Truth Magazine

By Carl McMurray

And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem (Lk. 13:22).

The passage above speaks of our Lord’s journey toward Jerusalem. Verses 32 and 33 show us that this was not just a trip for him and Jerusalem was not just a place to stop. That city was his goal. He knew that he was traveling toward his own crucifixion. While setting his mind on his goal, however, he did not lose sight of where he was and what he was doing. Daily he was casting out demons and performing miracles of healing upon others. Think also about his method of travel. Possessing little finances, Jesus probably walked most places he went. As he walked into villages and out of cities on his journey, his eyes and ears were open to the cries of those distressed. He spoke to them, touched them, healed their bodies and changed their lives. He taught them and spoke with a confidence and truth that burned his words into their hearts so that people remembered his teaching and told others, “No man ever spake like this man.” As Jesus traveled toward death, he formed relation-ships and left an effect behind him.

On the other hand, consider how we travel. We like interstates. We seal ourselves up in an air-conditioned environment on smooth asphalt and radial tires. With reclining seats and cruise control, our favorite tape in the player, or Rush Limbaugh on the radio, we sit back and chat with others in the car for hundreds upon hundreds of miles. Every few hours I may stop just momentarily for a bottle of juice and some popcorn or fuel or a meal. Even then it’s, “Hurry and get back in the car — gotta go!”

You may be asking about this time, “What’s the point?” “Is he trying to tell us to walk instead of drive?” I’m really not doing that at all. Jesus’ method of travel accurately represented the way he traveled through life. My point is that if we are not careful, we also travel through life like we travel across the country. We get ourselves insulated and comfortable with all of our needs seen to. The only time we get close to others is when we jump out momentarily and need someone else to see to another of our needs. We want things smooth and comfortable, clean and quiet, as we travel toward our goal. We pay outrageous amounts for a home to live in and then never “use” it for hospitality because a magazine may be on the floor or the plush pile carpet is not vacuumed. We have every modern labor-saving appliance (almost) known to man in our kitchens — so we can eat out! Many modern ladies would find it impossible to prepare, on short notice, for extra company at the table. They couldn’t compete with women in the past who work-ed out of pots and woodstoves. The average work week has been shortened to 40-50 hours for most men, but we still can’t find time to attend evening classes, visit other Christians, or prepare a class to teach. Our children are healthier, better educated, and have access to more opportunities than they have ever had. They are also lazier, more disrespectful, more spoiled, less self-controlled and less responsible. I know there are many exceptions to all the preceeding — but I still believe this to be the “rule.” Are we traveling through life at our ease? We need to wake up and pay attention to what’s going on around us.

I see Jesus walking and talking in the marketplaces, answering their questions, as he healed them. He blessed the little children and I just imagine he greeted the elderly with respect and compassion. He took note of people — and so should we. Slow down! On this road of life, get out of your car and walk. Turn off life’s radio, listen to some people, and find out what is really important.

When you visit the grocery next time, for a moment, visit with the cashier. Compliment the gas station attendant and call that little girl at Hardee’s by her name. She wears it on a tag for all to take note of. When your co-worker shows up at work in a good mood, ask him why and then give him some positive feedback. Feel good with him, laugh out loud with him. When sadness or tragedy strike an acquaintance — run, don’t walk, right to them — hug ’em. Take some time to listen to their feelings. Be quiet. You can’t hear when you’re talking. It doesn’t matter if you know “just what to say” like some others seem to do so easily. It is your heart that people want, not your eloquence.

Stop the car and get out of the air conditioning. Look deep into the eyes of your children and see yourself. Give them what they need; your love, your confidence, and discipline. Tell your friends what you think of them, what they mean to you. Encourage the younger ones who are walking in your footsteps and don’t push the elderly ahead of you — care for them and watch out for them instead. Make sure your husband or wife knows you love them. Experience life in all of its excitements, and sorrows, and joys. Talk to people and listen. Visit with people and share. Keep your eyes open to help and when you see a place, jump into the gap and give it your best. Jesus was traveling toward his goal and so are we. He was traveling toward heaven and so are we. He was heading toward death and so are we. All along the way he was reaching out and sharing God’s power and the good news of the kingdom. We should be doing the same thing. To arrive at the Lord’s goal, we’re going to have to travel his path. What type of traveler have you been? What type will you be?

