Truth Magazine

By Carl McMurray

No, I’m not speaking of “an open door” for evangelism, as the term is generally used, but of a back door left open for the devil. It is one which I would like to close here. In a recent article on gambling, carried in this magazine (39:2, p. 38, “The Gambling Pendulum”), I addressed three areas of this subject. Those three areas were.. . misconceptions concerning gambling, its past history, and the scriptural wrong doing of such activities. The thought behind the article and my arguments were aimed specifically at “created” risks where “stakes” were deliberately “chanced” and profit could only come at the “loss” of another. Such activities as lotteries, slot machines, card games, pools, and betting on such things as horse or dog races would all fall into this category, as well as a host of other things.

Without rehashing that article, my scriptural objections were…

1. It is covetousness (Eph. 5:5), i.e. desiring that which belongs to another.

2. It violates the law of love (Matt. 22:37-39), i.e. takes the loser’s money without exchange of goods or services.

3. And it encourages a love of money (1 Tim. 6:9-10) with all its accompanying snares and temptations.

Any time anyone buys a chance, a ticket, a donation, or a number in which the “winnings” will come from a “pot” that is made up of others losing, he falls prey to the devil’s schemes listed above.

One paragraph in the article, however, has drawn some attention and needs some clarification. Some seemed to have keyed in on the word “donation,” with the under-standing that I believe this term changes things. It does not. As mentioned above, it matters not to me whether it is called a chance, a ticket, or a donation. Calling it a “donation” for a good cause does not change one iota of the above situation, and I did not intend for my use of the term to be taken that way. The focus of my article was to show where the supposed “winnings” come from, that is, actually from the pockets of “losers” and that this is a mistreatment of our fellow man.

The other term that caught the eye of several was the term “raffle.” Some who contacted me seemed to think that I was saying that “raffles” were different from “lotteries” and so were OK. I was sent more than one dictionary definition showing me that raffles are just a form of lottery and encouraging me to correct my error. Once more, I did not say this. I specifically named types of raffles where the “pot” was a donated prize from some business (purchasing advertising in this way), rather than a common pool made up of “losers’ money. I also specifically said that my “exception” was only to the charge of “covetousness.” I did not then, nor do I now, believe that it is “coveting” to desire goods which a business may offer up for customers in any way that business chooses. That business can overcharge, undercharge, or give away its product any way they choose. If you were misled by the above terms please go back and see if my specific qualifications mentioned above are not present.

My point above is just to say that there are different types of “raffles.” I realize that many (most?) are identical to lotteries. I thought that I qualified myself enough in the article so that it could be seen I was only talking about one form, and only exempting it from one of my charges. Obviously that did not get across since several wrote, seemingly with the idea that I was defending anything called a “raffle” or a “donation.” I was not. If that did not get across, then perhaps I should add a couple of thoughts to this discussion.

First, neither I nor my family participate in any form of lottery, chance, raffle, or donation ticket purchases. There may be some convoluted form of “raffle” that I would not be willing to call my brother a sinner for participating in, but I won’t even buy a ticket for that! The reason is appearance. Being a “salt” and “light” influence in the world demands that we be aware of our example. I do not think that we have to bow down to every brother’s unlearned opinion or treat the world with “kid gloves” in case they “might” misunderstand what we’re doing. But, when a practice is as prevalent and accepted as gambling is, and it’s going to take a financial audit to determine whether buying a chance is sinful or not, then maybe it’s time to wise up and back away. Even if one is not violating a specific law of God with his practice, to give the appearance of such is to dim one’s light for the Lord. To me this would make every form of “chancing” mentioned above wrong.

