Truth Magazine

By Irvin Himmel

“You are the most narrow-minded person I ever met,” said one who scarcely knows an apostle from an epistle, speaking to a friend who has strong convictions. Enamored with the idea of broad-mindedness, some people are so liberal in their thinking that they try to believe anything and everything and end up believing nothing.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). If this statement has any meaning at all, it conveys the thought that Jesus Christ is man’s only access to the Father. Any attempt to reach God apart from the mediatorship of Jesus ignores God’s plan of approach. Was Jesus narrow-minded in presenting this teaching?

John wrote, “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4). According to John, all who profess to know the Lord but do not keep his commandments are liars. Only the people who are faithful in keeping his commandments really know the Lord. Was John narrow-minded in making such a statement?

Paul taught, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:4,5). Today, there are many bodies, numerous faiths, and it is openly declared that one church is as good as another. Was the apostle Paul narrow-minded?

Jude emphatically stated that the faith was “once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). Some modern religions are based on the doctrine of progressive revelation. Their proponents tell us to be broad-minded and accept what has been delivered to the saints through latter-day “prophets.” Was Jude narrow-minded?

Peter wrote that “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). He urged sinners to “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). People tell me that I am bigoted if I think one must be baptized to be saved. Was Peter narrowminded?

James wrote, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” Most denominations say justification is by faith only. When I say the denominations are wrong on this point and quote James 2:24, people tell me that I am narrow and intolerant. Was James narrow-minded?

Matthew records that Jesus was born of a virgin in fulfillment of prophecy (Matt. 1:18-23). Modern theologians tell us in pious tones that we should be liberal-minded and not argue that Jesus was actually virgin-born. Was the apostle Matthew narrow-minded?

The Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). No other explanation is offered for the origin of the universe. Now men tell us we should be open-minded and put human theories on equality with, or even above, the creationist view. Is the Bible narrow?

If it be admitted that such persons as Peter, James, John, Paul, Jude, Matthew, and even Jesus Christ our Lord were narrow, I am in good company when I am charged with being narrow-minded for teaching what they taught. If it be acknowledged that the Bible is narrow, I plead guilty to the same narrowness, for I believe the Bible!

Anyone who restricts his way of life by following rules and laws will be considered narrow-minded by all who dislike such rules and laws. Anyone who insists upon accuracy and exactness, whether in reasoning or in work, will be viewed as narrow-minded by all who are loose and careless. Anyone who thinks, studies, and forms definite conclusions will be labeled narrow-minded by all who in ignorance and indecision vacillate from one state of mind to another. Any who practice moral restraint are considered narrow-minded by people who desire unrestrained carnal indulgence. One who attempts to closely follow a standard will be charged with narrow-mindedness by others who wish to deviate from that standard. A conservative is always narrow-minded to a liberal. A Christian is narrow-minded to the worldly individual and to the unbeliever.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that the way to heaven is “narrow.” Open your Bible and read Matt. 7:13, 14.

Truth Magazine, XVIII:22, p. 2
April 4, 1974

By Larry R. Houchen

The young generation today often displays a “peace sign” by forming a V-shape with the index finger and the third finger. Although this sign to them is a symbol for making peace, this article is concerned with the making of peace with God.

In the seventh beatitude of Christ’s sermon on the mountain, our Lord said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9). If we can determine what Christ meant when he utilized the term “peacemaker,” then perhaps we can better understand what it means to make peace with God.

The inspired writer, Matthew, penned these words immediately prior to the text of the beatitudes, “And Jesus was going about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people” (Matt. 4:23). This passage seems to imply that everything Christ taught pointed to his kingdom that was soon to come. If the immediate text said that Christ “proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom,” then it would seem to necessarily follow that the sermon which was preached on the mountain pointed to His kingdom.

Let us now examine a passage which immediately follows the sermon on the mountain. Matthew recorded in 7:28, “The result was that when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were amazed at His teaching.” The sermon, then, is called a “teaching,” or a “doctrine” as some translations render it. Therefore, if Christ was proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom in all Galilee and his remarks in his sermon are referred to as a teaching, was not our Lord referring to making peace with God in using the term “peacemaker”?

Paul says in Romans 10:15, “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, `How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things.’ ” Acts 10:36 defines the “glad tidings” in Romans: “The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ.”

Thus far, it can be seen then, that the peacemaker is the peace preacher – the disciple of Christ. Examine now, the passage of Eph. 2:14-18. Verse 14 tells us that Christ is our peace, who broke down the barrier which had existed between Jew and Gentile. The next verse teaches that when Christ established the possibility for both Jew and Gentile to become one new man, in so doing he established peace. Verse 17 says that Christ preached peace to both those who were far away and to those who were near.

Making peace with God, then, means that all who are disciples of Christ must assume the responsibility of being peace preachers. We must concern ourselves with the lost condition of the world and attempt to convert as many souls as possible during our lifetime-so making peace with God.

