Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

Paul exhorted the Ephesians to “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). He used the words to contrast with the tendency to become exuberant through intoxication. T. Croskery wrote, “There is a real contrast here exhibited between fulness of wine and fulness of the Spirit. There is an intensity of feeling produced in both cases” (The Pulpit Commentary: Ephesians 223).

Drunkenness is to be avoided. It is accompanied by noisy partying with unrestrained merrymaking. Paul said that it was accompanied by asotia: “an abandoned, dissolute, life; profligacy, prodigality” (Thayer 82). Such a one is abandoned to vice, lost to principle, virtue, or decency; shameless in wickedness. This is not the kind of excitement that a Christian should be involved in. Rather, he should find his thrilling exuberance when he is filled with the Spirit. One should find a means of expressing his warm, glowing feelings toward God and his brethren. W.G. Blaikie wrote, “Instead of re-sorting to wine to cheer and animate you, throw your hearts open to the Holy Spirit, so that he may come and fill them; seek the joy that the Spirit inspires when he makes you to sit with Christ in heavenly places, so that, instead of pouring out your joyous feelings in bacchanalian songs, you may do so in Christian hymns” (The Pulpit Commentary: Ephesians 210).

The apostle then cited three different ways that we can manifest that we are full of the Spirit.

Singing Praise To God (5:19)

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Eph. 5:19).

Those who are filled with the Spirit burst out in praise to God in song. There is a social aspect of the worship, in which one joins with others to offer praise to God. He is full, not of the latest country western, rock, pop, or new age hits, but with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. His worship is not that empty ritual in which a person goes through the motions of singing. He is singing and making melody in his heart to the Lord.

Those who are full of the Spirit enjoy praising God in song. We need worship leaders who appreciate what good singing does for an assembly of saints. Such leaders will make preparation for that part of our public worship just as Bible class teachers, preachers, and others prepare for their part. A song leader who runs in at the last minute and hurriedly picks out a few songs that have been sung so many times that the congregation is worn out from singing them interferes with our offering worship. A song leader who leads songs out of pitch and drug to death make it hard to enjoy this part of worship to its fullest.

How encouraging is an assembly in which the saints sing their praises to God with obvious exuberance! Those who are full of the Spirit find that their hearts thrill to offer this worship.

Thanksgiving

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:20).

Another mark of being full of the Spirit is being thankful to the Lord. Thanksgiving is not a day to be observed on the last Thursday in November. It is not an annual spiritual holy day in which a large American bird is sacrificed to our gluttony. Rather, thanksgiving is a way of life.

Old Testament Commentaries

Thanksgiving is an attitude toward God for his abundant provisions for us. If we had nothing to be thankful for except his physical provisions for us, we American people should be a thankful people. However, on top of the abundance of our physical blessings, we have all spiritual blessings in Christ for which to be grateful. No wonder the psalmists exhorted us to praise the Lord in thanksgiving:

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High (Psa. 50:14).

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and bless his name (Psa. 100:4).

Our thanksgiving should not be limited to those times when everything is going just like we want it. Our God superintends our life and sometimes sees the need for fatherly chastening (Heb. 12:6). Solomon wrote long ago, “In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him” (Eccl. 7:14). Like Paul, we need to accept our afflictions with grace, giving thanks for the God who knows what is best for sending them (2 Cor. 12:90.

Mutual Submission

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear God (Eph. 5:21). Another mark of being filled with the Spirit is mutual submission to one another. The opposite of this spirit is a perverse egotism, a self-opinionated superiority that causes contention and strife in the local church. To the degree that such contention and strife exist, the church is still carnal (1 Cor. 3:3). Those who are filled with the Spirit will have learned to consider the needs of their brethren. Paul wrote elsewhere, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

We can witness how full of the Spirit a body of people are by their serving one another. When the needs of the sick go unmet, when the poor are left hungry, and when the hurting are ignored, the congregation of people is not full of the Spirit.

