Truth Magazine

By Dwight King

The wise man said, “I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live” (Eccl. 3:12). This wise saying has turned out to be more than just wisdom; it is also unmistakable prophecy. Other biblical words of prophecy became evident recently.

“We now have empirical evidence of it,” he said. Pollster George Gallup was quoted by a newspaper: The Argus of Fremont, California, Gallup was speaking of two of his most recent polls of the American public. Gallup Polls have been known and respected for accuracy since the first Gallup poll was made in 1935. The combined results of the two polls on Americans and their religion are reported to have an ac-curacy to within a possible two to three percentage points.

Gallup goes on to say, “The evidence overwhelmingly points to their being truly better and happier. Two recent Gallup Polls found out that the most committed 13 per-cent of believers are the happiest, most charitable, tolerant, ethical and concerned for a better society. In contrast,” he said, “the typical `churched’ (the other 87 percent of church-goers or pew-sitters) and `unchurched’ don’t differ greatly, except the `churched’ tend to have a brighter outlook and be more active in civic affairs (such as children’s school activities, community betterment, little league, girl scouts, boy scouts, etc.).”

“The two polls discovered that about 42 percent of the population attend a religious service each week. This study of the `breadth’ of religion in America indicated that about 105 million people attend church and the interest in religion is rising. The `depth’ study, on prayer, conduct and attitudes in relation to strength of belief, findings were that the most genuinely devout were the happiest and most helpful to others.

“Those with this strong, transforming faith (the 13 per-cent most committed) were found to be more ethical in personal dealings, more tolerant of persons with different backgrounds, more apt to perform charitable acts, more concerned about the betterment of society and far happier. On the other hand, he said, the study showed that the further people are down the scale of religious commitment, the less happy they are, less ethical, less generous, less socially concerned and less tolerant.”

Also, noting a “general assumption that the more religious that people are, the more close-minded and bigoted they are,” he said, “we found just the opposite. This is an extremely important finding. In contrast to the distinguishing qualities of the highly committed,” he said, “comparisons between ordinary religious members and non-members showed little ethical difference in such matters as lying, tax evasion and pilfering.”

We have always known there were those who love the world (1 Jn. 2:15) and had pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thess. 2:12). We have heard that sin is pleasurable and enjoyable (Heb. 11:25). Faring sumptuously and receiving good things (Lk. 16:19-31) seems to convey such a happy state that many are minded to be rich (2 Tim. 6:9). Worship of the devil is professed by Satan himself to extend to the worshipper great power over kingdoms of the world (Matt. 4:8,9). Preeminence in the church is even today sometimes sought by misguided brethren. It must be an exhilarating and thrilling sensation to have such a high ecclesiastical position in the church by those who would use wicked words and cast brethren out of the church (3 Jn. 9,10). Nevertheless, the scientific Gallup Poll declares the most faithful of religious people are the happiest of all. True science scores again in upholding what the Bible, God’s revelation, reported so long ago!

“Happy art thou, 0 Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord” (Deut. 33:29). This Old Testament passage speaks of Israel. The statement is just as true today of church members  God’s spiritual Israel, “who is like unto thee, 0 people saved b y the Lord. Happy is that people, … yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord” (Psa. 144:15).

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding . . . and happy is every one that retaineth her” (Prov. 3:13,18). “He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he” (Prov. 16:20). Wisdom has been described as vision to do what is right at the time. Jim Bowie of The Alamo fame is reported to have said, “Find out what is right and then do it.”

Bowie’s admonition demonstrates that vision or wisdom hinges upon knowledge. The wise man of Proverbs agrees and hence the prophecy: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Prov. 29:18). The Apostle John reported the sayings and doings of Jesus and then said, “7f ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (Jn. 13:17). This happiness comes when we are not only hearers of the word but also doers of the word (Jas. 1:22).

Paul, before the King remarked: “I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews” (Acts 26:2). Yes, happiness for the Christian comes when, like Paul, he has sanctified Christ as Lord in his heart and is able “to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15).

