Truth Magazine

By Donald P. Ames

For some time now we have been blasting away at the assumptions, guess work, fallacies, and unscientific conclusions of the teachers of the theory of evolution. Thus it is indeed interesting to note that “the scientific world” finally is ready to admit what has been evident to thoughtful observers all along: Evolution is any thing but scientific!

The U.S. News (2-27-89) carried an article on the new scientific view of the origin of man. While some of their conclusions reached are still off-base, it is interesting to note the things revealed about past conclusions. Note the following admission: “For years, scenes from the daily life of our ancient ancestors have been rendered with a dab of science and a bucketful of speculation. Based as much on wishful thinking or intellectual fashion as the scanty fossil evidence left by our ancestors. . . ” (Emp. mine – DPA). Now doesn’t that bolster your confidence to accept the arbitrary and dictatorial conclusions they then try to pass off as a “fact” that is so well established “no reputable scientist would question it” (though thousands deny it)?

But since honest confession is good for the soul, and the evolutionists are finally coming out with an honest confession, let’s note what else they are willing to admit. “Researchers realize that in the past they often reconstructed our ancestors’ lives by starting with assumptions about what early humans ought to be like, then searching for fossil evidence to support those assumptions” (Ibid., Emphasis mine – DPA). Then it wasn’t scientific at all! It was twisted proof(?) interpreted to make it fit their pre-conceived idea of what it “ought” to be! And they then have the audacity to mock those of us who disagree with their conclusions as being “unscientific”? In his tract God or Evolution?, Luther W. Blackmon says, “The late Sir Authur Keith, noted British anthropologist, said, ‘Evolution is unproved and unprovable, and the only reason we accept it is because it is the only alternative to special creation, and that is unthinkable.”‘ Evolutionists have gone all out to try to stop the teaching of special creation as an alternative theory in schools today on the basis it would promote religion and deny scientific investigation. From their own admission, the evolutionary theory is based on fanciful fantasy – not science!

But what new startling things are they finding to cause them to completely turn away from past ideas on evolution? They have finally decided to re-evaluate the things they have found, and instead of creating a complete human being (based on preconceived ideas of what he should look like) from a single tooth (no fooling!), they need to look more closely at the surrounding evidences as well – now that begins to sound scientific to me. And what are the new conclusions they are determining? “The first members of the human race were neither noble savages nor simple primitive versions of ourselves . . . like modern humans, they stood upright and spoke. They had feet that could have danced a waltz and hands with the dexterity to repair a pocket watch” (Ibid.). It wasn’t new evidence – just a more honest evaluation of what they had refused to consider before.

The Bible has nothing to fear from true science! The facts of science are in complete agreement with the Bible statements. The theories of men change almost every century, and it is looking more and more like the theory of evolution has run its course! Who knows, given a little more time, and they may even come to the startling conclusion, “In the beginning, God. . . . “

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 11, p. 338
June 1, 1989

By Everett Hardin

Respect for authority is fundamental in rearing children. It must be the first lesson, for without it nothing worthwhile will ever be instilled in our children. Children who aren’t taught obedience in the home usually have a hard time submitting to authority of any kind. Many parents, failing to recognize this, have absolutely ruined their children. Thus, we see children who run the home, disrupt the school, and take over the Bible class. Later in life, these children are a problem on the job, get into trouble with the law, and are a menace to society. Finally, they lose their souls. Why? Too often the answer is in the fact that their parents never taught the first lesson.

Society is greatly benefitted by due subordination of family life. We are suffering today because of a crop of permissive children who never learned obedience to their parents or superiors. Young people proudly wear their badges of rebellion. They will not conform to society nor subordinate to anything or anybody. The spirit of resentment for any authority is both impractical and unscriptural. You will always have someone over you. There are some rules and regulations you are going to have to respect, and some authority to which you will have to answer. If you don’t learn it in this life and die a renegade, you will most assuredly learn it in the judgment.

The home should be a place where members show respect for parental authority, civil authority, and the law of God. Respect for authority begins in the home, carries over into the school, the city streets, and the church.

Parental Authority

Children must be taught respect for parents. “Children obey your parents in the Lord”; “Honor thy father and thy mother” (Eph. 6:1,2). Children who hear the instruction of fathers and abide in the law of mothers find parents are “fair garlands for their heads” and “pendants about their necks” (Prov. 1:8,9; 6:20). This obedience should flow not only from the feeling of love, gratitude and esteem for their parents, but especially from reverence for the Lord. Obedience is the duty and honor is the disposition of which true obedience is born. This is an obligation that rests on the very nature of things and cannot change with our changing world. It is not enough for children to simply obey in act. Love and reverence should be found in the heart of the child.

