Truth Magazine

By Terry Partain

The Lord willing, I intend to switch my energies to Spanish work full-time by the end of this year. The faithful Hispanic brethren of Miami have welcomed me with their typical warmth and charm. They will be my co-laborers, tutors and family in this work.

As a child, I heard my father Wayne Partain preaching the gospel to small Hispanic churches. I still remember the songs we sang, the sights, the sounds, and the smells that were part of my childhood. During the twenty years that I have preached in English, my heart has never been very far from the Spanish work. In the late ’70’s I worked in the Miami area surrounded by Cubans and discovered a growing interest in my heart. I have never been able to forget the vastness of that barely touched field.

The complexion of the Hispanic community has changed dramatically since 1979. Wave upon wave of immigrants have come from Cuba, Nicaragua, El Salvador as well as Colombia, Venezuela and most of the countries of South America. The Anglo community has dropped by one-fourth but the Latin Community has increased by two-thirds so that .-ow they are half of the population numbering about one mil,,ion in Dade County alone. “Balseros” are floating ashore daily . . . 1300 last year. Whole communities are 70 to 90 percent Hispanic: Sweetwater 93 percent (mostly Nicaraguan), Hialeah 87.6 percent, Hialeah Gardens 82 percent, Islandia 76.9 percent, West Miami 79 percent. These are some of the prominent examples.

Brethren, these people by and large have relatives in Central and South America with whom they are in close contact. Miami is the hub of the wheel of the Americas extending to New York and Chicago northward, and to Chile and Argentina southward. Like Ephesus in Asia of the New Testament, this is a strategic place from which to spread the word to all of Latin America. On my last visit to Miami I talked to a young Guatemalan who is close to obeying the gospel. He told me that the gospel had really changed his thinking about his former way of living and that when he went to visit his family next year, he was going to go as a brother in Christ.

This is a fertile field. Walk down the streets and you can hear radios on, tuned to religious programs. There are four Spanish stations that carry such programs and their rates are cheap by American standards ($125/hour). They read. They are not uneducated. Many of the schools of their countries are advanced compared to ours. Gospel teaching in the mass media has a better reception among the Hispanics, I believe, than among the Anglo population.

Brethren, my interest is not only in the local work in Miami. Scriptural teaching materials are very scarce. Those that are available are doing a tremendous job. Mature gospel preachers cannot be everywhere that they are needed to help other struggling brethren wrestle with false doctrines and critical issues as they come up but the written word can. It has a life of its own. It can be there if competent teachers will write and distribute these materials. Also, with God’s help I want to help train others to fight the good fight. In recent years many churches have been established or pulled out of liberalism and they cry out for help. They need visits, gospel meetings, exhortations to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the faith. I want to help.

Who will help me? I need to find support from faithful brethren. Let me discuss this work with you. I am entering this work for a long term. Let me know if you are interested in this work.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 23, p. 709
December 5, 1991

By Jon Quinn

“Now it came about in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, on the first of the month, the water was dried up from the earth. Then Noah removed the covering from the ark, and looked, and behold, the surface of the land was dried up. And in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry. Then God spoke to Noah, saying, ‘Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons’ wives with you'” (Gen. 8:13-16). Imagine yourself in Noah’s place for a moment. You had boarded the ark with your family and all those animals a long time ago. A week later, the flood had come and the rain had fallen for forty days. Then, the waters had continued to rise for one hundred and fifty days. Finally, they had begun to recede. In the tenth month the first mountain tops had reappeared. It was forty days later that the first tentative tests had been made of livability outside the ark. This was done by the sending out a raven and a dove. The test had been made twice on a weekly basis until finally the dove had not returned. The cover had been removed and the land surveyed. The surface was dry! What do you do now?

Of course, the answer is obvious. You would shout for joy, call your family together and leave the ark. And the last one on board might find himself stuck with releasing the animals as well. Oh, those animals! It will be wonderful to breathe fresh air again!

But it was not that way at all. Read the text again, very carefully, and notice that there is at least a month of waiting around on board the ark after it was known that the land was dry! Why?

