Truth Magazine

By Shannon S. Shaffer

Ephesians 6:13  “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

A glowing picture is painted of the soldier of Christ as he stands prepared for battle in Ephesians chapter 6. His waist is girded with truth which “holds it all together.” For without truth the battle would be vanity. The breastplate which protects the “vital organs” is righteousness. The soldier lives rightly as the commander instructs, giving no occasion for the enemy to attack his character. The soldier’s feet are properly shod for steadiness, protection, and maneuverability. He can stand on the truth of the gospel, protect it from attack and charge into the fray with its message of peace. His most important piece of defensive equipment is his shield which will “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” His shield is faith. It will defend, protect, and save. The soldier’s defensive armor is topped with a helmet  the crowning promise of salvation after the battle is done.

There is yet one more piece of armor. It is an offensive weapon. It is a two-edged sword, sharper than any surgeon’s scalpel. “The sword . . . is the Word of God.” The soldier of Christ who wields the word with ac-curacy and precision cuts through the hardened hearts of the enemy laying bear tender flesh that will be changed by the power of the gospel. The “enemy” defects from the slavery of Satan to the ranks of the soldiers of Christ. The days of the commander of the wicked are numbered. He is set for defeat and destruction. The Great Commander who has already gained the victory orders his troops from the vaulted sky. The soldier “stands on his knees” with prayer, poised for victory in Christ Jesus the Lord.

The battle rages. Be strong, soldier! Stand!

As we look about the battle field it is strewn with fallen soldiers. Some have fallen because of cowardice. The wicked one pierced them with a fiery dart as they turned their backs to the battle and fled. Dishonor in death is their epitaph. There are those who have “fallen on their own sword,” failing to heed the Commander they have devised their own hurt.

There are those who fell in the heat of the battle. In their prime, they were removed from this battle field for a better service.

And, then there is the old soldier of the cross. He does not just fade away without notice. But his time comes to lay down his armor. The armor is battered and worn but still usable. It has served well and been well used. It is evidence of hard fought conquests. There are notches in the shield, scratches and slash markings in the breastplate, and a dent in the helmet. The soldier has met the enemy one-on-one. Even in death the soldier’s hand clings to the sword. The fingers will not release. It will go with him; for it is the eternal word of God that has brought him this far and will see him over the chilling tide of death. He has fought the good fight . . . he has kept the faith. He looks forward to a crown of righteousness to replace the battered helmet of salvation which gave such hope for victory.

As faithful soldiers pass from this scene, hope for future battles is not lost. There are others enlisting in the army of the Lord. They will prepare themselves and put on the glistening armor of the King. They will learn to “handle accurately” their sword and use its power. The battle for truth and right will continue.

To soldiers who are still in the battle field  stand  watch  fight. To the old soldiers who are laying down their armor  despair not  rest. Victory in Christ is ours! Praise be to the Great Commander and Savior of our souls who alone is King of kings, and Lord of lords!

Guardian of Truth XLI: 13 p. 10
July 3, 1997

By Gary Kerr

This is an intriguing assignment. Having majored in Broadcast Journalism, I have always considered myself a “media freak”  a term coined by one of my college professors. I grew up in the “golden age” of television. So, I feel qualified to discuss media fathers.

The Early Years

Like many of you, I grew up watching fathers on television, and for the most part, they were good role models. Can you identify these TV fathers? If so, you are probably a “media freak.” Steve Douglas, Andy Taylor, Ward Cleaver, Rob Petrie.

How did you do? Did you recognize Steve Douglas as the father on My Three Sons? Andy Taylor as Opie’s father on The Andy Griffith Show? Ward Cleaver as father of the Beaver? Rob Petrie with Laura and Richie on The Dick Van Dyke Show? These men were role models whether consciously or unconsciously for many who grew up in the 50s and 60s. They were typical of the way television portrayed fathers during this era. They shared several character traits in common.

