Truth Magazine

By Norman E. Fultz

“It doesn’t matter what one believes if he is honest and sincere,” we’ve often heard it said. Many prominent leaders in religious circles today advocate it and their attendants accept it, at least on the surface.

But is it possible .. .

That God really doesn’t care what one teaches or believes?

That one doctrine really is just as good as any other?

That one religion is truly as good as another?

You’ve likely heard that sentiment, maybe even voiced it yourself. It is an appealing idea and can do much to relieve the threat of offense to another who is of a different persuasion. But, really now, where did such great wisdom come from? Is it from heaven or is it of men (Matt. 21:25)? Does it matter that it might be of men (Matt. 15: 8-9)? Kind reader, I suggest to you most candidly that it is not of God, but of man; and it does matter. Let’s consider .. .

If it really makes no difference, there cannot be such a thing as false doctrine or teaching! Yet the Bible is replete with warnings against false teachers and false teaching (doctrine). Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s clothing.” He compared them to corrupt trees that bear corrupt fruit (Matt. 7:15-20). He also stated clearly that it was possible for some to worship him vainly because of teaching doctrines whose origin is in men (Matt. 15:8-9). Further, he taught that if one is blindly led by blind leaders, they shall both fall into the ditch (Matt. 15:14), their honestly and sincerity notwithstanding.

Additionally, the apostles who were guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:13), sternly warned against perverting that which they delivered. Hear Paul in Galatians 1:8-9, “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than ye have received, let him be accursed.” First century believers were admonished to “try (test) the spirits (teachers), whether they be of God” (1 Jn. 4:1). Some will teach “fables” to tickle the ears of their audience (2 Tim. 4:2-4). And while it may be difficult to understand, God will allow one to believe a lie to this own condemnation who “receives not the love of the truth” (2 Thess. 2:10-12).

The very fact that there were Bible characters who were honest and sincere in their persuasions, but whose persuasions did not meet God’s approval is further testimony to the falsity of the thought stated at the beginning of this treatise. Saul of Tarsus who became the great apostle Paul was honest and sincere in the “Jew’s religion” (Gal. 1:14; Acts 23:1). He always labored to have a conscience void of offense before God and man (Acts 24:16), but it was not good enough. The treasurer of Ethiopia was so devout as to travel perhaps a thousand miles by chariot to worship according to the best of his understanding, but Philip the evangelist was commissioned by the Spirit to “preach Christ” unto him from the very scripture where the man was reading. And we learned from him that one who is truly honest and sincere, when he comes into new truth, will readily respond unto it (Acts 8:26-40). And the Roman commander, Cornelius, a worshipper of God, a good and devout man, and a good citizen, was told to “hear words whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 10:1-11:18).

Kind reader, it simply is not true that it makes no difference what one believes. If it makes no difference what one believes, ultimately we must conclude that it makes no difference what the Bible says. But the teaching of Scripture is, “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). Being religious or saying, “Lord, Lord” is insufficient (Lk. 6:46). One’s salvation rests upon his doing God’s will (Matt. 7:21-23). Put your religious beliefs to the test of God’s word. Try those who teach, for it does make a difference what one believes.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 18, p. 7
September 15, 1994

By Donnie V. Rader

I don’t know if you have heard the story about John Beagan or not. It is an interesting story to say the least. John was married to Susan for 18 years. They were faithful to each other. Both seemed to be happy with their marriage. In fact, they both say that these past eighteen years have been the best years of their life. John and Susan have four children: Loy (13), Tammy (11), Houston (8) and Liz (5).

John has been the best dad he could be to these four. He never missed a baseball game that Houston played. Loy cared nothing for ball, so John took him hunting and fishing  even when he really didn’t have the time. Don’t think for a moment that he neglected Tammy and Liz. He spent as much time playing games and dolls with them as he did the boys.

Little by little things changed in the family  or really with John. As time passed, he spent less and less time at home. Oh no, he wasn’t seeing another woman or drinking or doing anything immoral. He just got to where he was working a lot more than he had been. You see, John works for a company that makes blank VCR tapes. Sales have been up with the increase of VCR owners.

John doesn’t feel it is really his fault that he doesn’t come home much. He was told by his supervisor that everyone on his shift was to work overtime. Well, John did that for a long time. But then, he got to staying around the plant after his shift was over. Later, he would leave the plant and go get a bite to eat, browse through the mall, go see a friend and then go back to the plant. He hasn’t been home in several weeks now.

Naturally, John’s family is puzzled. They can’t under-stand why he doesn’t come home anymore. Oh, John hasn’t cut off communication. He is willing to talk when they call him at work. His wife has made repeated trips and begged him to come home like he used to. Several times the whole family has gone and talked with him. They have asked what the problem is. They have pled with him over and over to come home.

