Truth Magazine

By Johnny Stringer

Recent news accounts have related the story of a young unmarried couple charged with killing their newborn child before putting it into a trash bin. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty, reflecting society’s outrage at such acts.

What news accounts fail to point out is that for all their lives, this young couple have been part of a society in which millions of women have killed their children whenever their children would have been an inconvenience to them. This couple simply waited a few minutes too long for the killing of their baby to be acceptable. If they had hired a hit man with a medical degree to kill the child before he left the womb, the young lady would simply have been exercising her precious “right to choose.”

In fact, the child could have been virtually born, having only his head remaining within the mother, and killing him would have been acceptable. To criminalize such a “partial birth” abortion would be an infringement on the mother’s “reproductive rights.” But after the baby had moved a few inches farther, killing him became a heinous crime. Those few inches made the difference between a homicide and the woman’s right to choose.

It is amazing what a premium pro-abortionists place on location. Whether or not one has the right to kill a child depends on where the child is located  whether inside the womb or outside it.

Those who wonder how parents could kill their new-born should ponder the social climate in which that young couple’s morals and values were formed. A society that has condoned the legalized killing of millions of babies should not be shocked when some develop a callousness toward the lives of infants.

Anti-abortionists have long warned that the killing of children before birth would lead to an acceptance of killing children after birth, and that is virtually what is occurring in partial-birth abortions. It is a short step from devaluating the lives of babies in the womb to devaluating the lives of babies who have just left the womb. Those who have learned to accept the practice of killing the unborn for the mother’s convenience will have fewer qualms about killing their newborn for the mother’s convenience; for there is no logical difference between killing a child in one location and killing him after he has moved to a different location.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 2 p. 20
January 16, 1997

By Dick Blackford

There was a popular record in the early 1950s which poked fun at preachers and other church folks. The punch line was that of a preacher saying, “It’s in the Book!”

That book is a one-of-a-kind book. It is extraordinary. It answers questions that few, if any books, will attempt to answer. The unique things that are in the book should cause even the casual reader to respect it and to examine its contents further to find its many other treasures and mysteries revealed therein. Let us examine a few of these jewels.

The Rainbow

How many books attempt to explain why we have a rainbow? The Bible answers this with great clarity. I cannot remember any of my school books attempting to answer this. Have you ever wondered why this phenomenon has not been discussed more in our literature? God placed a bow in the clouds as a covenant between himself and Noah and every living creature for perpetual generations that “the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh” (Gen. 9:8-17). Not many writers have attempted to answer this, but “It’s in The Book.”

The Seasons

How many books explain why we have the four seasons and why they continue to come every year with regularity and at the same time of year? There may be some, but I can’t think of any that do. “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Gen. 8:22). The reason we have them is because God said we would. The same reason we have night and day with regularity. The Bible even defines what a day is (Gen. 1:5). Every season and every day and night continually reminds us that God is keeping his word. It is dependable and true and will stand forever (Matt. 24:35). We would not know the reason for the seasons except that “It’s in The Book.”

Most textbooks accept that different languages are spoken in different parts of the world. I know of none that explains why. That is, none but the Bible. At one time “the whole earth was of one language and of one speech” (Gen. 11:1). But because man sought to build “a tower whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth” (Gen. 11:4). God did not want man centralized in one place. He wanted man to “replenish the earth” (Gen. 1:28).

It is possible that this tower was built as a refuge in case of another flood like the one a hundred years earlier in the time of Noah. It is also possible that man would have de-voted this tower to idolatrous worship, as secular history says Nebuchadnezzar did. Them was a defiance in the people to outsmart God. But God confounded their speech and scattered them abroad upon all the face of the earth (Gen.11:7-9). There is an irony here. In their pride that they were building the tower to “make a name for themselves.” Yet we do not find in history the name of so much as one of them. The only name preserved is the name Babel, “because the Lord did confound their language” (Gen.11:7). We would never have known this except that “It’s in The Book.”

