Truth Magazine

By Paul C. Keller

Inasmuch as Jesus died for all (Heb. 2:9) and God would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4), it is tragic that any should be lost. Yet, the Bible teaches that many will be lost (Matt. 7:13-14; 22:14). Included among the lost will be many people who had greater opportunities, and hence, greater responsibilities than others. Jesus indicated that “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required” (Lk. 12:41-48), and Peter wrote of some that “it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them” (2 Pet. 2:20-22). Tragic, indeed, is the case of a person who has had greater opportunities to learn God’s will  and who has learned it  then rebels against it and deliberately walks in disobedience to it, defying the authority of, and willfully pursuing a course known to be contrary to the will of Almighty God! Read Hebrews 10:26-31  carefully and thoughtfully.

Human beings are prone to categorize sins, regarding some greater or lesser than others, and having done this they excuse themselves for the practice of those sins they have decided are lesser sins  even deciding that the practice of these is of no consequence in their proper relationship with God. But, all sin is serious. It separates men from God (Isa. 59:1,2) and will bar one’s entrance into eternal glory (Rev. 21:27). Even one sin is to be regarded as significant and important (Jas. 2:10; Gal. 5:1-4). Hence, all accountable per-sons need forgiveness. Forgiveness is available only to those who will obey Christ (Matt. 7:21; Rom. 6:16-18; Heb. 5:8,9; Rev. 22:14, etc.). Repentance is ever involved in the obedience the Lord requires (Lk. 13:3; Acts 8:22; 17:30; Rev. 2:5; 2:16; 2:22; 3:3,19, etc.). Whatever the sin, one must repent and turn from it. How dare one go on in impenitent disobedience to God?

One of the sins that some seem to regard lightly and of little consequence is that of being a busybody. Mark it  and mark it well  the practice of being a busybody is sinful! The busybody is a sinner! Such persons need forgiveness, which means that she/he needs to repent and cease the practice!

That being a busybody is a very real and serious danger is evidenced by the fact that New Testament writers warn against it. To Christians Peter wrote, “Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters” (I Pet. 4:15). While we recognize the sinfulness of murder, theft and evildoing, how many consider it sinful to be a busybody? Yet, Peter warns against this right along with these other sins. While a Christian is to be concerned with the spiritual welfare of others there are many things which are one’s own business, and with which others have no right to meddle. To be a busybody is to seek to be “the overseer of another’s matters not within his province.” This, the Christian is warned against.

Yes, a Christian is to be actively concerned with the spiritual welfare of others. He is to be watchful for his brethren and “if any. . .err from the truth” he is to try to “convert him” (Jas. 5:19-20). If a brother is “overtaken in a fault” he is to “restore such an one in the spirit of meekness,” at the same time considering himself lest he also be tempted (Gal. 6:1). Christians are to “exhort one another daily” (Heb. 3:13), and are to “warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” (1 Thess. 5:14). But, a Christian is not to be a busybody. She/he must recognize that there are some personal affairs of others which are none of her/his business! And a Christian should not “poke her/his nose” into such business of others!

Idlenss is a stepping-stone to meddlesomeness. It is often true that those who have the least business of their own to attend to are the ones who are so “nosey” about the business of others. Thus, Paul counseled that younger widows should “marry, bear children, guide the house.” Unless busy with these worthwhile things “they learn to be idle wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not” (I Tim. 5:13,14). This principle which is recognized in the Scriptures is also borne out by observation. The woman who spends excessive time on the telephone, maintaining contacts to pry into the personal affairs of others, is never known as a good housekeeper, cook, seamstress, etc. She and her husband will probably “eat out” for several meals each week at the restaurants, cafeterias, or the fast food outlets. Often, this serves as a double purpose  it gives them more time to maintain their “telephone network” and provides them additional opportunities to hear the latest gossip, so they can enlarge their nefarious practice of being busybodies “in other men’s matters.” Possibly one of the reasons why older women are so often busybodies is that they are no longer occupied with the responsibilities of former years, when their children were at home and they were busy attending the needs of a growing family (although we know some women who were busybodies during all those years as well!). A lack of duties to occupy their time, as was formerly true, may also be a reason why so many older men are busybodies  but, of course, some of them were busybodies even then. But the sin of being busybodies is not confined to older men and women. It is altogether too prevalent among those who are younger. And idleness is a factor which so often contributes to it. But, regardless of age, it is wrong to be a busybody. It is sinful  and one should repent and cease the practice.

