Truth Magazine

By Ron Halbrook

In May of 1992 brother Olen Holderby of Lakeport, California wrote to the elders of the church of Christ in West Columbia, Texas, commending them for exposing the errors of Don Givens in Hawaii on divorce and remarriage (Guardian of Truth, 7 May 1992, pp. 272-73). He added, “Those of us who fight that same error in California are much in the minority. With those in that error taking courage from the `fence-straddlers’ (or compromisers), it often becomes a discouraging fight.” Brother Holderby suggested that the elders and myself consider the possibility of my making a trip to California to preach during January of 1993. Our elders (Charlie Alexander, James Moore, and J.D. Harris) were sympathetic to this call. Brother Harris had lived in California and was aware firsthand of the need. After we agreed to this proposal, invitations came from several churches in California who wanted to be included on the itinerary. The trip was challenging, educational for me, and productive.

Brother Holderby is seventy-two years old, has spent most of his preaching life in California, and stands for all the truth of the gospel without compromise. In consulting with him and a number of other brethren in the state, I heard the judgment repeatedly expressed that more and more churches which have had a reputation for soundness are drifting in-to apostasy on moral issues (Rev. 3:1). The concerns expressed by many California saints can be summarized as follows. They have seen three groups develop over the years with regard to the subject of divorce and remarriage. Brethren who embrace error have put down roots, spread the error little by little, and made considerable gains. Of the approximately 120 non-institutional churches in the state, about 40 openly embrace apostate doctrines on divorce and remarriage. Through the years, a number of preachers have sown the seeds of error through the pulpit, classroom, tracts and booklets, and private avenues, all the while covering their tracks with the claim, “We do not make an issue of it.”

A second group embraces unity-in-diversity on divorce and remarriage. Approximately 40 churches are included in this number. The local preacher or one called in for a gospel meeting might hold to truth or error, and it would not matter to brethren in one of these churches. Members are accepted in these churches regardless of their marital status or doctrinal stand on divorce and remarriage. Such brethren are very vulnerable to error because it is free to work in their midst with little or no challenge.

The third group includes about 40 churches which basically believe the truth on what the Bible says about divorce and remarriage. Some take a stronger stand than others. Most of these churches would not want a local preacher who embraces doctrinal error on the subject, although some would accept him if he is not outspoken in teaching the error. A number of these churches would not hesitate to invite a preacher for a gospel meeting in spite of the error he holds, but there is an unspoken expectation that the subject would not be addressed. Some preachers who are basically sound in their convictions on divorce and remarriage freely have fellowship with unsound preachers and accept meeting invitations from unsound churches (generally with the same tacit understanding that the subject will not be addressed). Those who participate in this limited “open fellowship” on each side of the issue seem to think it provides opportunities to influence brethren one way or the other. Long time observers say this gives legitimacy to false teachers which they otherwise would not have, and this generally has worked to the detriment of the cause of truth.

The brethren and churches which attempt to uphold the truth on divorce and remarriage are outnumbered two to one. But because of the “open fellowship” policy of many, brethren who speak out for the truth and openly expose error are often an unwelcome minority within a minority. Because of the strong, uncompromising stand they take, they are regarded as “extremists” and “troublemakers” by nearly everyone. Out-of-state preachers who come for gospel meetings sometimes compound the problem by not discussing marriage and divorce, because either they do not under-stand the struggle which is occurring or they do not care. As long as they do not address the subject, they can be invited back time and again to churches of every variety. This gives unsound churches credibility, and is used to put in a bad light the small band of California preachers who speak out.

A Great Door Open

Paul said of his preaching in Ephesus, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries” (I Cor. 16:9). A great door is open in California for preaching the truth, but there are many adversaries. A great battle between truth and error is in progress, and the future looks dark and bleak in many ways. Sound brethren need all the help and encouragement they can get. We should be willing to make sacrifices to hold up their hands and to hold high the blood-stained banner of the cross of Christ.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). The prevalence of sin and error in California (and elsewhere) makes the future look dark and bleak, but the power of the gospel puts the picture in a different light. Error cannot withstand the power of truth, if only we will preach and press the demands of truth!

“Is not my word like as fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” (Jer. 23:29) Error cannot stand before the searing fire and the hammer blows of truth. Error hides behind a plea for “tolerance and fellowship.” Most of “the fellowship issue” will take care of itself if sound brethren will preach the truth plainly and boldly (2 Cor. 3:12; Acts 4:29). “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” (Isa. 58:1). Error will not sit still under the pressure of truth, but will retreat or attempt to fight. In either case, it will be exposed and defeated.

God’s Law Too Strict, Unfair?

