Truth Magazine

By Cecil Willis

In order that as many as want to do so may attend, we are trying to announce as early as possible all the particulars regarding the debate on whether schools like Florida College have the right to teach the Bible. Brother Jesse Jenkins of Denton, Texas and I have agreed to discuss this subject four nights, Sept. 23, 24, 26, and 27. The debate will be held in the High School Auditorium in Pasadena, Texas. Pasadena is a suburb of the metropolitan Houston area, and I am told that its location is ideal for anyone coming East from Houston, or from the North.

The Pasadena High School Auditorium is just off the Pasadena-LaPorte freeway (Hwy. 225), which comes off the Gulf freeway, as one leaves Houston headed South-east. Take the first Pasadena exit (Shaver Street) from the Pasadena-LaPorte freeway, and the High School and auditorium are right next to the feeder street, and are clearly visible from both the freeway and the feeder street. One would turn right on Shaver street and the auditorium and High School would be immediately on his right.

The location of this auditorium was so ideal that those making arrangements for it have waited longer than they wanted to wait, but did so in order to procure the right to use this particular auditorium. The auditorium will seat over 1,000. Rent on this auditorium is $100 per night, and I have personally paid $200 of the rental fee, and Brother Curtis Torno and some others are going to pay the other $200.

The brethren in the Pasadena area will try to provide as many places to stay as possible, for out of towners who wish to stay for the entire debate. Brother Don Carter, one of the Elders of the Red Bluff church in Pasadena, has agreed to take the responsibility to coordinate the number needing a place to stay with those who are offering to provide free lodging. Brother Don Carter’s address is 1807 Patricia Lane, Pasadena, Texas 77502, if you wish to write regarding the availability of a place to stay. Or, you may call him at home at 713-473-4456. This could turn out to be a sizable job for Brother Carter, so give him as much advance notice as possible, if you need a place to stay.

The delay in arranging the usage of the auditorium was occasioned by the fact that we had to wait until the school calendar was finalized. But everything now appears to be in readiness, and we hope a goodly number will plan to attend. The last debate that I can remember at this moment that was conducted on this subject must have been around twenty years ago. So perhaps a goodly number of brethren will be interested in such a discussion.

Having met Brother Jesse Jenkins only one time personally, I of course do not know him well. But everyone who ‘ has spoken to me of Brother Jenkins has commented that he will be very honorable in such a discussion (I would have expected this anyway, since he is a brother in Christ), but that he will be a formidable opponent. Several has advised me that I should not under-estimate Jesse Jenkins’ ability. That advice was unnecessary, for I do not underestimate any debate opponent’s ability. I am highly respectful of them all, and enter every debate with fear and trembling. But I will come to Pasadena, the Lord willing, ready to do my best in discussing honorably and fairly the propositions which we have signed. Paul stated that he planned to preach the gospel in Rome, “as much as in me is” (Rom. 1:15). That passage always has had much meaning to me. It tells me that I do not have to preach or debate as ably as someone else, or better than someone else, but I must do my best! That I fully plan to do, not only in Pasadena, but so long as the, Lord shall permit me to continue to have a little share in His Work being done upon the earth.

Brother Jenkins and I have every intention of entering and ending this debate in a good humor with one another. We hope that all the listeners will come so disposed. Of course, we each will press the points in our arguments, but that does not mean we have any ill-feeling toward each other. So far as I know, neither has any earthly reason for having an ill feeling toward each other, and we fully intend to behave ourselves in this four night debate study period in a manner that becometh Christians; indeed, as brethren in the Lord. We hope you will make your plans to come.

POSTSCRIPT: A letter dated July 1, 1974 received from Leroy Garrett, also of Denton, Texas, indicates that he has every intention of carrying through our before mentioned plan to discuss the fellowship question in Port Arthur, Texas sometime in January, 1975. We want to avoid as many schedule conflicts as possible, and thus plan to have the discussion before the Abilene Christian College Preacher Workshop, and before the Florida College Lecture program. That probably means that this debate will be held during one of the first two weeks of January. This debate would be a very important one, and we will give as much advance notice as possible, when final arrangements as to date and location have been made.

The debate scheduled for December with Nathan Urshan, National Radio Speaker for the United Pentecostal Church, cannot be held in December of this year, as we before had indicated it would be. However, a telephone conversation this past week with Mr. Urshan indicated that he has every intention of honoring his agreement to meet me in a public discussion in Indianapolis, but that his schedule is such that it would have to be late Spring, or in the Summer. With my trip to the Philippines planned for April, 1975, it probably would fit my plans better also to have it in the Summer. So keep that approximate time in mind, and try to save some vacation time so that you can come for that discussion.

Meanwhile, the brethren in Glen Burnie, Maryland have been challenged to a debate by Dr, Eugene Perry, President of the Israel Tract Society. The Glen Burnie brethren have asked that I represent them in the discussion, and I have agreed to do so. No exact time has been chosen as yet, but we just might be able to work it into the early part of December 1974. If not, it then will have to be scheduled for early spring 1975.

