Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

This issue of Guardian of Truth features a discussion between Tom Roberts and Vance Trefethen on the proposition that the Scriptures require the whole church (including the women) to be involved in the decision making of the local church. The contention which brother Trefethen affirmed in his book Confusion or Consensus was this: “There is no pattern for men-only business meetings and a clear pattern for congregational (men and women) decision-making assemblies” (12).

Brother Trefethen asserts that the Holy Spirit revealed that a congregational assembly, including both men and women, should make the decisions in the local church and that men-only business meetings and elders holding a “secret decision-making session” are without the approval of the Holy Spirit (17).

I am aware of several congregations that encourage their women to attend the business meetings, some allowing them to speak and others not. The practice is sure to be the focus of more attention as the influence of the feminist movement spills over to affect more and more Christians. It is already affecting our liberal brethren. The ultra liberal Bering Drive congregation in Houston, Texas issued a “Report on Women’s Participation in Public Worship” on March 5, 1989 which said,

On July 31, 1988, the elders presented a statement to the Bering Family concerning the use of spiritual gifts by both men and women, expressing our conviction that it is scriptural and appropriate for sisters as well as brothers to serve in Sunday morning worship roles of ushering, greeting visitors, receiving the offering, reading Scripture, leading prayers, leading singing, and serving communion (quoted by Alan E. Highers, “The Winds of Change,” Spiritual Sword [January 1991], p.

Brother Highers continued to relate that the Cahaba Valley church in Birmingham sent a letter to its members stating that “women may minister not only to women, but also to men.” They followed this up by announcing in 1990 that the church would be appointing deacons and said, “Deacons will be male and female.” Their intention was that by 1994 women would be “speaking to the assembly in sermon.” The 1989 Nashville Jubilee had some women speaking in assemblies with men present.

The 1990 Preachers’ and Church Workers’ forum at Freed-Hardeman University featured Robert Randolph, a pulpit minister for the church at Brookline, Massachusetts, and Lynn Mitchell, one of the elders at Bering Drive in Houston, defending an expanded role for women in the church. Randolph openly stated that he had no problem with women serving as elders.

I cite these incidents, not to attribute them to brother Trefethen, but to introduce this discussion of the women’s role in the local congregation. You need to take the time to read this debate between these two brethren. The issue is not likely to disappear.

More Communication Needed

on East European Mission Work

Steve Wallace

Since the opening of the Iron Curtain many brethren have participated in teaching efforts in one or more of the former Communist countries. While we are of course happy to hear of the churches that have been planted in various places, we feel that, in at least some cases, more good would be accomplished if there had been communication among interested parties. This is especially true when a brother or group of brethren involved in mission work are limited in the time that they can spend at a given place. No matter where the Gospel is preached or how effectively it is done, the results of any effort may be limited by its duration. Also, surely all brethren who have worked for any time in Eastern Europe have been awed by the masses of people in any given city compared with the number of brethren involved either full-time or part-time in evangelizing these fields. In light of this, we must use our time in these efforts wisely. Again, better communication among interested parties will lead to a combined wiser use of time. It is hoped that the following points will lead to more communication among those involved in evangelizing Eastern Europe or any other field of labor.

1. Deciding where to go.

The following questions may help in determining a field of labor:

a. If it is a city where no one you know of has been, do you know someone who has worked in the country the city is in?

b. Is a place in a proven fruitful field opening up due to a brother’s plans to return to the U.S.?

c. If you have a choice between several places, are there any available figures on how many responses there have been relative to the amount of time brethren have spent working in each place?

d. In critically examining this article in preparation for its publication, one brother who has spent many years in foreign work made a suggestion that fits under his heading. I include it here for your consideration. He said that he does not put too much emphasis on response as he does on the need for the gospel in a given place.

e. Checking around for literature is something that is always helpful but especially so if you are limited in the time you can spend in a mission field. Are tracts available in the language of the country in which you are planning to work?