Loy and Tammy (the older children) have just about given up on him. Liz was heard to say she didn’t think he loved his family anymore. Little Houston, though he is only eight, assessed the situation saying, “I don’t think daddy wants a family. And we can’t help him if he doesn’t care!” His family is not the only ones who have been puzzled and critical. Some of his co-workers and friends have talked with him as well.

John told me that people just don’t understand. He has repeatedly told his family (and others) that he really does want and love his family. In fact, he gets a little “put out” with those who suggest he doesn’t. It’s just that he has been so busy. He says that he really can’t help it. He has had to work a lot lately. And he does have a lot going on in his life.

The last time he talked with Susan and Tammy (a week ago) he told them that he knew he needed to start back to coming home after work. And, he plans to get started just as soon as he can get a few things straightened out in his life.

John’s mother, Marinda Beagan, asked me if I would talk to Susan and the children. Don’t misunderstand. She doesn’t approve of John’s actions at all. In fact, she has been to see him to encourage him to go home to his family. But, she does think that Susan and the children are being a little hard on John. She said that John told her, “Mom, I really do love my family, it’s just that . . . well, I just got out of the habit of going home after work.” She has begged Susan and the children to be a little more patient with John. Now she wants me to talk with them.

John’s mother explained to me how tired John gets working the hours that he does. He needs some time to himself, she said. He really doesn’t feel like playing, fishing, hunting, talking or going to a baseball game. She thinks if Susan and others would be less critical of his not coming home and be more positive and encouraging that he will gradually come home more. Now don’t tell Marinda that I said this, but I think she is just making excuses for John.

Oh, I’m sorry that I’ve rambled on with this story so long. I thought maybe you haven’t heard this story. But, I guess you have. It is really the same old story about people who were faithful but gradually quit coming to worship. Now, why can we see that John doesn’t really care about his family and yet we quit or miss a lot of Bible study and worship service and contend that we really do love the Lord. I guess I just don’t understand.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 18, p. 6
September 15, 1994

By Jamey Hinds

“We love him because he first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:19). “By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us” (1 Jn. 3:16). “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son, the propitiation for our sins” (1 Jn. 4:7-10).

God’s love is astonishingly indescribable. And, yet, his love is limited in that it cannot force anyone to be saved from his sins. Of course, that is the beauty of God’s love  He has created us to be morally free in choosing right and wrong.

According to Mark, “Now as Jesus was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before him, and asked him, `Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ So Jesus said to him, `Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, God. You know the commandments.’ . . . And he answered and said to him, `Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth.’ Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, `One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow me.’ But he was sad at this word, and went away grieved, for he had great possessions” (10:17-22).

Notice Jesus’ love for this man. But even his love was not enough to remove the requirements necessary to be pleasing to God: he had to make an individually responsible choice  a choice we all must make. “But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).

There are those who deny the necessity of water baptism for the forgiveness of sins. And, yet, they proclaim their absolute truth in God’s incorruptible love. They often forget that his love is incorruptible and cannot simply disregard such things as the command to be baptized for the remission of our sins (Matt. 3:13-17; 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-14; Col. 2:11-12; 1 Pet. 3:21).

God’s love is magnificently beautiful and pure. It is most powerful and majestic. But it cannot, alone, save us. We must love him, too.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 18, p. 4
September 15, 1994

By Olen Holderby

Our text for this study is Titus 2:1-5; and it would be wise for the reader to at least read these verses at this point.

Our story really begins on the is-land of Crete, a large island off the southern coast of Greece. Several references are made to Crete in Acts 27, as one place visited by Paul on his journey (as a prisoner) to Rome  a brief stay here was an effort to escape a storm. According to Acts 2:11, some Cretes were in Jerusalem and heard the preaching of the apostle Peter. Anciently Crete was a very populous country. Both Jew and Gentile were found here, though the Gentiles greatly outnumbered the Jewish population.

The Cretians did not have a very good reputation, “One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies” (1:12). And, Paul says, “This witness is true” (1:13). This was an apparent quotation from the Cretian prophet and poet, Epimenides; he is also quoted in Acts 17:28. This corrupt reputation plays a part in some of the instructions given by Paul, which we shall discuss. Watch for them.

Most probably after his first imprisonment in Rome, Paul made a trip to Crete and left Titus there. He specifically says, “Left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting” (1:5); and this would include the ordaining of elders. Further, Titus was charged, “Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (2:1).

To Aged Men

One of the “sound things” that Titus was to speak concerned aged men, “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience” (2:2). We shall briefly notice each of these terms. First, let us recall that much has already been said to some men in chapter one. In verses 5-9 the qualifications for those who serve as elders are given. These place a heavy burden upon the shoulders of such men; for, the purity of the whole church there was at stake. This is clearly seen in verses 10,11,13,14,15 and 16. Now, let us go back to what Paul says to aged men (2:2).

