Truth Magazine

By Phillip E. Staggs

Many people watched the news with rapt attention for some 51 days while a cult leader, David Howell (David Koresh), the leader of the “Branch Davidian” cult, was in a compound in Waco, Texas with his followers. That confrontation came to an abrupt end on April 19, 1993 when David gave the order to set a fire which resulted not only in his own death, but the deaths of many of his followers.

So many individuals are led astray by charismatic, so-called “religious leaders”; I believe that “religious deceivers” would better describe these individuals, including David Howell. But none the less there are people still willing to follow these nuts. These leaders offer people so much and actually give their followers so little. Promises are made but we can see so clearly that their promises are soon broken. Commonly the damage has been done, and the deception has already taken place to the point that these “religious deceivers” have brain washed their followers or rather their victims; and they never see through the facade.

With so many denominations, religious organizations and cults which deceive their followers into having a false sense of security, it is no wonder people are hesitant about talking to anyone about spiritual matters. I have heard numerous people make remarks such as, “I don’t know what to believe any more.” They wonder, “Can I know the truth?” Friend, yes, you can.

Can We Know the Truth?

Men have a tendency to want to do what seems right to them, to devise new plans, to write creed books. They claim that we need new revelations, doctrines or dogmas. God’s word still says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 10:23 adds, “0 Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”

Now we conclude after reading these verses that since our ways are not God’s ways and the way is not in man to direct his own steps, then naturally we need someone to show us the way. Is there hope for man? Can he know the truth? How can he know? Well, thanks be to God we can know the truth because it is revealed to man in God’s word. John 8:32 says, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” “What is truth?” one asks. “Thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). The Bible is the word of God, the truth, and it is inspired by him. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is give by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” We have all things in the Bible that pertain to “life and godliness” (1 Pet. 1:3). God’s word is complete and we don’t need any new revelations; in fact, Galatians 1:8 reminds, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Revelation 22 makes it perfectly clear that we should not add to or take away from God’s word. Someone says, “Well, Phil, that applies to the prophecy of this book” (Revelation); and yes, that is true but certainly this is applicable to all of God’s word. The old adage that says, “We should speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent,” still holds true today.

God’s word is long lasting. “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away” (Mk. 13:31). “The word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Pet. 1:25). We need no new revelations, doctrine or dogmas. Christ’s will is fully revealed in the New Testament.

Whose Authority?

Cult leaders often claim to have some kind of special authority or to be an authority themselves. The religious world around us which is caught up in denominationalism claims to have authority that they don’t have. “And Jesus came and spoke unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). All power here is literally “all authority” (ASB). If Christ has all authority, how much does that leave for anyone else? When we are honest we can only answer, “None not a bit.” Councils, synods, associations, conventions, and ecclesiastical authorities are sinful and have no authority. Jesus has it all. He expresses it to us today in his word, and we must obey it.

So often people say, “I love the Lord,” with bumper sticker theology. T-shirt slogans and words. But Jesus still says that this is how you prove it  “If ye love me, keep my commandments” On. 14:15). Actions speak louder than words Many may claim to follow Christ and to be doing so much for his cause while Matthew 7:21 says, “Not every-one one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” You can know that you are by looking into the Bible, the truth, and keeping God’s commands, not man’s.

Conclusion

Can we know the truth? We certainly can. The truth does not come from any man but men can know the truth for the truth is revealed in the Bible. Friend, man can even speak the truth as long as he speaks where the Bible speaks and is silent where the Bible is silent. Christ has all authority. Isn’t it time to follow him? Lay aside all human names, creeds, doctrines and practices to follow Christ and his word, so that when this life is over and some day you stand in judgment, you won’t have to hear those sad words, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:23).

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 15, p. 12-13
August 5, 1993

Ron Halbrook has preached a sermon on “Trends Pointing Toward a New Apostasy” some thirty times in gospel meetings around the country since 1989. Copies of tapes have been widely requested and distributed A transcription of the sermon as preached on October 14,1989 at the Hebron Lane Church of Christ in Shepherdsville, Kentucky was published in booklet form by the Guardian of Truth Foundation in July of 1992. The first printing is already sold out and we are already selling the second edition. The response to this material has been overwhelmingly positive.

The booklet on Trends outlines and documents the rise of dangerous trends in the areas of Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage; Drinking from Sectarian and Liberal Wells; False Concepts of Grace and Unity; the Positive Mental Attitude Philosophy a and Worldliness. This sermon analyzes and refutes unscriptural concepts. Brother Halbrook specifies the false theories and doctrines which are being taught, and carefully documents who is teaching them in many cases. This is not a sermon of glowing generalities, but it names just as the apostle Paul and other New Testament preachers did (Acts 13:6-12; 1 Tim. 1:19-20; 2 Tint 1:15; 2:16-18).