Truth Magazine, XVIII:21, pp. 12-13
March 24, 1974

By O.C. Birdwell

My faithful brother, co-worker, and good friend, Cecil Willis, has been accused of being a politician, forming a conspiracy, and going beyond “principles of discretion and propriety” in his operating Truth Magazine and a book business. Because he asked Ed Fudge and the Gospel Guardian Editor for a clarification of their stand on vital doctrinal issues he is thought of as a “vicious beast” by one who claims to have by nature a quiet spirit.

I must hesitate long enough to make a confession. Are you ready for it? I am not by nature one of a quiet and even tempered spirit! This is not brag; just fact. I wish it were different. I have been complimented on occasions for keeping my cool under trying circumstances, but such is done by much determination and effort. I have a constant battle conquering self that I might be “angry, and sin not.” And I must also admit that when accusations, such as those above, are made against a faithful brother, and I know such to be false to the core, my self-control gets a severe test.

I am in position to know the history of Truth Magazine Book Store and Brother Willis’ attitude toward it, and the book business in general. I was manager of Truth Magazine Book Store and my wife bookkeeper for the magazine for two and one-half years (July 1, 1965 until January 1, 1968). When I took over as manager, Truth Magazine had been contracting the book business and we did not have any books except bound volumes of the paper. As I recall, three of four of us connected with the paper got together about $2,000 and loaned it to the book store for a start. Neither Brother Wallace nor Brother Willis wanted the paper to operate a book business. Brother Willis, however, having the financial responsibility of the paper, felt it was a must in order to pay the printing bill. He told me on numerous occasions that the book business was a headache and a burden, but the only way he knew to keep going and print the tracts and booklets we needed to print. Yet, he was considering completely giving up the book business when I agreed to take the responsibility of managing and operating the store. Knowing what I do about Truth Magazine business, I say without hesitation that it is a shame and disgrace on anyone who would accuse Brother Willis of being motivated in his writing by such business interests. This is doubly so when it comes from one associated with a publishing firm and book sales company that has probably had more than ten times the business Truth Magazine has had over the past ten years!

The following is a brief history of Truth Magazine Book Store and a few statements from brethren Wallace and Willis about it.

In the November, 1962 issue, some four months after Brother Willis became Editor of Truth Magazine, a book trade was announced. Brother Willis said, “A periodical cannot long exist or continue without some income other than subscriptions . . . . All profits from the book business will go directly into the publishing of Truth Magazine.” Books were to be ordered from Akron, Ohio.

Then in July, 1963, Brother Wallace moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, and with him the book business. In an article discussing the move, William said, “Why not `switch brands’ and buy tracts from brethren who won’t use your money against you.” This is as strong a promotion for the book store as I ever heard from Cecil. But the book store stayed in Indianapolis only a few months. In October, 1963 the move to Louisville was announced and Brother James Needham became manager. William said at this time, “we hope our regular customers will continue with us, and we look forward to new customers who want good service and who seek to patronize sound brethren.”

Then, in September, 1964, the store business was moved to Dickinson, Texas and contracted to brethren who printed “Know the Truth” tracts and class material. At this time Brother Willis said, “The successful operation of a Book Store seems to be a necessity to the maintenance of any religious paper . . .” This arrangement lasted until July 1, 1965, when the Book Store was moved back to Akron, Ohio under my management. My wife already was keeping the files for Truth Magazine, mailing the paper, and doing the bookkeeping. For two and one-half years, until January, 1968, when I moved to Columbia, Tennessee, we did this work and I had complete management of the Book Store. I consulted with Brother Willis only when I needed his help, and even then he often insisted that my judgment prevail. Not one time have I ever known him to go “beyond principles of discretion and propriety.” I recall that one year he and I roomed together at the Florida College Lectures, planning to promote the paper and the Book Store. We passed out sample papers, and showed tracts. But while we heard the lectures and attended other activities, other book store operators were set up to actually sell and deliver books on the campus, and were pushing for subscriptions much more aggressively than were we.

In January, 1968, announcement was made of the move back to Louisville with the Book Store and the paper mailing. Brother Willis had, a year before, moved from Akron to Marion, Indiana, and since I was leaving the Akron area, there was no way the paper could stay in Akron. Brother Needham again managed the store, moving it to Orlando, Florida with him, where it remained until May 1971. Having already merged with the Cogdill Foundation, Truth Magazine was at this date moved to Marion, Indiana where the Editor lives. Brother Robert Whitehead was employed on a full-time basis to operate the business. With this management the bookstore is rendering a valuable service to both the paper and our customers.

