Truth Magazine

By Clinton D. Hamilton

Question: Would you mind expounding Proverbs 11:14, which reads, “Where no counsel is, the people fall but in the multitude of counselors there is safety”?Does that show that in a problem, difficulty, etc. the more persons one can consult there is the probability of correctness?

Reply: Evidently the context here indicates that the rules of government for the people is the topic under consideration. In situations in which these rules do not reflect considerations and deliberations of competent and sagacious people, there is going to be a disaster for them. On the other hand, when there is a multitude of counselors, there is safety. Keil and Delitzsch state that the term used “denotes a multiplicity in unity, circumspect.”

When a people’s destiny is tied to the whims of one or to a few, it is more likely to be to their disadvantage than when there are many wise, competent, and circumspect counselors. There is not under view a personal problem or difficulty. The proverb does not deal with this issue.

A single counselor for a personal problem or difficulty could be either good or bad consequent on the nature and character of the advisor. But because the proverb is dealing with a people under rules or law, one should be cautious about applying it to another situation.

Question: Is it a misuse – taking out of context – to apply James 1:27, “. . . and to keep himself unspotted from the world” to staying away from, not talking to, staying aloof from, a person who has caused hatred by being obnoxious, crude, rude, reviling, mean, intransigent, etc. on a continuing, day-to-day basis. This question is in reference to alien sinners on a secular job, since no Christian could scripturally do such. (He would be an apostate, same as an alien: but would have to repent to get back into relationship with Christ.)

Reply: Unspotted is an adjective from the Greek term aspilos which means not to be stained. In this context, the sense is metaphorical. As a garment may be unstained or unblemished, so shall the child of God remain unblemished, unstained, from the defilement or pollution spiritually and morally that characterized the men who reject the Lordship of Jesus Christ, or the world.

On a job or in other contexts of one’s daily life, there are certainly times when people who are immoral or are characterized by the terms used in this question have contact or association with Christians. We are informed by the Holy Spirit that if we have no such associations we would have need to “go out of the world” (1 Cor. 5:10).

It would be taking the passage out of the intended application indicated by the language used to apply it to not having association on a job with an alien characterized by the terms used in the question. Certainly one would be careful about close associates but association in some contexts with immoral people is impossible to avoid as long as we are in this life.

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 15, p. 453
August 2, 1990

By Larry Ray Hafley

Matthew 26:24, the Son of God said, “The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It had been good for that man if he had not been born.”

If the doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists and other materialists is true, how could the verse above be correct?

Materialists teach that the wicked are annihilated and exterminated. The wicked dead go out of existence. They cease to exist. It is as though they had never been born. That is what materialists say. However, if that is true, if the materialists are right about the wicked, how, or in what sense, could it be better for them not to have been born? If materialists are right, Jesus should have said, “That man is going to be just like he had never been born.”

Others (like some aspects of certain Catholic doctrine) believe that the wicked will eventually be released from their pain and punishment and rewarded with bliss. But if that is true, it would not be true that it would be better if Judas had never been born, for no matter how severe or how long his anguish, once he endured it, his blessedness would ultimately be better than never having been born. The immediate consequence is that our Lord’s statement would not be true. “God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4).

Beware of any doctrine that makes void the word of God! Any teaching that contradicts the plain words of the Son of God is false. We need to have a greater faith and confidence in the word of Christ, for it will judge us in that last, great day (Jn. 12:48).

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 15, p. 452
August 2, 1990

By Edward O. Bragwell, Jr.

Sometimes brethren will suggest that the church engage itself in some questionable activity or claim that there would be nothing wrong with the church taking certain actions. Conscientious brethren, as well they should, immediately ask for authority for such actions. All too many times when asked for such authority the response is, “Well, we do many things that we don’t have authority for.” This they believe justifies them doing whatever they wish.

