Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

For an introductory study of textual criticism, this book by Ira M. Price would be hard to beat. While I was attending Butler University, the book was used as textbook for one of our classes. The book is divided into these three divisions: (1) The Old Testament, (2) The New Testament, and (3) The English Bible. Price spent some time in dealing with the types of manuscript errors which appear in the extant texts, introducing his student to the problems of the textual critic.

In the section on the Old Testament, the author discussed the. types of materials used for writing, the best surviving Hebrew manuscripts, and the importance and use of the early translations of the Old Testament (such as the LXX, other Greek versions, Latin, Syriac, etc.) in the textual criticism of the Old Testament. This book was written before much could be definitely stated about the Dead Sea Scrolls’ influence on the study of Old Testament criticism. Although Price does refer to the scrolls, better works are available. Under this section of the book, Price also discusses the apocrypha.

In his discussion of the New Testament, Price followed the same- general outline as he followed with reference to the Old Testament-he discussed the materials, the best extant Greek manuscripts and the value of the various versions to the study of New Testament textual criticism. However, under this section a brief history of textual criticism is included to acquaint the reader with the men and the work done in this field as well as the general rules followed in determining which is the best reading in a given text. In his concluding statement for this section of the book, Price said,

“On the other hand, the multiplication of witnesses and variants attest the tremendous importance of the New Testament in the early centuries and really guarantees the general integrity of its text. Only 400 or so of the 150,000 variants affect the sense, and of these perhaps 50 are of real significance. But no essential teaching of the New Testament is greatly affected by them” (p. 222).

In the last section, Price discussed the history of our English Bible from the earliest introduction of Christianity into England in 597 A.D. to the Revised Standard Version in 1952 (the date for the publication of its Old Testament section). Some of the precursors of the King James Version. such as the Wycliffe, Tyndale, Coverdale, Genevan, etc., versions, are discussed and their influences on the King James Version noted. The reviews of the translation of the King James Version, the Revised Version, and the Revised Standard Version, as well as of some of the better known modern speech translations, are excellent.

A word of caution should be added to this review. Price accepted the liberal position with reference to the canonization of the Scriptures. Therefore, several of his comments need to be watched, weighed and compared with works of a similar nature by conservative scholars. However, the book is still worth its cost and is tremendously useful as an introduction to the field of textual criticism and acquainting oneself with the ancestry of our English Bible.

Truth Magazine, XVIII:42, p. 2
August 29, 1974

By Donald P Ames

In Acts 8:12 we find, “But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike” (all quotes from NASB). Now, if the preaching of the “kingdom of God” was “good news” then, certainly we too should be interested in it, seeing that it is the fulfillment of that which was spoken by Daniel in Dan. 2:44-45.

However, to preach concerning the kingdom of God is not regarded by all as “good news” to be readily received. The premillennialists in various denominational groups (and a few brethren as well) argue the kingdom of God has not yet come, but refers to something the Lord will set up on earth when He comes again. The Mormons teach it was supposed to be ushered in during the mid 1800’s and the Jehovah Witnesses claim it did not begin until 1914, Like the premillennialists, many of the Jews are still looking forward to its being established at some future date. If we can show, however, that what Philip preached was the fulfillment of what Daniel prophesied, it follows all these men are sadly deceived and deluded regarding the nature and establishment of the kingdom of God.

To Be Established By God

One of the first things affirmed by Daniel is that “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom.” To illustrate the spiritual nature of it, he also reminded king Nebuchadnezzer that the stone was “cut out of the mountain without hands.” Certainly we can see this was not going to be something of man’s doings, but rather clearly an act of God. When the Jews sought to take Jesus by force and make Him;their king (Jn. 6:15), Jesus not only withdrew, but taught a great spiritual lesson to rid Himself of those seeing only fleshly relationships (Jn. 6:66). Had Jesus desired to set up a political, earthly kingdom, this would have been the “golden opportunity.” Jesus’ refusal to do so demonstrates this kingdom was not of an earthly nature, nor dependent on the will of man. Is it any wonder then that Daniel could boldly affirm: “the dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

Jesus further demonstrated the unique nature of His kingdom when He affirmed, “My kingdom is not of this world (does not partake of the nature of earthly kingdoms, DPA). If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered` up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this’ realm.” The fact He claimed, “the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:21) also shows that it was not intended to be of an earthly nature, but different.

