Truth Magazine

By Joe R. Price

Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things (Phil. 3:17-19).

Are there still enemies of the cross of Christ among us, or did that danger end with the completion of the New Testament? How will we be able to identify and avoid them? Should we even try to make such identifications? Or, should we leave everyone to do “that which (is) right in his own eyes” (Judg. 21:25)?

The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul instructed the saints at Philippi to imitate those who live according to the pattern of truth (Phil. 3:15-17; 4:9). He “often” warned the brethren of the enemies of the cross of Christ (Phil. 3:18). Paul’s often discussion of these men protected the brethren against them and their errors (cf. 2 Cor. 11:13-15). The apostles of Christ often told the brethren of those who would lead souls away from Christ into pits of destruction (Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 15:12; 2 Cor. 10-13; Gal. 2:4-5; 5:1-12; 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 2 Tim. 2:16-18; 3 John 9-10). The apostles not only exposed the error of false doctrine, they also identified those who did the teaching. We cannot afford to do less today.

Paul took no pleasure in identifying the enemies of the cross. He described these enemies with tears of concern for all those involved. There was no impulse of vengefulness, no delight over the exposure of evil, no joy in another man’s sin (Rom. 12:18-21; 2 Cor. 2:4; 1 Cor. 13:6). When we identify and expose enemies of the cross of Christ we must share Paul’s earnest concern for these deluded souls. The Lord’s servant must not wrangle, but he must try to snatch the lost out of the fire of destruction (2 Tim. 2:24-26; Jude 22-23). Some will charge any attempt to identify and warn against the enemies of the cross as self-righteous, creedalistic and self-promoting. After all, “we are not Christ and we cannot judge others.” More and more are accepting the rationalization of these men which, by design, shields them against exposure (John 7:24; Luke 12:54-57; John 3:19-21; Eph. 5:13). Have we not forgotten those being deceived by error when we defend the deceiver by preaching a doctrine of tolerance (compromise)? Of course we have.

Describing the Enemies of the Cross

The characteristics of enemies of the cross of Christ are identified by the apostle in Philippians 3:18-19. These de-fining marks continue to describe those who abandon the narrow path of righteousness (Matt. 7:13-27). Briefly consider their traits and the result of their actions:

1. Their god is their belly. That is, they are driven by selfishness and self-satisfaction. Self has become that which they worship and serve. While claiming to preach the cross, they crucify Christ for the sake of their own desires (Gal. 2:20; 2 Tim. 3:1-5). Idolatry is alive and well among Christians today. “My little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).

2. They glory in their shame. They hold as virtuous the very things which are abominable in God’s sight (Eph. 5:3-14; Isa. 5:20). Those who teach shameful doctrines which promote immorality are held in high esteem (for instance, doctrines of divorce and remarriage which promote the re-marriage of put-away fornicators in violation of Matt. 19:9), while those who with bold honesty forewarn of destructive heresies are dismissed as fanatics. The watchman is held in contempt by these enemies of the cross (Jet 6:17). They convince brethren to believe the watchman of God is really a self-seeking alarmist filled with his own self worth. Such peer pressure tends to silence godly watchmen and opens the door for the tolerance of shameful things (Jude 3-4).

3. They mind earthly things. Although proposing to walk by God’s rule of conduct, they attend to earthly things (Phil. 3:16-17; 1:15-17). In their way of thinking, spiritual things are a way to gain an advantage (1 Tim. 6:3-5). Like Jannes and Jambres, they “withstand the truth; men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith” (2 Tim. 3:8). This world is their home.

4. Their end is perdition. Enemies of Christ and his cross face certain ruin and eternal destruction (2 Thess. 1:7-9). One day they too shall bow their knees to the Lord of all (Phil. 2:9-11).

Identifying the Enemies of the Cross

Who are enemies of the cross today? Here are a few examples so that, instead of following them, we may warn them and urge them to repent of their sins against Christ.

