Truth Magazine

By Bruce Craig

There is a great deal of misunderstanding concerning homosexuality these days. There are those who say homosexuals were made such by God. They say they are homosexuals by birth and they have no choice in the matter. There are those who say homosexuality is natural, just another lifestyle, and all should accept it as such. The misunderstanding is so great that even churches are preaching acceptance and tolerance, even to the extent that some denominations are ordaining homosexuals to their priest-hoods, pastorates, and ministries.

What is the truth about homosexuality? Where can we find the truth? The truth is not found in the opinions of men. Neither is it found in the philosophies and doctrines of man-made religion. But instead, the truth is found in the Word of God. A more accurate way of saying it is this: the Truth is the Word of God. “Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17).

What does God’s Word say about homosexuality? I refer you to Romans 1:26-27. “For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due.” We can learn several truths from this text about homosexuality.

1. Homosexuality is a vile passion. It is not an honor. It is not something that should be respected. It is an affection or desire that is dishonorable. No one should be proud of committing this sin. Instead, it should cause shame and embarrassment.

2. Homosexuality is not natural. The natural and proper sexual relationship is a man and a woman who have been joined together as husband and wife for the rest of their lives. In the beginning, when God created man, he made a help meet for him. This help was a woman, not another man. Read Genesis 2:18-24. It is unnatural for a man to have sexual relations with another man. It is also unnatural for a woman to have sexual relations with another woman. As our text said, it is “that which is against nature.”

3. Homosexuality is a result of lust. Our text said that the men “burned in their lust one toward another.” They were not born homosexuals. God did not make them homosexuals. They become homosexuals as a result of their lust. Their actions are a result of their desires. It is a choice that is made by those who give in to these evil desires. James tells us, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man: but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed” (Jas. 1:13-14).

4. Homosexuality is unseemliness and error and those guilty will receive punishment. Our text said they were “working unseemliness” and they were “receiving in them-selves the recompense of their error which was due.” Homosexuality is not the proper way to live and act. It is sin against God. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 it is described as unrighteousness. And we are told that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Sodom, Gomorrah and the cities of the plain were destroyed because of this very thing. Those who are guilty suffer greatly because of their sin.

5. Homosexuality can be forgiven. This is the good news. In John 8:32 Jesus said, “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The truth can make anyone free from his sin, including the one who is guilty of homosexuality. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, after pointing out some people who are unrighteous, including homosexuals, Paul said, “And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.” It does not matter what sins a person has committed, he can be washed, sanctified, and justified. This refutes another misunderstanding concerning homosexuality. Some say a homosexual cannot change. But in Corinth, there were homosexuals who changed. Paul said, “and such were some of you.” They believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. They repented of their sins (changed) and they were baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of the sin.

If you are guilty of homosexuality, I urge you to be washed, be sanctified, be justified, and quit this sinful practice.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: No 21, p. 15
November 4, 1993

By Larry Ray Hafley

There is a new breed of critics. Unlike the complainers of the past, these critics are members of the church. This is not a new phenomenon.

And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage (Exod. 6:9).

But the Egyptians pursued after them. . . . And when.. . the children of Israel lifted up their eyes. .. they were sore afraid: and. . . cried out unto the Lord…. Wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us… ? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness (Exod. 14:8-12).

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron. . . and. . . said unto them, Would to God we had died. . . in the land of Egypt (Exod. 16:2,3).

And the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou has brought us up out of Egypt to kill us? (Exod. 17:3)

And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord … and his anger was kindled. . . Moses heard the people weep… and the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased (Num. 11:1, 10).

And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried … And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said.. Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? Were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said to one another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt (Num. 14:1-4).

“Shall We Return To Egypt?”

