Truth Magazine

By Warren King

To Billie, the mother of the world’s best wife:

In response to the things we discussed recently, I wanted to write this letter to clearly set forth what the Bible teaches about the remarriage of one who has been put away for fornication. You are right to be alarmed at any teaching which would grant the privilege of remarriage to such a one as long as the one they cheated on is still alive.

In Matthew 19:9, Jesus sets forth two scenarios. The outcome of either one is adultery. In the first scenario, the individual who puts away an innocent spouse to marry another, commits adultery. In the second, anyone who marries someone who has been put away, regardless of the cause, commits adultery. This is God’s simple law on divorce and remarriage. Under this law, a guilty party has no right to re-marry. If they put away their innocent spouse to marry another, they commit adultery according to the first scenario. If their innocent spouse puts them away and they (the guilty party) re-marry, they commit adultery according to the second scenario. Either way, the guilty party is prevented from remarrying.

But, as you are aware, some are teaching that this is not the complete picture. They may admit that adultery is the consequence in each of the two scenarios of Matthew 19:9; but, the adultery, they would argue, is only temporary. They teach that when the adultery is forgiven, even the guilty party may remain in a second marriage. This argument usually comes in one of two forms  and, each is flawed.

One form of the argument is based on the definition of a “covenant,” or contract. Marriage, they say, is simply a contract between two parties; and, when it is broken for one, it is automatically broken for the other. This position is usually illustrated with a diagram of handcuffs or ropes. But, such a simplistic picture does not fully illustrate the marriage bond. Here is the flaw. This view implies that any two people who are not bound (hand-cuffed) to someone else, are free to marry one another. Using this illustration, we could justify marriages between a widowed father and his daughter, or a widowed mother and her son, or two unmarried men. Of course, they would argue that God prohibits incestuous marriages and homosexual marriages (and I agree). But, God also prohibits adulterous marriages (Matt. 19:9). God has the right to restrict marriage and remarriage on any grounds he chooses. Handcuffs clearly do not convey the whole picture.

Another form of the argument is based on the definition of the word “commits” in Matthew 19:9. To make a long story short, the Greek word here can be interpreted as continual action (keeps on committing), or point-in-time action (commits). So, some folks jump on this to say that adultery only hap-pens the first time the remarried fornicator has sexual relations with his new spouse. Once that happens, the argument goes, he can obtain forgiveness and continue in his new marriage.

Those who argue this remind us that the Bible never mentions “adulterous marriages,” or “living in adultery.” But, here is the flaw in this position. In Paul’s own words, “the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth . . . So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress” (Rom. 7:2-3). Paul does not mince words. She is an adulterous “so long as (her husband) liveth.”This settles the question as to whether “commits” is an ongoing action, or a one-time action. And, as to whether it is possible for someone to “live in adultery,” we only need look at Colossians 3:5-7, where Paul describes those who “lived in” fornication (which, in the biblical sense, includes adultery).

Of course, these are not the only facets of the discussion on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, but these are two of the most common. If you have any other questions, or want to discuss this further, let me know. I enjoyed our conversation the other day, and pray that the Lord will continue to bless you in your service to him.

Your devoted son-in-law, Warren

P.S.  The way I figure it, this de-serves a batch of chocolate chip cookies, which I shall look forward to on our next visit!

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 13, p. 5
July 4, 1996

By Don Skeels

In this series of articles we are dealing with moral issues and beyond any shadow of a doubt, the problem of homosexuality is a moral issue. If you were to make a list of the moral issues facing us today, this would have to be among the top ten and probably among the top three (along with abortion and euthanasia). The problems surrounding this issue are often clouded because of the emotional fervor attached to it. Let us lay aside our emotions and our opinions and focus on what God has to say about the problem of homosexuality.

At the very outset I want you to know that I make no apologies for what the Bible plainly teaches: homosexuality is a sin! If the Bible says anything, it says that those who practice homosexuality are living in sin and are going to loose their souls in hell. Read God’s view of homosexuality as stated in Deuteronomy 23:17, 18; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:18-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. All of these passages underscore the fact that the sexual act between same sex partners is a heinous sin. Those involved in homosexuality need to repent, which means to cease from all homosexual activity, and come to Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul said to the saints at Corinth: “Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men (emphasis mine, das), nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye were washed (baptized into Christ for the remission of sins, das), but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ . . .” (1 Cor. 6:9-11). That language could not be plainer. They were at one time involved in all kinds of sins including homosexuality, but had come out of that sinful lifestyle in obedience to the gospel of Christ.

