Truth Magazine

By Steve Wallace

Most have had to deal with the problem of bitterness at some time in their lives. You may have encountered it in another person or perhaps you were tempted to become bit-ter towards someone else. Bitterness generally does not exist by itself for long. Rather it leads to other sins. It is corruptive in nature. The problems that it causes in churches and relations between brethren in general are many.

David faced a bitter person at least once in his life. When he was fleeing Jerusalem in the face of Absalom’s rebel-lion, a man named Shimei came out to curse him. The example of Shimei’s bitterness helps us see both how one might be tempted to become bitter and the fruits of such bitterness.

2 Samuel 16:5-13

And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. And he cast stones at David and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: The Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. …And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along of the hill’s side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

His Bitterness

1. Based on false premises. According to Shimei, David’s suffering came upon him because “the Lord hath returned upon him all the blood of the house of Saul” (v. 8). The idea behind blood returning upon someone is that of one’s bearing guilt and suffering consequences of murdering someone (cf. Matt. 27:25; Acts 5:28). Whether Shimei was implying that David had something to do with the death of Saul or someone of Saul’s house, the Bible shows that his charges were false (1 Sam. 24:1-22; 26:1-25; 2 Sam. 4:1-12; 9:1-13). Shimei’s bitterness against David was groundless! But is this not the case with bitter brethren to-day? They imagine insults or slights. In the event that bitterness is based on an actual occurrence, it often is the result of a deed that a brother either did out of concern for the bitter one’s soul or a wrong of which he has repented and for which he has asked forgiveness (James 5:19-20; Matt. 18:21-35). Even when it is based on something that actually happened, bitterness is always wrong. There is no good reason to be bitter (Eph. 4:31-32).

2. Nurtured for years! A study of the book of 2 Samuel shows that Saul had been dead for at least twenty years at this point in the history of Israel! What a terrible comment this is on the heart of one of God’s people! Instead of filling himself with worthy thoughts he has utterly polluted him-self with sinful ones! (Phil. 4:8) Bitterness is to be “put away,” not nurtured (Eph. 4:31).

3. Rejoiced at another’s misfortune.David and all the people with him were weeping as they fled from Absalom’s forces (2 Sam. 15:30). The perverseness of bitterness is so clear at this point: The Bible shows the Christian’s responsibilities to brethren who suffer (Rom. 12:13-15; 2 Tim. 1:16-18). Bitter people like Shimei have neither room in their heart for nor the inclination towards doing good to the objects of their bitterness, which brings us to our last point.

4. Sets a terrible example. The picture of Shimei publicly cursing David and throwing stones at him shows the shameless conduct that can result in those who harbor bitterness. The results of years of private seething ferments and, finally, when a convenient excuse is found, boils over in a torrent of abusive language or perhaps even physical harm. Thus it can come to pass that not only the bitter per-son and his enemy are affected, but rather “many be defiled” (Heb. 12:15).

Conclusion

Shimei would later ask forgiveness of his sin against David (2 Sam. 19:16-23). If you have been guilty of harboring bitterness, pray to God that he will forgive you this sin (Acts 8:22). From this brief look at this sin I believe that we can all see that it is of the devil and needs to be treated as such.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 5 p. 13-14
March 6, 1997

By Sam Binkley, Jr.

Most of us have our ups and downs in life. There are certain things that contribute to these emotional feelings. Almost without exception our feelings are up when things are going well with us: the money is there to pay the bills when they become due, our health is generally good, all members of the family are doing what they should to help things run smoothly, and other things which contribute to our well being. On the other hand, when things are not going so well, we can get down and everyone around us is aware of it. There are natural and normal reactions to these conditions. It would be unthinkable for all of us to be on the upbeat all the time. Neither are we always down and out.

There are things we can do which will help us deal with life’s situations in a way that will not interfere with our relationship with our Creator. The Christian is admonished to “cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). And, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your re-quests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6). These principles applied will help us in life, but there are specific problems to which we must decide just how to apply them. The way we apply them to ourselves will make a difference in the way we feel and the way we react.

Family members can help if all will communicate their feelings, and then show our concern for one another. It takes all parties to make it work. If one has had some experience during the day that was unpleasant or physically painful and the others indicate their sympathy that will lift us up. On the other hand if there is no sympathy shown that just adds to the frustration and depressed feeling.

