Truth Magazine

By Michael Garrison

That miracles were worked in Bible times is undeniable. Our hearts rejoice at the various miracles our Lord Jesus and his apostles did as recorded in the New Testament. Some examples are: Jesus feeding a multitude with a few loaves and fishes (Jn. 6:5-14); Jesus healing an issue of blood (Lk. 8:43-48); Jesus, and briefly Peter, walking on water (Matt. 14:25-32); a lame man was healed by Peter (Acts 3:1-11); etc. The result of Jesus’ miracle working is shown in Matthew 15:31: “. . . the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.” From the written record we have, we can glorify God because of the miracles we have revealed to us. See John 20:26-31.

What Were Miracles?

The word “miracles” means “power, inherent ability,” and “is used of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means” (W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary). So, the birth of a baby or the unfolding of a flower, both natural events, are not miracles. The birth of Jesus, on the other hand, was a miracle. It is not natural for a woman who has not known a man (that is, had sexual contact with one) to have a child. That brings us to the

Purpose of Miracles

The purpose of miracles was to instill faith in unbelievers and to confirm the word the apostles taught. In John 20:31, we read, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” The context of the above passage is where Thomas sees the risen Savior and is told, “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (Jn. 20:27-29). We will not see the miracle of the resurrection of Christ, but we do have it recorded by reliable witnesses and can have faith in it. We will not see other miracles, but John tells us the ones recorded are for our faith.

God intended us today to obtain faith by that which was written in the first century. It was not God’s will to continue miracles or inspired revelation – that is, if we believe the New Testament. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Do you have faith?

Another reason for miracles in the first century was for confirming the words of the apostles. The writer of Hebrews (2:3-4) wrote, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen” (Mk. 16:20). The word “confirm” comes from a Greek word which means “to make firm, establish, make secure” (Vine’s). So, the word of God was proclaimed by the apostles, and God allowed miracles, etc. to be performed to confirm or establish the truthfulness of the spoken words. The words ave now been written by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration. Once something has been confirmed, it is always confirmed. Christians are not to expect miracles today.

What? No Miracles Today?

Yet, many people claim miracles are possible today. The ones claiming this are seemingly sincere, very religious, people. So, how can we account for these so-called “miracles” of today? In an article by Charles Bell, “Psychic healing: Defies logic, but business booms” (Birmingham [Alabama] News, Nov. 25, 1979) I think we have an answer.

The medical profession remains highly skeptical about all healing not done by orthodox doctors, but some physicians and psychiatrists have taken a new, hard look at the ancient powers of faith to cure – and have determined that faith does indeed work, at tirues, for some people.

Later in the article, we are told about “. . . emotional or psychosomatic roots (which doctors say account for as much as 80 percent of all the complaints they hear).” So, if one has an emotional or psychosomatic illness, one’s faith In a “faith healer” could be enough to cause the person to get well.”

In his book, Healing: A Doctor in Search of a Miracle, William A. Nolen, M.D., did a good deal of research on modern day “miracles.” After checking with many “miraculously healed” people, Dr. Nolen writes:

I listened carefully to everything they told me and followed up every lead which might, even remotely, have led to a confirmation of a miracle. When I had done all this I was led to an inescapable conclusion: none of the patients who had returned to Mirmeapolis to reaffirm the cures they had claimed at the miracle service had, in fact, been miraculously cured of anything . . . (p. 81).

. . . When I started my search I hoped to find some evidence that someone, somewhere, had supernatural powers that he or she could employ to cure those patients we doctors, with all our knowledge and training, must still label “incurable.” As I have said before, I have been unable to find any such miracle worker (p. 272)

Such was not the impression of those working miracles in New Testament times. There were many eyewitnesses who saw the miracles and they could not deny miracles were performed. When Jesus did a wonderful miracle in Matthew 12:22-24, the religious authorities did not show a miracle was not done; they attributed it to the power of Beelzebub rather than God – but they acknowledged the miracle! You see, miracles were undeniable! See also Acts 4:16, 21-22.