Moral Purity. They were depicted as men of strong moral character. Two of the four (Steve and Andy) were widowers. We cannot imagine either of them being involved in an illicit sexual affair. Imagining Rob or Ward cheating on their wives is equally impossible.

Leadership. All of these men were unquestionably the heads of their houses. They understood that it was their duty to provide for their families, and they took that responsibility seriously. We do not see these men wasting their paycheck drinking, gambling, or neglecting their families in any way. They took good care of those for whom they were responsible.

Love. These fathers loved their families unconditionally. Ward and Rob loved their wives. They all loved their children. They were not afraid to show that love. Hugs, kisses, and other demonstrable displays of affection were common.

Having said that, let me add that the portrayal of TV fathers in the early years was not all positive. I have noticed something about the conduct of these men as I have grown older. I must admit that I missed it when I was young, and even now, I am inclined to ignore it. They were prone to use “situation ethics” in solving family problems. Andy is my favorite. It pains me to acknowledge that he would frequently “stretch the truth”  to be honest, he often lied  to teach some life-lesson to Opine. Situation ethics played a prominent role in the lives of most TV characters in the golden age. As you view reruns, watch for the number of times that situation ethics comes into play in the solution of problems. It might just shock you.

Times Have Changed

Television’s depiction of fathers has certainly changed since those days. Now, even in those shows that present “positive” portrayals of the family, the role of the father has been transformed.

First, television is at the forefront of the liberal movement in trying to redefine the family unit. The “nuclear” family is a relic. Single parents are less likely to be widows or widowers, and more likely to be unmarried (i.e., Murphy Brown). Homosexual characters have also begun to pervade the family settings of many of today’s TV series. Many of today’s TV “moms” and “dads” are divorced, and living with their second, third, or fourth mate.

A few programs do try to portray fathers in a positive light. Let us notice, though, how that “positive” depiction has changed.

Fathers in today’s programs are likely to be characterized as bumbling, weak, unenlightened men. One of the most popular sitcoms of recent years is The Cosby Show. It introduced us to a medical doctor, Heathcliff Huxtable, who was obviously not the head of his family. He had poor social skills. He was constantly being corrected about his parenting decisions by his wife. He was a totally uncoordinated moron when it came to making repairs around the house. The family leader was Heathcliff’s wife, Clair, an attorney. This depiction of the father as a weak, politically incorrect buffoon has continued, and is now the predominant TV picture of the father in the home. The vast majority of today’s media presentations of the family elevate the woman/wife/mother to the role of strength and leadership, and leave the father to the role of family clown. The popular show Home Improvement, with father Tim “the Tool-Man” Taylor, is a classic example of this shift.

Concluding Thoughts

This special issue of Guardian of Truth contains articles depicting the proper role of the father. Perhaps the most important lesson we learn from the media’s characterization of fathers is that we should not look to the media for our examples. Even in the golden age of television, the best of fathers were likely to engage in activities such as situation ethics. When all is said and done, Ward, Steve, Rob, Andy, Heathcliff, and the “Tool-Man” do not give us good examples of how to be fathers. If we want to know how to be godly fathers, we are going to have to read and study God’s word.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 12 p. 21-22
June 19, 1997

By Connie W. Adams

Churches in Hiding

In spite of the fact that Jesus said his disciples should be lights, not hid-den under a bushel and as cities that are set on a hill (Matt. 5:13-16) and that Paul said we are to “shine as lights” in a world of darkness (Phil. 2:15), some congregations composed of such disciples have gone into hiding. You don’t think so? Then take one of the directories which is updated every year and see how many of these congregations you can find. Oh, I know you will find many of them. But on five occasions over the last few years we have searched in vain for congregations listed. We have usually found the ad-dresses given, but no congregation meeting there. We have driven many miles to get to a place to spend the night so we could worship with the brethren on the Lord’s day only to be frustrated by not being able to locate the congregation. There are no signs on the highways, nothing listed in the phone book, no advertisements at local motels or restaurants  nothing.