Peter indicates that one’s being a busybody brings “suffering” upon himself (1 Pet. 4:15). And surely, this is the case! Nor do we question the justice of it. The busybody suffers the loss of respect of other people. She/he experiences the bitterness of loneliness  of feeling “left out”  because their meddlesomeness quite naturally causes others to shrink from their company. And while such people may blame others, they brought it on themselves! Some-one has well said: “One who is too wise an observer of the business of others, like one who is too curious in observing the labor of bees, will often be stung for his curiosity.”

Are you a busybody? If so, you are a sinner. The busy-body who does not repent, cease the practice, and comply with God’s conditions for forgiveness is as sure of hell as if she/he were already there! This is a blunt statement. It is plain. And it is the truth! Someone has said: “no man ever pries into another man’s concerns, but with a design to do, or to be able to do him a mischief.” This, the Christian must not do.

One can more readily recognize this sin in others than in himself. Each of us needs to make a personal self-examination  and eliminate every vestige of this sin from his life. And each of us needs to heed the counsel of the apostle Paul, “And that ye study to be quite, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands” (I Thess. 4:11). To this end may God bless us.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 12, p. 4-5
June 17, 1993

By Burl Young

The tragedy which occurred in Waco, Texas is indeed a terrible thing. The loss of innocent children, misplaced adoration, and the pain that all of them must have endured was surely horrendous. When we see or hear of such happenings, it is only normal to second guess the authorities, and to be upset at such happenings. However, there is something that occurs every day that is much worse than this tragedy. The loss of souls to fanatics and false teachers in a spiritual sense. This article will deal with this issue.

The loss of a soul is worse than a physical death. Jesus said, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Should we not be even more disturbed that false teachers are leading countless millions down the broad way to the fires of Hell?

What should be the punishment of a man that allowed innocent children to die? We might quickly answer that he deserves the worst possible punishment. Some of us might be willing to administer the death penalty to such a man if the law determined it to be needed. Yet, oftentimes we let false teachers and preachers go unopposed in the spiritual realm. Could it be that we are not seeing the real problem? The real problem is the salvation of souls rather than the preservation of our physical bodies.

False Teachers Are Supposed To Be Confronted

Again, whether you agreed with the tactics of the authorities in Waco or not, rest assured they realized the problem would not go away on its own. The same can be said of false teachers. Paul said when speaking of the gain-sayers in the book of Titus, “Whose mouths must be stopped.” The Apostle was pointing out that the duty of an elder in the Lord’s church was to make sure that error was con-fronted. Leaving error alone is not what God wants.

Our weapons are not carnal. In the second Corinthian let-ter, Paul asserts that our weapons are not fleshly ones, as were used in Waco, but rather we are in a spiritual battle that must be won. Christians are not only to be confrontational, but also to use the right weaponry. The word of God will cast down imaginations (false doctrines) and win every battle (2 Cor. 10:5). However, we Christians must be willing to use the weaponry that God has assigned to this war. The gospel is still God’s power to save men from the fires of hell (Rom. 1:16).

The Soul More Important Than The Body

Man just can’t seem to grasp this important point. Most churches have been overtaken by the desire to cater to the needs of the physical body, rather than the needs of the soul. I am sorry to say that even churches of Christ have joined in the rush to capture the body and push the spiritual needs of man to the back burner. For instance, the social gospel is plaguing us. Many churches of Christ in this area are picking up debris along the roadside trying to enhance the beauty of the highway system, and allowing little or no attention to be given to spiritual needs. The gospel is the only power that will save us from hell. Therefore, we should be more attentive to the holy highways that we are to trod instead of the interstate system.