Conclusion

Being full of the Spirit does not mean that one jumps up and down while shouting. That more nearly resembles the conduct of those who are drunken than those who are full of the Spirit. Paul defines for us what being filled with the Spirit means. Let’s individually measure ourselves to see if we are empty, half full, or full of the Spirit.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 9 p. 2
April May 1, 1997

By Phil T. Arnold

A few weeks ago our own brother George Bittner was talking with me and reflecting on the beginnings of this congregation. The main point that he stressed was the role that godly women had played in the early days of this church. He said that probably very few people in the congregation today realized what a vital role those women had played  godly women who stood firm and committed, often without their husbands, to allow this congregation to “get off the ground” and succeed. I would add to that not only in the beginning but throughout the history of this congregation even to its present, godly women have continued to play a significant role in seeing this congregation continue and experience success. Shamefully we fail to acknowledge this as often and rightfully as we should. Perhaps it is just such failure to rightfully acknowledge the church has perhaps become role of godly women that has helped fuel the fire of controversy over the role of women in the church. I realize that there are radical feminists who cry for change and want to break down all barriers of distinction between women in the church. men and women. But there may also be those women who perhaps have been swayed to listen to these cries at least in part by the unfulfilled expressions of appreciation for their contributions to the cause of Christ in the local congregation. Certainly, no Christian serves God rightfully if he does so to receive the praise of men (John 12:42-43; Matt. 6:1-8; Gal. 1:10; 2 Cor. 5:9).

But no one should be taken for granted. No one likes to have his efforts and labors ignored. The lack of recognition and honor that has been given to godly women in the church has perhaps become a fertile soil for the seeds of change being sown in an effort to alter the divinely authorized role of women in the church. The call for women to be held up in leader-ship positions within the church and to lead in public assemblies is no longer merely being heard in denominations, but is now being heard among many of those wearing the name church of Christ. While no abuse or failure in the past could ever be pointed to as cause for rejecting the divine pattern for the present, we need to recognize and acknowledge the rightful role that godly women have and do play in the Lord’s church.

In today’s church, the women outnumber the men in most local congregations. In fact, many congregations would not exist at all if it were not for godly women. This is not to say that godly men have not and do not contribute to the success of the church, but so many times it is godly women who have been the source of spiritual maturity in their homes and in the church. Many husbands have sinfully abdicated their role as spiritual leaders in the home and in the church. In so many cases, godly women after the pattern of Lois and Eunich (see 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15) have been the source of godly teaching, training, and example that has helped shape the next generation for servants and workers in the Lord’s kingdom. Many of us can personally look back upon godly mothers and other godly women who have greatly influenced us to arrive at our current positions of faith and service in the Lord’s church. Yes, the Lord’s church would be in quite a fix without the efforts of such godly women.

Many a man in the Lord’s church today can also point to his godly wife as the source of his conversion. The persistent, faithful teaching and example of a godly woman has introduced many a man to the Lord. And many of us men in our current positions of service also realize the difficulty it would be for us to carry on that service without the faithful support of our companions who do all to hold up our hands and encourage us in all things that are right. Yes, we men would be in a terrible way without godly women!

Yes, we must resist the attempts to conform the Lord’s church to the ways of the world. Yes, the Lord has made a distinction between the role that men and women are to have in the home and in the church. Yet, while there may be a difference in function there is no difference in value. While a woman’s leadership role in the church is limited, the in-valuable work that she may do is virtually limitless. Women may teach Bible classes of children, young women, and ladies (Tit. 2:3-4). Women may teach privately those that are lost (Acts 18:26; Matt. 28:18-20). Women are especially adept at the work of benevolence and seeing to the needs of others. There are an endless number of things that women may engage in to further the cause of the Lord and serve in his kingdom. Without their efforts, any local congregation (this one included) would be greatly handicapped.

So let us thank God for godly women. Let us ever ac-knowledge their irreplaceable and priceless role in the kingdom of Christ, and never be guilty of placing a stumblng block before them by minimizing or overlooking their value. Any may godly women never be discouraged when their service is not rightfully acknowledged. Nor may they every be tempted to abandon the glorious state to which the Lord has called them for the cheap counterfeit being touted by the world.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 9 p. 2
April May 1, 1997

By Raymond C. Fudge

In years past the analogy of the old work horse would be easily understood. When the old horse that has toiled for years for his master pulling the plow, milk wagon, or some other implement becomes too aged and feeble, there be-came two choices of action. The master could put the old horse out to pasture, taking care of the one who had so tirelessly worked the fields. Or, the master could discard the old horse and send him to the glue factory.