Why then do people get involved in the sin of homosexuality? For one reason, those who are homosexuals will very often times say: “God made me this way!” But that is simply not true for why would God make some-one that way and then condemn them? The fact of the matter is that the Bible teaches that all sin is volitional, whether it is adultery, lying, stealing or homosexuality. We make a choice to do that which is contrary to God’s will. This is the heart of the issue. In Genesis 1 and 2, the Bible says that God made us male and female and the only provision he made for the home is that the man would leave his home and the woman would leave her home and the two would be joined together in that one flesh relationship. This is the only relationship that is ordained of God. Any-thing that deviates from God’s ordained plan of one man for one woman joining themselves together for life is sinful and wrong. That includes polygamy, living together without the benefit of marriage, unscriptural divorce and then taking another mate, or homosexual marriage. Anything that alters the sexual relationship of a man and a woman joined in holy matrimony is contrary to God’s will. You will undoubtedly notice that God made them “Adam and Eve,” he did not make them “Adam and Steve”!

With that in mind, what should be our attitude toward those who are involved in the sin of homosexuality? For one thing, I don’t believe we should think less of a homosexual than any other kind of sinner. There is a real danger in thinking that the sin of homosexuality is somehow a much bigger sin then lying or stealing. The Bible certainly does not teach this. In fact, the Bible teaches that sin is sin. All sin is a transgression of God’s law and will condemn us (Heb. 2:2-3). We need to always keep clearly fixed in our minds the fact that Jesus died on the cross to save sinners. He died for all sinners and that includes you and me! We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). Let us never be guilty of looking down upon a fellow human being because he is involved in sin. We should look upon all people as precious souls who need the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us be ready and willing to present the truth to a lost and dying world, and let us never forget: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

If a person has been involved in the sin of homosexuality and is now living the Christian life, having been forgiven by the blood of Christ, they ought never to be identified as a homosexual, anymore than that individual who committed fornication in the past and has repented of it, should be identified as a fornicator. If God forgives, he forgets and I don’t think we can be right with God if we treat people any differently. We have no right to dehumanize someone be-cause of his past sinful life. Any person who has heard and obeyed the gospel of Christ in baptism should be looked upon as a hero! They’ve overcome the world and are now living for Jesus as a saint in his kingdom. We should rejoice and embrace all who have been “delivered out of the power of darkness, and (have been) translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Col. 1:13). Let us overcome and put away all sinful conduct and continue to strive for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 13, p. 2-3
July 4, 1996

By George C. Garrison

One morning several years ago a stranger called and said the man who owed me money, enough to support my family for a month, could not pay me. He had bet five hundred dollars on a horse race and lost. He had hoped to win and pay me off and have an equal amount for himself. The man who called was from Gamblers Anonymous. They suggested an agreement to pay it off, which never happened. We suffered the side effects of gambling. Proverbs 28:20 states, “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”

Gambling has been around since about 2000 B.C. In the United States Gamblers Anonymous is growing rapidly and in the state of Minnesota, it has grown from one chapter to 53 in a few years. This should cause Bible teachers to teach the truth on this subject as well as related subjects of the flesh. This would help cut down on the number of young people having difficulty in this area. The sad part is that some of God’s children will be lost because of gambling.

Gambling defined: “Gamble, 1. To play a game for money or other stakes. 2. To hazard; wager” (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, 1951, 340) This is also a good definition of the present day lottery. In Gamblers Anonymous booklets the lottery is often referred to as gambling. They are of the world and yet can see that. Why cannot some of our preachers who are not of the world see it also?

In the mid-seventies the Commission on the Review of the National Policy Toward Gambling found over 61 percent of American adults gamble. It is now estimated to be above 80 percent. Also, the amount gambled in the last twenty years has increased from 17 billion to over 300 billion. This is not just a local problem, most states (48) have legalized the lottery. In a book, Understanding Compulsive Gambling by Henry R. Lesieur, Ph.D. (Moody Press), Mr. Lesieur refers to the lottery as gambling several times, listing other types also, such as bingo. Gambling (lottery) is promoted by state governments as well as the Catholic Church.

Interestingly, gambling cannot be smelled on the breath and yet the wives of compulsive gamblers are said to be four times as apt to commit suicide. Ruined homes, divorces, widows, orphans, lost jobs, and an end-less list of related problems come with gambling. Will this not have an adverse effect on weak Christians, including preachers who are undecided on the subject.

Did you know, that playing the lottery is the most common form of gambling in the U.S.A.? No doubt that is why some Christians are caught up in it. It is just down the street. Are we appealing to our strengths or weaknesses in playing the lottery? Most people will be losers? For you to win, several million will have to lose. When a church or nation looks to man’s weakness to raise money, not caring that it will destroy his character, that is evil.

Castings lots. Is this a form of gambling revealed in the Bible? The difference between gambling and casting lots is that this was a form of decision making. The results were in the hand of God. “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33). See also Acts 1:21-24.

