Truth Magazine

By Frank and Joyce Jamerson

Jill Louise Jamerson. . . . It had a wonderful ring to it. We had a girl’s name picked for three babies, but they turned out to be named Randy, Byron and Allen. Somehow, with this fourth one, the name we had picked before just did not click. It was to be Jill, if by some chance we should finally have a girl.

She arrived early Sunday morning on her mother’s birthday. We were soon to learn that she was in distress as a result of meconium aspiration which caused a hole in one lung and it collapsed. We prayed for her life and after the initial recovery, had a healthy little girl.

Being almost seven years younger, our boys thought she was a queen, and treated her as such, often teasing her about being one. They all doted on her, pestered her, adored her. They dressed her in funny clothes, invented puppet shows, and one Christmas season wrapped her with artificial pine boughs. We had to stop them when it came time to plug her in.

Being the center of attention started early. The older members of the Rose Hill congregation in Columbus, Georgia always praised her, commenting on each new thing she accomplished and on each new dress her grandmother made. Jill was five years old when we moved to Dothan, AL. There were several young children among the members at Honeysuckle Road, and the first Sunday no one commented on her new dress. On the way home she said, “Humph . . . not one person told me I was pretty.” We knew we had our work cut out!

Six-year-old Jill, who loved to sing, and could hum “Jesus loves me” even before she could speak words, prepared a song in anticipation of the talent show at Florida College camp. She was able to go early because we were both counselors. Before leaving, we were at a pot luck supper and she announced to Dot Moss, “I can sing a song,” and Jill proceeded to pump out “I Know a Heartache When I See One.” When she per-formed it at camp, it brought the house down, and of course, her brothers were first to their feet in applause!

Everywhere we went, people were drawn to this friendly, bubbling little ball of enthusiasm. She accompanied her Daddy on several meetings and made friends so quickly we called her our ambassador.

When she was very young, one night after Bible reading, she insisted that she needed to be baptized. Her mother was sitting on the bed with her and asked her why she thought she should be baptized. She gave the correct answer; but when asked to define repentance, she thought a while then said, “Well, I guess if I don’t know what it is, I don’t need to do it.” She did obey the Lord when she was twelve and within a few weeks another half dozen young people had followed her example.

She was a good student, and was chosen to participate in Dothan’s talent pool. Being a somewhat independent thinker, she would defend her conclusions with an unwavering persistence, being sometimes right and sometimes wrong, but not minding if there was opposition. In later years this was to her advantage; unless of course, she had drawn the wrong conclusion. In that case, you had better be ready to prove your position, for she did not accept “just because” as an answer. Once convinced, she would readily admit defeat and accept right.

She was crushed when the decision was made to move to Lakeland, Florida. She was fifteen years old, ready to begin her sophomore year in high school and closely bonded to friends she had been with since kindergarten. Her activities with the band and flag corps included high hopes of being Dothan’s next drum major, and we were ruining her life!

She became an only child overnight, when the move was made, because her brothers remained in Alabama. Jill had heard the reputation of the Lakeland High band, so we bought our house in that school zone. She started band camp the day after we moved here, and was voted friendliest in band each of the three years. In her junior year she advanced to the symphony band, and in her senior year was assistant drum major. The highlight of her senior year was the symphony band’s trip to Chicago to perform for the American Bandmasters Convention.

These years, as with most teens, were the toughest for avoiding evil. Somehow, she usually came to right conclusions and we were amazed at her ability to keep her head on straight. She would typically burst through the door after school or work with “Mom, guess what?,” and then tell what someone had said or done and how she had responded. On one such day, the topic of conversation at work had been how many of the six or eight girls who worked at the sandwich shop were still virgins. There were only two and about three weeks later, the other girl came in and announced that she no longer held that status. When she started to tell Jill about the details, Jill stopped her and said, “I’m not interested in hearing about your sex life.” As the girl turned her back and said, “Well, at least I have one,” Jill walked around in front of her, held up her left hand, and pointed to her ring finger and said, “No, I don’t have one. I don’t intend to have one until I get something right here!” End of discussion.

One of the major decisions we had to face our first year here was whether to allow her to go the junior-senior prom. Though she was a sophomore, a senior had asked her to go to the prom with him. After we investigated the local practices, we told her that we could not in good conscience allow her to go to the prom. As she and her mother sat on the bed discussing the decision, she finally saw that the principle in 1 Corinthians 8, influencing others to do wrong, would apply. It was hard for her to accept, but when she saw the tears in her mother’s eyes, she said, “Well, Mom, don’t let it get you bent all out of shape, it’s not worth it.” About a week later, she told her mother, “I’m glad you all said no, I don’t think I could have gone anyway.”