Prayer to God at the beginning of the day will give us strength and the confidence that things will work out if we put our trust in him. He was able to deliver the three He-brews out of the fiery furnace (Dan. 3) and Daniel out of the lion’s den (Dan. 6). He is also able to help us in time of need.

When things are going well we need to realize that not everyone is experiencing the same feeling at that time. We just might need to observe this and do what we can to help them overcome their difficult time. One of the reasons we do not do this as we ought is that we are so absorbed in our own feelings that we fail to see that others have needs which we can supply. Look at the example of Jesus when he was on the cross. He was concerned about those who were responsible for his crucifixion and prayed that they might be forgiven. He also made provisions for John to take care of Mary (Luke 23:34; John 19:26-27).

Guardian of Truth XLI: 5 p. 21
March 6, 1997

By Jim McDonald

God is being glorified as the gospel of his Son is being heralded forth. Yes, the fields are still white unto harvest in the Philippine Islands.

I spent from October 21 to November 15 on a sixth trip to the Philippines. This was a hastily arranged one for originally I had planned to make my next trip in February or March of 1997. But I had received many letters which produced much concern in me for the work and prompted me to decide to return earlier than plans called for. Despite the brief time I had to get ready, brethren responded immediately and generously to my appeals for funds to make the journey. No one traveled with me this trip, but I was under God’s care and safely protected by loving Filipino brethren.

This trip was designed to be seminars for preachers. I made few plans to do “village preaching” in the different areas. Travels did not carry me beyond Luzon. One-day seminars were scheduled in Maria (Kapit-bahayan, Novatas); Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Bagan, Isabela; Cordon, Isabela and Resurreccion, Pangasinan. Three topics were discussed in each of these classes: “The Covenants”; “Elders, Evangelists and Mutual-Edification” and “Romans Fourteen.” I had prepared lesson sheets to be handed out to each student as well as other reading material. Interest was high in all the seminars and approximately 225 preachers attended the six seminars.

About 20-25 brethren met my plane when I arrived in Manila late Tuesday evening, October 22. Sleep did not come easily that night although I was weary from travel. But since the seminar was scheduled for Thursday the 24th I had one day to prepare and rest and I was refreshed when the seminar did begin in Kapitbahayan, home of Ben Cruz. About 35-40 Manila area preachers attended the classes.

The development of the Kapitbahayan church since I was last there is gratifying. The church has appointed three elders and has been strengthened from a merger with a nearby church. The latter church was part of a group of brethren who were reconciled earlier this year to other Manila brethren. Originally separated because of the “blood issue” among Manila preachers, the issue was resolved between the two churches and merger resulted. This was good for the congregations were worshiping separately just a block or two from each another.

Even more thrilling is the historic step the congregation has made toward “self-help.” Earlier this year an Arkansas church had provided support for Ben to air a radio program, the only radio program among brethren I know of in this city of 8-12 million people. When those funds stopped a couple or three months ago and Ben faced the decision to cease his program, the brethren there determined they would provide necessary funds for it to continue  and so they have, with the congregation providing half of the $200 monthly cost and Ben’s daughter and son-in-law providing the other half. This is an historic step for a congregation.

Other signs of spiritual growth are evident as well: providing regular re-lief to some of its indigent widows, providing some travel expenses to some of its preachers who go out each week to preach for other congregations, and providing medical help to its indigent ill. We were told that weekly contributions average between 3,500-4,000 (about $130-$150)  extraordinarily high by Philippine standards.

I spoke briefly to the congregation on Sunday, October 27 commending them for these steps and assuring them that taking on the financial obligation of the radio program was one of the greatest things they could do to assure American brethren that Filipino churches were developing; trying to stand on their own two feet.