Sober (sophron). This means “sober-minded”; but more, it means “a self-controlled mind.” Whatever else one might say about this word, he cannot escape the idea of a self-controlled mind. The verb form (nepho) of the word originally meant “free from the influence of intoxicants,” but, is used metaphorically in the New Testament (see W.E. Vine). To the thinking person this contrast is vivid. What a difference there is in the thinking of one who is under the influence of intoxicants and one who is not. We simply must not be foolish, irresponsible, and degrading like the one under the influence of intoxicants.

Grave (semnos). Vine says this word first denoted “reverend, august, venerable; then serious, grave.” Vine’s quoted comments should be very helpful here. He points out that neither “grave” nor “gravity” really state the meaning of this word; but that it is a combination of gravity and dignity. He goes further to point out that the word “inspires reverence and awe.” He points to a third author which says, “The word points to seriousness of purpose and to self-respect in con-duct.” Aged brethren, these are weighty thoughts!

Temperate (self-control). All powers placed upon man, by God, are subject to abuse; the right use requires control  self-control. In 2 Peter 1:6, this word follows the word “knowledge,” suggesting that which is learned must be put to practice. Self-control is both negative and positive; it is not merely abstaining from some-thing. It is negative when it forces us to forego the things that are sinful; it is positive when it forces us to do that which is required. He who lacks either the negative or the positive aspects does not have self-control; and the aged are told to have self-control.

Sound in faith, or healthy in faith. Whether we apply this to one’s personal faith or to “the faith” (as in 1:13), the idea of “healthy” is still there. And, brethren, there is a great deal of difference between a healthy faith and a sick one. As age and related infirmities take their toll, we may be inclined to permit our faith to become sick; and, Paul says to the aged men, “Don’t you permit this!”

In charity (love). There is absolutely no place for bitterness, vindictiveness, and the like, in the heart of the aged. “Christian” love acts in wisdom and kindness; and, the aged men must show maturity in this. Love always does what is best for the object of that love.

In patience. This includes the ideas of perseverance, steadfastness, and endurance. James says, “The trying of your faith worketh patience” (Jas. 1:3); and, in so far as I know, this is the only thing that is said to produce patience. Patience is not, I repeat  is not, a passive and dull acquiescence with the inevitable, as the aged often practice it. Such an attitude does not show either perseverance or endurance.

My dear aged fellow-Christians, we must understand that declining faculties that go with being aged must not overshadow those godly qualities within. These are to shine forth as we actively (get this word) anticipate that home-coming (or home-going) in that eternal city of God. There are things that we can do to further the Cause! We must find them; and we must be busy doing them. “Though our out-ward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). The former grows weaker, the latter grows stronger; one becomes insignificant, the other becomes more significant and obvious; one is less active, the other more active. All the while, remembering, “Our labor is not in vain in the Lord,” never (1 Cor. 15:58).

The Aged Women

Another of those “sound things” that Titus was to teach concerned the aged women  They were to teach the younger women (2:4). They were to teach the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands. This statement gives us an idea of where to draw the line between aged and younger. These younger women had husbands, children, and home; they were not teenage girls.

Now, get this fact — They were to be taught all this “that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Aged women, to ignore or fail to do this teaching invites blasphemy toward God’s Word. Do you want that on your conscience? This is a rather plain command; and one has to wonder why it is so neglected today.

In verse 3 there are four qualifications which the aged women are to have: (1) Her behaviour is to be such that becometh holiness. (2) She is not to be a false accuser (a making of slanderous statements). (3) She must not be a user of wine. Look back to 1:12 and see the statement “slow bellies,” or, as another translation puts it, “lazy gluttons.” This expression includes the idea of drunkenness or drinking  a sin that was prevalent among the Cretians. All three of these have directly to do with one’s character; thus, the power of example is brought to bear. (4) She is to be a teacher of good things. Verses 4-5, give some of those good things which she is to teach; but, it does not end there (see Eph. 2:10). Further, the statement affirms that she must not teach those things that are sinful, questionable, or improper.

Please notice in verse 4 that the aged women are to have these qualifications “that,” (so as, in order to) she may teach the young women. She is commanded to teach the younger women, and these qualifications are given in order that she may be able to do so. Is that the reason that this command is so neglected today?

Of course, inherent in teaching is the idea that those who are taught must listen. Younger women, then, are required to respect, to listen to, to learn from, these aged women. This is God’s order in this matter.

A Closing Observation

The aged will not always find it easy to observe these instructions; they are, nonetheless, instructions of our God. We can do them and we must do them. We must not think of ourselves as useless or fruitless or as rolling stones. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strength-ens me.” Consider this statement, “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immorality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54). Please see the word “then” in this verse. Then and only then can we rest, and the victory will then, and only then, be ours. May God help us to so do!

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 17, p. 12-13
September 1, 1994