all his wisdom design a plan of salvation that would not demand the sacrifice of his only begotten son? They seem to think that either the wisdom or mercy of God is impeached. God in his wisdom could see that to redeem man of his sins with any lesser sacrifice than that of his only begotten son would not allow him to remain just. Listen to the answer given by the inspired apostle Paul, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Rom. 3:24-26) But God is still pleased that by the foolishness of preaching men are saved. Yes, Gods plan worked! Christ is able to save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by him. (Heb. 7:25) Those saved are said to be washed in the blood of Christ. “. . . and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” (Rev. 1: 5 See also Rev. 7: 14; Matt. 26: 28; 1 John 1: 7) My friend, if you reject the sacrifice that Christ made on your behalf, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. (Heb. 10: 26) Thus, it is the sacrifice of Christ or no sacrifice at all, and without the shedding of blood is no remission (Heb. 9:22).

Man is a sinner and needs salvation. He is not saved merely because Jesus died. The Lords plan … Gods way: Preach the gospel to every creature, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16:16) That believer must repent of his sins (see Luke 13:3 and Acts 2:38). And you know, the plan works! Three thousand souls believed the first gospel message, repented of their sins and were baptized. Peter told them, “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” They that gladly received his word were baptized, and the saved were added to the church. (Acts 2:37-41, 47) The eunuch believed and was baptized and went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:36-39)

It is true that for centuries there have been those who mocked the ways of God. Mockers and doubters are still among us, crying, I dont believe baptism is necessary. Or, God can save me even if I am not baptized. But the way of God is still the same, and His way will still work. After all, when one believes in Christ and in obedience to the Lord repents and is baptized, why shouldnt he go on his way rejoicing? Jesus said, “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” We believe him. We take him at his word. We believe Gods way will work!

The application may be made to many things, but the principle should never be forgotten: Gods way will work. How wonderful it is to see this repeatedly in the Old Testament. What confidence it gives unto us when we willingly submit unto Gods way. Although I may never in this life understand how or why they work, with Paul of old I can say: “0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.” (Romans 11:33)

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 5, pp. 7-9
November 30, 1972

By Dudley Spears

Earths Most Challenging Mysteries

After I read through this recent release of Baker Book House, I handed it to a public school teacher who has had many years of experience teaching science to elementary school children. Her comment was, “Every parent should have one of these books and read it often to their children.” She also thought it a good book to fill any teachers library shelves.

This is a book dealing with some of the scientific mysteries that are uncovered by students of our universe from time to time. Reginald Daly, the author, is a man that is very well qualified to mix with scientists on questions pertaining to the physical aspects of the universe. He was instructor in physics at the Missouri School of Mines. He also taught mathematics and physics at such colleges and universities as Bradley University, Western Illinois University, University of Grand Rapids, Ely Junior College, Mankato State College, Washington State University and Chico State College.

Daly deals with the seven mysteries listed on the front cover of the book, which are, The Origin of Life, The Cause of the Ice Age, Canyons and River Valleys in the Sea Floor, Six-Mile-Deep Ocean Trenches, The Formation Of Mountains, Fossil Graveyards in Siberia and Marine Fossils on Mountaintops. But these are only general topics that allow the author to delve into literally hundreds of problems that bewilder and confuse many scientists. As stated in the foreword, there are over 60 theories attempting to explain the ice age with no satisfying answer. There are over 25 theories that have been proffered by scientists trying to explain the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Daly begins this book with a negation to the theory of evolution. He strikes at the godless theory by a careful examination of the manner in -which the evolutionists try to patch up their gaps in the ragged theory. By direct quotations from recognized authorities in the scientific world, Daly clearly draws the issue between the creationist and the evolutionist. Then with unassailable logic and rhetoric he shows the failures of those who teach that man evolved out of lower forms of life. Oddly enough, many people think of the “missing link” in terms of some half-man, half-ape sort of being, but Daly shows all the links that evolutionists must produce in order to make their theory acceptable to honest and intelligent people.

This book is not merely a negation. It is a positive affirmation of the credibility of the creationist view. Daly piles historical evidence upon historical evidence to show that the Biblical account of the flood is geologically accurate. He quotes from many sources to show that “the early aborigines of nearly every country of the world have preserved records of the universal flood.” He also shows evidence to validate the Biblical record of the tower of Babel and its connection with the flood. He concludes, “The cumulative evidence furnished by all these records of the flood from so many independent sources serves to establish the flood as a historical fact.” (page 59).

Time and space forbid a detailed review of this book, but just a word should be said about some physical features of the book. For one thing it is a very readable book. Some books are printed with very small type, but this one has print large enough to make it quite easily read. Also, it is a medium length book that does not take too long to read, yet is a large enough book to challenge the serious student. It is very well arranged and documented.