Secondly, in a recent phone discussion with Keith Greer, an interesting point was made. Keith works with the Lord’s church in Las Vegas. If there is one among us who has dealt with this problem, it is him and I appreciate his thoughts on the matter. If you want to hear some honor stories about gambling, talk to brother Greer. After agreeing with my statement above that there are different forms of “raffles,” he made the point that “the devil uses camouflage” (a paraphrased quote). Innocent gambling (if there is such a thing) “opens the door” for that which takes control. Amen, I agree absolutely. Satan uses “little” sins to sear one’s conscience and ensnare one deeper. My understanding of gambling is that it is like pornography and other moral sins in that it falls into the category of addictive-compulsive behavior. It has the power to ruin us. One may say, “My lottery ticket at the gas station doesn’t control me,” but we’re helping to encourage a practice that does take over the lives of many. And this stars at the lowest level of encouraging that “gambling feeling” and covetousness. If one is not willing to believe me, listen to a recent news item in the Washington Watch (Feb. 21, 1995). “Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) has introduced H.R. 497 on Jan. 11 to establish a national blue-ribbon commission to investigate the impact of rapid expansion of gaming.” The reason behind this is because “reports of increased divorce rates, child abuse, gambling addiction, and broken families are spurring broader concern.” “23 states now have casinos and Americans will bet $400 billion in 1995.” Tell me again that gambling is not a problem.

To sum up then, in addition to the first three arguments I gave to determine that the practice of gambling was sinful I would also add two additional ideas. The Christian should avoid all forms of this practice for the sake of his appearance in condoning evil and the temptation to be-come ensnared.

Lastly, I feel the need to urge some caution here. I hesitate to say anything, because I do not intend in any way to rebuke brethren. I do appreciate the concern and spirit manifested in most of the letters I received. But, I believe that some may be exercising great conviction without really knowing why. More than one who wrote me seemed to feel that “wanting” something, or even wanting some-thing at a “bargain” price, was the same as “coveting.” This is not a “gambling” issue. Many sale watchers and garage sale shoppers would argue with this I believe. Others thought the sin of “gambling” included such activities as sporting events (golf tournaments were specifically named) where one paid a fee to enter and compete, free prizes given away by business, door prizes, etc. Once again, I believe we have pushed our definitions to the limit. If the above are truly matters of conviction, then let me urge the ones who believe such to be diligent in their practice of such. But, I do not believe that arguments like this can be scripturally justified and if we try to “bind” these things on others, then in my humble opinion, only harm can result. I believe we should exercise some judgment before labeling another’s heart as “covetous” because he sees some practice in a different light than we do.

Once more, I do appreciate the concern of those who responded and the opportunity granted by Mike Willis to add these thoughts, and close this “back door.” I hope they clarified my position.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 9 p. 15-16
May 4, 1995

By Richie Thetford

God knows the importance of discipline to turn a nation or an individual around to repentance. God has always disciplined his children when they needed it. The Hebrew writer says, “And you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by him; For those whom the Lord loves he disciplines, And he scourges every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness” (Heb. 12:5-10; see also Deut. 11:2; Job 5:17; 1 Cor. 11:32). Once parents have allowed God to set the standard in their home and then make every attempt to discipline themselves to carry out God’s commands, they can then exercise the appropriate discipline for correction as God has allowed.

Fathers therefore have the same responsibility within their homes. This is often where the breakdown occurs. You have heard, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself’ (James 2:17). You can apply that same thinking to discipline. Believing that the child needs discipline and not doing anything about it will not help your child. By the way some parents act today I would think that they are living a “faith only” religion when it comes to discipline!

Children need discipline. God showed us that in He-brews 12:7. The home is the logical place for this to take place. Children must learn to go by the rules. The earlier they learn the better. However, all efforts will be in vain if both parents don’t present a unified front. Once the parents have discussed how they are going to discipline their children, then it is important that the discipline is carried out consistently by either parent. When one patent disciplines the child for doing something wrong and the other parent will not discipline the child for the same offense, then the discipline becomes ineffective and the child will not know what he is to do or not to do! Both parents must be operating under the same standard and that is God’s standard. That is why it is so important to have Christian parents. One must also remember that discipline should not be administered on the basis of “moods” or it will become meaningless.

