Truth Magazine

By Peter McPherson

The 30th anniversary of the death of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy was remembered this past November, 1993. To those of us living in 1963 the untimely death of this impressive, energetic, intelligent and youthful man was a hurtful blow. The newscasters’ voices quivered in announcing it, the nation wept and people around the world mourned at this man’s death by the bullet of an assassin.

Re-living the emotions of that time recently via TV programming and newspaper articles made my mind turn to another untimely death, that of my oldest brother “Mac” (Ellsworth Burnice McPherson). August 28, 1993 marked the 20th anniversary of his departure at the early age of 53 (I now realize, for he was two years younger than I am now, the “baby” of a family of 11). His story, if you please, deserves telling.

As all of us who were of age can remember exactly where we were and what we were doing whenever the announcement of Kennedy’s death came, so I remember vividly the same at the news of the sudden death of Mac. That very day we had arrived in the city of Akron, Ohio to begin preaching with the Brown Street Church of Christ. It was late in the afternoon on a very hot day. Our family of five was preparing to bunk down for the night on the carpets (since our furniture had not yet arrived) when the phone rang at the “preacher’s house.” I answered it and Mac’s oldest daughter Marilyn said, “Why did you have to move today . . . my Dad died.” As such had been an awful blow to her, Mac’s wife, the rest of his immediate family, and others, so it was to me and my family. We were stunned. Then my oldest daughter Sherry and I returned to Canada for the funeral. Mac had been suffering from chest pains for a few years and was taking heart medication but no one knew that his leaving would be so imminent. Mac and his wife, Jean, had purchased a restaurant establishment in the city of Port Colborne (he also worked in auto sales in the city). Experiencing rather severe chest pains, he was taken to the city hospital and died almost immediately upon arrival. He had suffered a massive heart attack. As quick as that he was gone. We were not there to hold his hand, to show him our love. We sorrowed.

Mac was in his early forties when he began to think seriously about the state of his own soul and the need for salvation. His total conversion began with an emotional “faith only” doctrine “experience,” then into numerous and sometimes charged studies with an elder in the Lord’s church at Jordan, named Art Corbett (now recently gone to his reward and who had been converted by the late Roy Cogdill many years before). During a period of months over which Mac was learning on the one hand, and “kick(ing) against the pricks” (Acts 9:5) on the other hand, he was led to the repudiation of error, to the repentance of his sins, to the confession of his faith in Christ and to total immersion inwater for the remission of sins. It had been a period over which he agonized deeply and that caused him to wrestle spiritually and mentally night and day. But the clear passages on water baptism and the purpose of immersion (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mk. 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:20-21, etc.,) as well as the exposure of denominational errors, finally persuaded him to “gladly receive the word” and be “baptized” (Ats 2:41).

Mac served in World War II with HMCS. He was on the landing barges which unloaded troops on D-Day, but rarely talked about it. While in the navy he learned diesel mechanics and after the war he worked for a few years at such trades. Then he bought a farm at Lowbanks with Veteran’s aid and over his lifetime he would be owner and part owner in different feed mill operations. He joined the Oddfellows Lodge and would become Head Master of a local Chapter. Mac became interested in local politics and was elected as Reeve of the Township, serving for 4 or 5 terms. His respect and success as a politician, farmer, and business man led to his being nominated for Warden of the County . . . the very same year as his obedience to the Lord and the acceptance of his gospel. As a brother in the flesh, not yet a Christian, I was invited along with many others to the Warden’s dinner. Mac had been a man of the world and I know how much courage it took for him to stand in front of that large audience and say, “Tonight, this is the greatest honour given to me outside of my conversion to Christ.” I am sure that many wondered what had happened to Mac. Many would learn.

Mac quickly learned the New Testament Scriptures and could quote freely passages on the plan of salvation. He immediately went to work on others, especially his own family, his parents and his ten brothers and sisters. How he, with the truth of the gospel, tore our family apart (even as such often does, see Matt.10:34ff)! Another brother and his wife, as well as our parents, were of the Billy Graham “faith only” persuasion and they not only objected very strongly and turned a deaf ear but, through it all, caused some of our other brothers and sisters to turn on him (and later on me and others) as a disturber . . . one that taught “water salvation,” etc. But through it all, truth was victorious.