Paul was on trial for his life before Agrippa and we too may sometimes face grave consequences because of our strong faith. “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (1 Pet. 3:14). “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified” (1 Pct. 4:14). Anytime we are mindful to be discouraged and dismayed because of oppression brought on by our vigorous faith let us allow our minds to be filled with those exceeding and great promises given by our God who cannot lie that if we are faithful unto the end we shall overcome. “Oh, happy day, that fixed my choice, on thee my Saviour and my God.” In this condition, walking in the “footsteps of Jesus,” I’ll truly “sing and be happy today!”

Others are benefited by our complete commitment to Christ. Look now at what Gallup found; “Digging into deeper levels of religion, pollster George H. Gallup, Jr. has found some striking evidence that faith is good for you  and for others with whom you deal. But the benefits, he says, “seem to show up clearly only when faith is strong.” Gallup came by his information as he scientifically subdued the earth (Gen. 1:28). Gallup polled; but the wise man was inspired as he spoke for God in the following: “He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he” (Prov. 14:21).

Durability and tenacity of faith are indispensable to the great happiness to be gained by being an altogether committed Christian. “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (Jas. 5:11). Pray that you endure as a 100 percent Christian, committed to the Lord that you may be the happiest of all people in the world.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 10, p. 12-13
May 20, 1993

By Randy Reynolds

When became a Christian there were a number of things that took place:

1. I received salvation from my sins. Jesus said that I would receive salvation after I was baptized (Mk. 16:16). The apostle Peter tells us clearly that baptism saves (1 Pet. 3:21). The evidence is abundant that this baptism which Paul describes as “one baptism” is water baptism (Eph. 4:5; 6:1-7; Acts 8:36-39).

2. I received cleansing from my sins. When Ananias came to Saul with words of salvation he told him that he must be baptized in order to wash away his sins (Acts 22:16). I might also add that these words that Ananias spoke to Saul of Tarsus were the words that the Lord sent. They were sin-cleansing words.

“There is no philosophy (argument) so well fortified or
exalted against God that it cannot be overthrown and
captured and brought under obedience to the control and
redemptive purpose of God.”

3.I received freedom from my sins. This came when 1 obeyed the truth (1 Pet. 1:22, 23; Jn. 8:32). Friend, this is a freedom that can only be found in obedience to the truth. Man-made doctrines could not have accomplished this.

4. I was baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). In Christ I found “every spiritual blessing, redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Eph. 1:3-7).

5. I was added to his church, the very same church that the Lord had promised to build (Acts 2:47, Matt. 16:13-20). This is the church that the Lord purchased with his own blood.

6. I became a member of his body, which is his church (Eph. 1:22, 23; Col. 1:18-24).

7. became a kingdom citizen Jn. 3:3; Matt. 16:18, 19; 18:3). It is not a future kingdom that I look for because the Lord promised his kingdom. which is his church, in the lifetime of some first century citizens (Mk. 9:1).

8. 1 became a member of God’s family (1 Tim. 3:15; Rom. 8:15ff).

Now that I am a Christian 1 must realize who and what I am. The word Christian suggests one who belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ. But not only is it one who belongs to Christ, it is also one who strictly adheres to Christ.

I am a Christian. And as a Christian, a follower and adherent of Jesus Christ, and a kingdom citizen, I must remember that there are certain things that the Lord requires of me.

The Lord expects me to be a good soldier (2 Tim. 2:3,4). Soldiers, first of all, arm themselves for battle. Paul says that the soldier of the Lord arms himself with God’s armor (Eph. 6:10-18). This enables us to “stand against the wiles of the devil.”

The soldier of the Lord “pulls down strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4ff). What are these strongholds? Teaching and beliefs that are contrary to the truth! The word of God

has the power to destroy disbelief, false teachings and any other things that stand in the way of salvation.

When Paul marched into the city of Corinth, at that time a citadel of vain philosophy and false religion, he took with him the word of the Lord. In doing so he was prepared for battle. He was already to attack their stronghold.

