Truth Magazine

By Warren E. Berkley

There can be little doubt that a substantial number of religious zealots view Christianity as something mysterious and incomprehensible. Perhaps the most convincing demonstration of this idea is the present “tongue speaking” movement.

Any perspective of this trend ought to begin by establishing the vast difference between the nature of modern day “tongue speaking” and that which was spoken in New Testament days. Tongue speaking in those days when the New Testament was in the process of being written was a gift of God given by the Holy Spirit to enable men to preach the Gospel in a tongue, or: language, which had not been learned by the speaker (see Luke 24:46-49; Acts 2 with special attention to verse 8).

It would be difficult to overestimate this single point! We might formulate our argument in the following logical pattern:

1. New Testament tongue speaking was the intelligent rendition of languages not learned by the speaker, but understood by the hearers (see passages cited above).

2. Modern “tongue speakers” utter some kind of nonsensical mumbo-jumbo (often called “ecstatic utterances”).

3. Conclusion: Modern “tongue speaking” is not the same as New Testament tongue speaking!

In the June 3, 1973 issue of The Pentecostal Evangel (claiming to be “a charismatic magazine,” and the “official organ of the Assemblies of God”), we found a poem revealing what may be the primary motivation behind this modern craze. The poem follows.

PRAYER IN TONGUES

Oh, sweet release which made my tongue

A captive in Thy hand,

And gave to me these words of praise

Which I don’t understand.

I cannot fathom how God works,

But one thing sure I know:

The pent-up pressures of a day

Dissolve within this flow.

Cascading down the valleys of

My hungry, thirsting soul,

While washing me and cleansing me,

The waves of glory roll.

God’s Spirit is a fountainhead

Of love inside of me;

And as I pray in tongues, there wells

A gushing stream, set free.

-MARY MASON

This “tongue speaking” poet admits that she “cannot fathom how God works.” If she is like most pentecostal “tongue speakers” she is no doubt very dogmitic in her claim that her ecstatic utterances are a gift from God. In fact, she asserts within the poem that God gave her “these words of praise.” She cannot fathom how God works (even though God has revealed the truth about tongue speaking in the Bible), yet she is sure that what she has is a gift of the Spirit.

She is also sure that “the pent-up pressures of a day dissolve within this flow.” At this point we are made to wonder if “tongue speaking” is nothing more than an emotional outlet for those who are frustrated by the “daily grind.”

Another young lady (a Catholic pentecostal) . who claims to have uttered a “heavenly language” described her feelings as follows:

“There is a certain elation. Our Protestant brethren talk about `release,’ and I guess that is a pretty good way of saying it . . . Speaking In tongues leaves you physically refreshed. (Quoted from The Religion Reawakening in America, page 53).

Of course, there are any number of ways of releasing emotional tension: crying, laughing, digging in your garden, fishing, bicycling or playing a musical instrument. You may even find the nonsensical, mumbojumbo method to be the answer. But the kind of tongue speaking characteristic of the New Testament era was not just an emotional release! It was designed by God to facilitate the original proclamation of the Gospel; it is not for this age (1 Cor. 13:8-10)!

As Jimmy Jividen observes: “The present phenomenon of so-called `tongue speaking,’ like drugs, hyponosis and shock treatments, perhaps could be used under controlled situations by professionals to release anxiety and overcome inhibitions. It becomes error, however, when it is interpreted as being a special gift from God” (“Speaking in Tongues-From God or Man?” Article in Spiritual Sword, Vol. 4, No. 1, page 23).

There can be little doubt that anxiety and “pent-up pressures” need to be properly released. But let us not be guilty of claiming some gift God never promised to us. Emotional release is not worth the loss of one’s faith in Bible truth!

Truth Magazine XIX: 56, pp. 891-892
December 11, 1975

By John Wallace

In 1 Cor. 9:22, Paul said, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” Paul tried to adapt his speech, mannerisms and way of living to be more acceptable to the different races of people he taught. Any successful gospel preacher must follow Paul’s example. In fact we are admonished by Paul’s own words, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Phil. 4:9). I am convinced that many gospel preachers are not becoming all things to all men, when they go into other nations to hold gospel meetings and thus are “turning off” souls that could be won for the Master.

How would you feel if an Australian gospel preacher held a meeting for you and during the course of the meeting used only Australian facts and figures in his examples and analogies; if he did not know the name of your president, did not know how many states there are in the union, knew only the name of the one state in which he was presently preaching, made reference to only Australian history and Australian geography and Australian weather conditions and was completely unfamiliar with the United States. How many outsiders would he “turn off” because of his lack of knowledge of your country? How many would be offended by this “foreigner” who did not know or care enough to learn about the United States before he came for the meeting?

Perhaps, now you know how some Canadian outsider feels when an American preacher never uses Canadian facts and figures in his preaching examples. Time after time, meeting after meeting, preacher after preacher, I have heard it said, “I don’t know how it is in Canada, but down in our country it is this way, etc., etc.” American preacher friend, I love you and your great country, but you are not becoming a “Canadian” that you might win Canadians when you do not bone up on the knowledge of Canada before a meeting in our country so you can use appropriate examples and analogies.

