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By Holmes, Bobby, on October 1st, 2001
I will address points of brother Jenkins response to my article appearing in Watchman Magazine.
In paragraph one Jesse states I had charged him with believing “…one must have a flawed character like is described in 2 Peter 2:1-3 before he can be labeled as such,” i.e. …, a false teacher.” Jesse says that I know that is not so unless I have a “good forgetter.” It seems that Jesse is forgetting what he himself has stated on the subject. I spent almost three hours discussing this very point with Jesse in December of 1998 and that was his position then.
He refused to accept the definition offered as to the phrase “false teacher” from Liddell and Scott; Oxford. They tell us, “…the verb pseudo can (and does — they quote it from ancient texts)! mean” mistaken in or about a thing,” “mistaken in opinion”,” “deceived in notion or estimation. “An alternate form of the verb was used this way in another text: “..which I do not speak falsely about him.” (Note 1 John 2:21 in connection with this.)
Continue reading » Rebuttal to Jesse Jenkins’ Response
By Jenkins, Jesse, on October 1st, 2001
A Response to the Last Paragraph of Bobby Holmes’ Article
Bobby wrote that according to Jesse Jenkins “…one must have a flawed character like is described in 2 Peter 2:1-3 before he can be labeled as such,” i.e.., a false teacher. Bobby knows that is not so unless he has a very good forgetter. I am a stickler for using words or phrases like I believe the Bible uses them. This is the reason I do not use the word “Christian” as an adjective. However, I have never said one sins if he uses the word as an adjective, such as speaking of a family where all are Christians, as a “Christian family.”
Just so, I told Bobby that I will not call one a false teacher unless I am convinced that he has both a character problem and a doctrine problem. But I also told Bobby that I do not think one sins if he calls one a false teacher simply on the basis that he teaches false doctrine if he lets it be known that he is only taking about the error taught and not the man’s character.
Continue reading » Response to: "Guarding the Guardian"
By Roberts, Tom, on October 1st, 2001
Editor’s Note: You may be surprised to know that the following article was written by brother Roberts July 31, 1977, and first appeared in the West Side Weekly, a local bulletin he edited for the West Side congregation in Ft. Worth, TX. The more things change, the more they remain the same!
I suppose that every preacher of the gospel (as well as most Bible teachers) has a number of shelves full of commentaries, reference books and other material that originated within denominationalism. Such study helps are used to read, compare, study from and, within limits of revealed truth, shed light on difficult matters. The use of this material should not, and does not, suggest approbation of all that is contained in each volume. In fact, denominational material may be used simply to learn what a certain sect teaches on a doctrinal matter. This is a proper and profitable use of such material.
However, there is another use which changes complexion altogether. This involves the use of books, commentaries, articles and bulletins in such a manner that endorses false teaching. Of this, we must beware.
Continue reading » Suspicious Source Material
By Hafley, Larry Ray, on October 1st, 2001
"Rev. Mack Jones," of Baytown, Texas, writes a weekly column in his church bulletin entitled, "From Your Pastor’s Heart." From it, we extract the following:
"We are often questioned about the eternity of our belief. People want to know if God will disown them. The emphatic answer is, no! By no means will God ever disown one of his children. Heb. 7:25 states this very clearly; ‘Hence, also, he is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them’ (NAS). We are saved forever. We draw near to God through Christ, and He makes intercession for us. This gives us great assurance of our faith in Christ" (Wooster Baptist Church Messenger, Vol. 29, Number 8, 2/20/01).
Review Of Mack Jones’ Remarks
It is to be doubted that folks question "the eternity of (their) belief." Faith, like hope, is not eternal. Both shall be swallowed up in the possession of "life and immortality" brought to fruition and completion. However, we shall let that pass and deal with the main thrust of Mack’s message.