Mac taught his wife, a daughter and her husband, Marilyn and Peter Minor who today worship with the Jordan church. He turned to his sister Peggy and her husband, Harry Cosby, and converted them (Peggy passed away 4 years ago on the exact same date of Mac’s death and Harry is still a member at Jordan) and then persuaded a brother, Ray, and his wife. He urged his daughter and son-in-law, Peter and Marilyn, to try to convert his youngest brother, Peter and his wife, Judy, which they did. Besides this Mac reached a dying man, Mr. Miller, and saw him baptized into Christ. He was helpful in the conversion of Glen Nichols, taking him fishing so he would be a “captive audience.” Mac did some gospel preaching and after a sermon he preached at Glencoe a lady desired baptism (we carried hot water all afternoon from a house across the road to the meeting house’s broken baptistry!). And there has been that ripple effect on others . . . children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, etc. Rob and Sharon Caldwell who worship with the Wellandport church were obedient as a result of a contact with a nephew of Mac’s. Plus, the number of souls who have been baptized through my ministry of the past 27 years and from my son, Tim’s ministry over the past 5 years. Besides those who have been baptized from those we have baptized, an illustration of which would be that of Fred Brethour, now himself very prematurely deceased, who was converted by my teaching and then later himself went out preaching and converted some at Bracebridge, Ont. Then there is the more recent conversion of my youngest daughter’s husband, Shawn Parks as a result of Dawn’s interest and example. And on it goes. Thanks Mac! For your courage and example. For your study and trials. For your “love for the truth” that caused you untold emotional stress and difficulties. You paved the way and made it much easier for us. As usual, you were the leader.

The Wellandport Church and Mac

It was largely because of Mac and his interest in one area of his former influence that the elders of the church at Jordan and their zealous preacher, Norman Midgette, made plans to start a new church at Wellandport. Mac thought that surely some of his old buddies from the Lodge would attend that first gospel meeting (held right in the Lodge Hall) but not a one of them showed up. Because he obeyed the gospel, I eventually was obedient (as briefly told above) and though someone else might have went, I was sent to Bancroft to work with numerous contacts that had been made by the church at Jordan and their preacher at that time, Norman Midgette. A church was planted there in 1966 and continues to this day. Now I have started a church in the city of Peterborough (Pop. 68,000) as of November, 1992 (with the help of others and the Lord, of course). We have had both restorations and baptisms, and a small but dedicated and growing church exists where there had been none.

Learning the Truth on the “Issues”

Mac became intensely interested in the Lord’s church, its work and organization, etc., and studied “the issues” that were disturbing the Lord’s church everywhere. He sub-scribed to the Gospel Guardian and to the Truth Magazine and profited greatly from the writings of sound men. When the Inman-Willis debate on institutionalism took place in Parkersburg, W.Va., he, with some others, drove there to “hear both sides.” For him it was clear who had the truth and he wanted to stand with nothing but the truth. (Remember, this man had left his mother, father, and much family for the gospel’s sake and would from henceforth let nothing sway him that was not the plainly revealed gospel truth.) Mac would have loved to become a full-time evangelist himself, but circumstances would not have it. How very happy he was to see his youngest brother become a gospel preacher.

Mac loved to hear the pure gospel preached by sound men of ability and he had little regard for the soft-soap peddlers of the word. He enjoyed reading my articles in a weekly paper, especially whenever I would hit hard on denominational error or got a response from someone who had been “cut to the heart.” Mac was very straightforward. Moreover, though he had not been a child of God for many years, he took courage in the word of God and would confront anyone, even denominational preachers and erring preaching brethren. I well remember the night that he, after hearing that a Nazarene preacher would be at our home that night, dropped every-thing and immediately drove “furiously” some 20 miles to be at our home to confront him. The preacher could not with-stand Mac’s ability and passages on the need for baptism in the plan of salvation. He left shaking and embarrassed. Later that very night Judy and I were baptized into Christ.