On Saturday night, October 26, I spoke to a group of folk in Cainta, Rizal (Metro-Manila). The circumstances which resulted in this meeting were very interesting. Jun Apatan and Luis Calipayan from Pagadian City, Mindanao, had been wanting to make this trip to Manila for months. Members from Mindanao had moved to Manila and were “lost in the shuffle” as so often happens. Additionally, Luis had been studying for several years with relatives of his in Cainta who were associated with the Baptist church. They had indicated interest in obedience to the gospel. So Luis and Jun had come to Manila (and Cainta) to spend a week of preaching in the home of Luis’ relatives. Saturday night was the first public gathering of these folk, then they met for worship the next day. During the days that followed 10-14 people were baptized and several who were already members, but not in worship, came and joined themselves to the new converts. A new congregation of 15-20 members now meets in the home of one who was formerly a Baptist.

Sunday, October 27, after worship in Manila, Fred Agulto, Narcissus Romeo and Ben Cruz carried me to Angeles City. We arrived at the building just before services ended and I had opportunity to speak briefly to the congregation there. I had planned for brethren from one region to carry me to my next region and so I could travel briefly with several preachers and not interfere too much with any of their regular schedules. I spent the night and next morning in Angeles City, trying to bring about the restoration of a brother who was estranged from other brethren in the area. We rejoice that this was accomplished.

Baguio City was next on my schedule. Lordy Salunga and Rick Darasin from Angeles accompanied me there. I had not planned a seminar for Baguio; it was my purpose to visit a printer who had printed hymnbooks for brethren and to come to terms about an additional printing. Over the years 8-10,000 hymnbooks (two different dialects; Ilocano and Tagalog) havebeen printed in Baguio City for congregations, but Andrew Gawe had made those former arrangements. Now Andrew is in California and it was necessary that I personally order more hymnals. An order for 2,000 was placed (1,000 each in the two dialects); and half of the printing ($1,900) was paid for. The other half will be paid when the songbooks are finished. I said goodbye to Lordy and Rick and two new preachers (Mark Bayado and Andrew Burgos) now accompanied me to San Fernando, La Union where I spent time with Bert Enastacion.

Bert carried me still northward to Santa Matia, Ilocos Sur where my second seminar was scheduled for Thursday, October 31. About 20 preachers attended that one day session with some attending from Abra, a nearby province into which I have not yet ventured but plan to do so some time this next year. Brethren are struggling in this area but the preacher of Santa Maria (Romeo Torreliza) has a radio program and is having some results from it. The Axton, Virginia church (which provides some support for some of the preachers of this region) had asked that I carry funds from them into this region that had been recently hard hit by a typhoon. According to their wishes, those funds were divided between two congregations that had suffered the most from the force of the typhoon.

Egdon Sabio, an engineer who works in a supervisory capacity for the region’s power company but who also preaches, picked me up in Santa Maria and carried me still further northward to Sinait, Ilocos Sur. Egdon has translated one of my English tracts into Ilocano and provided many useful services to me while I was in the region. I am greatly indebted to him. I conducted my third seminar on Friday, November 1 in Sinait, home of Materno Sibayan. Between 55-60 preachers were in attendance. The church is strong and progressing well in this region. The Sinait church has built a shed to worship under and walls will beadded as time and funds allow. Several congregations have begun out of Sinait but still the congregation has an attendance of 65-70. Mat also preaches for the Laoag City church (another congregation which has recently appointed elders). The Laoag church has paid for property and will soon begin a building  without help from American brethren, they emphasize. I expect to see a building begun by the time I make another visit to that region in 1997.

Visiting the Ilocos area is always a highlight of any trip I make to the Philippines and I spent six days in the region. Brethren planned a lectureship on Saturday (November 2) and between 500-600 folks were in attendance. I spoke twice that day and my lessons were translated by competent preachers of the region. The lectureship also provided opportunity for brethren to solemnize the marriage of three couples who were subsequently baptized that same day. The practice of “living together” is common but brethren in this region will not baptize such folks until first they legalize their marriages, a stand I highly appreciate and applaud.

I had planned that what “village preaching” I would do would be largely done here in the Ilocos region but unfortunately those plans had to be laid aside. I “picked up a bug” somewhere along the way. Although I had struggled with nausea, high fever, and all attendant problems through the seminar and lectureship, I finally had to be hospitalized for a day to get some dextrose and medicine to help me throw off the infection. But, although I could not keep my schedules, brethren could and did. During the lectureship in Sinait and then in Escoda, Marcos, Ilocos Norte, 67 were baptized (there was a total of about 87 during the 3 ‘h weeks I was there). These baptisms were not the result of any work I had done; Ilocos brethren and preachers and other areas had taught these folks who came to obedience during the time of this visit. I rejoiced to see such response to the gospel.