One writer stated it this way:

The word of God has captured the minds of kings, philosophers, rabbis, army officers, fishermen, doctors, scientists, carpenters, financiers, merchants, murderers, homosexuals, adulterers, thieves, drunkards, slaves, freedmen, rich, poor, learned, ignorant all kinds of people from all races, cultures, languages, geographical locations. It continues to this day to overthrow the proud and arrogant rationalizations of human beings. There is no philosophy (argument) so well fortified or exalted against God that it cannot be overthrown and captured and brought under obedience to the control and redemptive purpose of God. There is no human mind so well fortified or exalted against God that it cannot be overthrown, captured and brought into obedience to the will of God and his redemptive salvation.

And may I quickly add to these thoughts, brethren, if we spent more time personally getting prepared for battle and courageously standing for those wonderful truths of the Lord as a good soldier of the Lord must, we would certainly spend less time criticizing those who do! Christians must be defenders of the truth! The apostles were all defenders of the Lord’s gospel and we need to be more involved in giving our lives, “contending earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Unless we are prepared for battle, we cannot stand against the wiles of the devil. But rest assured, friend, when we are properly armed we will be armed with the most powerful and the most productive weapon in the world!

Please allow me to give you some helpful suggestions for arming yourself to fight the battle: 1. Read your Bible daily. 2. Mediate on those wonderful words that you read. 3. Attend all of the services of the Lord in the area where you live. 4. Attend the Bible classes both Sunday and Wednesday. 5. Start a Bible study in your home. 6. Include gospel meetings in your schedule. 7. Spend personal time with other Christians. 8. Strive diligently to put the Lord first and keep him there. 9. Pray without ceasing.

May God richly bless us in our efforts to live as a Christian. May he bless us with great courage as we draw closer to him and love him more each day.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 10, p. 1
May 20, 1993

By Gerald E. Evans

Christianity, in its purity, is the same now that it was almost 1900 years ago. That which God approved then he will approve now; and just what he condemned then he will condemn now. So, if we would be approved of God we must stand where we know God approves and avoid all else. All who accept the Bible as the final rule of con-duct recognize that.

In Revelation 2:12-14 the Lord commended the church at Pergamos for some things and censured them for others. They were commended for holding fast his name, and for not denying the faith once delivered to the saints, and all this “where Satan’s throne is.” That is no small commendation! Those who take such a stand give courage and strength to all who know Christ’s appreciation for such a stand. But more, it involves showing honor to Christ. To hold his system of faith in all its essential elements will secure the divine blessing.

But where error exists, Truth demands censure of the error. Some in the church at Pergamos held to the doctrine of Balaam and also to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The Lord emphatically declared of such teaching, “Which thing I hate” (vv. 14-15). Recognizing the Lord’s strong disapproval, it should be obvious that we need to deter-mine the underlying cause of men embracing such doctrine. The effect is obvious in verse 14: idolatry and immorality! The basic doctrine of Balaam just could be a sin all too common among Christians: elders, deacons, preachers and other saints!

Balaam was an Old Testament character, the history of whom is found in Numbers 22-25, dating approximately B.C. 1452. He was a prophet of God after the old order, the order prevailing before Moses received the Law given exclusively to Israel. Even though he was a descendant of Abraham, he was not under the covenant of Jacob. The Israelites were his kin by the flesh but not in the religious sense.

Verse 18 was a noble statement, “I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.” But the fact was that he went at once to obtain God’s permission to do what he had already said “though shalt not do.” This is like so many (even among God’s people) today. They are not content with the results of doing God’s plain will, but keep chasing Scripture, knowing that sooner or later they will find what fits the idol in their heart (Ezek. 14:1-4). I was told just yesterday on a Dial-a-Bible-Message response that Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 teach the use of instrumental music in the church! Like old Balaam, who claimed he “couldn’t go beyond God’s word, to do less or more,” this person sure was eager to get God to change his word, wasn’t he?

