Watchman Magazine

There is no more despicable behavior among men of war than the traitor. A great gulf lies between the valiant warrior and the traitor.

Just think of the examples we can take from famous battles of true selfless devotion and sacrifice for the sake of others. Too numerous to count have been the lives that were freely given with the full knowledge that they themselves would die so that others might enjoy some benefit of their ultimate gift. We know this is the most noble sacrifice of all because our Lord offered Himself for us so that we might have eternal life. He respects this selflessness when shown in man, as well. John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” We too, are to display this greatest form of love and honor it highly.

Being a Texan, I always think of the Alamo and its place not just in Texas history but in the greater story of democracy for the entire American Nation. There are examples of battles from wars in ancient history that had even greater importance than those that usually come so easily to our minds.

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It feels rather strange among God’s people to be considering the matter of the days of creation (literal 24 hr. days) compared to ages of time. Young people have learned for years that God created the earth in six literal days (24 hrs.) and rested on the seventh day. Before I became a Christian and attended a denominational church I learned as a small child that God created the earth in six literal days and rested on the seventh. I am glad that I did not meet any of these day/millions of years brethren when I was learning about the truth of the Bible and obeying the word to become a Christian. Had I heard this kind of nonsense I never would have been persuaded to become a Christian. To top it all off, we have brethren telling us it makes no difference what we believe on this matter.

It is quite clear from the scriptures in three areas of study that it does make a difference what we believe about the days of creation. It also makes a difference in the matter of teaching the gospel to the lost and in fellowship among brethren. These areas of study are faith, the inspiration of the scriptures, and God’s testimony of Himself. These are fundamental facts to the Word of God and our salvation and fellowship among brethren. If we cannot speak the same thing on these matters fundamental to the faith then there is no grounds of fellowship. Paul puts it this way in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” We are commanded to be of the same mind on matters of faith. Those who give uncertain sounds are not to be heeded. “For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8). Those who give uncertain sounds on the matter of faith will be held accountable for those who follow, ( compare Ezekiel 33: 1-6; & James 3:1).

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As one of the signatories of the Open Letter, brother Ron Lloyd received a form letter response from brother Colly Caldwell, president of Florida College, that was dated June 30, 2000. Both the Open Letter and brother Caldwell’s response have been widely circulated, in this journal, and elsewhere. On the 23rd of July, brother Lloyd responded to brother Caldwell in a private letter. Several months have elapsed since Ron mailed his letter to FC, but to my knowledge, no response has been forthcoming.Sadly, brother Ron Lloyd passed away on September 11, 2000. Before his death, Ron shared a copy of this letter with me. Now, his wife, Lolita, has given me permission to share it with others.

Brother Lloyd’s letter to brother Caldwell was well-written, to the point, and deserving of wide circulation. It manifested a good and honorable disposition throughout. If heeded, it should cause the recipient to seriously reflect upon the direction in which the institution over which he presides is headed. Whether it, or other letters like it, will receive proper consideration is something that only time will tell. Unfortunately, early signals from Tampa have not thus far been encouraging.

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The above title appears on an article written by Gary Ogden and published on July 16, 2000 in THE PLANT CITY PLANTER, the regular bulletin of the church in Plant City, Florida.  I am deeply concerned with both the tone of this article and with what I consider to be the tremendous danger it poses to those who would keep an open and receptive heart to search the scriptures daily with a noble heart (Acts 17: 11).  I will reproduce brother Ogden¹s article in its entirety and then my response to it will follow.  It is my desire that brother Ogden and the elders at Plant City will carefully read both of them with an open and receptive heart and with a sincere determination to believe and teach only that which God has revealed in His Word.  I can assure you that such is my only desire.

Internet — Boon or Bane?
 by Gary Ogden
“And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear…” (Mark 4:24).  “Take care what you listen to” (NASB.)  “Consider carefully what you hear,” (NIV).

“Take heed therefore how ye hear” (Luke 8:18, KJV).  “Therefore take care how you listen;” (NASB).  “Therefore consider carefully how you listen” (NIV).

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In the 8th chapter of Acts, we find the record of the work of Philip the Evangelist in Samaria, and as he was called by an angel of God for a special mission to preach to one man (Acts 8:5; Acts 8:26). He preached to multitudes in Samaria with great success. Philip was not an apostle, but was obviously a gifted teacher and preacher of God’s word who had the gift to do miracles but not the apostolic privilege of passing on his gifts to others (Acts 8:7, 13, 18).

In the case of both circumstances where Philip preached, people were baptized into Christ (Acts 8:12, 13, 38). The record tells of his preaching “the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 8:12) and simply preaching “Jesus” (Acts 8:35) both of which resulted in the baptism of those who heard him preach and believed what they heard. All of this was in keeping with the command of Jesus given first to His apostles to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and in baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16).

