Truth Magazine

By Ron Halbrook

It was very encouraging to see the power of the gospel at work in the seven churches I visited 3-27 January, because these brethren were willing to endure sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:3). I will briefly mention these churches and their local preachers in order to acquaint our readers with them.

1. Church of Christ. 546 N. Lark El/en, Covina, CA 91723 (phone: 818-332-7473): The local preacher is a younger man who helps support himself by teaching school and who is blessed by a wife and children who love the Lord. His name is Alfonso Ferrer (472 Hacienda Ave., Perris, CA 92571; 714-943-7965). Normal attendance runs in the 30s, but we had nearly 50 as our high during the three-day meeting.

2. Hetnet Church of Christ, 203 W. Acacia Ave. (P.O. Box 2181, Werner, CA 92546 (909-925-1991). Gerald B. Evans (41181 Acacia Ave., Hemet, CA 92544: 909-925-6046) has preached most of his life and has largely supported himself so as to help brethren who could not provide lull support. Now, in his later years, his spirit is undaunted hut his health is declining. To relieve this burden, Hemet is looking for someone to work with brother Evans and the whole church. Regular attendance numbers in the 50s. Our best attendance during the four-day series was about 50, which was good considering the constant rain and flooding.

3.5th St. East Church of Christ, 44860 North 5th St., East, Lancaster. CA 93535 (805-948-5279). The local preacher is in his 30s, is in his second year in California, and is deeply convinced of the truth on divorce and remarriage. His name is Micky Galloway (45858 York P1., Lancaster. CA 93534; 805-723-6553). Their attendance is generally in the 90s, but we had a high of about 100 during a four-day meeting in spite of rain, sleet, and snow,

4. Winnetka Ave. Church of Christ, Winnetka Ave., Canoga Park, (A 91306 (818-348-2193). The local preacher is Dennis Kilgo (8011 Quartz Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91306; 818-341-7579). It was encouraging to meet brother Kilgo because he had studied his way out of error on divorce and remarriage. Normal attendance here is around 80. These brethren did not know about my trip until arrived in California, so I could only arrange for two nights with them on such short notice. About 50 souls attended each night, in spite of the fact that only last-minute announcements were possible.

5, Church of Christ on the Hub, 39354 Freinont Blvd., Frernont, CA 94536 (510-792-39901. The local preacher has supported himself in secular work through the years, and is semi-retired, but presses on with great zeal in the lords work. His name is Dwight King (4909 Northdale Dr., Fremont, CA 94536; 510-794-7659). Regular attendance runs in the 20s and up to about 30, but we had a high of around 40 during the four-day meeting.

6. 20th St. Church of Christ, 61 W. 20th St., Merced, CA 95340 (209-383-2095). This church’s local preacher has been Roy Bradshaw, but during the meeting he was preparing to move to begin work with the church in nearby Mariposa (meets on Hwy. 45 in Mariposa; mailing address 3584 Triangle Rd., Mariposa, CA 95338; 209-966-3181). Merced will help with his support. Another sound, solid man is needed to follow brother Bradshaw at Merced. Wes Cox and Dean Gibson serve Merced as elders. Some who expressed hesitation about what might be preached on divorce and remarriage, later made such comments as, “I know what you preached was the truth because you read it to us directly from the Bible, passage after passage.” Gospel meetings and gospel preaching still accomplish good! The average attendance at Merced is in the 70s, and during this four-day effort we had high somewhere in the 80s.

7. Church of Christ, 695 High St., Lakeport, CA 95453. The local preacher has spent most of his life preaching in California, often supporting himself. Though past “retirement age,” he continues to be remarkably able and active. His name is Olen Holderby (4265 Lakeshore Blvd. 1/18, Lakeport, CA 95453; 707-263-3682). Normal attendance runs close to 40, and we had about that many on our best night in this three-day series.

The sermons presented in California included “The Patience of God,” “The Blood of Christ and Baptism,” “Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage,” “Trends Pointing Toward a New Apostasy,” “Our Clothes Send a Message,” and “Lovest Thou Me More Than These?” Each lesson is designed to stress the positive foundation of truth and, in contrast, to expose the utter emptiness of error. In all, 32 sermons were preached in 25 days, and there were many personal discussions and studies. Three confessed sin and were restored. About 1,200 tracts, booklets, outlines, and other gospel literature were distributed. It was evident that precious souls still seek and hear the truth of God’s Word when it is presented in its purity and simplicity (Matt. 5:6; 7:7-8). Many “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so,” even when study sessions lasted late into the night (Acts 17:11; 20:7).

The reason that some sessions lasted late is that the audience was not ready to go home. .After each evening lesson, an opportunity was given for questions and comments. Some of these open forums continued until 9:30, 10:00, 10:30 and even past 11:00 p.m. It was exhausting but rewarding work. Not one ugly incident occurred, even when there were disagreements. Ninety percent of the questions were truth-seeking, with only a few designed to set traps or make false arguments. Even the latter contributed to our studies because truth has nothing to fear from open investigation.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 9, p. 2
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: 9, p. 1
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, theless 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: 9, p. 12-13
May 20, 1993

By Harry R. Osborne

If someone wanted to take away your rights as a parent to consent for medical treatment of your child, how would you react? If they compounded that effort by actively deceiving you about your child’s whereabouts and encouraged your child to further the deceit, what would you say? An effort of this nature with moral implications is now underway in our state!

In 1987, our Texas Legislature authorized The Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenthood Advisory Council (APPAC) to be created in order to study and advise the legislature regarding the problems of teen pregnancy and parenthood as well as the dangers associated with AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The fact that we have the problems of teen pregnancy and STDs is of no dispute. The fact that we need to act in ways that will help curb the problems is also beyond dispute. But, what is the right way to attack the problem? That is the question. APPAC’s advice has been shocking! Let’s notice some of their recommendations.