2. Planning an extended stay.

While the logistics of such a move alone can be formidable and time consuming, please do not forget to widely publicize your plans so that as many brethren as possible are aware of where you are going and for how long. This will help others considering foreign work to know your plans in case you need a co-worker or, in the event you do not need a co-worker, such brethren can cross your new location off of their list of prospective fields of labor. Further, letting brethren know how long you plan to stay may help those making long-range plans. I have known brethren who planned for over two years before moving to Eastern Europe. Given the necessary information, such brethren may make plans to replace you in your work after your time there is completed.

3. Staying for shorter periods.

Many brethren who have labored in Eastern Europe and in other fields have been limited in the time they can stay, usually to somewhere between three and six weeks. Experience has shown that, by itself, an effort of such length rarely results in a church being established in any given place. While we are all happy to hear of any effort to preach the gospel, would it not be more expedient to the Lord’s cause in such cases to arrange to be part of longer effort in a given place in conjunction with other brethren? If you are unable to spend a long time doing missionary work, it may be expedient to let others know of either your plans or your availability. In this way, others can possibly make plans to follow you in the work in some field, or you might follow someone else.

If the above advice sounds good to you, why not try to plan as far ahead as possible and circulate the news of your plans? Such preparation will make the chances better of a church being established as result of your efforts.

4. Avoid a spirit of competition.

After weighing all possibilities, what if you choose a field of labor that is different from the one or ones chosen by other brethren with whom you were hoping to work? One thing that should be avoided is a spirit of competition. The field of our labor is the world (Matt. 13:24,36-37; Mk. 16:15). In light of this we must respect the decision of other brethren as to where in that field they choose to labor. Let us bid such brethren God-speed in their chosen work and glorify God that they are working in the spreading of the gospel (Gal. 2:9; 1:23-24). Let there be no strife between us; for we be brethren (Gen. 13:8).

In conclusion, it is hoped that this article will prove helpful to brethren planning to do foreign evangelism and lead to the furtherance of the gospel.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 16, p. 3-4
August 18, 1994

By Marc W. Gibson

You have probably heard someone say, “The Bible says, `Do not judge! ‘ when their ungodly words and/or practice is questioned. Their reference is to Matthew 7:1, but their use of this scripture is actually a misuse due to their misunderstanding of the context. Context is important in studying any passage of scripture. Consider some thoughts on this passage.

I do not believe Jesus is condemning all judgment in this passage, but rather warning against hypocritical judgment. He warns all of us in verse 2 that judgment goes two ways, toward another

person and back to us, “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” This is a basic principle of life: A person is expected to uphold in his own life the judgment that he applies to others’ lives. If you are not willing to live up to your own standards, then do not use them to judge another:

“Judge not, that you be not judged.”

It is hypocritical to attempt to diagnose someone else’s problems when you have not, or will not, diagnose your own. As Jesus stated, “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, `Let me remove the speck out of your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?” (vv. 3-4) Jesus is not condemning the concern about the speck in your brother’s eye, or even the judgment you apply to determine it is there (“… but judge with righteous judgment,” Jn. 7:24). Jesus is condemning the judgmental attitude that does not apply the same standards to itself, and thus overlooks its own faults.

The remedy for this problem is stated by Jesus in verse 5, “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.” There is nothing wrong with trying to remove a speck from our brother’s eye (see Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19-20), but let us first be sure we are not burdened with the same “specks and planks” of sin. Paul reminded the Jews of these same truths when he wrote, “You, therefore, who teach an-other, do you not teach yourself You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, `Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For `the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,’ as it is written” (Rom. 2:21-24).

Hypocrites apply teaching and judgment to others but not to themselves. If this be the case with you, “Judge not, that you be not judged.”

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 15, p. 15
August 4, 1994

By Jay Stephens

A June 1993 article by brother Dobbs (Firm Foundation) alerted our congregation to the fact that our Bible school material might be denominationally biased. Our class material is purchased from Sweet Publishing Company, who allegedly purchases this material from David G. Cook Publishing  it is written, therefore, by denominational people.

In recent years, much of our Bible school material (irrespective of the publisher) has been getting away from the basic Bible truths of the plan of salvation; the one, true church; the sin of division and denominationalism, etc., and seems to be concentrating on teaching morals.

