Truth Magazine

By Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

When man begins to leave the foundation of faith and adds to what God has revealed, there is no stopping place short of complete apostasy” (“The Spirit of Christmas,” Searching the Scriptures, Jan. 1964).

These words, from the pen of H.E. Phillips, aptly express his attitude toward God’s complete and authoritative revelation to mankind – the Bible. To brother Phillips, settling religious questions is quite simple. If it is revealed in the Book, then one must believe, teach and practice it in religion. If it is not revealed, then leave it alone. This is the kind of commitment that the beloved H.E. Phillips, whom I have known for over a quarter of a century, has demonstrated in his preaching, writings and personal life. I am glad times that brother Willis and the Guardian of Truth decided to devote the issue to giving due honor to such a man. I am thankful that they asked me to comment on his commitment to the Book.

I first met brother Phillips about the time he and brother James P. Miller were starting Searching the Scriptures. I was a young man needing all the help I could get (and still do) in understanding and applying scriptural principles to the “issues” that were dividing churches and getting preachers fired over the country. Brother Phillips’ clear and pointed writings increased my appreciation for the need to have book, chapter and verse for all we do in religion. During the next several years, after our initial meeting, I only knew him through his writings and hearing him once or twice during a gospel meeting at a nearby congregation. However, I have had the privilege to be more closely associated with him in recent years, having the opportunity to work with him in gospel meetings where we each work regularly – staying in each other’s home during these efforts. These weeks together have resulted in many long hours of talking about the Bible. All of this has given me opportunity to know first-hand brother Phillips’ commitment to the bible. If he is not totally committed to it, then he has to be the greatest con man alive today.

Brother Phillips’ commitment to the Bible began in early life, having been taught by godly parents – a fact that he mentions so very often. With this early respect for God’s word etched so deeply into his conscience, it would be only a matter of time until he could dedicate his life to preaching and defending the word. Sometime after he and his beloved Polly married, he quit a very good secular job (one that paid him several times what he would get from preaching) so that he could “Give (himself) continually to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Having “put his hand to the plow” he never looked back.

Those close to him know that he works beyond the normal limits of most of us, staying up all hours of the night, working on some project related to the Book. It might be working on some sermon that needs preaching, or some article that needs writing, or some issue that needs studying, or some problem with which someone has asked his help. In each case, before he preaches that sermon, or writes that article, or takes his stand on that issue, or gives his advice on that problem; he wants to be sure that he knows what the Bible teaches about is. He will spend whatever time it takes to satisfy his mind that he is on solid scriptural grounds. If that means working on it almost around the clock until he is completely satisfied that he is taking the scriptural approach, then so be it.

I think that the first time that I became aware of his long working hours was while my wife and I were staying in his home. We had discussed some matters until I had about fallen asleep, so I excused myself and went to bed shortly after midnight. I thought brother Phillips had also gone to bed. About three or so in the morning, I heard him say, “Polly, Polly, would you open the door?” Then he repeated it a little louder with a little more emphasis. I got up to see what was going on. The thought even crossed my mind that I might have to help settle a domestic matter. However, I learned that brother Phillips had decided that he wanted to study some of the things we had discussed, so he had gone back to his study to do it. Polly had accidentally (she says) locked him out of the bedroom. I learned from his family and, later observed on my own, that such late study hours was almost business as usual for him. He firmly believes one should not preach what he does not know assuredly and he cannot know that which he has not personally spent long hours studying.

Brother Phillips’ commitment to Bible authority is demonstrated in all of his work as a gospel preacher. His sermons are not little talks better fitted for after dinner talks at a civic club than they are for the pulpit. He teaches the Book, often reading and quoting directly from its ages, impressing upon the hearts of men and women that what the Bible says to be respected as the authority of heaven. One goes away with the sense that the has heard something that this worth carrying home for further mediation and study – something based on the authority of the Scriptures. He often introduces a gospel meeting by saying, “I am not here to entertain you, but to preach the word of God.” If one wants entertainment he should be somewhere else. His purpose is to teach the Bible and impress upon hearts the seriousness of explicitly obeying the teaching. Sometimes one goes away feeling good about himself, but sometimes not so good, as he is made to come face to face with the reality of his spiritual condition. Brother Phillips firmly believes that one must come to an understanding of great scriptural principles before he can practice them; so, much of his preaching is devoted to down to earth teaching that enlightens the mind. This is in marked contrast to much of the promotional and emotional hype heard in so much of today’s “motivational” preaching.

