Truth Magazine

By William C. Sexton

Recently in our Bible Study in Altus, at my mother’s house, we had a good discussion about speaking in tongues, etc. Although time ran out before we exhausted the topic (in fact many hours could be spent on the topic, in a profitable fashion), we did run over, keeping the study going longer that we like to, but it was hard to find a place to stop. Needless to say, we didn’t all agree on the topic. But in time with serious study, Bible students should be united on what the Bible says about this matter, as well as on all other Bible subjects.

I believe this is an area in which a number of sincere people differ a great deal, not so much over what the Bible actually says, but often over “experiences” people say they have had. Of course I don’t judge the “experiences” or fully explain them. At times it seems clear to me that one can explain what happened in terms of psychological forces and explanations based on expectations, etc., all of which play a part. We need to study with love and respect for each other. I believe we need to pay close attention to what John, the inspired apostle of God, says about the things Jesus did:

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name (John 20:30-31).

This, shows the real purpose of miracles! If one comes to the New Testament with an open mind, looking carefully at what it says, the many miracles done in the first four gospels show plainly that they were to this end: To establish and support his claims that he was the Son of God and came with the Father’s message to show how man could be saved.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter proclaimed that the people were without excuse because Jesus had demonstrated that his claims were true by the miracles, signs and wonders that he did in their midst. That should have caused them to accept him. But although previously they had rejected him,they still could turn to him and be saved by him. We need to be convinced of that fact! Look carefully at the claims made by Peter: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves also know” (Acts 2:22).

You see the reasoning here! If one will think, he can clearly see that they did not have the New Testament Scriptures as we have them. When someone came into their midst preaching or teaching, they needed proof that he was from God. The miracles provided that proof.

So, speaking in tongues enabled one who had never studied the language to speak so the people could understand. It served two purposes: (1) It enabled them to communicate the message so the hearers could understand; (2) It provided proof that they were from God. Look at the amazement on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:7-8). Notice, also, that the “tongues” were languages (their “own tongue” wherein they “were born”). I find a perception among many people, that the “tongues” were not languages to be understood, but some-thing that no one understands that it takes another Spirit filled person to “interpret.” That concept, I believe, is contrary to Bible teachings and is hurtful.

I wonder if modem tongue speaking is not one of the “lying wonders” (2 Thess. 2:9) used by Satan to deceive the minds and turn away the hearts of them who otherwise would come to accept the truth that they might be saved (2 Thess. 2:9-12). What more powerful weapon could Satan use than one of this nature, should he choose to? The person who has this kind of “experience” is one of the most difficult to persuade to accept what the Bible says, because they believe their experience validates their claim, in their own mind!

Beloved, I can’t and won’t try to explain every experience one has. Please don’t allow any experience not based on Scripture to cause you to reject Christ’s message. He came to save you and me!

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 24, p. 14
December 21, 1995

By Jahnle Edwards

Respect is almost a thing of the past with many today. There are some areas in which we must regain respect if we are to be as God would have us. Thus we look at some areas where respect is greatly needed:

1. In the Home. No doubt you have heard the expression that a number of things begin at home. Surely the home is the place where respect must begin. Children must be taught, and taught from day one, respect for parents. Paul wrote, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise” (Eph. 6:1-2). Did you know that teaching children to have respect for the authority of parents is a command of God? One reason a lot of young people have little or no respect is due to the lack of discipline that is necessary to bring about such respect. The wise man said, “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying” (Prov. 19:18). Sure, the child will cry when corrected, but don’t let that stop you from doing your duty toward the child!

2. In the Government. There are three divine institutions and one of them is the government. The higher powers are of God, thus divine. The Holy Spirit said, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Rom. 13:1). One of the problems of our society today is that of having no respect for God’s ordained power, the govern-ment. Perhaps, if we spent more time praying “…(for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority (1 Tim.2:1-2), instead of being so critical, we might have a better group of people in high places. We owe the government, our prayers, our taxes, our respect and we must get back to teaching our young men and young ladies the importance of such respect.

3. In the Church. Respect for authority in the church is necessary if we are to have the proper attitude toward God, Christ, the Word of God, and each other. We must learn that the Bible is the Word of God and inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). When we get back to teaching that Christ has “all power . . . in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18), we will begin to see the difference in the kind of things we do and say. Just take a look at all the worldly things some churches of Christ are doing, all without one ounce of scriptural authority for such. I read just a few days ago about a church of Christ announcing a “concert.” Did you ever read, in the New Testament, about the Lord’s church having a concert? When the church is put in the recreation and entertainment business and builds and maintains human organizations through which to do the work God gave the local church, respect for divine authority has been tossed out the window. We are going to have to get back to preaching book, chapter and verse sermons with Christ at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end, or there will be a sad day in Zion.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 24, p. 9
December 21, 1995

By Carol R. Lumpkin

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6). Jesus spoke of “the way” in the Sermon on the Mount: “Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt.7:14). The individual who desires to enter “the way” must first be taught of God. Jesus said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me” (Jn. 6:44-45). The gospel, God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16), must be preached to enable the sinner to hear (Mk: 16:15). Those who hear may either believe or not believe the preached word. Faith comes by hearing the word (Rom. 10:17). When the jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30), he had not heard the gospel. Paul and Silas said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). Then verse 32 tells us that the word of God was spoken to them; hence, faith came by hearing the word of God.

