Truth Magazine

By Carol R. Lumpkin

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6). Jesus spoke of “the way” in the Sermon on the Mount: “Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt.7:14). The individual who desires to enter “the way” must first be taught of God. Jesus said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me” (Jn. 6:44-45). The gospel, God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16), must be preached to enable the sinner to hear (Mk: 16:15). Those who hear may either believe or not believe the preached word. Faith comes by hearing the word (Rom. 10:17). When the jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30), he had not heard the gospel. Paul and Silas said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). Then verse 32 tells us that the word of God was spoken to them; hence, faith came by hearing the word of God.

The believer has the power (right) to become a son of God. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name” (Jn. 1:12). The believer is not a son of God, but could become a son when and if his faith leads him to full gospel obedience. Paul declared, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness” (Rom. 10:10). So belief (faith) is unto, in the direction toward, righteousness.

Without faith one cannot please God (Heb.11:6). Faith is unto righteousness which shows the sinner is not there yet. In addition to faith the sinner must repent of his sins. Repentance is a command of God. “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Lk. 13:3, 5). God commands all sinners to repent (Acts 17:30). Repentance is a change of heart which brings about a change of life. The story of the father who had two sons demonstrates the meaning of repentance. The father said to one son, “Son, go work today in my vineyard.” The son replied, “I will not: but afterward he repented and went” (Matt. 21:28-29). Repentance is unto spiritual life. “Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18).

The alien sinner who hears the word of God, believes that Jesus is the Son of God, and repents of his sins is still guilty of his sins. Before Philip would baptize the eunuch, the eunuch was required to confess that Jesus was the Son of God. “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). Paul declared, “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10b).

“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you” (Rom. 6:17). What is that form of doctrine? “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4). That form of doctrine has reference to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. This was the gospel Paul preached to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 15:1-2). This form of doctrine is obeyed in the process of one becoming saved. The sinner must die to sin through repentance, a form of the death of Christ. The sinner must be buried in water to receive the forgiveness of his sins already repented of. This is a form of the burial of Christ. The individual is raised from the water, thus a form of the resurrection of Christ from the tomb. Paul said, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death (not unto): that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father . . .” (Rom. 6:3-4).

When the sinner obeys the gospel of Jesus Christ he is, “delivered from the power of darkness (sin), and hath translated us into (not unto) the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13). Baptism puts a person into Christ (the way). “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ” (Gal.3:27; cf. Rom. 6:3). Christ is the way (Jn. 14:6), salvation is in Christ (Acts 4:12; 2 Tim. 2:10), one enters Christ in baptism (Gal. 3:27); hence having obeyed that form of doctrine (Rom. 6:17), being born of water and the Spirit (Jn. 5:3, 5), the sinner is freed from his sins and becomes a servant of righteousness ( Rom. 6:17-18). He at this time is a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), saved (Mk. 16:16), a Christian (Acts 11:26), in the way (Jn. 14:6), and will in the hereafter enter heaven providing he is faithful in doing the commandments of God (Rev. 22:14). This is God’s one and only way to heaven. Study it carefully, believe it with all your heart, obey its every precept.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 24, p. 15
December 21, 1995

By Harry Persaud

Paul thanked God for brethren who share “in the defense and confirmation of the gospel” (Phil. 1:7). Brethren today should know what a great encouragement this is! For those who do not know me, let me explain my background and why I love those who share in the defense of the gospel. My heritage is from India and I was born a Hindu in Georgetown, British Columbia (now Guiana). In America, I was with the Baptists, the Catholics, and the Jehovah’s Witnesses until I learned the true gospel of Christ. I could not rest until beginning to preach the gospel because I know what it means to be lost in the darkness of sin and error!

I have been working with the Church of Christ in Vauxhall since August 1981, which is near South Orange, New Jersey. We are a small group meeting in Millburn Mall, but we are “set for the defense of the gospel” and we are striving to spread it in every way possible (Phil. 1:17, 27). This area is like Smyrna, which had “the synagogue of Satan,” and like Pergamos, which had “Satan’s seat” (Rev. 2:9, 13). Still, we try to fight the good fight of faith in a manner pleasing and acceptable to God, desiring to follow the footsteps of our Lord in saving the lost.