The next year a new boyfriend asked her to go to the prom. She told him that she could not go because she did not dance. He wanted to know what was wrong with that, so she proceeded to explain lasciviousness to him. He listened for a while, and then said, “Jill, would you go to the beach with me?” When she said “no,” he said, “All right, I was just checking your consistency.” Then he used the line, “We will go and not dance.” She told him that she could not do that because she knew that other girls were looking up to her and she could not disappoint them. During her senior year, she had dated the same boy for the whole school year, so he did not even ask! A group of her close friends went somewhere else on prom night. (Here is an interesting fact. The first boy was a Christian. He dropped her and got another date for the prom. The next two boys were members of denominations. The first said, “If my girlfriend cannot go, I wouldn’t feel right about going,” and the next one knew her well enough not to even ask.)

During her senior year, she was nominated by the Band to be on homecoming court. In connection with this, she had to be in a skit on Wednesday night at the school. She went to the principal, Mr. Dunn, and said, “I have a problem. I go to church on Wednesday nights and this skit is on Wednesday night.” He agreed to let her group go first; so, she changed clothes in the car at stop lights arriving in time for Bible study. Afterward, she repeated the process arriving back at school in time to take a curtain call with her group. While she was talking to Mr. Dunn, she also asked if she could be obligated to attend the homecoming dance if she won. He assured her that others had not attended and it would be no problem. We will always have a kind regard in our hearts for that principal because of the way he put her at ease and supported her convictions.

Florida College was on her mind, and she was eager to graduate and get on with life. Her GPA dropped in college, for this `party waiting to happen’ had so many friends and so little time! Life was wonderful and she had found the true meaning of being able to associate with Christians and not be in the minority. Her outgoing personality endeared her to many of the students. A class-mate wrote that she was “an example of delight in life, talent in band, strength in volleyball, humility to admit when you were wrong, pride in what was right, confident to reach out and light up someone’s day with a sincere compliment, sure enough to know who you were, what you did and how to enjoy doing it.” She loved God, loved her family and friends, and knew we loved her.

At the beginning of her sophomore year at Florida College, after a volleyball game one evening, she developed a severe headache and went to her room, where she fell into a coma. Two days later she was pronounced dead. The medical report revealed that she had a malignant brain tumor that had hemorrhaged.

In her death, as in her life, she influenced others to examine themselves. We know of eight young people in Lakeland who were baptized after her death. She was been the crowning jewel of our family, and now wears another crown.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 10, p. 16-17
May 19, 1994

By Dick Blackford

I have often encouraged Christians to write letters to the editors of their local newspapers concerning religious and moral issues of our day. This is about the only “marketplace” left where one can express his views without it costing anything. Most editors have some guidelines and restrictions (some won’t allow you to quote scripture) but there still is an opportunity to get through with some truth and to expose error.

Humanistic reasoning has been the live issue in the media. Here are some letters I have written in the past few months dealing with this subject.

To Little Rock’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Editor:

This is a response to your special feature on Helen Gurley Brown, editor of Cosmopolitan and author of Sex and the Single Girl. She bragged that her greatest accomplishment was the sexual liberation of young women.

We owe a lot to Helen. Her promotion of self-indulgence caused unwanted pregnancies to skyrocket. Many of those single girls had sex with married men and the divorce rate skyrocketed too. Add to that a huge increase in death by abortion to innocent preborn babies. Add to that many children growing up with only one parent who is absent much of the time making a living. Add to that an increase in crime because moral training is often neglected due to circumstances. Add to that the V.D. epidemic. Add to that higher taxes to pay for all the damage in each of these areas.

The breakdown of the family was listed by Edward Gibbon as the first cause for the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. To determine the true health of a nation, take a look at its homes.

“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Helen got that backwards. She did it to her country and for herself, and laughs all the way to the bank.

Score one for women’s lib and the humanistic philosophy that says “self first.” Thanks Helen. We owe a lot to true liberals like you when it comes to morality.

Sincerely,

Also to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Editor:

Our president wrings his hands at the rise in crime and its increasingly bizarre nature. Little Rock just had its worst year. The surgeon general wrings her hands over AIDS, unwanted pregnancies, and illegal drugs. We are stunned at the magnitude of these problems.

