by Mark Mayberry
Synopsis: Some things, such as our commitment to the truth, should never change. Other things, such as how we use technology to spread the gospel message, will inevitably evolve in the face of changing circumstances.
Some things in life are constants, i.e., permanent and unchanging. Other things are continually subject to transformation. Depending on the situation, this can be good or bad.
The Lord God is eternal. While the heavens and the earth will perish, He remains the same—unchanged and undiminished by the passing years (Psa. 102:25-27). Foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah, Malachi affirmed that God would fulfill His promise and purpose, despite Israel's persistent acts of rebellion, saying, "For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed" (Mal. 3:1-7, esp. v. 6). The Lord God is reliable. Among the blessed truths that Balaam proclaimed, none is more significant than the declaration, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Num. 23:18-20, esp. v. 19). In contrast with human inconsistency, the Lord is consistent: He is a rock (Psa. 18:2) who casts no shifting shadow (Jas. 1:17-18). God's Word does not change (Isa. 40:3-8; 1 Pet. 1:22-25). Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb. 13:8).
If we are not careful, our love for God may grow cold (Matt. 24:9-12), or like the church at Ephesus, we may leave our first love (Rev. 2:4-5). We must not allow our commitment to truth to diminish. Admonishing the Galatians, Paul said, "You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?" (Gal. 5:7-9). He also warned against the carnal mindset of those who turn away their ears from the truth (2 Tim. 4:3-4).
Our love for God and our brethren should not diminish but abound still more and more over time (Phil. 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 3:11-13). Our commitment to divine truth must not wane with the passing years but grow stronger (Gal. 2:1-5; Phil. 1:19-20). Our character should become more consistent (Psa. 15:1-5; Prov. 4:18-19).
Depending upon time or circumstances, the means of communicating heaven's will often changes, but the message does not. In some ways, direct communication is best: the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend (Exod. 33:9-11). John did not want to rely exclusively on "pen and ink," but hoped for opportunities to speak face to face with his beloved brethren (2 John 12; 3 John 13-14).
Nevertheless, indirect communication, i.e., the written word, has immense value. God spoke directly to Moses, but "Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord," providing a permanent record for future generations (Exod. 24:4). In like manner, Paul affirmed, "The things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment" (1 Cor. 14:37-38). Thus, Sacred Scripture has enduring value (Col. 4:16; Jude 3-5).
Consider ways in which written communication has changed over time. In antiquity, Mesopotamian cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphs were superseded by Phoenician, Hebrew and Aramaic alphabetic scripts. Clay tablets gave way to leather and papyrus. Pen and ink replaced the stylus. The development of the printing press made it possible for copies of Sacred Scripture to be distributed far more widely than when all copies of God's word were handwritten. In the modern era, the typewriter has been replaced by computers. Today, print is giving way to digital.
In the last several years, our organization has undergone various changes. Our name has changed from the Guardian of Truth Foundation to Truth Publications, Inc. This rebranding is designed to clearly communicate our purpose and mission. We remain committed to publishing literature that is true to the Book. We are dedicated to providing conservative-minded Bible study materials to help those with good and honest hearts better understand the word of God. We remain committed to the proclamation and promotion of those eternal truths that are revealed by inspiration in the pages of Sacred Scripture.
One of the most dramatic changes that we at Truth Publications have faced involves the printing process. In yesteryear, companies like ours would print several thousand copies of a given workbook or a commentary. Over time, the costs of traditional printing have become prohibitive, so we have adopted the print-on-demand approach for most of our literature (workbooks, commentaries, etc.). This process is also impacting Truth Magazine, our flagship publication. The costs of traditional printing are becoming more and more expensive. Mailing costs continue to rise.
To a significant degree, the world is going digital. Approximately half of our subscribers receive the magazine digitally (either in Amazon Kindle format or as a full-color digital PDF copy of the print version).
Some of us prefer digital over print. Searchable content, immediate access, portability, quantity, and quality are all advantages. However, many of our readers still prefer a print version of the magazine. We want to continue to meet that demand, but financial reality must be faced. We are at the point where we must raise the price of the magazine to help offset these increased costs.
So, I've got good news and bad news. The good news is, we will continue (for the present) to publish a physical print version of Truth Magazine. However, the yearly subscription cost is increasing to $36. With this increase in price comes increased value. Print subscribers (who provide us with email addresses) will receive access to the digital PDF version at no additional costs.
To help offset the cost, we will also begin selling advertising in Truth Magazine. Contemplating this change, we are adopting the following policy:
Soon this will be expanded to a policy posted in the magazine.
Truth Publications, Inc. is a tax-exempt non-profit organization. As an incorporated charitable organization, all income is retained by Truth Publications and is used to cover operating expenses and further the mission of this organization. Board members, advisors, and trustees do not benefit financially.
Truth Publications, Inc. may accept donations for support of our mission as a non-profit organization. All such contributions are voluntary, anonymous to the public, and Truth Publications reserves the sole right of acceptance or refusal.
In years past, we have solicited donations to help with specific projects, such as in the publication of the Truth Commentaries. The generous response to this appeal was helpful and encouraging.
In like manner, we ask that you consider making financial donations that would enable us to continue offering this magazine in both print and digital formats.
Author Bio: Mark and Sherelyn have labored with the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, where he serves as the evangelist and an elder. The church website is ascoc.org. His Bible study website is markmayberry.net. His personal blog is markmayberry.org. He can be reached at mark@truthpublications.com.