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 6, p. 13
March 18, 1993

By Donald Townsley

Denominational dogma and practice have greatly obscured the truth concerning the manner in which the Holy Spirit operates in the conversion of man. Denominationalism teaches that in conversion the Holy Spirit works directly, without means, upon the heart of man — some say, “in a manner above our comprehension.” Many brethren teach the “personal indwelling” of the Holy Spirit after conversion. But, what does the word of God teach? If the Holy Spirit operates separate and apart from the word of God, what does he do? We believe the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit works only through the word of God in conversion, and that he dwells in the Christian through the medium of the Word. Let us examine the Scriptures concerning this subject.

1. The Holy Spirit does not enlighten the soul of man apart from the word of God; he does this through the Word.

Psalms 19:8 — “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

Psalms 119:130 — “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

Ephesians 5:17 — “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

2. The Holy Spirit does not convert the soul of man apart from the word of God; he does this through the Word.

a. Psalms 19:7 — “The law of the Lord is perfect, con verting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”

Romans 1:16 — “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

I Corinthians 4:15 — “For though ye have ten thou-sand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospeL”

The Holy Spirit does not make us wise unto salvation apart from the word of God; he does this through the Holy Scriptures.

a. 2 Timothy 3:15 — “And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

The Holy Spirit does not cleanse us apart from the word of God; he does this through the word.

a. John 15:3 — “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”

The Holy Spirit does not sanctify apart from the word of God; he does this through the word.

a. John 17:17 — “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

The Holy Spirit does not save apart from the word of God; he does this through the word.

James 1:21 — “Wherefore lay part all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

The Holy Spirit does not make men free from sin apart from the word of God; he makes them free from sin through their obeying that “form of doctrine.”

a. Romans 6:17-18 “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

The Holy Spirit does not work apart from the word of God in order to bring about the new birth; He brings about the new birth by the word.

a. 1 Peter 1:23 “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”

The Holy Spirit does not produce faith in the hearts of men apart from the word of God; he does this through the word.

a. Romans 10:17 — “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

The Holy Spirit does not produce fruit in the life of a Christian apart from the word of God; he does it through the word.

Matthew 13:23 — “But he that receiveth seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Galatians 5:22-23 — “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

The Holy Spirit does not make the Christian ‘ perfect” and “furnished unto all good works” apart from the word of God; he does this through the word.

a. 2 Timothy 3:16,17 — “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

The Holy Spirit does not produce growth in Christians apart from the word of God; he does this through the word.

a. 1 Peter 2:2 “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

The Holy Spirit dwells in the Christian — not directly, apart from the word of God, but through the medium of the word.

Galatians 3:2 “This only would Ilearn of you, received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”

Ephesians 3:17 — “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.”

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 6, p. 14-15
March 18, 1993

By Eric Norford

Paul said in Ephesians 6:1-4, “Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” God’s system in the home is simple: parents have authority over children and children are required to obey their parents, even when they don’t want to. Fathers are responsible to see that the children are raised in the ways of God. It must be done if we are to have a home pleasing in the sight of God.

Under the old law, children were told the same thing. God says in Exodus 20:12, “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” This principle still applies today. Under this law those who would not honor their parents were to be put to death. Exodus 21:15 says, “And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.” Exodus 21:17 says, “And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.” Leviticus 20:9 says, “For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death.” God demanded obedience from the children. I am thankful we don’t live under that law today, but it doesn’t change how God feels, he still commands that children obey their parents.

Often there comes a time when the child is going to do something wrong, it is up to the parents to administer discipline in order to correct the child so he or she will not do it again. What kind of discipline should be given to the child? That depends on what he did and what the parents want to do with the situation, but there needs to be some kind of discipline.