His writings in periodicals, tracts, and books show devotion to God and his Book. Those who have read his writings in Searching the Scriptures, Guardian of Truth, and other papers over the years know about this. It does not matter what the title of the article may be, there is the same fundamental theme throughout “What saith the Scriptures?” The subject may be baptism, the church, marriage, divorce, the eldership, church cooperation or whatever – it is still, “What does the Bible say?”

When the issue over institutions arose, it was “What does the Bible say? ” It was no accident that his paper was named Searching the Scriptures. He was not interested in putting his finger to the wind to see what would be popular with brethren. He was interested in putting his nose to the Book to see what would please the Lord. Even those who might disagree with some of his applications surely would have to agree that his aim was to do just what the Bible teaches.

In recent years, his writings and teaching on “the marriage question,” grace-unity, etc. further demonstrates his devotion to teaching just what he believes the Bible teaches – even if it puts him at odds with friends and brethren whom he dearly loves.

His life has been an “example of the believer” as long as this writer has known him. His moral character and spiritual strength reflect his long hours spent with the Book. In recent months, he has often expressed concern for his decreasing physical strength – wondering how much longer he can be useful in preaching the gospel. He may not have the strength of his youth, but the moral, spiritual strength, and wisdom that he has gained in his years with the Book will continue to make him a priceless asset to the Cause. He did some of his best preaching, at least that I have heard, in his most recent gospel meeting with us. Brethren over the country would certainly benefit from using him in such meetings. His writings continue to be excellent. His telephone still stays busy talking with brethren, both locally and over the country, about spiritual matters. All of this continues to help spread the truth. But, the strength of his godly example of one totally committed to giving book, chapter and verse for all that is done in religion will likely affect us all the most for some time to come. Oh, yes, one more word about his declining physical strength. It has made him slow down to about the pace many of us had been going all along – if you don’t believe it, try keeping up with him for about a month.

Thanks, brother Phillips, for being there when so many of us needed you. Stay close to the phone because we will probably be calling you again soon. There are still issues among brethren that need scriptural answers. We will likely need your help in sorting things out again and again. Oh, we know, you say you don’t have all the answers. But, we are confident that you will continue to point to the Book where the answers are. We need that.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 17, pp. 530-531
September 7, 1989

By H.E. Phillips

Brother Willis asked me to write something on the subject: Where We Are and Where We Are Going as it respects the church. I told him I would do the best I could. I am sure some will not view the present condition of the church and its future as I do, but the facts are before us to make our conclusions in the light of Scripture. I am not a prophet, nor the son of a prophet. But I believe the signs of the times indicate the direction the church of this generation will go if the trend continues.

I am not a pessimist by nature. Neither am I a blind optimist who sees no negatives. There is the middle ground of reality. We live in a real world where there is good and evil, right and wrong, life and death.

Where We Are Now

From about 1945 serious doctrinal issues arose that resulted in a division among churches of Christ which still exists today. This division came because some would not respect the authority of Christ in the areas of evangelism, benevolence and congregational organization. Such a division does not occur without lingering consequences beyond the pain of division. The bitter fruits of this division are left with us today in the form of influences that hinder the gospel of Christ.

I mention three major problems that are besetting churches of Christ:

A. Worldliness. Worldliness is that state of the heart that is ruled by Satan through the lusts of the flesh. It is the carnal heart that is reflected in the words and deeds of the one afflicted. There is so much worldliness in the church today that it is very difficult to get the members to think on spiritual things. Worldliness begins with the love of the world. One who loves the world cannot love God (1 Jn. 2:15). One who would be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (Jas. 4:4).