Two young preachers, Gil Caindec and Larry Guillermo, accompanied me from Laoag City to Tuguegarao, Cagayan. Only two days had been scheduled for Tuguegarao and my hospital confinement cut that to one day. The bus journey was memorable, if not comfortable. Going around this northern tip of Luzon from Laoag City to Tuguegarao (6-8 hours) carries one by some of the most scenic views of the Philip-pines  in my judgment. The highway travels along the seashore for many kilometers and because the region is mountainous, provides one breath-taking scene after an-other. From high on the mountain one surveys the sea and sees the different shades and hues of its water: dark and light blue; brown; green  a glorious picture never yet captured by an artist’s brush. But the journey is an arduous one and we happened to be traveling on an “antique bus” which in America would have been consigned to a junkyard 15-20 years ago. Evidences of the recent typhoons were on every hand  banana and coconut trees were laid waste and rice fields deluged with mud slides and rocks from the mountains. Our bus trip finally came to a halt at Amalong, Cagayan. The typhoon had caused a bridge to collapse over a deep river and there was no way for vehicles to cross. We carried my baggage across on a foot bridge and got on a bus from the other side to travel to Tuguegarao  about 30 minutes away.

Tuguegarao, Cagayan was one of the major reasons for my decision to make this trip. A problem between some of the preachers because of charges that one of the region’s most prominent preachers had acted improperly with funds he had received from American churches has brought about a bitter division between preachers of the area. Since all those involved are dear friends, it was my ardent hope that reconciliation might be brought about between them. Such was not to be. While some progress was made, feelings were still strong and too complex to be settled by such a short visit. I pray that a proper accounting will soon be made that will clarify, rectify, and restore unity to these brethren. Promises were made toward that end but more time is needed for the work to resume to normalcy and for brethren to turn full attention once more to preaching the gospel and saving souls.

My fourth seminar was held Friday, November 8 in Ilagan, Isabela where Mariano Bilgerio preaches. About 40-45 preachers attended the classes which were conducted in a sports complex which has facilities for such a seminar. This was a critical region because here “Mutual Edification” brethren had expended great effort and the region also has been used to provide a pulpit to promote the “one covenant doctrine” (“Christ nailed no law to the cross, he nailed sin to the cross”). Although our classes on all three subjects met its greatest resistance here with intense questions from some of the attending preachers, I believe much good was done; that most brethren were guided back to understand that not only sin but the law was nailed to the cross, as wellas to understand that the “weak in faith” brother of Romans 14 was weak in his faith about matters of indifference, not in matters of “the faith.” In addition to the seminar, we spent hours in private study with some of the area preachers and rejoiced to see a Pentecostal preacher confess faith in Christ and be baptized.

Our fifth seminar was in Cordon, Isabela, home of Domie Jacob. Domie is a good man with a highly effective radio program. He carried me to visit the location of a new congregation (Villa Rose, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya) which was begun as a direct result of his program. These brethren have a crude building but no seats. Funds were provided to help them buy lumber for “plank benches,” a blackboard, and Bibles. Twenty-four preachers attended the Cardon seminar.

My sixth and final seminar was held Wednesday, November 13 in Resurreccion, Pangisanan, home of Hilario Wanasen. Resurreccion has been the center from which the doctrine of mutual-edification and no-located doctrines has been propagated by American preachers. In the November issue of the Gospel Message (publication of these brethren and edited by Tom Woody, Brighton Illinois), Jay Graham of Lakewood, Colorado reports of his October 1996 visit. He writes: “We arrived at Resurreccion . . . and stayed at the home of Haler Wanasen. It was a joy to renew fellow-ship with the church there on Lord’s Day morning. They were one of the first churches to receive us, and I have learned through their example of the knowledge and love for the truth that many Filipinos share this ability to discern the truth and desire to follow it. Their example of an eldership, mutual edification, and their sending out Roger and Hilario as evangelists is a light to other churches and brethren desiring to follow the NT pattern . . .” Paradoxically, although brother Graham commends the Resurrecion church for “their example of an Eldership, mutual edification, and their sending out Roger and Hilario,” the Resurreccion church does not follow the practice of “mutual-edification” brethren here in the States. True, the Resurreccion church has elders (of which brother Hilario is not one), but brother Hilario (“sent out by the Resurreccion elders”) has gone no place; he still is in Resurreccion, preaching regularly each Sunday, a “no-no” for the “no-located preacher” theory. As to Roger and brother Hilario, they both preach every Sunday to the same congregations.