The believer has the power (right) to become a son of God. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name” (Jn. 1:12). The believer is not a son of God, but could become a son when and if his faith leads him to full gospel obedience. Paul declared, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness” (Rom. 10:10). So belief (faith) is unto, in the direction toward, righteousness.

Without faith one cannot please God (Heb.11:6). Faith is unto righteousness which shows the sinner is not there yet. In addition to faith the sinner must repent of his sins. Repentance is a command of God. “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Lk. 13:3, 5). God commands all sinners to repent (Acts 17:30). Repentance is a change of heart which brings about a change of life. The story of the father who had two sons demonstrates the meaning of repentance. The father said to one son, “Son, go work today in my vineyard.” The son replied, “I will not: but afterward he repented and went” (Matt. 21:28-29). Repentance is unto spiritual life. “Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18).

The alien sinner who hears the word of God, believes that Jesus is the Son of God, and repents of his sins is still guilty of his sins. Before Philip would baptize the eunuch, the eunuch was required to confess that Jesus was the Son of God. “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). Paul declared, “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10b).

“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you” (Rom. 6:17). What is that form of doctrine? “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4). That form of doctrine has reference to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. This was the gospel Paul preached to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 15:1-2). This form of doctrine is obeyed in the process of one becoming saved. The sinner must die to sin through repentance, a form of the death of Christ. The sinner must be buried in water to receive the forgiveness of his sins already repented of. This is a form of the burial of Christ. The individual is raised from the water, thus a form of the resurrection of Christ from the tomb. Paul said, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death (not unto): that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father . . .” (Rom. 6:3-4).

When the sinner obeys the gospel of Jesus Christ he is, “delivered from the power of darkness (sin), and hath translated us into (not unto) the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13). Baptism puts a person into Christ (the way). “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ” (Gal.3:27; cf. Rom. 6:3). Christ is the way (Jn. 14:6), salvation is in Christ (Acts 4:12; 2 Tim. 2:10), one enters Christ in baptism (Gal. 3:27); hence having obeyed that form of doctrine (Rom. 6:17), being born of water and the Spirit (Jn. 5:3, 5), the sinner is freed from his sins and becomes a servant of righteousness ( Rom. 6:17-18). He at this time is a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), saved (Mk. 16:16), a Christian (Acts 11:26), in the way (Jn. 14:6), and will in the hereafter enter heaven providing he is faithful in doing the commandments of God (Rev. 22:14). This is God’s one and only way to heaven. Study it carefully, believe it with all your heart, obey its every precept.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 24, p. 15
December 21, 1995

By Harry Persaud

Paul thanked God for brethren who share “in the defense and confirmation of the gospel” (Phil. 1:7). Brethren today should know what a great encouragement this is! For those who do not know me, let me explain my background and why I love those who share in the defense of the gospel. My heritage is from India and I was born a Hindu in Georgetown, British Columbia (now Guiana). In America, I was with the Baptists, the Catholics, and the Jehovah’s Witnesses until I learned the true gospel of Christ. I could not rest until beginning to preach the gospel because I know what it means to be lost in the darkness of sin and error!

I have been working with the Church of Christ in Vauxhall since August 1981, which is near South Orange, New Jersey. We are a small group meeting in Millburn Mall, but we are “set for the defense of the gospel” and we are striving to spread it in every way possible (Phil. 1:17, 27). This area is like Smyrna, which had “the synagogue of Satan,” and like Pergamos, which had “Satan’s seat” (Rev. 2:9, 13). Still, we try to fight the good fight of faith in a manner pleasing and acceptable to God, desiring to follow the footsteps of our Lord in saving the lost.

We use church ads (articles) in local newspapers in an effort to reach people with the truth and to expose error like Christ and the apostles did. We are giving people of this area book, chapter, and verse for our teaching. The responses of some people are hostile and abusive. My life has been threatened with language which cannot be printed here. I have been told to go back to India. Yet, I cannot complain because our trials cannot compare to the sufferings of our Lord, his apostles, and the first-century Christians from whom we get strength and comfort.

I thank God for the sound teaching published in the Guardian of Truth magazine. The ideas and contents of this material are useful for the articles we put in several newspapers in Union and Essex counties. Often, the stand we take on such things as homosexuality, Catholicism, and denominationalism is unpopular, but our teaching is noticed by many readers and it leads to many responses and discussions.