On April 18, 1968, Brother Wallace mailed out invitations to eighteen brethren, asking them to meet in Memphis, Tennessee on August 12-13, to discuss the need for a new series of class literature and ways of bringing it about. I was one of those invited, and I did attend the meeting. If I remember correctly, about twelve or fourteen of those invited attended. Groundwork was laid for the new material that is now a reality. It is called “Truth in Life” and is being printed by the Cogdill Foundation. About the material, Brother Roy Cogdill said, “We have labored to find the finances, plan the material, get it written, and put into print that it might be available to the churches that have felt the need for such a series.” Among the many who worked on this material was Cecil, who spent exceptionally long hours at the task. Not only did he write, but he arranged for the printing, and along with Brother Cogdill, the main part of the financing. I seriously doubt that it would ever have been printed had it not been for these efforts of Brother Willis. Is an effort to get good literature and wholesome doctrine in print an indication of an “aggressive disposition” that needs to be condemned? I think not. It needs to be applauded and upheld. May God bless you, brother! May your tribe increase. Continue your good work for truth. I like what you say, and, furthermore, I like the way you say it!

Truth Magazine, XVIII:21, pp. 3-4
March 28, 1974

By William C. Sexton

Have you read of the events that have been recorded in John 6:5-27? If you have not, then I suggest that you stop and read it. Then having read it, think, meditate, and state in your own words just what the lesson is! Jesus says, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye seek me, not because of the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” Why did Jesus rebuke them? What was the fault He was seeking to have corrected in them?

So much of what is done in religion today falls into the same category as that with which the Lord was displeased! Much is done to feed and entertain the “fleshly man,” the “outward man,” while little or nothing is done to feed, nourish, and ,strengthen the “spiritual man,” the “inward man” (1 Pet. 3:4; 2 Cor. 4:16; Rom. 7:22). Often men label as “fellowship” activities that only support and entertain the physical man. Such is called “religious services.”

Jesus fed the people in John 6:5-27 because there was a necessity! They were in a place where they could not obtain food. He possessed the power to perform miracles and He employed that power to feed them. However, they should have seen Him as He was the Son of God and they should have been impressed with His power. Having made the proper summation, recognizing His deity, they should have hurried to Him that they might receive a supply of spiritual food. They were suffering from spiritual malnutrition. However, even though they were spiritually starved nearly to death, they had no appetite for spiritual food. Such was indicative of their spiritual unconciousness and mental dullness. Nevertheless, they manifested a symptom that pervades many “Christians” of our day, and perhaps that symptom is evident in all ages; history seems to support that proposition. That being true, it adds to the idea that we need to examine our motives with great scrutiny and frequency, the aim of this article. Are we able to see the real point of Jesus’ advice? Or, are we so oriented, so preconditioned, so dull in our .spiritual perception that we miss the point of His teaching? Do we think that we can go stubbornly on our way, feeding on the chaff of Satan and drinking his wine, and have the Lord?

If one’s citizenship is contingent on the fun and frolic, meat and drink, then beloved, he is in the wrong kingdom (Rom. 11:17). The citizenship of the child of God is based on righteousness-being right with God; peace-being at peace with God, having been justified and walking by faith (Rom. 5:1; 2 Cor. 5:7, 17). The third factor in this citizenship is Joy in the Holy Spirit-being happy doing what the Spirit of God teaches, being lead on to do the will of God as it is expressed on the pages of the New Testament. Being moved and guided by the word of God is being a child of God. Conversely, he who will not be moved and guided by the word of God is not a child of God on whom the grace of God is extended (Rom. 8:14-18; Eph. 6:17; Col. 3:16-17; 2 John 9). If we are not producing the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-26), we have not the Spirit dwelling in us, regardless of our claims to high heaven that we do. Also, if we are not happy and finding joy as we produce the fruits of the Spirit, then some re-examining, some resolving, some re-dedication is in order (2 Cor. 13:5).

Beloved, are you aware of the lesson Christ was proclaiming in John 6:26-27? Are you seeking Him for the proper or improper motive? Is your life as it should be? Are you placing the wrong thing first? What is it that you are seeking from your religion? Are you engaged in those activities which yield their “reward” now? (Cf. Matt. 6:2). Some people invest their funds in those securities which yield short-run profits. Likewise, some religious people are interested in rewards that are given here and now. Evidently, some brethren are doing that which brings immediate “reward.” Some people lay up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21) and they are not so worried about what is happening now, as far as the reward is concerned. Their reward will come latter, and it will be the “crown of life,” the crown of righteousness (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10). To the people whose treasury is in heaven, the words of Paul has great significance: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2). Do not be satisfied, beloved, with the Social Gospel. There is something much more valuable than the reward that is available here and now.

Do not be satisfied with a congregation either, beloved, whose doctrine is for the “fleshly” man, the physical person. Look around you, and you will see many congregations whose work consists largely of “education facilities,” “fellowship-halls,” etc., “cloth closets,” “food bins,” and the like. Appeals are made to come and let us “eat” together and have fun. Are these people really motivated properly to “seek the Lord?” Do not be deceived by the master deceiver, Satan, whose aim is to condition you to be satisfied with your “reward” here and now. Consider his first recorded successful effort of deception (Gen. 3:4-6) and know that he has continued to build a successful record. He works constantly, effectively, and very deceptively. Do not be taken in by him. What, in fact, is your motive in seeking the Lord?

Truth Magazine, XVIII:20, pp. 13-14
March 21, 1974