Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

The following editorial, by Taylor B. Camp, appeared in the Baytown Sun, April 27, 2000.  Please read it and our editorials below which satirically paraphrase and parallel Mr. Taylor’s views. Now, the Taylor editorial, “Vermont law lets people decide for themselves.”

“The state of Vermont appears ready to grant gay and lesbian couples all the benefits of marriage.  It will be the first-ever legislation giving such rights to gays and lesbians.  

“Tuesday, the state House approved a bill on the issue by a 79 to 68 vote.  Last week, the state Senate also approved the bill.  The governor on Wednesday signed the legislation, which will go into effect July 1.

“When it goes into effect, gays and lesbians will be able to engage in civil unions similar to marriage, and will have state rights and responsibilities similar to those enjoyed by married heterosexual couples. Those rights will include such things as health insurance and tax benefits.

“The federal government and other states do not recognize the unions, but they are nonetheless a first step toward a more open society, one where discrimination and exclusion are pushed just a bit further into the corner.

“Certainly, everyone won’t approve of gay and lesbian marriages, and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.  It is a matter, just like a traditional marriage, that should remain between two people.

“Predictably, many churches have opposed Vermont’s new legislation and 31 states have passed laws restricting marriages to male-female unions. 

“The federal government also forbids same-sex couples from receiving federal marriage benefits.  It also has said that states can ignore same-sex marriages allowed by other states.
“Who’s to say, though, whether two people should be married?  It seems a throwback to the days of discrimination, of rights for a few, if we prohibit people from pursuing life, liberty and happiness.

“It’s also judgmental, and much of that judgment comes from factions who say they want the judging left to a higher moral authority.”

At least Vermont is willing to let people decide for themselves.      

Vermont Law Lets Pedophiles Decide 
For Themselves
Taler B. Nonjudgmental

The state of Vermont appears ready to grant pedophile and child couples all the benefits of marriage.  It will be the first-ever legislation giving such rights to pedophiles and children.

Tuesday, the state House approved a bill on the issue by a 79 to 68 vote.  Last week, the state Senate also approved the bill.  The governor on Wednesday signed the legislation, which will go into effect July 1.

When it goes into effect, pedophiles and their love-child will be able to engage in civil unions similar to marriage, and will have state rights and responsibilities similar to those enjoyed by married heterosexual couples.  Those rights will include such things as health insurance and tax benefits.

The federal government and other states do not recognize the unions, but they are nonetheless a first step toward a more open society, one where discrimination and exclusion are pushed just a bit further into the corner.

Certainly, everyone won’t approve of pedophile and child marriages, and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.  It is a matter, just like a traditional marriage, that should remain between two people.

Predictably, many churches have opposed Vermont’s new legislation and 31 states have passed laws restricting marriages to male-female unions. 

The federal government also forbids pedophiles and love-child couples from receiving federal marriage benefits.  It also has said that states can ignore pedophile-love-child marriages allowed by other states.

Who’s to say, though, whether two people should be married?  It seems a throwback to the days of discrimination, of rights for a few, if we prohibit people from pursuing life, liberty and happiness.

It’s also judgmental, and much of that judgment comes from factions who say they want the judging left to a higher moral authority.

At least Vermont is willing to let people decide for themselves.    

(Before he comments [in a non-judgmental fashion, of course], we should like for our inclusive, non-discriminating editor to read another editorial designed to  aid others who, like him, are “pursuing life, liberty and happiness.”)
Vermont Law Allows Both Man And Beast 
To Decide For Themselves
Taler B. Willing

The state of Vermont appears ready to grant gay and beast couples all the benefits of marriage.  It will be the first-ever legislation giving such rights to gays and animals.  

Tuesday, the state House approved a bill on the issue by a 79 to 68 vote.  Last week, the state Senate also approved the bill.  The governor on Wednesday signed the legislation, which will go into effect July 1.

When it goes into effect, gays and goats will be able to engage in civil unions similar to marriage, and will have state rights and responsibilities similar to those enjoyed by married heterosexual couples.  Those rights will include such things as health insurance and tax benefits.