Having participated in only four debates in my entire life, four rather important ones within a six months time is a rather frightening contemplation. Brother Jenkins will not have to worry about me coming over-confident! Frankly, I have more to do than I can do well, and I must just do the best I can in each engagement. All these other men probably have equally burdensome schedules to keep, so a busy schedule for me is not cited as an excuse to get out of any commitment. I know of no honorable way to avoid defending what I believe and teach, when it is challenged by a worthy opponent, and I have no disposition to try to avoid such a responsibility. My only desire is that the truth never suffer due to ineptness or unpreparedness on my part. So, if you like debates, here are a few you can make you plans to take in.

Truth Magazine, XVIII:40, p. 3-4
August 15, 1974

By Mike Willis

Practically any work by Bernard Ramm is worth its price and this one is no exception. This 117-page paperback develops a pattern of religious authority which demonstrates the place of imperial, delegated, stipulative and veracious authority. Believing the Bible to be inspired, Ramm’s authority position is basically sound; accepting Calvinism, Ramm’s position is vulnerable at certain points. The following quotations regarding the Spirit’s illumination of the written word demonstrate the most obvious error propounded in this book:

“It is the Spirit who inspired the New Testament, it is the Spirit who witnesses to Christ in the heart, and it is the Spirit who quickens the heart to see the truth of God in the pages of the New Testament” (p. 55).

“Paralleling this objective revelation is the operation of the Spirit of God. He is the Inspirer of revelation; He is the Mover in writing of revelation; He is the Illuminator in the heart of the believer, giving him the grace to recognize revelation and the strength to appropriate it”(p. 62).

‘Furthermore, the Spirit can never do the work of the Word. The Word contains the revelation. The function of the Spirit is to illumine the heart of the believer to see the divinity of the revelation. The Word cannot do the work of the Spirit. The Word rests helpless in the hand till the Spirit quickens the heart to perceive its divinity” (pp. 103-104).

Surely, each can see how important this doctrine is to the Calvinistic doctrines of election and irresistible grace.

However, the book has excellent criticisms of the following systems of authority: Catholicism, Modernism, the Kerygmatic School, and Neo-orthodoxy. In addition to giving a rather concise summary of each school of thought, Ramm shows how each school destroys or makes vague God’s authority as displayed in the Scriptures. Some of the fundamental presuppositions of the systems are exposed an~ destroyed. These chapters in the book were by far the most useful to ni~ and the reason why I now recommend this book to you.

(All books reviewed in this department are available at Truth Magazine Bookstore, Box 403, Marion, Indiana 46952.)

Truth Magazine, XVIII:40, p. 2
August 15, 1974

By Raymond E. Harris

Advocates of legalizing marijuana have gone all out to convince the general public that “pot” when smoked in moderation, is really no worse than a few glasses of beer. Until now the usual reaction to the foregoing claim has been belief and relief. People are prone to believe what they want to believe and are always relieved to learn that a supposed danger did not really exist.

However, the “Eastland Committee” of the Senate Subcommittee on Internal Security has rolled up a vast body of testimony on the subject that needs to be publicized far and wide. Drs. Harold Kolansky and Win. T. Moore testified that a study done over a nine year period involving hundreds of patients indicated that almost 60% of the patients examined who used marijuana looked older than their true age and they were incapable of completing thoughts during verbal questioning. This seemed to imply some form of sickness or derangement of the brain.

Dr. W. D. Paton, Professor of Pharmacology at Oxford testified that administration of hashish during pregnancy has caused fetal death and fetal abnormality (including lack of limbs) in 3 species of animals. Further a Dr. Nahas reported that hashish affects the genetic material and new born children can be respiratory cripples. He further indicates that emphysema which is normally a disease of later life will now cripple and kill hashish smokers and their offspring in their 40’s and 50’s. Also, Dr. R. C. Kolodny of the Reproductive Biology Research Foundation, St. Louis, Mo., reports that when hashish resin was injected into pregnant rats, their offspring were born web footed, they had hernia of the brain and often were born without legs or with sealf1ke flippers in place of legs.

You may say that such experimentations with rats and monkeys does not prove it will happen to you. However, keep in mind that the reason certain animals are chosen for specific experiments is because scientists have learned which animals respond most nearly like a human. Why take a chance of brain damage, emphysema at 40 and deformed children? Leave the marijuana and all drugs alone. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (I Cor. 6:19-20-R.S.V.)

Truth Magazine, XVIII:40, p. 2
August 15, 1974

By Larry R. Houchen

As a young gospel preacher, I suppose that I am just now learning one of many things experienced preachers learned when they were younger. Some brethren, either intentionally or unintentionally, discourage preachers. Contrary to the belief of some brethren, we preachers have feelings too. How would you feel, if, in your secular work you were never complimented for your efforts, but either taken for .granted or constantly chided? I shall mention four methods which brethren use to discourage.