We use church ads (articles) in local newspapers in an effort to reach people with the truth and to expose error like Christ and the apostles did. We are giving people of this area book, chapter, and verse for our teaching. The responses of some people are hostile and abusive. My life has been threatened with language which cannot be printed here. I have been told to go back to India. Yet, I cannot complain because our trials cannot compare to the sufferings of our Lord, his apostles, and the first-century Christians from whom we get strength and comfort.

I thank God for the sound teaching published in the Guardian of Truth magazine. The ideas and contents of this material are useful for the articles we put in several newspapers in Union and Essex counties. Often, the stand we take on such things as homosexuality, Catholicism, and denominationalism is unpopular, but our teaching is noticed by many readers and it leads to many responses and discussions.

Exposing the Error of the Pope

For instance, in June 1995 we ran our column named “Let the Bible Speak” in The Star-Ledger, and in about 12 other papers owned by Worrall Community Newspapers (such as The Clark Eagle, Kenilworth Leader, etc.). The material was borrowed from Ron Halbrook, “The Pope: Man of the Year Needs to Read Eternal Word,” Guardian of Truth, April 20, 1995, page 242. Our headline read, “The Man of the Year needs God’s eternal word as his `Spiritual Compass.’ There was much reaction to the article from several communities where all of these newspapers go.

Even Tom Canavan, Editor-in-Chief of Worrall Community Newspapers, wrote a special editorial, “From the Editor’s Notebook” (June 8, 1995). He told about the church of Christ meeting in Vauxhall and our articles. He explained our right under the U.S. Constitution to teach the Bible. He quoted this part of our article on the Pope,

Yes, the Pope takes some good stands against abortion and divorce, but the Pope cannot serve as a true “moral and spiritual compass” because his teaching is a flagrant violation of the gospel of Christ. Any man who lives in open rebellion against God’s Word nullifies any claim to moral leadership. It is a tragic commentary on our time that such a man could be considered a “moral compass.”

Then, Mr. Canavan tried to answer the truth! After objecting to the idea that one “path is the only path,” he said,

Persaud sounds like he has an insecurity. His ad sounds like he is someone who cannot attract followers based on his own church’s merits and needs to mar the beliefs of another church instead.

The Editor-in-Chief does not see his own contradictions. He is teaching that the only path is the path that says there are many paths! Why does he object to me teaching only one path is right when actually he teaches the same principle, just a different path? Does he have an insecurity, since he disagreed with our article? Did Jesus and his apostles have insecurities when they exposed error? Can’t Mr. Canavan attract people to his belief based on its own merits without marring the message of the church of Christ? If “insecurity” must explain my review of someone’s teaching, then “insecurity” must explain Mr. Canavan’s review of my teaching. Such contradictions are obvious!

It gets even more interesting. Mr. Canavan explained,

The ad had an impact. In Kenilworth, one of our news-papers that published the ad, parishioners of St. Theresa’s Church called to tell us not to cover an event Monday night at the church because they were very offended by the ad and did not want representation from our Kenilworth Leader.

C. This is not personal, but a matter of the TRUTH. I found the Pope’s religion and teaching out of harmony with the Bible. In fact, Bible history and secular history have proven that Roman Catholicism and Protestantism are apostasy from Truth, foretold in the Bible (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Cor. 11:12-13; Matt. 24:23-25).

Therefore, as a Gospel Preacher and a follower of Christ, I will not compromise or patronize the truth for peace or friends, but continue to expose error. We are committed to teach the Bible (Jn. 8:32), in love for God, love for Truth, and love for souls.

Mr. Canavan suggested the protesters send letters to the editor since “the views expressed in the ad do not reflect the views of the newspaper.”

In addition, I received letters from a priest and a man who described himself as “a recent college graduate in Catholic Theology and Philosophy. . . who is preparing to begin studies for the priesthood.”

Discouraged? No, Encouraged!

Are we discouraged by the response of Mr. Canavan? No, brethren, we are greatly encouraged! 1. By calling attention to the church and to our ads, the Editor-in-Chief actually gave us free advertising more effective than we can purchase! 2. By quoting certain parts of our article on the Pope, he caused the truth to be heard again in many places with no expense to us! 3. His editorial proves that though we are small in numbers, the truth we teach is being heard far and wide! 4. The Catholics could not defend them-selves with an appeal to truth, and made no attempt to do so, but only tried to use protest and pressure to shut us up. This also sends a message to our readers which is very important: They can see who appeals to the truth of God’s Word and who does not! 5. Mr. Canavan still accepts my articles and admits that I am gaining the respect of the readers because of my strong appeal to truth and morality.

