Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

With this issue, we complete twenty-one years of publication of Truth Magazine and the end of my first year as editor of the paper. I must confess that I have thoroughly enjoyed my work, although there have been times when my work load was over bearing. With the end of this calendar year and this volume of Truth Magazine, I would like to give a preview of Volume XXII and changes which lie ahead for the paper.

First of all, I must announce that Jeffery Kingry has resigned as a staff writer for the paper. There are no doctrinal differences between us which have led to his resignation and there are no hard feelings between us. Jeff has simply reached the conclusion that he would be able to work more effectively without being formally connected with Truth Magazine. He has every intention of continuing to write for us from time to time, as my file cabinet with his submitted manuscripts proves amply.

Johnie Edwards Added To Our Staff

Secondly, I need to announce the addition of a new staff writer to the paper. I have asked Johnie Edwards of Plainfield, Indiana to serve as a staff writer for Truth Magazine and he has consented. Johnie was born in Dixon, Kentucky on July 1, 1929 to John B. and Lillie Edwards. He married Loretta Crowley of Dixon, Kentucky on July 29, 1950. They have three sons, Tom, Titus, and Johnie Paul. Tom is in the interior design business in Bloomington, Indiana; Titus is presently preaching for the Hessville church in Hammond, Indiana; Johnie Paul has just begun working with the First Street Church in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

Johnie received a Bachelor of Arts degree from David Lipscomb College in 1951 and has done some work toward a Master’s Degree at Indiana University. He began preaching in 1948, when he preached his first sermon for the Fairview church in Dixon, Kentucky where he grew up. He has worked with local churches in Burns, Tennessee; Aiken, South Carolina; West Second Street in Bloomington, Indiana; and North Church in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He moved just this past year from Ellettsville, Indiana to Plainfield, Indiana after preaching in Ellettsville for almost sixteen years. Johnie holds a large number of meetings every year in all parts of the country. He has conducted a weekly radio program in Bloomington, Indiana for over twenty years. He has also been instrumental in helping a number of young men get started in gospel preaching.

Johnie has also written articles for the following periodicals: Truth Magazine, Faith and Facts, The Gospel Guardian, and others. We hope that you will look forward to reading his articles as they appear from time to time in Truth Magazine.

Special Material In Volume XXII

I have already done a good bit of work toward the completion of Volume XXII, although we are at the present closing out Volume XXI. I think that you will look forward to receiving the next year of Truth Magazine because of the fine material which we shall be publishing in it. Here are some of the specials we have prepared:

1. A special issue on the Lord’s Day and other holy days. The very first issues of 1978 will contain some excellent material on the proper observance of the Lord’s Day, including the activities of the Lord’s Day, what has happened to the Lord’s Day, and unscriptural holy days (Jewish feast days, Christmas, Easter, etc.). I think that you will find this material to be some of the best which you have ever seen written on this subject.

2. A Family Circles Series. Inasmuch as the family is under constant attack, we have asked Leslie Diestelkamp to write some material on the home which we intend to publish on a weekly basis beginning in the latter part of January. Brother Diestelkamp is very qualified to write on this subject, as those who know him will testify. Having already read this material in preparing it to be set in type, I can tell you now that you will not want to miss a single issue of Truth Magazine in 1978.

3. A Study of the Translations of the Bible. Bobby Graham has given us permission to publish the series which appeared in his weekly bulletin on the various translations of the Bible which have been made. The material comes to us highly recommended. It is written on the level of the common man so I am sure that you will not be bogged down with details so much that you do not understand what Bobby has written. I am sure that you will not want to miss Bobby’s comments about the translation of the Scriptures which you use.

I have a few other special issues in mind for 1978 which are still on the drawing board which I hope to bring to completion very soon. Too, I already have several editorials which are planned. I have a series of articles already set in type on “Imputed Righteousness” which I plan to publish in the early months of 1978 and another series on the “Battle of Armageddon” which is already written. In addition to these materials, I have a good collection of manuscripts written by brethren all over the country on a variety of subjects which I shall be publishing throughout the year. The year 1978 will be a good year for those who read Truth Magazine.