Can we be blinded to the cause behind the doctrine of Balaam, an unwillingness to accept God’s Word on a matter without question, and thus could we be condoning the doctrine of Balaam? Like the unconverted sinner, unwilling to bow in humility to the will of the Lord that they might be saved, too many brethren today seek a

Scripture that will make them acceptable to God like they are. They go to the word of the Lord to see what the Lord would say “more,” and find an answer to suit them. The same practice brought error amongst God’s people in every apostasy on record, and still works today. Some brethren simply are not satisfied with “what the will of the Lord is” if it goes counter to individual desire or some vested interest. No matter the hardship and pain obedience may afflict even upon the innocent, the Lord’s will changes not to accommodate the situation or the times. Sin is what causes the affliction.

Of what did the “doctrine of Salaam” consist? At least we know this much: “. . . who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality” (Rev. 2:14). When anyone teaches that the divorced fornicator is loosed to marry again with impunity, in spite of the fact that Christ taught plainly in more than one Scripture that such would be adultery (sexual immorality), do we have “the doctrine of Balaam” and even possibly the doctrine of the Nicolaitans being taught among us today? We certainly know from the Lord’s letter to the church at Pergamos his attitude toward such doctrine. No amount of searching for “more” in Old or New Testaments will alter the declaration of Jesus, “But I say!” (Matt. 19:9) Nevertheless the search and arguments and debating and disrespect for “what has been written” continues, and “the Lord (has answered and) will answer according to the multitude of his idols in his heart” (Ezek. 14:3-6). Until all God’s people are “speaking as the oracles of God” and are content therewith, I believe “the doctrine of Balaam” will not only hinder the peace of God’s people but also will result in the loss of numberless, precious souls.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 10, p. 3-4
May 20, 1993

By Tommy Glendol McClure

Many today are currently arguing that homosexuals have a moral “right” to be such. Some, in an at-tempt to justify homosexuals, reason they were “born that way” and have no choice regarding their sexual preference. I am persuaded that even some brethren, lacking either a basic knowledge of God’s word or lacking godly conviction, would agree with this false idea.

It would be profitable to briefly study several Scriptures from God’s Holy Book to determine his attitude toward the unholy, depraved conduct of those who practice homosexuality. It is needful to first consider the definition of homosexuality, as well as definitions of several other related words which will enable us to better understand God’s will toward such behavior, this being the goal of this brief article. It has often been said, a well defined proposition is half argued.

Definitions

Webster’s dictionary  defines the word homosexuality as:

 

1. The quality or state of being homosexual.

 

 

1. Erotic activity with another of the same sex.

 

The word homosexual as defined by Webster means  of, relating to, of characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward another of the same sex (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary).

When we consider the definition of the word fornication, it is clearly evident that “erotic activity with another of the same sex” (homosexuality) is included. Thayer defines fornication this way  “prop. of illicit sexual intercourse in general” (p. 532). This definition would include at least homosexuality, lesbianism, incest, rape, pedophilia, whoredom, and adultery  sins which, if practiced, will prohibit the ones practicing such from entering into the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-5; Deb. 13:4; Rev. 21:8).

From the Beginning

The very first book of the Bible presents God’s truth concerning lawful sexual relationships, that being in the sphere of a lawful marriage as defined by God, not man. The man is to leave father and mother and cleave to his wife, thus becoming one flesh, for life (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2-3).

Looking back to the beginning, we note God created man “in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Gen. 1:27), to be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 1:28). God created man and woman fundamentally distinct and different but compatible and able to cleave to each other and become one flesh. Regarding being fruitful, the man needed woman and the woman needed man, in order to accomplish this charge. In Genesis 2:18 we find that the Lord saw that it was not good that man should be alone and he made woman (an help meet) for him. Thus from the beginning, the heterosexual relationship is the norm created and established by God. In Genesis 3:20 we read that “Adam called his wife Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” You will notice that for Adam the Lord made Eve, not Steve! Eve, is described as Adam’s wife (she), the mother (not the father) of all living!

