Truth Magazine

By Harry Osborne

The recent trial of William Kennedy Smith revealed some disturbing facts about accepted sexual behavior in this country. A jury found Mr. Smith “not guilty” of the charge of rape and that decision must be respected as legitimate under the law of the land. However, the conduct admitted by Mr. Smith in the trial put him in conflict with a higher law -God’s law.

The television coverage of the trial gave little attention to the shameful nature of the admitted conduct, but focused almost solely upon whether or not rape was committed. The conclusion seemed to be that as long as rape was not committed, Mr. Smith’s reputation as an honorable and decent man was restored. That is a disastrous message to send to a society already given to hedonism!

By his own admission, Mr. Smith says the incident started at a bar where he and the woman drank alcohol. The record showed that over $600 worth of drinks were consumed by the four people in Mr. Smith’s party. He then says he took this woman whom he had just met on the dance floor and engaged in the sexually provocative movements of “slow dancing” and “dirty dancing” like the “lambada.” The disc jockey for the club described such dances as “sexy” with “a lot of touching of the partner’s body.” One writer called it “an imitation of the sex act on the dance floor.” It is the most popular form of modern dancing among young people today. Mr. Smith then admits he was involved in fornication on the lawn with this one to whom he was not married. Sounds like one honorable, respectable evening, doesn’t it?

God’s word makes it clear that a problem exists with every step in that sequence of events regardless of whether or not rape was involved. Let us see what God says about the nature of such acts and the character of one so acting.

Step One: Drinking Alcohol

The Bible repeatedly warns about the danger of drinking alcohol. “Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things” (Prov. 23:31-33). “Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).

The fortified wines and liquor of our time were called “strong drink” shekar in the Bible. The word is used 22 times in the Old Testament and is never approved for human consumption. Instead, the Bible clearly and consistently condemns any partaking of “strong drink” (e.g. Lev. 10:9; Num. 6:3; Isa. 28:7). Why? Its use inherently robs one of the full rational facilities of the mind in decision making and results in one acting improperly. As a matter of fact, no passage in the word of God ever approves the recreational use of any alcoholic beverage! If those justifying social drinking would like to attempt a defense of their practice, let them try to do so from the Scriptures. The fact is they cannot prove it to be “good” from the word of God (1 Thess. 5:21-22). God knew that messing around with alcohol would lead to one evil after another. It is high time we figure out the same!

Step Two: Dancing

The Bible condemns lasciviousness which is inherently involved in the modern dances. The word “lasciviousness” refers to unbridled lusts and the actions proceeding from such. Arndt and Gingrich define it to mean “licentiousness, debauchery, sensuality . . . (to)follow the inclination to sensuality” (114). Thayer comments on the meaning by saying it deals with “wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females, etc.” (7980). Remember the disc jockey’s description of the modern dance? These definitions given of “lasciviousness” describe the modern dance perfectly!

Paul characterized lasciviousness as a “work of the flesh” and went on to say that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21). Other passages make the point just as plainly (Eph. 4:17-19; 1 Pet. 4:1-5). Mark 6:21-28 records an example of the evil produced by sensual dancing. The daughter of Herodias so aroused her step-father, Herod, through a dance emphasizing sensuality that Herod promised to give her anything up to half of his kingdom. She asked for the head of John the Baptist. Sensual dancing has continued to keep sinful company to the present day – it never has produced good.

Step Three: Fornication

The Bible condemns the sexual union of any people except a man and woman who are lawfully joined to one another in marriage. Marriage was given by God to provide among other things for the sexual fulfillment of the desires of the man and the woman so that they might “avoid fornication” (1 Cor. 7:2). Any sexual relationship outside of marriage is called “fornication” and is expressly forbidden (1 Cor. 6:15-20). God says that those who violate this law will not be allowed into heaven.

Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with’ men, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

Instead, we are commanded to live in sanctification by abstaining from fornication (1 Thess. 4:1-8).