The federal government and other states do not recognize the unions, but they are nonetheless a first step toward a more open society, one where discrimination and exclusion are pushed just a bit further into the corner.

Certainly, everyone won’t approve of lesbian and sheep marriages, and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.  It is a matter, just like a traditional marriage, that should remain between one person and his love-beast.

Predictably, many churches have opposed Vermont’s new legislation and 31 states have passed laws restricting marriages to male-female unions. 

The federal government also forbids gay-billy goat couples from receiving federal marriage benefits.  It also has said that states can ignore gay-animal sex marriages allowed by other states.

Who’s to say, though, whether two species should be married?  It seems a throwback to the days of discrimination, of rights for a few, if we prohibit people and their pets from pursuing life, liberty and happiness.

It’s also judgmental, and much of that judgment comes from factions who say they want the judging left to a higher moral authority.

At least Vermont is willing to let people and man’s best friend decide for themselves.      

(We should like to know if editor Camp now will convert and become a judgmental, discriminatory, moralistic fellow who will deny men, children, and their dearly loved animals the right to seek “inclusion” in “a more open society.”  Even if he opposes us, he should remember that a wise man once said, “Certainly, everyone won’t approve of gay and lesbian (adult-child; gay-animal marriages), and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.”)   

By Heath Rogers

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few” (Acts 17:11-12). This passage is a testament to the noble minded Bereans. They heard the word of God spoken by an apostle, yet they were not satisfied with his message until they first investigated it in light of Scripture. They weren’t taking anything for granted. It was only after a careful examination of the word of God that they came to believe.

To assume means to take something for granted, to suppose something to be a fact. We make assumptions about things every day. But we also realize there are times when an assumption just will not do. If we start having chest pains, we don’t assume it is heartburn and that it will go away. We seek medical attention. If we have car trouble, we don’t just assume it will be all right. We don’t want to be stranded somewhere. We climb under the hood or take it to a mechanic. If we get overcharged on a bill, we don’t assume it is correct and pay it. We call the company, find out what the charge is for, and get it corrected. 

How much more important are our eternal souls than these things? Yet many people are satisfied with what they have heard someone say about the Bible, and have taken it to be the truth, though they have never searched the Scriptures for themselves. They are resting their faith, and their fate, upon dangerous assumptions. What are some of these assumptions?

I’m A Good Person

Some people think they don’t need religion, church or the Bible because they are good people. I’m glad they think they are good. But the fact is that all of us can find people worse than ourselves to make ourselves look good.

The Bible is concerned with our sin. Whether good or bad, all of us have sinned (Rom. 3:10, 23). And there’s not a thing our goodness can do to save us (Tit. 3:5). In Acts 10 we are introduced to Cornelius. He was devout, feared God, was generous to the poor, and prayed always — certainly a good person by our standards today. Yet he was told to send for Peter and he would be told what he “must do.” Despite his goodness, he was lacking something. When Peter came to his house, he commanded them to be baptized (Acts 10:48). Cornelius teaches us that being good is not good enough, we must be a Christian. 

I’ve Been Too Bad

This next assumption is to the opposite extreme. When talking to some about becoming a Christian, they will say, “You don’t realize what I’ve done. God would never have me. I can never be forgiven for what I’ve done.” They feel that they have been too bad to be saved. This is the biggest lie that the devil has ever told. God is the one who does the saving, why don’t we let him decide who he will and will not save? 

When one responds this way I ask them to consider what the Jews on Pentecost had done. Peter told them that  they killed the Son of God (Acts 2:23, 36). When they asked what they should do, Peter didn’t tell them that they couldn’t be saved. He told them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). If God was willing to forgive the very men who were responsible for the murder of his Only Begotten Son, why wouldn’t he forgive you?

The first group of people that we looked at believe that Christianity is for bad people. These folks believe it is for good people. The fact is that the gospel is for all. 