Mac’s love for the truth cost him dearly. He had been a Past Master in the Oddfellows Lodge and a member of that institution for years. When he became a Christian he gave all that up immediately and severed lifetime associations. Mac had been a regular man of the world but he left that lifestyle for the Lord and the family of God. Mac had enjoyed the political life and the associates that go with it, but he severely dampered that. Mac so loved his parents and he cared for his brothers and sisters in the flesh but that would change somewhat as they shut him off from any meaningful spiritual discussions. Still, he would have the family in for a get together from time to time at his restaurant.

Mac had his imperfections. He seemed to have lost some of his zeal and enthusiasm. Perhaps this was due to the rather great success of his earlier efforts in the gospel and now the reality of less and much slower results. His health had been failing for years … much more than many of us realized and he still had the work and stress of his restaurant and obligations. But Mac had also become more gentle and communitive. A closer relationship developed with a son than they had not had before. He also had time for the small things like feeding the backyard squirrels from his hand, and for special attention to his youngest, a ten-year-old daughter, Cindy.

“My Brother, Mac,” . . . quite a fellow, eh? He has gone on and his final reward will be up to the Lord. Some of those converted over the years have fallen away but only eternity will reveal just how many made it to heaven and how many had an opportunity to be there because of him. How he desired for his family and others to be Christians and Christians only . . . to be saved from sin and its consequences … to live a righteous life and to have a living hope of heaven based upon God’s eternal word and his promises.

However great Kennedy was … and of course he was in his own rights, my brother Mac, according to God’s way of looking at things, accomplished so much more “through Christ” to God’s own “glory and honour.” As I left from viewing his body the day of the funeral, I instinctively whispered to him in my usual farewell manner, “Well, I’ll see ya Mac.” We certainly hope so.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 6, p. 16-17
March 17, 1994

By Steven Wallace

Many people are enamored with positive speech and preaching that is only positive. Because of the nature of the latter, it offends almost no one. In fact, most people enjoy it. Positive preaching’s general acceptability can be seen in that one could take many positive sermons and preach them with little or no alteration at different denominations. In fact, it is my conviction that positive speech blurs the differences that exist between people with different beliefs and those in different religions. As our title states, it is the language of ecumenism.

Some Consequences in the Churchof “Emphasizing the Positive”

What will happen if churches of Christ use “the language of ecumenism”? We offer the following suggestions:

1. Error will not be rebuked (2 Tim. 2:24-26; 4:1-4). If we concentrate only on the “positive aspects” of erring brethren, we will not rebuke their error as the Bible teaches.

What Is Ecumenism?

Ecumenism is defined as “the principles or practice of promoting cooperation or better understanding among differing religions” (Webster). An example of ecumenism is a base chapel. Baptists, Christian Scientists, Methodists, Catholics, Mormons and other denominations often “cooperate” (above definition) in common efforts in base chapels and work as a team. This is ecumenism.

2. Our sole standard of conduct will cease to be the New Testament (Heb. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). If we tailor our teaching to accommodate erring brethren, what we teach and practice will be influenced by men rather than by the Bible alone. The pleas to go back to the Bible and “speak as the oracles of God” will thus be compromised (1 Pet. 4:11).

3. Unworthy examples will be commended (Gal. 2:11-14; 2 Jn. 9-11). If we, through our “positive approach,” fellowship those whom we should with-stand, we will be upholding them (cf. 1 Cor. 5; 2 Thess. 3:6; Rev. 2:14-16).

The Language Of Ecumenism

How do people who accept ecumenism justify trying to get those of other religions to unite with them in working towards a common goal? They have often argued for such cooperation by emphasizing the “things that we agree on” and ignored real differences that exist. Though Baptists believe in baptism by immersion and Catholics say that sprinkling is baptism, they can cooperate by emphasizing their “common ground.” In spite of the fact that the various religions of our world are divided by their very names and practices, they can work together if they minimize such differences and maximize points of agreement. This shows us that positive speech is the oil for ecumenical machinery. If, by contrast, such religions discussed the things about which they disagreed they would be “talking negative.”