The answer is because Noah respected God very much. He was waiting for God to say, “Okay, you may leave now.” It was only when God said, “Go out” that Noah left. What does this have to do with us? Plenty!

Respect for the Authority of the Word of God

” . . . that in us you might learn not to go beyond what is written, in order that no one of you might become arrogant in behalf of one against the other” (1 Cor. 4:6). Noah was not so arrogant that he presumed to know the mind of God on a subject upon which God had not revealed his thoughts as yet. Many might assume that since God had not said not to leave the ark that it would be appropriate to leave whenever the notion struck. Noah did not look at it that way and that is in effect what Paul said to the Corinthians; “Do not presume ” by going beyond what God has revealed to Christians in his written word, the Scriptures. Earlier Paul had explained that the only way we can know anything about what God thinks is for God to revealed it to us in words (1 Cor. 2:10-13).

What work does God want his church to be involved in? Evangelism? Recreation? Business? Edification? Benevolence? Politics? Social reform? First aid? Entertainment? Secular education? We must determine not to go beyond what is written!

How does God want us to worship him? Singing? Clapping? Dancing? Giving? Playing? Drumming? Praying? Teaching? Feasting? Supping? Animal sacrificing? Bead counting? Candle lighting? We must determine not to go beyond what is written?

What do we teach regarding points of controversy? Divorce? Marriage? Abortion? Homosexuality? Premarital sex? Husbands and wives? Parents and children? We must determine not to go beyond what is written!

Is Proper Doctrine Really That Important?

“Any one who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God, the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son ” (2 Jn. 9). In our day, it is quite the thing to chart ones own courses, especially when it comes to religion. The goal becomes to please self rather than to please God. The Bible is cast aside so conveniently whenever necessary in order to reach the goal of self-gratification. Any who would object by asking for Bible authority is labeled “legalistic” or “self-righteous” or worse. But when all is said and done, God has warned that when we cast his doctrine aside, we cast our relationship with him aside as well. No matter how gratifying a religion may be, it may tickle and comfort, excite and tingle, but if it harms my relationship with God then it is a tragedy and not a blessing! Though the thought of leaving the ark was certainly appealing, Noah would wait however long God determined. He had so carefully followed the Lord’s command up to this point it would make no sense to alter his course now. This careful attitude toward doctrine was neither “self-righteous” nor “legalistic.” It was simply saving faith (Heb. 11:7)!

There Is a Pattern!

“. . . who serve as a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle,- for, ‘See, ‘He says, ‘That you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you upon the mountain” (Heb. 8:5). The point of this passage is that like Moses was warned to be careful to act only according to the pattern given him for the Mosical items of worship, which were shadows of the spiritual things which we have received, that we, too, must exercise the same caution! We, too, have a pattern to observe.

The New Testament is not just a hodge-podge of writings thrown together accidently. It is our blue print. It is not a suggested plan of action, it is our “marchIng orders”! As Paul commanded by the Holy Spirit, “However, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (Phil. 3:16,17).

The same gospel was taught throughout the Roman Empire by every first century gospel teacher. This comformity in doctrine and practice would not have existed if there had not been a pattern to follow. Paul, for example, taught the brethren to do the same thing at Corinth as he taught the churches throughout Galatia to do (1 Cor. 16:1). If any refused, they would violate the pattern and in so doing jeopardize their souls.

Establishing Bible Authority

“. . . though not being without the law of God, but under the law of Christ, that I might win those who are without law” (1 Cor. 9:21). Every professed Bible believer ought to have implicit confidence in the adequacy of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16,17). Sadly, many do not. Many will claim to “believe the Bible” and yet not allow it to be their complete guide. As we have seen, it is a big mistake to minimize the importance of having scriptural authority for the things we practice and teach.

The New Testament authorizes practices by commands as well as examples. To illustrate, we have commands to partake of the Lord’s supper – “This do . . . ” (1 Cor. 11:25) as well as examples – “They came together. . . ” (Acts 20:7). In the first century disciples throughout the world did so on the first day of the week. Paul, on a journey toward Jerusalem and eagerly looking forward to arriving there, waited a week at Troas so he could share the supper of the Lord with the Christians there. Why not gather together on Tuesday evening and partake so Paul would not have to wait as long? That would have been fine if there had not been a pattern to fulfill, but there was, and there is, and there shall be until the day when we need the memorial no longer because we see him as he is.