Immorality in sex is a terribly infectious sin. We are suffering from the immoral attitude and practice of the sex revolution of the 60’s and 70’s. The divorce and remarriage syndrome has seized the lives of many in the church, including some preachers, elders and deacons. The symptoms of this moral sickness is far reaching and is growing rapidly. Men who once stood strong for the truth are now trying to find excuses for ignoring New Testament teaching on divorce and remarriage. When such a practice becomes popular, efforts are made to justify it by perversion of the Scriptures.

Worldly dress is a strong evidence of a carnal mind. Near nudity in our present society has been accepted everywhere in public places. In the movies and on television explicit nudity and sex scenes are pumped into our living rooms, and many members of the church watch it and enjoy what they see. They make no provisions to protect their children from this moral filth. Dress styles reflect the moral corruption of this generation, and much of it is among members of the church. They ape the entertainment world and the depraved of earth. The “come-as-you-are” concept is popular in many churches over the country.

Alcohol and drugs are tolerated by some in the church. Social drinking of alcohol is justified and accepted by many in the church.

Language is a barometer of the heart (Matt. 12:34-37). The language that some professed Christians use is shameful even to the world. Lying, evil speaking, profanity, vulgarity, gossip and slander are commonplace. This is evidence of worldliness in the church.

B. Iniquity. “Iniquity” means “violation of law, iniquity, . . . without law, lawless, transgressor, wicked. ” Jesus spoke of those who had no regard for divine authority in Matthew 7:23. This attitude toward authority is still causing havoc among churches today.

Compromise is one trait of iniquity. An increasing number today shun debating their cause or contending for the faith once delivered (Jude 3). They only debate when they are defending their personal honor and when they debate that it is wrong to debate. Compromise is used to attain some kind of unity. The compromise with the denominational world, as well as with false brethren, does not attain anything akin to Bible unity.

Apathy is like a pall over society today, especially the home and the church. The gross indifference of members of the church is so discouraging that most congregations are doing little or nothing to grow numerically and spiritually. It is discouraging to those who are trying to do the will of God. This sin is the main reason there is little or no learning in Bible classes. It explains why so many of our young people are quitting the church.

Greed is at the root of crime and sins of the human race (1 Tim. 6: 10). Avarice isalways the outgrowth of iniquity. In fact, anarchy exists because man is covetous. The law of the Lord teaches man to be benevolent and obedient to the truth. When man loses respect for the authority of Christ, he becomes self-serving and greedy. Church members are very greedy in this age.

C. Unbelief. Unbelief is the lack of trust and conviction in God’s word. It produces very serious consequences (Heb. 3:12).

Ignorance. The appalling ignorance of the average member of the church certifies the unbelief in Christ and his word. This unbelief is the result of not studying the word of God, and very few seem to want to study any where.

Perversion of worship. Worship in spirit and truth is authorized in the New Testament (Jn. 4:24). The singing has become more entertaining than for worship. The preaching has been toned down to a fifteen minute, flattering oration that excites the people to applaud it. Prayer has become a ritual for both men and women in the public gathering, more for show than the ears of God. Worship is being changed to accommodate the pleasure of the sensual minded members, and that for the increase of membership.

Change organization. For many years there has been a gradual change from the scriptural organization of the local church to a substitute form of government and unqualified men are appointed to unknown posts of authority doing duties never authorized in the New Testament.

Social Gospel. The emphasis upon the social needs and benefits to human life upon this earth, and the pleasure and good will of mankind has become the prime goals of the church in many localities. The benevolent needs of the world are used to build membership of the church. It will not save one soul.

Where We Are Going

Where is all this leading us? What will the church be in another fifty years? History records a surprising change from 1940 to the present time of the movement away from the truth. Attitudes have changed, regard for Scripture has diminished, and love for the truth has waxed cold.