In our country today, as has been the case for the last 25 years, there has been an uprise in those who believe that children do not need discipline, particularly in the area of corporal punishment (spanking). Many people believe today that in order to correct the child, the parents ought to talk to the child (I agree there are times when this can be done, but their view says this is to be done 100 percent of the time; there is to be no spanking). These views were recently aired on ABC’s “20/20” program. lam sure some of you watched or heard or even read about. The views are taking a drop in the bucket as to what humanists have been teaching for over 30 years in this country. A generation in this country has been raised with this philosophy and we are going to see the results of it.

I was recently given a newspaper article about this very subject that I would like to share with you. It was taken from the The Dominion Post (Morgantown, WV, January 1!, 1993). It was written by Terry Hagedorn of Reedsville, WV and this is what he had to say about this subject. All I can say is “Amen!”

The “20/20” program for October 30, 1992, focused its myopic lenses upon the issue of spanking children. Sarcastically, the narrator opened the segment stating: “There’s a long tradition of spanking kids to teach them.”

The Bible recommends it: “Withhold not correction from the child; he’ll do better if thou beatest him with the rod.”

The Old Woman in the shoe knew what to do: She whipped them all soundly and put them to bed.

Could hundreds of years of nursery rhymes, tradition and the Bible be wrong? Today, most every researcher who studied spanking says yes, they are wrong.

I beg to differ with the announcer. The Word of God in Proverbs 13:23 does not say, “He’ll do better if thou beatest him with a rod.” God’s word says, “for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.”

These Scriptures are a warning to parents to take whatever loving correction is necessary to prevent their children from being spiritually reprobate and, even worse, prematurely dead — two conditions that our children are suffering from in catastrophic numbers!

Sociologist Murray Strous appeared on this “20/20” pro-gram as one who disagrees: “It’s probably the best-kept secret of American child psychology that spanking kids produces kids that are more trouble, more hassle for parents, less well-behaved, and besides that, you’re putting them at risk . . . of severe problems when they grow up.”

This expert, like so many other so-called “experts,” offered no empirical scientific evidence to back up his allegations. American child psychology is not monolithic, let alone an empirical authority on the issue.

There are many disputes among American child psychologists of what is best for children in the area of child rearing, including spanking.

One need not he a scientist to see what 40 years of experience clearly teaches. Look at the condition of our children today compared to those from the years prior to ”expert” pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock’s and Dr. ”The Father of Modern Education” John Dewey’s humanistic theories becoming the absolute authority for parents.

Here are some of the top offenses in our public schools in 1963: talking; tardiness; chewing gum; throwing spit balls; rudeness; making noise; running in the halls; getting out of turn in line; wearing improper clothing; not putting paper in the wastebasket; and smoking cigarettes (probably the worst offense).

Today, we find: murder (metal detectors at the school doors are used to find guns and knives); rape; assault and battery (schools now have shooting and bombing drills); arson; bombing; suicide; vandalism; extortion; drug/alcohol abuse; gang warfare; sexually transmitted diseases; an explosion in teen pregnancies; abortions; protection devices given out; and sexual perversion being taught in the school curriculum.

American children have been sacrificed to the secular social experiments of godless humanists who control virtually every aspect of our society; the mass media; public schools; government; the home; and even some churches!

”20/20” is wrong. The humanists are wrong, God is right! Speak up America. It’s your right and responsibility.

May God give us Christian homes where humanism can not get in and tear it apart.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 7, p. 1
April 1, 1993

By Larry Ray Hafley

Brother Kevin Campbell met Bobby L. Sparks, Missionary Baptist, in a four night debate at the Pruett and Lobit church in Baytown, Texas, the last week of January, 1993. Essentially, the debate was centered on the question, “What must I do to be saved?”

The first two nights, Kevin affirmed that water baptism is “for (in order to obtain) the forgiveness of sins.” The last two nights, Mr. Sparks affirmed that salvation is “by grace through faith, before and without water baptism.”

Brother Campbell’s affirmative arguments were based on the clear and concise statements of the Bible which he presented on overhead transparencies. The effect of plain, positive Scripture was overwhelming in itself, but Kevin carefully contrasted the Bible with Baptist doctrine. For example:

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16).

He that believeth and is not baptized shall be saved (Baptist doctrine).

The contrast with Baptist teaching made the words of Jesus stand out with even greater power.