As a young boy I saw a man at a carnival trying to knock a bowling pin over with a ball connected from above by a chain. He hit it the first time and doubled his money. From then on he missed, but ever so close until he had lost well over $100.00. That was in the year of 1943. This really impressed me with the dangers of gambling. Christians should be so thankful for early training that has prepared them for temptations such as gambling and drinking. They so often go together.

Gambling leads to other sins. When they are on a losing streak and money is short they will often borrow from the household money or from their employer or steal ( Eph. 4:28). After an extended period of borrowing from friends, unable to repay them, the gambler will find the only friends he has are those of the game. When a gospel preacher or teacher gives bad advice or no advice on gambling and drinking, they can very well be assisting in a failed business, failed marriage, or a suicide. Though there are varied excuses for gambling (boredom, husband or wife drinks, runs around, or is gone a lot), a Christian will not turn to the works of Satan but will seek God’s help (Psa. 46:1).

Are gamblers sick? As in the problem social drinker, the idea that the gambler was immoral or sinful has passed, they are just sick. Gambling is referred to as a disease and is also called a “disorder of impulse control.” Since chemical treatment with Alcoholics Anonymous is already established, they have been prompted to include compulsive gamblers. It is thought that gamblers are “punishing themselves” rather than suffering from greed or covetousness. “So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain” (Prov. 1:19). “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house” (Prov. 15:17). Gambling is sinful, whether it is the one armed bandits or the lottery.

Greed

“Acquisitive desire beyond reason; greediness” (Webster ‘s New Collegiate Dictionary, 363). It is interesting to note that some Christians who are confused on social drinking are also befuddled as to the sinfulness of the lot-tery. Greed is a synonym of covetousness. “Mortify there-fore your members and covetousness which is idolatry” (Col. 3:5). Greed is not associated with any one class of people. Just be observant the next time you buy your gasoline at a quick stop and see the different kinds of folks who buy the tickets.

Psychologists identify depression as a trait of the compulsive gambler. He also has very poor judgment and does not learn from his past. The sociologist finds the gambler to be a risk taker and thrill-seeker. They begin usually as a winner, then go into a losing aspect, then on to a desperation period. A few years ago a member of the church bet on the lottery and won $5,000.00; he left the church. His picture appeared on page one of the local newspaper. What will we give in exchange for our soul (Matt. 16:26)?

Parents need to be so careful before their children and their friends. They are known to imitate their parents. Professional gambling houses consider gamblers as mice. They say that when they put fifty new slot machines in, there are simply fifty more mouse traps to catch the mice with. Is that what we want our children to be (Eph. 6:4)? When Christians (?) get up car load of friends (other Christians) to go to Reno, Las Vegas or Atlantic City to gamble, can it be anything but a work of the flesh? 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, “Abstain from every form of evil.” Also, 1 Timothy 6:10 states, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” He warns us to stay away, for sorrows will come.

The church should deal with the sin of gambling as we are instructed to deal with any sin. Some when confronted and convinced that gambling is sinful will repent (Acts 17:30). Others put up a fight to their own ruin. If you are a Christian and buy a lottery ticket and win, do you think the church would accept a few thousand dollars toward their building program?

The Lord will bless us in this life. “And you shall re-member the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth” (Deut. 8:18). “Both riches and honor come from You … ” (1 Chron. 29:12). We are warned in 1 Timothy 6:17 “. . . not to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”

Why the lottery? In California it was to help our children by subsidizing the cost of their education. Of each dollar bet, 50% goes to the gambler, 35% to the schools and 15% to the state. A school principle who is a Christian informed me that the thirty-five percent that goes to the schools makes up less than one percent of the cost of education. He said that he voted against it.

Gambling addiction is heavier among teens at a rate of two to one. This is reason for alarm. The word gamble is not mentioned in the Scriptures, but neither is child pornography, suicide, rape, bootlegging, or larceny and we sure don’t accept them. Young people can be misled by someone pointing out certain words that are not found in the Bible. We need to remember when the Scripture so clearly identifies something as sinful we don’t need a specific name (Gal. 5:21).

There are proper ways to obtain money or wealth.

 Work (Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:12)

 Exchange: money or goods (Lydia, Acts 16:14; Luke 22:36; Acts 4:32-37)

 Gifts (Eph. 4:28; Matt. 2:11)

Investment returns and interest (Matt. 25:7)

Gambling income does not fall into these classifications. ‘ It is an unscriptural way of obtaining wealth. Gambling is covetousness which is idolatry. God’s plan calls for work (Eph. 4:28), exchange (Acts 4:34), giving of gifts (Matt. 2:11).

