Truth Magazine

By J.L. McKinley

For centuries the character of Nicodemus has endured much criticism. He’s been referred to as a coward because he chose to come to the Lord at night. I believe this is an unfair assessment of the situation. Nicodemus may have had reasonable motives for his visit with the Lord under such conditions. When we look past the fact that it was night, there is a lot we can learn about ourselves and the world around us by his example. In comparison to the multitudes in the world who will die in their sins, at least Nicodemus came to the Lord, even if perhaps it was only for a visit.

First we need to know a little about this man Nicodemus. John 3:1 says that he was a “ruler of the Jews,” no doubt, a member of the Sanhedrin, a very prestigious position during that time in history. The fact that Nicodemus belonged to the very organization that sought the demise of Jesus made his visit risky. If anyone confessed to believe in him he would be cast out of the synagogue (John 12:42). It’s understandable why Nicodemus chose a veil of darkness to conceal his visit to the Lord. By coming to the Lord at night he could stand in his midst without interruption from the biased crowds. There is no doubt that Nicodemus, like others, was expecting a national Messiah who would deliver Israel from Roman captivity. He knew nothing about a spiritual kingdom.

During our Lord’s three-year ministry, the disciples were continually under the impression that Jesus was going to set up an earthly kingdom. For centuries, the promise of a Messiah who the Jews believed would bring Israel back to its pinnacle as in the days of David was what gave the people hope. When Christ was nailed to the cross their hopes were dashed to the ground. Nicodemus was willing to put this belief that he had held all his life to the test in coming to Jesus.

I’ve met many people who have preconceived ideas about religion and the church that they had received from places other than God’s word. When you offer to sit down with them and show them the truth they shy away. The unlearned person’s last line of defense is usually in this form, “Well, we all have our own interpretations of what the Bible says!” Nicodemus was willing to lay aside his ideas and what he had been taught to hear ” a teacher come from God” (John 3:2). It’s an admirable trait that this man of such authority came to Jesus in the first place. People who obtain important (but unscriptural) positions in denominational churches seldom want to sit down and hear the truth. They choose to live in ignorance of God’s will verses relinquishing their coveted position. A person who is “shacking up” with someone would prefer not to hear any-thing that might make him uncomfortable, therefore any thought of becoming a Christian or attending a religious service is forgotten. In the case of Nicodemus we do not see any of those traits. Here is a man who is willing to put all that he is and believes on the line to seek the truth.

It’s also interesting to see that this man, who was a teacher of the Law, referred to Jesus as “Rabbi.” In the Greek this word rabbi primarily denotes “a master” in contrast to a slave. The Scribes and the Pharisees were known to be very haughty and self-righteous. Nicodemus stepped out from those who thought they knew it all to have the divine truth revealed to him from the very Creator himself (John 1:1-3).

Jesus said unless people become as little children, they cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matt.18:3). There is nothing more humble or impressionable than a child; their desire to learn by asking questions can drive the average grown-up crazy. It is without a doubt an admirable quality in the eyes of God to see a new-babe in Christ searching and asking for knowledge. Children are dependent on their parents for their needs and guidance into adulthood. A child of God should learn through prayer and diligent study of the Scriptures to rely completely on Jehovah who is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

The fact that Nicodemus sought out the Lord proves that some of the required qualifications were present. When a person already believes he knows it all, he is unteachable. Not only were the Scribes and the Pharisees very knowledgeable of the Law of Moses, they placed their salvation on the fact that they were descendants of Abraham. Nicodemus knew that Jesus had come from God because he said, “no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him” (John 3:2).

Because of curiosity he had the opportunity to hear how to become a part of the greatest kingdom that will ever stand. “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5 ). Many people will pass through the murky waters of eternity with-out even considering their sinful condition until they stand guilty before their Creator on the margin of eternity. We must remember that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).

We are never told in the Bible whether Nicodemus obeyed the teachings of Jesus, but it is clear by his actions later that he grew as a believer in Christ. The very fact that the Lord, who “knew what was in man” (John 2:25), told him about being born again proves Nicodemus was a sincere seeker, unlike the Jews in chapter 2 (John 2:18-25). In John 7:50-51 we read of Nicodemus standing up for Jesus amidst his peers. Then after the Lord had uttered his final words, “It is finished,” Nicodemus, along with Joseph of Arametha, pleaded with Pilate for the body of Jesus and buried it with expensive myrrh and aloes. During a time when all his disciples had returned to their old lives with their hopes dashed, this man who came to Jesus by night was still there. What started out as visit shrouded in secrecy, bloomed into a public display of loyalty. Would we have remained true, even when it seemed like all was lost?

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 24, p. 11-12
December 19, 1996

By Bob J. Walton

There is no problem in life more universal, more common, and more unique than that of suffering. It is the common malady of mankind; if we live long enough, we will experience some type or degree of suffering.

It is not my purpose in this article to discuss the source or origin of suffering. While it is a baffling question, many good articles and tracts have been written to explain this problem and they can be read and studied with much profit. It is my intent to look at some ways suffering can benefit us.