Where are we going? The trend indicates a continuation of the same problem with a faster departure from the truth. It will likely get more radical as denominationalism has done. I think I see upon the horizon of the future, based upon the present trend, and in addition to what we have observed, three major departures:

A. Develop a New Creed. When men and women struggle to work together while holding different beliefs concerning God, the Bible, the church, worship, conditions of salvation, heaven and hell, they must have some creed to hold them together. The Bible will not do it for them. The use of some modern versions to establish the doctrines they want to adopt is being done. Some of these versions are,as bad as the creeds of denominationalism. Some denominations have made their own translations to form their creed.

B. Restructure the Organization of the Church. Already the stage is set for this movement. The elders and deacons are rejected as unnecessary in this day. The qualifications are rewritten or completely rejected. The Feminist Movement and other like organizations will bring pressure to have women appointed to the eldership. Women will also be preaching as the departure goes on. Some of the denominations now have women preachers.

I think the future will have a modification of the present perverted organization of the local church. We will see a more democratic form of government. The signals are already being given. If it keeps going from the truth we will have the “committees” composed of women and men whose duty it will be to advise and guide the elders. Some of these committees will be composed of women, senior citizens, singles, teenagers, and young parents all representing those groups in the -church. They will become a part of the ruling element of the local church. Majority rule will decide the course of the church, and God’s plan, as described in Philippians 1:1,2, will be abandoned.

There will probably be a council of churches from various “sects” of churches of Christ that will form the catalyst for a central rule for unity and fellowship. Some efforts have been made in this direction for some time.

Someone will say: “That is ridiculous; churches of Christ will never go that far.” Do not be naive; some “churches of Christ” have come that far in my lifetime.

C. Pervert the Mission of the Church. As churches move away from the truth, they will follow the lead of denominationalism toward the social gospel and away from its mission to support the gospel. In addition to what is already being done, various endeavors will be created and supported by the church, and some will join the denominational operations that cover the field. Space does not permit the listing of possible operations by these churches. If you think this is impossible, stop and look at what liberal churches of Christ are doing now. In time they will go further from the truth.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 17, pp. 528-529
September 7, 1989

By Kerri Leverette

Many times when people write about their memories of someone it is after that person has passed, away. While I am thankful for the opportunity to recall the past, I do hope to make many more memories with Granddaddy. H.E. Phillips has eleven grandchildren and, at this writing, ten great grandchildren. The grandchildren range in age from thirty-three to four years old and I am the second oldest grandchild.

I would have to say my most favorite times were when my sisters and I spent the weekend with Granddaddy and Grandmother. It was the same routine on those Saturday nights. Granddaddy always made the popcorn and we stood on chairs all around him anxiously waiting for the first kernels to pop. After our popcorn and coke it was time to get Granddaddy “fixed up” for church the next morning. With him stretched out in his recliner with his pajamas on, we would go to work. We soaked and massaged his feet, trimmed his fingernails, and combed his hair. Back and forth we would go to the medicine cabinet for lotions, powders, aftershave, and creams. It happened every time; Granddaddy would fall asleep and as is the case with most small children, we would sometimes get carried away. I will never forget the time he woke up and leaped from his chair, his face burning, only to realize my youngest sister had rubbed athlete’s foot powder all over his face. Still, he continued to let us fix him up, although he did take away our electric razor privileges for awhile (but that was only after I had shaved off one sideburn and half of an eyebrow). He has had Vaseline in his hair and Mentholatum all over his feet. Never once through all the little accidents did he become angry with us, but he did fight falling asleep for fear of what would happen to him next.

I could hardly wait to be old enough to help with the paper, Searching the Scriptures. The first job was to take lunch and sometimes supper back to Granddaddy’s office and run small errands around the house. Then when I was old enough to read, I could help count, stack or sort. The house was always busy with people and papers were everywhere, and sometimes as late as one or two o’clock in the morning the paper would be finished, bagged and ready to go to the post office. Patiently Granddaddy would answer all my questions on the way to the post office. Why did he write a paper? Why was his picture on the front? Where did he get the name, Searching the Scriptures? Wouldn’t it be easier if he just bought a paper from the store?