In fact, if one would but pause and reflect upon it, the whole teaching of the New Testament is against an earthly kingdom as sought by some today. Paul refers to the fact we are “citizens” of a new kingdom (Eph. 2:19, Phil. 3:20), and Peter refers to us as “a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession” (1 Pet. 2:9). Since He “has made (past tense) us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Rev. 1:6, 5:10; Cf. 1 Pet. 2:5,9), it follows this kingdom must have been in existence during the days of the apostles. Yet, at the same time we are commanded to be in subjection to the authorities and powers that be (Rom. 13:1-2,, Titus 3:1). Can a man be subject to the laws of two earthly kingdoms at the same time? Or, does he observe, associate with and support but one? The double citizenship of Christians clearly demands we understand one of these kingdoms must be of a different nature. (We might also point out here that our citizenship in the kingdom of God also requires that a kingdom exist-else how could we be “citizens” in it?) Thus, it follows that we learn one is a spiritual kingdom and the other a physical kingdom.

In Days Of Roman Empire

Another stumbling block these false teachers encounter is that Daniel prophecied the kingdom of God would be set up during the days of the Roman empire. He did not affirm someday, 2,000 years later, another Roman empire like the original would be set up (as some claim), but rather “in the days of those kings. . .the dream is true, and its intrepretation is trustworthy.” If God failed to do what Daniel foretold, the dream was not “true,” the interpretation thereof was not “trustworthy,” and Daniel is found to be a false prophet and liar (Deut. 18:20-22).

Turning to the New Testament, we find both John and Jesus teaching that the kingdom of God is “at hand” (Matt. 3:2, Mark 1:15). Now if it were “at hand” then, it would be “in the days of, those kings” and certainly not referring to something to be set up in the 1800’s, 1914, or later. No wonder it was “good news” to those of Samaria (Acts 8:12).

“But,” someone objects, “that was before the Jews rejected Jesus.” To so claim would make the kingdom of God dependent on man and not God (and what would stop the Jews from rejecting Him again the next time, or the time after that?). Jesus promised His disciples, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who ale standing here who shall not taste of death until they see he kingdom of God after it has’ come with power” (Mark 9:1). If this statement were made before the Jews had decided to reject and crucify Jesus, then one of three things must be true: (1) some of the apostles are still living or did until it was set up, (2) Jesus later made a: correction of this teaching, or (3) Jesus lied about it. We know the apostles are not living today. There is no record of the second point, and Peter denied the third (1 Pet. 2:22). Therefore we must conclude sonrne of the apostles lived to see the kingdom of God in their day! Actually, if we were to look back to Mark 8:31, we can see Jesus was already aware of His rejection and death before ever making that statement (see also Matt. 16:18-19, 21, 28).

Since the kingdom of God was “at hand@ ( Mark 1:15), to be set up “in the days of those kings” (Dan. 2:44), and to come during the life time of the apostles “with power” (Mark 9:1), it follows if we can now find out when this “power” came, them we could find out when the kingdom actually was established. In Acts 1:8 Jesus pointed out they would receive this special “power” when they rectiived the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14 shows us when they received the Holy Spirit-and the power-and the establishment of the kingdom which was to accompany it.

Related Points

But let us also consider some other points in addition to the above. If the kingdom of God would not be set up for some 2,000 years or more, why did Jesus “waste” the time of Nicodemus by telling him how to get into it? Why not watit and let him enjoy the “second chance”? Jesus should have instead told Nicodemus what he needed to do to be saved before the kingdom was in existence. The truth is, His reply shows the “at hand” nature of the kingdom of God.

Again in Matt. 6:33 He instructed, “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” But, how can one seek something that is not even going to be set up for 2,000 years yet in the future?

The future-kingdom theorists also make the reply of Jesus in Luke 9:62 seem very foolish. Why should this man be concerned about the kingdom of God if he were not even going to live long enough to see it established?

Again, Jesus readily acknowledged being “king of the Jews” (Matt. 27:11-the goal he was to obtain then), and the disciples were later accused of still teaching there was another “king” (Acts 17:7, Cf. John 19:12). Would this have been likely if the kingdom were over 2,000 years in the future? Who told those in Athens about this “king”? Why did not Paul deny it if the kingdom were not in existence? Jesus also laid claim to being king in Matt. 19:28 (Cf. Titus 3:5) and that His kingdom exists here on this earth (Rev. 5:10, Cf. 1 Pet. 2:5,9). He further affirmed He now rules from the throne of God on high (Rev. 3:21, Acts 2:30-33) in whose army we engage in a spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:10-20) until the end of time (2 Pet. 3). If the kingdom is still in the future, why was this teaching so prevalent even long after the death of Jesus Christ? Did the Holy Spirit fail to guide the apostles into “all truth” (John 16:13)?

During the days following His resurrection (Acts 1:3), Jesus “wasted” His time by talking about a kingdom that had now been rejected (per future-kingdom teachers). One would surely think Jesus ought to have realized His disciples needed teaching pertaining to the church (“set up as a substitute”???) rather than talking about a kingdom that they would never live to see anyway. Interestingly enough, it was during that forty days in which He taught them “things concerning the kingdom of God” that He also taught them the great commission (Mark 16:16, Matt. 28:18-20), so if this pertains to the kingdom of God, we are left without even a plan of salvation today. Indeed such false teaching casts a reflection upon the very wisdom of God.