Duration of Miracles

Since miracles accomplished what God intended in the first century, that is, to confirm his word, we must not expect miracles to continue. Paul informs us, “. . . whether there be prophecies, they shall fail, whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away . . . But when that which is perfect (or complete) is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Cor. 13:8,10).

Let us put our faith and confidence in God’s complete and confirmed word!

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 23, pp. 705, 727
December 6, 1990

By Ron Halbrook

Effective leaders evaluate every phrase of their work from time to time to see if changes and improvements need to be made. Traditionalism – we do this or that because we have always done it – leads to stagnation. When changes are made just for the sake of change, there is no real leadership involved. Such cosmetic action is superficial and immature. The process of review and evaluation will reveal the need to keep some things as they are, to make minor adjustments in some areas, and to discard programs that have proven ineffective.

In the process of evaluation, elders are wise in seeking various forms of responses and various kinds of suggestions from many sources which are at their disposal – deacons, evangelists, class teachers, and other members. As a part of its program of evangelism and edification, the church here began purchasing the Guardian of Truth for each household in the church in 1985. A little over a year later, the elders decided to examine the use being made of this teaching tool in order to judge whether it was making a significant contribution to our overall work or not. The potential for good was there, but was it being realized?

As a part of this process, the decision was made to seek direct response and evaluation on the part of all those who were receiving the magazine. The elders asked that a letter be prepared clearly presenting the goals and values of this program so that people would understand what they were being asked and why. Were these goals being met? Were these values being obtained by the readers?

The response was positive beyond our hopes! Two aged people said they were no longer able to read anything at all. One man said that he doubted he got much out of it because he was so busy with other things. Everyone else said yes they read some of the articles, benefitted from it, and desired for this material to continue coming into their home. This program was helping us far more than we realized.

Some interesting comments were added in the space provided for that purpose. Several stated that they read every article in each issue. “It has helped us tremendously to grow as Christians. Thank you.” One lady said she read the paper while riding her stationary bicycle. “Some articles have stimulated conversations and discussions besides just benefitting me.” Another person inquired as to how she could send the paper to her relatives in liberal churches in other towns ‘ Several said they stop whatever they are doing when the paper comes in the mail and sit down immediately to read it. The input of the readers was invaluable in the elders’ decision to continue using the Guardian of Truth in the church here.

Other programs and phases of the work have been evaluated. The adult class program was revamped so as to provide three subjects on Sunday and three on Wednesday, and new classes are offered each quarter. The children’s classes at one time had been left to individual teachers and lacked any overall progression or continuity. Now they study the “Truth In Life” series on Wednesdays and “Walking With God” on Sundays. So that our teachers will stay fresh, no one is saddled with a class for eternity but changes are made on a regular basis. The elders have communicated with the preachers we support in other places from time to time to evaluate our work in this area. In order to encourage personal contact between our members and the men we support, we periodically pass out a list of these men’s names and addresses. We are developing teachers in our midst, and preachers as well. At times, we have a young man work with us for the summer. Andy Alexander, one of our own prepared himself and began full-time evangelistic labors in his mid-30s.

This is not a perfect church and we are not satisfied. We want to press on and grow in every phase of our work and service unto God! The point of these articles is simply this. Open lines of communication are vital if elders are to lead the church in an effective way. We have tried to reinforce that lesson with illustrations taken from the local work being done here. Our elders are Charley Alexander, James Moore, and Jimmy Dale Harris (added as of July 1987). Our deacons are Ferg Frederick, Hollis Harris, Earl Hathorn, Raymond Maxwell, Joe Sutherland, and Charles Kelley. Men and women of all ages are using their talents and abilities in many ways. The church here had helped and encouraged me to grow in my work as an evangelist. My whole family has grown spiritually. We are thankful to be a part of a church with such good leadership.