While we do not deny the value of teaching morality in our Bible school, the basis of morality is fellowship with God through his Son and his church. Brother Dobbs’ article, which revealed the sources of the various materials, offers a possible explanation as to why there is a marked change in class material recently.

During this past winter quarter, a perceptive teacher for our teenage class became extremely alarmed by the outright declarations of one of his lessons. What follows are direct quotes from Sweet Publishing Company’s High School Teachers Manual, Lesson 2, for the week of Dec. 12, 1993, pp. 14-19. These quotes will be compared to Scripture, with some comments by me.

Sweet Material, Page 14

Bible Truth: The Holy Spirit is the guide for all Christians.

Lesson Aim: That your students will trust the Holy Spirit to guide them in their Christian walk.

The lesson references Paul’s second missionary journey  specifically Acts 16:6-10. But the material utterly fails to make the distinction between how the Spirit worked with the disciples in the first century and how he works with us today! There is a decided distinction. In the first century, the Holy Spirit spoke directly to some disciples, enabling them, while the New Testament was being written and confirmed, to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15).

No gospel preacher that I know of would make the same claim today. Therefore, if members of the church are editing this material for doctrinal correctness (which is the claim), they have completely overlooked this particular lesson; or they are teaching another gospel! Either way, our teenagers will suffer as they are subtly seduced.

Sweet Material, Page 14

Bible Application: Evaluate situations in which people felt “led” by the Spirit. Identify specific areas of life in which students need the Holy Spirit’s daily guidance.

There are no “feelings” referenced in Acts 16. What “feelings” are we supposed to have in 1994? Since when are “feelings” supposed to be our guide? In every century the Word of God has been the guide (Psa. 119:105; 1 Pet. 4:11). That word was delivered directly in the first century by the Holy Spirit into inspired persons. It was then written down and circulated for the edification of all the churches (Eph. 3:3-4). Inspiration passed from the man to the page. These writings were collected as our New Testament, called “the faith” and meant to be defended (Jude 3).

Sweet Material, Page 14

Life Response: Discuss how a Christian knows he or she is being led by the Spirit.

Today, we are to study in order to determine how the Holy Spirit wants us to live our lives (2 Tim. 2:15). The Sweet material then encourages the student to make his feelings his guide.

A person that is led by his feelings has made his stomach his guide (Rom. 16:18) and has ceased to serve Christ. Our teens are in a phase in which their emotions are very strong. To suggest that it is appropriate for them to “feel” led by the Spirit is an invitation to all kinds of religious problems.

Sweet Material, Page 15, Paragraph 6

Understanding the Bible: Through experiences such as these, Paul developed a profound sense of the importance of staying in step with the Spirit. Paul not only relied on the Holy Spirit for guidance, but also relied on the Spirit for help in holy living.

Paul stayed in step with the Spirit, because he did not resist the Spirit’s direct leading (something an inspired prophet could do, if he wanted  1 Cor. 14:32; 1 Tim. 4:14). Paul didn’t have a New Testament to consult in order to determine the correct path  he was in the process of receiving the New Testament. Paul relied on what the Holy Spirit “saith expressly” for guidance be-cause a new law was being revealed, and the Lord was working with the early disciples to confirm it (1 Tim. 4:1; Mk. 16:20). Even though Paul received direct guidance through words spoken by the Spirit (Jn. 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:13) on holy living from the Spirit (the only guidance available), he still had to subject himself (1 Cor. 9:27).

Today, it is correct to say that we rely on the Word, as revealed and confirmed by the Holy Spirit, for guidance and holy living. The implication in Sweet’s material is the Holy Spirit is somehow guiding and assisting the Christian in a manner that is separate and apart from the inspired Word  that, my friend, is wrong  unscriptural! I can understand the Baptists putting this in their material, but I cannot understand any Christian allowing it to pass under his pen without extensive editing  unless no Christian edited the material!

Sweet Material, Page 15

Precession Activity: “Simon Says” Grows Up.

Objective: To encourage your students to listen care-fully even when they’re having fun.

Excerpt talk briefly about the importance of listening carefully to instructions.

Anyone willing to give the material the benefit of the doubt will be dismayed when they see the activity de-signed to teach the Bible “truth” about the guiding and help of the Holy Spirit is a game of “Simon Says.” In what way does this activity reflect how the Holy Spirit works today?