We have been living for some time in a child-oriented society which has been profitable to neither children nor parents. The father in many homes today is only a breadwinner, possessed of no say-so in the affairs of his offspring. The mother is a glorified maid and is expected to desist from meddling in the business of her youngsters. The result is this: the young people rule and parents become slaves to their children. Age is demeaned, inexperience is exalted, wisdom is ignored, discipline is ridiculed, and controls scoffed at. Parents sit back afraid to challenge this movement brought about by their own mismanagement. The basic problem is not in the young themselves, but in the misdirection they are receiving.

Parents must establish their authority over the child. Children are to obey their parents “in all things” (Col. 3:20). The father is to rule (Eph. 5:22,33; 6:4). He should establish fundamental rules with which the family lives. Be consistent in your attitudes and expectations. It is irresponsible to allow a child to get by with challenging your authority, whether it be a small child who throws a temper tantrum when told to put up his toys and get ready for bed, or a teenager who says he is going to do something you have forbidden. You have the obligation to God and to the child to check that type of behavior. “He that spareth the rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes” (Prov. 13:24).

The rebellious son of Deuteronomy 21:18-21 was stoned to death because he was incorrigible. Many fit this description today simply because their conduct was seen by parents as being cute, merely a part of a phase, or unworthy of attention. Therefore, in the formative years, rebellion had the stamp of approval. The product of such “rearing” then proceeds through life shaking his first at society, government and God.

In every society parental authority has been accepted as an indispensable prerequisite of social stability. Any tendency that swerves from this principle is a mark of a decadent society (Rom. 1:30; 2 Tim. 3:1,2). If responsible citizenship and godliness are not taught in the home, the foundation of society will crumble and disaster will ensue.

Civil Authority

Children must be taught to obey the laws of the land (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-15). Civil government exists as a divine ordinance, and we must recognize this. God doesn’t place every ruler in office or approve each judicial function, but leaders of human society represent the authority of God on earth. Though earthly governments become corrupt and tyrannical, this doesn’t disprove their divine origin.

“Every soul,” every intelligent member of society, is under obligation to obey governmental authority. The Ceasars, who were generally corrupt and evil, were reigning in Rome; yet by inspiration, Paul wrote, “Be subject to the higher powers.” The only exception to this is when authority conflicts with spiritual law (Acts 5:29).

The rebel against civil law is a rebel against divine law. Government is an ordinance of God, and rulers are ministers of God. This business of lawlessness in the name of justice, immorality in the name of individuality, and disobedience in the name of progress is not true to God’s word. To disobey civil law indicates an undisciplined life that leads to vice and dissipation.

The young person who has geared his set of values to approve conduct which is harmful to himself and others is certainly not developing a set of values which will improve his character. By continually accepting such standards and values, he has weakened his conscience and taught himself that it is good to do wrong. More and more he forms habits that connect him with evil and a lack of restraint. Further and further he plunges into the darkness and away from the light. He is gambling with his soul with high odds against him.

Divine Authority

Parents are commanded to “nurture” their children, cause them to grow and develop in the “chastening and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). This is a sadly neglected duty. It brings irreparable and immeasurable injury to children. Parents can commit no greater sin against their children than to fail to lead them to love and obey the Lord.

Instruction from parent to child is not passive, nor transferrable, and is an obligation that cannot be overdone in regard to spiritual matters. The child’s character lies in our hands, as clay in the hand of the potter. As the child is molded and shaped, so will be the adult. We have the power to shape their eternal destiny. The responsibility is often taken too lightly, and we are faced with the national problem of child neglect, abuse, delinquency, moral degeneration and spiritual reprobates. To neglect children is criminal in nature and usually disasterous in results.

Parents must firmly anchor their children in the faith, if they are to stand against social pressures, regarding activities and dress, in this materialistic and sexually-oriented society (2 Cor. 6:14-18). If a parent loves his child’s soul, he will teach the child that he must be different from those around him and must not compromise that difference. Emphasis should not be placed on recreation or material values, but salvation. Children should be taught that life is real, life is earnest, and the grave is not the end (Eccl. 12:1; Rom. 14:12).

Under the Law of Moses parents were instructed to teach incessantly, “And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way and when thou liest down, and when thou riseth up” (Deut. 6:6-7). Notice, first, that these words were to be, not simply in a book, but “in thine heart.” God’s word must dwell in the heart of parents for them to be able to teach them effectively to their children! Secondly, they were to “teach it diligently unto thy children.” They were not to teach them carelessly or indifferently, but they were to teach them with painstaking care.

