Truth Magazine

By Steve Hardin

We are just entering that season of the year once again when God blesses us with warm sunshine, beautiful flowers, and the wonders of nature in the springtime. As the temperatures climb each year at this time, immodest attire once again becomes the order of the day. Old man winter helps to put an end to this in Indiana for several months of the year. Yet, as spring begins, semi-nudity is once again glorified as the norm and modesty is scorned as an outdated relic.

Our nation is grievously distressed by divorce, fornication, and adultery. Many things in society contribute to such sins, including lust producing attire worn by so many. It seems that the public in general applauds such, parents often practice and promote it, and Christians themselves often fail today to be separate from the world in this area.

The Word of God says, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety” (1 TIM. 2:9). “Shamefastness” suggests a sense of shame. “Sobriety” involves the idea of self-control or inner government, with its constant reign on all passions and desires, which would hinder the temptation to these from arising. The person who would seek to always please God will dress in such a way as not to arouse sinful passions in others with whom they come in contact. If Christians care what God thinks, they will not dress in the brief attire which is so common or popular today. If the skimpy and skin tight (or tighter) clothing is modest according to God’s standard, then the only thing which is immodest would be total nudity!

In Galatians 5:19, Paul condemns “lasciviousness” (KJV) as a work of the flesh. In verse 21, he wrote, “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Lasciviousness is not a term which we are generally familiar with in today’s world. Just what is this thing called “lasciviousness”? Webster in his dictionary defines it as “wanton; lewd, lustful; tending to produce lewd emotions.” Something is lascivious if it tends to excite or stir up lustful thoughts in other people. Words, actions, or the way one dresses could all be classified as lascivious, if they promote or produce lust in the mind of others. When one dresses (or undresses) in such a manner, she shares in the guilt involved when others look to lust after her. “But I say to you that whosoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt. 5:28).

Some men will look to lust no matter what kind of clothing a woman may wear. However, a woman who desires to serve God will always be careful never to share in that sin. She will not dress in such a manner as to invite or encourage that look of lust.

Many fashion designers produce their clothing with nothing else but sex-appeal in mind. No matter what “fashion” or “the majority” may dictate; God-fearing, spiritually minded people must not abandon the required virtues of modesty, sobriety and shamefacedness. Shamefacedness, in its very definition involves an ability to blush. This is something that a majority of people in the world have seemingly lost the ability to do. In-stead of blushing, many glory in what should be their shame!

God’s rules for modesty do not change with geography or the weather What is modest in Canada is also modest in Key West. Like-wise what is modest in January is still modest in July. The weather or the location do not justify or excuse one dressing in immodest clothing.

In the Word of God, more is written directly to women about immodesty. However, this does not mean that God has a double standard. Certainly, men as well as women, are capable of dressing immodestly and causing others to lust. Neither a man nor a woman should wear that which is designed to create lust in the heart of another. All of us, as Christians, are commanded to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (1 Pet. 2:11).

We, as parents, hold the responsibility of bringing up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:14). Fathers need to exercise their God given duty to teach and encourage their children to dress always in appropriate attire. Mothers, as well, should set the proper example for their daughter and never give in to immodest attire! Too many mothers and fathers contribute to immodesty by their own example or by refusing to allow their children to wear such. It may be easier to let it go than to face the objections raised by children when they want to wear what “everyone else” does. Yet, God places on us as parents the responsibility of guiding our children in the ways of truth and righteousness. We all need to wake up and see where we are headed morally and spiritually. We need to heed carefully the admonition of the Lord to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22). This should be true of us as Christians in our actions and our speech, as well as our manner of dress.

Reprinted from The Plain Path, Bulletin of the Plainfield Church of Christ, Plainfield, IN.

Guardian of Truth XL: 12 p. 6-7
June 20, 1996

By Irvin Himmel

“The long vigil is over. Nothing which we say or do today will either help or hinder the deceased. There was a time when we were able to lend assistance, and many did just that. But our loved one is now beyond our reach….” With these words the beloved preacher often began his re-marks at the funeral service for someone who had died following an extended period of illness.