However, with all the teaching related to the kingdom being “at hand,” even Jesus’ own disciples, looking for an earthly kingdom like the rest of the Jews (Acts 1:6), began to think He was going to set it up “immediately” when He entered Jerusalem (Luke 19:11-15. (By the way, if it were 2,000 years yet to come, why did they get that impression?) Jesus’ answer clearly demonstrated He had to die first (go to a distant country), then He would receive the kingdom (Acts 2:30-33), and return in final judgment (v. 15). He will not return to receive a kingdom, but to end his reign and return it to the Father-at “the end” (1 Cor. 15:24-25). Again the false teachers are at odds with the Bible.

Furthermore Jesus affirmed He would partake of the Lord’s Supper with the disciples “in My Father’s kingdom” (Matt. 26:29). Yet we find them partaking of it in the church (1 Cor. 11:23-29,10:16). If the kingdom and the church were not one and the same, why did Jesus so instruct Paul to apply Matt. 26 to this situation?

Jesus also affirmed that He had fulfilled “all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44). Did He lie about this statement, meaning he only did part of what God had in mind for Him and would come at a future date to do the rest (John 17:4)? Such is the position future-kingdom theorists put Jesus in. This being so, it also necessitates us returning to the Law of Moses (Matt. 5:17-18) since all is not “fulfilled.” But, since the Law was abolished on the cross (Col. 2:14, Rom. 7:1-4, Eph. 2:14-16), it follows He must have accomplished His mission, and therefore all prophecies related to the establishment of the kingdom of God must be fulfilled as well.

We find early Christians were in the kingdom of God (Col. 1:13, !Rev. 1:9, 5:9-10). Thus we know that “at hand” could not mean 2,000 years in the future. Some of Paul’s associates were called “fellow-workers for the kingdom of God.” (Col. 4:11-How could they work for that which would not exist for 2,000 years?) Others were rebuked for having the wrong attitude about the kingdom (Rom. 14:16-18) and still others were to be barred from it by the practice of various sins (Gal. 1 Cor. 6:9-10, Eph. 5:4-5). Such warnings would be useless unless the kingdom of God did exist and they were affected by it.

Since the terms of entry (John 3:5) and the results (Col. 1:13) were, associated with the identical marks of the church (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 1 Cor. 12:13), we readily see the two are not separate, but the same institution referred to by different descriptions (and used interchangeably in Matt. 16:18-19). All teaching related to the kingdom being set up points to Acts 2:1-4, yet we find the church coming into existence there (v. 47), and following this date all teaching related to either the kingdom or the church pointing backwards. Thus we are forced to conclude they are one and the same institution.

To Fill The Earth

Daniel also prophesied it would fill the whole earth (Dan. 2:35), and “consume” or “put an end to all these kingdoms.” This was the very point of Paul’s teaching in Rom. 10:18, Col. 1:6 and 1:23. The early church went everywhere “preaching the word” (Acts 8:4) and this, in turn, included the “good news about the kingdom of God” as a part of their preaching Christ (Acts 8:5,12). No wonder wherever they went, they were accused of teaching: loyalty to another king than Caesar by their enemies (Acts 17:7).

To Stand Forever

The last point mentioned by Daniel is that “it will itself endure forever” and that “that kingdom will not be left for another people.” Not only does this separate it from earthly kingdoms, but returns the reign of God directly over His people (see 1 Sam. 8:7, Isa. 9:6-7, Acts 2:30-33). Since Jesus now reigns on the throne of God and David (1 Kings 2:12, 1 Chron. 29:23), He has “all authority” (Matt. 28:18, Eph. 1:2123) and there is nothing lacking, save He who gave it to Him – (1 Cor. 15:27). In fact, God Himself testified to the eternal reign of Christ in Heb. 1:8-“But of the Son He says, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.’ ” Paul affirms we have a kingdom which can never be destroyed (Heb. 12:28) and that Christ is to reign till “the end” (1 Cor. 15:24).

But, if Jesus is to deliver it up, how can it be eternal? Simply in that it will, always be ruled by God (Deity) henceforth (John 1:1-3, Heb. 1:8). Thus it will never be left to another and the throne of God (Seat of Authority) returns to God as direct ruler over His people.

Friend, do not let some false teacher deprive you of the “good news of the kingdom of God” by a false and unscriptural theory, drawn up by man, that denies the existence of His kingdom. Rather, like those of Samaria, believe the word of God and obey it (“when they believed … they were being baptized” – Acts 8:12), and Jesus will wash your sins away (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 22:16), translate you into His kingdom (Col. 1:13, Acts 2:47), and grant unto you the blessed hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7; Gal. 3:26-27).