In their October 1990 report to the 72nd Texas Legislature, APPAC recommends: “For kindergarten through grade 12, all school districts must provide age-appropriate, comprehensive, and scientifically valid human sexuality education…” They specify that the program must “stress how to prevent pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, particularly HIV infection.” In order to meet this goal, APPAC plans to “provide a comprehensive, coordinated system of health services including general health, maternal and child health, and confidential reproductive health care. .. ” They want these services to “include contraceptive services, information, and education and be available to sexually active male and female adolescents.” The term “confidential reproductive health care” is a cloak for their agenda. The “reproductive health care” part is inclusive of handing out birth control devices as well as facilitating the use of abortion services. The term “confidential” is APPAC’s deceptive way of saying that parents will not be asked for their consent or even be notified of such action. This point is made clear by the following section of recommendations also taken from the October 1990 report by APPAC:

Amend the Texas Education Code, Chapter 21, as follows:

 to allow the State Board of Education to develop rules that permit excused absences of the student re-questing or receiving reproductive health care and educational services; and

 to prohibit the requirement of parental consent or notification regarding school absences when they are for the purpose of receiving reproductive health care.

Amend the Texas Family Code, Chapter 35, Consent to Medical Treatment, to make it consistent with the U.S Supreme Court ruling that permits minors to receive confidential contraceptive care without the requirement of parental consent.

In “The Executive Summary of the Texas Summit on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention: Regional Work Sessions” dated May 1, 1992, APPAC now claims that schools already have the power and obligation to provide “reproductive health care” (i.e. birth control devices and abortion services) in ways which “prohibit parental consent or notification regarding these absences” for such (p. 38). This is already done in some states.

These goals will be easier for APPAC to meet if they succeed in promoting the establishment of “school-based clinics” which they also proposed in their 1990 guidelines. With school-based clinics to provide birth control devices and abortion services, they will have the legal cloak of “doctor-patient privilege” to legitimize the confidentiality restriction to prohibit notification of parents.

What does all of this mean? It means that APPAC is seeking to replace parental oversight of children regarding important moral and medical issues with state oversight. It means that the values of a humanistic and hedonistic few may be used to subvert the values taught by God-fearing parents. Instead of our children being taught “that you should abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thess. 4:3), they may be told by some humanist in a school-based clinic, “Here is a contraceptive. If you get pregnant anyway, come back and we will arrange an abortion. Don’t worry about your parents  they will never know about this.” Are you ready for that?

In response to such concerns, APPAC has given various statements regarding the need to “include” teaching “abstinence as an appropriate strategy to reducing teen pregnancy.” In other words, they want to teach “abstinence” while at the same time portraying birth control devices and abortion as equally valid means of reducing teen pregnancy. However, when they use the word “abstinence,” they do not mean the same thing God commanded in 1 Thessalonians 4:3. APPAC and their allies use the term to refer to “abstinence from intercourse,” not as the Bible commands in saying we must “abstain from every form of evil” (I Thess. 5:22). That would not only forbid unlawful sexual intercourse outside of a God-approved marriage (Heb. 13:4), but also lasciviousness which includes sexual activity outside of marriage that is short of intercourse (I Pet. 4:3; Gal. 5:19; 2 Cor. 12:21). For example, the Texas Department of health which is a member of APPAC has recommended Texas schools adopt the curriculum developed by the Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) for use in sex education programs. In its “Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education,” SIECUS includes the following in its curriculum for 12-15 year olds: “Abstinence from intercourse has benefits for teenagers. . . There are many ways to give and receive sexual pleasure and not have intercourse” (p. 34). Some of the sex education material refers to such activity as “outer-course” and suggest it as a “safe” activity.

In addition to this perverted concept of “abstinence,” the SIECUS curriculum is filled with examples like the following which I have heavily edited and still blush at:

“Many gay men and lesbian women live in lifetime committed relationships, even though they may not be recognized as married. . . Both boys and girls have body parts that feel good when touched” (for 5-8 year olds).

“Homosexual love relationships can be as fulfilling as

heterosexual relationships” (for 9-12 year olds).

“Homosexual couples behave sexually in many of the same ways as heterosexual couples… When a homosexual per-son accepts his/her sexual orientation, gains strength and pride as a gay or lesbian person, and tells others, it is known as `coming out.’ ‘Coming out’ can be difficult because people fear negative reactions. . . People do not choose their sexual orientation. Sexual orientation cannot be changed by therapy or medicine. . . Two people who cohabit can have the same commitment and responsibility toward one another as married people. . . [word deleted], either alone or with a partner, is one way a person can enjoy and express their sexuality without risking pregnancy or an STD” (for 12-15 year olds).

“The telephone number of the gay and lesbian switch-board is. . .” (the actual number is given). “Some common sexual behaviors shared by partners include kissing, touching, caressing, massage, sharing erotic literature or art, bathing/showering together, and . ..” (the rest of the activity discussed is something I cannot print though it is plainly included in material for 15-18 year olds).

This ungodly material is fit only for the fires of hell! It is only after much consideration and censoring that I print the above to inform parents and children of the danger of such evils that confront us. The values encouraged have no place among decent people and certainly must not be taught in the classroom where they will aid in the corruption of our young people’s minds to accept sin! We must combat these proposals by reproving and exposing such shameful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11-12).

Each of us should let his voice of opposition be heard to the Governor (who is pushing this garbage) and our legislature. School boards in our area are facing decisions about this issue at this time. It is essential that we not silently watch as ungodliness is invited into our children’s classrooms. Let us stand up for principles of truth and righteousness in every area of life as lights in a world of darkness (Matt. 5:14-16).

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 9, p. 22-23
May 6, 1993