The Heavenly Bodies

What is the purpose of the sun, moon, stars, etc.? The Bible tells us. (1) They were given for light (Gen.1:15), (2) Appropriate lights were given to divide the day and night (1:18), (3) They are for signs, seasons, days, and years (1:14). Farmers often plan their crops and tend their animals according to these heavenly bodies. Their regularity was used by the Jews to determine certain feasts. (4) They were given to declare the glory of God and to give him praise (Ps.19:1, 2; 148:3).

Can you count the stars? With the Hubbell telescope the estimate has been revised to over 50 billion in our galaxy alone. But only God knows their number and all their names (Ps. 147:4). The Bible implies they are innumerable but many and that they form constellations (Isa. 43:10). This was said before the invention of Hubbell or even the simplest, cheapest amateur telescope. In fact, it was said before the invention of binoculars, eye glasses, or contact lenses.

The stars were not made to be worshiped (Deut. 4:19) or to be used to predict the future (Isa. 47:13). The old time children’s song had it right all the time. Stars don’t talk, they twinkle. “It’s in The Book.”

Most textbooks accept that different languages are spoken in different parts of the world. I know of none that explains why. That is, none but the Bible. At one time “the whole earth was of one language and of one speech” (Gen. 11:1). But because man sought to build “a tower whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth” (Gen. 11:4). God did not want man centralized in one place. He wanted man to “replenish the earth” (Gen. 1:28).

It is possible that this tower was built as a refuge in case of another flood like the one a hundred years earlier in the time of Noah. It is also possible that man would have de-voted this tower to idolatrous worship, as secular history says Nebuchadnezzar did. Them was a defiance in the people to outsmart God. But God confounded their speech and scattered them abroad upon all the face of the earth (Gen.11:7-9). There is an irony here. In their pride that they were building the tower to “make a name for themselves.” Yet we do not find in history the name of so much as one of them. The only name preserved is the name Babel, “because the Lord did confound their language” (Gen.11:7). We would never have known this except that “It’s in The Book.”

The Heavenly Bodies

What is the purpose of the sun, moon, stars, etc.? The Bible tells us. (1) They were given for light (Gen.1:15), (2) Appropriate lights were given to divide the day and night (1:18), (3) They are for signs, seasons, days, and years (1:14). Farmers often plan their crops and tend their animals according to these heavenly bodies. Their regularity was used by the Jews to determine certain feasts. (4) They were given to declare the glory of God and to give him praise (Ps.19:1, 2; 148:3).

Can you count the stars? With the Hubbell telescope the estimate has been revised to over 50 billion in our galaxy alone. But only God knows their number and all their names (Ps. 147:4). The Bible implies they are innumerable but many and that they form constellations (Isa. 43:10). This was said before the invention of Hubbell or even the simplest, cheapest amateur telescope. In fact, it was said before the invention of binoculars, eye glasses, or contact lenses.

The stars were not made to be worshiped (Deut. 4:19) or to be used to predict the future (Isa. 47:13). The old time children’s song had it right all the time. Stars don’t talk, they twinkle. “It’s in The Book.”

Poverty

For years almost every presidential candidate has had the “solution” for poverty. The late president John F. Kennedy said, “We now have within our grasp the power to eradicate poverty.” He said that when both houses of Congress were controlled by his party. Yet neither party has come close to eradicating it. There is a reason. Jesus said “For the poor ye will always have with you” (Matt. 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8). Poverty will never be totally eradicated. “It’s in The Book.”

Why the Bible Has Survived

A simple reason. Jesus said it would “not pass away” (Matt. 24:35). “The word of the Lord abideth forever” (1 Pet. 1:25). The Bible prophesied its own perpetuity. One of the best ways to prove the Bible wrong is to totally destroy it. No book has had more attempts made toward its destruction, yet there are more Bibles today than there are of any other book. It continues to survive and shine brighter. The reason for this is “It’s in The Book.”

Answers to Life’s Most Important Questions

This is just a sampling of truths revealed in this remark-able book. The fact that it reveals truths such as these should intrigue us to consider its answers on life’s greatest questions. Every man, woman, boy, and girl should want to know the purpose and meaning of life. ‘Where did I come from?,” “Why am I here?,” and “Where am I going?,” are all answered in the Bible. Other equally important questions are answered too, such as: “Whom Say Ye That I Am?” (Matt. 16:13-19). “What Is Truth?” (John 17:17). “What Shall I Do With Jesus Who Is Called Christ?” (Matt. 27:22). “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:38).