Mankind was created “in the image and likeness of God” (Gen. 1:26), placed on earth to rule and subdue it, to have dominion over every living thing that moveth, thereby needing the God-given ability to make choices and intelligent decisions. In Genesis 3:1-6 we find recorded one of the first choices between right and wrong made by man, the decision whether or not to eat of the fruit of the forbidden tree. The woman (Eve) was first faced with the decision of believing the truth of God or being beguiled by the father of liars, the devil (in. 8:44), and “she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (Gen. 3:6). Sadly, the majority of the world follows Eve’s pattern, making the wrong choice by believing a lie rather than accepting God’s Word (cf. 2 Cor. 4:3-4; 2 Thess. 2:10-13).

Preference and Choice

While it is true we did not have a choice regarding our sex (male or female) when we entered this world at birth, we do have a choice between the heterosexual versus homosexual behavior and relationships in later years. If one chooses the abnormal and sinful relationship (homosexuality), over the God ordained normal and lawful relationship (heterosexuality), then that person is in opposition to God, preferring and choosing an abnormal, depraved, unholy manner of life! More importantly, any heterosexual relationship entered into, must be within the bounds of God’s law on marriage, to be lawful. Just to say the heterosexual relationship is normal, is not enough, for many are engaged in heterosexual relationships which are adulterous, therefore sinful.

Are homosexuals born that way? No, they prefer to be that way and they themselves make the decision! Fornication is at the top of the fist of the works of the flesh which prohibit entrance into the kingdom (Gal. 5:19-20). Fornication is sin and man makes the choice to serve Satan or God. Man was created with the ability to choose the servant whom he will obey, either sin unto death or obedience into righteousness (Rom. 6:16). When it is argued that homosexuals are “born that way,” having no choice, then those who so argue, charge God the creator with being the root cause of homosexuality which is contrary to his own design, purpose and will. Such reasoning makes him the king of hypocrities and an unjust God  creating “in his own image,” what he condemns in his word (Gen. 1:27; Lev. 20:13).

Considering Other Sins

The claim that some are born homosexuals can be shown to be false by asking a few reasonable questions. Are murderers born murderers? What about those “filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful” (Rom. 1:29-31)? Can we say those who practice these sins, are born that way? Without a doubt the answer is no! A careful reading of Romans 1 will shed light on the fact that men become sinners and are not born sinners. Men become enslaved to sin because of a love for the world (1 In. 2:15-17). Note the following quotations from Romans 1, with some contrasting statements 

 v. 21  “they became vain,” not born vain.  v. 22  “they became fools,” not born fools.

 v. 26  “God gave them up unto vile affections,” not created them with vile affections.

 v. 26 “for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature,” not born against nature.

v. 27  “. . . also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly,” not born in their lust one toward another.

Paul clearly states the truth about all of this in verse 28 of the same chapter  those who practiced homosexuality and the other sins recorded, “did not like to retain God in their knowledge.”

Conclusion

After briefly studying this subject, the only conclusion that can be reached is that homosexuality is sinful and anyone who engages in such a sin will be rejected by God. The Corinthians were warned by Paul to flee the sin of fornication (1 Cor. 6:18)! No where does the apostle Paul reason that man is without choice in the realm of sexual relationships. No where does the Bible teach that man is in-capable of choosing between good or evil. Man has a choice, man makes a choice and all accountable people will some-day give an answer to God regarding their choice made between righteousness and unrighteousness (act. 12:13-14, 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 5:10). Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians indicates, in no uncertain terms, that choosing the sin of fornication is forbidden by God. He instructed them regarding the God approved choice: `flee fornication” (1 Cor. 6:18)!

The body of a Christian is to be “a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God,” used to the glory of God and not to the lusts of the flesh (Rom. 12:1). Christians must stand opposed to and teach the truth regarding this false idea that homosexuals are “born that way,” having no choice in the matter of their sexual preference. We must have the conviction of the apostle Paul and teach the truth delivered in his epistles or we risk ourselves being unholy, and unacceptable to God. Yes, those who choose homosexuality, choose to be servants of sin, they are not born that way! When those serving sin fail to come to the knowledge of the truth through obedience to his will, they will reap their just reward,  “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 10, p. 8-9
May 20, 1993