Truth Magazine

By John Humphries

By God’s grace and your prayers, Bill Beasley and I returned safely to the U.S.A. after some six plus weeks of gospel work in India and Sri Lanka. We believe that much good was done and the gospel efforts are going forward in a fine way.

I want to give a brief report on the materials used or given during the trip. These materials were provided by brethren here in the U.S.A.

Telugu Bibles 800

Hindi Bibles 200

Telugu Song Books 1000

Telugu and Hindi gospel tracts 325,000

Mimeograph machine (and supplies) 1

Typewriters for Indian brethren 4

The Telugu and Hindi Bibles were given to needy saints. Telugu and Hindi are Indian languages. The Telugu song books are hymns that were written by faithful Indian brethren to be used in churches of Christ.

The 325,000 gospel tracts are some 15 different titles written by faithful gospel preachers (including Bill Beasley and John Humphries). Faithful Indian brethren translated the tracts into the Indian languages and we printed them in India. We printed 10,000 copies of some titles and 15,000 copies of the other titles. We printed all titles in both Telugu and Hindi for wide distribution in south central India. It was a sizable undertaking with much hard work but we believe that good will come from this effort. Many souls have obeyed the gospel in the past from the tract effort. Some of these tracts have gone through multiple printings over the past number of trips that we have made to India.

The mimeograph machine and typewriters will be used by faithful brethren in gospel work. The mimeograph machine replaces the one that I had given to brother T. George Fred many years ago and is now completely worn out.

Bill and I conducted Bible classes for preachers in several places. Sometimes Bill and I worked together and sometimes we worked in different districts (and even states) in order to cover more territory and meet with more brethren. I must say that brother Beasley is a wonderful companion and fellow servant of Christ. We worked well together and I hope that we can make other trips to India together in the future, God willing.

I have been going to India since 1976 and I have seen many things there. I have seen storm damage that was heartbreaking. I have been in several storms there over the years. The Indians call them cyclones and we call them hurricanes on the Atlantic ocean side of the U.S.A. Some of these have been horrible indeed.

However, I have never seen or experienced anything in all of my life like what I saw in Kilari, Maharashtra, India, which was the very center of the devastating earthquake that made international news last fall. Brother T. Wilfred, who visits that area to do gospel work, and I visited that city of what used to be stone houses and buildings. We saw only rubble where houses and building used to stand. Street after street after street of nothing but piles of stone. 33,000 people died in that city alone. Some 38 brethren lost their lives in this earthquake that hit just before dawn on the fateful day. People were sleeping and many of them never knew what hit them as the stone walls collapsed upon them. The city is dead at this time. No one lives there now. The only people we saw were workmen here and there gathering stones to haul away to build in some other location. T. Wilfred showed me what was left of homes of some of the brethren.

We visited the survivors (brethren) who had settled in various places far away from Kilari. Widowed women, who lost their husbands and children, and also orphaned children, who lost their parents, are now being cared for by other Christians with our financial help. Even now, I fight back the tears as I write these lines. They lost everything but their faith in the Lord. We took benevolence to them that caring brethren here in the U.S.A. provided.

On a different note, brother Beasley and I baptized 21 precious souls into Christ. Indian brethren were also baptizing just about as many or more in the gospel meetings they were conducting in other places at the same time.

As God is willing, I will return to India next year. I am to have more surgery this month (my fourth operation) on the 20th of June. I hope and pray that this time the surgery will hold. Please pray for me.

If there are any questions concerning the Indian gospel effort, please left me hear from you. Thank you for your support and prayers and please help us return next year to continue this work.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 17, p. 10
September 1, 1994

By Lanny Smith

The Bible teaches that elders are to bear “rule” in the local church (1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:17). However, there is a great deal of misunderstanding as to the nature of this rule. Therefore it would be wise for us to carefully consider this subject. As with many other Bible topics, there are extreme views on the rule of elders. Some believe that elders stand in the place of God, and thus “to disobey the elders is to disobey God.” But at the other extreme are those who would strip elders of any rule, and make them subject to the will of the congregation. Both of these extremes are wrong!