Attentive audiences in California showed excellent interest in the preaching of the gospel. A wide range of thoughtful questions was asked during the question-and-answer sessions after the lessons. Underlying several questions was the notion that God’s law seems too strict and unfair. Jesus taught the rule of one man for one woman for life, with only one exception, that being that the innocent mate can put away an immoral one and marry another person (Matt. 5:32; 19:9). People in adulterous marriages must “repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance,” which means getting out of the unscriptural marriage with its bed of adultery (Acts 26:20; Mk. 6:18; Heb. 13:4). God’s law is strict and we had better obey it, if we want to be right with him. It is better to give up an adulterous marriage than to “be cast into hell,” even if this seems to be “a hard saying” (Matt. 5:29-30; Jn. 6:60,66). If men consider God’s marriage law too strict, then they should not marry (Matt. 19:10-12).

God’s way is fair and just, but our sinful says are not. When men of old complained, “The way of the Lord is not equal,” God answered,

O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?

Therefore I will judge you, 0 house of Israel, everyone according to this ways, saith the Lord God.

Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin (Ezek. 18:29-30).

Whose fault is it if men have not sought and found God, and therefore end up in adulterous marriages and other sins with painful consequences? God is seeking men with good and honest hearts to worship him On. 4:23). God rules over the nations in such a way that men can find him if only they will seek him, “though he be not far from every one of us” (Acts 17:26-27). God is fair and just from start to finish, but men are unfair and unjust toward God in refusing to seek him.

Man’s injustice toward God and his fellowman creates the painful consequences and complications of homosexual marriage, polygamous marriage, incestuous marriage, and other forms of adulterous marriage. The consequences are

“A great baffle between
God and Satan for the souls of men is
always raging. We are warned against the danger
of compromising the gospel in its purity for ‘another gospel:
which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and
would pervert the gospel of Christ’ We are to reject all
such as ‘accursed.'”

more painful in polygamy than in the typical adulterous marriage in our society, because more wives and children are involved in a case of polygamy. If the emotional pain of ending a typical adulterous marriage justifies staying in it, then the many fold pains involved in ending a polygamous marriage justify even more staving in it. No matter how painful the consequences, people must get out of adulterous marriages in order to be right with God.

A Great Battle for Souls

A great battle between God and Satan for the souls of men is always raging. We are warned against the danger of compromising the gospel in its purity for “another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” We are to reject all such as “accursed” (Gal. 1:6-9). Among people professing to be Christians, three groups existed in the early church. 1. There were false brethren, “to whom,” Paul said, “we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you” (2:3-5). 2. There were faithful brethren like Paul who were determined to uphold the truth of the gospel at all costs (2:3-5,14). 3. There were flip-flop brethren who compromised the truth when under pressure. Peter fell into this trap on one occasion, was rebuked openly by Paul, corrected his sin, and later spoke warmly of “our beloved brother Paul” (2:11-14; 2 Pet. 3:15). Some brethren continued on the course of compromise. Perhaps some protested that Paul had unfairly at-tacked a dearly beloved brother. They may have resented Paul’s efforts and labelled him “a brotherhood watchdog,” “a narrow-minded legalist,” or “a troublemaker.”

The same three groups exist among professed Christians everywhere today in different concentrations and distributions. The combination of false and flip-flop brethren leave faithful brethren badly outnumbered in California, and those who speak out are increasingly isolated and ostracized. Informed Christians know that this battle has spread well beyond the borders of California.

Brethren openly committed to false doctrine are getting bolder all across the country. After teaching his theories in assemblies in El Cajon, California and Belen, New Mexico in 1988, Homer Hailey (of Tucson, AZ) published an 85-page book in 1991 entitled The Divorced and Remarried Who Would Come to God. During 1990, I had two debates on divorce and remarriage with Jack Freeman (of Las Vegas, NV); the second one is being published by the Guardian of Truth Foundation and should be available soon. In 1991 Jerry F. Bassett (of Eugene, OR) published an 149-page book of his theories entitled Rethinking Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage, with the help of his brother Don (of Brent-wood, TN). Jerry Bassett had two debates in 1992 defending his error. Don was deeply involved in assisting Jerry.

W.L. Wharton (of San Antonio, TX) shocked many brethren by moderating for Jerry in the first debate and then by preaching this error in the pulpit. In the wake of these events, brother Wharton’s close friend and associate Terry Sumerlin (of San Antonio) publicly identified himself with the same false doctrine by preaching it in the pulpit. These actions by brethren Wharton and Sumerlin have devastated the Highland Blvd. church in San Antonio. J.T. Smith had two debates during 1991-92 exposing the errors of Olan Hicks (of Searcy, AR). Hicks is an institutional liberal, but his theories on divorce and remarriage are well represented among non-institutional brethren. Anyone who does not realize this battle is spreading beyond the confines of the west coast has his head in the sand.