Because of the nature of the material which we are publishing, I would like to encourage each of our readers to tell one other Christian about Truth Magazine. Quite frankly, I need your help to increase the circulation of the paper. You know brethren whom I have never met who would be interested in receiving just such a paper as we publish. Will you recommend Truth Magazine to your friends? Truth Magazine continues to be the very best bargain among the religious journals. We mail out fifty issues of sixteen pages each every year for the annual subscription price of $7.50. Where can you beat that quantity and quality of material at that price? We will send a club of ten subscriptions for $5.00 per month or a club of twenty subscriptions for $10.00 per month. Will you help us to increa$e our circulation by telling your friends about this paper or sending a club of subscriptions?

Bound Volumes

We conclude each calendar year with the publication of an index to what has been written during the preceding year. An index is the only thing which makes the valuable material published in the periodicals accessible to later readers. The bound volumes and stacks of old papers which brethren collect are only as useful as the availability of recall makes possible. We think that we have one of the very best indexes around. We have a good index because Jeffery Kingry has devoted his time to putting it together for us. I do not know how to thank Jeff adequately for the job which he has done. It is very time consuming to prepare An index to a paper like Truth Magazine. All of our readers thank you for a job well done, Jeff.

I might also mention that you should place your order now for the bound volume of Truth Magazine if you ever intend to get one. We do have a few volumes of earlier volumes of Truth Magazine left in stock but when that supply is exhausted there will be no reprinting of them. The best way you have to guarantee that you will have each year’s bound volume is to write to have your name placed on the list of those who automatically purchase a bound volume each year. Why not send in your order now?

Conclusion

I am looking forward to coming into your home fifty times during the next year. I hope that you will take the time to read Truth Magazine-from cover to cover. I have read every page of every one of these issues and I can tell you that it is worth your time. We will be seeing you again in 1978.

Truth Magazine XXI: 50, pp. 786-787
December 22, 1977

By Charles G. Caldwell Jr.

In Matt. 12:31, 32, Jesus said, “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”

Down through the years, this passage has been the occasion of great concern to devout, God-fearing people. This concern is the result of a gross misunderstanding of what our Lord was actually saying. It is the sequel to a perversion of His teaching and is productive of the usual effect of such perversion in depriving men of the peace, contentment, and happiness of soul and mind, and the joy that God intends for us to have in Christ. It would, in the very nature of the case, be impossible for one to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4) if there was the slightest possibility of his having sometime inadvertently committed a sin that could not be forgiven.

All Sins Forgivable

John said in 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another {He with us, and we with Him, CGC), and the blood of,, Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” I do not consider this passage to be in conflict with Matt. 12:31, 32. Nor do I consider Matt. 12:31, 32 to set forth an exception to John’s promise. In order to the forgiveness of sins — all sins — there are certain conditions, divinely ordained, that must be met. If a sin — any sin — is not forgiven it is because the conditions have not been met. One may fail to meet the conditions either because of his unwillingness to do so or because he is unable to do so. Both of these reasons might be involved and it is my contention that such is the case with all those about whom our Lord spoke in Matt. 12. It is possible for one to reach such a state of depravity that he has no willingness to accept the truth and be governed by it, no matter how strong the evidence, and sink so low in the mire of degradation that he is unwilling and even unable because of his degenerate attitude to submit to that which is right.

Anyone, therefore, who is interested in truth and righteousness or who is concerned about his soul’s well being has not committed the “unpardonable sin.”

The Case in Context

An understanding of the passage under consideration is dependent-as is almost always the case–upon the context in which it is found. Jesus has just healed a man possessed of a demon which caused the multitudes to marvel and be amazed. But there were others of the Pharisees and Scribes who heard of it and being unable to deny that a miracle had indeed been performed sought to explain it away by attributing the- power by which it was accomplished to “Beelzebub”. The claim was made by them that Christ was not exercising divine power but rather Satanic or diabolical power. Christ then proceeded to disprove their contention with a number of arguments which are irresistible:

Argument Number 1: First, He showed that which is evident on the surface, that Satan would not work against his own interest because in doing so, he would destroy himself and be brought to an “end.”

Argument Number 2: His next argument to disprove their contention was based upon their purported claim that their disciples, “sons,” cast out demons. If it was true that they did cast out demons (which Christ did not admit) and that demons were cast out only by “Beelzebub,” then it would follow that their “sons” exercised diabolical power. This He argued to show the absurdity of their contention from their own premise.

Argument Number 3: He next submitted that since He could not possibly be casting out demons by the power of the Devil, it must of necessity be by the power of God and that such exercise signaled the arrival of the kingdom of God.