One of the inconsistencies of the Mutual Edification brethren in the States is they laud brother Hilario Wanasen and the Resurreccion church as “a light to other churches and brethren desiring to follow the NT pattern” but would condemn the American preachers and churches who follow the same practice here in the States. One cannot but ask, “Why are brother Hilario and Resurreccion `lights to other churches and brethren desiring to follow the NT pattern’ only lights to Philippine brethren and not to American brethren as well?” As to our seminar in Resurreccion, the teaching was well received and we are fully persuaded that most of the brethren finally discerned what the issue is and rejected the doctrine. What brethren at Resurreccion and churches in that region will do remains to be seen but the church urged that I return again in 1997, which invitation I accepted, if the Lord will. My plans for 1997 are for two visits: one in May to Mindoro, Palawan, Cebu, Oriental Negros (perhaps) and Mindanao. In the fall it is my purpose to return again to Luzon and visit new regions into which I have never gone before, as well as other areas al-ready familiar to me.

The need for support for worthy men is still great. I have been able to personally see the growth of the gospel in regions where several brethren have support and thus are able to give themselves to the work versus areas where brethren have little or no support. Almost invariably in the first areas the work is thriving and the other languishes. There are problems to be sure, and we recommend that all brethren or churches who provide support to Filipino brethren require full accounting of what churches provide support (and how much). Honorable brethren there will not be of-fended by such a request, knowing that the circumstances demand such information. I have the names of several men who deserve support and who either are woefully short ofwhat they need or have no support at all. I will be happy to provide names of such men to those who are interested in supporting godly, faithful men in the Philippine Islands.

Constantly there are requests for reference books, English Bibles, songbooks, and communion trays. Do you have books you would give to worthy Philippine brethren  debate books, concordances, classics (The New Testament Church and Walking by Faith, Roy Cogdill; God’s Prophetic Word, Foy E. Wallace; debate books; commentaries Acts, by McGarvey; Revelation, Homer Hailey; Romans, R.L. Whiteside, etc.)? I will supply you the names of brethren requesting such works, or if you wish to send such books to me they’ll be passed on  in your name.

The work goes on. Souls are baptized daily. Problems exist both with ethics and doctrines. But there are strong, capable brethren who are busy at work and in whom confidence can be placed in their trustworthiness and ability. God is being glorified as the gospel of his Son is being heralded forth. Yes, the fields are still white unto harvest in the Philippine Islands.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 5 p. 16-19
March 6, 1997

By Mike Willis

This issue of Guardian of Truth contains an article in which brother Tom Roberts reviews the public teachings of brother Bob Owen. Because brethren are sensitive about controversy in papers such as this, I thought a presentation of our editorial policy is in order.

Guardian of Truth Has A Steadfast Commitment

to the Revealed Word of God

David said, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” We believe what he wrote. Our faith in God’s word involves a solid commitment to its authority (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

We believe in the verbal inspiration of Scripture (1 Cor. 2:13  “expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words,” NIV). Rev-elation is both personal and prepositional (John 14:6; 16:13). We must speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where it is silent (1 Pet. 4:11). God’s Word teaches by command, example, and implication.

Our faith in God’s Word requires us to make practical application of its truth in our lives. The gospel of Christ is God’s gracious provision for the salvation of all men (1 Tim. 2:4-6). The New Testament is God’s pattern for preaching the facts, the commands, and the promises of the gospel (Mark 16:15-16; Book of Acts). The New Testament is God’s pattern for the work, worship, and organization of the local church (1 Tim. 3:14-15). The gospel gives God’s imperative for spiritual growth and godly living (1 Pet. 1:15-16).