There are trials, troubles and tribulations in the church today  “without were fightings, within were fears” (2 Cor. 7:5). Local churches face problems and challenges of all kinds. There is fussing, fighting and feuding which frustrates the faithful. There is injustice  unfairness and unkind words and deeds at times abound. There are wraths, strifes, heresies, quarrels. There is envy, jealousy, gossip, ill will, evil speaking and evil surmisings. Brethren do “bite and devour one another” (Gal. 5:15). There are disgruntled disciples and belligerent brethren. There are false doctrines promoted by false brethren and false teachers. There are divided brethren and churches split asunder. The devil never sleeps; his demons (the two-legged variety) do his bidding.

Shall we return to Egypt? Shall we fold our tents, find a juniper tree and sit down with Elijah? Shall we mope and moan, gripe and groan?

Some would return to Egypt by changing the church. In coming sections of this series, we shall confront and challenge their changes. Presently, however, in the chart on page seven, we notice that there were sins and errors in the first century. There were inconsistencies and incongruities. Truly, “there is nothing new under the sun.”

Were there sinful, marital situations in the churches of the New Testament age? Certainly, there was (1 Cor. 5). What was the solution? Was marriage disdained and discredited? No (Heb. 13:4). Was God’s law regulating the honorable state of marriage softened and altered to fit the immoral lifestyles of contemporary culture? No, rather, men were instructed “in righteousness” (I Thess. 4:3-5; 2 Tim. 3:16). Men in the lusts of the flesh clamour for the gospel of accommodation. Men in trust of the Spirit call for the gospel of revelation. Today, when men see marital malfunction, they often seek to revise God’s laws in order to make them more acceptable, more palatable to men of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth. That was not done in the New Testament, and it should not be done today.

Were there sinful, corrupt elders in the churches of the New Testament? Yes (1 Tim. 5:19, 20). Paul prophesied that certain elders would “arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29). What was the solution? Was it to deny the divine “office of a bishop” (I Tim. 3:1)? Was it to refuse to “ordain elders” (Titus 1:5)? No, despite the arrogance and apostasy of some, despite the ineptitude and incompetence of others, scriptural, godly elders were not disavowed. It was not done then, and it should not be done now.

When the poor were cared for, was there a case of covert covetousness? Remember Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)? Did the apostles see that sin might occur in attempts to relieve the needs of brethren and “close down shop,” refusing all such future ventures? Obviously, they did not (Rom. 15:25-27). When things go awry, when essentially good men do evil things, should we cease to do right, and return to Egypt? Be not dismayed. Be not surprised. Some will point out sin and inequity, and will try to turn us from that which is right. Do not be fooled. Do not compound one sin by committing another. That is what some would have us to do, but the apostles did not follow that course, and neither should we.

Demas was commendably mentioned by Paul (Col.4:14; Phil. 24), but he defected and departed, “having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10). Are all gospel preachers to be viewed with contempt? Is there no such thing as “the work of an evangelist” (2 Tim. 4:5)? There is an old adage, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.” Do preachers cause confusion and division? Sometimes. Do preachers hurt and harm the cause of Christ? Sometimes. Preachers have the proverbial feet of clay. They will fail; they will disappoint you, themselves and the Lord. Should we, therefore, do away with their function in the faith? Answer: “And the things which 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).

Some preachers “make merchandise of you” (2 Pet. . 2:3). Should preachers not be paid? “They which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:14). The Lord’s supper was corrupted. Did they cease breaking bread? Spiritual gifts were misused. The church at Corinth abounded in spiritual gifts, but was filled with carnal greed. Did Paul deny all gifts of the Spirit? Did he see the abuses and tell them to do away with all spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1)? See the scriptures on the chart. Are there corruptions today that need correction? Should we make the necessary repentance and seek to do right, or should we attempt to restructure the church of the Lord (Rev. 22:18, 19)? There are those who would cite sins and seek to turn us from truth. Beware of such men. “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).

