Truth Magazine

By Ron Halbrook

Women are increasingly taking the roles of evangelists and pastors, but is this the work of God or of people in rebellion against God? The question cannot be answered by human traditions, emotions, or opinions. The Bible is the inspired Word of God which answers every religious question so that we may be “thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). 

The Preacher’s Work

First, the Bible defines each work. An evangelist publicly proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ. An evangelist is a preacher or minister of the gospel and here is his work: 

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry (see 2 Tim. 4:1-5).

Paul was an Apostle and “a preacher” especially dedicated to teaching the Gentiles (1 Tim. 2:7). An evangelist may travel from place to place at times; he also may remain with the same church for several years, teaching “publicly” and “house to house” (Acts 20:20, 31).

The Pastor’s Work

The pastor’s work is entirely different. A pastor is a shepherd of God’s people viewed as sheep. He is also called an elder because of his spiritual maturity and a bishop because he oversees the local church. Pastor (or shepherd), elder (or presbyter), and bishop (or overseer) refer to the same person doing the same work (Acts 20:17, 28; Tit. 1:5, 7). This work involves overseeing and managing all the affairs of a local church:

Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28).

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind (1 Pet. 5:2).

The unique work of a pastor is not publicly proclaiming the gospel as a preacher. False religions confuse the roles of pastor and preacher. Each local church must have a plurality of pastors, never a one-man pastor (Acts 14:23; Tit. 1:5).

Women Too?

God’s Word teaches men, not women, to serve as pastors in a local church and as public preachers of the gospel. Christ as head of his church forbad women to take the roles of public leaders in the church. Christ commanded,

Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence (1 Tim. 2:11-12).

Women are not to preach in assemblies with men present or in any other way to exercise places of authority over men. A pastor must be a male: “the husband of one wife     . . . one that ruleth well his own house” (1 Tim. 3:1-7). No woman can obey God’s Word as a public preacher or as one of the pastors in a local church. Any church which tolerates such practices is a false religion. Another mark of false religion is the fear of examining such issues in public debate. Are you in a false religion?

How To Escape False Religion
Any person who remains in a church with women evangelists and pastors identifies himself with Satan and false religion, and thus wears the mark of the beast as others have done in the past (Rev. 13:11-18). Another such identifying mark is the substitution of human plans for God’s plan by which men are to receive the remission of their sins. God says, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). False religions say, “Repent for the remission of sins before and without water baptism. Perhaps you will be baptized later, but not for the remission of sins.” Through the gospel of Christ, God calls men to leave every false religion, to receive the forgiveness of sins by an obedient faith in Christ, and thus to be added to the true church of Christ found in the New Testament (Acts 2:47). 

3505 Horse Run Ct., Shepherdsville, Kentucky 40165-6954

By Larry Ray Hafley

When we face problems, we ask the Lord to help us overcome and solve them — “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). 

The same is true of a congregation of God’s people. “Prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for” the apostle Peter when he was imprisoned (Acts 12:5). Certainly, we may pray for deliverance from those kinds of problems. However, there are a few problems we might ought to pray for. 

1. Parking Problems: Our parking problems are not as big as they could be. It would be good if we could have difficulty finding a parking place when we come to worship. 

2. Undersized Nursery: It would be great if our nursery room needed to be enlarged. Let us pray that we will have so many young families that our nursery facilities will become a real headache for us. 

3. Inadequate Seating Space: May the Lord help us to grow to the point that we will hear many folks complain about being unable to find a seat, even when they arrive early. 

4. Classrooms Needed: Of course, we must ask the Lord to help us have a problem with not having enough classes and classrooms. 

5. Too Many Teachers: In conjunction with the previous point, may it be a constant challenge to assign a class to all those who volunteer to teach. Due to the great number who seek to be Bible class teachers, let us trust that many will complain about not being able to find an opening. 
6. Sermon Length: Lord, please increase the number of those who complain about the preacher’s sermons not being long enough. 

7. Singing Disturbs Neighbors: Without creating tension, it would be good if some in the neighborhood were to complain about our singing being too loud as we praise God. 

8. Not Enough Front Row Seats: Pray that due to the large number of young people who sit on the first few rows, our elderly brethren will complain that they cannot find a seat close enough to hear and see.

9. Home Studies: Let there be more home Bible studies than can be filled, though teachers abound. 

10. Overpaid: Let it be glaringly obvious that they are right who complain that this preacher is grossly overpaid! 

By Connie W. Adams

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day (Gen. 1:1-5).