Truth Magazine, XVIII:41, p. 10-12
August 22, 1974

By Earl E. Robertson

Introduction

In the early days of Christianity, Barnabas and Saul left Antioch in Syria to preach the gospel in Asia, travelling as far as Derbe (Acts 13 and 14). Then they returned visiting nearly all the places where they had preached on the trip, “confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith.” After a while they returned to Antioch, and gathered the church together, to rehearse all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles (Acts 14:27). After such manner Brother Larry R. Hafley and I spent thirty-five days (the latter part of April and the first part of May) in the Philippines, in which, we also preached Christ. Sixty-two adults were baptized in the services where we spoke. Others were baptized in meetings other than the ones in which we spoke. Several were restored to the Lord.

We sought only to accomplish good, though Brother Reuel Lemmons, Editor of the Firm Foundation, said in the May 28, 1974 issue of his paper our efforts were “divisive.” He wrote, “Work in the Philippines has suffered somewhat through the divisive efforts of brethren who push their hobby concerning orphans’ homes and church cooperation, but the church is growing stronger every year and good native leadership is emerging.” The truth of the matter is, the faithful churches are indeed growing! Many liberals are giving up their unscriptural positions and taking a stand for the whole truth. This is the reason for Reuel saying the liberals have “suffered somewhat.” It was shortly after the return of brethren Roy F. Cogdill and Cecil Willis in 1970 that they asked me to consider such a trip also. Almost immediately the Filipino brethren started writing to me asking me to come. The same was happening with Larry. With these invitations from the Filipinos and the overtures in their behalf from Cogdill and Willis, we decided that by the support of brethren and the grace of God we would make the trip in the Spring of 1974. Though we had not been before, and such a venture was against the publicly stated opinion of some, we went and believe that our labors were blessed of God.

Response of Churches

Our hearts were made to take courage at the immediate and overwhelming response with money and words of encouragement to our appeals. It exceeded all expectations. Some brethren knowing of our plans, yet before we asked, sent us support. Rather than sending small amounts, they sent $200.00 to $500.00 checks. This tells me that after more than twenty long years of struggle for the truth, many churches are now becoming free of their building indebtednesses (which was made when they had to leave for truth and conscience); and this money will, therefore, be spent to evangelize. The faithful preaching has not been in vain! All these contributing churches made me think they were eager to assist in this work. Many either wrote or called saying they would be glad to send more if we needed it. Thank God for this kind of faith in God’s plan to save the world.

Reception of The Filipino Brethren

Though the Philippine nation is under martial law and the airports are crowded with armed guards’ with no one but passengers allowed within the terminals, we were met by a great host of brethren at every place. We were not only met in this physical way, but these people were eager to “hear all things commanded of God.” There is a deep sense of personal pride and dignity among our, brethren there; but, we also found them to be reliant upon God. They, unlike Diotrephes, received us “that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” We found them in every place to be warm and congenial. They gave us the best of everything they had. We found them going “beyond measure” to meet our needs. We express our gratitude to them for all such expressions for our comfort and protection. There were a few instances where they took special interest for our safety. Some told us their own lives would be given for our safety and wellbeing. Before this trip was completed, we believed them.

Their Dedication and Devotion to The Truth

Let none say the Filipinos are ignorant, lazy, and indifferent! Many of the preachers are former denominational preachers and have good formal academic educations. Some have several earned academic degrees. Most of them speak a number of dialects or languages. Though many of these men barely make it economically, yet, their dedication and devotion to truth is so obvious. Their sacrifice in poverty reminds one of Macedonia (2 Cor. 8:lff). The commitment to the Lord is, in a measurable degree, the secret to the great success the truth is now enjoying in that nation. Nearly without exception, the preachers who are being supportee from the States are not only trying to have sufficiency for their families, but are also paying the rent for the places of worship. And with their meager support, they also find some way to do much benevolent work.

Several in the States are asking, “since so many are being baptized there, are many of them remaining faithful to the Lord:'” The answer is, Yes. The Filipinos do not have the materialistic detractions encountered constantly here in our country. They conduct many more services in which the gospel is preached than the average church here. Their worship services last much longer than the services here also. Many home studies are conducted by the preachers in these homes to assist the newly converted ones, Yes, they are making determined efforts to keep the saved saved! And we must remember that these brethren do not get into their air-conditioned cars and quickly arrive at the’ various places of such study,They have uo such means of transportation. They depend upon what public means are extant and upon walking. A very few preachers there have small motor bikes and one a world war two jeep. This is it! We would consider this a handicap, yet, they are able to stay busy in most all areas of that nation preaching the gospel; in debating for the victory of the truth, and giving themselves in strengthening the weak. The dawning of the day finds most of them already at work, and only in the late hours of the night are they able to get into bed. The two things stamped into my mind are: their poverty and sacrifice. Do not underestimate their concern and actions for saving the lost and keeping the’ saved saved.