Paul reproved and rebuked the doctrinal deviation of Hymanaeus and Philetus (2 Tim. 2:16-18). He documented and specified their false doctrine (“the resurrection is past already”) and told of its effects (“their word will eat as doth a canker [gangrene] . . . and overthrow the faith of some”). Paul fought the sect of circumcision and “gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you” (Gal. 2:5). It was an endless battle, a constant contention.

Do you ever get tired of the arguing and debating that goes on? I do! It never goes away. It is always there. “How long, 0 Lord, holy and true,” how long must we continue “proving and explaining,” reproving and rebuking false doctrine?

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (2 Tim. 4:2-4).

The answer of some is to “cease fire.” Halt the hostilities. Run up the white flag of surrender. When men lose faith in the truth, when they lose confidence in the firm foundation of God, they will not be able to have and hold to a militant spirit. They bend with the winds of change and compromise. Error is not anchored. It may be stubborn and resistant to truth, but it is not anchored, settled. There is a difference. Error sways and bends. It is a chameleon, a kaleidoscope of shifting, variation and equivocation. It is not rooted and grounded as truth is. Error may be adamant, unyielding, but it is not anchored, stable. Do not be confused. You may think that error’s hard headedness is a sign of steadfastness, but it is not so.

There is no substitute for truth. Friendliness and kindness are necessary attributes, but they cannot replace truth (Matt. 7:15). Zeal and good works are essential, but they cannot replace truth (Matt. 7:21-28). Unity and peace are good and pleasant, but they cannot supersede truth (Jas. 3:16; Prov. 11:21). You may worship where there is friendliness, kindness, zeal, enthusiasm; good works, unity and peace, and still go to hell!

Men wrested and twisted the scripture in apostolic days (2 Pet. 3:16). Did the apostles recommend that we do away with scripture in order to avoid this problem? No, of course not. Are there things that are not right today? Are there sins and sorrows? Surely, there are. Do we change the church? Should we substitute human traditions and teachings for the word of God? Few will say, “Yes, that is the answer,” but watch them. There are those who will sell the truth for the temporary comfort of Esau’s mess of pottage. “Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you” (2 Pet. 2:13). In future installments, we shall unmask these men that you may recognize them.

Whats Wrong With the Church of Christ?

BAD: SO, NO:

1. Marriages  I Cor. 5 1. Marriage  I Tim. 5:14?

2. Elders  Acts 20:28-32 2. Elders  Acts 14:23?

3. Help Needy  Acts 5 3. Help  Acts 6; 11:27-30

4. Preachers  2 Tim. 4:10 4. Preacher  2 Tim. 4:5?

5. Pay Preacher  2 Pet. 2:3 5. Pay  I Cor. 9:14?

6. Lords Supper  I Cor. 11 6. Lords Supper  Acts 20:7

7. Use of Gifts  I Cor. 14 7. Gifts  I Cor. 12:31?

8. Doctrine  2 Tim.2:16-18 8. Doctrine  2 Tim. 3:16-4:4?

9. Scripture  2 Pet. 3:16 9. Scripture  1 Pet. 4:11?

By Mike Willis

This is an important question. We have many good friends who are not members of the Lord’s church. We love them and are concerned about their salvation.

Let me define what I mean by the question. A person may have heard someone say, “Good people can be saved anywhere.” While it is true that a person is not saved based on geography, that a person can be saved without reference to whether or not he obeys Christ is not true. What the world defines as a “good person” is not necessarily the one Christ so describes. What this statement affirms is that a person can be saved inside or outside the church. Who said so? How does one know that this is true? The only authoritative source for an answer to this question is the Bible.

Someone else may say, “The church does not save anyone. Therefore, it does not matter which church one joins.” Of course, Christ is the only one to save any person. However, where is the evidence that he will save anyone outside his church?

When we ask, “Can good people be saved out of the church?” we are not asking, “Can a person be saved without joining a denomination?” Most denominations admit that a person can be saved without being a member of their particular denomination. That being true, I would not recommend that anyone ever become a member of any denomination. However, the Lord’s church is not a denomination and a person cannot be saved without becoming a member of it.

