Truth Magazine

By Ray F. Dively

By the title of this article you might think these strange teachings are being taught by the Catholic or Protestant churches. But they are not. These are being taught by Christians. I wish to point out a few.

“Men do not have to have believing children (Christians) as a qualification to become an Elder.” In the King James version Titus 1:6 states, having “faithful children” but the Greek has “believing children.” The American Standard and some other have “children that believe.” Goodspeed and the Twentieth Century New Testament translate it “whose children are Christians.” Therefore the Bible teaches that a qualification for an Elder, the man must have children who are Christians.

“That Elders are not to make decisions but the whole church.” The Elders are to oversee and feed the flock (Acts 20: 28). 1 Peter 5: 2 says, “Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight.” Elders are to direct spending of money (Acts 11:27-30), and are to make decisions (Acts 15:6). The Elders are to rule or exercise authority, we are to obey and submit to them (I Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17). It is even falsely being taught that Hebrews 13:17 refers to the preacher. Elders make the spiritual decisions as long as they are in harmony with the scriptures and they make the material decisions with wisdom for the benefit of the congregation.

Exchange of pulpits with denominational churches. 2 John 10, 11 says, “If any one cometh unto you and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting: for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.” Therefore, how can we have a false preacher speaking to us? Also, we are to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23, 24). We cannot worship in truth if we have a false preacher delivering the sermon.

We can have fellowship with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). There are those who are advocating that Christian church members can take part in our worship services and have fellowship in the Lord’s work. Jesus only built one church (Matthew 16:18). Christ is the only foundation (I Corinthians 3: 11) and chief corner stone (Ephesians 2:20). Other scriptures to prove there is only one church are: Romans 12:4, 5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; and Colossians 3:15. It was our Lord’s prayer that his followers be one (John 17:20-23). Therefore the Christian Church is not the Lord’s church and we are not to fellowship them. Of course we are to teach them as any other denominational church. We cannot fellowship with those who are in error. We cannot fellowship any denominational church. There are some churches of Christ and individual members who do.

The church should provide recreation for the youth. There are Churches of Christ today providing recreation for not only the youth but the adults also out of the church treasury. Churches are buying recreation buildings for the youth. Others have bought camps with cabins, lodge, swimming pool, etc. Families may use these camps where the main feature is fun and entertainment at the church expense.

Also, Student Centers (places of recreation) are being built by churches near the campuses of Universities. One such example of this is the Student Center at the University of Tennessee, sponsored by contributions from churches. They call it a home away from home complete with “television, piano, kitchen facilities, telephone, refreshments, ping-pong and various other games and sports.” Plus other activities such as suppers, parties, games, etc. Also, a “Christmas” party for underprivileged children is sponsored by the students each year. They do throw in some religious activity. They have regular devotionals four nights a week at the center. This gives it a religious flavor, enough to have the churches pay the bill.

Parents have the responsibilities to provide recreation for the youth and themselves, not the church. The work of the church is to teach the lost (Mark 16:15), teach and edify the members (Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 4:9) and to do benevolence (Acts 4:34, 35; 6:1-4; 1 Timothy 5:16 and 1 Corinthians 16:1-3).

You can be saved without hearing the gospel. Where does the Lord save … in the church or out of it? Salvation is only in Christ (I Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Timothy 2:10; Acts 4:11, 12). “Neither is there salvation in any other.” The Bible then emphatically states that salvation is in Christ and in no other.

All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Forgiveness is in Christ (Colossians 1: 14). Redemption is in Christ (Romans 3:24). One is a New creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Life is in Christ Q John 5:11, 12). One can not enjoy spiritual life and at the same time be outside that realm where it is found. One is reconciled in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:1820). One is reconciled in the One Body (Ephesians 2:16). Therefore, one must be in that one body to be reconciled to God.

The Bible explains that “one body” is the church (Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18; Colossians 1:24). Hence, one is reconciled in the church. Thus to be in Christ is to be in His church. Also, Christ is the Savior of the body, which is the church (Ephesians 5:23).

Since the church is the body of Christ and Christ is the Savior of the body, how can a person be saved and not be a member of that of which Christ is Savior?

It is true that the church does not save anyone, but Christ saves the church. Hence, salvation is promised only to those who are in the body of Christ. The church is not the Savior; it is the saved. All those who are saved are in the church (Acts 2:47).

To be in Christ is to be in His church, which is His spiritual body. Threfore, one cannot be “in Christ” and outside of His church, for the church is the body of Christ. There are no saved people outside the church of the New Testament.