God Has Already Chosen Who Will Be Saved and Lost

When I was in college, there was one day each semester that the Gideons would be on campus handing out their New Testaments. I was sitting in a lecture hall awaiting the beginning of a class on one such day and I heard a couple of young men sitting behind me flipping through their New Testaments. One said to the other, “You know, it says in here somewhere that God has already chosen who will be saved or lost. So, what’s the point?” Then I heard him close it and put it away. I have often thought about that young man. He closed his Bible because of an assumption, something he had heard someone say about the Bible. 

The Bible does teach that we are predestined or chosen by God. The question is “How?” Are we chosen strictly as individuals without regard to our faith or obedience (as the young man assumed)? Or are we chosen as a group of individuals who meet specific qualifications based upon our faith and obedience? I believe it is the latter. 

Ephesians 1:4 tells us that we were chosen by God in Christ. God determined before the world began that he would save those who have entered his Son through faith, repentance, and baptism. He left the choice of believing, repenting, and being baptized up to us. 
There are some serious consequences to face if God has chosen us as individuals. For one thing, it would make him a respecter of persons, which the Bible says he is not (Acts 10:34-35). And it would make God cruel. Why was the gospel to be preached to all if not everyone could be saved by it (Mark 16:15)? Wouldn’t it be cruel to offer eternal salvation to someone you had no intention of saving? The Bible says that God wants everyone to be saved through a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:3-4). Heaven’s invitation is extended to “whosoever” (Rev. 22:17). That includes you. Open your Bible.

Doesn’t Matter What You Believe,  As Long As You Are Sincere

This assumption is dangerous because it is half true. We have to be sincere — but it does matter what we believe! Paul shows us that it is possible to be sincerely mistaken (Acts 23:1). Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). 

Many want to see God as a kind, gentle, grandfather figure who loves everyone, will only condemn the “Hitler” types, and is tickled to death that anyone would do anything for him. This is not an accurate representation of God. True, God is loving, merciful, and forgiving. But he is also a righteous God who has always required obedience. It is dangerous to make assumptions about God. 

Once Saved/Always Saved

This assumption is dangerous because it gives one a false sense of security. It teaches that all one has to do is become a Christian and he is saved forever regardless of what he does. We can see why this doctrine would be embraced by so many. It is a license to sin!

Galatians 5:4 says, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” Heaven is not guaranteed to us the moment we are saved. Heaven is a promise based upon the condition that we remain faithful until death (Rev. 2:10)! 

Conclusion

Our soul is the most important thing that we have because in the end it is the only thing that we will have. We have our lifetime to secure a resting place for our soul. Heaven and hell are just too important to be satisfied with assumptions. We don’t have to take anyone’s word for what the Bible says. Ephesians 3:4 tells us that “when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.” Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Search the Scriptures for yourself and find the truth.

23 S. Margaret St., Joliet, Illinois 60436 heathrogers@mindsprind.com

By John Smith

While on jury duty recently, I had the opportunity to gain some interesting and challenging insight into the attitude of the world toward immodest apparel. (As far as I was able to determine, none of my fellow jurors was a New Testament Christian.) Several times during the two-day trial a female bailiff came into the court bringing papers to the judge. While on break, one of the male jurors said that he was considering writing a note to the judge requesting that the bailiff change clothes. Her bright blue dress was such a distraction that he had trouble concentrating. The dress was a bit on the short side, but that was not the problem in this man’s mind. It was hard to tell whether she had used a shoehorn to put it on or if it had been spray painted on. Simply based on what she was wearing, he and other men on the jury referred to her as “Jezebel.” When one man saw a small cross hanging on a necklace, he suggested that her name be changed from Jezebel to Mary Magdalene.

On the second day of the trial, a female witness came into court wearing a short, tight shirt. Later during deliberations we were discussing her testimony. For some reason she was the only witness asked her occupation by the defense attorney. Discussing this, two male jurors laughed and said based on how she was dressed they expected her to say stripper or exotic dancer. 

You see, what you wear or don’t wear reflects on your character and profession of faith. It is sad and embarrassing when professing Christians fail to admit what those of the world readily acknowledge about modesty and character. In the parable of the unrighteous steward, Jesus noted that the children of this world are more shrewd than the sons of light (Luke 16:8).