The liberal solution has been to throw money at problems in the form of more policemen, condoms, abortion, and legalized drugs. None of these reaches the hearts of the people and may be like extinguishing a fire with gasoline. Our nation flounders to solve its problems while it has bound and gagged itself against teaching morality. It is now unsafe to go anywhere. When you bury your head in the sand the part left sticking out becomes very vulnerable. As Pogo said, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

A major factor is the breakdown of the family. An absent parent causes the other one to work outside the home and to be preoccupied with housework upon returning. Moral training of the children is neglected. Some of our most bizarre crimes were committed by young people from broken homes. The family is under attack from Hollywood and the music industry as adultery and sodomy are glorified and monogamous marriage is made light of.

Humanists have become our “social engineers.” Human life becomes cheap when children are taught they had a bleak origin from lower animals with no future destiny but to die. Homicides and suicides have increased greatly among the young. When each man is recognized as worth more than the whole world and created in God’s image, life greatly increases in value. One’s beliefs about his origin affect his estimate of human life. Little Rock gave evolution a victory a few years ago. We are now reaping.

Humanism redefines morality. It is moral to protect endangered species but immoral to overpopulate society. Thus, save whales but abort babies. Humanism’s doctrine of “no moral absolutes” has turned morality upside down and a whole generation is confused. The Bible and prayer have been replaced with fiction on animal origins and how to use a condom.

Feminism is a part of humanism. What was intended to demand respect for women, has backfired. The “in your face” attitude of women’s lib with the “it’s my body and I can do what I want with it” philosophy has led to increased adultery (breaking up marriages), AIDS, and unwanted babies which are aborted or raised with the same philosophy so as to repeat the cycle. Humanistically thinking, why would a man make a lifetime commitment in marriage when he can have the privileges without the obligations? Instead of increased respect, women are viewed as pieces of flesh to gratify lust. Who can blame the rapist who acts out of the evolutionary view of “the survival of the fittest”? He learned it at school.

Some of the blame also rests with a clergy that has the backbone of a jellyfish. Many seem unable to decide the simplest of moral issues. They have left the pure gospel and perverted churches into country clubs with their social gospel. Periodically they call for a National Day of Prayer when they should be calling for a National Day of Repentance with genuine change from the heart.

The social engineers have made a terrible mess as they refuse to acknowledge that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). History shows that no nation has ever survived its own moral decline. Will America change the course of history? Only if she repents.

Sincerely,

To Abigail Van Buren in care of The Jonesboro Sun: Dear Abby:

You recently told a woman her adultery was wrong. You also told a father his daughter was wrong for letting her male friend sleep over. I commend you for taking a stand for what is right. In making such statements you imply there is a moral standard that should govern us. What is that standard? I don’t believe you are saying it is you. Therefore, I assume you are being true to your Jewish upbringing and using the Scriptures as your standard. However, they also explicitly condemn sodomy, which you uphold. Abby, you can’t have it both ways. Both adultery and sodomy are a scourge to mankind and are killing this once great nation. You have the ability and influence to clarify morality or to confuse. I encourage you to send forth a clear sound, rather than confusion.

Sincerely,

Also to Abby in care of The Jonesboro Sun: Dear Abby:

Your response was right to “Tough Decision” who promised to tell his grandparents of his brother’s homosexuality after the brother died. The rabbi said you were wrong from a “Jewish ethical perspective” and you should have opted for compassion as “the more compel-ling of the values.” More compelling to whom? This subjective standard makes each person into his own god. What could be more Jewish and more ethical than “Thou shalt not bear false witness” (Exod. 20:16)? Where did he get authority to set aside this commandment? Certainly not from the Hebrew Scriptures. His perspective is humanistic, not Jewish.

Judging from the crime rate and the number of students who cheat, it isn’t hard to see that people have problems with honesty. When religious leaders give forth such uncertain sounds there will be consequences. If we can’t depend on the Scriptures which have stood the test of time, we certainly can’t depend on religious leaders who are here today and gone tomorrow.

Ideally, the brother should have had the courage to confess his own homosexuality while he was alive, if he wanted it told. A person should think twice before making promises that have unpleasant consequences (Eccl. 5:4,5).

Sincerely,

At this time the two letters to Abby have not been published. It is hard to get through but I still have hope. I want to encourage readers to get involved in using this teaching medium. If you have trouble with grammar, spelling or punctuation, ask for help from a fellow Christian who may be qualified. If there is anything in this article that you can use, feel free to do so. If you strike a nerve it is possible you may get some anonymous mail or phone calls. Even some threats. Count it all joy (Acts 5:41). You may also receive encouragement from right thinking people, and that helps. Regardless, let us be about our Father’s business.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 10, p. 3-5
May 19, 1994

By William C. Sexton

My Friday morning paper (September 3, 1993), the Metropolitan section of The Kansas City Star, had some-thing that shocked me, reflecting the extent to which our society has decended into the valley of confusion and degradation. The headline read: “Jury says teen deserves three life terms for rape.”