What of the old preachers who have plowed the fields of the kingdom? Those who have followed and done the watering? Are they to be discarded, or are they to be taken care of in their declining days before going to meet their Master?

Past Work

My father, Roy S. Fudge, has spent his adult lifetime plowing, sowing, and watering in the kingdom of God. God has been merciful and given much to Mama and Daddy. I really don’t know just when Daddy began preaching. It was at least in the forties. I came along in 1950. We have lived in almost all the southern states from Florida to California. Many places Daddy went to, knowing they could not support us. Finding support can sometimes be difficult to impossible.

When one is obtaining support from various places there is rarely any left over for savings or investments. I don’t remember Daddy ever having a savings account. Not to say he didn’t, I never knew of it if he did.

Present Condition

Age  Daddy will be 77 as of April 1997 and Mama will be 71 in September. He has, hopefully, several more years left to work in the Master’s service. Yet, his service must be tempered, and curtailed compared to what is has been.

Health  Daddy’s health isn’t what it used to be. His voice no longer projects well without the aid of a public address system. His hearing is such, that even with his hearing aid, he is not able to understand much of what is said in a class room situation.

Situation Concerning Income

No Source of Income  Back in the forties, Daddy elected to sign a waiver so as to not pay into the Social Security system. At that time preachers were allowed to do this as a matter of conscience. The results are the waiver is a non-revocable instrument and now there can be no Social Security income. Most of us have the idea that Social Security will assist in our retirement. That isn’t true of those who years ago put their faith in God to take care of them throughout their life. How many of us today would choose this path?

No Savings  As I mentioned earlier, there has been no savings and no investments. Many churches in years past felt it wasn’t proper for a preacher to be paid “too much” or have savings. A preacher with investments was considered a little too worldly for some congregations. “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” If it was some-thing that may cause a brother to stumble, it was to be refrained.

Need

Daddy is presently preaching in Pulaski, Tennessee. Some of the members there, as has happened to many other “older” preachers in recent years, have decided they need a younger “family” man. Daddy will be leaving by the first of June. Where will he go? We don’t know. How will he be sup-ported in his latter years? We don’t know.

Children’s Ability and Responsibility

Daddy and Mother have six children, of which I am the oldest. There are only two or three of us in any financial condition to assist in providing for our parents. We all have children in school. Yet, we are well aware of the admonition of Paul to Timothy, “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Tim. 5:8).

Our parents are nowhere near needing a nursing home, nor do they want to be a burden by moving in with any of us.

Appeal

Daddy would prefer to live in the Cullman area. He is able to preach on a part time basis. He hopes to be in a community where he can have home studies. He has al-ways been good and effective with one-on-one teaching.

I, Raymond C. Fudge, do hereby make an appeal to the brotherhood not to discard the old work horse. Please assist us, the children, to fulfill the obligation of taking care of and providing for one who has so earnestly fought the good fight of faith. There are several congregations presently sup-porting Daddy in his work in Pulaski. Some have assisted in the past several places he has been over the past ten years or so. It may be they can continue to assist. May God bless us all as we strive to do his will.

If you are in a position to assist, contact Daddy directly. Roy S. Fudge, 833 W. Madison, Pulaski, TN 38478, phone 615-363-5424. After the first of June 1997, call me for their new address and phone number. I can be reached at 205-647-5032.

1192 County Highway 45, Hayed, AL 35079

A Few Added Comments on

Roy S. Fudge

I have just read an advance copy of the article by Raymond Fudge regarding his father, Roy S. Fudge. With Mike Willis’ permission, I would like to add a few comments.