Elders do not stand in the place of God. “There is one Lawgiver” (Jas. 4:12). God has not abdicated his throne. No man, or group of men, has the right to enact or repeal laws for God. Further, Peter warns elders against “being lords over” the flock (1 Pet. 5:3). This phrase suggests “to be master of, to subjugate, to overpower.” Elders do not make laws, nor can they “overpower” anyone to accept their judgments or personal whims. Some elders would do well to seriously consider this, for it has been a root of many evils! Rather, elders “rule” by virtue of their ex-ample. Hear Peter again: “nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:3). Their example generates respect, influence, trust, and thus the submission of the flock (cf. v. 5a).

While it is true that elders are not “lords,” they also are not subject to the will of the church. God’s plan calls for shepherds  qualified men of experience  to lead the sheep of the flock (1 Pet. 5:1-5; 1 Tim. 3:4-6). Sheep follow shepherds; they do not lead shepherds! If elders must constantly ask the flock if certain judgments are agreeable with them, then they are not leaders, but followers. The Bible says, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive” (Heb. 13:17). Even in 1 Peter 5:3, where Peter warns elders again “being lords over” the flock, there is a legitimate rule implied. If elders bear no rule at all, then this warning against the abuse of authority is absurd.

As previously stated, elders “rule” by virtue of the influence generated from their example (cf. 1 Pet. 5:3). Thus, when selecting elders, we are taught of God to look for exemplary men (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9). Therefore, when a church selects and appoints men to be “over this business” of shepherding (cf. Acts 6:3), there is an “implied contract” to follow these shepherds. In effect, the church is saying, “We trust you with our care; please lead us.” While their judgments are not inspired of God, the flock has chosen to put them in the lead, and thus should trust and submit to them. This is God’s established form of oversight (Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. 5:1-5; 1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:17).

Thayer says that those who “rule over you” (Heb. 13:17) do so by “leading as respects influence, controlling in counsel.” Furthermore, W.E. Vine says that the word “obey” in this passage suggests that one is “persuaded” by the counsel of these experienced men. If elders “rule” by influence and persuasive counsel, it demands that they maintain good and open communication with the flock, rather than being secretive about every aspect of their work. It may even be necessary to have public meetings with the entire church from time to time, especially for major undertakings or problems (cf. Acts 6:1-6; Acts 15). Along with their own mature judgment, good elders will take the desires of the congregation into consideration; and then render decisions for the good of the flock, and in harmony with the Lord’s will. This type of “rule” makes them fit leaders in God’s kingdom, and motivates the flock to follow. It also helps them to avoid arbitrary rule (cf. 1 Pet. 5:3), which is a great temptation  especially in “matters of judgment.” But there are also matters that need to be handled privately by elders (cf. Jas. 5:14-15; Acts 21:18-24)! This is not “being lords over” the flock, it is wisdom at work; and it can help keep problems to a minimum (cf. Prov. 17:9; 25:8-10).

It is true that some elders have abused their “rule,” become “lords over” the church, and caused untold harm. But we simply must not allow abuses to cloud the issue of congregational “governments” (cf. 1 Cor. 12:28, KJV). The Bible is clear about this matter. It simply is not true that every decision that elders make without consulting the flock is tantamount to “being lords over” the flock. “Per-mission or lording” is a false dilemma! Of course, if elders fail to live or “rule” in harmony with God’s will, they should be corrected, even removed, if necessary (1 Tim. 5:19-20; 2 Thess. 3:6). The elders must be “over” the flock; but the flock must have and maintain scriptural elders!

Greater dedication to the Lord would solve many of the ills that exist with regard to this issue. The truth lies between the extremes of arbitrary, inconsiderate rule of the elders (1 Pet. 5:3), and majority rule of the congregation (Heb. 13:17). Let us thank God for those who understand this, and work to correct those who do not.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 17, p. 11
September 1, 1994

Board of Directors of the Guardian of Truth Foundation

Sometimes a person gets the impression that the Guardian of Truth Foundation’s only work is publishing Guardian of Truth magazine. Actually, this is the smaller portion of works that are designed to serve the needs of brethren. We would like you to be aware of other phases of our work.