Youth’s education is not complete without a knowledge of the Bible. With all the knowledge of the world (science, human philosophy, the fine arts, mathematics, history and literature) man, without self-control and submission to God, is only a refined animal. Education is without a true foundation unless based upon a knowledge of God and the principles of the Bible. We must seek to instill in our children a basic knowledge and understanding of God’s will (Prov. 4:5,7), a love for the truth (2 Thess. 2: 10), and an attitude of complete submission to God.

When parents give their children good instruction and, at the same time set a bad example, they could be compared to bringing food in one hand and poison in the other. Such a parent is a hypocrite, and no one will spot the hypocrisy quicker than the child who lives under the same roof. He is practically guaranteeing that his child will one day repudiate him and all he stands for.

Train your children to respect God’s word while they are young. We have them such a short time and the opportunities are limited, and they pass so quickly. Today they are babes in arms, and tomorrow they are gone out to meet the world. Begin while they are in the cradle. The patterns of life are so soon set. We must develop and refine standards of social behavior and a moral value system, so that the child will be able to accept the restraints he will be living under as an adult and, of course, as a Christian.

Conclusion

It’s high time we parents, Christians, and children take a hard look at this whole business of authority and how it affects the welfare of our homes, schools, churches, the nation and our individual lives. Let all of us as parents humbly lift our voices to God, seeking wisdom from above in the rearing of our children.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 12, pp. 355-356
June 15, 1989

By Danny Graham

On Monday, January 9, 1989, the Florence Times Daily ran an Ann Landers column which contained a letter from a lady in Chicago. What she had to say about herself and her situation are very enlightening. Her letter reveals very well what most people in the world think about such topics as morality and wisdom. It can serve as a vivid reminder to those of us who endeavor to serve Christ that we must always follow the wisdom of God’s word and forsake the wisdom of this world. Consider what she said.

She described herself as a heterosexual woman, divorced, mid-40’s, white, upper middle class, living a modestly fast lifestyle not unlike many of her friends. She claims that she carefully screened the 4 or 5 bed partners that she might have each year because she wants nothing to do “with drugs or drug users or men I think are promiscuous or bisexual.” Although she sometimes insisted on her partners using condoms, she just found out the previous week that she had tested positive for the AIDS virus. She goes on to say that she was stunned, and that other people better pay attention. However, the conclusions she drew from her experience are worth discussing.

First, consider that she lived a “modestly fast lifestyle not unlike many of my friends.” It shows how times have changed when a woman who has 4 or 5 sexual partners a year is considered modestly fast. Thirty years ago such a woman would have been considered in the same class with a prostitute. We know this is not the case today because many of her friends do the same thing, and indeed many of us know of people who do the same thing. Times might have changed, but God’s law has certainly not changed. Sex outside of marriage is still fornication or adultery, and it is always wrong. It is never right under any circumstances, no matter what society happens to believe at the moment. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and Galatians 5:19-21. It is almost laughable that she did not want to be with”Promiscuous” men as if she were not herself promiscuous. Even sinners have their scruples. They just aren’t the right ones.

Second, let us consider the lesson she learned from her experience on how such can be prevented or at least the likelihood lessened. She immediately urges all of Ann’s readers to use condoms 100 percent of the time. She realizes they are not 100 percent protection, but she says 90 percent is better than zero. At the same time, she will not take a chance at infecting anyone. It seems to me that the self-control she is now willing to practice should have been practiced sometime ago. Rather than urge the readers simply to continue their promiscuous lifestyles and simply be a little more careful, why didn’t she urge them to practice the same self-control she was about to start practicing? When a child touches a hot stove, we tell him to stop doing it so he won’t get burned; we don’t give him a glove and tell him to use it every time. He can still get burned! Exactly the same is true with the case she describes. We don’t give alcoholics smaller glasses; they must quit!

Third, consider that she also encourages the readers to be tested themselves and donate money to further research. We live in an age when many who are filled with the pride so encouraged by Humanism seem to think that all we have to do to solve any and every problem is to pour money into research and science will be our savior. Such is not the case. Yes, AIDS does kill a lot of people, and yes, if a cure or preventative is going to be found, it must be done through research, but there is a much greater problem than a syndrome that is taking human lives. It is the problem of sin which is destroying even more souls. Not one word is mentioned in her letter about living lives on a higher moral plane. Not one word of regret is found about her promiscuous ways. Sin separates from God (Isa. 59:1-2). The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23), which many will find out in the day of judgment. A cure for AIDS will not help anyone get to heaven. The emphasis in her letter is on the physical and earthly, but we must emphasize the heavenly and spiritual (Col. 3:1-2).