Further, brother Campbell tied his questions to Mr. Sparks with his affirmative. He asked:

“Which of the following statements gives the order of occurrence?

‘He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.’

`He that believeth and is saved shall be baptized.”‘

This question was asked each night of the debate. Sparks hedged and dodged, refusing to answer the question directly, even though in his first debate with Kevin he had said that “He that believeth and is saved shall be baptized” was the correct order of occurrence in Mark 16:16.

One must remember that Baptists are lost. They have not obeyed the gospel. Thus, it is necessary to press and drive home the truth to the hearts of those who are blinded to things that appear so simple to us. This is part of brother Campbell’s skill as a debater. He impresses the truth on the heart and directs his efforts to the lost to help them see the contrast between what they believe and what the Bible teaches.

Naturally, Acts 2:38 figured prominently in the discussion. In answer to brother Campbell’s question, Sparks agreed that those in Acts 2:37 who inquired, “What shall we do?” were lost and unsaved. In the first debate Sparks argued that “for the remission of sins” means because of the remission of sins, but in this debate he contended that “for” has so many meanings and uses that its exact meaning is doubtful, controversial and inconclusive.

Brother Campbell then asked Sparks if the expression, “for the remission of sins,” was equally doubtful, controversial and inconclusive in Matthew 26:28, where we are told that Christ’s blood was shed “for the remission of sins”? Sparks said it was not. Kevin showed that as Christ’s blood was shed “for the remission of sins,” so repentance and baptism are “for the remission of sins.”

Grounds Vs. Conditions

A great part of the debate centered around the grounds of salvation and the conditions of salvation. Sparks stressed that baptism cannot have any part in salvation or forgiveness because it is the blood of Christ that forgives and saves. “Christ is our Savior, not baptism; the blood provides forgiveness, not water,” he contended. These declarations served to comfort the Baptists, confuse the issue and contradict the word of the cross.

Kevin correctly and consistently contended that, yes, Christ is indeed our Savior and that his blood is what washes us from our sins, and, he said, that he was not arguing to the contrary. However, those facts were not under discussion; no one dares to deny them. The issue is not: Is Christ our Savior; Or, does his blood procure pardon? The issue is when, or at what point, does Jesus save us by his blood?

The grounds of salvation include such things as mercy, grace and love, which provided the blood of Jesus. Those items are the basis of salvation, but the debate was about the terms or conditions. Time and again Kevin showed that the blood of Christ is what washes us from our sins, but that it does so when we are baptized (Rev. 1:5; Acts 22:16; Rom. 6:3-6; Col. 2:11-13). The blood of Christ is what remits our sins, but it does so when we are baptized (Matt. 26:28; Acts 2:38).

With relentless and irresistible force, brother Campbell hammered home this vital point. With great effect, he used the case of Naaman, the leper. With several clear charts, he showed that Naaman was healed by the Lord and not by the water, but that he was not healed by the Lord until he dipped seven times in the river Jordan (2 Kgs. 5). Just so, God’s power to save and Christ’s blood to save will not be applied until we have complied with the conditions of pardon as set forth in the New Testament.

“Justified By Faith”

Sparks argued that we are justified by faith, apart from baptism, citing numerous passages that attest to salvation by faith. Kevin agreed that salvation is by faith (Rom. 5:1), but “when,” he asked, are we justified by faith? Brother Campbell taught that we are justified by grace (Rom. 3:24), by faith (Rom. 5:1) and by the blood of Christ (Rom. 5:9), but when does this occur? “Ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Rom. 6:17,18).

In conjunction with this, Kevin said that the walls of Jericho fell down “by faith,” but only “after they were compassed about seven days” (Heb. 11:30). Thus, a thing may be accomplished “by faith,” even though certain acts of obedience are required. Kevin asked Sparks, “Is the following statement true or false: `The walls of Jericho fell by grace through faith, before and without marching around the city’ (Josh. 6:2; Heb. 11:30).” Mr. Sparks admitted that the statement was “false.”

He conceded, then, that an event may be done “by faith,” as a gift of God (Josh. 6:2; Heb. 11:30), yet have conditions attached to it; so, Kevin pressed, can we not see that salvation too, is “by grace through faith,” though we must be baptized?