Bible School Literature

The Guardian of Truth Foundation publishes three different sets of Bible school literature.

1. The Truth in Life series of Bible school literature has been one of the most popular series of Bible school literature used by brethren since the institutional controversy. In the 1970s brethren became disappointed with the liberalism they were finding in the literature produced by institutional brethren. A group of brethren met to discuss the need for producing a series of Bible school literature and the Guardian of Truth Foundation began the project. The work was edited under the competent oversight of three distinguished brethren: Roy E. Cogdill, Cecil Willis and Ferrell Jenkins. Many respected brethren joined the editors in producing this series of literature by writing books for the series. This series of literature was produced at a cost of approximately $250,000. It has served the needs of brethren for 25 years.

Recently, the weaknesses of this material in the pre-school and primary grades have been addressed. Even as we write, work is being done to completely re-write these sections of the literature under the capable oversight of

Joyce Willis. Sister Willis holds a PhD. in elementary education and teaches at Youngstown (OH) State University. She is also married to Lewis Willis, faithful gospel preacher. In association with Mike Willis these six years of the series will be completely re-written under sister Willis’ editorial over-sight to be sure that the material is geared to the level of the student. The writing of year one is already completed.

2. The Walking with God series of Bible class literature has been a favorite with many for many years. Formerly this series was published under the name of Journeys Through the Bible. Many of us can remember studying this material as children. Several years ago, the weaknesses of this material in the preschool and primary years necessitated the complete re-writing of this section. Under the direction of Mike Willis and Shirley Mohon, this material was completely re-written. The last year of that material is finally at the printer. Already we are receiving many complimentary comments about this material and this series of literature has enjoyed a revival of interest as a result of this revision.

3. The Use Your Bible Workbooks series has been a favorite of many churches for nearly fifty years. Originally published by the C.E.I. company, it still is popular because of its emphasis on using the Bible to answer the questions in the workbooks, rather than relying too heavily on workbooks.

A Series of Adult Workbooks

Over the years, the Guardian of Truth Foundation has worked to prepare adult workbooks that address the needs of local congregations. We have been blessed with many very popular books. Some of the better known and older favorites have been the workbooks by Roy E. Cogdill entitled The New Testament Church and W a l k i n g B y Faith. I n recent years, many new titles have been added.

1. The Bible Study Textbook series is well under way. This series intends to provide a workbook for every book of the Bible. Already in print are Genesis, Exodus, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Luke, Acts (Johnny Stringer), 1-2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon (Herschel Patton), and Revelation (Weldon Warnock). Books that have been written but are not yet printed cover Leviticus-2 Kings. Unless otherwise noted, these workbooks have been written by Mike Willis.

2. A number of miscellaneous titles are already in print. Bible Basics for Believers by Weldon E. Warnock has been a very popular workbook for new converts classes and foundational material for all adult Bible classes.

A Study of Bible History and Geography by Sandra and Bob Waldron is a one-year study guide that ties together Bible history and geography. Complete with maps for the student to work with, this study has been well received.

Church History by Aude McKee is another popular study that takes a student briefly through the Roman Catholic apostasy, Protestant reformation (including specific histories of a number of denominations), and restoration movement.

Family Life: A Biblical Perspective by L.A. Stauffer continues to be a popular and excellent study of the home as God would have it.

God’s Perfect Plan by Kelly Ellis is a good synopsis of the plan of redemption that has been used in the program of study of the Danville, Kentucky church.

Responsibility and Authority in the Spiritual Realm by Dan King and Leon Boyd is a fresh study of Bible authority by two competent brethren. We are getting good reviews of this material.

Rudiments of Sight Singing and Song Directing by R.J. Stevens is a one-of-a-kind book. There is nothing on the market that compares to this training manual for song leaders.

Study of Premillennialism edited by Mike Willis is a study that might go unnoticed. This material originally appeared as a special issue of Guardian of Truth and questions were added to it by Johnny Stringer. As denominational interest in prophetic speculation increases as we approach the year 2000, we are expecting more and more brethren to find this study appealing.