1. The first method, for accomodative purposes, we shall “dub” “the personal attack.” “Hey, preacher, you said Acts 1:38 instead of Acts 2:38,” or, “You were way off base on one point,” are typical statements which flow from the mouths of some “loving” brethren immediately following services, Some seem to delight in catching the preacher in a mistake and making sure that the victim is aware that he witnessed the “whole thing.” We might just as well call this method the “gotcha game.” I do not know about other brethren, but it does make me feel a little uneasy when I know that such a person is sitting in the audience. There is nothing wrong with joking with or correcting the preacher occasionally about some mistake he has made. For an example, I remember the blunder that I made when I said, “Preachers are not fallible, but infallible.” Several jokingly said after services that they felt lucky to be a member of the only congregation with an infallible preacher. What does become most discouraging, however, is for the same ones to remark about every mistake, and never lend a word of encouragement.

2. A second method which brethren use to discourage might be called “the guessing game.” Those brothers and sisters who participate in “the guessing game” are those who never reveal how they feel about the sermons. It does not really matter what the brethren think, so long as a brother is preaching the gospel and is doing so with the proper attitude, but encouragement is a psychological need. Lack of encouragement may result in the same as discouragement. There is always some brother or sister in Christ who can give the preacher a detailed weather report or describe in detail his or her physical condition, but never utter one word in regard to the sermon. (In fact, whatever happened to the occasional, “Amen,” from brethren during a sermon?) I know that in my limited preaching experience I have not always preached “winners,” in fact, there have been some “duds,” but neither am I going to be so naive as to believe that I have never preached a gospel sermon which fitted the need of the congregation precisely. One does not need to comment on every sermon. In fact, the statement, “That was a good sermon” every service can become a “wee bit” old and not as meaningful as an occasional, “That was an excellent sermon.” No, most preachers are not so sensitive as to always want their backs patted, but please, brethren, let us know you are out there-encourage us from time to time!

3. A preacher can become discouraged when the brethren use the “cry-on-the shoulder” routine. Sometimes when the preacher makes just a social visit, a member will unload all of the ills and the troubles of the congregation on the shoulders of the preacher. “I’d like to see us have a more active visiting program.” or, “I’ve never been satisfied with the eldership,” typical statements which seem to be made to solicit a response of agreement from the preacher. All such statements should be directed to the elders of the congregation. Yes, even if the problem lies within the eldership, take it to the elders. If you have an accusation to make, say it only in the presence of two or three witnesses (I Tim. 5:19). In the event that there are no elders, bring out suggestions and problems in the next business meeting. When the brethren take problems to the elders, there is always the possibility of the overseers becoming discouraged. However, I would not be a bit surprised if the element of discouragement was one of several reasons why the Holy Spirit commanded a plurality of elders in a local congregation. When the problem is laid on several shoulders, the discouraging effect is not nearly so devastating. Even if elders do become discouraged occasionally, the problems should still be directed to them, not to the preacher-it is God’s plan.

4. The final method that we mention which brethren use to discourage is the Apreacher vs. preacher” method. If grieves my heart whenever two men of “like precious faith” who have chosen to render the greatest service to mankind, that of preaching the gospel, compete with one another. Sometimes when a group of gospel preachers are gathered together on some occasion, one will be heard to brag about all the work he is doing in the congregation of which he is a member. Now if the brother mentions these things because he is truly excited about the Lord’s work in that locale, that is one thing. If, however, he mentions them as a subtle attempt to “put his other brothers down,” that is an entirely different situation. It would be extremely difficult fairly to compare the work in one place with the work in another locality. There are just too many variables involved priorities, population, dominate denominations in the area, etc.

Members sometime compare one preacher’s capabilities with the capabilities of another. Brethren, if a man is proclaiming the gospel to the best of his ability, he is a good preacher in the sight of God, and that is what counts! Sometimes these comparisons are thoughtlessly made in the presence of the local evangelist, comparing him unfavorably with the previous minister. Some members try to be a little more subtle by constantly quoting from the previous evangelist and commenting that “Brother Idol did such and such in such and such a way.”

Preachers sometime blackball gospel meetings if the preacher does not happen to be a “big name” in the brotherhood. Experienced preachers sometime discourage young preachers by never attending their gospel meetings. I do not know if the situation stems from religious politics, a feeling that they will not hear anything they have not already heard, or if it is just pure thoughtlessness. I do know that it is a sad and discouraging situation. As a young preacher, I can think of nothing more encouraging than to have in the audience an old-battle-scarred-warrior of the cross. I can think of nothing more profitable than receiving a few helpful hints from a “pro,” whether they be in the homiletics or hermenuetics category. On the other hand, the young preachers who have followed after the Ketcherside Amumbo-jumbo” must have a disheartening effect on those who have so bravely and fearlessly attacked innovations on the front lines. I am sure that weighing constantly on their minds is the destiny of the church of tomorrow. Let us resolve in our hearts to encourage one another – not discourage.

These things have not been mentioned with any animosity in my heart, but with love for my brothers and sisters in Christ. This article should not be taken as an indictment on the brotherhood – far be it from that! I suppose that during periods of depression, besides prayer and my good wife, the one thing that keeps me preaching, and I suppose always will, is the encouragement received from beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. These thoughtful and wonderful brethren, I will always be indebted to – thanks brethren!

Truth Magazine, XVIII:39, p. 13-14
August 8, 1974