Continue reading » Hebrews 7:25 & "Once Saved, Always Saved"
By Fain, Larry, on October 1st, 2001
September 24-25, 2001
Cincinnati, Ohio
In May of 2001, a David Steinmann challenged Tom Roberts concerning what Steinmann called “baptismal regeneration”. Tom, of course, had only stood for the truth of God’s word that Jesus commanded and His apostles taught water baptism for the remission of sins. Both Stan Cox, editor of Watchman Magazine and myself, as Associate Editor supported Tom and answered Mr. Steinmann through several e-mails. In an e-mail of May 26, under the subject line “Pony Up Stan” Mr. Steinmann offered a challenge to a public debate. His challenge was very weak, but did produce a serious response from Stan Cox:
Continue reading » The Miller – Streutker Debate
By Jacobs, Jarrod, on October 1st, 2001
As all of us are keenly aware, the "Twin Towers" are no more. A portion of the Pentagon is in ruins as well. These acts were the result of planning, spying, and a deep-seated hatred for the United States. The product of such hatred is the destruction of American landmarks, and the death or injury of untold thousands. As I write these lines, it is not known what the actual death-toll might be, nor do we know the number of injured people buried in the rubble and ruin from the attacks. Some ten years ago, I was in one of the "Twin Towers" — the second one to fall. It had an observation deck on the 110th floor, from which you could see for many miles in any direction. Such an experience helps me to appreciate the destruction which occurred on Tuesday, "911", as it has been called. I am sure others who read this article have been to the World Trade Center, and/or perhaps have visited the Pentagon, and have an idea of the destruction that has taken place.
As I watched in horror the tragic events of September 11, I was numb with shock, as there was no way to put into words what one feels at a time when one’s own country is being attacked from an unknown enemy. Through the day that fateful Tuesday, many thoughts went through my mind, and I wish to use this space to consider a few of my thoughts in light of what the Bible says. Perhaps this will help all of us to put these horrible acts in perspective. In light of the horrible acts of terror we faced together as nation, let us realize ….
Continue reading » Lessons from Terror
By Cox, Stan, on October 1st, 2001
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Psa. 139:14).
In the June 29, 2001 issue of the Daily Texan (The University of Texas’ daily student newspaper), staff writer Devin Griffiths reported on an Austin based company, Cycorp, which is a leading force in the development of AI, (artificial intelligence). Simply put, AI is the capacity of a computer to reason and learn on its own, without any outside help. Readers may be familiar with the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, which had as a lead character a thinking, feeling, lying, and ultimately killing computer named HAL. Recently another theatrical release has captured the imagination of filmgoers. AI: Artificial Intelligence, has as its premise the creation of a robotic child programmed with the capacity to love.
There is often a vast gulf between the imaginative world of science fiction and the reality of hard science. What sounds plausible in movies and books may in reality either be impossible or beyond the realm of man’s actual technological achievements. This is certainly true with regard to the state of AI development at the present time. As Griffiths states in his article, “…despite vast technological developments, researchers in the real 2001 are still trying to get computers to read.”
Continue reading » Editorial: Artificial Intelligence – Evidence of Design
By Wallace, Steve, on October 1st, 2001
(Providing for the Spiritual Needs of Remote Converts)
Last month we looked at the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. After the account of his conversion in Acts 8 the Ethiopian Eunuch disappears from the pages of inspired history. We are simply told that, "he went on his way rejoicing" (v. 39). We assume he went back to his home in Ethiopia and back to his work as treasurer of Candice, queen of that country (v. 27). However, in light of his character, we are led to wonder about his future as a Christian and the future of the Lord’s work in Ethiopia.
Our purpose in asking the question contained in our title is not to direct attention to the eunuch specifically or engage in needless speculation. Rather, we seek to use him as an example of cases we sometimes face in mission work today. Specifically, that of people we convert who live far removed from us as well as other Christians of whom we may be aware. There have been a number of cases. Some are converted via Bible correspondence courses, others on a visit to a location where lectures are being held or where a church exists. Still others have been converted by a short-term preaching effort in their locale. After conversion such people are very much like the eunuch would have been in Ethiopia in that they find themselves nowhere near other Christians. How can we help such babes in Christ grow and prosper in the Lord? We offer several suggestions.
Continue reading » White Unto Harvest: What Became of the Eunuch?
By Roberts, Tom, on October 1st, 2001
One of the eternal struggles of the Lord’s disciples is to learn and practice a proper balance between the affairs of this life and the affairs of the kingdom of heaven. What we often feel we need is many times just something we want and the kingdom of heaven is left lacking of our time and talents while we spend these in carnal pursuits. One of the crying needs of our day is to learn to put the Lord’s work first (Matthew 6:33). We must be busy, of course, but we must learn the difference between working for “food that perisheth” and “food that abideth unto eternal life” (John 6:27). As I say, there is a balance in these matters and we must learn it or be found wanting.