Places In Particular

Our first work was with the Makati church (Manila). This congregation left the Christian Church through the work of Connie Adams and J. T. Smith. It has elders, and Brother Carlos Azacarraga preaches there. Formerly, these people were denominational, including Azacarraga. He is a graduate of some college in Manila and spent several years preaching for a denomination. He is in close association with Victorio R. Tibayan, Ben Cruz, June R. Salvarierra, Jr., Noli H. Vilamor, Billy Hayuhay, Narciso Romio and others. Twenty-eight were baptized in the Manila work. Our seevices in this series of lectures were conducted in the afternoons and evenings. Several hours were devoted to this each day. Open forums were held after each service. Perhaps the names of Victorio R. Tibayan and Julian C. Felix are more widely known than any of the other preachers in Luzon. Brother Felix works several miles North of Manila in Moncada, Tarlac. He is a close and long-time worker with Romulo B. Agduma in the South. Brother Tibayan is perhaps the ablest, and most often used, debater in Luzon. He preaches in Pasay and Tondo (Manila) and works in many sections of Luzon and the other Islands. These other brethren mentioned are younger in the faith; however, they are rapidly growing in grace and knowledge (cf. 2 Pet. 3:18). Manila is a large metropolis numbering into the millions of souls: These brethren have a lifetime of work before them. The city is growing exceedingly fast, and it seems to me that the brethren are diligent in their efforts to convert people there. They are using what means they have to get the gospel to the lost.

Our second week was spent in Pagadian City. The brethren met us at the airport, being accompanied by Dr. Aurelio M. Mendoza, President of a college in the city. We went immediately to the college and spoke, after which a lengthly open forum was conducted. We feel that good was accomplished. This being the immediate area where the Communists and Muslims had engaged warfare against the people (some saints were murdered), it was felt by the brethren that Larry and I should not stay in any of the local Hotels, but that we should stay in the home of brother Eduardo R; Ramiro. Brother Ramiro is the local preacher and is doing an excellent work. He is a graduate of the school in Zamboanga, a “deceased” liberal college. His wife, Sol, is a local school teacher. Brother Ramiro is able and sacrificial. He has the complete respect and confidence of the brethren and is highly respected by the citizens of Pagadian. Just last year he taught and baptized the whole family of Brother Diosdado L. Aenlle, who for twenty-five years preached in one of the largest denominational churches there. He held the respect and some of the highest offices in that denomination. He lacks three subjects having his third earned academic degree. This man is working closely with Brother Ramiro, and is now directly responsible for theconversion of several. In this area many good, able . men are laboring for the Lord’s cause, among whom I remember: Leonardo J. Lagasca, Wilfredo Samodal, Nebuchadnezzar Calope, Antonio Gunot, Federico Cadungog, Francisco Fallorin, Romeo S. Quesada, Ernesto Canon, and Artemio Labiano.

We found this church to be active, sacrificial, and at peace. For some time they have worshipped in a building, the funds for which were raised by various American saints. One preacher, Ramon G. Carino, would not attend our services and tried to keep others from attending. He ran Brother Samodal out of his house at midnight because Samodal would not listen to his rantings. He meets with less than a “handful,” separate from the Pagadian church, and it seems that he has no influence in that area. This man and his wife came to the airport when we were leaving, and we asked him as to why he would not attend the services. He would give us no answer. Several obeyed the gospel in this Pagadian effort.

When our work was finished in Pagadian, we flew to Davao City and then went by truck to Kidapawan-the present home of Romulo B. Agduma. We found the largest attendance here of all the places we visited. The church in this place is in dire need of a building. They are now seeking financial support from any individual interested in this work. Our services were conducted in the Pilot school on the Eastern edge of the city. Brother Agdurna moved here from M’Lang when the uprising came. The work has done real well, though a major part of brother Agduma’s time is spent in publishing gospel papers. We observed the respect he holds throughout the whole nation from the faithful. He is a humble servant, not a “pope” as some have inferred. Our services in this place were conducted from eight o’clock in the mornings until late in the nights. We feel God blessed these services and that good in the future will result from these labors.

In this part of the Philippine nation we found many great and good servants of the King, among whom are Virgilo B. Villanueva, Ernesto Argueza, Alfredo Bareng, Juanito P. Balbin, and many others. These men not only know the truth, but know how to defend it. They all seem to be busy sowing the seed of the kingdom. The liberals tried some two or three days to hinder our efforts, but were unsuccessful (see brother Hafley’s report concerning this).