Proper discipline should be: Loving and diligent. “He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently” (Prov. 13:24).

Strong’s Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary defines “rod” as being a stick used for punishing, ruling, to walk after. “Chasten” is defined to chasten (with blows) to correct, punish, reform, reprove, teach.

Timely and controlled. “Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death” (Prov. 19:18).

Educational. “The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother” (Prov. 19:15).

Corrective. “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him” (Prov. 22:15).

Adequate. “Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you beat him with the rod, he will not die” (Prov. 23:13); “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart” (Col. 3:21). Exercise balanced discipline. Balance firmness with patience. Spank when necessary but without excess or abuse.

Balanced and Consistent. “And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). When proper discipline has been given, a wise son will accept it, knowing it is for his own good for both today and in the future.

As parents we only have one chance to raise our children. Soon they will be grown and on their own. How they live their lives after they “leave the nest” will depend upon how we  the parents raise our beloved children today. The following poem entitled “The Sculptor” tells the story of the parent’s one opportunity to shape the lives of our young.

The Sculptor I took a piece of plastic clay

And idly fashioned it, one day,

And as my fingers pressed it, still

It moved and yielded to my will.

I came again when days were passed,

That bit of clay was hard at last;

The form I gave it, still it bore,

And I could change that form no more.

Then I took a piece of living clay

And gently formed it, day by day,

And molded with power and art,

A young child’s soft and yielding heart.

I came again when years were gone.

It was a man I looked upon.

He still that early impress bore;

And I could change it, nevermore.

Author Unknown

Proper discipline is essential to raising our children in accordance with God’s directive. But there is another side to discipline and that is the parent who uses improper discipline on his children. There could be too little or none at all (I Sam 3:11-14; 2:23; Prov 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 29:15). Some feel that these Old Testament passages don’t apply today. Children have not changed over the years as far as the discipline that they need. These Old Testament passages are for our learning and it is time that we parents start learning from these passages (Rom. 15:4).

Other improper disciple techniques are:

Rigid and unjust punishment (Eph. 6:4): Some parents deal out punishment to children before they find out what really happened. We need to think before we act. Make sure that the punishment we give our children is justified.

Partiality in discipline: Some children always seem to get in trouble even if they were not at fault, while others never seem to get punished. We must ensure that our discipline is handled impartially.

Inconsistent discipline: This is the big one! Little Johnny may be told three times to get out of the street before he receives punishment from one parent but the other parent will punish him the very first time he is caught in the street. We need to be consistent in our discipline or the child will not know what is or isn’t important and whether or not you really mean it.

Deceptive and idle threats such as “If you do that I’ll beat your brains out.” No, you won’t, you know it and your child knows it. Make sure the things that you tell your child is something that you’re prepared to do and able to backup.

Overly strict: These are the ones that expect too much from a child and try to make them an adult at age 8. These are the same types of parents that over discipline their children by using sledge hammers to drive thumb tacks.

Response To Discipline

What should a child’s response to proper discipline be? Teach your children to understand why they are being disciplined and how they are to receive it. Here again, they’ll respect the discipline that you give them as a parent when they can see you living what you’re teaching! When a child can see mom and dad living a Christian life by doing the things that are instructed by God then they not only will respond to the consistent discipline, but you as a parent will have peace of mind knowing that you are enforcing the same set of rules that you are guided by!

There are many proverbs telling how one should respond to discipline. In fact you might want to have your children write these verses down so when they do get disciplined, they’ll know why! These passages are Proverbs 6:23; 12:1; 13:18; 19:20; 19:27; 23:12; and especially Hebrews 12:11 which says, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

In conclusion, Grant Caldwell wrote, “Parents have a tremendous responsibility in training children. There are those that will still say `boys will be boys and girls will be girls,’ but boys will be men and girls will be women. What kind of men and women? Parents have a great deal to do with that answer” (The Home: God’s First Great Institution 93). May God grant that we may be good parents and bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph 6:4)!