This unique book has the answers you so desperately need. There is an urgency that you get those answers and act upon them. All who reject it will be damned on judgment day (John 12:48). Everything you need to know is “in The Book.”

For years almost every presidential candidate has had the “solution” for poverty. The late president John F. Kennedy said, “We now have within our grasp the power to eradicate poverty.” He said that when both houses of Congress were controlled by his party. Yet neither party has come close to eradicating it. There is a reason. Jesus said “For the poor ye will always have with you” (Matt. 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8). Poverty will never be totally eradicated. “It’s in The Book.”

Why the Bible Has Survived

A simple reason. Jesus said it would “not pass away” (Matt. 24:35). “The word of the Lord abideth forever” (1 Pet. 1:25). The Bible prophesied its own perpetuity. One of the best ways to prove the Bible wrong is to totally destroy it. No book has had more attempts made toward its destruction, yet there are more Bibles today than there are of any other book. It continues to survive and shine brighter. The reason for this is “It’s in The Book.”

Answers to Life’s Most Important Questions

This is just a sampling of truths revealed in this remark-able book. The fact that it reveals truths such as these should intrigue us to consider its answers on life’s greatest questions. Every man, woman, boy, and girl should want to know the purpose and meaning of life. ‘Where did I come from?,” “Why am I here?,” and “Where am I going?,” are all answered in the Bible. Other equally important questions are answered too, such as: “Whom Say Ye That I Am?” (Matt. 16:13-19). “What Is Truth?” (John 17:17). “What Shall I Do With Jesus Who Is Called Christ?” (Matt. 27:22). “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:38).

This unique book has the answers you so desperately need. There is an urgency that you get those answers and act upon them. All who reject it will be damned on judgment day (John 12:48). Everything you need to know is “in The Book.”

Guardian of Truth XLI: 3 p. 1
February 6, 1997

By Jim McDonald

A back strain in early July disabled me several weeks. When news of my infirmity reached some Filipino brethren, I received a note from the wife of a friend expressing their prayers for the return of my health, adding that “your children” are concerned about you.

Few preachers go to the Philippines without acquiring several adopted children along the way. Once he is home he will be deludged by many letters from brethren he met and in the course of corresponding with some of them will be “adopted” as their father for so will they address him, signing their letters as “your son.” There are many reasons for this, perhaps such provides a sense of comfort that they have an American “father” who is concerned for his “children’s” well being. This affection for their American “Dad” will be expressed by giving their own sons the name of their “grandfather.” It is interesting how many preachers introduce me to their sons whose names I immediately recognize as that of preachers who had visited their islands in bygone days.

Nor is this affection “one-sided.” It is difficult not to become emotionally affected by the hospitality, sincere affection and needs of these brethren. I know personally several Filipinos who have had American benefactors for many years who have seen them through their hard, hard life; even helping them to send their children to college. I will not divulge the names of these brethren. I doubt they would want that. Their help was private and unheralded, given out of love and compassion, unknown to man but seen by God. This “adopting” as parents is not simply con-fined to preachers who visit the isles. Often some brother or sister acquires the name of some needy Filipino family and continues their “one-time” gift into a continuing correspondence and help. The result? They also acquire Filipino “children” and “grandchildren” whom they have never seen save through the myriads of photos sent to them.

“My children” who were mentioned earlier, are the son and daughter-in-law of a dear friend of mine. When I arrived in Manila in 1995 my friend announced his son would shortly be married. “When?” I asked. The date was not certain for the family had determined that I should be one of the “compadres,” a sort of godfather to the couple. But my schedule was hectic. When finally I arrived back in Manila five to six weeks later unscheduled and ready to return to the States on the earliest possible flight, I gave little thought to a wedding. My principal concern was re-turning home! But my friend’s desire was not to be denied. In one day’s time the wedding was arranged and my last night in the Philippines was spent attending a wedding.