First of all, we can learn complete dependence on God. If there is ever a time in life when men tend to turn to God, it is when they suffer. We certainly learn this principle from the study of God’s word. Great men of the Bible al-ways turned to God and leaned on him when sufferings came. I believe this is the great lesson in the book of Job. In severe suffering Job “did not sin with his lips” (Job 1:10). Neither did he “charge God foolishly” (Job 1:22), but worshiped Jehovah. He knew God was his redeemer (Job 9:25) and that God would vindicate his cause.

This was also a quality of Daniel; when problems and threats of death came, he trusted in God for his help (Dan. 6:10-11). And he walked into that den of lions believing God would win the victory for him. And by complete dependence on God, the victory was won (Dan. 6:22-23).

Paul was given a thorn in the flesh. God did not send this suffering; the devil did. And God did not remove it, but gave Paul the grace to bear it (2 Cor. 12:7-9). I believe it was complete dependence on God that enabled this great apostle to bear up under this and all other problems of suffering he encountered.

And this is the “bottom line” for you and me. When suffering comes we should certainly turn to God, put our complete dependence in him and say, “Lord, it is in your hands, I have no other source to which I can turn but you and may thy will be done.” And what a great source of help, comfort, and strength he can and will bestow on us in time of trouble. “The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1).

Another great benefit we can derive from suffering and trying times is the support of family. There is no greater source of strength and help than a faithful loving husband or wife by your side. And to see them patiently bear up under the long hours of concern and care, never wavering, but always there, cannot be surpassed as a genuine source of benefit and encouragement to one so dependent on others. This, along with children patiently encouraging and helping, makes what seems like unbearable times so much easier. Yes, we can certainly learn of the benefits of a faithful spouse and children in our times of problems and suffering.

Still another thing we can learn from suffering is what our fellow Christians (especially the local church) can mean to us. In times of severe pain and stress, when the way looks exceedingly dark and drear, what a comfort it is to know of the love, concern, and prayers of our brethren in Christ. It is at these times that we learn what real love, support, and encouragement is all about. I am sure this is how Peter felt when he learned that while he was in prison, with all his sufferings and uncertainties, “prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5).

Another definite benefit of suffering is that we can learn of another suffering  that of Christ. While the sufferings of this life may be severe; those that try our very souls, they can in no way compare with the sufferings of Christ. But while they can in no way compare, maybe we can come to appreciate more his love and sacrifice for me. He became obedient unto death, yea even the death on the cross (Phil. 2:6). He was literally nailed to a cross and left there to die. What suffering, what agony! Now maybe, just maybe, in our sufferings we can in some small way come to appreciate that love and sacrifice more. Maybe we can appreciate more what he went through so I can be a Christian and have that hope of eternal life. What a great lesson we can learn in our times of suffering.

One final and very important principle we can learn from suffering is: the sufferings here do not compare with the glory to follow. The New Testament reminds us of this again and again. Paul suffered much for the cause of the Lord. And in our times of suffering we can in some small way relate to him as to what he emphasized again and again, “Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceeding weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17-18). He states further, “If children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him. For I reckon the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us ward” (Rom. 8:17-18). So, we can understand that whatever sufferings we undergo here are light and insignificant in comparison to our eternal reward. All sufferings of this present world don’t last long; yet heaven is eternal. This is precisely why we need to learn this great benefit of suffering and why we should endure patiently; knowing that by faith-fully committing our lives to God, we can have a great reward in heaven. I believe it will certainly be worth it all.

Yes, suffering is the common lot of mankind. And in suffering we can learn things learned no where else. We can learn a deeper and more abiding faith in God and a more humble trust in him. And despite the suffering of this world, we can cast all our cares on him knowing that he cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). And in turning it all over to him and waiting on him, always believing he will work things out to our ultimate good, we will win.

And finally, may we learn what the Spirit said to the church at Smyrna, “Fear not the things thou art about to suffer, behold, the devil (the source of suffering) is about to cast some of you in prison, that you may be tried; and shall have tribulation ten days (a short but definite period of time). Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 24, p. 10-11
December 19, 1996

By Dick Blackford

No fireworks! No Elvis impersonators! No antique car shows! No gimmicks!

All of these have been sponsored by churches in our area, but the church of Christ at 516 Rocky Point Road just wants to be a church after the New Testament order. All we offer is the gospel, without addition or subtraction. Our goal is to specialize in just being a church, not a club. Sometimes men mix the social gospel with the truth, thereby diluting it. There is a difference between the pure gospel and the modern social gospel, which is really another gospel (Gal. 1:6-10).

The Lord’s church was given a three-fold work to do. (1) Its primary mission is to evangelize. It is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Thess. 1:8). (2) It also has the responsibility to teach and train its own members so they may grow to maturity (Eph. 4:12). (3) And it was given the work of benevolence (Acts 6:1-6).