A rationale for unity-in-diversity on divorce and remarriage was presented by Ed Harrell in Christianity Magazine in a 17 part series (Nov. 1988-Aug. 1990). He repeatedly misused Romans 14 as a basis for brethren to tolerate differences of “considerable moral and doctrinal import,” including “contradictory teachings and practices on important moral and doctrinal questions” (May 1989, p. 6; May 1990, p. 6). The paper’s “positive” philosophy forbids anyone to review brother Harrell’s series in the magazine (Sept. 1990, p. 7). Those who have used other forums to review the error have been stigmatized as “reckless,” “irresponsible,” “extremists,” and meddlers who “intend to `line up’ followers or create a party” (“A Report” mailed out by Christianity Magazine, late 1992). Neither the error misusing Romans 14 on unity-in-diversity-of-divorce doctrines nor the “Report” has been repudiated, rebuked, and reviewed in the magazine by any of its editors (Dee Bowman, Paul Earnhart, Sewell Hall, Ed Harrell, Brent Lewis). A revised version of the “Report” appeared in the paper. asserting that no one who reads the paper has any reason at all to doubt its soundness (Jan. 1993, p. 4).

Preserving the Purity of the Gospel

How can brethren in California and throughout the country stop the advance of false doctrines on divorce and remarriage, and how can we avoid compromise with such errors?

I. The only weapon we have is the truth of God’s Word. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” We must continue this work even when some among us “will not endure sound doctrine.” We must ever “watch,” sound a warning when error approaches, and “endure afflictions” for the cause of truth (2 Tim. 4:1-5). “Reprove, rebuke, exhort” means there must be a balance of positive and negative aspects of the truth in our preaching. We must avoid the temptation to stoop to the carnal tactics of error. We must be confident that false doctrine cannot withstand the constant pressure of the persistent preaching of truth. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Cor. 10:4).

2. We must distinguish matters of the revealed faith from matters of personal faith (2 Jn. 9; Jude 3; Rom. 14:1-15:7). Christ revealed his doctrine on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, and said through John, “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not” (2 Jn. 10). Where there are differences of personal conscience involving no violation of truth, the Lord said, “Receive ye one another” (Rom. 15:7). Romans 14 is being perverted to

justify tolerating apostate doctrines which result in adulterous marriages. The toleration taught in Romans 14 is limited to the realm where “there is nothing unclean of itself,” where “all things indeed are pure” (vv. 14,20). Digressive doctrines resulting in adulterous marriages do not fit into that realm!

3. We must recognize that departures from the faith “wax worse and worse” (2 Tim. 3:13). Dangerous error degenerates, it does not remain static. “They will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker:. . . and overthrow the faith of some” (2:16-18). The denominational dogmas of “grace only” and “faith only” embrace more and more diverse doctrines and departures day by day. The no-patternism of liberalism does the same thing. Apostate doctrines on divorce and remarriage do the same thing.

Those who teach diverse, false doctrines embrace one another, and the ever-widening circle makes it possible for them to justify people remaining in new marriages following divorces for any and every cause. Furthermore, an in-creasing number of these false teachers and those who follow them defend and practice such ungodly deeds as drinking intoxicants, the equivalent of the “strong drink” of Bible times. Other practices which are becoming rampant without rebuke among these churches include dancing, gambling and daily attire. Such sins can be found at times among churches which are sound on divorce and remarriage, because of neglect of teaching or indifference in hearing. But there is a logical reason why there is a definite pattern developing which embraces such sins among many brethren who are committed to error on divorce and remarriage. When moral restraints and convictions are loosened in one area, they inevitably will be relaxed in other areas.

4. False doctrines and the teachers who spread them must be exposed (2 Tim. 2:16-18). Some brethren have erred “concerning the truth,” teaching things contrary to the doctrine of Christ, “and overthrow the faith of some” by justifying their adulterous marriages. The doctrines need to be specified and the teachers need to be identified, whether it be Hymenaeus, Philetus, Alexander, or Demas.

Maurice Estes (West Anaheim, CA) preached a series of lessons in 1990 filled with error at the Sun Garden church in Fresno. His booklet on Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage (1979) has been translated into Spanish, as has The Truth About Matthew 19:9 (1990) by Mel Rose (Madeira, CA). Rose publishes and distributes both of them in Spanish. Wayne Partain and Bill Reeves report that these materials have worked havoc among Spanish speaking brethren in the U.S., Mexico, San Salvador, and Latin America generally. Souls have been subverted and churches divided as a direct result of the false doctrines of Estes, Rose and others. We should treat all men with courtesy and dignity, but when the false teacher comes our way, the Apostle of love commanded by divine inspiration, “Receive him not” (2 Jn. 9-11).

Godly elders guarding the flock will not give such men opportunities to gain the confidence of the flock, but will stop their mouths (Tit. 1:10). The Bible says to mark and avoid such men (Rom. 16:17). Past friendships and associations do not alter our duties. We must be friends to God first and to men second. We are “not to think of men above that which is written” (I Cor. 4:6).

There are many lessons to be learned from the course of events among our dear brethren in California. Let us pray for them and help them as we have opportunities. There are many fine brethren there who love the truth. Their hard-ships remind us that we must resist error and those who teach it, no matter who they are, no matter what their past attainments have been. Paul said, “To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you” (Gal. 2:5). Let us all be “set for the defense of the gospel,” speak “the truth in love,” and “speak boldly,” as we ought to speak (Phil. 1:17; Eph. 4:15; 6:20).

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 10, p. 16-19
May 20, 1993

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