This occasion gave me the opportunity to send him the following thoughts, so as to make an appeal to his soul:

Dear Mr. Canavan:

In reference to “From the Editor’s Notebook” dated Thursday, 8th June, 1995, it matters little to me how you judge me. Sir, first, I respectfully invite you to “Examine the Bible,” the word of Jehovah God.

A. Many people were offended when Jesus spoke the truth. They rejected him, hated him, and crucified him because he told the truth (read Matt. 15:1-14; In. 15:18-25; Matt. 27:20-26).

B. Jesus teaching the truth caused division, conflicts, and sufferings even among loved ones. The Bible teaches that friends and families became enemies for the sake of Christ (read Matt. 10:34-37; Lk. 12:51-43; In. 7:12; 9:16; 10:19-21).

God’s Word Will Not Return Void

I could give other examples of doors which have opened for us to teach the truth, and the many responses we get, even including threats on our lives. We are patiently preaching and defending the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, being confident of this one thing: God has promised that his Word will not return unto him void, but it will accomplish his purpose and he will give the increase according to his will (Isa. 55:10-11; 1 Cor. 3:6). We thank God and take courage because the writers in the Guardian of Truth share with us in the preaching and defense of the truth.

Brethren, please continue your good efforts because this is helping us in our efforts, so that souls may be saved and God may be glorified!

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 24, p. 10-11
December 21, 1995

By Marc Shotts

I am 28 and have been involved in “full time” preaching for almost two years. Many people wonder what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, but I think I have figured it out! It was some of his fellow preachers! I do not say this lightly so please let me explain.

Discouragement and disappointment has come more of-ten by the actions of some of my fellow preachers than from the actions of the world. I have heard of a preacher threatening to go to law with a brother over charts. Others have openly threatened to sue in articles because of some perceived offence. As Paul said to some who were doing the same, “I speak to your shame . . . Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?” (1 Cor. 6:5-7)

Then I see some who think more highly of men than they do of Jesus or the gospel. For years a beloved friend might be publicly teaching error and even writing articles or books trying to spread the error, but many will still defend him. They may not agree with what he teaches, but they still want to fellowship him. Evidence of this is when you see statements such as “brother so-and-so is not teaching the truth on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, but he is not a false teacher!” What is he then?

Then I see some who are obviously motivated by greed and covetousness. Statements have been made such as, “I wouldn’t move for less than $50,000.” Soft preaching and ear tickling to please those who provide the paycheck is sinful. Then some “full timers” neglect their ministry be-cause they are too involved in being a businessman.

Then the straw that broke my back was preachers refusing to answer Bible questions and citing as their authority men such as Alexander Campbell! It appears that some preachers have felt wronged in the past, carried a grudge, and have personal vendettas against other preachers. I am ready and willing to answer any question about what the Bible teaches on any subject no matter who asks. I think that is the proper attitude of not just a preacher, but any Christian. “Be ye ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).

I am just a young preacher who views things simply and wants to serve the Lord “with all humility of mind” (Acts 20:19). I believe in the advice given to me when I started preaching by a wise man: “Don’t let yourself get in the way of the gospel.” Most preachers I know are self-sacrificing servants of Christ, but some are not. Preacher’s beware, you will be judged on that great day too!

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 24, p. 19
December 21, 1995

By Donnie V. Rader

Jesus said, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mark 8:34). Self-denial is one of the most basic attributes of Christianity. Yet, it is one of the most difficult to attain. One reason for that is that it requires great strength of will.

Man has a great problem mastering himself. Those who willfully engage in sin have not learned to control them-selves. Those who are overcome in a moment of temptation have a problem (at least for the moment) with self-control. When we get angry and let our tempers flare and our words fly, our character is then flawed due to not practicing self-discipline. We exhibit a lack of will power when we overeat, are lazy, or are addicted to alcohol, tobacco or some other drug. Thus, mastering self requires constant work for all of us. The difference in us is that we may need to work on it in different areas of our lives.