Below are some of the reactions of well known and respected brethren, which show that brother Halbrook is not alone in recognizing the dangers which are before us.

“The Very Heart of Our Problems … Today”

It is my feeling that this sermon should be read by every member of the Lord’s church because it hits at the very heart of our problems in the church today.

Ron Halbrook is one of the most able preachers of the gospel in the church today. He is in his forties and in the very prime of his life as a preacher. He loves the Lord, the truth, and his brethren. He is very kind in his presentation of the truth, and is a man of great courage who will not allow error to pass; consequently, he is no stranger to controversy.

It was a great joy to have Brother Halbrook preach in a series of gospel meetings with the Hebron Lane church of Christ October 9-15, 1989. He did an outstanding job of declaring the Old Jerusalem Gospel that week. He had one lesson, we especially wanted elders and preachers to hear, “Trends Pointing Toward a New Apostasy.” We planned this lesson for Saturday evening October 14, and were not disappointed. The church building was filled, with three rows of young people sitting right up at the front. Several elders and preachers were present including two preachers in the area who are editors of papers, brother Connie Adams (editor of Searching the Scriptures) and brother Paul Earnhart (one of the editors of Christianity Magazine).

Brother Halbrook had personally invited brother Earnhart because this lesson included some discussion of the “positive philosophy” in preaching and teaching and in Christianity magazine. Ron and brother Barnhart have been friends for twenty-five years; Ron, having love and respect for brother Earnhart, wanted him to hear the lesson. They had a pleasant and profitable discussion after the lesson during which brother Earnhart told him that he agreed with ninety-eight percent of the lesson, that the two percent he did not agree with was presented in a good spirit, and that the sermon is much needed today. This serves to remind us that brethren can consider controversial subjects, both publicly and privately, when proper attitudes prevail.

The trends that brother Halbrook deals with in this lesson remind me of the trends and practices that were prevalent forty years ago when I first began to preach the gospel. There were many well-defined trends away from the truth back then. Brother W.W. Otey said in a letter to Yater Tant in 1957, “No well-defined trend away from the New Testament order of things has ever stopped till a full apostasy matured.” Brother Otey was right: a full apostasy matured in churches of Christ, and the majority of churches went with the apostasy! The only way to stop apostasy is for preachers and elders to be watchful for any trend that could lead away from the truth, and to make sure that teaching is done to familiarize the people with issues that are troubling churches (Acts 20:31; 2 Tim. 4:5). This is what brother Halbrook does in this sermon; he points out many dangerous trends in the church today, trends that could lead to another apostasy if we do not take heed to his warnings and stop them now!

We need to study God’s word diligently and be watchful day and night so that we can recognize and avoid any trend that might lead us away from the authority of God’s word. Brother Halbrook’s sermon can help us do that. I heartily commend it to you (excerpts from Donald Townsley ‘s “Introduction” to the booklet, Trends Pointing Toward a New Apostasy).  Donald Townsley, Shepherdsville, KY

“Captivating, Perceptive Analysis”

“Trends” is a captivating, perceptive analysis of various attitudes currently prevalent. Once I began reading it (which was very late at night), I did not put it down until completing it. Brother Halbrook will no doubt receive some negative feedback, and some of his warnings will be challenged. However, truth does not fear investigation. Most of us can see the danger when at the precipice of falling, but few detect the danger while still upstream drifting in that direction. This booklet is worthy of serious reading lest we allow trends to develop into full grown apostasy. hope that the booklet will be given widespread distribution.  Robert Hark rider, Orlando, FL

“To Be Forewarned Is to Be Forearmed”

I recently read your booklet “Trends Pointing Toward A New Apostasy. ” The trends you mentioned are real and pose a serious threat to the purity and stability of God’s people.