Further, to drive the conclusion into absolute certainty, Kevin documented the salvation of the Ephesians, who had been “baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus,” for the remission of sins (Acts 19:5; 2:38). Later, Paul wrote to them and said they were saved “by grace through faith” (Eph. 2:8,9). But to whom, brother Campbell asked, did Paul say this? He said it to those who had been baptized for the remission of sins. Hence, those who have been baptized are the ones who have been saved by grace through faith.

Quips and Quibbles

Sparks averred that Christ is in the water, if baptism is essential, so when the baptistry is drained, Christ goes down the sewer. Kevin said that, if so, then the Baptist Church must be in the water since one is baptized into the Baptist Church; so, when the baptistry is drained, the Baptist church goes down the drain. Sparks’ argument backfired, and, feeling the effects of it, he denied that baptism puts one into the Baptist Church. He said that he did not “baptize people into the Baptist church.”

Kevin said that proved once and for all that the Baptist Church is not the Lord’s church, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,” the church (I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22,23). One is baptized into the church of Christ, the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13), but one is not baptized into the Baptist Church, therefore, the Baptist Church is not the Lord’s church! Kevin very politely and kindly thanked Mr. Sparks for this admission.

Sparks said that if one had to be baptized it negated the cross and Jesus’ death, because Jesus did it all on the cross. Kevin wondered that if one had to believe and repent, did that also negate the cross and Jesus’ death?

Sparks charged that Kevin avoided arguments and said that if Kevin played baseball, he would have to play for the “Dodgers.” Kevin replied that as afraid as Mr. Sparks was of passages with water in them, it was obvious that he (Sparks) could never play for the “Mariners!”

Isolated, these quibbles sound like childish banter, perhaps, but in the context of the overall debate, they helped to highlight and underscore the truth of the gospel. For ex-ample, Mr. Sparks had a parody of the great, old hymn, “Amazing Grace.” His satire was entitled, “Amazing Water.” As he read and reviled that grand hymn of grace, he said that this is what water baptism does to grace. It makes baptism our Savior, rather than grace, so we ought to sing, “Amazing Water.”

Kevin replied with his rendition of “Amazing Faith.” Since, he inquired, Sparks believes that one must have faith in order to be saved, does this mean that faith, and not grace, is our Savior? Of course not! Again, Sparks’ “profane and vain babblings” gave truth an opportunity to radiantly shine forth and to thereby dispel the mists of error.

Conclusion

The debate was well attended, averaging 231 per night. We had a large number of Baptists present, nearly 50 or more on one night alone. Numerous tracts were distributed, especially Grover Stevens’ invaluable work, “Why I Left the Baptist Church.”

The response to the debate has been outstanding in every way! Some who formerly expressed doubt about a debate have now expressed their whole-hearted approval of them! Two folks known to me said, “I was wrong. This debate was great!” Brother Campbell’s poise, his earnest presentation of truth and his ability to expose error in a pointed but kind manner has helped brethren to see the good that a debate, properly conducted, can do.

As this review is being written, a Baptist preacher has called brother Campbell and expressed his appreciation for Kevin’s attitude during the debate. This Baptist preacher said he was disappointed with the way Mr. Sparks handled his part of the debate, but that he appreciated Kevin’s manner. He also said that he had some questions to ask Kevin and that he needed some answers to satisfy his own mind about some things that troubled him! Is that good news or what?

Further, our young people have been strengthened. Their comments and insight into the various issues have had them talking about the Bible. They have been edified by it. For the first time in their lives, they saw their faith in Christ tested by an able opponent, and they have come away with a renewed faith in the word of the Lord. Who says that debates do not do an good? Not our young people, that is for sure!

Kevin Campbell is now a “veteran” of four debates at the ripe old age of twenty-five! His thorough preparation and his seemingly innate ability to answer error with Scripture is a source of admiration and inspiration to all who hear him. I am so thankful to God for young men like Kevin. His work is a blessing to the cause of the cross of Christ, to whom we ascribe glory and honor, both now and forever.

 

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 6, p. 10-12
March 18, 1993