Teaching: The Heart of the Matter by John Smith is the best workbook on the market to assist a congregation in training its teachers. There is nothing to compare it to of which we are aware. Written by a former public school teacher who has left teaching in public schools to preach the gospel, this workbook suggests ways to improve your work as a teacher, including an especially helpful chapter on questions designed to encourage class participation.

We Gather Together by Mike Willis is a workbook on congregational worship. After some introductory lessons on worship, this workbook provides two lessons on each of the five acts of worship. One lesson discusses the denominational apostasies relative to that act of worship and the second lesson discusses the positive things that should be accomplished in that act of worship. This workbook is already in its third printing and continues to be popular.

Women Professing Godliness by Donnie V. Rader is a thirteen lesson workbook on the role of women. Originally this material was published in Searching the Scriptures. Donnie added several lessons and prepared questions for this material. In light of the controversies that are brewing over women preachers and women attending business meetings, we encourage brethren to use this material.

New Titles Coming

In addition to these books that are already released, several new titles are going to be released in the not too distant future. To whet your appetite, we will mention a few.

The Church: A Biblical Perspective by L.A. Stauffer. This workbook, patterned after his popular workbook on the home, is a fresh study of the New Testament church. In view of the restructuring movement that is active among our liberal brethren and spreading over to influence some of us, this material is extremely relevant and needed. How long has it been since the church where you worship studied about the Lord’s church?

The Course of This World by Edward O. Bragwell. This examination of the spirit of worldliness is ready for the printer. We always need material to help us overcome the spirit of worldliness. This material should fill that need.

The Book of Leviticus by Mike Willis is another workbook in the series of Bible Study Textbooks for those who are methodically progressing through the Bible.

Truth Commentaries

In January, the first volume of Truth Commentaries, edited by Mike Willis, came off the press. We have been encouraged by the favorable comments we have received about this first volume. Two other volumes are now available: Galatians by Mike Willis and Ephesians by Golly G. Caldwell.

Other volumes are moving toward completion. Clinton Hamilton’s work on 1-2 Peter and Jude soon will be completed. Robert Harkrider is hoping to finish Revelation this year. Walton Weaver has completed Philippians is advancing through chapter two of Colossians. This series of commentaries will be an impressive set of books that you will want to add to your library.

An Editorial Staff of One

Our editorial staff consists of Mike Willis. Everything that we publish goes through his office. The preparation of books for publication is his work. This is added to his work of editing Guardian of Truth, a 32-page magazine that is published two times every month. He carries on this work in addition to preaching regularly for the Danville (IN) church of Christ. There he edits a weekly bulletin in addition to teaching his Bible classes and preaching. This is done without secretarial help. If he is slow in answering correspondence, perhaps you can understand why and be tolerant.

Two Bookstores

In addition to our publishing ventures, we run two first rate bookstores. Guardian of Truth Bookstore in Bowling Green, Kentucky is operated under the capable oversight of Alan Birdwell and the C E I Bookstore under O.C. Birdwell, Jr. Johnny and Nanette Stringer are being trained to take over the management of the C E I store. Both stores provide fast and dependable service in filling the needs of churches and individuals. Most frequently used publications are kept in stock and can be mailed to the customer the same day they are ordered.

Conclusion

We who are associated with Guardian of Truth appreciate the opportunity to serve that has been provided through this Foundation. We have no visions of being creed writers for the brethren, becoming a synod or council (or pope), serving as the standard for truth, or becoming an individually supported missionary society. The Bible is the only absolute standard of right and wrong and everything we publish is designed to turn men away from the thoughts and opinions of men and toward the revealed word of God. The church is all-sufficient to accomplish its God-given mission. The Guardian of Truth Foundation is in the publishing business and we are trying to serve the needs of Christians. We encourage you to examine our work and see if you agree.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 17, p. 16-18
September 1, 1994

By Ron Halbrook

When strife occurred between the herdsmen of Abram’s and Lot’s cattle, Abram appealed to Lot for peace in the following words: “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we be brethren” (Gen. 13:8). We are often instructed to seek and pursue peace within the perimeters of God’s Word (Rom. 12:18; 14:19; 2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 12:14; Jas. 3:17). Like Abram, the church here at West Columbia hopes to see all strife between brethren eliminated, especially where there are no doctrinal differences.