When I was a young man growing up in Belle Glade, Florida, brother Roy S. Fudge preached for us. The liberals in the church found an occasion to call a business meeting while most conservative brethren were out of town and fired brother Fudge, giving him only a few days to vacate the preacher’s house. He was fired because he opposed the institutional apostasy of the day and was not afraid to preach on it. I still remember how he spoke the truth in love. When the conservative brethren returned and found what had happened, they met with all the men and pled on the basis of compassion that brother Fudge be given a more reasonable time frame to move, since it was not possible to reverse the decision firing him. He had a wife and several children. If I remember right, the liberal element finally conceded to give him one month! Imagine such conduct in the name of promoting “benevolence!”

So far as I know, brother Fudge has continued to faith-fully preach the gospel through the years. Our paths have crossed from time to time. Bennie Lee Fudge was his brother. During the controversy with Bennie Lee’s son, Edward, not only did Bennie Lee express to me and others his sorrow over the direction Ed was going, but also Roy never wavered in his loyalty to the truth and never defended Ed’s errors. When I preached in a gospel meeting in Athens, Alabama a few months ago, some brethren were unhappy with my warnings about some dangerous trends during re-cent years, but brother Fudge drove from Pulaski, Tennessee to attend the meeting and to offer his support and encouragement with reference to such preaching.

I hope his move goes well and that he obtains adequate support. (Ron Halbrook, 654 Gray St., West Columbia, Texas 77486)

Guardian of Truth XLI: 9 p. 5-6
April May 1, 1997

By Connie W. Adams

The church at Ellettsville, Indiana has a long history of training men to preach the gospel. Such a program of work dates back to 1879 when W.H. Krutsinger conducted an extensive effort along that line. There was a frame building used as a dormitory and recitation room. This house still stands in Ellettsville and is now used as a dwelling. Sister Krutsinger prepared breakfast for the students in their home and all were expected to appear promptly at 6:00 a.m. with hair combed, shoes shined, ties on, and ready to proceed with the day. In addition to a wide variety of subjects, there was much “practice” sermonizing. Among those who attended this training program were such men as A.G. Freed (later of Freed Hardeman College), W.H. Davis, Homer H. Adamson, Fred L. Rowe, Ben F. Taylor, David S. Ligon and many others.

More than a hundred years later, the Ellettsville church is still involved in preparing men to preach the gospel. A few years ago, Johnie Edwards and his son, Johnie Paul Edwards, began a three-hour study one night a week to teach interested young men how to better themselves in the work of preaching. That developed into what is now an annual extended effort the last two weeks of July. In 1996 there were 31 men, most of whom were beginners, though some were more experienced men who came to better themselves in their work. Classes go on all day with a lunch break. A community building is available for that and women pre-pare the food there. The students stay in the homes of local members.

A study session will find these men around tables in a large classroom with Bibles, notebooks, and a growing collection of handouts. They move from one subject to another with much outside work assigned. Sermons are outlined, passages memorized, and subjects discussed. There is a no-nonsense, militant air about it all. One brother told me that he was up each night until about 2:00 a.m. working on assignments.

This past summer, the church at Danville, Indiana had a short meeting using some of the students as speakers. Great interest was shown. Guardian of Truth Bookstore, Religious Supply Center, and other brethren donated books, tracts, and supplies to help these men start libraries. Speakers were invited during the two weeks to deal with special subjects, but the bulk of the teaching was done by Johnie Edwards and Johnie Paul Edwards.

In traveling about over the country we often hear young men who are just beginning and who could benefit greatly by such a training program. Every student is expected to work. He will come away with the understanding that gospel preaching is serious work. The emphasis is on practical aspects of preaching. How do you teach a Bible class? How do you handle disruptive situations? How do you preach a funeral? How do you lead singing?

There are several extended training programs which have been in use for several years, such as the eight month annual program at Danville, Kentucky taught by Steve Wolfgang and Scott Vifquain. Well over 100 men who were taught here are now preaching around the world. A similar work began in September at Jordan, Ontario with Chuck Bartlett, Arnold Spiece, and Jack Maddocks teaching, assisted by a few Ontario preachers.

I am convinced that the two week, intesive effort at Elletsville is productive and much good. Experienced men who want to hone their talents and relight the fire that sometimes flickers, would profit greatly from this effort. Young men still in high school who want to prepare to preach, or late deciders alike can benefit from these efforts.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 7 p. 3-4
April 3, 1997