Following a bout with pulmonary fibrosis, Granville W. Tyler reached the end of his earthly pilgrimage at his home in Decatur, Alabama, on April 13, 1996, being 87 years and seven months of age. He was preceded in death by his wife Frances on February 10, 1995.

Brother Tyler’s funeral service was conducted at the meeting house of the Somerville Road church in Decatur on April 16. A large gathering was in attendance, including many preachers of the gospel. Marvin Hale, one of the regular song leaders at Somerville Road and a close personal friend of Granville, made a few remarks and led the congregation in singing “Each Step I Take,” a song which Granville had requested for his funeral when he first heard brother Hale lead it years earlier. That song was followed by “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

This writer read the obituary, and made some personal observations about his association with brother Tyler over the past decade. The two of us conducted numerous funeral services together. One of his favorite themes when the funeral was for someone who had lived as a faithful Christian was the promises of God. He sometimes would begin with another line of thought but would switch to, or bring in something about, the Lord’s precious promises. When he spoke of those promises his eyes would flash, his voice would grow stronger, and he would show a special earnestness. Referring to such a promise as is given in 2 Corinthians 6:17,18, he would say, “Now isn’t that a wonderful promise!” Since brother Tyler was so highly successful as a preacher and influenced and encouraged so many others, I thought it appropriate to read Paul’s charge to Timothy as given in 2 Timothy 4:1-8. Prayer was offered after the scripture reading.

Al Bowers, another regular song leader at Somerville Road, led the assembly in the singing of “Nearer My God to Thee,” and “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand.” Eugene Britnell, a long-time acquaintance of brother Granville, spoke of some of his recollections and favorable impressions. He used a funeral sermon outline which he got from Granville. It is entitled “Paradoxes In Death,” and has five main points with two subheadings under each point. Here are the main points (the outline is self-explanatory):

1. Death is common yet rare.

2. Death is mysterious yet real.

3. Death is uncertain yet certain.

4. Death is separation yet a uniting.

5. Death is the end yet the beginning.

Brother Britnell paid fitting tribute to Granville Tyler for the influence which he exerted, his dedication to the truth, and the kind of man he was.

Allen Blaxton, another of Somerville Road’s song leaders, directed in the singing of “At the Cross.”

The main eulogy was delivered by Ed Bragwell who has known Granville Tyler for half a century. Both Bragwell and Britnell grew up in Franklin County, Alabama where Granville did local work on three different occasions and held many gospel meetings. Ed gave a biographical sketch of Tyler, and told of some of the humorous things associated with his life. Brother Tyler was a masterful story teller, and his stories about Simp Burleson and Thad Henley and others in his native Hickman County, Tennessee always brought much laughter. Ed mentioned Granville’s ability to reach the hearts of people by being an emotional man, yet his preaching was the book, chapter, and verse approach.

Following the singing of “Amazing Grace,” the service was dismissed. Burial was in Roselawn Cemetery, in Decatur, with Charles Littrell conducting the burial service. Littrell recalled that Granville would often say at the graveside, “Now we have gone as far as we can …”

Pallbearers were James Graham, Don Laney, Larry Parr, James Satterfield, Mike Watson, Marvin Hale, Bobby Jackon, Jimmy Nesmith, James Ray, Ralph Sheats, and Gale Montgomery, all members at Somerville Road, and Vernie Haley of Tuscaloosa, formerly a member at Somerville Road.

Guardian of Truth XL: 12 p. 8
June 20, 1996

By Larry Ray Hafley

Is someone making life miserable for you at school? Is a boss at work unfair to you? Are there brethren who seek to be-rate and belittle you with gossip, rumors, and false accusations? So, what are you going to do about it? Whoa, wait a minute! If you are like me, your first impulse might not be the right one! What can you do that is right before God?