Shakespeare wrote, “Brave Conquerors! for so you are, that war against your own affections and the huge army of the world’s desires.” John Sterling said, “The worst education which teaches self-denial is better than the best which teaches everything else, and not that.”

There are more passages that imply the principle of self-denial than we may think at first. To learn and grow in self-denial is to grow in heart, in soul, and in character. This is one quality that we can use every moment of every day in every place.

With this article we begin a series of five articles on mastering self.

Defining Self-Denial

1. Different words used in the New Testament. There are three different words or phrases used in the Bible that point to the same concept of denying or controlling self. (a) Jesus used the phrase “deny himself ” (Mark 8:34). (b) The NKJV uses the words “self-control” in 2 Peter 1:6, Titus 1:8. (c) The word “temperance” or “temperate” is used in the KJV in 2 Peter 1:6, 1 Corinthians 9:25, and Titus 2:2.

2. “Deny self” means “to forget oneself, lose sight of oneself and one’s own interest” (Thayer, p. 54). Liter-ally it means to say “No!” to yourself. It is hard to say no to others, but even harder to say no to ourselves.

3. “Temperance” means “self-government” (Thayer). Strong’s says the original words translated “temperance” comes from a word that means “to be strong in a thing (i.e., masterful).” It means dominion, power or strength.

Thus, temperance means to have power of dominion over self. William Barclay suggests that it is the “ability to take a grip of oneself.”

4. Aristotle proposed that there are four states of man with reference to the battle between reason and passion. (a) Perfect Temperance: This is where reason rules over passion. The fight is won. (b) On the other end of the spectrum is Unbridled Lust: This is where passion rules over reason. The fight is lost. In between these two states is where the battle within ourselves takes place. (c) Incontinence: This is where reason fights, but passion prevails. The battle is on, but at the moment reason is losing. (d) Self-Control: This is where passion fights against reason, but reason prevails. The battle is still on, but at the moment reason is winning. (Taken from Barclay’s comments on 2 Pet. 1:6.)

The principle of self-denial or self-control deals with the reality of life. The Bible does not picture the Christian void of all passion, drained of all desires or detached from all temptation. Rather, it envisions that all of his appetites, and desires remain, but he keeps them under control and mastery. With self-control man becomes the master and not the slave of his passions.

Passages That Require Self-Denial

1. Passages that specifically mention self-denial or self-control. Jesus said that those desiring to be his disciples must deny self (Matt. 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). Paul preached to Felix about righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come (Acts 24:25). Peter lists “temperance” as one of the “Christian graces” which we are to add to our faith (2 Pet. 1:6). The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control (Gal. 5:23). Those who run the race and compete for the crown must be temperate in all things (1 Cor. 9:5). The comparison in this text is that we are to be self-controlled and self-disciplined just as athletes are. Elders are to have self-control (Tit. 1:8) and aged men should be temperate (Tit. 2:8).

2. Passages which deal with self-denial and self-control in principle. Paul urged the Romans not to continue in sin (cf. Rom. 6:1) by telling them not to let sin reign in their bodies (Rom.6:12ff). That requires self-control. The same writer said that it was no longer himself, but Christ who lives in him (Gal. 2:20). He had said “No!” to himself. Those who are God’s people willingly submit to Christ in everything (Eph. 5:24). That implies self-denial.

3. Any passage that forbids the following requires self-control: lust (2 Tim. 2:22; Matt. 5:28), lying (Eph. 4:25), immorality (1 Cor. 6:18), covetousness (Col. 3:5), retaliation (Rom. 12:17-21), laziness (Rom. 12:11; 2 Thess. 3:10), self-willed (Tit. 1:7) and hatred (Gal.5:20).

4. Any passage that commands the following requires self-control: meekness (Matt. 5:3), gentleness (2 Tim. 2:24), patience (2 Tim. 2:24), soberness (1 Pet. 1:13), contentment (Heb. 13:5), and chastity (Tit. 2:5).

This Is An Area In Which We

Need To Grow

The Christian life is a continual growing process. We should always be growing in grace and in knowledge of the Lord (2 Pet. 3:18). Each day and each year we should be gaining more and more spiritual maturity (Heb. 5:14).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No.24, p. 12-13
December 21, 1995