A neglect of our spiritual well being has also come to the church of Christ because of our incessant desire to be like the religious world around us. Will we adopt the philosophy that the Grand Avenue Baptist Church here in Fort Smith adopted when it showed the Super Bowl Game live on a large screen television accompanied by hot dogs and cokes during their Sunday evening service?

It is evident that we are overcome by the desires of the physical body. When tragedy occurs that kills the body we are rightfully incensed. But, dear friends, the real tragedy is the loss of millions to false teachers every day that we live.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 12, p. 7
June 17, 1993

By Connie Adams

In the March 4, 1993 issue of Guardian of Truth I wrote an article entitled “Serious Charges” which dealt with a report sent out to part of the mailing list of Christianity Magazine. In that article I made the following statement:

Yet, all that is on the record in Christianity Magazine about brother Hailey and his position is a defense of his personal integrity (which nobody has ever disputed), severe criticisms of those who have publicly opposed what brother Hailey has publicly taught, and a door left open in the series on fellowship to accept and use brethren who give their encouragement to those in adulterous marriages. That is exactly where the record stands in that magazine and it is not irresponsible to state that fact.

It should be pointed out, in all fairness, that there was a special issue of Christianity Magazine edited by Paul Earnhart which dealt with the position of brother Hailey, though it made no reference to his name, and which also examined and refuted the position advocated by Jerry Bassett and others on the subject of marriage, divorce and remarriage, though their names were not mentioned either. Brother Earnhart himself wrote two of the articles in that special issue on this matter and other very good articles were carried as well. My objection to brother Ed Harrell’s article in defense of brother Hailey still stands. He did make unbrotherly charges which have not been corrected to this day. Also, the criticism of the series on fellowship, specifically what was said in application of Romans 14, still stands.

We do not mean to misrepresent anyone, much less brethren whom we love. It is a fact that this initial report was sent out whether or not it was intended to be sent. A number did read it. The report did contain serious charges and insinuations against unnamed brethren. If the report was sent by mistake and without the full approval of the editors, then that is all very well. If a different statement was drafted and approved by all the editors (which did appear in the January issue of Christianity Magazine), then that is good, even though the revised report still contained some strong references to unnamed brethren. But, mistake or not, the initial rough draft was sent out to a good many readers and it did make the statements to which we referred in our article. What would help would be for the editors to simply forward a statement of apology to the readers who received the first report. Had that been done, I would never have written my article. In fact, I delayed the writing of the article in hope that such action would be taken.

We certainly do not wish harm to the editors of Christianity Magazine and deeply regret the feelings of resentment and suspicion toward some of the brethren which I believe that initial report indicated.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 12, p. 3
June 17, 1993

By Paul J. Casebolt

David L. Joy, of Paden City, West Virginia, was born into this present world July 6, 1953. After nearly 40 years, the spirit left his earthly tabernacle on April 12, 1993. In biblical history, several important events were circumscribed by a 40-year span. Our Savior lived upon this earth only 30-odd years, yet he finished a work which has impacted our lives for time and for eternity On. 17:1-4).

In contemporary times, with regard to both secular and church history, scarcely would you find a life such as the life of David Joy, which has had such an influence for good in such a short time. And that is because the life of David Joy was patterned after the life of Christ.

A few months after David was born in 1953, a daughter was born to Paul and Virginia Casebolt at Fairmont, West Virginia. In the 1960s, Patty Jo and David met in Paden City, were married, and had three children Jeremy, Jennifer, and Micah. This family personified the Bible relation-ship of husband and wife, parents and children.

In October of 1984, after an unexpected viral illness, David received a heart transplant at the age of 31. For the next eight and one-half years, David would experience countless hospital visits of varied lengths, tests, tubes, biopsies, catherizatons, and the daily intake, reaction, and interaction of several post-transplant drugs. And besides all of the physical and mental stress which would accompany such traumatic experiences and intrusions, there was the continual burden of medical bills above and beyond what his insurance would pay. And the continual avalanche of even the insurance-related bills and forms would have been sufficient to drive weaker individuals to despair, if not insanity. But David and his family were not weak.