1. Preachers who will not preach the whole counsel of God. Preaching the gospel has become a “career” to some. Every move is calculated in terms of how it will enhance one’s “professional life” and standing in the brotherhood. Positioning, posturing, and sophistry have taken the place of “crying in the wilderness” the wonderful gospel of Christ! This enemy of the cross rarely confronts sin (whether privately or publicly), unless it promotes himself. Envy and strife motivates this preacher, not goodwill toward his fellow-workers in the Lord’s vineyard (Phil. 1:15-17; 1 Cor. 3:6-9). My preaching brethren, let us always preach the whole counsel of God, “in season, out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2). Preaching the gospel is a God-given work that calls for diligence without seeking glory from men (1 Cor. 9:16). Necessity is laid upon us to proclaim God’s message of truth and we will answer to him for our conduct as stewards of his word (cf. 1 Cor. 4:1-5; Jas. 3:1).

2. Elders who feed themselves but do not feed the sheep. Ezekiel prophesied against the shepherds of Israel who fattened themselves while God’s sheep (Israel) fell prey to spiritual disease and danger (read Ezek. 34:1-24). God was against these shepherds and brought his judgment upon them (Ezek. 34:10). While there are fine elders today, there are also those who rule over their flock with “force and rigor” rather than searching for and saving the lost sheep (Ezek. 34:4; 1 Pet. 5:3). Elders should protect the sheep, not invite the enemy into the flock for a meal! When elders refuse to stop the mouths of the unruly, the deceivers and the false teachers they are not loving nor leading the people of God (Tit. 1:9-11; Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17). Elders are a church’s first line of defense against Satan and his servants. Elders who are more concerned with church politics than with saving the lost and protecting the saved are truly enemies of the cross of Christ (1 Tim. 5:19-20).

3. Christians who love and choose the world rather than Jesus. A favorite song of many is “0, How I Love Jesus.” Are we so deceived as to think that we really love Jesus when we choose and approve of the dress, language, and conduct of the world (1 John 2:15-17)? We cannot sow to the flesh and reap eternal life (Gal. 6:7-8). We do not honor Christ and his death on the cross by clinging to the very things which crucified our Lord! We must have “no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Eph. 5:11). We must come out and be separate from the world (2 Cor. 6:14-18). If we will not do so we are not the people of the cross, we are the enemies of the cross. Let us “cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” lest our salt lose its savor and our light goes out (2 Cor. 7:1; Matt. 5:13-16).

The apostle Paul spoke often of the enemies of the cross of Christ because he truly cared for the souls of the saints. He wanted them to walk in the right path and follow the right examples. Paul was not being paranoid when he talked about these adversaries of Christ. The enemies of the cross were (and are) real. They are still actively deceiving the hearts of the innocent and their treachery must be with-stood (Rom. 16:17-18; Tit. 1:10-11). Will you holdup their hands or rebuke their destructive doctrines and practices?

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers. . . . (Phil. 3:1-2).

Guardian of Truth XLI: 19 p. 16-18
October 2, 1997

By Larry Ray Hafley

Like the assassination of President Kennedy a generation ago, the sudden death of Diana, Princess of Wales, has shocked the world. What lessons can we learn?

The Brevity of Life

She was only 36 years old, yet, whether young or old, our lives are “soon cut off, and we fly away” (Ps. 90:10). “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (Jas. 4:14).

Death Comes to All Men, Rich and Poor “They that trust in their wealth. . . . None of them, can by any means . . . give to God a ransom…. That he should still live for ever and not see corruption” (Ps. 49:6-9). The rich fool in Luke 12 looked forward to “many years” of luxurious retirement, but God said, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee” (Luke 12:20). Wealth, fame, honor, and privilege did not save that man, nor the lovely Princess, and neither can they deliver us from our appointment with death (Heb. 9:27).

“The Sting of Death Is Sin”

Death would not hold as much pain as it does if no one died in sin (John 8:21, 24; 1 Thess. 4:13-18). When one dies outside of Christ, not having obeyed the gospel of Christ, it reminds us of death’s real sting, its real sorrow. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezek. 33:11). In contrast to that, the Psalmist said, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Ps. 116:15). Thus, while we mourn the Princess, let us warn people who are unprepared to meet God, lest at death they partake of the sting of death.