To help any American preacher who is coming to Canada to preach in a gospel meeting, I will gladly send them a copy of the book, Quick Canadian Facts, The Canadian Pocket Encyclopedia-price $1.50.

Truth Magazine XIX: 56, p. 891
December 11, 1975

By Roy E. Cogdill

One of the very evident indications of a sectarian attitude and a movement upon the part of liberal churches of Christ today toward denominationalism is a change of message or emphasis in preaching. This is evident as the changes in organization and methods that we have been writing about. All of it is very definite evidence of a difference in attitude toward the Word of God.

The difference in the preaching that is heard now and that of just a few years ago is evident in the fact that there is very little actual preaching of the Bible. Fundamental doctrines have been laid aside. Denominational error is no longer condemned. Religious bodies are rarely ever criticized for what they do or say and even when they are, the name and identity must not be made known. The plain, positive preaching of a distinctive New Testament message is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Unity upon the basis of love, toward fellowship, that will allow anything but opposition to what we want to do is the order of the day. Nice, eloquent speeches full of “sweet little nothings” that will emotionally stir up the people and bring responses to the invitation are the demand. “Hell Fire and Damnation” preaching is out of order, for so many do not believe in it any longer. Just a very few of the “ancient landmarks” are adhered to in the preaching that is being done now. How long has it been, my brother, since you heard the preacher to whom you listen, condemn the popular sins of the day: dancing, drinking, gambling, etc.? How long has it been since you heard your preacher condemn denominational and sectarian organizations? How long since you heard the sectarian methods of money raising condemned by the teaching of the Word of God? Liberal preachers today are giving only lip service, and sometimes not too much of that, to such fundamental themes as “one faith, one baptism, and one body.” Such themes as “Divine Authority” are forgotten. Instead we are being told on every hand that we need no authority! The undenominational character of the church is no longer emphasized and the old slogans, scriptural in principle whether in word or not, are no longer pressed upon the attention and consciences of the people of God: “We speak where the Bible speaks and we are silent where the Bible is silent;” “We call Bible things by Bible names and do Bible things in Bible ways.” Of course, if we are not going to practice them, we should quit preaching them!

In the slackening of opposition to denominational doctrines, organizations, and to the very spirit and core of sectarian religion, there is very strong evidence of our drift toward this same end. Protistan denominationalism is impotent in its opposition to Roman Catholicism today and has been all along because its heritage is largely Catholic in origin. There are too many of the “relics of Rome” in all of the protestant bodies for them to militantly and successfully oppose Catholicism. They are non-protestant. Even so many of the preachers and congregations among the, so-called, “churches of Christ” today are disarmed before they start opposing denominational error, because they have adopted too many of the things that originate therein.

Very few of the denominational bodies around us are giving any more emphasis to “social gospel” preaching and activity than many of the brethren. A few years ago, preachers like Foy E. Wallace, Jr., were crying out from one end of this country tip the other against the demand for a “new and social gospel.” In clear and ringing tones that still resound in the hearts of many of us who were inspired by him and others then, all error in and out of the church was condemned and the “perversion” of the Gospel of Christ into a “Social Gospel” was anathematized with all of the power and eloquence of the prophets of old when they cried out against the departures and unfaithfulness of Israel in the long ago. What a pitiful spectacle he is now, as he becomes the agent and tool of the liberal element among the churches and condones and endorses and seeks to build up that which he once destroyed. A recent paper from a “benevolent society,” called an “Old Folks Home,” stated that he had investigated its organization and its operation and endorsed it in every detail and that they were free to use his name and influence for their promotions in whatever way tyey wished. Now whatever name and influence he may have among brethren today will not mean much to those who remember him in days gone by. A sell-out is too evident! Will he try to defend and justify such a change in attitude by the Word of God? No, he, along with the rest, knows that there is no scriptural justification for such a change in attitude toward God’s Word. With faces set toward Rome, they march on and choose to ignore those along the way who cry out against their unfaithfulness and their unbelief and warn them that “men-pleasers cannot be servants of Christ.” Those who once rose up to defend what they preached and practiced, choose to withdraw from the field of battle and try to make themselves secure in the valley of compromise. They may fatten for awhile but eventually the “anathemas” of the Lord, which once they sounded out, will sweep them out of their “refuge of lies” and leave their pitiful plight exposed to God’s righteous judgment. We find no delight in their condemnation, but grief. We would save them if we could, and we still love them, but when bitter resentment is the only response to every appeal that can be made, there is nought left to do but grieve and pray that they may see the error of their way.