Finally, consider this letter in terms of what it shows about earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. Wisdom is defined as the power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, based on knowledge, experience, understanding, etc. Earthly wisdom, then, is in a limited sense wisdom. People find a course of action that works in a given situation and then follow it. That is why so many think that the use of condoms is a wise thing. In terms of earthly wisdom, it is the proven method. However, James 3:13-18 reminds us, this wisdom is earthly, for it is not from God when men say that adultery and fornication are all right as long as you prevent anyone from getting AIDS. It is certainly sensual, for it encourages the fulfillment of natural desires without any constraint whatsoever except the spread of disease. It certainly is devilish, for such a plot was concocted by the devil. As he has done throughout time, he has shifted’ our focus from what is right and wrong to something else. As he did with Eve, he has people thinking only about not spreading the diseV6n the other hand, the wisdom from above is first pure. The primary concern of the child of God who is using the wisdom God gave is to do right. Therefore, he does not have to worry about contracting AIDS from promiscuity because he will not engage in such. It is also without hypocrisy, so he won’t pretend he is not engaging in it when he really is if he is following heavenly wisdom. Finally, he will be sowing and reaping the fruit of righteousness because he will be busy doing the Lord’s will and will not become involved in such sinful activities as these. If on occasion he does sin, he will quickly repent and resume serving the Lord. Let us not be led astray by the world’s wisdom. Yes, the use of condoms might work, but so will biblical morality. In fact, it will prevent a lot more than just a disease. Using heavenly wisdom will eventually help us obtain eternal life.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 11, p. 334
June 1, 1989

By Mr. and Mrs. Clifford W. Bell

Respect for others is grounded in respect for God himself. From the beginning of time, man has been taught the importance of having respect for God, for his word, and for our fellow man.

Respect Begins With Parents

In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve learned a great lesson of the unhappiness that comes in life when we fail to respect God’s law. Their own failure to submit to the Word of God contributed to failure and great tragedy in their family. Cain did not have respect for God, which caused him to commit murder (Gen. 4). These accounts show us how disrespect leads to sin.

We, as parents, must have respect for God’s law, which includes civil laws as they are ordained of God. If we fail to be the right examples before our children and the world, how can we expect our children to respect us or the law of God. This training must begin when we bring them into the world. Respect must first be taught and learned at home. Please do not wait until they are toddlers! If we fail to teach them in the very early years of life, the task will become more difficult with every passing day.

As we teach our children to have respect for others, let us remember that wives must set the right example by respecting their husbands as the leader in the family; likewise the husband should respect the wife as she assumes her role in the home (Eph. 5:22-33).

We only need to look around us to see the many problems that have arisen in our society today because of the lack of respect for authority in the home, school, the Lord’s church, and our nation. Let us say again, as parents we must set the proper example along this line if we expect our children to listen to our teaching on respect. I am reminded of a story told by brother Bobby Thompson (faithful evangelist at Pruett and Lobit church of Christ) about the father who was walking across a freshly plowed field, when he heard someone behind him. As he turned he saw his young son trying to place his small feet in the large steps his father had made in the fresh soil. The youngster eagerly said, “Keep on, Daddy, I’m walking in your steps.” Do we want our children walking in our steps? Oh, how careful we must be!

How to Show Respect

There are many ways in which we show respect: by the things we say and the way we say them, by the things we do and our attitude when we participate in daily activities, and also by taking care of the property of others.

Brother Bell’s Comments

When I was in college during the 1930s and when I was in the Armed Services from 1940-1945, 1 rode on buses and trains a lot of the time. If a young lady or an elderly person got on the bus or train and there were no empty seats, I would immediately offer that person mine. Today we rarely ever find anyone getting up to offer his chair to anyone – young, elderly, or crippled. This is an example of the change in our society in failing to show respect for others.

We need a revival in learning the importance of showing respect in every walk of life and especially toward the aged.

How can we show respect? Young people, think with me as I list some of the ways:

1. Listen to your parents when they address you.

2. Don’t talk back to your parents.

3. Never talk about them in a disrespectful manner such as “the old man” or “the old lady.”

4. Be attentive to them and give them a kind and honest answer.

5. Be a “man of your word. ” Promises should not be broken. You want them to trust you so always be honest. Parents should realize that these items just listed apply to them as well as to their children, especially number 5.

6. Show respect to the boy or girl you are dating. Treat them like you would want someone to treat your brother or sister when they date.

Respect for the Elderly

Young people generally do not outwardly show a lot of respect for elderly people. We notice this at worship services and also in the home. Why? Probably, because very few people take the time to train their children as we are commanded (1 Tim. 5:12).