How Ridiculous!

First, what nonsense it is to sentence any person to more than a “life” sentence! No one has more than one life to do any thing! Yet, evidently the reason for this nonsensical action and report is that people with one life sentence, according to our non-judicial system today, can get out of prison very soon. So the ridiculous terms.

Secondly, even more foolishness is evidenced by the following statement by the person’s attorney: “If the judge stands by the recommendation, (rapist’s name ) won’t be eligible for parole until he’s 31 years old.” Now, what in the world have we come to, when three life sentences plus 30 years means that a person can be paroled in 15 years!

How Hurtful!

No wonder it’s unsafe to walk the streets, or even be in your home with the doors barred. Many of the people who are supposed to be responsible for the safety and well being of the citizens surely must have gone crazy! Let’s send them home and hire a new crew, please! However, we, the citizens, can’t be considered blameless when we have allowed such to become “common” practice. Shame on us all.

Let us be aware of the purpose of the law, as designed by God:

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, and avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’s sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing (Rom. 13:1-6).

Just the night before I watched a CBS report, showing a man who had been sentenced in 1978 to die, and all these 15 years, a group of people lawyers, men and women had been successful in using all the technicalities of the law to keep that execution from being carried out. They are still working. How much of the taxpayers’ money do you think these lawyers have collected for their years’ effort to obstruct “justice” from being done?

Is There a Solution?

Yes, there is, all spelled out in God’s book. How many are interested? How many are willing to study and apply it? Are we convinced that God’s law is fair, equitable and designed for the good of all people?

The way we view that revelation and apply it in our lives and work toward getting it implemented  tells the story! Beloved, let us work toward climbing out of this dark slimy pit of confusion and destruction. Where do we start? We have the key!

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 10, p. 5
May 19, 1994

By Andy Alexander

“Spend with sense” is the advice given by Hoosier Lottery officials as the Powerball jackpot reaches an estimated 70 million dollars. These officials are afraid that innocent people will be hurt by uncontrolled spending for Powerball tickets. Innocent people include wives and children of gamblers who suffer because the weekly pay-check is spent for a chance to strike it rich at the state’s lottery window. There are many who play the lottery even though they do not have enough money to provide their families with the necessities of life; so the warning is sent out to those who play to “spend with sense,” while at the same time enticing ads are aired which promote the lottery as the place to hit it big and solve all of your money problems.

The commercials that appear on television in Kentucky that encourage its citizens to gamble imply that everyone is a winner. People are pictured buying lottery tickets and just having a good time while the winning number is announced. Those who do not win the jackpot do still win, because the state is enriched with the rest of the money the losers lost, and the state will certainly use that money to benefit its citizens.

It ironic that a state would spend money to promote gambling, and then spend additional money encouraging people to be careful how much they spend. The state of Indiana is spending $25,000 in an advertising campaign to encourage spending with sense, while spending much more than that showing all the benefits of playing the lottery and picturing everyone as the winner. If everyone is a winner, then the more everyone spends, the more everyone wins. However, the truth is, everyone is a loser.

Gambling produces nothing. There are no products or services rendered that benefit mankind. The only products of gambling are abused wives and children, debts incurred that cannot be repaid, theft and crimes of various sorts, and honest, hard working citizens that must foot the bill for the losses.

Gambling violates several principles in God’s word and violation of God’s word always brings heartaches. God has ordained that man should work in order to provide the necessities of life (Gen. 3:19; Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:10-11). The gambler wants to hit it big, quit his job, and sit back and take it easy. This individual appears to be a distant relative of the rich man in Luke 12:16-21 who had a bountiful crop and he told his soul, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry” (Lk. 12:19). This parable was told immediately after the warning to “beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk. 12:15).

Covetousness is one of the driving forces behind gambling and those who harbor it in their hearts have no “inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Eph. 5:5).

Paul instructs Timothy concerning the danger of riches and of the desire to have riches. “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:9-10). A quick look into the life of those who gamble will prove the truth of this passage.

The degree to which one participates does not change the fact that sin is involved. Bingos and raffles for charity, just a few lottery tickets, just one dollar in a football pool at work, or a two dollar bet at the track all violate the word of God. Christians must “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11). We must also abide by the golden rule which says, “There-fore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matt. 7:12).

Let us be separate from those of the world and “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 10, p. 11
May 19, 1994