Christ’s mission was to save souls for eternity. He made a clear distinction between the sacred (what came from heaven) and the secular (what came from men). If it came from men, it had no heavenly authority (Mark 11:30). The responsibility of recreation and entertainment was never given to the church. Men have so blended the sacred and the secular that it is difficult to distinguish them. Inspiration cautions us not to go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6).

Do you feel insulted if a church thinks the only way they can keep you faithful to God is with food, entertainment, and recreation? Do you desire to associate with those who simply want to worship God because they love him and Jesus died for them?

It is refreshing to meet folks who want to go back to the Bible and just be the church Jesus built. That is our goal. We hope you will make it yours! Won’t you come and investigate?

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 24, p. 9
December 19, 1996

By Johnny and Nanette Stringer

On October 19, 1946, a teenaged couple were united in marriage at the Limestone County Courthouse, Athens, Alabama. O.C. and Frances had kept their intentions secret from all family members except O.C.’s brother Phares and Frances’ sister Connie, who were the only witnesses of the wedding.

Thus, this couple began to share a life of devoted service to the Lord. During the first years of their life together, they worked as sharecroppers raising cotton  once picking over 700 pounds in one day. In 1948 their first child, Nanette, was born. Their second, Gary, came along in 1952.

With the encouragement of A.J. Rollins, O.C. began preaching in 1953 for a little country church at Cool Springs, Tennessee. During the 30-45 minute drive to the assembly each Sunday, Frances, with Bible in hand, would help O.C. practice reciting passages so that he could quote them by memory in his sermon. This early practice was typical of the team approach they have always taken in meeting life’s challenges.

From 1954 to1956, O.C. preached for the churches at Cartwright and New Hope, Alabama, alternating between the two on Sundays, and having midweek services on Wednesday at one and Thursday at the other.

During the school year of 1955-56, O.C. drove the school bus from Rogersville to Athens Bible School, where he taught eighth-grade Bible. At the beginning of that year, Frances worked in the office at Athens Bible School. Then she suggested to brother Bennie Lee Fudge that O.C. could do her job as well as she could. Brother Fudge agreed, and this allowed her to stay home with Gary.

In 1956 the Birdwells left Alabama, moving to Marked Tree, Arkansas, where O.C. preached. To help make ends meet, they did odd jobs, including picking cotton and cleaning the church building. O.C. did some work in a dry goods store and Frances in a shirt factory. In addition, they gathered whatever was offered in other people’s gardens.

They moved to Alamo, Tennessee, in 1958. It was not long until O.C. was forced to take a firm stand against institutionalism, making it necessary to move to Lisbon, Ohio in 1959. From Lisbon they moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1960, where they remained until 1964. Their third child, Alan, was born in 1960.

After moving to Barberton, Ohio in 1964, the Birdwells agreed to do the mailing of Truth Magazine, which was edited by Cecil Willis. They moved a plate-making ma-chine, an Addressograph machine, and all the records into their basement. Frances did the bookkeeping, and the whole family worked making address plates and addressing the magazines.

It was soon determined that a mail-order bookstore would help support the magazine. O.C. built shelves, bought some books, and began managing Truth Magazine Bookstore in the Birdwell basement. This arrangement continued until 1967, when the Birdwells moved to Columbia, Tennessee, and Truth Magazine Book-store was moved to Indiana. The Birdwell’s fourth child, Lisa, was born in 1966. In 1972 they suffered the heart-breaking loss of Gary through an industrial accident.

The Birdwells spent 1972-80 in Cullman, Alabama and 1980-84 in Taylors, South Carolina. Then in 1984, the Guardian of Truth Foundation asked O.C. to become the company’s business manager. The bookstore that the Birdwells had begun in their basement was now moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky, and they moved there to operate the store. Alan, being trained in accounting and finance, joined them in this work. While in Bowling Green, O.C. preached in Caneyville, Kentucky, then for the Three Springs Road church in Bowling Green.

Finally, in 1990, O.C. and Frances returned to their roots in North Alabama. After the Guardian of Truth Foundation purchased the CEI Bookstore in Athens, the Birdwells built a house on their farm near Rogersville and began operating the CEI store. O.C. continued to manage the Foundation’s business, working out of the Athens store.

Presently, they stay busy, working three days a week in the business and the rest of the time on the farm they love  raising registered Santa Gertrudas cattle, gardening, and taking care of their land. They derive much joy from five grandchildren: Cynthia (Stringer) Brewer, Ronald Stringer, Evan Crim, Alissa Crim, and Emily Birdwell. And there is another Crim on the way.

Through the years, O.C. and Frances Birdwell have been an example and an inspiration to all who know them, especially their children. They have demonstrated unwavering love and commitment to each other. Their children (including children-in-law) have learned from them and appreciate them for their love, generosity, and unfailing support.

This husband and wife are as devoted to each other as two people could be. We know that they are thankful for the 50 years they have had together, for they have been a blessing to each other; but many others are also thankful, for they have been a blessing to us also.

Fifty years is just a milestone that is passed as the marriage continues. The marriage will endure as long as they live, and we trust that will be for many more years.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 24, p. 8-9
December 19, 1996