What Is The Church?

When a person understands what the church is, he can better tell whether or not he must be a member of it in order to be saved. Here is what the church is:

1. The kingdom of God. The church is identified with the Lord’s kingdom (Matt. 16:18-19). Jesus is the King over this kingdom. There are only two spiritual kingdoms  the kingdom of Satan and the kingdom of Christ. Every man is a member of one or the other of these kingdoms. Paul wrote, “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:12-13). Can a person be saved while a part of the kingdom of Satan? If not, he must become a citizen of the Jesus’ kingdom in order to be saved. But the kingdom is the church. Therefore, a person must be a member of the church to be saved. A person becomes a part of the kingdom of God by being born again (John 3:3,5).

2. The house of God. The church is the house of God. Paul wrote, “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). There are only two spiritual houses. A person is either a child of God or a child of the Devil (Jn. 8:42-44). Can a person be saved with the Devil as his spiritual father? If not, he must be a son of God, a member of the house of God. But the house of God is the church of God. Therefore, a person must be a member of the church to be saved.

3. The called out. The word church is translated from the Greek word ekklesia, a noun which is derived from the preposition ek (out of) and the verb kaleo (to call). The ekklesia is composed of those who have been called out of spiritual darkness, out of the world. Jesus appointed Paul an apostle for the purpose of calling men out of spiritual darkness and into his spiritual light. Paul wrote, “But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou halt seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:16-18). Can a person be saved while in spiritual darkness? Can a person be saved while in the world of sin? If not, he must be called out of sin. The church is simply those who have been called out of sin. Therefore, a person must be a member of the church to be saved.

The Church Is Not the Savior

Lest anyone misunderstand me, let me assure you that the church is not the Savior. The church is composed of those who are saved. The Savior is Christ Jesus our Lord. Those whom he has saved are the church. A person is not saved because of his union with others who have been saved. He is saved by the precious blood of Christ. How-ever, Christ has ordained that those whom he has saved be in the one body, his church (Eph. 2:10).

Conclusion

How does one become a part of the church? Paul wrote, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13). When a person hears the gospel, believes it, repents of his sins, and is baptized in water, the Lord adds him to his church (Acts 2:47). If you have never done these things, you are lost. Like Cornelius, a man may be morally upright, but still he needs to hear words whereby he and his house can be saved (Acts 10:1-2; 11:14). Why not become a Christian today and the Lord will add you to his church?

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: No 21, p. 2
November 4, 1993

By E.J. Ebong

Greetings. It has been in my mind many years back to express my profound gratitude to all churches and individuals who through the love of God have helped Nigeria to share in this great blessing in the kingdom of Christ. Like the Apostle Paul put it, “We are bound to give thanks always to the Father who has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, who has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear son in whom we have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:12-13). I thank God for all of you for the good and faithful men that you supported and sent to us, who with all patience and hard work preached the gospel of Christ and planted churches in different parts of our nation. The Lord has made Nigeria a fertile ground for the gospel of Christ and many who will remain faithful to this call shall be saved eternally. These are your fruits, your joy and crown (Phil. 4:1; 1 ‘Mess. 2:19-20).

Freely we did receive, and freely we must give (Matt. 10:8). Many faithful preachers are doing all they can to teach Nigerian churches as well as individuals to grow and become matured so as to do the same to others who are still in darkness. The Lord will stand with us. Thanks also for the materials, things that you supply to us to make this work a success. Good and honest men are using these things wisely for the purpose they were meant for. Our God is not unrighteous to forget the work and labor of love, which ye have shown toward his name (Heb. 6:10). We are doing all we can in teaching as many to grow to perfection, please pray for us. Remember also our nation as it is facing a difficult time so that God may let peace prevail. May the God of all grace be with you all and continue to bless you and your efforts toward his great name.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: No 21, p. 4
November 4, 1993