“Sorrow Is Better Than Laughter”

“It is better to go to the house of mourning , than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made wise. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning: but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool” (Eccl. 7:2-6).

The wise man will reflect on his soul’s salvation in the house of mourning. The fool seeks the shallow laughter and happiness of the world and blinds himself to the inevitability of death and the judgment.

Conclusion

Have you learned these lessons? In light of the sad and shocking loss of Princess Diana, it is time we paused to think on them and make application to our lives.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 20 p. 1
October 16, 1997

By David McKee

I have always been content to read the fine articles presented in this publication and have never felt compelled to contribute, but for the sake of our brethren I would like to get a word out to fellow-preachers: Please, lose the arrogance! This promoting of oneself is leaving the simple behind, creating followings out of opinions, and reducing your level of influence for good, as people are simply turned off by it.

Perhaps it is the most recent display that has moved me to express my disappointment. At a gathering of preachers, a young talented man was responding to a question concerning a young talented friend of his. His answer dealt with his friend’s location and the inability of his congregation to grasp the things that he said, as his sermons were above the level of this simple-minded group’s ability to comprehend. His punch line was, “He gets up there and discusses some issue and these folks, who’ve just come in from cutting their okra and picking their corn, don’t have any idea what he’s talking about.” The group laughed.

The preacher in that location must be relating it to his friend in such terms which indicates the opinion he has of himself. The friend in the group tells it, as if he sympathizes, and the majority laughs at those simple-minded dolts who can’t keep pace with this one of superior intellect. Why doesn’t the fellow go somewhere that is sophisticated enough for him and let some hillbilly come in there who might do them some good? Perhaps I was offended because half the folks I preach to cut okra and grow corn, as I do myself. I guess we are simple-minded also.

Earlier in the year, my family went to a local meeting where the speaker, for the first five minutes of the lesson, spoke of all the wonderful things he had done, the wonderful lessons he had prepared on other subjects, expressed his sorrow that we would not be able to hear them, but could if we came where he regularly preached. Later in his lesson, while making an important point about Christ, he stopped and castigated the group for not responding when he said, “Amen?” He proceeded to inform the group that we must be one of those backward groups that doesn’t believe in saying “amen.” After about five minutes of this, he concluded by giving us a dry-run or two on how to say “amen” when he would say “amen.” When he was satisfied, he returned to his point about Christ, what-ever it was, checking every now and then to see if we remembered our lesson with a quick, “Amen?” He bragged on the few who did respond on-demand. I wondered if he kept doggie treats in his pocket for such occasions.

A few years ago, our congregation held a meeting, and the speaker turned out to be one of those who feels no regrets about speaking for an hour and a half each night. Few men can speak that long and keep one captivated  he wasn’t one of those. Later in the week, as he was speaking, he reached a point where you surely though he was going to conclude, but instead went on for twenty more minutes. He told me later that he had thought of concluding at that point, but that, “I could see the gleam in their eyes, and I knew I had them right where I wanted them.” I wanted to tell him, that wasn’t gleam you saw; maybe pain, discomfort, even boredom. Even if he were one of those whose two-hour lesson seems like fifteen minutes, his statement revealed an opinion of himself that was a bit overrated.

While we all could go on with more such incidents, we need to be aware of what harm we are doing to the cause of Christ. Far from “adorning the gospel,” it comes across as distasteful in the eyes of many. Most would not tell the preacher, “I was turned off by your show of arrogance,” but will simply stop listening, or not return to hear him again. Even the simplest of us can see that this attitude represents nothing of the nature of Christ. Paul crawled so that Christ would be exalted. Too many today exalt themselves above a group they see as crawling before them.

Many brethren are taken with such a one, as he is revered, not only in his own eyes, but theirs as well. His word is taken for gospel truth. Problems arise and his opinion is gold, never mind what the Bible might say on the matter. Two revered ones clash over some self-exalted opinion and the fall-out is among the brethren who will divide over which side of the issue their man has taken. No one will confess wrong and nothing will be resolved because arrogance will not allow it.