Exposing the Error of the Pope

For instance, in June 1995 we ran our column named “Let the Bible Speak” in The Star-Ledger, and in about 12 other papers owned by Worrall Community Newspapers (such as The Clark Eagle, Kenilworth Leader, etc.). The material was borrowed from Ron Halbrook, “The Pope: Man of the Year Needs to Read Eternal Word,” Guardian of Truth, April 20, 1995, page 242. Our headline read, “The Man of the Year needs God’s eternal word as his `Spiritual Compass.’ There was much reaction to the article from several communities where all of these newspapers go.

Even Tom Canavan, Editor-in-Chief of Worrall Community Newspapers, wrote a special editorial, “From the Editor’s Notebook” (June 8, 1995). He told about the church of Christ meeting in Vauxhall and our articles. He explained our right under the U.S. Constitution to teach the Bible. He quoted this part of our article on the Pope,

Yes, the Pope takes some good stands against abortion and divorce, but the Pope cannot serve as a true “moral and spiritual compass” because his teaching is a flagrant violation of the gospel of Christ. Any man who lives in open rebellion against God’s Word nullifies any claim to moral leadership. It is a tragic commentary on our time that such a man could be considered a “moral compass.”

Then, Mr. Canavan tried to answer the truth! After objecting to the idea that one “path is the only path,” he said,

Persaud sounds like he has an insecurity. His ad sounds like he is someone who cannot attract followers based on his own church’s merits and needs to mar the beliefs of another church instead.

The Editor-in-Chief does not see his own contradictions. He is teaching that the only path is the path that says there are many paths! Why does he object to me teaching only one path is right when actually he teaches the same principle, just a different path? Does he have an insecurity, since he disagreed with our article? Did Jesus and his apostles have insecurities when they exposed error? Can’t Mr. Canavan attract people to his belief based on its own merits without marring the message of the church of Christ? If “insecurity” must explain my review of someone’s teaching, then “insecurity” must explain Mr. Canavan’s review of my teaching. Such contradictions are obvious!

It gets even more interesting. Mr. Canavan explained,

The ad had an impact. In Kenilworth, one of our news-papers that published the ad, parishioners of St. Theresa’s Church called to tell us not to cover an event Monday night at the church because they were very offended by the ad and did not want representation from our Kenilworth Leader.

C. This is not personal, but a matter of the TRUTH. I found the Pope’s religion and teaching out of harmony with the Bible. In fact, Bible history and secular history have proven that Roman Catholicism and Protestantism are apostasy from Truth, foretold in the Bible (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Cor. 11:12-13; Matt. 24:23-25).

Therefore, as a Gospel Preacher and a follower of Christ, I will not compromise or patronize the truth for peace or friends, but continue to expose error. We are committed to teach the Bible (Jn. 8:32), in love for God, love for Truth, and love for souls.

Mr. Canavan suggested the protesters send letters to the editor since “the views expressed in the ad do not reflect the views of the newspaper.”

In addition, I received letters from a priest and a man who described himself as “a recent college graduate in Catholic Theology and Philosophy. . . who is preparing to begin studies for the priesthood.”

Discouraged? No, Encouraged!

Are we discouraged by the response of Mr. Canavan? No, brethren, we are greatly encouraged! 1. By calling attention to the church and to our ads, the Editor-in-Chief actually gave us free advertising more effective than we can purchase! 2. By quoting certain parts of our article on the Pope, he caused the truth to be heard again in many places with no expense to us! 3. His editorial proves that though we are small in numbers, the truth we teach is being heard far and wide! 4. The Catholics could not defend them-selves with an appeal to truth, and made no attempt to do so, but only tried to use protest and pressure to shut us up. This also sends a message to our readers which is very important: They can see who appeals to the truth of God’s Word and who does not! 5. Mr. Canavan still accepts my articles and admits that I am gaining the respect of the readers because of my strong appeal to truth and morality.

This occasion gave me the opportunity to send him the following thoughts, so as to make an appeal to his soul:

Dear Mr. Canavan:

In reference to “From the Editor’s Notebook” dated Thursday, 8th June, 1995, it matters little to me how you judge me. Sir, first, I respectfully invite you to “Examine the Bible,” the word of Jehovah God.

A. Many people were offended when Jesus spoke the truth. They rejected him, hated him, and crucified him because he told the truth (read Matt. 15:1-14; In. 15:18-25; Matt. 27:20-26).

B. Jesus teaching the truth caused division, conflicts, and sufferings even among loved ones. The Bible teaches that friends and families became enemies for the sake of Christ (read Matt. 10:34-37; Lk. 12:51-43; In. 7:12; 9:16; 10:19-21).

God’s Word Will Not Return Void

I could give other examples of doors which have opened for us to teach the truth, and the many responses we get, even including threats on our lives. We are patiently preaching and defending the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, being confident of this one thing: God has promised that his Word will not return unto him void, but it will accomplish his purpose and he will give the increase according to his will (Isa. 55:10-11; 1 Cor. 3:6). We thank God and take courage because the writers in the Guardian of Truth share with us in the preaching and defense of the truth.

Brethren, please continue your good efforts because this is helping us in our efforts, so that souls may be saved and God may be glorified!

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 24, p. 10-11
December 21, 1995