When our work was finished here with a number becoming obedient to the faith, we, with tearful and prayful parting, went to Davao City where we spoke to a fine audience. In this city the work was only begun the first part of this year with brother Feliciano Caracas. The church was meeting in his house (many churches there meet in private homes), and the attendance is about thirty. Several have been baptized, and many students attending the various colleges and universities in Davao City have been contacted by brother Caracas and Reuben Agduma, which has resulted in their attending services with this church. Reuben is the son of Romulo and is working with Feliciano while finishing his degree. Upon these two able men rests much responsibility! They are able to meet it. Reuben spent two years in Florida College and has been in school since, hopeful of finishing this year. Feliciano was an instructor for about eight years in the Zamboanga Bible School. He has been recognized both provincially and nationally as a Newsman in newspapers and the radio hook-up. He was chosen as the number two Newsman during the presidential election of President Marcos. He is an excellent speaker, and he has something to say when he gets before an audience. This young man was saved through the efforts of Romulo Agduma and Eddy Ramiro. The future of the Lord’s cause in this great city seems very bright.

We flew from Davao to Manila and spoke to some few congregations around the city for some two days,and then rode a bus some two hundred and thirty miles North to Baguio City. This is the home of Andrew Gawe and his father. Andrew preaches in this city and has lived here for thirty years. He was instrumental in starting the Philippine Bible College (a work of the liberals) and was an instructor in it for ten years. Perhaps, there is more opposition to the preaching of truth in this area than any place else in the Islands. But what these good brethren are able to accomplish against such opposition is heartwarming! Brother Julian C. Felix lives just south of Baguio at Moncada, Tarlac and is exerting much influence for good. Several of the liberal preacher-students coming from this College have been taught the truth, and none know the preaching power of Gawe, Felix and other such good men, as do the liberals at the school. When we arrived in the city we shortly thereafter received a letter from the President of the school, Brother Robert Buchanan. Brother Buchanan and I were in Freed-Hardeman College nearly a quarter-century ago, but had had no correspondence or conversation with each other through intervening years. Though I have worked closely with many of his kin, including his grandparents, uncles and cousins, he chose to address us only as “Mr.” and “Sir.” His letter was arrogant, condescending, and hateful. Though he spoke this way, unwittingly there is revealed throughout his letter the fear of truth and confrontation. Knowing our schedule (it being advertised that our night services would be conducted at 7:30), he told us we could visit him at 7:30 Friday night! He even wrote; “I must say that if you come at a time when I cannot be here, you would not be welcome.” He further wrote, “I must confess that you men and your doctrine do not rank very high on my list of priorities.” Caesar, indeed, hath been eating the dainties of his spoiles! With this attitude there is no question but that the cause of truth will continue to grow in the right direction.

Our services in Baguio were conducted in a large room in denominational facilities. Several came, though I believe our attendance here was the smallest of the places we went. However, I was most surprised to find a great host of men preaching the truth. These came from all directions. Most of these men make their living in various professions. I would hope that in the future more effort, by men from the States, will be given to this section of the Philippines. Some were baptized here, among whom were some two or three preachers. We have hope for the future of the Lord’s work in these Mountain Provinces with men like Gawe, Felix, Damsso Curimao, Virgelio Lacangan, Salvador Alapit, Jose Cruz, Marcos Balaleng, David Gamit, and many others. Many of these are new in the Lord and need time to grow and develop; they need words of encouragement, books, dictionaries, etc., for their use toward this goal. Some of these men need financial support.

With this Baguio effort finished we flew to Manila and then to Olongapo City for a service. Six were baptized in this place. This was the last service we were engaged in. There were other places and names, which, perhaps, should be mentioned in this report, but because of space we must forego.

Conclusion

I feel this trip greatly helped the Philippine work, but I feel it did us much good also. As stated earlier in this article, I do not share the opinion of some that men who have not been there should not go; but I do feel that men who have a rather extensive relationship with the churches over our country should go. In many respects the most good for the Philippine work will be done after the men get back home. The needs there are astronomical due to the fact of the reception of the truth on such a large scale, and this in relationship to their deep poverty. They need wages for their preaching, song books, books and tracts, church buildings, etc. Just small amounts of money, placed in the right hands, can accomplish so much. I appeal to brethren everywhere: be generous in this matter. Several already are responding most favorably. We are, by invitation, telling many churches and individuals what we know about that work. While this great nation of more than forty million souls are so responsive to the overtures of God’s mercy as expressed through preaching, we must meet its challenge. If we may be of any service to you in assisting your judgment-making in this matter, please call upon us.