Granddaddy’s office was like a sacred place to us. We were never allowed to play in there. In fact, we didn’t even go in there unless Granddaddy was in there. It was where you went for help in answering a Bible question or for encouragement when the boy you liked asked your sister out instead. It was also where you went when you were in trouble and often I sat there across the desk from Granddaddy while he talked to me about my behavior. It has always been very easy to talk to Granddaddy. In every discussion, whether it be right at the start or, perhaps, when your talk was finished, he always said, “I love you” and told us how much we meant to him.

Summer vacations usually found us heading to Kentucky to see our great-grandmother. On our drive up, Granddaddy would tell us stories about her and the good Christian influence she had been on his life. They would sit for hours on the porch swing. After dinner we would gather in the living room where Granddaddy would talk of his childhood. On occasion, Grandma Phillips, as we called her, would slip in a story or two of some of granddaddy’s mischievous times as a boy. Since her death, he has talked often from the pulpit about how much she encouraged him to be a gospel preacher.

I guess my biggest disappointment is that my husband and our children do not live as close to Granddaddy as I did growing up. We only get to be together about two or three times a year, so my children sit and listen to me tell stories of my times with Granddaddy.

As I prepared for this article, and my sisters and I talked about our different memories, one thing that kept coming up was that Granddaddy has always been the same. What I mean is that he was not a Sunday gospel preacher and then a different person at home during the week. Whatever the people from church saw and heard from Granddaddy was what we saw and heard during the week. As the years pass, I realize that the day will come when Granddaddy will die, but as long as I remember the lessons he has taught me and that I now teach to my children, he will really be with us for a long time. For all the kind words and fond remembrances, I know the greatest I can do is to live a faithful Christian life and to be the example for others that Granddaddy has been for me.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 17, p. 534
September 7, 1989

By Daniel H. King

May 30th is observed here in the United States as a legal holiday commemorating our service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We must not forget that the freedom from tyranny and individual pursuit of life, liberty and happiness here in this wonderful land have come to us through the sacrifices of others. Memorial Day is a time set aside in our yearly calendar of events for reflection upon the greatest gift that another could ever give – his life.

Lest we forget them, we pause from our daily chores to think about who they were and what they did. Then we go back to being who we are and doing what we do. But because they have a memorial day and we have paused long enough to remember them, they can never be as those whom the wise man of old described in his sagely but depressing remarks: “And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished, as though they had never been; and are become as though they had never been born” (Ecclesiastics 44:7-9). As a grateful people ought, we thank God for them and their selfless love.

God has ever recognized man’s need for such reminders. Religious praxis is replete with examples. The Hebrew nation remembered yearly the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian slavery at the commemoration of Passover. The Feast of Tabernacles was a symbolic recollection of the days of tent-dwelling, before Israel was given a land of her own. Every week the Israelites celebrated God’s work of creation on the Sabbath, resting as he did on the seventh day.

Christians have such a day. We call it Sunday, but they referred to it unpretentiously as “the first day of the week” (Lk. 24:1; Acts 20:7). It crowns each and every week, similarly keeping pious believers in memory of the most marvelous sacrifice ever made for mortal man. And, in spite of what some think, it is not a time merely for rest or relaxation, that is to say, for fishing, golfing and recreation . It is a time for memorializing and remembering.

On the night of his betrayal, Jesus took the bread and fruit of the vine and blessed them and gave them to his disciples. “This do in remembrance of me,” he said. The early Christians did just that. They partook of these simple emblems of Christ’s death and so remembered him every week. Paul waited seven days at Troas to sit down at the table of the Lord with fellow believers (Acts 20:6-7). When the day came, he was there with them in communion with Christ. Faithful followers of Christ do the same today.

They may make this day one for visiting with friends and relatives, or even for recreating, but only after they have first paused to reflect and remember the Lord’s death in his memorial Supper. “This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread, and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Cor. 11:25-26)

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 18, p. 548
September 21, 1989