In October of 1993, the elders did an overall review of our program of work, including a survey of the stand taken on some doctrinal issues by men we support and have scheduled for meetings. During the last decade, a number of men in whom the elders have had confidence have faltered and departed from the faith, especially on divorce and remarriage and related issues. This includes men whom we have supported and men who have been on the meeting schedule here. For reasons deemed sufficient by the elders, including the desire to be impartial, the elders decided to make the survey general by including all the men we support or have scheduled for meetings, and thus all of them received some Bible questions along with a letter explaining the elders’ purpose. When a couple of men expressed reservations about the questions, the elders worked with each of them in a patient, kind, and forbearing way, as each of them would doubtless testify. Gradually, what began as a local church taking care of its own business became a topic of widespread discussion as critics published the questions along with their objections, as pro and con views were exchanged in correspondence, and as anecdotal stories circulated.

Having completed their recent survey of our current program of work, the elders themselves decided to discontinue using this particular expedient as the format for asking Bible questions. They do not believe it is sinful to ask Bible questions as one of several methods to learn what men are teaching, but have taken this step in an effort to pursue peace and unity among brethren. This church is just as determined as ever to support only men whose teaching and life are true to the Word of God in so far as we can determine it. We are not wedded to any one expediency as the exclusive means of making that determination. Our discontinuing the use of this particular method of gathering information should confirm that this format for asking Bible questions was never used as the standard of truth. The elders will continue to be diligent in learning what men considered for support are teaching, and will reserve the right to ask Bible questions which they believe pertinent in any situation.

This decision reflects in part the kind and helpful suggestions of brother H.E. Phillips, which I relayed to the elders after visiting with him for about four hours. If everyone manifested his spirit when such differences of judgment arise, many problems could be discussed and resolved in a brotherly way without a public uproar. We regret that our local effort became a public issue and that misunderstandings and friction have occurred in some quarters over this matter. We appreciate brethren who have checked with us about various reports they heard and who have offered their input pro and con by approaching us about it, thus giving us a chance to clarify the situation rather than making it a matter of public dispute.

I fully agree with this decision by the elders. We are continuing to strive “together for the faith of the gospel” with “one mind” and “one spirit” (Phil. 1:27). In fact, we just completed one of the most successful vacation Bible schools and gospel meetings ever with 150-180 attending each service morning and evening, followed by 207 on the following Sunday, our highest attendance at a regular service. We are pressing forward with peace and unity in the same gospel labors for which this church has been noted all through the years, and shall continue to do so with the Lord’s help.

The news has been circulated that we have received a few debate challenges in recent months. We have responded courteously in private to each challenge. There are no plans to make a public response to such challenges because no debate is needed, and we do not wish to wrangle over the matter. Whatever judgmental differences and sincere concerns may be expressed pro and con about this format for asking Bible questions, the following facts are crystal clear and not disputed by any of the parties to this discussion. 1. The Word of God alone is the perfect, final, and all-sufficient standard of authority (2 Tim. 3:16-17). 2. All human creeds and all forms of human creeds are unscriptural and sinful (Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Pet. 1:3). 3. Elders are authorized to ask questions of men considered for the local work including gospel meetings or for support elsewhere, and the format or procedure for asking such questions is a matter of expediency to be decided independently by each autonomous church (Acts 20:28-32; 1 Pet. 5:2-3; Heb. 13:17; 1 Jn. 4:1-6). As has always been true, we leave each church to make its own decision about how to proceed in such matters. These things being true, there are no doctrinal differences to debate.

The time has come for this matter to be put behind us and to get on with our work. This announcement may not satisfy everyone, but we hope it will serve the following purposes: reflect our commitment to pursue scriptural peace and unity among brethren, remove the format of Bible questions as a topic of concern among brethren, and explain why we do not plan to pursue debate proposals. “Let there be no strife.” (This article not only reflects the sentiments of the elders but also is submitted with their direct approval.)

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 17, p. 19
September 1, 1994