Before God brought form and life to the earth, darkness hovered over the waters which covered the earth. In God’s wisdom, it would require light for life to be sustained. Light was a good thing. It dispelled darkness. 

Light and Darkness

It is no accident that the Holy Spirit chose light and darkness to stand for good and evil. There is something ominous about darkness. What lurks in the blackness? Light unfolds the mystery. What can be seen can be understood.

Prophecy — a Light in a Dark Place

New Testament writers described the Old Testament period as a mystery, something not fully revealed. Paul spoke of his role in that mystery. It was “revealed” to him in words which could be read and understood. His work was “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Eph. 3:2-9). Peter identified prophecy as “a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Pet. 1:19). The dawning of the day was the arrival of the gospel age and the “day star” was Christ. Malachi referred to the coming one as “the Sun of righteousness” who would “arise with healing in his wings” (Mal. 4:2). The fulness of that divine plan was not comprehended even by those prophets who emitted these bursts of light in this dark place. Peter said these prophets wondered “what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow” (1 Pet. 1:9-12). Even as there was light divided from darkness before God made the sun, moon, and stars, even so prophecy was divine light shining in a world that anxiously awaited the rising of the Sun of righteousness.

Christ, the Light of the World

When Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, prophesied after the birth of John, he pointed to the one for whom John came to make preparation. He said, “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78-79). If you want to know what great darkness engulfed the world when Jesus came into it, you have but to read Romans 1:18-32. The  Gentile world had abandoned the knowledge of God, pursued their own will and degenerated into unspeakable spiritual and moral darkness. Paul said their “foolish heart was darkened” (v. 21). The Jews at least had their prophets with their light shining in the dark place of Old Testament history, but they had ignored God’s law and were in darkness also. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).

It was time for God to say “Let there be light.” And there was light. John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for this light. “The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:6-9).

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 1:12). The process of coming to Christ is described in terms of being “delivered out of the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13). “But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of affliction” (Heb. 10:32). The eyes of the Ephesians were said to have been “enlightened” (Eph. 1:18).

The lost are yet in the darkness of sin. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Cor. 4:3-4). All who reject Christ are yet in darkness. Those who believe and obey him have been “called out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9).

“This Little Light of Mine — Let It Shine”

The world in which we live is filled with the darkness of sin and error. People are fumbling and groping about, frustrated, perplexed, wondering what life is all about. Some have sought light in human reason thinking that “man is the measure of himself.” Others have turned to hedonism thinking that light may be found in fleshly gratification. Some have lost themselves in materialism thinking that life consists in the abundance of things. Nations continue to make war with each other. Within our own nation there are serious polarizations between rich and poor and between races. Moral standards have shifted, crumbled and sometimes become non-existent to many of our people. In the face of all this darkness it is time to say “let there be light.” Christ is still the light of the world. But he is now in heaven at the right hand of God. Still, his light is revealed not only in the Scriptures but in the hearts and lives of Christians.

Jesus said of those who would follow him: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). The words, attitudes and deeds of Christians must be clearly seen by those who sit in darkness. It is not just a better way, it is the only way. “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15). It is imperative that Christians not dim their light or obscure it altogether. A clear difference must be seen between the lives of those who serve Christ and those of the world about us. That is why Paul said, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Thess. 5:5). He also said, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light . . .  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:8-11).

Brethren, there is no place for hand holding between darkness and light. There must be a clear distinction for all the world to see. Those who compromise with the world of sin and error have blurred or dimmed the light which that very world must see clearly in order to be delivered from its power. Let there be light.

P.O. Box 69, Brooks, Kentucky 40109

By Larry Ray Hafley

The following editorial, by Taylor B. Camp, appeared in the Baytown Sun, April 27, 2000.  Please read it and our editorials below which satirically paraphrase and parallel Mr. Taylor’s views. Now, the Taylor editorial, “Vermont law lets people decide for themselves.”

“The state of Vermont appears ready to grant gay and lesbian couples all the benefits of marriage.  It will be the first-ever legislation giving such rights to gays and lesbians.  

“Tuesday, the state House approved a bill on the issue by a 79 to 68 vote.  Last week, the state Senate also approved the bill.  The governor on Wednesday signed the legislation, which will go into effect July 1.

“When it goes into effect, gays and lesbians will be able to engage in civil unions similar to marriage, and will have state rights and responsibilities similar to those enjoyed by married heterosexual couples. Those rights will include such things as health insurance and tax benefits.