Recently, we spent the night in a southern town expecting to find the church the next morning. We asked directions to the area listed, found nothing, were ready to give up when we saw a fire truck at a service station. The fireman found the address on his detailed map and told us how to find it. There were no signs at any of the turns but we finally found the meeting house at the dead end of a street in the woods. On the way, we passed several denominational buildings which were out on main roads where they could be found. What is wrong with brethren? Are we ashamed of the gospel? Paul said he was not (Rom. 1:16). Is the message we preach of such little importance that we have to whisper it to ourselves in out-of-the-way places? What is wrong with putting up some good, legible signs on main roads leading into town and at corners near the location? How about listing a phone number in these directories in addition to one at the building. Who will be there to answer it on Saturday night when visitors might be trying to find information? Or an answering machine at the building could give information about times of services, location, or another number to call for help.

In the meantime, if you have a street address but cannot find it, check with the fire department. We have found the ads in the back of Guardian of Truth and other periodicals to be helpful because they give a schedule of services and usually a couple of phone numbers to call. If you know of changes that ought to be made in the Directory of Churches of Christ which is published each year by Guardian of Truth, please notify O.C. Birdwell by mail at P.O. Box 858, Athens, Alabama 35611 or call 1-800-633-3216.

Sex Education Put into Practice

News reports this week register surprise, even shock, over a fourth grade class being found in various sexual acts in the classroom. The teacher had left the classroom for some reason and returned to find this scene. My question is: Why is anyone surprised? Videos, movies, and television shows leave very little to the imagination. Pornography is available on the Internet. We have had sex education for preschoolers and the primary grades. Condoms are available at many schools and instructions have been given on how to use them. It is reported that the classroom sex was “consensual” so that will rule out any rape or sexual harassment lawsuits. Well, it was just an “isolated incident” you say. But this, along with other “isolated incidents” such as school drug busts, armed guards patrolling hallways and monitoring bathrooms, lack of control in classrooms, principals, superintendents and school boards scared to death to exercise restraint for fear of lawsuits, it is no wonder that more and more concerned parents are turning to private schools and home schooling. In the meantime, my hat is off and my heart goes out to those teachers and administrators who are earnestly trying to do their work in the midst of these swirling currents of immorality. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7).

Focus Magazine

A new periodical called Focus Magazine began in January 1997. It appears monthly and the first four issues have contained some interesting and useful material. David Posey, a friend of several years with whom I have worked in meetings in California, is the managing editor. David preaches for the good church at Folsom, California. Associate editors are Mike Wilson, who preaches at Garden Grove, California and Doy Moyer who preaches at Mill Road in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mike Wilson handles “Voices from the Past,” “Sermon Notes,” “Church History,” and “Book Re-views” while Doy Moyer will cover “Shop Talk,” “Worldviews,” “Archeology Updates,” “Woman’s Page.” The format is neat, eye catching, and readable. In the January issue, David Posey wrote:

Focus has no axe to grind, no dreams of grandeur, no cause to promote, other than the exalted cause of Jesus Christ. We do hope that we can offer some worth while reading material for both the Christian in the pew and in the pulpit. We hope to strike the elusive balance between these two goals  scholarly but not stuffy, practical but not trite. You can expect longer articles that get to the heart of issues and shorter pieces that you can read while on the run.

This paper is a 24-page monthly. The subscription rate is $18 a year. Foreign subscriptions are $25 a year. Subscriptions should be addressed to: David Posey, 3834 Spine] Circle, Rescue, California 95672.