Let us be like Noah; we will go when the Lord says “go” and not before. To have the same attitude toward the Lord’s word as did Noah certainly will secure victory over whatever may flood our lives, and it shall be appropriate to say that thus we did, “according to all that God had commanded” us, so we did (Gen. 6:22).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 22, pp. 692-693
November 21, 1991

By Bobby Holmes

Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them (Psa. 119:129, KJV).

The psalmist declares the precious word of God to be filled with wonderful things and thus an encouragement to keep them. I would like to note with you “seven wonders” of the book we call the Bible.

1. The antiquity of the Word. Note the following passages of Scripture, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:3 5, KJV). “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower there of falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Pet. 1:24-25, KJV). We are told that the Bible was completed about 95 A.D. That the last book of the Old Testament (Malachi) was written about 400 B.C. and that Moses’ books date about 1500 B.C. Just think of all the hand written books of old time to make it possible to have the Bible in its completed form today.

2. The Word needs no modernization. It is just as relevant today as it was when it was written hundreds of years ago. As an example, look at the following passage, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (1 Tim. 2:9, KJV). Not to go into a detailed study but let us note that “modest” means “with decor,” “shamefacedness” means “having the ability to blush ” and “sobriety ” means “with sanity. ” The “styles” were determined by God. They wore robes then. Later dresses for women and pants for men were the it style.” The dresses were of ankle length at first but “style” brought the hem line higher. Where is the limit? The words “shamefacedness” (ability to blush) and “sobriety” (with sanity) will govern what is right in the sight of God. The word of God needs no “up-dating” in order to fill modern man’s needs. It is always current and up to date.

3. The diversity of the Word. Some people claim the Bible is boring and seek the novels of un-inspired men for reading. I submit to you that the Bible is the most interesting book you have ever picked up. Certainly, one would not read it to fill curiosity but it is rich in reading. The book of Genesis contains the history of creation and the birth of the nation of Israel. The book of Acts records the history of the birth of the church of Jesus Christ and the acts of the early Christians in establishing several congregations. There is literature to be found in the reading of Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and others. There are love stories as we read the book of Ruth and the story of Samson and Delilah. There is adventure to be found in many places such as the story of the twelve spies who entered Canaan to seek out the land. There is biography to be found in the four gospel stories describing the birth and life of Jesus. Who can deny the diversity of the Word?

4. The unity of the Word. There are some forty authors who were involved in the writing of the Bible. The Bible contains sixty-six books written in three languages, some 1500-1600 years in the writing and yet – no contradictions! Not a single one! Some of these men who wrote lived hundreds of years apart and yet they all wrote in perfect harmony with each other. Should we decide to have our house redecorated and had forty different interior decorators come in to give their advice we would probably get forty different suggestions but these forty different authors wrote of the same things. Just one example. Isaiah wrote 700 years before Jesus Christ was born of Mary. Note what he wrote, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14, KJV). This very thing was fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23. The unity of the word in describing the place of Jesus’ birth, his life he lived, the way he died, his place of burial and his resurrection is without flaw.

5. The theme of the Word. Some people claim the theme of the Bible is the Jews but the theme of the Bible is salvation for all mankind. The Old Testament’s theme was “someone is coming” – the Gospel theme is that “someone is here” and the theme of the rest of the Bible is “someone is coming again. ” Salvation is promised to the believing penitent, confessing, baptized one who remains faithful until he comes to take him home to glory. Oh, what a wonderful hope we have in Christ!

6. The power of the Word. Note the following, “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” (Rorn. 1:16, KJV). “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12, KJV). These passages tell us that the gospel is power of God to lead us to the Lord and salvation and that it has the power to examine our lives and keep us in the way of Truth (see Acts 2:36-41). Man has the ability to produce power today such as the splitting of the atom, production of explosives and rockets to send man to the moon but, none of this can be compared to the power of God that reaches into the heart and life of ungodly people and changes them into God fearing, loving, obedient souls.