“To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” I commend the booklet and trust it will have a widespread circulation among our brethren.  Harold Fite, Katy, Texas

“There Is Strength In Knowledge”

The age-old problem continues: the battle between “going onward” and “abiding” (2 In. 9). The devil must undermine Bible authority with whatever device of human wisdom he can employ (2 Cor. 2:1). The danger of “drifting” because of “neglect” is ever-present (Heb. 2:1,3). Here is a booklet, easy to read, that within an hour can profit one greatly by giving him documented cases of attitudes and tactics and means which ultimately produce apostasy. This booklet should be purchased in lots and distributed widely. There is strength in knowledge and this booklet informs!  Bill H. Reeves, New Braunfels, TX

“Explicit But Not Objectionable”

I found the book, explicit but not objectionable. The errors you mentioned are real and need attention. Of course readers will differ in judgment about the precocity or propriety of naming the many persons whom you associated with this or that error.  Robert F. Turner, Burnet, TX

“Trumpet Call to the Watchmen on the Walls of Zion”

Warnings to God’s people about departures from the faith are always in order. While Paul was in Ephesus he ceased not to warn everyone night and day. Moses charged Israel not to add to nor diminish from the word he spoke to them. The reason for this strict adherence to the words of God is given, “so that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God.”

The devil never gives up in his diabolical work of leading people to disbelieve the word of God. The first sin came because Eve believed the word of the devil instead of the word of God. The devil knows he can’t destroy the word of God so he does all in his power to get God’s people to be ashamed of God’s word and thus compromise and corrupt it. One way he does this is by getting God’s people to let up in the spiritual combat. He deplores the fighting spirit and labels it negativism and un-Christian. Yet the fact remains that every inch of ground gained for God is gained by warfare. The people of God are to be militant. There is an unceasing warfare going on for the minds of men.

The Lord doesn’t say that “the weapons of our compromise, or get-along-with-everybody gospel” are not carnal. He said, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to . . . the bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” If that’s legalism, I’m a legalist.

One can perceive the depths of Paul’s love for the truth in his earnest plea, “0 Timothy, guard that which is committed to thy trust.” Years ago J.D. Tant often sounded the familiar words, “Brethren we are drifting. “Ron Halbrook has sounded the trumpet to call the watchmen on the walls of Zion to rally at the place where the breeches are made.

We must be on guard lest there be in any of us an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. Let not man say when he is tempted to leave the ancient order that he is tempted to do so by professed love for God. God never tempts anyone to depart from the faith. But men are drawn away from the truth by their own lusts for popularity and the favor of man. This lust conceived produces sin, and the sin of compromise when it is finished brings forth spiritual death. How can one believe unpopular truth when he seeks the honor of men rather than the honor that comes from God only?

One has said, “The hottest laces in hell are reserved for those who in time of moral (poor spiritual) crisis maintained their neutrality.” Mother warned, “Before you take up with any trend you better see how that trend will end.” No apostasy begins full grown. It begins with the desire to please men, continues in unbelief and erosion of conviction, and ends in a departure from the faith. It leaves one as a mere shell of the power for good he once was and like Samson, “He knows not that the Lord has left him.”

Listen to the words of warning in Rons book and make the proper application in your We. Jack Holt, Sinton, TX

“Should Be Considered Seriously”

Having heard the sermon at Hebron lane which resulted in this booklet, I am glad this material is being given wider circulation. Ron Halbrook has identified some areas of concern which should be considered seriously. Connie W. Adams, Louisville, KY

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 15, p. 16-17
August 5, 1993

By Andy Alexander

Most people engage in some type of travel during their sojourn in this life. It might just be a visit out of town for the weekend with friends or a business trip or an extended vacation in other parts of the country. Whatever type of trip it may be, most people will make some preparation before leaving home.

An avid quail hunter will take care to see that his guns are cleaned and ready for use. He will pack food for his dogs and make sure that they are ready for the hunt. He will allow plenty of time to reach the hunting lease. In fact, he will spend a great deal of time in preparation for a seemingly short period away from home.

Some travelers may not take a great amount of time preparing. They have the attitude that if something is forgotten, it can be obtained later, during the trip. They may not be too enthused about the idea of traveling or it may be that they have not traveled very much and are ignorant about some of the things needed for a trip away from home. Whatever the reason, they are just not pre-pared.

Those reading this likely know where this is leading. We are all going to take a trip some day. We are not sure of the day, but we are sure of the trip. That trip, of course, is the journey beyond this life  the journey to eternity.

The time for preparation is now (2 Cor. 6:2). There are some like the avid quail hunter. They are preparing in this life to make the journey beyond. Others apparently think that if there is an afterlife, they will have the opportunity to purchase what is needed while they are on their way. They will be looking for the corner market that sells righteous lives. Quickly, they will learn that no such store is available.

God has provided us with ample information about our journey to eternity. He has told us how long we will be gone: for eternity (Matt. 25:46). He has revealed to us what we should wear: white robes (Rev. 6:11; 7:9-14). These white robes indicate a righteous life; a life made righteous by being washed in the blood of the Lamb. This clothing is available to all and the price for this clothing has been paid.