The letter used by the elders in evaluating the church’s use of the Guardian of Truth is reproduced below.

Evaluating the Church’s Use of a Gospel Journal

A word is in order on behalf of the elder’s effort to evaluate our use of the Guardian of Truth. A good eldership not only initiates plans for evangelism, edification, and benevolence, but also evaluates those plans. They periodically evaluate the men being supported in evangelism and every other phase of the church’s work. The church here has been purchasing the Guardian of Truth for our members for over a year now and having it mailed into our homes. The elders ask each of us to consider our use of this gospel paper and to help them in evaluating this program of work.

There is no financial problem with our use of the Guardian of Truth. For the amount we pay, especially with the group discount, we could not put out a good bulletin, as I know from having edited a bulletin for five years. Neither could we provide in a bulletin as much good material by mature writers from around the country as we get in the Guardian of Truth. So the cost for what we are getting is minimal at $1.00 per month per household. That is a bargain for the sound, spiritual teaching which goes into each home. But nothing is a bargain if it is not used. If it costs only $1.00 a year for the whole church to get it, and we were not using it or benefitting from it, we don’t want to waste even a dollar. The elders need to know whether or not we use it and benefit from it.

They are not asking if you read every article and line of every issue. I don’t always get to do that. At home, we take several newspapers and secular magazines – we don’t read every line of every issue of any of them. We use them as we can. If we never read or benefit from one, eventually we stop taking it. The elders are not trying to make you feel guilty if you do not get to read every line of every issue. We are all simply being asked to evaluate the usefulness of the journal in our own home. We are being asked to circle Yes or No in answer to this question: Do you read some articles in the Guardian of Truth as you have time, benefit from it, and desire that it continue to come into your home?

The point is this. If you never read or benefit from it, if you prefer not to receive it, do not hesitate to circle No. Your candid judgment is needed. If you scan and read articles of interest to you, if it helps and encourages and benefits you spiritually, if you would miss it and want it to keep coming, circle Yes. Feel free to write down any additional comment you wish to make.

This is an effort to have good communication and accurate information, so that this phase of our work can be properly evaluated. No idea of voting or majority rule is involved. The elders may decide to continue this program or to drop it. Also, the paper can be easily stopped where it is not wanted. It is not forced on anyone. After their evaluation, the elders will let us know their decision.

Purpose and Value of the Present Program

Sometimes we initiate plans and programs but fail to explain their purpose or value. Why do churches sometimes use gospel papers? Why have we been using the Guardian of Truth? It is an expediency to provide admonition, edification, and gospel teaching in general just like class literature, tracts, newspaper articles, correspondence courses, and other printed materials. All such expediences are authorized by every passage which authorizes the church to preach and teach the word of the truth of the gospel (1 Tim. 3:15; Col 1:5). Whether a specific aid is expedient or not at a given time is a matter of judgment (1 Cor. 6:12).

The simplest way I can express the value of gospel journals after reading them for 25 years is this: It is like having several gospel preachers coming into my home from time to time to stimulate my study, to increase my zeal, to provoke my thought, to widen my horizon about trends and efforts (good and bad) in other places, and to deepen my love for the Lord and all things spiritual. When men like Bill Cavender, Irven Lee, Harold Fite, Larry Hafley, Hoyt Houchen, Steve Wolfgang, and Mike Willis come into your home to sow the seed of the kingdom, it will do you good if you have an honest heart. If you cannot get all the seed they have to sow every time they come, whatever amount you do get will do you good! That is why brother Alexander recently reminded us to take note of the articles in this magazine, adding that they are some of the finest he had ever read.

A journal can be used in connection with personal study, to generate discussion with a family member or friend about a particular subject, to aid family devotions, to improve Bible class preparation, to pass Bible lessons on to other people (saints and sinners), to save for reference material for future use, or to prepare talks, invitations, remarks at the Lord’s supper, and sermons.