Sexual union between two people is not right just because they both agree to engage in it. The Bible declares it is only in a God ordained marriage that a man and woman have the right to engage in sexual activity.

Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge (Heb. 13:4).

When one has so little regard for God’s law that he violates it upon the lawn, there is no honor to be found in it. It is shameful!

Conclusion

Why do many in our time fail to see the shame in such hedonistic behavior? Young people are urged to make sure they have “consensual sex” and “safe sex,” but I hear precious little talk about “only marital sex.” However, God’s law still says that is the only proper place for the sexual union of a man and woman. Though men may disobey it, that is and will continue to be his law on the matter!

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 9, pp. 161, 183
March 19, 1992

By Dan King

In the Old Testament’s description of the Samaritans and their religion, the author of the second book of Kings notes that they “feared Jehovah, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away” (17:33). He concludes his’ discussion of them with this summary: “So these nations feared Jehovah, and served their graven images; their children likewise, and their children’s children, as did their fathers, so do they unto. this day” (17:41).

The voice of inspiration rehearses the warning God had given to his people that they not bow themselves down to other gods or serve them: “Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them” (v. 35). And, when the rehearsal is over, the sad facts of history are that “they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner” (v. 40). To their own hurt, they did not pay attention to the most exclusive aspect of the teaching of the Law of God: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One” (Deut. 6:4).

Truth is exclusive. God cannot be the one and only true God, and permit the worship of other divine beings at the same time. Isaiah proclaims on the Lord’s behalf: “I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God! ” (44:6) God looks around himself in his heaven and sees there no divinity other than himself, and says, in essence, “There’s nobody up here but me!” The truth about God being all by himself, exclusively God, if you will, is a fact which excludes the divinity of Baal, Asherah, Molech, etc. The Samaritans could not buy this point about God because they lived in a world which was brainwashed by paganism. No god could ever claim exclusive dominion in heaven, because the heavens were thought to be peopled with divinities, each having dominion over a different aspect of nature or over separate nations of earth. But the entirety of the Old Testament, in all of its different parts, was an argument against this false notion. The God of Israel was exclusively God, and the truth about him branded the ideas of the nations and their so-called gods as false.

This is a very easy and simple way of viewing the idea of the monotheism of the Bible. Yet this explains more than just monotheism as a concept of the nature of God. It also touches the nature of truth itself. The “truth” which the Bible communicates is exclusive not only in addressing the oneness of God, but also in other areas as well. Now, I realize, this is not a notion that is particularly comfortable in the twentieth century mind. We of this era tend to pride ourselves in being open-minded, even to a fault. As one fellow said it, “You do not want to be so open-minded that your brains fall out.” Unfortunately, I believe that this is precisely what has happened with the thinking of modern men. People have tended in recent years to force all issues of morality and religion into the category of “subjective truth.” “Objective truth,” on the other hand, would be mathematical relationships and historical and scientific realities. For example, two plus two equals four is a verifiable and/or duplicatable truth. Therefore, it is objective. The same would apply to the historical fact that Abraham Lincoln lived and served as a U.S. president. As well, the scientific observations regarding gravity, would serve to illustrate scientific truth. It is objective.

But according to this way of viewing morality and religion, it fits into a separate compartment of the mind. The world is filled with different religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Moharnmedism, Judaism, Christianity, and so forth. And even Christianity is divided into warring factions, each with its own particular slant upon how the “truth” is to be viewed. These observations, combined with the contemporary indifference to morality and religion, result in a way of thinking which considers “truth” in this sphere to be highly flexible and elastic, and subject to personal and individual apprehension and experience.