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Bible believers accept the Bible record as absolute truth in whatever it teaches, regardless of how things may appear to be. The Bible is always true. “Let God be found true, but every man a liar,” Romans 3:5. The Bible teaches us that God is absolute perfection and everything He has ever done has been perfect for His purpose. Deuteronomy 32:4 says,

“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”

Hebrews 11:3 says “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” The word “framed” comes from katartidzo which means “to make perfect,” “to furnish completely.” We must conclude that the universe, as God created it, was perfect for what He intended, even to declaring his power and divinity, Romans 1:18-23. The testimony of inspiration is that God only had to “speak” what He wanted and it happened. It was framed “by the word of God.” Genesis one simply records that “God said” and it was so. Isaiah 48:3 sums that up by saying,

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IntroductionJust a few years ago, the Catholic nun known by the clerical title of Mother Teresa passed away. Because she led a life of self-sacrifice and human service, many began to express their hope that the Roman Catholic church might one day declare her to be a saint. Evidently, in the judgment of the world, she was not quite a saint in life.The Catholic church has given the world a fundamental misunderstanding about sainthood and set it aside as a clerical award earned by works. The Bible makes no distinction between sainthood and simple discipleship. You can become a saint in life, but not in death.

In this lesson, we will examine the Roman practice of venerating certain individuals to their version of “sainthood” and then look at what the Bible has to say in response. The solution may surprise you: You too can be a saint!

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I. El Marido

I. El marido es la cabeza de la familia. Efes. 5:22-29; 1 Cor. 11:3.

A. La palabra “cabeza” significa “autoridad”.

1. El marido es el director, el superintendente de la familia.
2. Esto significa que él tiene la responsabilidad de dirigir sabiamente los asuntos de su familia.

B. El marido debe ver por su familia en todo sentido: física, espiritual, emocional y socialmente. Es la familia de él y, por eso, tiene que ver por ella.
C. El marido es el proveedor, él “provee para los suyos”, 1 Tim. 5:8. Si no lo hace, “ha negado la fe, y es peor que un incrédulo”.

1. Debe proveer alimento, abrigo, educación, dirección en asuntos del recreo y actividad social, y sobre todo la dirección espiritual.
2. Debe proveer la protección. Es el protector de su familia. Debe proveer no solamente la protección física, sino también la espiritual.

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It was prophesied that John the Baptist would preach and prosecute his work “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” All who have ever read Elijah’s debate with the prophets of Baal, or who are familiar with the fire and fervor of John, know what that means (1 Kgs. 18:17-40; Matt. 3:1-12; 14:4)! Such a spirit is much needed today in the work of the gospel (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Phil. 1:17; 2 Tim. 4:2-5). “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority” (Titus 2:15). The following quotation from Foy E. Wallace, Jr., in Bulwarks Of The Faith, speaks to the same effect:

“The subjects that have been handled in this meeting are weighty, dealing with issues of vast importance to the church, to society, to all individuals, young or old, great or small….The subjects that have had to do with denominational dogmas and doctrines involve issues and controversies that have been debated through the years; but concerning which the young generation has not had the advantage of the thorough indoctrination, such as had our fathers before us, under the early preachers of the church, preachers under whom some of you were reared, and under whose preaching I was tutored. They indoctrinated us. We knew what it was all about. I am firmly convinced that the rising generation should have the opportunity of hearing these issues thoroughly discussed and debated, that they may be anchored to the truth and able to meet “every wind of doctrine” in modern forms of error.

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As God’s people, we’re constantly faced with questions such as, What further use can I be in God’s service?, How best can I spend my time?, What is God expecting from me at this point in life? Our belief in God’s presence in our lives, his will that we serve him, study of the lives of Bible characters, etc., leads us to ask such questions. This question is of great importance to preachers if they are to be faithful stewards of the time and abilities with which God has blessed them (1 Cor. 4:2). When Paul wrote his first epistle to the Corinthians he had worked in many places serving God in various ways. What should he next choose? How could he know? He answers for us in 1 Corinthians 16:8-9: “But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost; for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” Paul answered the questions we posed above by finding a door opened for him. But what does he mean by this?

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As Jesus delivered His famous “Sermon on the Mount,” He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23). Truly Jesus taught the importance of obedience when He taught that only those who do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of Heaven.

Obedience is the act of or an instance of obeying. The word, obey, is defined by Webster to mean: 1) to carry out the instructions or orders of, 2) submit to the control of… (another). Jesus said, in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” To obey Jesus is to obey the Father (Ephesians 6:6). Further, obedience to the Father and to Jesus involves obedience to Christ’s apostles as His spokesmen after His ascension into Heaven. Consider Matthew 28:16-20, “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” AND 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” The Apostle Paul also wrote, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Hence, we know that adherence to the writings of the apostles is as acceptable and as necessary today as it was to obey their spoken word in the first century. Thanks be to God we have the writings of the apostles in our New Testament today as they were penned under the direction of the Holy Spirit! (Ephesians 3:1-5).

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Consistency is a very rare commodity. The tendency for a man to condemn in others what he practices himself is a well known fact. Listen for a little while to the candidates in this political season and you will no doubt hear it done. However, politicians are not the only ones guilty of such action. A study of the Gospels makes clear the fact that such hypocrisy was wide spread in the time of Jesus. His frequent condemnation of the Pharisees for their dual standards are well known to any Bible student (Matthew 23; Luke 11:46f; Mark 7; etc.).

In the earthly life of our Savior, He always exemplified the same standard He used to judge others. Even in the lives of some who profess identification with Christ, there is sometimes a failure exhibited in daily living the same standard used to judge others. Simply stated, the problem is that some live by one rule, but judge others by a more stringent rule than that imposed upon themselves. The Bible speaks of such a practice and clearly condemns it. Notice this warning given by the apostle Paul in Romans 2:1-3:

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