4. An environment will be created wherein it is impossible to discuss religious differences (Acts 1 5:1 ff,17:11-12). In order for conversion from sin to righteousness to take place one must of necessity learn of his error and repent of it (Acts 8:18-22; Jas. 5:19-20). Negative teaching is needed to convict one of his sins.

5. The door will be opened to further compromise (Gal. 5:9; 2 Tim. 3:13). Who can predict the further errors that brethren might embrace through the “positive approach”? After all, ecumenism is the way to “cooperation . . . among differing religious faiths” (Webster).

Some New Testament Christians have been known to use the “positive speech approach” to unite with other baptized believers in spite of such differences as the use of instrumental music in worship, unauthorized use of church funds, modernism, errors on divorce and remarriage, etc. Such unity in diversity is aided by brethren who “keep things positive” and stress “the things that we agree on.”

Conclusion

The kind of positive speech we have described herein will bring about unity-in-diversity similar to that found in the modern ecumenical movements in the denominational world. The “keep it positive approach” leads away from unity in the Truth and towards unity with error. This is the essence of ecumenism.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 6, p. 18
March 17, 1994

By Connie W. Adams

It is urgent that congregations develop and maintain a good program for teaching the Bible to all age levels. Some congregations work very hard at this while others drift from quarter to quarter or year to year with no well defined goals and little attention to obtaining those goals. The primary objective in every Bible class should be the instruction of every student in the knowledge of the word of God. Methods are important but whatever they may be, they must all serve that over-riding objective.

We have just completed a three month study for teachers at Manslick Road in Louisville. Phillip Mullins and I worked together in teaching this. We had a very good interest sustained throughout the study. As a study guide we used the booklet Teaching: The Heart of the Matter by John A. Smith. It contains 13 lessons and was written by a faithful gospel preacher who has had several years experience in public school teaching. Brother Smith preaches now in Winchester, Kentucky and also teaches school there. He has also been able to make two trips to Russia where he has been allowed to teach the Bible to high school and university students. Having used this material I am glad to recommend it to any congregation wanting to improve Bible class teaching at all levels.

This booklet is only one of a growing list of useful study booklets for classes published by Guardian of Truth. Here are a few others you might consider:

Revelation: A Message From Patmos by Weldon E. Warnock Show Thyself a Man by Herschel Patton (a study of the role of men in society)

Lilies of the Field by Fay Mobley (a study of the role of women in society)

Church History by Aude McKee

Mike Willis has authored a growing list of study books for high school and adult classes. I have taught his material of Proverbs. It is excellent. He also has one on Genesis, Exodus, Ecclesiastes. We have also recently published an excellent study book: Preparing to Teach Our Neighbors by Max Tice. All of these and more can be ordered from: Edited for out-dated information

Sincere Teachers of Error

I keep hearing brethren refer to 2 Peter 2 in dealing with the question of false teachers. That passage certainly provides much help on the subject. But the impression is being left by some that a brother cannot be a false teacher unless he demonstrates the qualitities of dishonesty, and malicious misleading with which Peter so forcefully dealt. But it is not possible for a brother to use his influence to lead people astray while having pure motives? When Paul reviewed his past, including the time he persecuted Christians, he said, “I have lived in all good conscience until this day” (Acts 23:1). He also said, “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth, which thing I also did” (Acts 26:9-11). He was sincerely wrong and the suffering this brought upon the persecuted Christians was just as severe as it would have been had he acted from malicious motives. 2 Peter 2 needs to be studied on this subject, but it is not all the word of God has to say on the subject. Motives aside, where does the teaching lead those influenced by it? What does it prompt them to do? What are the eternal consequences of putting the teaching to practical use?

While We Were Yet Sinners

It is a continuing sauce of amazement that God loved us when we were not lovely or lovable and that Christ died for us when we were yet sinners. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now am found

Was blind, but now I see.”

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 7, p. 3-4
April 7, 1994

By Norman E. Fultz

It has been said of Abraham that one could trace his paths by the altars he built. And another writer stated, “It is often said of Abraham and the patriarchs that they built altars to the Lord; it is never said they built houses for themselves.”