Wet Roosters

Where I grew up in Virginia, we raised chickens. We had a rooster who was overly protective of the chicken yard. A few times he chased, pecked, and flogged me when I would try to collect the eggs. My grandmother, who lived with us, decided to break him of his bullying. One day he attacked her. To his great surprise, she seized him, quickly stuck his head and neck under her arm and proceeded to take him to the horse trough (where we watered horses and cows) and dunked him about three times under the water. She then took him back and turned him loose in the chicken yard. He did amend his ways where she was concerned and stayed out of her way, but he was of the same opinion still regarding me and others who ventured into the yard. That wet rooster reminds me of some people I have met who have been baptized but remained of the same opinion regarding their old ways. Some have been baptized to please a girl friend or a wife, or a parent, some for business reasons, and others after insufficient teaching, but there is no discernable change in conduct. Repentance is a change of the will which results in a change in behavior. John called upon his hearers to “bring forth fruits meet for repentance” (Matt. 3:8). Paul wrote, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things that are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1-2). Unless there is change in action, then we are no better than that old wet rooster.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 13 p. 3-4
July 3, 1997

By Steven F Deaton

The Great Commission

After his resurrection, and before his ascension to glory, our Lord gave the commandment to go “teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). The reason was because all men have souls that are stained with sin (Rom. 3:23). Therefore, all men need salvation of their soul, a cleansing from sin (1 Cor. 6:11). It was for this reason that God sent his Son into the world (John 3:16; cf. Matt. 26:26-28).

In fulfillment of the “great commission,” the apostle Paul traveled far and wide to preach Christ and him crucified (Acts; 1 Cor. 2:2). We read in Acts 13 and 14 where Paul and Bamabas leave Antioch and journey to many places, preaching the truth, then returning to Antioch and giving a report to the church of their activities (Acts 13:1-3; 14:26-27). Informing the brethren at Antioch, no doubt, helped to encourage them as they heard about the conversion of men and how the saints fared in other locations. Along these same lines, we see how brethren of the first century often kept in touch with each other (Col. 4:7-9; Eph. 6:21-22). Knowing about the conditions, trials, and triumphs of others helps us to appreciate their labors and lives. It is in this vein that this report is written.

Travel, Conditions, and Brethren

Travel to Lithuania was rather smooth. We left on March 25 from Dallas, Texas. The route of flight was from there to Chicago, Chicago to Frankfort, Germany, and from Frankfort to Vilnius, Lithuania (the capital city). Total travel time was approximately 24 hours. We were met at the air-port by Steve Wallace and his wife, Mary, and from there rode by car to Kaunas (population of about 430,000), the main city of our efforts. (Lithuania is close to 1/10th the size of Texas and located along the same parallel as Newfoundland).

Religious conditions in Lithuania are not very favorable to a great number of conversions like that of the Philippines or other places. The country has been dominated by decades of Communism and centuries of Catholicism, the former closed off open evangelism for years. Most people are either Catholic or atheist, both a tough sell on the gospel. Moreover, when the society began to open up, television announcements warned about the “western sects.”

While in Lithuania, we labored with two other gospel preachers, Bill Bynum and Steve Wallace. Brother Bynum lives in Sheffield, Alabama, and has lived and labored in the Czech Republic. He also travels frequently to eastern Europe to preach. Steve Wallace has lived in Germany since 1984. He travels about twice a year to Lithuania, and is really the main force in the work there. He coordinates with others to try to ensure that two preachers are present in Kaunas throughout the year.

The New Testament is not an account of how people lived or the climate in various areas, but it does incidentally give us insight to both. The apostle Paul stayed in his own hired house while under guard and Jesus had no where to lay his head (Acts 28:30; Luke 9:58). We also know that while Paul was in route to Rome, he and others encountered rough weather (Acts 27). Along the same lines, we wish to note the accommodations and weather in Lithuania. This is not done to receive pity, but simply to inform others of the things that many preachers and their wives experience while laboring in the gospel. In Kaunas we stayed in a rented five room apartment which has radiator heating and hot water after 7:30 a.m. Though the apartment was not paradise, it was better than the airport hotel which had nearly no heat and absolutely no hot water in the morning. And the weather . . . you guessed it, cold! Likewise, there are some areas into which men travel that are hot and muggy with no air-conditioning or ice to cool their drinks (like South America). Therefore, contrary to the ideas of some, traveling overseas is not a vacation that preachers take at the expense of the brethren.