Truth Magazine, XVIII:41, p. 6-10
August 22, 1974

By Cecil Willis

You probably are as tired of hearing about inflation as some of you have said you are of hearing about the “gracefellowship” subject, but whether we like it or not, it appears that both are here to stay. It appears that our national political leaders are going to continue to swing and sway to the siren song of “spend-our-way-to-prosperity” as long as anyone will dance to their tune. The economic prospect for the future of our country appears to be continuous and accelerating inflation, until our entire monetary structure crumbles into chaos. Meanwhile, we all must make the best of it and adapt to it, even while we make our own personal efforts to combat it.

But this article is not intended to be a discourse on inflation in general. We all already know most of the pertinent statistics about it. During the last two years, inflation has continued at the rate of about 10% per annum. At times, the rate has been found to be 15% per year. All of us see the jarring increases everytime we go into a grocery store, buy a new suit, repair an automobile, or visit our local dentist. We get hit with inflation every way that we turn.

Well . . . you are just about to be hit by it in one other area. I refer now to the increased costs connected with religious printing. As long as I have edited Truth Magazine, I have tried to operate it without its operation being done covertly, as though it were some deep, dark secret. When one asks me what the circulation of Truth Magazine is, I simply tell him. I might relieve your mind, at this point, by stating that I do not intend in this article to sneak up on your blind side and announce an additional price increase. But I would like to lay before you some of the facts connected with our religious printing efforts, which facts should be a help to you whenever we must increase our prices.

For ten years now, what printing I have had done or been responsible for having done, has been done by Economy Printing Concern of Berne, Indiana. Though I like the owners and their employees (they employ a hundred or more people), friendship only has not been the basis of our continued relationship. It simply hag been a matter of fact that Economy Printing Concern gave us a better price, or supplied us with publication capabilities we otherwise would not have, and in most instances, they have done both of these things for us. The Muselman brothers (Art and Carl) who own Economy Printing Concern have treated us wonderfully! (In case one of you Muselman brothers happens to read this article, I mean by that previous statement that you have not pressed us too hard when we owed you sizable sums of money!) It has been a pleasure to do business with people whom I can trust to deal fairly and honestly with us. We have sought to deal with them in the same manner. This ten year owner-purchaser relationship has been so satisfactory with us that we hope to see it continue for many years to come.

However, our friendship has not seemed to affect very much the cost of purchasing paper, hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of printing equipment, higher taxes, increases in wages, etc. Those increased costs simply have to be passed on to us periodically, and we in turn have to pass them eventually on to you, our customers. The price of the grade of paper which we mainly use increased more than 100% in 1973, and has increased about 10% more since the price increase was passed on to us January 30th. The price of printing Truth Magazine, our class literature, books, booklets, and tracts is tied into nationally published average costs on labor and paper. On January 30, 1974, our printing costs were increased 22.1%. That may not sound like too much of a cost increase, since it is about at the national average rate of inflation. But translated into another form, this price increase becomes much more vivid. It simply means that our total printing bill this year will be about $25,000 more than’ it would have been, if we had printed a similar amount of materials last year. $25,000 a year increase in prices means that we have an increase in our printing bill of about $500 per week, or about $100 per working day.

You may have noticed that a few months ago, the prices on the Cogdill Foundation cloth and paperback books were increased somewhat. We had no other alternative. Month before last (I do not have accumulated yet the figures for the past month), Truth Magazine lacked $800 bringing in enough money just to pay the printing, mailing, and postage bills for that month. This $800 one-month loss included nothing for salary payments to anyone, nothing for the lease on our newly built store building, nothing for equipment costs and operational expenses, and nothing for general operational expenses.

Here are some precise figures for you to think about. It costs us 12% plus, to print every copy of every issue of Truth Magazine. As a subscriber, you receive 50 issues of the paper annually. Printing, mailing, and postage costs alone cost us $6.36 per year per subscriber. The Cogdill Foundation now is paying me on a half-time basis, and three people are employed to work in the bookstore, which work entails the maintenance of a weekly corrected mailing list, making new plates for addressing, and running a mailing tape. We would have about $1 per subscriber per year upon which to operate, if all our subscriptions were sold on a $7.50 per year basis. However, about one-third of our subscriptions are sold in groups of 10, 20, or more. In group sale plans, subscriptions are sold for $6 per year. We therefore lose money on each one of these. At all times we carry 200-300 foreign subscriptions, most of which are never paid. For instance, we have at all times one hundred, or more, Filipino brethren on our mailing list, along with a goodly number in Nigeria and several other foreign countries. We advertise our foreign subscriptions at $9 per year, but we very seldom receive payment for these foreign subscriptions. I think we have been paid two out of five years for the Filipino brethren’s subscriptions. But it costs us $11.86 per year to send a subscription to the Philippines. Here is how that figure is arrived at: printing costs $6.36 per year subscription; required mailing envelopes cost us $1.50 per year per subscription; and foreign postage rates cost us $4.00 per year per subscription. Its hard to make money when you “sell” for $9 a subscription that costs you $11.86 just to print and mail! Even the “volume” for some reason does not seem to help this circumstance!! But the foreign preachers usually are the ones who need the paper’ the most, yet who cannot afford to pay for it. So we lose about $3,000 per year by sending these foreign subscriptions.