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13). One does not die into the Lord, but one may die in the Lord. A person cannot die in the Lord (or in Christ) for Christ is Lord (Acts 2:36) unless he first enters into Christ by being baptized in Him. Those who are out of Christ are lost in sin (Ephesians 2:12). There is no possibility that they will be saved so long as they remain out of Christ. The eternal blessings of God are pronounced only upon “the dead who die in the Lord,” not upon those who die out of the Lord. If you can be saved without hearing the gospel, we could save more people by staying home. Why spend our time, effort and money teaching others if they are already saved without the gospel?

Just to name a few other false teachings and practices: This is a Christian nation, churches can support colleges (because Bible is taught), churches sponsor Boy Scout troops, youth Sundays, and churches can support unwed mothers homes, orphan homes, Herald of Truth, ball teams, child care centers, hospitals, camps, and other such like human institutions.

Since I have been a member of the Lord’s church, I hear over and over, “We speak where the Bible speaks and are silent where the Bible is silent”; also, “We go only by the Bible.” How false this is. How far may a congregation depart from the truth before it is no longer the Lord’s church? We are departing from the truth as the early church did. I believe the church, as a whole, has departed so far that it may be impossible to bring them back to the truth. ‘

There are false preachers, elders and others in the church today. We must study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15) to understand what is scriptural and what is unscriptural. These are perilous times for the church.

I am fully convinced that a new denomination has been formed. For the present it is called “Church of Christ.” Many churches have joined this new denomination. How much more error must others embrace in order to become part of it?

In conclusion, may I say, let us go back to the Bible as our guide, as our only rule of faith. For we tell others we do this. The church did not completely fall away after it was established, over night. Changes were made that were not noticeable at the time. The church of Christ is making departures from the Bible now as the early church did. The great apostasy within the Lord’s church that finally resulted in the Catholic Church slowly developed. It took 600 years for a Universal Bishop called a pope to develop.

I pray all we say and do is according to God’s written word. Let us speak as the oracles of God 0 Peter 4: 11). Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Matthew 14:15). “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).

Acts 17:30 says, “The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent.” Today ignorance of God’s word is no excuse. Those who do not know God shall suffer eternal destruction.

Let us be faithful unto death and he will give us a crown of life (Revelation 2: 10).

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 15, pp. 9-11
February 17, 1972

By Connie W. Adams

Readers of Truth Magazine have been informed of progress in the work of the Lord in the Philippines. There has been much good news to report. Mail last week informed me of the death of two faithful brethren whose loss will be felt.

Bartolome Flores

On November 3, Bartolome Flores was riding a mini-bus with eleven others on the main road from Cotabato City to General Santos City in the province of South Cotabato, Mindanao when suddenly the bus was stopped and surrounded by outlaws who killed all aboard the bus. Brother Flores supported himself by serving as head master of a school while he preached the gospel. He was one of the two preachers who came forward just after the debate in M’1ang last May and renounced the liberal position. His body was returned to M’Iang where his parents live. Funeral services were conducted by Romulo B. Agduma. In addition to his parents, he leaves a wife and one adopted child. Our brethren in some areas of the Philippines face many perils in traveling and some have recently been the objects of religious persecution. Pray for these brethren.

Manuel Saez

Manuel Saez was one of the elders of the church at Makati, Rizal (Manila area). He passed away of a heart attack on November 21 at the age of 66. Though others had a part in helping the church at Makati to correct the errors into which it had fallen while associated with the Christian Church, the key man in bringing them all the way to the truth was Manuel Saez. But for him, J. T. Smith nor I would have been permitted to speak there last May. He had already realized the truth and was resolved to take action for himself, but he showed the attitude of a tender shepherd in wanting to try and bring the whole flock to the truth with him if possible. I have never heard a man plead with a congregation as he did after we had preached and then had an intense two hour open forum. He was up all night reasoning with some who yet had doubts on a point or two. Before that night was over he and others had convinced them all as to what they must do. Ile Makati church has a great potential. It contains a number of very capable and refined people. It is able to bear a part of its own financial burden in support of their preacher, Carlos Azearraga. Brother Saez had a key role in stabilizing things after the changes made in the congregation. His death is a great loss to the church. We mourn with his wife, children and the whole flock which he so lovingly served as shepherd. I consider him one of the most impressive men I ever met. Memorial services were conducted by Carlos Azcarraga, assisted by Victorio Tibayan, Isabella Hayuhay and Noli Villamor.