In these days of skepticism and unbelief, every Bible student should take advantage of everything that will help one be qualified to do battle with the forces of atheism and evolution. This book is certainly a must on the list of anyone interested in equipping himself for such a fight. You may order your copy or copies today through our bookstore.

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVII: 2, p. 2
November 9, 1972

By A.A. Granke, Jr.

The West Hobbs Street church (which apparently is a liberal church) at Athens, Alabama recently received International notoriety when an Associated Press news release was printed under the above title in the Pacific Stars and Stripes, a newspaper for Armed Forces personnel in the Pacific, which is also read by U.S. civilians abroad and by local foreign nationals. According to the article, the West Hobbs Street evangelist was dismissed by the elders because his seventeen-year-old daughter, a high school majorette, publicly wore a bathing suit while competing in the Miss Spirit of America beauty pageant at Decatur, Alabama on July 4th, 1972. The girl, who won the contest and intends to enter competition for the Miss Alabama title, is quoted in a subsequent article as stating, “My father has always endorsed everything that I have done, and he endorsed this. If I had to do it over I would do the same thing.” She said she wanted the title, was proud she got it, and she had no intention of resigning. The minister expressed his belief his daughter had done nothing wrong, adding, “I think the only mistake she made is that she won the contest. A competition circulated throughout the membership of the church was signed by 56 per cent of the 371 members, requesting the elders reconsider the ministers dismissal or resign their oversight. The second article closes, “The next step was uncertain, although some members are talking about starting another church.”

There are several tragedies in this episode. It is unfortunate that early in her life this sister has hardened her heart against the will of the Lord, and will not repent. The scriptures clearly establish the nature of feminine attire. “In like manner, also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Tim 2:9-10). Hear also Peter, as he discusses the womans adornment: “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Pet 3:3-4). Who considers a woman attired in a swimsuit to be modestly adorned and exhibiting the chaste meekness and quietness of spirit required of women professing godliness? In her violation of this precept, this sister has also erred by causing lust for her beauty (lust of the eye, 1 Jn. 2:16) in the hearts of her fellow travelers to eternity. Paul declared that “when ye sin so against the brethren and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ” (1 Cor 8: 12). While her example will not encourage non-Christians to turn to Christ, it has succeeded in tearing asunder the church of which she is a member.

The young woman is not solely responsible, however. Rather than endorse everything his daughter has done, the preacher should have brought her up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph 6:41). How can he effectively “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim 4:2), and oppose sin in others when lie endorses it among his own family? How can he perform his appointed responsibilities in the care of the church of God when he knows not how to rule his own house and keep his children in subjection with all gravity? 1 Tim 3:4-5 applies not only to the bishops qualifications, but is one of the principles upon every Christian man manifests his maturity in the faith.

To the older women is given the responsibility of teaching them who are younger various aspects of Christian womanhood, among which is named sobriety and chastity (Tit 2:4-5). The youthful child of God may not have given herself to her error, had her mother carefully fulfilled this trust over the years.

Many grave responsibilities are laid upon elders shoulders in the Lords house. Could their attention to some of these matters have made them fail to notice it was their younger sister who was leading the band at Athens High School? While there is nothing necessarily wrong with being a majorette, the position usually implies short skirts and high steps; and investigation to be sure nothing harmful to her spiritual growth was being engaged in, would have been well in order. Perhaps her public clothing styles would have indicated the direction she was heading. When word circulated about the church that she was entering the beauty pageant, well-intending elders should have offered constructive guidance, rather than contribute to her error as one did in taking photographs of the event. He later realized his mistake and repented, but she who won the contest is now swallowed up with pride, and will not repent.

The church is to be blamed for its open rebellion against the elders, and therefore, against God by whom their authority was given. Its support of this error has placed it precariously on the brink of division. Are momentous matters such as this, in which it must be resolved what spiritual food the flock will be fed and by whom this feeding shall be administered, to be decided by a majority vote in which newborn babes in Christ and spiritual weaklings have as much power as seasoned Christians? Or are elders encouraged to exercise their authority and rule well (I Tim 5: 17)? Each bishop is responsible before God for “holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Tit. 1: 9). This is the manner in which the flock is to be protected, but it appears the flock has been lured into the den of a grievous wolf. Perhaps he has been tickling their itching ears, until now they will not heed their shepherds warning cries. Although many will probably not return, a few may be spared, but the wounds are deep and the scars will be slow healing.

Each of us needs to examine himself and resolve to do not what others approvingly sanction, but what God has approved. You or I may be the one who can prevent a beloved sister or brother from failing into worldliness, or awaken parents from their apathy, or encourage and support the preaching of sound doctrine, or stop the undermining of the elders authority, the engendering of strife within the church of Christ, and the exposure of our Lord and his house to public reproach. Perhaps we can prevent such an unhappy occurrence, elsewhere.

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVII: 1, pp. 12-13
November 2, 1972