Argument Number 4: His final argument in this regard was to the effect that He had entered Satan’s house (the body of the demoniac) and had spoiled Satan’s goods (the evil spirit in the man) and, therefore, instead of being in league with the devil, He had contested him and defeated him. The conclusion based on these arguments is that these Scribes and Pharisees were wrong in their charge that Christ was working miracles by the power of Satan rather than by the power of God. Their charge was not against the power of God, the Holy Spirit, but rather against Christ — that He was in league with the Devil and not with the Holy Spirit. This, Christ disproved and sought to correct their misconception.

Misunderstanding the Charge

Contrary to popular opinion and acceptation, Christ did not say that these Jews had committed the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, but He did say in substance that they had blasphemed against Him and He emphatically says that such will (or can) be forgiven. The circumstances surrounding the incident, however, do suggest to the mind of Christ a need for a warning to these people of the danger of the course they are following. They had said that He was casting out demons by the power of “Beelzebub” (the Devil). If they persisted in this contention and in the light of all the evidence became convinced that the power exercised was of God but nevertheless was still evil because it worked through Christ, whom they hated and refused to accept, then they would become guilty of the sin against which Christ warned. In this they would be charging the Holy Spirit with being a devil or being equivalent to the Devil. Certainly, they were not now saying that the Holy Spirit was a devil or that He was as bad as the Devil. They were not denying that the Spirit is holy or affirming that the Spirit is evil. They were simply denying that the Holy Spirit had anything to do with Christ’s miracles.

If they were affirming that the Spirit of God was not holy but rather was as evil as the Devil, this would, of, course, have been blasphemy against the Spirit and there would have been no point in Christ’s having attempted to correct them by presenting the arguments that He did. They would have been beyond argument and beyond the hope of correction. They were getting on dangerous ground, however. They were approaching the point of no return. They were getting near to a condition of heart and mind which would damn their souls and Christ was simply warning them to stop before they had gone too far; not to allow their hatred and their contemptuous attitude toward Him to cause them to defame the Spirit of God. To take that step and affirm that the Holy Spirit is not holy but is evil and only evil continually, that He is a devil and on a par with Satan is to sink beyond all hope. Such a frame of mind on the part of anyone would be beyond all correction. Thus, the conditions of correction and forgiveness given by the spirit have no place in the man’s heart.

The Good Tree

Jesus said, “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt” (vs. 33). If the product of the working of the Spirit is good, the Spirit, Himself, is good and holy, “for the tree is known by his fruit.”

Truth Magazine XXI: 49, pp. 781-782
December 15, 1977

By Irvin Himmel

All kinds of religions have sprung up and new ones are making their appearance. If someone decides to go shopping for a “church,” as he might shots for an automobile or house, he will find a wide variety from which to make his selection. And this is exactly the approach that some people use! One person prefers a religion in which there is much emotional display. Another looks for a religion that offers social and recreational activities. Some are influenced by doctrinal emphasis, such as miraculous healing or millennialism. Others want a religion that is liberal enough that no restraints will be placed on their worldly practices. People proceed on the assumption that whatever pleases them should please God. One likes a lot of pomp and ritual, and he supposes that God likes pomp and ceremony. Another likes organ music in worship, so he is confident that God approves it. Still another likes shouting and hand-clapping, and he thinks God likes shouting and hand-clapping.

While every human being has God-given freedom of choice, no one has the right to expect God to be pleased with anything and everything that may suit the whims and fancies of frail humanity. The ancient Israelites liked it when they were lying on beds of ivory, stretching themselves upon their couches, eating mutton and beef, drinking wine, singing, and plying instruments of music (Amos 6:3-6). But God detested what they were doing! He said, “I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces” (Amos 6:8).

God found the religion of the Israelites to be repulsive. When they oppressed the poor, left off justice, and disobeyed divine law, He said, ‘Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and Sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them” (Isa. 1:13,14).

The people who urged Aaron to make the golden calf at Mt. Sinai liked it. They rose up early to offer burnt offerings, and they “sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” (Ex. 32:5,6). But God was strongly displeased and threatened to consume them in wrath. Moses had the Levites to slay 3,000 men who were involved in this unauthorized religious festivity (Ex. 32:26-28).

Before I conclude that God should be pleased with whatever I like in religion, I must realize that God does not think as I do. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8,9).