Unlike in the United States, it is the groom and his parents who shoulder the wedding expense. Aside from that, weddings are not a great deal different there than they are here. They decorate, not so much with flowers (although such are present) but with ribbons and banners. Once, in addition to ribbons, many bundles of garlic were hung here and there. These had been there during our entire seminar and had been “eyed” by nearly all since garlic is widely used, a staple in the Filipino household. The garlic was to be a gift to the wedding guests, after the wedding. It proved to be a distraction for many guests were more concerned with getting the garlic than watching the bride and groom. When the OK signal was given at the end of the nuptials, much snatching and grabbing took place as nearly all the guests got “into the act.”

The bride and groom alternately stand and sit (two chairs are provided for them) and a group of brethren sometimes sing. There may be several speakers and prayers. Solemn vows are made by both, and the groom usually kisses the bride at the conclusion of the ceremony. Once the ceremony is ended the compadres sign the marriage license and other guests are given opportunity also to sign as witnesses. A sort of “kitty” is made among among the wedding guests and presented to the happy couple.

We saw our first wedding in Ilocos Sur on our first trip to the Philippines in 1993. In that instance the couple being married was older. They had lived together for a number of years and had two or three children. When they became interested in the gospel, the brethren told them, “First we will have a Filipino wedding and then we will have a Filipino baptism.” And so they did!

In the instance of my “children” the service was lengthy but impressive. Then the wedding party and all the guests were royally treated, or so they felt. The groom’s parents hosted an after-wedding meal at Wendy’s where all could enjoy their burgers, fries and cokes in genuine air-conditioning, a real luxury to a Filipino. And, although I could not always understand what they were saying, laughter and smiles are a universal language and according to that all the guests had a happy time and enjoyed themselves immensely!

Guardian of Truth XLI: 2 p. 14-15
January 16, 1997

By Johnie Edwards

There is no finer place to walk than with God! It has been said of few men that they walked with God. There are some men we are not allowed to walk with due to the social, political, monetary or some other area of prestige. But, we can walk with God. To walk with God, we must:

Agree With God

Amos asked, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). It is not that God must agree with us, but that we must agree with what God has said. Too many want to argue with the teachings of God rather than just agreeing with what God has said. Being in submission to God simply involves bringing my will in harmony with God’s. It is as Jesus prayed, “. . .not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Man. 26:39).

Walk By Faith

There are some things that I must just accept by faith, that is because God said it! You do know, “but without faith it is impossible to please him …” (Heb. 11:6). Paul wrote the Corinthians, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). We must have the kind of faith Paul had in a storm at sea, when told there would “be no loss of any man’s life among you” (Acts 27:22). Paul said, “. . .for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me” (Acts 27:25). Enoch and Noah, who were said to have walked with God (Gen. 5:24; 6:9) operated by “faith” (Heb. 11:5, 7).

Walk In The Light

John penned these words, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). To walk in the light is to walk according to the word of God for the Psalmist said, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The entrance of thy words giveth light” (Ps. 119:105, 130). Too many try to walk according to their own steps, but Jeremiah re-corded, “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).

Please God

One reason God said that Enoch walked with him was that Enoch “pleased God” (Heb. 11:5). One of our prob-lems today is that too many want to do the things which please themselves rather than pleasing God! The Holy Spirit said, “For even Christ pleased not himself ” (Rom. 15:3). “Will worship” (Col. 2:23), is nothing more than men pleasing themselves as they worship. Many try to justify instrumental music in worship because they “like it” and thus are going to have it!

Fear God

Fear motivated Noah to walk with God. The respect Noah had for God and his word caused Noah to do what God requested (Heb. 11:7). There just is not enough respect for God anymore. The wise man summed up man’s whole duty in these words: “Fear God, and keep his commandments” (Eccl. 12:13).

Obey God

One reason Noah was said to have “walked with God” (Gen. 6:9), was due to his complete obedience to God’s will. There is no finer summary statement of Noah’s obedience than these words: “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he” (Gen. 6:22).

Are you walking with God?

Guardian of Truth XLI: 2 p. 9
January 16, 1997