The difficulty with rebuking one with such a mind is that he will either think himself deserving of such elevation, fail to see himself truly, or think such a rebuke comes from an underling who knows not whereof he speaks. Paul could say, “In nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles,” and it is great if God has blessed you with ability that sets you apart. But please bear in mind what Paul follows that with; “though I am nothing.”

Guardian of Truth XLI: 20 p. 6-7
October 16, 1997

By Quentin McCay

Many churches are doing many things today that would have been unthinkable several years ago. Though the gospel is God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16), all kinds of gimmicks are invented to draw people. Church kitchens are built with the money from church treasuries. Children are rewarded with candy and cookies for riding the buses to services. Basketball teams, skating parties, fellowship halls, and youth rallies are designed to appeal to the young people. Homes for unwed mothers, homes for the needy, and schools, for which a fee is charged (to teach secular subjects), are invented to thaw people into the fold. Numerous other practices could be mentioned that indicate that many churches have abandoned the practice of doing all things according to the pattern of the New Testament.

Some people are bothered by all these things being done by the church. Often they say that they do not believe that such things are the work of the church and wish that the church would cease such practices. But they do not have the courage to break with the liberal trend. However, some have made the break and are willing to bear whatever reproach and shame evil men heap upon them. To those who have thought of breaking with the accelerating apostasy, we make an appeal to come back to the Bible, and take a stand with those who are fighting for the purity of the church.

To keep you safely in the fold of digression, many tricks are used. The “liberals” would have you believe that the “conservatives” are a bunch of cranks who would let poor little orphans starve and who think that it is sinful for churches to cooperate. Such charges are false and most everyone knows that such is false, but it serves the purpose to deceive. We stand ready to accept any passage or Bible argument that will prove these things to be scriptural. But all the wisdom of men has not found any Bible authority for the above mentioned practices. We urge you to examine what we teach and practice in these areas of differences and find out just what the issues are. Many honest people have done this and discovered that what we are saying is exactly what they believe, because it is what the Bible teaches, and have broken with the liberal forces. They have taken their stand with those who are making a sincere effort to “speak where the Bile speaks,” and to “be silent where the Bible is silent.” For the following reasons we appeal to you to make the break as many have done

For Conscience Sake

Many say they do not believe many things that churches are doing and yet go right along giving their money and time advancing the very thing that they oppose. The Bible teaches, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). This means that we sin, if we do things, not being fully persuaded in our own mind that the practice is right. Paul was discussing the matter of eating meats, but his teaching has application to unscriptural practices of churches today. Practicing something without the full consent of one’s con-science is sinful. So for the sake of your conscience, you should break with those unscriptural practices.

For Sake Of Your Children

Though you say that you do not believe in many things being done by the church where you worship, your children will likely grow up believing that such are scriptural. Little by little the church is drifting into complete apostasy and your children will find themselves involved in this apostasy. For the sake of your children, therefore you should lead the way out of the digressive movement. You have a duty to teach them the truth on every subject and show them the dangers of any departure from the ways of the Lord. Your children will grow up and give their time, money, and influence to the cause of digression, and you will be responsible for it. Their usefulness for truth and righteousness now, and their eternal salvation depends upon you leading the way out of error and back to the Bible.

Duty To Stand For The Right

Christians have an obligation to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3). Error succeeds when Christians do nothing When God’s people fail to stand against error, there will be no opposition to it, and error will grow like leaven to permeate the whole body. Paul declared, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore …” (Eph. 6:10-18). The person that does not stand against (anti) error is in violation of this passage.

For Your Own Salvation

One cannot be saved believing and following error. Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). One is made free from sin, or saved by truth, not error. A little error mixed with a lot of truth is destructive. Some say, “I don’t go along, nor believe a lot of things being done where I worship.” But they do go along by giving their time, money, and influence to those things. You should either correct the error where you worship, or make the break and find a place where you can stand for the truth. Your salvation depends upon it.

To have a clear conscience, to save your children, to fulfill your duty, and for the sake of the salvation of your own soul, you should make the break and take your stand with those who are making a sincere effort to please God in all things.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 19 p. 18-19
October 2, 1997