How can anyone really know what God likes? There is a sure way to know what God approves. He has revealed in the Scriptures the course that He wants us to follow. By careful and prayerful study of the eternal word we can learn the will of God. One who through faith conforms to the Bible will not need to shop around.

Truth Magazine XXI: 49, pp. 780-781
December 15, 1977

By Donald P. Ames

Having just come in from shoveling out my driveway for the third time in as many days so far this week, I decided to put into print several thoughts going through my mind regarding sin and snow. Now, you may be wondering what in the world these two items could possibly have in common, but I do believe we shall be able to see some interesting parallels as we study together.

Beauty Vs. Ugly

I must admit there are few scenes that are as appealing as to awaken and see a fresh coat of snow covering everything around. It is a beauty that invites camera bugs to jump out of bed and go picture snapping before breakfast. Everything looks so clean and lovely that you desire to preserve such beauty in whatever form you can. Indeed, this reminds us of the statement made in Isa. 1:18 by the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow.” David says, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psa. 51:7). Such beauty and freshness is what was in the mind of these writers.

But let that snow lie there for several days to collect all the pollution in the air, the slush from the dirty roads, and tracks from everyone slopping through it; and the picture changes. The beauty becomes tarnished, ugly and unappealing. There is no desire to get out and go picture taking and no “ah’s” as you look at it. Sin can do the same thing to even the purest of souls. Children are born into this world in purity and innocence-souls as clean as any can possibly be. But let that beauty become dirtied up with sin later in life, and it loses its attractiveness. It even forces God to turn away from such (Isa. 59:1-2) until we “wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16) and return them to the purity they once possessed (Matt. 18:3).

Fun Vs. Disgust

Snow, especially at the beginning of winter, is fun. My youngest son can hardly wait for a snow storm so he can play in it. It appeals to new adventures, and “like the cold of snow in the time of harvest . . . refreshes the soul . . .” (Prov. 25:13). Sin also appeals to us for new adventures and pleasures. Paul spoke of Moses refusing the “pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25). Especially in its early stages, sin can appeal to many. This accounts for the alluring ads and appeals of social drinking, mixed swimming, dancing, bingo, etc.

But snow in large quantities loses much of that appeal. When it blocks traffic (like the blizzard ,of ’67and today), or accounts for vast gas, work and crop shortages (as the record cold and snow of this winter have), suddenly we begin to wish for less. News of more on the way is greeted with groans. And, yes, sin in larger . quantities also loses its appeals. When drunkenness replaces social drinking, it is not nearly as appealing. When fornication, full-scale gambling, crime in the streets, drug addicts, homosexuals bragging on TV, etc. are seen in their end results, sin turns us off rapidly. We read of such conditions as Rom. 1:26-32, 1 Cor. 6:9-10 and Gal. 5:19-21, and we do not find it very attractive grouped together as sin. The fun has vanished with heavy doses.

Shoveling Again, and Again

Likewise, as I look out at my drive-shoveled out completely less than 2 hours ago and already drifting back in rapidly, with radio reports of “four more inches coming,” I realize quickly there is a lot more shoveling to be done. Unfortunately, once done, the job is not finished for all time regardless of how clean I may have done it the first time. And likely, as future winter snows come, it will have to be shoveled again, and again, and again!

The same is true of sin. Although we may have rendered obedience to the gospel and freed our souls from sin (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:7), we are not going to keep sin out completely (1 John 1:8). Though we are not to allow it to reign (Rom. 6:12; 1 John 3:9) — any more than a shoveled driveway was shoveled to allow new drifts to be formed — the fact remains Satan will seek every opportunity to re-introduce sin to us again (1 Pet. 5:8). When such occurs, we must re-shovel, we must repent and seek forgiveness that we may be cleansed again (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9). If we do not seek forgiveness, but choose to ignore God’s provisions to be cleansed, the drifts will settle back in and all the efforts will be wasted as we become bogged down in it (Heb. 3:12). Thus, again and again we must appeal for the blood of Christ to cover our short comings and mistakes as we repent and press on toward His perfection. There is no such thing as a drive once shoveled always being shoveled (or, once saved, always saved) in a snowstorm of sin.

And, now if you will excuse me, I will go out and again shovel out those drifts so I can get the car out again. (Now watch this article get caught in snow weather and fail to turn up in .the magazine until midsummer scorchers of about 95 degrees! Oh well, the point is still worth noting!)

Truth Magazine XXI: 49, pp. 779-780
December 15, 1977