The Bible presents two classes of people: the saved and the lost. We could just as well call these the prepared and the unprepared. Each of us chooses one of these two categories to be in. If we were to ask the general population which class they were a part of, the overwhelming response would be the saved class. However, if we were to talk those who claim to be saved, “How do you know you are saved?”; the answer would likely vary with the majority using some kind of subjective reasoning. Their reasons may sound something life this, “I feel it in my heart,” “I just know it,” or “Look at all the good I’ve done,” or they may point to the absence of evil in their life. Few, if any, will pick up a Bible and show with book, chapter and verse the reasons they believe they are saved.

This type of subjective reasoning illustrates how ill-prepared most people are for taking their journey to eternity. This is the most important trip they will ever embark upon and they will not have spent as much time preparing for it as they would if they were going across town.

The true child of God walks by faith (2 Cor. 5:7). Our knowledge is objective, not subjective. Our faith in God and the hereafter is based upon the revealed will of God (Rom. 10:17). The word of God is given so that we can have a real hope and also that we may know that we have eternal life (Heb. 6:19; 1 Jn. 5:13).

We know that we will journey beyond this life (Eccl. 12:7; Heb. 9:27). The time we live in this realm is uncertain (Jas. 4:13-14). We may delay departure through healthy living and exercise, but we are going to travel to eternity: Preparation for this journey is optional. The parable of the ten virgins teaches that we have a choice to make (Matt. 25:1-13). We can make the prudent choice and be ready or we can choose foolishly and be unprepared, but in either case the choice is ours.

Most of us will prepare for a relatively short journey in this life. It would be wise if we would spend this life preparing for the next. The principles in the previous paragraph are reasons why we should not delay our getting ready. Added to those reasons are the people we influence who need to see our good example and hear the same message of preparedness from us.

Yes, there are just two classes of people on this earth: the ready and the not ready, or the saved and the lost. Which class are you in? And, cay you prove it by the written word of God

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 15, p. 13-14
August 5, 1993

By Brooks Cochran

Brethren, my heart’s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge (Rom. 10:12).

Paul, in the verses above, gives his own personal commentary on the attitude of his own people toward Christ and the gospel. He desires Israel’s salvation; but realizes that in their current condition such is impossible. In verse 2 there are two words that I would like to consider and note some relationships that exist between them. The words are “zeal” and “knowledge.”

By “zeal” we mean “to be fervent, ardent”; and by “knowledge,” “to make a thing a subject of observation; hence, to arrive at knowledge of; to attain to a knowledge of” (Analytical Greek Lexicon 181, 155). Zeal for God and a knowledge of him and his will are required of all who wish to be saved (cf. Rev. 3:19; 2 Pet. 1:5; Eph. 5:17).

1. One can have zeal without knowledge. At one time Paul was in this condition. He had a “zeal” for God; i.e. “persecuting the church” (Phil. 3:6; cf. Acts 22:3,4). But he was lacking in “knowledge” regarding Jesus as the Christ of Old Testament prophecy and what he must do to get right with God (Acts 22:7-8,10,12-16).

Many religious people today fall into this category. They manifest much zeal for the false religious systems of which they are a part. Many, no doubt, are very sincere in their belief. But they lack a proper knowledge of God’s word. Sadly, those that remain in this state will be lost (Matt. 15:14).

2. One can have knowledge without zeal. This describes many in the church. They have heard and received God’s word; but like the church at Sardis they “are dead” (Rev. 3:1-3). They do very little work in the local church. To question their faithfulness is an insult and they quickly let the preacher and/or elders know their displeasure. As long as their names are in the directory they are content; and pity the preacher who accidentally misspells or omits their name from the roll! Yet, these individuals are only deceiving themselves. They are in a sinful state and as such will be lost (Jas. 4:17; Rev. 3:16-17).

3. One can have zeal and knowledge. This is the ideal state or condition God expects of his own. These individuals can be depended upon to do whatever work needs to be done. They are busy teaching Bible classes; inviting their lost family and friends to the services; assisting in any work program of the congregation of which they are a part; i.e., they are busy laying up “treasurers in heaven” (Matt. 6:20). By remaining in this state one can look forward to the crown of life which the Lord will give at the last day (2 Tim. 2:4-6; Rev. 2:10).

Which of the above states describes your spiritual condition? If you have zeal without knowledge or have sufficient knowledge but are just lazy (lack zeal), do you intend to make the necessary changes? If not, you will be lost!

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 15, p. 4
August 5, 1993