7. The comfort of the Word. The book of God is filled with beautiful words of comfort (see the following: 1 Thess. 4:17-18; Jn. 14:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:1; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; 1 Pet. 1:3-5). Yes indeed, David’s words still ring true today. “The testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them” (Psa. 119:129).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 23, pp. 710-711
December 5, 1991

By Jim King

Christians in a local church must communicate with one another. They must communicate in order to teach, to edify, to rebuke, to express needs, and just to get along. They must also communicate in order to solve problems – problems between individual brethren and problems in the group as a whole. In the area of solving problems between brethren we are most vulnerable. Feelings are often hurt, resentments are nursed and allowed to smolder, imaginations run wild (giving rise to harsh and false judgments), and relationships are unnecessarily strained. This sad situation often occurs because offended Christians are indeed talking, they are communicating, but they are talking to the wrong people. They have neglected the plain teaching of Jesus about how to right wrongs among brethren.

In Matthew 5:23-24 and 18:15-17, Christ lays the foundation for dealing with a brother who has sinned against you or against whom you have sinned. His remedy is direct: you go and “be reconciled to your brother”; you “go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” In his characteristic fashion, Jesus cuts through the confusion we often impose on relationships and leaves us with a disturbingly clear command: the obligation for solving problems with our brethren is squarely on us. Note that Christ has no different rules for the “offended party” and the “offending party.” Whatever side of the fence you are on, sinner or sinned against, Jesus says “you go.”

But there is more. Jesus says that we are to go to our brother. When I have a complaint against a brother, I must go to him, not to a third party. To spread my complaint among other brethren not only is a direct violation of Jesus’ teaching, but promotes my use of a loose, untamed tongue. To see what God thinks of such a tongue, one need only think of the following terms: meddler, talebearer, backbiter, whisperer, gossip, busybody, sowing discord among brethren, etc., all of which Scripture condemns. Such misguided tongue “sows strife and a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Prov. 16:28); “reveals secrets” (Prov. 11:13); says things it ought not (1 Tim. 5:13); and is characteristic of people who have forgotten God (whisperer, backbiter, Rom. 1:29-30). Paul had to deal with slander in Romans 3:8, and commanded that it be put away from Christians in Ephesians 4:31. Similarly, in 1 Tim. 3:11 and Titus 2:3 he commands that certain women not be slanderers or gossips, spreading harmful statements that damage a fellow believer’s reputation. Men, of course, fall under the same condemnation. Much of this destructive and unbridled communication arises because Christians are talking with everybody else but the one with whom they should be talking – the brother or sister with whom they have a problem. Sometimes such talk is unintentional and unpremeditated. It is always harmful. The peace of local churches requires that such speech be stopped and short-circuited.

The Christian who has a complaint with a brother must be taught how to biblically handle his complaint – privately with the brother. And other Christians need to refuse to listen to become involved with, and pass on matters which don’t concern them. To be sure, sometimes Christians are innocently caught up in this cycle by simply trying to help another disciple who seeks their advice. There may be times when we can give proper counsel to someone and thus help each other. Yet such help should often consist of turning the person in the direction of the brother or sister with whom they have a complaint. And the subject matter of these “counseling sessions” should never be passed on in the form of idle talk. Let us gently, yet firmly, stop the talebearing in its tracks.

Idle talk has a way of making the rounds. Even private thoughts and conversations may be carried by “a bird of the air” or “a bird in flight” (Eccl. 10:20). Elisha the prophet was accused of knowing what the king of Syria spoke in his own bedroom (2 Kgs. 6:12).

But our problem is not with gossiping birds or prophetic knowledge. It is with a human tendency to get around, or circumvent God’s way of solving problems. Let us determine that our communication with one another will be constructive. Let it be open, true, direct, frank, gentle, and sincere. Let it be “what is good for necessary edification that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29).

I recently saw this message on a denominational signboard: “If you wouldn’t write it and sign it, don’t say it.” And that, brethren, is pretty good advice.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 22, p. 691
November 21, 1991