Phases of the Work

The work in Lithuania consists of three basic phases. First, and most prominent, is the street work. Similar to the apostle Paul in Athens, workers in Kaunas go into the public places where the people are (Acts 17:16-22). We set up a table on the street, pile literature on it, and give it away. Many tracts are taken each day. People take information on New Testament Christianity, Roman Catholicism, denominationalism, and the so-called Jehovah’s Witnesses. From time to time someone will engage the preachers in a discussion. Also, being street work, we would attract drunks. On a good day, we were able to hand out hundreds of invitations to the Sunday lectures.

Another phase of the work, as mentioned above, is the Sunday lectures, an exclusive work of the preachers. Like Paul in Ephesus, preachers in Kaunas rent a room in the local civic center and teach lessons pertaining to Bible subjects (Acts 19:8-9). On a typical Sunday two lectures are given. Attendance at these lectures while we were there averaged about 5 to 7 non-Christians. After each lecture those who attend are given the opportunity to ask questions. This aspect of the work has produced the most fruit in times past.

Paul taught not only publicly but from house to house (Acts 20:20). Following this example in the third area of work, men in Kaunas strive to have private studies with others. Some studies are set up from the lectures, others by newspaper ads. As you study with individuals, you become aware that there are various reasons why they wish to study with you. Some try to validate their peculiar views. Others, as a result of advertising free Bible studies in English, want to have an English lesson. However, it is still true that some good and honest souls come to study the Bible. While we were in Lithuania, there were a total of nine non-Christians who studied with us.

Issues

It does not matter where you go, you have to deal with “issues” Obviously, in a country dominated by Roman Catholicism, one must deal with the one true church (in its real sense), baptism, inherited sin, etc. However, these are not the only things. Many issues that must be dealt with in the States must be dealt with in Lithuania. One of the first problems to be addressed is immodesty. Even in the cold climate, women dressed in an immodest manner. Therefore, teaching has to be done. They have to be taught that their thigh is nakedness (Exod. 20:26; 28:42). They need to be instructed that immodesty can lead to other sins as well (Matt. 5:28; Rom. 1:23-25).

Another problem is alcohol. The most prominent feature in all the restaurants in which we ate was the bar, and, as mentioned before, we met several drunks on the street. This is no surprise, for the dominant religion allows the consumption of alcohol. Therefore, the Biblical principles that condemn this must be taught (Prov. 20:1; 23:29-32). People need to be shown that any recreational use of alcohol is sinful, whether socially with a meal or wildly at a party (1 Pet. 4:3).

Also, where men and women are, there is going to be marriage. Where marriage is, there will be divorce (though it may not be called by that name). Where divorce is, there will be remarriage. We were told that priests should not marry. After getting past the priest part, we pointed out that this idea was a doctrine of devils (1 Tim. 4:1-3). Further, one man we studied with wanted to marry a twice-divorced pagan (his word) woman. He was pointed to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew (19:3-9). These issues exist in Lithuania, and we must strive to teach the truth on them.

Ongoing Efforts

In further efforts to reach the lost and strengthen the saints, several books and tracts are being translated into Lithuanian, which include: 1. The New Testament Church, Roy Cogdill; 2. Glossolalia, Jimmy Jividen (just recently printed), 3. Denominationalism and The Church, Larry Ray Hafley. Additionally, preachers continue to rotate in and out with the hope of providing some continuity to the work.

Conclusion

The labors in Lithuania have produced fruit. People have been converted (though not on this trip), Christians are growing stronger, and above all, the truth is being taught! Please continue to pray for the work in Lithuania and everywhere.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 13 p. 14-15
July 3, 1997