Our publication efforts reflect our unyielding commitment to these principles without fear, favor, apology, or compromise (Phil. 1:17). Our faith in God’s Word includes the following premise: In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion, liberty; and in all things, love. That premise is taught in such passages as Ephesians 4:1-3 and Romans 14:19. We intend to be as forebearing in matters of liberty as we are staunch in matters of revelation, and to demonstrate the true love of God in all our actions. Christians are under a divine mandate to uphold all the truth of God’s word, and to expose every doctrine and trend which undermines that truth (2 Tim. 4:2). We offer no apology for our efforts to fulfill that mandate in our publications, no matter what the false doctrine or who the false teacher may be  angels included (Gal. 1:8-10). Make no mistake about it: We are facing issues and trends among conservative brethren that undermine the truth of God’s Word. We will try to use the best judgment we can in dealing with these dangers, but we do intend to address them within our pages. We do not believe that vague platitudes and generalities will get the job done. When we have used our best judgment, we yet expect there will be opposition and criticism. We can never please everyone, certainly not those we expose or their sympathizers.

If Guardian of Truth, its editor, its board, and all of its staff writers died today, God’s people would still be facing such issues as: living in a society in which easy divorce and remarriage are prevalent; having within the church those who are teaching that one can divorce for any reason and remarry, “repent” of his sin of “adultery” (which is redefined to mean “divorcing”), and maintain the fellowship of God and the local church without giving up his adulterous marriage companion; a significant element who are turned off to preaching that distinguishes the Lord’s church from denominationalism; those who give little emphasis to preaching the “good news of the kingdom” because they believe this makes our preaching church-centered rather than Christ-centered; those who believe that preaching on baptism is legalistic rather than grace oriented; and a host of other loose doctrines.

Principles Governing the Operation

of the Magazine

No one recognizes the failures of this magazine more than I do. I hear about them more than you all. The editor of the Guardian of Truth makes no claim to perfection. None of the staff writers is perfect. We are not perfect as individuals, so why should any think our collective work is perfect? Our work involves making many judgment decisions. Those decisions are not always easy to make. I can assure you that important decisions about doctrinal issues have never been motivated by what will sell papers or conscious respect of persons. Anyone who disbelieves this manifests his own ignorance of what sells papers.

I have always tried to be open to the criticisms that I receive. I am willing to listen to the criticisms that others make about our work. Presently I am paying for some men to receive the magazine who are not our “fans” for the express purpose of hearing their feedback. I have traveled hundreds of miles to talk with brethren who wanted to talk about some aspect of our work with which they disagreed. I have published articles from such brethren to give them opportunity to express their criticisms.

An Open Paper

The Guardian of Truth maintains an open paper for-mat. By “open paper,” what we mean is not that every crackpot and nut will be given space to vent his spleen. We have turned down articles for publication and will continue to do so in the future. By “open paper,” we mean that we are willing to publish both sides of controversial issues. We have printed discussions on water baptism, institutionalism, divorce and remarriage, fellowship, and other issues. Some who have been refused space cry that Guardian of Truth is a closed paper, although there is not a paper published among us that has published more debates of doctrinal issues. They misunderstand what having an “open paper” means. The phrase does not mean that we are committed to publishing every-thing that anyone may choose to submit. Rather, it means that we are committed to providing space for responsible brethren to write on both sides of controversial issues.

We believe in an “open paper” on a Bible basis. Acts 17:11 states, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” 1 Peter 3:15 commands, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

The alternatives to an open paper are repulsive. If an “open paper” is not going to be published, the editor must be infallible. If he is not infallible, inevitably he will publish the wrong doctrine on some vital Bible subject and there will be no opportunity to challenge and investigate it. Every closed paper to my knowledge has inevitably become the champion of a doctrinal point of view that did harm to the church. A closed paper, like a closed pulpit, is a seed bed for false doctrine to germinate.

There has never been any occasion when I refused to meet with anyone to talk about our doctrinal or personal differences. What right do I have to ask others to listen to me, if I refuse to hear what they say? If there have been personal offences occur between brethren, the Scriptures command that they sit down together and work out those differences (Matt. 5:23-34; 18:15-17). I cannot understand how God-fearing brethren can refuse to sit down with one another and study about their differences or to work out personal offences.