Understand, dear reader, that while this may be a very tempting way to see the world, since such thinking may be found all about you, it is was not the teaching of Jesus Christ, nor is it the teaching of the Bible! It was difficult for the Samaritans to look beyond the thinking of their forefathers, to see Jehovah as the only true God-so much so that they failed to do it! And it is hard for us to see the truth of the Bible as propositional, rather than subjective. But it is still a fact that the Bible intends to be viewed as a book of propositional truths, to be taken at face value and not to be read as so many mystic observations subject to the whims of each reader. Jesus speaks across the centuries to those so bemused: “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (NIV, Matt. 22:29). Think with me for a moment: if moral and spiritual truth is individual and subjective, rather than objective and impersonal, how could those people have been “in error”? They took the position that the Hebrew Scriptures did not teach a resurrection of the body, and further made peace with the philosophies of their time by denying the existence of angels and spirits (cf. Acts 23:8). Jesus just said that they were wrong. The same must be said for much popular thought about the Scriptures today. Do not be taken in by it. Read this book, the Bible, you will find much of what you have heard about it lately to be “in error”!

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 6, p. 173
March 19, 1992

By Ron Halbrook

Some beautiful tributes to the Bible have been written. Consider the following:

The Bible

This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe in it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword , and the Christian’s charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened in the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

We should recognize the Bible as “given by inspiration of God” – breathed out from his holy mind into the minds of the human authors (2 Tim. 3:16). It reveals the mind and wisdom of God – “not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth” (1 Cor. 2:13). God says, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8).

God revealed his love for us and his plan to save us in words we can understand. “As I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:3-4). Because we can understand God’s Word, we can believe it. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). By hearing the gospel, we learn that Jesus Christ is the true Son of God and Savior of the world (Jn. 20:30-31). We learn that we must repent of our sins, confess Christ, and be immersed in water for the remission of our sins through the blood of Christ (Rom. 10:10; Acts 2:38).

God’s Word provides divine guidance for every aspect of our lives. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105). God’s Word is always right and will protect us from every false way. “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (v. 128). The Word of God guides us in the work and worship we offer to him in the local church (Acts 2;42). It safely guides and regulates our home life (Eph. 5:22-6:4). It teaches us the proper attitude toward civil government and toward our fellow man in every relationship. “And if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Rom. 13:1-10).

Ultimately, we pay tribute to the Bible as God’s holy Word by submitting to it and obeying it. Do we read the Bible privately at home? Are we steadfast to gather with Christians for Bible study? Do we read the Scriptures with our family? Do we discuss it with our relatives, friends, and neighbors? Are we doing all we can to learn and to share God’s holy Word? Do we truly pay tribute to the Bible in our daily lives or do we pay it mere lip service? With our whole heart, let us join the author of Psalm 119 in extolling the Word of God:

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (vv. 9-11).

For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven (v. 89).

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day (v. 97).

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (v. 103)

Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold (v. 127).

I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments (v. 131).

My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness (vv. 171-72).

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 5, p. 137
March 5, 1992

By Dan King

Many people today are guilty of the sin which the author of the Hebrew epistle condemns his readers for in 10:25 of his letter. He writes: “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing night.” Many of those people to whom he addressed himself were drawn back to Jewish ways and Jewish things, and so came to place a low value upon worship with other Christians. Clearly this is the case with many folks today; not that they are drawn back to Judaism, but that they place a low value upon worhsip activities because they place a high value upon things which are worldly and temporal, and yet have no long-term spiritual worth.

Now, when we begin to ask ourselves why we are neglecting the growth of our souls and the worship of our God, we have a list of excuses a mile long. But excuses are just that: attempts at justifying ourselves and exempting us from duty. The Lord must surely see these excuses like the wife did in a story I heard recently. It seems that a certain fellow was a prominent member of a gentleman’s club. At the breakfast table he was relating to his wife an incident that occurred at the club the previous evening. The president of the organization had offered a silk hat to the brother who could stand up and truthfully say that during his married life he had never kissed any woman but his own wife. “And, would you believe it Helen? – not a one stood up.” “Harry,” his wife said, “why didn’t you stand up?” “Well,” he replied, “I was going to, but I knew I would look awful in a silk hat.” Pretty lame, wouldn’t you agree? But if you want to hear a few lame excuses, listen to some of these:

1. I Just Don’t Feel Good On Sunday. Someone has dubbed this ailment “Sunday morbitis,” since it only seems to strike on Sundays. It is a disease which has many different symptoms and only a few similarities. For example, people who are stricken by it always seem to improve on Sunday night so that by Monday morning they can go back to work and not lose any part of their paycheck. Too, you will see them out shopping and present at all social occasions by Monday.