A teacher might develop an activity that centers around carefully reading and following instructions, but only a Calvinist would suggest that “Simon Says” is a reflection of the reality of how the Holy Spirit works in 1993-94.

Sweet Material, Page 16

When you’re faced with a problem or a tough decision about how to act in today’s society, where do you go for help? Students will probably say things like the Bible, the minister, parents, a special friend, an adult they admire, books, magazines, talk shows, their own in-group, their own consciences, the Holy Spirit.

The Scriptures provide patience, comfort, and hope (Rom. 15:4). We are to abide in God’s Word (Jn. 12:43), which is the Truth (Jn. 8:32). Just how is one to go to the Holy Spirit for help? The Sweet material fails to tell us how this is done.

Most teens are not grounded enough to challenge the subtle leading of this material. I n the hands of some of our unsound “youth ministers” this material will be devastating to the future of undenominational Christianity.

Sweet Material, Page 16

John 14:21-23 . . . indicates that every Christian can count on Christ’s presence within him or her. Christ works in our lives through the Holy Spirit, who guides us in understanding the Word as well as God’s will.

John 14:23 does, indeed, teach the presence of the Father and the Son in our lives, but their presence is contingent upon keeping his Word! Sweet makes the subtle transition to the statement that “Christ works in our lives through the Holy Spirit, who guides us in understanding the Word as well as God’s will.” Alright! Here it is  outright Calvinism. The Holy Spirit, according to Sweet, helps us understand the Word and understand God’s will. Sweet has completely misrepresented the Holy Spirit’s work since the first century. If the Holy Spirit helps us to understand God’s Word, how come we do not all under-stand it completely alike? If the Holy Spirit helps us to understand God’s will, how come we do not all practice it alike in our lives? Sweet would have the Holy Spirit be the author of confusion (which he is not  1 Cor. 14:33) and responsible for our sins and shortcomings.

Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the “fruit of the Spirit.” This is not a reference to something that the Holy Spirit does directly in our lives; it is a reference to the character manifested in our lives when we put into practice the words of the Holy Spirit recorded on the pages of inspiration.

Brethren, there are three more pages of this heresy in the Teacher’s Lesson Plan of this material, which time and space do not permit me to review. The lesson speaks about becoming “more sensitive . . . to the Spirit’s leading.” It states explicitly that the “Holy Spirit uses many means to accomplish his task of guidance.” It asks the teens to discuss their opinions and thoughts about how the Holy Spirit leads. It takes Paul’s situation and applies it to how the Holy Spirit guides a Christian today  this is completely wrong! The distinction is night and day.

We have discontinued using the Sweet material. Let me say that Sweet Publishing has always handled our account correctly and politely. We have no problems with them from a financial standpoint. But in light of this lesson, we cannot continue to sanction the material for use in our Bible class program (2 Jn. 9).

The current digression over the work of the Holy Spirit today has progressed much farther than any of us care to admit. Preachers, elders, deacons, and concerned teachers must go back to carefully reviewing their Bible class material  no matter who the publisher is  and bring the false teaching to light. In the past, we trusted our “Christian” publishers to provide sound materials for our Bible class programs, but some of these publishers do not deserve out trust anymore.

(Editor’s Note: This article discusses the problem of denominational doctrines in Bible class literature. We witness many churches purchasing material produced by liberal brethren and know how widespread this danger is. There are three series of literature which have been produced by faithful brethren: Truth In Life, Walking With God, and Use Your Bible. Though not perfect, these series are relatively free from denominational errors.)

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 15, p. 16-17
August 4, 1994

By Jimmy Tuten

“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments” (Ezra 7:10). These words described the purpose of Ezra, the priest and scribe,’ as he leaves his exiled state in Babylon to go to Jerusalem for the purpose of restoring the ancient order. He was a man of distinguished determination. The words, “Ezra had, prepared, show that he had set his heart . to acquire the highest knowledge possible. With resolve he sought to know the Scriptures thoroughly. In seeking this attainment of divine law,, Ezra adopted: (1) The Correct Method  He sought the attainment of the knowledge which he desired. He put forth specific efforts to seek out the Word of God. (2) The Right Manner  He sought it earnestly. It is implied that Ezra was a devout student. Reverence for the law of the Lord is as important as is earnestness. (3) The Right Place  He sought his knowledge in the Holy Scriptures. God’s material creations reveal some important things about him (Rom. 1:20). But when it comes to acquainting oneself with the redemptive work of Jehovah, his moral laws, etc., the student will have to study the Scriptures.