Sometimes we have indications that some of our readers think that we have gone off on some tangent and are beside ourselves when we constantly call the attention of brethren to the “degressive” departures being made by liberal brethren all over the land. Many of the things being done are so far out in “right field” that even liberals themselves cannot believe it. Such projects as “Cows For Korea,” “World-Wide Radio,” “World’s Fair Evangelism,” “Campaigns For Christ,” and many, many more that could be listed are but impressive evidence of what have been writing about: “Denominationalizing The Church.” A dozen different kinds of missionary societies, as well as benevolent and educational societies, some of them under a single eldership-but missionary societies none the less-and some of them even set up as separate organizations, whose very existence is designed to do the work that the Lord committed to His organization, the church, make the departures of so many professed “churches of Christ” very real even though they may to many sound unbelievable. Many of the “middle-of-the-roaders” would be completely astounded by a list of such projects and organizations, but they need to be, so they can see what they have committed themselves to; and committed themselves they have, for there is no “halfway” ground. The attitude of “liberalism” is a package deal-if one is right they are all right. To try to find little things to object to and eliminate about the whole program is to “strain out the gnat and swallow a camel.”

Truth Magazine XIX: 56, pp. 888-889
December 11, 1975

By Don R. Hastings

Some members of our Lord’s church remark, “I find the services of the church to be dull and boring.” “I just can’t get interested in church services.” Well, it is not surprising. It reminds me of a little quote I have seen in several bulletins that have crossed my desk. The little phrase goes something like this, “Interest in the worship services is like interest at a bank. The more you put in the more the interest grows.”

People enjoy what they have been trained to appreciate. The musician enjoys a concert. The artist enjoys art. The spiritually-minded enjoys offering up spiritual worship, which is in “spirit and truth” (Ps. 122:1). However, the worldly-minded finds spiritual food to be unappetizing and the worship of God to be a waste of time. We can develop an appetite for the spiritual or carnal. Which shall it be? Will you become interested, or indifferent, to the Lord’s work?

Indifference Is Manifested: In Our Worship

Indifference can be seen in those who forsake their assembling together with the saints (Heb. 10:25). Many think it is important to attend civic meetings, sales meetings, union meetings, etc., but not a meeting called for the purpose of glorifying God. When such meetings, or vacation time, conflict with the Lord’s meeting, many will forsake the Lord and attend worldly gatherings, or attend to worldly matters (Mt. 6:33). What is the cause of this sin? Indifference!

Indifference is seen in those who do assemble with the saints. Our worship is in vain when our heart is not in it (Mt. 15:8). What is wrong with those who do not have their minds on the words of the song, prayer, and lesson being proclaimed? What is wrong with those who do not have their thoughts on the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ as they partake of His supper? Indifference!

Indifference Is Manifested: In Our Teaching

Many seem to be unconcerned that multitudes are dying in sin because they are ignorant of the Gospel (Mk. 16:15; Ac. 20:20). With every tick of the clock, it is estimated that 8 to 10 people depart this life and most of these are not prepared for the judgment. We talk with our acquaintances about everything except the Savior of men and the church for which He died. “Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother?” How many have tried to arrange a Bible study in your home with friends and neighbors? How often do you try to teach the precious Word (Phi. 2:14-16)? How often do you pray for wisdom to help you do so?

Many are just plain indifferent about teaching, both publicly and privately, those who have already become children of God (Heb. 5:12-14). As a personal observation, I have found it difficult to persuade others to teach the Scriptures. Have you turned down the opportunity to teach a Bible class? Do you try to correct some brother or~sister who has turned aside from the Truth (Jas. 5:19,20)?

Indifference Is Manifested: On The Part Of Some To Know The Truth (John 8:32)

How many just fail to study (1 Tim. 3:15)? How many refuse to study the false doctrines which are troubling and dividing the Lord’s church? This failure will lead to a departure from the Truth.

Indifference Is Manifested: By Our Conformity To The World

How many are willing to be different from this world in order to please Christ? How many of us have the spiritual courage to stand alone, if we must, to uphold the principles Jesus taught (Rom. 12:2; 13:11-14; 1 Jn. 2:15)? We may be conforming to the world in our thoughts, language, actions, habits, dress, etc.

Indifference Is Manifested: By Our Failure To Actively Support A Work Of The Church

Do we support verbally, and with our presence: gospel meetings; ladies Bible class; men’s training class; visitation programs; etc? Or do we say, “Well, there is no need in having them because only a few will atend.” Or, “It won’t do any good.”

The Cure For Indifference

1. Regular assembling, accompanied by daily Bible study and prayer (Acts 2:42).

2. Working steadfastly in the Master’s service (1 Cor. 15:58; Tit. 3:1; Eph. 2:10; Jas. 2:24).

3. Associating with those who are “zealous of good works” (Phil. 3:17).

4. Strong preaching (2 Tim. 4:2; Ac. 20:26,27; Gal. 6:1).

5. Disciplining the indifferent (2 Thess. 3:6). We may fail by not withdrawing from the “disorderly,” but the Lord will not fail to remove His fellowship from the indifferent (Rev. 2:5, 3:16).

The indifferent do not feel that they are opposing the Lord, but they are! “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth” (Mt. 12:30, ASV). How can we be indifferent to the Lord when we consider: He is our Creator; His great love for us; and, that the salvation of our soul, and that of others, depends upon our diligent service to Him? Are we fervent or indifferent in our service to the Lord (Rom. 12:11; Col. 3:23,24)?

Truth Magazine XIX: 56, pp. 887-888
December 11, 1975