2. I Had Important Things To Do On Sunday. Wonder how that one sounds to God? IT most certainly puts him and his kingdom down the list from where it ought to be (see Matt. 6:33). Was it really more important than being with the people of God and learning about the Son of God?

3. I Just Don’t Enjoy Worship Enough To Go Regularly. This sounds more like a self-indictment than an excuse! Of course, all of our likes and dislikes and based upon developed tastes. The right attitude is critical to enjoying anything. Do you come to worship for the right reason? Do you come to be entertained, or to worship and serve your Creator? If you come for entertainment, you are there for the wrong reason! If you come to be coddled or catered to, you are there for the wrong reason! God’s people sang his praises and glorified his Name in the sewers and labyrinths beneath ancient Rome, and did so at the risk of persecution and death! Whereas today we must listen to complaints about minor little problems: the temperature in the building, the seats are too hard, the song leader didn’t pitch the song correctly, the preacher preached too long, the people were unfriendly (friendliness starts with ME), etc. “I didn’t get anything out of that service,” should be answered with the question, “Did you put anything into it?” If we would take the attitude of David, we would most assuredly enjoy the worship: “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go up to the House of the Lord” (Psa. 122:1).

4. Once A Week Is Enough. If you will read again Hebrews 10:25, you will find that it does not refer to a single assembly, but to “assembling.” Early Christians at times met every day (similar to what we do during a gospel meeting or special series of lessons). “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching. . . ” (Acts 2:42); and, “Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple . . . (Acts 2:46). Every child of God who was not hindered by sickness was expected at all the assemblies: “To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (Jas. 4:17). Brethren have generally found that most everyone can fit in the three services per week that congregations provide. Of course, work obligations limit us in some instances, but, in reality, there are few times when we absolutely must miss even one of these few hours of the week for worship. If one went to all four hours of study and worship provided by the local church, it would take up only 4 out of 168 total hours in the week. Surely we can spare that much time for the Savior who bore the cross to Calvary for us!

5. I’m Only Hurting Myself. Now, there is where you are wrong. A poor example hurts everyone around him or her. It hurts a spouse, who is thereby weakened in faith and resolve to do right. It hurts the children, who are set on the wrong path in life by the patterns we are now putting before them. It hurts relatives and neighbors and friends who see our model and receive encouragement for their own indifference and apathy. We never hurt only ourselves! Jesus said: “Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). What kind of light are you shining before the world?

6. One Of These Days I’m Going To Get Started Being Faithful. I heard the story once of a boy, the son of a negligent church member, who was bitten by a rattlesnake. He called the preacher to come over and pray for him. When he showed up, Sam was shocked to hear the preacher pray as follows: “Dear Lord, please send more and bigger snakes to bite Jim, and Pete, and the old man too!” What we all need is “more and bigger” of whatever it takes to shake us out of our lethargy. God does not guarantee that we will have a tomorrow to start being what we need to be and doing what we need to do. “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). God wants us faithful all the time so that we will befoundfaithful at the end of time (Rev. 2:10)! Now is the time to get started on the road to faithfulness!

Stop making lame-sounding excuses that are aimed at “excusing us from duty.” If they sound ridiculous to others, then they no doubt sound so to God who knows the hearts of men. Stop playing games with your soul. Heaven is too wonderful to miss, and Hell too horrible to hit! And, please be assured dear reader, the Judge of all the earth knows the difference between a reason and an excuse. If you don’t believe it, read Luke 14:16-21.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 5, pp. 142-143
March 5, 1992