If we are seeking wealth, Solomon says, “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds not sorrow with it” (Prov. 10:22). Remember 2 Thessalonians 3:10: “If we don’t work, we don’t eat.” Proverbs 12:11, “He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follow frivolity is devoid of understanding.”

Remember gambling (the lottery included) is addictive! Resist (James 4:7), abstain (1 Thess. 5:22), and flee (1 Cor. 10:14)!

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 13, p.
July 4, 1996

By Ron Halbrook

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Tim. 6:12). A great battle is raging throughout the world between God and Satan, and the prize to be won is the souls of men. North, south, east, and west, the gospel is the same for all men and the same battle is raging for the souls of men. We must fight the good fight of faith and preach “all the counsel of God” wherever we live (Acts 20:27).

As a result of my spending January of 1993 preaching in California, the Guardian of Truth for May 20, 1993 was devoted to the Lord’s work in that state. I mentioned how very encouraging it was to see the power of the gospel at work in the seven churches I visited: Covina, Hemet, 5th St. East in Lancaster, Winnetka Ave. in Canoga Park, In the Hub (39354 Fremont Blvd.) in Fremont, 20th St. in Merced, and Lakeport. The good work of such men as Alfonso Ferrer, Gerald E. Evans, Micky Galloway, Dennis Kilgo, Dwight King, Roy Bradshaw, and Olen Holderby was noted along with articles by Randy Reynolds, Gerald E. Evans, Dean Gibson, Tommy McClure, Olen Holderby, Dwight King, Micky Galloway, and Gailen E. Evans.

At that time I reported the assessment of Olen Holderby and other experienced brethren in California that “more and more churches which have had a reputation for soundness are drifting into apostasy on moral issues (Rev. 3:1)” (p. 304). In his own words, “Those of us who fight that same error [on divorceand remarriage] in California are much in the minority. With those in that error taking courage from the `fence-straddlers’ (or compromisers), it often becomes a discouraging fight” (p. 304). Forty years experience in California convinced Olen “we have more than `our share’ of immorality,” but he called for “an arousing to active opposition to the immorality in our midst. We believe that we are up to that task” (p. 299).

This special issue of the Guardian of Truth is written by men who are representative of West Coast preachers who are up to the task of actively de-fending the truth, confirming brother Holderby’s assessment.

It was my privilege to spend a couple of weeks in January of 1996 working with Glendol McClure and the Railroad Ave. church in Antioch, and with George Garrison and the church in Lodi, California. This gave me an opportunity to meet several more preachers and to renew my acquaintance with others. When Olen Holderby came to visit George and me, we discussed how encouraging it would be for brethren everywhere to see a special issue of the Guardian of Truth devoted to the theme of “West Coast Preachers on Moral Issues.” Within a short time, we outlined a series of articles and contacted prospective writers. Olen and George are due most of the credit for arranging this material, but they asked me to write an introduction, which I am honored to do.

These articles will accomplish much good. The truth will do good because God’s word never returns to him void (Isa. 55:8-11). These articles help counter the notion that the cause of Christ is a lost cause in West Coast states. Acquaintance with these writers can help brethren visiting or moving to the West Coast to find places to worship. This material will do much to counter loose ideas on moral is-sues which are becoming more prevalent everywhere. For instance, one preacher recently answered the question, “Is it a sin to play the lottery?” by saying, “I just don’t know”  he could not find “lottery” in his concordance. After conceding we should not covet, he referred to Romans 14 (George R. “Randy” Dickson in Contender!, July 1995, p. 54, publ. in Rohnert Park, California).

George Garrison of Lodi, California wrote on “Gambling” (he did not find it in the concordance either but found the Bible principles which apply!); Don Skeels of Merced, California on “Homosexuality”; Mel Brower of Dallas, Oregon on “The Home: The School of Morality”; Alan Hitchen of Gresham, Oregon on “Alcohol”; Jeff Griess of Dallas, Oregon on “Dancing”; Carlos Aguilar of Oroville, California on “Drugs”; Glendol McClure of Antioch, California on “Pornography”; Don Alexander of Sacramento, California on “Preserving Marriages”; Warren King of Sunnyvale, California on “Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage”; Ernie Sprinkel of El Sobrante, California on “Smoking”; Olen Holderby of Lakeport, California on “Fellowship, Discipline, and Moral Issues”; David Posey of Folsom, California on “Fornication and Adultery”; Don Bradford of Soldotna, Alaska on “Answering Error on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage”; John Trokey of Oakdale, California on “The Standard of Morality”; and Jim Hester of Rainier, Oregon on “Abortion.” We commend all West Coast preachers and brethren everywhere who are fighting the good fight of faith on these pressing moral is-sues of the day.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 13, p.1
July 4, 1996