In addition to seeking knowledge he determined to conform his life to the law of Jehovah God. “And to do it” (Ezra 7:10) is significant. This involved a practice of the highest knowledge. Ezra not only set his heart to seek God’s law, he sought to trans-late this information into deeds. He practiced what he had acquired in his heart and mind.

The third aspect of this example is the fact of the desire to impart this information to the people of Israel. Both by precept and example Ezra labored to bring the people to an obedient knowledge of Divine law. A solemn obligation rested upon him not only to know God’s will, but share it as well. We ourselves must know what we would teach others. If we are to teach with practical effect, we ourselves must practice what we teach. Timothy, the young preacher, was given the responsibility: “the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). So there are many lessons to be learned from this account in Ezra 7. Of these lessons three are obvious to all who would carefully read this section of Old Testament Scripture: Seek the Word of the Lord God in order to know it thoroughly  Practice it in one’s own life Share what has been acquired with others.

A Look At the Practical Side

(1) We cannot know what is pleasing to God in our lives, our work and worship except we know his will (Matt. 7:21-23). In the judgment one will not be able to “plea bargain” on the basis of ignorance. “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully” (2 Tim. 2:5). Additionally, a search for the law of God will create a yearning to know more, and a greater desire to do what is pleasing to him. His word provides all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). By these standards we will be judged in the last day (Jn. 12:48).

(2) Although we must have knowledge before proper action can be taken, knowing is not enough. This knowledge must be put into practice. We must earnestly endeavor to reduce the things we know to con-duct. Doing stands in a double relation to knowing and teaching. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself ” (Jn. 7:17). By our lives we must teach. This is conformity to God ‘s will. This is done even though we might have difficulty articulating our acquired knowledge.

“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:19). The Pharisees were condemned for not practicing what they preached (Lk. 6:46). “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (Rom. 2:13).

(3) The last step in the sequence that Ezra 7:10 encourages is that of teaching. What a foundation instruction rests upon if the sequence has been carefully observed. Knowledge treasured in the heart and acted upon in life will give power and energy to the teachings of the Divine Oracles of God. Consequently, all we who share the way of salvation should be anxious to teach it to others. If we are full of God’s Word, some of it will over-flow. A sound psychological principle is that when man is full of any subject matter he will seek an expression of it. Jesus express it clearly when he said, “0 generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart of the mouth speaketh” (Matt. 12:34). I once read where brother T.B. Larimore once advised a young man, “Do not preach if you can keep from it.” Along these lines Jeremiah said, “Then 1 said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning, fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” (20:9). Teaching his Word carries grave responsibilities.

The Importance of Dedicated Teaching

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (Jas. 3:1). This warning is not to discourage teachers who know the truth and want to save and edify others. The goal of the context is to discourage those who minimize the importance of perfect faith. It condemns those who do not use the tongue judiciously. The passage also intends to impress upon all the seriousness of teaching. “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Matt. 15:14). We are obviously to prepare to teach. Some Jewish Christians in the city of Jerusalem were condemned for their lack of preparation. They had need “that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Heb. 5:11-12).

Conclusion

What a difference we would make in this world if all of us had the temper and complexity to have our actions correspond to the things we know. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou of faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). Freely we have received. Let us freely give. Shakespeare said, “Thyself and thy belongings are not thine own so proper, as to waste thyself upon thy virtues, them on thee. Heaven doth with us, as we with torches do not light them for ourselves; for if our virtues did not go forth from us, `were as if we had them not” (Measure For Measure, 1:1). Let us be like Ezra and set our hearts to seek the Law of the Lord, to do it and teach others those things given by inspiration.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 15, p. 21-22
August 4, 1994