“The federal government and other states do not recognize the unions, but they are nonetheless a first step toward a more open society, one where discrimination and exclusion are pushed just a bit further into the corner.

“Certainly, everyone won’t approve of gay and lesbian marriages, and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.  It is a matter, just like a traditional marriage, that should remain between two people.

“Predictably, many churches have opposed Vermont’s new legislation and 31 states have passed laws restricting marriages to male-female unions. 

“The federal government also forbids same-sex couples from receiving federal marriage benefits.  It also has said that states can ignore same-sex marriages allowed by other states.
“Who’s to say, though, whether two people should be married?  It seems a throwback to the days of discrimination, of rights for a few, if we prohibit people from pursuing life, liberty and happiness.

“It’s also judgmental, and much of that judgment comes from factions who say they want the judging left to a higher moral authority.”

At least Vermont is willing to let people decide for themselves.      

Vermont Law Lets Pedophiles Decide 
For Themselves
Taler B. Nonjudgmental

The state of Vermont appears ready to grant pedophile and child couples all the benefits of marriage.  It will be the first-ever legislation giving such rights to pedophiles and children.

Tuesday, the state House approved a bill on the issue by a 79 to 68 vote.  Last week, the state Senate also approved the bill.  The governor on Wednesday signed the legislation, which will go into effect July 1.

When it goes into effect, pedophiles and their love-child will be able to engage in civil unions similar to marriage, and will have state rights and responsibilities similar to those enjoyed by married heterosexual couples.  Those rights will include such things as health insurance and tax benefits.

The federal government and other states do not recognize the unions, but they are nonetheless a first step toward a more open society, one where discrimination and exclusion are pushed just a bit further into the corner.

Certainly, everyone won’t approve of pedophile and child marriages, and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.  It is a matter, just like a traditional marriage, that should remain between two people.

Predictably, many churches have opposed Vermont’s new legislation and 31 states have passed laws restricting marriages to male-female unions. 

The federal government also forbids pedophiles and love-child couples from receiving federal marriage benefits.  It also has said that states can ignore pedophile-love-child marriages allowed by other states.

Who’s to say, though, whether two people should be married?  It seems a throwback to the days of discrimination, of rights for a few, if we prohibit people from pursuing life, liberty and happiness.

It’s also judgmental, and much of that judgment comes from factions who say they want the judging left to a higher moral authority.

At least Vermont is willing to let people decide for themselves.    

(Before he comments [in a non-judgmental fashion, of course], we should like for our inclusive, non-discriminating editor to read another editorial designed to  aid others who, like him, are “pursuing life, liberty and happiness.”)
Vermont Law Allows Both Man And Beast 
To Decide For Themselves
Taler B. Willing

The state of Vermont appears ready to grant gay and beast couples all the benefits of marriage.  It will be the first-ever legislation giving such rights to gays and animals.  

Tuesday, the state House approved a bill on the issue by a 79 to 68 vote.  Last week, the state Senate also approved the bill.  The governor on Wednesday signed the legislation, which will go into effect July 1.

When it goes into effect, gays and goats will be able to engage in civil unions similar to marriage, and will have state rights and responsibilities similar to those enjoyed by married heterosexual couples.  Those rights will include such things as health insurance and tax benefits.

The federal government and other states do not recognize the unions, but they are nonetheless a first step toward a more open society, one where discrimination and exclusion are pushed just a bit further into the corner.

Certainly, everyone won’t approve of lesbian and sheep marriages, and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.  It is a matter, just like a traditional marriage, that should remain between one person and his love-beast.

Predictably, many churches have opposed Vermont’s new legislation and 31 states have passed laws restricting marriages to male-female unions. 

The federal government also forbids gay-billy goat couples from receiving federal marriage benefits.  It also has said that states can ignore gay-animal sex marriages allowed by other states.

Who’s to say, though, whether two species should be married?  It seems a throwback to the days of discrimination, of rights for a few, if we prohibit people and their pets from pursuing life, liberty and happiness.

It’s also judgmental, and much of that judgment comes from factions who say they want the judging left to a higher moral authority.

At least Vermont is willing to let people and man’s best friend decide for themselves.      

(We should like to know if editor Camp now will convert and become a judgmental, discriminatory, moralistic fellow who will deny men, children, and their dearly loved animals the right to seek “inclusion” in “a more open society.”  Even if he opposes us, he should remember that a wise man once said, “Certainly, everyone won’t approve of gay and lesbian (adult-child; gay-animal marriages), and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.”)