Some have complained about our $10 per volume price on bound volumes. I do not like it either! But here are the figures on bound volumes: printing 50 issues costs us $6.36, and binding costs us $3.50 per volume. So we have $9.86 in each bound volume, without counting anything for salaries, overhead, truck operation, or leasing costs.

Every sane business man would say, “Then why do you continue to publish a paper upon which you lose money?” That’s a good question, but the answer is simple: We merely happen to think that Truth Magazine does a lot of brethren good, when they receive it and read it. The fellow who goes into the religious publishing business in order to make a profit either has a few holes in his head, or else he is going to be forced to cater to the general religious public and must therefore sell everything from crucifixes, on up or down. And some brethren scruple not to do this. This, however, we refuse to do. This is why we do not operate a “walk-in” type store downtown in Marion. Instead, our business is nearly 100% mail-order business. There are some religious items which we simply cannot sell, in good conscience, and we would much rather sink financially than to compromise our convictions.

Further, to illustrate what inflation has done and is yet doing to us and others in a similar business, let me just relate what has happened to the cost of printing Walking With God (which formerly was known as Journeys Trhough the Bible). When we purchased this series in 1969, we negotiated a contract printing price, with built-in escalation clauses. Presently we are using a 52.9% cost increase factor. The increase in printing costs therefore have averaged more than 10% per year for the past five years.

We have done, and shall continue to do, our best to keep prices as reasonable as possible. At the same time, it would be irresponsible of us to operate Truth Magazine financially in such a way inevitably to portend its demise. The business done by the bookstore must subsidize the publishing of Truth Magazine substantially every month. I have never been able to prose that our bookstore netted as much as 10%, at the end of any year of its operation. This is why we entirely eliminated discounts to individual customers, including the Editor of this journal. In fact; I think I am the bookstore’s best customer! I get the same kind of monthly hills from them that some of you get. I, at this very moment, am paying $50 per month in order to pay off some books I have ordered, and have on order books that will cost about $300 more. If we offered some preachers a 10% discount, they would be highly insulted. Some are just sure that there is net 40% profit in every book! And they are just as surely wrong about the matter! In order for the bookstore to help to defray the losses incurred through the publication of Truth Magazine, and some of our other publications, we therefore; give no discounts to any individual purchaser. Perhaps there are some other bookstores that can give every preacher a 25% or 30% discount, and stay in business. If so, then I say, “More power to them!” But we cannot do so. General book price discounting has bankrupted some of our brethren’s publication efforts, and we do not want to see that happen to Truth Magazine,

Inflation has hurt us badly, and we really have not passed on to you, our customers, the real additional cost of these inflationary price increases. Though we; have no timeschedule in mind, it appears that brethren might as well be getting their minds acclimated to paying $10 a year for a sixteen page weekly journal, That $10 a year sounds prohibitively high, doesn’t it? I do not like the sound of it either. But if you will notice; there are several monthly religious journals that now sell for $5 to S7 per year. If a journal sells its sixteen’ page monthly for $5 per year, then it would follow that Truth Magazine should be charging four times that much per year for our sixteen page weekly, and we throw in “two-color printing” to boot.

Approximately half of all our items in both our Walking With God and Truth In Life series are either “loss items,” or “break-even” items. If we looked at our publications strictly from a monetary point of view, we would never publish another tract. But we are trying to supply materials and services that will be useful to brethren as they try to increase the effectiveness of their teaching efforts.

Pardon this “shop-talk,” but these are some things I thought it would be good for all of you to know in order that you might better understand some of the changes and price increases we are forced to make, from time to time. We intend to try to provide you as much good materials and services as possible for as little cost as possible. But at the same time, we must conduct our business affairs so that we will survive as a product-producing and service-selling business enterprise. In other words, we hope by the grace of God, to stay around for a while to service our customers with the kinds of materials and services that they need. The accomplishment of this objective necessitates that we keep ourselves sound financially, and to do this, it appears that price increases rather frequently will continue to be necessary. You may now borrow my handkerchief to wipe that tear out of your eye. But please do continue to patronize Truth Magazine Bookstore. We will do our best to provide you with prompt service and suitable materials to aid you in your teaching efforts.

Truth Magazine, XVIII:41, p. 3-5
August 22, 1974