Caldwell also said, “Young people, realize what a task your parents have. Work with them, love them, and help them to correct their mistakes. Your home can be what God would have it be. Commit yourselves to see that your home is functioning on God’s discipline and that you are honoring God” (Idem.). Honor your parents (Eph. 6:1), and your discipline will be kept to minimum!

Discipline is something God exercises in raising his children, and he certainly expects us fathers to use discipline in raising our children. But remember, before the discipline we use can be effective, the discipline must be God’s standard in accordance with his commandments! “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep his commandments, because this applies to every person”(Eccl.12:13).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 8 p. 12-13
April 20, 1995

By Ron Halbrook

Pope John Paul II was chosen as 1994’s “Man of the Year” for his moral leadership by Time Magazine (26 Dec. 1994/2 Jan. 1995 issue). He told Time, “The Pope must be a moral force.” Time said, “John Paul has presented himself, the defender of Roman Catholic doctrine, as a moral compass for believers and nonbelievers alike.” Even Billy Graham, a Baptist preacher, chimed in, “He’s been the strong conscience of the whole Christian world” (p. 54).

The Man of the Year needs to read the eternal Word of God! “The word of the Lord endureth for ever” (1 Pet. 1:25). Any man who lives in open rebellion against God’s Word nullifies any claim to moral leadership. It is a tragic commentary on our times that such a man could be considered “a moral compass.”

1. Christ, not the Pope, is the rock of our salvation. Catholics claim Christ crowned Peter the first Pope and every Pope is a direct successor to Peter. When Peter confessed, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Christ responded, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:16, 18). The rock is not Peter but is the grand confession of the deity of Jesus Christ. Peter confessed the primacy of Christ, not vice versa! The rock and foundation of our salvation is not a mere mortal but is the divine Son of God. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11).

2. The Pope is not qualified to oversee a local church, much less the universal church. Christ rules and reigns at God’s right hand as “the head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:22). He said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). The Pope’s claim to be head of the universal church on earth is a colossal usurpation of the power that belongs to Christ alone. The Pope’s throne was ordained not by Christ but by the apostate “man of sin … who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thess. 2:3-4).

Christ as “the chief Shepherd” ordained local bishops, pastors, or elders to oversee each local church (Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). A plurality of such men is to serve each congregation. He authorized no higher level of organization, whether it be a bishop of two or all congregations.

The qualifications for “the office of a bishop” require that “a bishop must be . . . the husband of one wife…. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Tim. 3:1-5). Catholic priests, monks, nuns, bishops, archbishops, and popes are forbidden to marry, disqualifying them to oversee even one local church. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, .. . Forbidding to marry” (1 Tim. 4:1-3).

3. Christ expressly forbids such religious titles as Father, Reverend, and Pope. Christ warned of men in special “garments,” seeking “chief seats,” with titles of reverence. “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven” (Matt. 23:5-9). The title “Pope” comes from the Latin word for father.

Sad to say, this “Man of the Year” is just another incarnation of the man of sin, desperately needing to submit to the Son of man, like all sinners. The Pope is not “a moral compass” but needs to make God’s Word his “moral compass.” He needs to read the eternal Word of God with an open heart. When he does, he will find that Christ and not himself is the rock of salvation, that Christ authorized local elders (married men) but not universal popes (unmarried), and that Christ forbids the office and title of “Pope.” When the Pope lays aside the trappings of false religion, he will be ready to be immersed in water for the remission of his sins by the authority of Christ (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-4). The Lord will then add him to the true church of Christ found in the Bible (Acts 2:47; Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 12:13).

As it stands, the Pope appears to be a moral leader for two reasons. First, our world is lost in the utter darkness of sin and frantically seeks some semblance of moral guidance. Satan raises up his ministers to fill that need. Second, error is more deceptive when mixed with truth. Catholicism offers an appealing mixture of revealed truth and human traditions, all made more palatable by the claim that the Pope is the personal emissary of Christ as a successor to the apostles of Christ.