Let me make a personal observation on such expediencies properly used, drawn from 25 years of gospel preaching. I can go to heaven without Bible classes, class literature, or gospel journals. I can even use such aids on an individual basis whether the church includes them in its program or not. But, such aids are used by fewer people when left to the individual alone to provide his own. We may get busy or lack initiative and overlook the opportunity on our own. But when the challenge to reach a little higher is laid before us by those who watch for our souls, we often rise to that challenge and make the effort which brings a blessing to our lives.

I have learned that a church which includes classes in its program gains an added layer of strength and depth. I have preached where class literature was rarely provided by the church and where it was regularly provided. When a church includes literature often in its classes, another layer of growth can be seen after a time. I have preached where the church sent a religious journal into each home and where it did not. When a church included a gospel paper in its program, I have seen in time without fail an additional layer of strength, depth and growth. Some of you confirm in your development what I am saying, because you have grown as a direct influence of the Guardian of Truth since the church has been using this aid in its teaching program. Several have expressed this from time to time.

The more we are surrounded with spiritual tools, activities, and influences, the more we grow and bear fruit in the Lord!

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 22, pp. 678-679
November 15, 1990

By Jon Quinn

“Now He said to them, ‘These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things are written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).

Suppose that we took 100,000,000,000,000,000 silver dollars and marked one of them. Then we mixed them up and scattered them across the State of Texas. Then we put a blindfold on you and told you to walk into Texas, as far as you want to, stepping on silver dollars as you go. When you decide that you want to stop, bend over and pick one up. If it is the one with the mark on it, then you win. How would you like those odds? You would have a far greater chance of being struck by lightning, but that would not be as much fun. Push those silver dollars to the back of your mind right now, but not too far because we will want to use them again shortly.

Prophecies and Jesus

“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and He will not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19)

The apostles and prophets, and Jesus himself appealed to the Scriptures as proof of Jesus’ messiahship. The Old Testament, written over a period of about 1,000 years (1400-400 B.C.), and completed at least four centuries prior to Jesus’ birth, establishes and confirms the fact that Jesus was who he claimed to be. There were over 300 prophecies made, including over 60 major prophecies that show obvious Divine foreknowledge. It is strikingly impressive that not a single one has failed!

Some Objections Considered

“And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27).

Many have tried to explain away the prophecies. There is really no adequate explanation other than Jesus is God’s Son, the Messiah promised from the beginning. Some skeptics suggest that the prophecies were actually written after Jesus lived, but the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls disproved that. Add to that the fact that the Greek translation of the Old Testament occurred in 250 B.C. You could not very well translate from the Hebrew to the Greek if the Hebrews Scriptures did not already exist!

Others suggest that Jesus deliberately fulfilled the prophecies. No doubt he did; the riding into Jerusalem on the back of a colt was something he deliberately did to fulfill prophecy. But not all can be explained that way. If he were only a mere man, then he certainly had no control over the place of his birth, nor the time of it. He had no control over the method of his execution, the piercing of his side, the casting of lots for his garments and where he would he buried!

Maybe it was all coincidental. You can find some of these prophecies fulfilled by lots of people. Jesus was not the first, or the last, to die for others. But again, Jesus did not fulfill just one or two, but hundreds. In fact, all of them. No other in human history comes close! No objection conceived by the unbelieving mind of man has ever provided a reasonable alternative.

Some Specific Prophecies

“Think not that I came to abolish the Law or the Propets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matt. 5:17).

There are far too many prophecies to note all of them here. We will note eight of them, selected because they were all beyond the human control of Jesus to manipulate. According to the prophet Micah, the Messianic ruler would come from Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Here God eliminates all the other cities and villages of the world as possibilities (Mic. 5:2; Matt. 2: 1). Even if Jesus had fulfilled all the other prophecies, if he had failed just this one, then he could not have been the Promised One! Fo- example, if he had been born in Nazareth, a very likely place since it was the home of Joseph and Mary, then Jesus might still be a teacher or prophet, but not the Son of God!