The altar, from a word meaning “place of slaughter,” in the period of the patriarchy was the center of family worship, being the place of sacrifice and devotion to God. While the altar built by Noah after the flood (Gen. 8:20) is the first recorded reference to an altar, it cannot be doubted that some type of an altar was surely involved in the sacrifices of Cain and Abel (Gen. 4:3-4). That the expression “calling on the name of the Lord” has reference to worship at the altar seems apparent from Genesis 13:4 which tells of Abram’s returning from Egypt to Bethel “to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there, Abraham called on the name of the Lord.” This considered, when in the days of Enos it is said, “then began men to call on the name of the Lord” (Gen. 4:26), may we not safely infer that reference is made to an altar and its sacrifices, not just to a verbal invocation. Even in the New Testament to “call upon the name of the Lord” signifies complying with his directions as to worship and obedience (Rom. 10:13; Acts 9:4; 22:16). So also, Abraham at Beersheba is said to have “called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God” (Gen. 21:33); and in view of his previous practice of altar building, it is reasonable to assume that it implies that also at Beersheba an altar was built and sacrifice offered.

Let’s look at Abraham’s altars. We are all familiar with the Abraham’s commission from God (Gen. 12:1-3). Stephen recounts it thusly: “Men and brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him, `Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell” (Acts 7:2-4). When Abram arrived in Canaan at Sichem, after the Lord again appeared to him saying, “To your descendants I will give this land”; and of Abraham it is related, “And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him” (Gen. 12:7). Then upon moving south to near Bethel he again “built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord” (Gen. 12:8). After his sojourn in Egypt, necessitated by the famine in Canaan, he came back to the altar site near Bethel, “And there Abram called on the name of the Lord” (Gen. 13:4). Further, when he and Lot had separated and Abram moved to the region of Hebron, he “built an altar there to the Lord” (Gen. 13:18). And asnoted above, he apparently later built one near Beersheba. Yet one other time is it recorded that Abraham built an altar. While he was still in the land of the Philistines, God tested him, telling him to go to Moriah and offer Isaac for a burnt offering. Upon their arrival, “Abraham built an altar there” (Gen. 22:9).

That Abraham was a man of great faith there is no doubt. Scripture so attests (Heb. 11:8-10, 17; Rom. 4). But that he made serious mistakes is also shown by Scripture, especially in two incidents involving Sarah. The first incident was with Pharaoh while in Egypt (Gen. 12); and the next, about twenty years later, an identical situation with Abimelech when they were dwelling in Gerar in the region of Kadesh and Shur-Beersheba (Gen. 20).

When we go back and look at Abraham’s journey and his altar building following significant events in his life, we become impressed with two times when no reference is made to his having built an altar after a major change in conditions. When he went to Egypt, nothing is said of his building an altar there; and that is the first time he prevaricated regarding Sarah. When he went to Gerar in the region of Kadesh and Shur, nothing is said of his building an altar. And he again he practiced deception when Abimelech, king of Gerar “sent and took Sarah” (Gen. 20:2). It was only after this incident and one involving a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had taken from Abraham’s herdsmen that the record tells us that “Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God” (Gen. 21:33). After the encounter with Pharaoh, Abraham was expelled from Egypt. They “sent him away, with his wife and all that he had” (Gen. 12:20). He returned to the place of his altar between Bethel and Ai (Gen. 13:3-4). It was after his successfully making a treaty with Abimelech that in Beersheba he “called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God” (21:33).

Is it without significance that the two incidents that besmear the otherwise unblemished character of Abraham occurred in places where he had built no altar? And is there a lesson in this for us?

When are we likely to be the most vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one? When are we most likely to fall before the fiery darts of the wicked? Is it not when we have left or failed to build an altar or to offer upon it? Oh, I don’t mean literally, but figuratively. When we have left the altar of reading the Word. When we have left the altar of prayer. When we have left the altar of consistently assembling with the saints where we can encourage one another and provoke one another unto love and good works? Oh yes, there have been some instances in which some have been found in great sin while never having absented themselves from the assemblies. But what about their private devotions of reading and prayer? Had they left them?

Yes, we can trace Abraham’s steps by the altars he built. And we can also find him in trouble when he was far removed from his altars. Let us take heed.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 6, p. 14
March 17, 1994