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 14, pp. 11-12
February 10, 1972

By Antonio Buta

(Brother Antonio But& of Messina, Sicily, Italy, the author of this article, is a faithful Christian and an able, diligent preacher of Christ. He has been fully supported in his work in his homeland by the Pruett and Lobbit Church of Christ in Baytown, Texas for nineteen years. He is the capable editor of a bi-monthly, religious journal, Risveglio, which circulates throughout Italy and many countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The following article was published by him in Risveglio and was the occasion of a complaint being issued against him by some Roman Catholic, probably a priest.’ He was called before the authorities and successfully defended the facts which it contains. Because Brother Buta’s English, while good, might be somewhat difficult to understand by the average reader of Truth Magazine, I have edited the article with the view to making it conform to the way our readers would normally express themselves. I have been scrupulously careful not to alter the significance of anything said by Brother Buta and sincerely hope that I have been successful in this regard. Brother Buta is a well educated, cultured, and talented gentleman of deep convictions and unbounded courage. We salute him for this excellent article. We trust our readers will enjoy it. James W. Adams.)

This article is a consideration of the practical and social doctrine of Paul VI, who professes to be “the pope of the poor church,” and an expose of the luxury, waste of money, and unlawful financial operations while human rights are being trampled. Last June 29, Paul V1 celebrated his name-day and the eighth anniversary of his election as pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Naturally, the celebration was in tune with the celebrated person, who on several occasions has affirmed his church to be “the church of poor men.”

After hearing the discourses of Paul VI, it would appear blasphemous and sacrilegious to Roman Catholics to hear one affirm that the Roman Catholic Church is rich and its pope very rich. According to the pope and his authoritative newspaper, “The Roman Observer,” the outstanding characteristic of the Roman Catholic Church is its poverty. Despite these official assertions to the contrary, the suspicion of Catholic wealth is neither unwarranted nor blasphemous if one just looks, not at the many bad Vatican actions, but only at a few realities which exist before our very eyes, though they are studiously ignored by papal and conciliar papers.

One of these realities, the last in order of time, in a triumphal way, was the celebration of pope Montini’s name-day and anniversary. On June 30th, after five year’s work, the big reception room for pontifical audiences was opened. This room cost $25,000,000.00 (twenty-five million dollars). (Brother Buta wrote this using “millards,” 15 millards to be exact. Checking my dictionary, I found a millard to be one billion. Allowing 600 lire per dollar which is approximately the present value, I arrived at the 25 million figures. I hope this is correct. JWA) A new-papal paper affirmed incorrectly that it cost 12 million ($12,000,000.00) dollars. Putting together the price of this reception room and that one of the hanging garden which the pope built some years ago, perhaps it is not sacrilegious after all to speak of a very rich and nabob pope.

Who does not remember the elaborate speech of Paul VI and the telegram that he sent the Mayor of Rome in which he pleaded the cause of Roman people who live in barracks? At that time everyone applauded the pope’s humanitarian interference. Perhaps now there will echo in this new great reception room, new and more touching social warnings with fervent sermons about the poverty and social concern of the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Church. But who will note the vanity and hypocrisy of such words resounding in a room so completely unfit to echo sentiments concerning economic justice?

The Roman Observer of June 22, debating about the existence of Catholic sociology (social concern JWA), said, among other things, that the reasonable and Christian distribution of goods must be “without simulations, without luxury, without vices, without lust.” This was well said, but judging by the cost of the reception room, we say the Catholic Church is the least fit to speak of reasonable distribution of wealth, of poverty, and of the church of poor men. We consulted an architect with reference to how many flats of three rooms and services could be constructed with the twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000.00) which the reception room cost. His answer was: “One thousand five hundred (1,500) flats.”

Question: Could not the humanitarian Dr. Montini assign this amount of money to the Roman people who live in barracks in Rome? The amount of money we have been discussing does not take into account the operating expense of the reception room. Barring accidents in operation and maintenance, the operation of the reception room will cost three thousand three hundred dollars 43,300.00) for every audience-day. During the year, this will total something in the neighborhood of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00). It is a thing to compare with Pharaoh’s pyramid. Dear Dr. Montini projects a public image of himself sad, weeping, and much distressed by reason of his social anxiety over the state of the poor even as he seeks personal satisfaction in a triumphal way, and hang the expense. For the poor of Rome who live in huts it is sufficient for Dr. Montini to send an energetic telegraphic message to the Mayor of Rome. This saves face … above all cash.