The time of the Messiah’s coming would be in the days of the fourth empire, which turned out to be Rome (Dan. 2:44). Very exact time references are given (Dan. 9:25) and fulfilled in Jesus. To have been born early or late would have disqualified Jesus from being the Christ!

He was to be born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-24). This event was to be a sign to identify him as God’s Son. No other circumstance, however wonderful, would have sufficed. Even if the angels had announced the birth of the Savior, if Mary had not been a virgin, then the angels would not have been speaking the truth!

He would be betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12,13; Jn. 13:21; Matt. 26:15). If Judas had received 25 or 40 pieces of silver, then we would still be waiting today for someone to come and fulfill the promise.

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 22, pp. 684-685
November 15, 1990

By Irvin Himmel

Whoso keepth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles (Prov. 21:23).

It is our duty to keep watch over our souls. Failure to guard our words leaves the soul vulnerable to troubles.

What to Guard Against

Keeping watch over the mouth and the tongue means guarding against improper speech.

(1) Words of Guile. “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile” (Psa. 34:13). To speak guile is to utter words of deceit. It is said of Jesus that he did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth (1 Pet. 2:22). On one occasion Jesus complimented Nathanael by saying, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile” (Jn. 1:47). We are taught in God’s word to lay aside “all guile” and “all evil speakings” (1 Pet. 2:1).

(2) Rash Utterances. First thoughts are not always the best thoughts. “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon the earth: therefore let thy words be few” (Eccl. 5:2). Reckless words spoken in haste are like the piercings of a sword. The fellow who speaks rashly may have a lot of indigestion caused by his having to eat his own words!

(3) Spouting of Slander. The Bible warns against slander, backbiting, and malicious gossip. David said to the Israelites, “Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I cut off” (Psa. 101:5). “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool” (Prov. 10:18). Paul warned against backbitings and whisperings (2 Cor. 12:20). Slander slaughters! Carnal weapons have slain thousands, but tongues have slain ten thousands.

(4) Filthy Conversation. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). Some punctuate their speech with profanity and pollute it with vulgarity. With the mouth they spew forth so much filth and garbage that they are odious to others. The flavor of their speech is about like the odor of a garbage dump on a hot summer day.

(5) Untimely Words. Remarks that are suitable for certain times and places may be altogether inappropriate in other circumstances. Blessed is the man who knows when to speak his mind and when to mind his speech! A “word fitly spoken” is not a untimely word (Psa. 25:11).

(6) Harsh Criticism. Some never show any charity when they begin criticizing others. They act as if they can carve their way to success with cutting remarks. One should be careful of what he says, “for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter” (Eccl. 10:20). How often have harsh and unjust criticisms returned like a boomerang. One’s tongue may be so sharp that he cuts his own throat with it!

Bridle the Tongue

James reminds us that just as we put bits in the mouths of horses, and we turn about their whole body, we need to bridle the tongue. “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (Jas. 3:3-5)

The person who talks all the time is never taken very seriously. He keeps on talking even when he has run out of anything to say. If he would hold his tongue he could hold his friends.

There is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Eccl. 3:7). In some situations it takes real self-control to keep quite. “The silence of a man who can speak wisely and eloquently is a revelation of self-control, and often adds more to the dignity of his character than words can” (W. Harris).

Enormous influence is exerted through the power of speech. That influence can be either good or bad. We need to heed the admonition of the children’s song:

Be careful little tongue what you tell,

For the Father up above

Is looking down in love,

So be careful little tongue what you tell.

“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain” (Jas. 1:26). We may suppose that we are serving God acceptably because we regularly meet with the saints for worship, we pray, and we read our Bibles. But do we guard our speech? Are we allowing an unbridled tongue to make hypocrites of us?

No one can place a sentinel over one’s mouth and tongue but the person himself. This means guard duty every day. Speech control is important.

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 22, p. 681
November 15, 1990