If this report ended here, the stranger would conclude that the last eight years of David’s life were ones of total misery both for himself, his family, and all of those around him. But such was not the case. David made certain of that, and did so to the very end.

David and I enjoyed a relationship which went far beyond that of father-in-law/son-in-law, and I think that I can objectively assess his situation, his life, and some of his emotions. I was with David before, during, and after his first transplant. I say first, for he had been on the list for a second transplant which never materialized.

During those weeks in the fall of 1984, Daivd’s faith, hope, courage, and patience amazed me, humbled me, and sometimes shamed me. As we talked in the late-night hours of life, death, and eternity, his vital signs would stabilize as I watched the monitors above his bed. The nurses in ICU were watching the monitors at their station, and marveled at David’s positive attitude. For eight and one-half years, when folks asked David how he felt; his answer was, “Pretty good.”

Oh, David had his moments, even hours and days of anxiety, apprehension, and frightenings without and fears within (cf. 2 Cor. 7:5), the extent of which none of us will ever know. But he kept much of this to himself lest he burden his family and friends.

Time and time again, David went back to the hospital not knowing if he would return to his earthly home, family, and friends. But each time, the first thing he packed for his trip to Pittsburgh was his briefcase containing his Bible and note pads. He would do more studying and prepare to do more preaching as soon as he was released from the hospital. Even around the house, his books and typewriter would be on the kitchen table, or he would have some religious tract or publication in his hand. And for some eight years, David emerged from these hospital trips to live and to preach those truths which he had gleaned from God’s word while virtually balanced on the edge of eternity. And those of us who could not see the world beyond, or even our present world from his perspective, hungered, thirsted, and were filled by his teaching and preaching of “the words of this life” (Acts 5:20).

David decided from the beginning of his affliction that there was going to be some quality to what life he had left on this earth. He had time for his family, the church, and his neighbors, sorting out his priorities in what appeared to be a most admirable and flawless way.

David taught in the elementary schools of Wetzel County, and his students, their parents, and his fellow-teachers attest to his excellency as a teacher. But his first love was teaching and preaching the word of God. Though not fully supported by the church, he preached regularly for two congregationsFly and Mellott Ridge, Ohio (just across the Ohio River), for nine and seven years respectively. David conducted gospel meetings during summer vacations and even during school terms, taught special Bible classes, wrote articles for bulletins and newspapers, preached on the radio, and carried on extensive correspondence with advocates of false doctrine, both those in and out of the church. David was one of several “part-time” preachers in this area who were partially supported by the church, but who “fully preached the gospel of Christ” around their contemporary Jerusalems and Illyricums of the mid and upper-Ohio Valley (Rom. 15:19).

Some folks, even some of David’s well-meaning friends, thought he should give up either his school teaching or preaching (or both), and “take care of himself.” The simple truth is, he couldn’t give up either. And he was “taking care of himself”  his soul which would return to God, and his family and friends whom he would leave behind. His school teaching provided insurance to pay the bulk of his medical bills, and his preaching provided insurance for heaven. And he paid the premiums on that heavenly insurance not only for himself, but for all who knew him and heard him preach.

David’s last sermon was “The Returning Christ,” based on 1 & 2 Thessalonians, preached at Cedar Avenue in Moundsville on March 28. Ironically (for lack of a better term), I had preached David’s outline in Manila as a tribute to him, only 12 hours before David preached it in Moundsville. Neither of us knew the other was going to preach that particular sermon, and I did not even know if David were still among the living, but that sermon was a favorite of both his and mine. David was insistent that I complete my preaching trip to the Philippines in spite of his weakened and tenuous condition, and he lived to see me come home just a few days before he entered the hospital for the last time.

