Truth Magazine

By P. J. Casebolt

In the days of Hezekiah, it is said of Israel and Judah with respect to the Passover feast, “. . . for they had not done it of a long time in such sort as it was written” (2 Citron. 30:5).

Both Israel and Judah had been doing some things which were intended to be acts of service, sacrifice, and worship, but not “as it was written.” Many people in the religious world never have done things according to that which is written in God’s word. Their entire system is based on the doctrines, commandments, creeds, and traditions of men, and therefore vain (Matt. 15:8, 9). Some in this system have even forsaken their own original traditions, and for the most part could not tell you what they believe or why they believe it. They have been merged into a milling mass of philosophy and social agendas which have neither point, purpose, nor identity.

But among the Lord’s people at this present time, there are those who have not served God for a long time “as it is written,” and a generation or two have never even heard what is written with respect to their worship, service, and spiritual sacrifices.

In a recent meeting with a congregation which still teaches and practices things “which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), brethren from churches of Christ which have not done things “of a long time in such sort as it was written” were invited to attend, and like the invitation of Hezekiah to “all Israel and Judah,” divers accepted the invitation and came.

After a sermon on “The Unity of the Spirit,” a dialogue was initiated by the visiting brethren who had never heard things which pertained to unity among brethren, and why division exists among the people of God. I judged these men to be in their 30s or 40s, and they were sincere brethren who were willing to discuss issues which divide us, and made an effort to justify their present practices.

When one of them asked if they were not “doing a good work” by preaching the gospel through human arrangements such as sponsoring churches and elderships, I told them that this was exactly the same argument which was made to justify the human missionary societies of the last century. They had never heard of a missionary society, and wanted to know what one was. (In fact, they were sending their support for a particular TV program through two sponsoring churches.)

When I and other brethren pointed out that the digressive “Christian Church” or “Disciples of Christ” was formed from divisive efforts to bind “expediencies” and “methods” upon other brethren, these brethren conceded that they did not know why this division took place. They knew that some used mechanical instruments of music and some didn’t, but had no idea as to how, why, or even when such things transpired. They had never heard that a “good work” had to be defined, determined, and limited by the Scriptures, or a “thus saith the Lord” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 1 Pet. 4:11).

We cannot be held responsible for the fact that many churches of Christ have not done things “of a long time in such sort as it was written.” Preachers and elders in those churches have long since ceased to justify doctrines and practices by “book, chapter, and verse,” and have purposely kept the membership of such congregations in darkness and ignorance as to why we do not have unity in the Lord’s church. But we can be held responsible for not indoctrinating present and coming generations in those congregations which still practice things “as it is written.”

Even among what we know as conservative churches of Christ, we are neglecting to teach new converts and remind older members about such things as scriptural authority; the work, mission, organization, and worship of the church; what has caused division among God’s people in times past; and the importance of “book, chapter, and verse” preaching.

Not only are we neglecting such subjects in the local pulpits, classrooms, and in gospel meetings, we are becoming preoccupied with gimmicks, philosophy, psychology, sermons and assemblies more on the order of a TV sit-corn or talk show, and otherwise appealing to the desire to be entertained and pampered.

We have only so much time on Sundays, in mid-week classes, and gospel meetings to indoctrinate the member-ship of local congregations. If necessary, we need to “observe other seven days” (2 Chron. 30:23), in addition to our regular efforts to preach the gospel to the unbeliever and edify the believer.

Once we become negligent and fall behind in doctrinal matters, it won’t be long until we fall behind in matters of morality, and even forsake the true and living God for the gods of this world. It would be better to explain to our children why we observe divinely approved memorials, rather than try to explain why we have not observed them “of a long time.”

Guardian of Truth XL: 11 p. 24-25
June 6, 1996

By Irvin Himmel

The situation look grim. Saul’s men had dwindled to only about six hundred. The army of the Philistines numbered into the thousands. Saul’s men were poorly armed. Since all the smiths were among the Philistines, Saul’s soldiers had neither sword nor spear. There was much trembling among the Israelites. Some were hiding in caves, thickets, rocks, pits, and other out of the way places. Some had fled to the region east of Jordan (1 Sam. 13).

Jonathan, Saul’s son, took his young armor bearer and approached the Philistine garrison. Saul was not informed of this movement. Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armor, “Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few” (1 Sam. 14:6).

The faith that Jonathan had in God brought reward. Despite their being terribly outnumbered and poorly equipped to fight, the Israelites were given victory over the Philistines. God turned seeming defeat into certain triumph.

Too often we suppose that we are defeated if outnumbered. Not so! God is able to save by many or by few. God can use a few faithful people to do great works in his sight. God is not swayed by numbers.

Guardian of Truth XL: 12 p. 9
June 20, 1996

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