We must respect our parents, grandparents, neighbors, and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Someone has said, “Don’t let your parents down, they brought you up.” Parents are willing to go without many things, just to make life easier for their children. They have loved and cared for you through the years when the going wits rough. They will continue to pray for you and help in every way possible as you prepare to take your place in this life and look for a city whose builder and maker is God.

Let us all respect the elderly and let them know they are “special.” We honor our aged parents when they are unable to care for themselves by providing for their every need physical, spiritual, and emotional. They cared for us when we were unable to care for ourselves.

Sister Bell Comments Regarding Her Aunt and Mother As I think of the years when I was a teenager at home some fifty years ago, I well remember when an elderly aunt, 85 years of age, came to live with us for about four years. My parents had 10 children. Our only brother was not living at home, but there were nine of us girls living with our parents in a five room house. There were beds in every room in the house I think except in the kitchen, but we found room for Aunt Allie. I will never forget how my mother was willing to make room for my Daddy’s aunt. The respect that Mother showed for Daddy, by willingly making room in our house for his elderly aunt made a lasting impression on her children. This is a good example of “respect for the elderly.”

My daddy died when Mother was 78 years old. Mother lived alone for eight or nine years, but in 1980 she felt the need to be with some of us.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:2, “Honor thy father and mother.” In 1 Timothy 5:4 and 16 we learn that we have the responsibility to care for our parents, that the church be not charged. We are thankful to have been taught to respect God’s laws by respecting our mother and doing our part to help make her last years on this earth as pleasant as possible.

All the girls decided that she would live with each one of us for one month; in 1981, she began living with her children. She has an extended visit of a month. While in our home she enjoys seeing our grandchildren more and it works the same with the other sisters. Since there are about seventy grandchildren and great grandchildren, she enjoys seeing a few of them each month.

Learning Respect From Our 95 Year-Old Mother

Mother is now 95 years old and she seems to have aged faster these past two or three years; she needs more loving care than she once did. When she comes to spend a month with us now, other things must be set aside so that her needs are not neglected. While we have tried to show love and respect to her, she has continued to teach us the meaning of love and respect even in her declining years. There was a time a few years ago that she helped in the kitchen and folded clothes (maybe not the way I would have done it), but that meant so much to her. “Why?” you may ask. She still felt she was able to do something to help others. She spent many hours and days piecing quilts for her loved ones.

Times have changed. She isn’t able to do things for us in a physical way any more. Her eyesight isn’t good, her hearing is almost gone, and her body is frail. She needs help sometimes just to get from the chair to the table. She isn’t able to dress herself or take care of her personal needs, but she spent the month of December with us and did not miss any of the worship services at Pruett and Lobit. She is not able to hear much of the sermon; she can’t read well enough or hear the song leader to sing much, but she tries sometimes. She readily partakes of the Lord’s Supper and begins to look for her check when the time comes for her to contribute of her means. When her mind was good she told me many times, that even though she may worship at other congregations, she wanted her contribution to go to Pruett and Lobit, because she knew the truth was taught there and her membership was there. Mother is still teaching us today by demonstrating great respect for God and his laws. She is due our respect.

Examples of Younger People Showing Respect

There are not many pleasures for Mother in this life anymore, but she still enjoys being with her family and especially the little ones; they have time to make her laugh. It means so much if you just stop long enough to give “Mee-Maw” a hug or kiss; that just makes her day and the days are long for her now. Besides giving her a little attention, we can be helpful in other ways. Even though you are young in years, the elderly need you and it is appreciated so much. Just watch them smile when you are kind or show them a little respect by lending a helping hand.

Our 17-year-old grandson was here in December while Mother was with us. He helped “Mee-Maw” from her chair to the table when it was time to eat. We have a four-year old grandson who spent several days with us while Mother was here. He would go to her chair and ask, “Mee-Me, do you want me to get you something?” He held the quilt pieces for her when she worked on a quilt.

You should have seen Mother smile when her grandson helped her to the table. She rewarded the four-year-old with a kiss for being her little helper.

We were getting out of the car one Sunday morning in time for worship services. While Cliff was parking the car, a young man in his thirties came by and said, “Sister Young, take my arm and I will help you go into the building.” Mother looked up at him, smiled, and took his arm as they walked into the building. She was so pleased. Thank you, Marcus Suttle.

There , are many elderly people who are not as blessed as “our” mother. There are nine daughters along with eight sons-in-law who love and respect her.

Some do not have children to care for them and some have children who do not care for them. Sometimes the children are unable (physically) to care for them. There are those who are not willing to give up other pleasures to spend the time (sometimes twenty-four hours a day) caring for the aged.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 12, pp. 358-359
June 15, 1989