What should be our response to such dangerous reasoning? First of all, one who makes such a statement should be asked to give examples where we act without authority. If he is unable to cite any examples then his assertion can be assumed to be false. If, however, he does cite examples then we need boldly to answer his charges and show him by what authority we do the things we do. If, in fact, his charges are correct and we do not have authority for our actions, then we must cease the unauthorized practice at once.

What if it is true that “we do many things that we don’t have authority for”? That does not justify doing other things for which we have no authority as many brethren would like us to think. Instead, it means that we must cut those things out and not do them anymore. We, indeed, would encourage anyone to point out any unauthorized practice that we are engaged in so that we might correct the matter. We want to do all things by the authority of the Lord (Col. 3:17).

Most of the time when brethren make such claims, they are just trying to shake our confidence and justify their own unauthorized actions. Don’t be rattled by their tactics. Instead, “be always ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 14, p. 437
July 19, 1990

By Max E. Tice

At the outset I wish to make clear that the congregation at Danville is not being promoted as some type of super-church or brotherhood seminary. The responsibilities of this congregation are the same as those of any other local church. The special training classes which are provided may also be offered by churches that have the interest and resources to do so. In fact, we eagerly encourage it. At the same time, we also acknowledge that many congregations do not currently have such a program and wish to inform interested students of the availability of this one.

A Teacher’s Perspective

Having completed my first year as an instructor here, I have some impressions which I would like to share with our readers. First of all, I feel the church here should be commended for its dedication to such an effort. Even in the face of a crushing blow (the death of Kelly Ellis), the brethren have kept it alive. Many young men have been trained to preach here. Others (including ladies) have seized this opportunity to enhance their teaching skills. Hopefully, this will continue for years to come.

What can a student expect who comes to Danville? If he is willing to devote two years of his life to an in-depth study of the Word, he can anticipate emerging as a much more effective worker in God’s kingdom. Those who planned these classes years ago had a keen perception of student needs. Areas of study are as follows:

Courses taught by Steve Wolfgang – Genesis and the Law, sermon preparation, Ezekiel, Revelation, Joshua, Judges, Kings, Chronicles, inspiration & authority of the Scriptures, period between the Testaments, Job & Wisdom Literature, hermeneutics, Bible history & geography, church history, Minor Prophets, Christian Evidences, doctrinal issues within the church, & Jeremiah.

Courses taught by Max Tice – The New Testament Church, Acts, Philippians, Titus, Philemon, James, 1,2,3 John, Jude, Hebrews, Ephesians & Colossians, Gospel of John, Corinthian epistles, denominational doctrines, Romans, 1,2 Timothy, Psalms, Daniel, the Synoptic Gospels, Isaiah, Galatians, 1,2 Peter.

All courses are taught at a college level. In fact, a comparison between the Danville program and those offered at many Bible colleges demonstrates how complete it is. Students who wish to acquire greater knowledge of the Bible without having to pay high tuition costs or having to take many non-religious courses will find these classes a welcome alternative.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at Danville and look forward to next fall. I am deeply impressed with Steve Wolfgang’s vast store of knowledge and believe students will have a difficult time finding a more capable teacher, especially in the field of church history.

A Student’s Response

“Two years ago, I heard about the special classes being offered in Danville, Kentucky for the benefit of anyone who wanted to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. I made the decision to invest two years of my life in the study of the Word. I thank God I did. I have learned more about God’s Word during this period than some people learn in a lifetime. These classes have provided me with valuable resources.” – Tim Richardson

Another Student’s Response

“After making changes in my job, I moved to Danville to take these special classes. The schedule allows me to work part-time and still have time to attend social functions. I feel the classes will help me to develop spiritually and will provide resources for growth through the years. Hopefully, I can return home and start ladies classes so that I can pass this information on to others.” – Susan McFadden

Conclusion

It bears repeating that the Lexington Avenue congregation is not attempting to become the “brotherhood seminary.” Any congregation that is able to do so is encouraged to train men and women in a similar manner. However, if there is no such effort in your area, you might consider this opportunity.

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 15, p. 461
August 2, 1990