There are a number of things. Likely, you have tried the obvious ones. If not, do so. If you have reacted bitterly, if you have fought fire with fire, re-turning evil for evil, you have taken the wrong course. Again, though, assuming you have prayed for your adversary, and assuming that you have done all you know to do, there is one more thing you might try. Ask the Lord to deliver you from evil men!

“Finally, brethren, pray for us … that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (2 Thess. 3:1, 2). “Deliver me, 0 Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. They have sharpened their tongues . . poison is under their lips. Keep me, 0 Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who hath purposed to overthrow my goings . . . Grant not, 0 Lord, the de-sires of the wicked: further not his wicked device” (Psa 140:1-8).

“And he spice a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint saying, There was in a city a judge which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard men; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

“And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily” (Luke 18:1-8). So, with persistent humility, ask the Lord to deliver you from evil men.

Guardian of Truth XL: 12 p. 7
June 20, 1996

By Steve R. Graham

(The use of mind-altering drugs has become a wide-spread scourge in modern America. Conditions contributing to this scourge are not now our interest, but the legalizing of one of these drugs, marijuana is.

Such legalization has come close to the forefront of political debate in our country. It is, however, more than a matter of political debate. It holds the potential of ruining lives, paving the way for hard drugs, and destroying spiritual usefulness. It is this potential for spiritual harm that makes the matter of a concern in this article.

Steve Graham, my brother and the District Attorney in Lauderdale County, wrote a letter to the editor, printed in the Times Daily of Florence, Alabama, on November 20, 1995. He was responding to an earlier letter promoting such legalization. Part of it is here used because of the information contained and the warning urged. Concerned Christians will shout their concern not only in the political arena but also in the lives that they can influence for good and help to avoid the pitfalls set by Satan. It is amazing that even this ploy is his strategy  his wile  to ensnare many and to desensitize us so we become easy prey. Read and pass on this information to others, especially the young.  Bobby L. Graham)

“Don’t fool yourselves; drug dealers will sell what-ever they can to make money. They don’t care what it is or what it does to you.

“Mr. Ricks seems to base his belief that marijuana should be legalized on the fact that alcohol and cigarettes are legal, and that he believes marijuana is no more harmful than those substances. I certainly do not condone the use of alcohol or cigarettes. But two, or even three, wrongs do not make a right.

“Many studies have been conducted on the short-term and long-term effects of marijuana usage, and showing that use of marijuana has many detrimental effects. The first and most obvious harmful effect is that it impairs brain activities. These include short-term memory, judgment, learning ability, coordination and the ability to follow moving objects.

“The most insidious harm is that marijuana usage destroys initiative  initiative to engage in any kind of meaningful activity.

“Young males who smoke marijuana will incur a decrease in the male sex hormone called testosterone. As a result, the ability of their bodies to produce sperm is impaired, and could result in the inability to father children later in life.

“The menstrual cycle of women can be affected by the use of marijuana. It is the belief of many health professionals that birth defects have been and are caused in children whose mothers  and even grandmothers  used marijuana in the past. And due to the fact that the active ingredient, THC, is stored in the fat cells of the body, it can endure for long periods of time, causing long-term problems with which we are not yet familiar.

“The heart, lungs, and immune system are also affected by marijuana. We know that the “cannabis sativa” plant, from which we get marijuana, contains over 400 chemicals. Very few of these chemicals and their effects have been identified.

“Although an actual physical dependence on marijuana is rare, it does have those who are mentally and emotion-ally dependent on it. More importantly, however, it serves as a threshold drug for many people. That is, they start with marijuana and when a tolerance for this drug is developed, they must move on to something stronger.

“I would invite you or any of your readers to ask any mental health professional or substance abuse counselor about marijuana. All that I know or have had any experience with would tell you that marijuana almost always leads to other things. It is almost without exception that those who abuse or are addicted to other drugs started with marijuana.

“With all of the problems that we now have as a society, we certainly do not need to compound them with the legalization of marijuana.”

Reprinted from the Weekly Bulletin of the Market Street Church of Christ, Athens, AL, March 14, 1996.

Guardian of Truth XL: 12 p. 5
June 20, 1996