Warm weather is upon us again and with the coming of warmer weather, clothes begin to shrink and disappear. The world follows rules given by the whim of society’s style and wishes. Little can be done at large for the world’s values but the Christian has a responsibility before his God. This responsibility is to present himself as an example of holiness. The pattern of holiness is not governed by the world but by the word of God. Can the Christian dress in any fashion and be pleasing to God? Certainly not! The Christian has a responsibility concerning what is done with the body and this includes the type of garment worn. God has bought us with the price of his Son and when we disregard his law and wear any kind of clothing we see fit, we fail to glorify him — thus we sin! No one who professes to be a Christian can dress like the world and find acceptance in the eyes of God.

It is not surprising that we find people in the world who dress immodestly and are unconcerned for their example and influence. If it is shameful for people of the world to wear immodest clothing, how much more shameful and inexcusable is it for Christians to do the same! People, not professing godliness, are unconcerned about how they influence others or reflect upon the cause of Christ. But those who profess to love the Lord and their fellow man must not make the same serious, soul-damning mistakes.

Fathers and husbands, God demands that you take the lead in your family and this includes exercising leadership regarding modesty. Any time I see a teenager dressed immodestly, my first thought is not one of condemnation for them (after all they are young, inexperienced, and lacking in wisdom). Rather, my first thought is one of shock that her father let her out of the house dressed like that or allowed such clothing to be purchased. Any time you see a young person or wife dressed immodestly, you know that somewhere there is likely to be a prodigal father or husband. Fathers and husbands, do you really want your daughter or wife to be the object of the lustful gazes of hormone-riddled men? Are you comfortable with the knowledge that you might stand in judgment watching your wife or daughter be condemned by our Lord because of her immodesty, knowing that you did nothing to stop it? In such a scenario, who will be next to hear those awful words, “Depart, I never knew you!”

If a randomly selected group of men on a jury can determine what is or is not modest and can understand the immoral impact of it, certainly those of us who are having our senses trained by the word of God to discern good and evil can do the same.

6215 Nolte St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46221 possum8@attglobal.net

By Weldon E. Warnock

In years past I have done a lot of fishing with artificial lures. They worked well in tricking bass that it was above to lay hold of a tasty morsel of food. Men, including preachers in the church of Christ, use artificial lures and   gimmicks to appeal to and attract people to Christ (?). Some churches have the appearance of a glorified country club rather than a church claiming to be the church of the Lord.

Men come to God through the drawing power of Christ and not claptrap methods of carnal men. Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). Jesus is the lure God uses to draw men out of the bondage of sin. Our Lord also 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” (John 6:44). The next passage, verse 45, shows how God draws men to Christ. “It is written in the prophets, And they all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” Observe that a man coming to Christ must be taught, hear, and learn. We see this process in every case of New Testament conversion in the book of Acts.

On Pentecost 3000 souls were converted to Christ by the power of the gospel preached by Peter. They continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers (Acts 2:42). The apostles preached daily in the temple and from house to house (Acts 5:42). We read that believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both men and women (Acts 5:14). Again, “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly” (Acts 6:7). Here were the results of preaching the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Indeed, it is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). We don’t need antics of a circus, clowns, entertainment, ham and bean dinners, recreation that involves church gymnasiums, church sponsored ball clubs, etc.

Many are so accustomed to the church playing and partying that every time they hear the word “fellowship” or read it in the Bible, they think of donuts and coffee. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with Christians getting together to eat and to have a good time. This can bring us closer together. But social activities are not a function of the church, paid for out of the treasury of the church. Social activities are functions of the home, not the church. Paul wrote, “What? Have ye not houses to eat and to drink in?” (1 Cor. 11:22). Also, “And if any man hunger, let him eat at home” (1 Cor. 11:34). How appropriate are Paul’s statements in regard to kitchens and banquet halls paid for out of the treasury of the church.

My friends, the Bible says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4). Many can’t say this today with a straight face. God help us to put our confidence in the power of the gospel, that brings us to the saving blood of Christ.

87 Ormond Dr., Scottsville, Kentucky 42164