From his hospital bed, only hours before his death, David was discussing the Book of Romans with Paul Rockwell, who had gone to visit him in Pittsburgh. But David’s preaching did not stop at Moundsville, nor did his teaching cease with his bedside dissertation on Romans.

Before entering the hospital, David had agreed to speak one night in a meeting at Belleville, West Virginia. But knowing his weakened condition, he scheduled the appointment with the stipulation that if he could not go, either his son Jeremy or I would honor his commitment. His subject  “The Returning Christ.” It fell my lot, privilege, and honor to preach that sermon to a full house at Belleville the day after David’s funeral. As was said of Abel, “he being dead yet speaketh” (Heb. 11:4). And by his life and through others whom he has influenced, David Joy will speak for generations to come, or until “The Returning Christ” appears in the clouds of heaven.

I have always tried to be objective in my assessment of David’s life and work, because our relationship went beyond that of any fleshly ties. But just in case some stranger thinks that this brief epitaph of a brief but full life is tempered only by the emotions of a doting father-in-law, let me tell you about the funeral itself.

A funeral service is supposed to be a memorial of the deceased’s life, and I have never seen a more fitting memorial than the one which dominated the better part of three days in Paden City. David’s wife, his children, his en-tire family and host of friends personified and exemplified his teaching, example, and influence.

Public schools were dismissed at noon on the day of the funeral, and unless my knowledge or memory fail me, this has never happened before in my 30-year sojourn in this area. On Wednesday night alone, those who came to pay their respects formed a line three and four deep. The line curled around inside the funeral home chapel, out the door, across the street by the funeral home, and into the next block. Elderly people and parents with small children stood in line for as long as two hours in chilly temperatures, and felt honored to do so. Some saw the long line or could not find a parking place and passed on.

Flowers, an open-Bible floral arrangement, a special gift from fellow-teachers (prepared before news of his death)  these and other tokens of appreciation accompanied David’s memorial service. As far as I know, there were no cameras to record any of these events, and in a way I am glad, lest it somehow detract from the spontaneous and sincere expressions of sympathy for the family and respect for David.

Am I not afraid that these literary bouquets will detract from David’s life, from his reward? Not in the least. David would not have sanctioned or allowed such tribute while he was in the flesh, and would have been embarrassed by any such attempt. But these things have already been credited to his eternal record, and there are many more like words and deeds which shall not be made manifest until the time of judgment (1 Tim. 5:25).

David favored congregational singing for his funeral, and that was ably conducted by Bob McKinney in the church building at Paden City, which was filled to capacity with some standing along the walls. Vernon Teagarden, of Morgantown (whose family had recently experienced a similar loss), read Ephesians 5:22-6:9 and offered the prayer. Paul Rockwell had the unenviable and difficult task of delivering the funeral sermon. Not only did Paul do his part well, but did it better than anyone else could have done it.

But all of this outward manifestation of tribute was over-shadowed by the pervading memories of a life which will influence other souls for time and eternity. And the life and works of David L. Joy will be overshadowed by “The Re-turning Christ” as he brings with him “them also which sleep in Jesus” (1 Thess. 4:14). We have reason to believe “by the word of the Lord” (v. 15), that David will be in that number.

And David would want me to ask, “Do you have that hope, dear reader?”

During the past few years, I tried to communicate to David in poetry some of my own feelings, as well as the feelings of others who were unable to put their feelings into words. One of those poems, a rather lengthy one of 13 stanzas, was read by brother Rockwell at the conclusion of his remarks. The poem was written in 1988, but Paul and others thought that it summarized the general sentiment which fills the hearts and memories of so many people, for David’s life affected and belonged to many people. I trust that the reader will appreciate the last stanza of that poem, which summarizes not only the poem itself, but the life of David Joy.

“Our Savior lived the perfect life in less than half of our allotted span

And no one else will match this deed  not you, not I, not any mortal man;

But we envision David’s life as it now blends and merges with our own,

A life as nearly like our Lord’s as few terrestrial beings we have known.”

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 12, p. 10-12
June 17, 1993