Wealth and Discharges

But this is not all; let us pluck the evil flower by flower. We ask this “pope of poor men” what he plans to do for about two hundred (200) employees of Catholic Action. The General Presidency with Jesuitical tactics is exercising a capillary work of coercion upon these people to compel them to resign willingly. After long years of service on all but starvation salaries, these employees are offered, provided they go away, a dish of lentils. The Catholic Action demobilizes. It is an old worn-out organism, and while it was “the apple of the eyes” of the previous pope, to Dr. Montini it is useless, cumbersome machinery, so everything has to be eliminated. For those ’employees, who for thirty-four years worked like donkeys to secure prestige, glory, and money for the holy See, there is no money; they are simply liquidated. The plea that the Vatican is poor is the usual hypocritical, dirty solution.

However, the Catholic Action disposes of goods for millards that Vatican confiscated. (Brother Buta refers to millards of lire, I feel certain. A millard equals a billion. If it takes 600 lire to make an American dollar, we could substitute millions of dollars for his 64 millards” and get his point. JWA) Soon after the war, a subscription was raised among the adherents of Catholic Action into which Vatican put nothing of its own. The Villa Carpegna in Rome was bought with the proceeds. Now in a wing of this villa, big buildings of immense value are under construction, and they belong to Vatican. At the same time, Catholic Action is in poverty. Is it not deplorable mendacity to spend millions to build while not paying the poor employees of Catholic Action? What about the immense value of this property? Dr. Montini moralizes from his pulpit with social documents such as the encyclic “Populorurn Progressio,” but he does not feel shame at turning many families out of house and home while he builds reception rooms, hanging gardens and buildings.

Interesting Charity

Let us continue lest we become intoxicated in gleaning among these flowers of evil. Recently, Vatican created a new central organism for the coordination of the charitable activity in the church. Usually, when we make insinuations concerning the wealth of the Catholic Church, priests answer, “Yes, money enters Vatican but it is not sufficient because the great heart of the pope is like a seaport: ships go in and go out to carry everywhere the fatherly pontific charity.”

We have always entertained some doubts concerning this papal charity, but now, the underhanded activities of immense charitable institutions such as the Caritas Internationalis confirm the fact that our many doubts not only were but are well-grounded. Reality is more and more shocking.

We are not interested in the personal quarrels between the president of this organization and the Substitute of the State Secretary, Mons. Benelli. However, it is necessary to note the causes of the dissension in the worship to the Vatican’s true God, Mammon. During the tragic war between Biafras and Nigeria, Caritas Internationalis printed banknotes, which circulated freely in Biafras. The planes that carried helps and medicines also carried boxes of counterfeit banknotes.

At the end of the conflict, in order to elicit the sympathies of the winner (whenever it sided with the defeated), Vatican laid the responsibility for the filthy financial affair on the president of the Caritas, Mons. Bayer. In this scandalous affair, there was an assignment of millards of pounds sterling printed by the enterprising Vatican prelates, and while they and their followers gave printed paper, in exchange, they accepted only authentic dollars. While the Caritas with the permission of the Secretary of State performed these operations, Vatican and the beneficent collateral associations carried on in the world a money collecting campaign for Biafras. As a diabolic technique, this is not bad! Mammon’s sons are worthy of their father.

Meanwhile, in Vatican, money from every part of the world poured in, and Vatican kept a percentage of that which was received. This was done on the basis of a moral principle of Catholic theology called “secret compensation.”

What is the law of “secret compensation?” It is a kind of peculation or embezzlement, one of the many examples of “moral theology” conceived by the moralists to ease their consciences and to serve as a basis for forgiving one another their innumerable, dirty practices by which their hands are soiled in the handling of money. On the basis of this principle, the major part of the offerings could be subtracted as “secret compensation” and only a trifling part of the total offering actually arrive at the destination for which it was intended by its contributors. A classic example of this was the collection by the Catholic bishops for the benefit of the Sicilian people who were struck by the earthquake. About this, we could tell many things, however, we only say that, by Vatican order, from the collected amounts, there were deducted about sixty-seven (67) millions of dollars. This money was then channeled into ACLI (Catholic political syndicate). We can say the same thing concerning the collections for India and for Pakistan.

Now, will someone come and tell us the Catholic Church is poor? With Biafran money, secret compensation and various amounts deducted, the pope of poor men can build not only a big hanging garden or a reception room valued at millions, but some other little things. He can also afford a crazy expense such as that involved in sending a telegram to Rome’s mayor in the interest of the people who are living in barracks in Rome. A poor pope can spend a dollar, too.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The above photograph of Brother Buta is one made of him while casually dressed during his visit to this country during the Spring of 1971.)

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 14, pp. 8-11
February 10, 1972