Satan has made such false claims since Christ and the apostles first revealed the way of truth. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:13-15). Deception is stronger when some truth is taught. Satan correctly quoted Scripture to Christ, but used it in an effort to lead Christ to compromise with error. Christ answered by quoting some truth Satan left out (Matt. 4:5-7).

The Pope teaches a mixture of truth and error on moral issues. When he speaks out against abortion on demand, he speaks the truth. Abortion on demand is a murderous violation of the command, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself ” (Rom. 13:9-10). It is right to oppose sex outside marriage with or without contraceptives (1 Cor. 6:18; Heb. 13:4). His opposition to contraceptives not involving abortion within marriage is human tradition. He is right to oppose divorce and remarriage at will, but wrong to allow annulment as a substitute, and wrong to oppose remarriage after a divorce for fornication (Matt. 19:9). In short, Catholicism is a mixture of truth and error even on moral issues.

The Pope cannot serve as a true “moral compass” because his very office is a flagrant violation of the gospel of Christ and because Catholicism is an apostasy from the church of Christ revealed in the Bible. The “Man of the Year,” like all of us, needs to embrace the eternal Word of God as his “moral compass.”

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 8 p. 18-19
April 20, 1995

By Alex Caldwell

Greetings from the brethren at Sturgis, Mississippi. We continue to enjoy good health and rejoice in God’s most holy and divine word. All praise must go to God for his most wonderful blessings. May he also bless you brethren both physically and spiritually during 1995.1 thank God for good, faithful brethren like you who have supported me financially and prayerfully in preaching the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. My needs have been provided for by God through good brethren. All praise belongs to God. I truly trust him with all my heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 6:33; 22:37). I pray you do, too. The Sturgis church is continually growing stronger in the Lord every time we meet. Good news! During December of 1994 we had three lost souls put Christ on in baptism. Amen! Brethren, I have been here over two years teaching and preaching on two 30 minute radio programs, and in home Bible studies, and at church every God-given Sun-day trying my best to reach lost souls, but always without success (or so it seemed). I have learned that through patience and longsuffering, all I need to do is just plant the seed, the Word of God, and let God give the increase and things will work out just fine.

I am continuing to preach twice each Sunday, and to have Bible classes at the building twice a week. Our advertising on a cable T.V. station is still drawing sinners’ interest in wanting home Bible studies or free Bible correspondence courses. We here at Sturgis want to do our best to plant the seed of God’s Word and let God do the rest (I Cor. 3:6). Home Bible studies are set up as we have opportunity. I hope and pray you will do the same. We hope and pray this will bring fruit to the honor and glory of God.

I now have one young man about 15 years old helping me in worship when I need him. I thank God for him. Please pray for the Lord of harvest to help us raise up some more workers here.

I have been very busy the last few months. I preached a three-day gospel meeting for the brethren in Oneonta, AL. I also preached a 30 minute sermon on their radio broadcast. When I preached in Memphis, TN, four brethren repented and came back to God. In December of 1994 I preached a whole week’s meeting with my good friend Ron Halbrook and the brethren at West Columbia, TX. We had many visitors in the services and we also went into people’s homes, teaching and preaching the gospel’. A Bible study group which meets at the high school allowed me to speak; I discussed differences between denominationalism and true Christianity because Ron had a recent exchange of newspaper articles with the Methodist preacher. During January of 1995, I preached for the brethren in Trussville, AL. Last of all, I also preached for two congregations in Lufkin, TX.

Faithful brethren in the area preached at Sturgis in my absence. I thank God for these brethren. Please pray for the work here at Sturgis and for me too! I thank brother Ron Halbrook and the Guardian of Truth for helping me to get this report published. Until my next report, keep the faith and pray always.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 8 p. 11
April 20, 1995