Broad Brushed Indictments

An effort is made to avoid indicting all men in broad-brush condemnations. Writers sometimes make the mistake of writing specifically about a situation but not naming the person under review. In so doing, he sometimes leaves many people under a shadow of suspicion. For example, a per-son may write, “A certain preacher in Florida who is well known among the brethren is teaching that the Lord’s law on divorce and remarriage is no longer binding.” The writer has one particular person in mind whose picture he is trying to paint without calling his name. However, such a statement leaves most preachers in Florida under suspicion of teaching false doctrine on divorce and remarriage.

One way to avoid this error is to concentrate on the doctrine rather than the person. An article would be better worded if it said, “One popular doctrine being taught among brethren is the teaching that the Lord’s law on divorce and remarriage is no longer binding.” When a particular matter is under review, the best policy appears to be to name the brother under review and to quote directly from his material to provide irrefutable documentation that this is the position being asserted and to which reply is made. “Brother Jones, writing in [a specified journal] on a [specified date], wrote as follows. . . .” with the direct quotation given there-after with complete documentation. This inevitably involves naming the proponent of error and citing the references. This kind of assertion and negation is common to every form of learning and is recognized as honorable. We recognize that referring to a specific brother by name causes some to be repulsed, even when it is done in an honorable manner. These same people are repulsed by referring to denominations by name in the pulpit.

Steps Taken Before Controversial

Articles Are Published

Many efforts behind the scenes occur to avoid printing rash material. Sometimes we have been criticized as “shooting from the hip.” I cannot plead guilty to this. Here is the procedure followed when controversial material is received. (1) I ask for a copy of the material being reviewed in order to judge for myself whether or not the person has been correctly represented. (2) I go over the material with the author to remove, as much as can be detected, anything that is unnecessarily offensive. (3) Especially controversial material is frequently distributed to numerous brethren to get input before it is printed. Included in the men to whom such material is frequently distributed are: Fred Pollock, Connie W. Adams, Weldon E. Warnock, Ron Halbrook, and several others. (4) The material is sent to the person who is being reviewed before it is printed to see if he believes that he has been misrepresented. (5) This has led to long phone calls, exchanges of letters, and other efforts to resolve differences before going to print. Sometimes brethren meet in distant cities and spend time together to try to resolve their differences, or at least be sure that they have not been misrepresented, before going into print. (6) The person reviewed is given opportunity to respond (usually in the same issue) if he chooses to do so and will write in an honorable manner.

Despite the best of our efforts to be as careful as possible, there have been times when we have failed to live up to these standards. When we become aware of these failures, I have always believed that Christian principles demand that a public apology be made any time we have misrepresented another, whether or not it was intentional. I cannot remember any significantly controversial article with reference to which this procedure was not been followed in the last 15 years.

Seeking Counsel

We make no apology for seeking counsel. The Scriptures teach us to seek out counsel. “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14). “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Prov. 15:22). “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 24:6).

In order to take counsel, there is necessary the sharing of information. That might include sending someone a copy of an article or a letter, discussing it with him in phone conversations, and such like things in order to get good advice that takes into consideration all of the facts. To avoid everything being filtered through one’s own prejudices, sometimes a letter or article must be made available to the one from whom he is seeking counsel. Some evil surmising brethren charge that there is a “pipeline” or “network” of malicious brethren at work executing some kind of sinister plot. That simply is not true. I have no malice toward others and deny that I have ever plotted harm against any individual.

Conclusion

We are exercising the most careful judgment to deal with serious Bible issues in an honorable way. All of the steps that were mentioned above have been followed in brother Tom Roberts’ review of several sermons preached around the country by Bob Owen on the subject of Romans 14. Brother Roberts is an honorable man, a seasoned veteran of gospel preaching, who deserves to be heard. Brother Owen was provided a copy of brother Roberts’ material but chose not to make reply to it. There is no personal axe to grind between these two brethren, for they have a long history of personal friendship. They have different views on Romans 14 which are discussed in brother Roberts’ review of brother Owen’s sermons. Please give his review your prayerful consideration.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 6 p. 2
March 20, 1997