The Bible does not condemn Christians engaging in business enterprises. In fact, examples abound which show disciples of the Lord practicing different forms of business. Matthew was a tax collector, Lydia a seller of purple, some of the apostles fishermen, and Jesus Himself certainly knew the carpentry business. The “worthy woman” of Proverbs 31 made and sold fine linen garments to the merchants. In addition to these examples of industry by faithful people, we may add the scriptures that censure those who would not “provide for his own” (1 Timothy 5:8) or who refuse to “labor with his hands” (Ephesians 4:28).
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: Busy-ness
By Osborne, Harry, on October 1st, 2001
If we want to understand the gospel which Jesus preached, we go back to its beginning. That beginning is not the personal teaching of Christ while on earth, but the preparatory work done by John the Baptist. Mark notes this fact as he begins his Gospel account with these words:
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets: "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight." John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (Mark 1:1-4).
Hence, the following facts must be understood from the work of John the Baptist:
Continue reading » In the Steps of the Savior: Jesus, John & Baptism
By Hafley, Larry Ray, on October 1st, 2001
The Bible does not state that Noah used hammers, saws, and axes in the construction of the ark. However, such instruments were authorized by the command, "Make thee an ark" (Genesis 6:14). Without the instruction to build the ark, the tools would have been unauthorized.
The Bible does not mention church buildings per se. However, they are scriptural because of the authority to assemble (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:18; 14:23; Hebrews 10:25). Without the right to assemble, church buildings would be without divine authority.
The Bible does not refer to song books. However, they are authorized by the command to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3;16). They assist us in carrying out the divine direction to "sing and make melody" in our hearts to the Lord. Without the authority to sing, songbooks would be unscriptural.
Continue reading » Contending for the Faith: Authorized Aids
By Cox, Stan, on October 1st, 2001
"When angry, count four; when very angry, swear."
~ Mark Twain
"But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth."
~Colossians 3:8
In a recent edition of the Ft. Worth Star Telegram, an article on the subject of Cursing appeared in the Life & Arts section. The article was a good example of unbiased reporting, as it just reported the societal trend of increased cursing and swearing, while not commenting on the appropriateness of the trend. I do not intend to be unbiased however, in commenting on the trend. The use of obscenity is condemned in scripture, and unworthy behavior for one who would please God.
Continue reading » The Simple Gospel: Curse and Effect
By Smith, Jeff, on October 1st, 2001
We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.
The writer of this passage in Hebrews 13:10-14 is addressing an audience of Hebrew Christians, under great pressure to forsake Jesus and renounce his discipline. He begged them not to cast away their confidence and draw back from faith to perdition, though their goods were plundered, their companions abused and themselves made a spectacle by reproach and tribulation (10:32-39).
The writer calls upon Hebrew history as examples of enduring faith in chapter eleven, hoping to inspire similar perseverance in these troubled saints. Finally, he cites the Lord Jesus himself, who "endured the cross, despising the shame" (12:2). "For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin" (12:3-4).
Continue reading » Solid Food: Joining Jesus Outside the Camp
By Cox, Stan, on October 1st, 2001
First things first… What is a PDA? The following definition is from Webopedia.com:
Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax, and networking features. A typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, and personal organizer. Unlike portable computers, most PDAs began as pen-based, using a stylus rather than a keyboard for input. This means that they also incorporated handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to voice input by using voice recognition technologies. PDAs of today are available in either a stylus or keyboard version.
The field of PDA was pioneered by Apple Computer, which introduced the Newton MessagePad in 1993. Shortly thereafter, several other manufacturers offered similar products. Today, one of the most popular brands of PDAs is the series of Palm Pilots from Palm, Inc.
PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket computers.
For the organizationally impaired, (including yours truly), PDAs are wonderful devices. Used properly, the device can be wonderfully helpful to the busy preacher.
Continue reading » Electronic Preaching: Using a PDA
By Deaton, Steven, on October 1st, 2001
The Gospel Guardian, December 8, 1949
Do not feel insulted when someone tells you that your religion is narrow. Maybe he is right. If he is right, you should feel complimented. Your critic may be confusing narrowness with bigotry, in which case he is the one out of step, not you. Bigotry the Lord condemned; narrowness (in the scriptural use of the term) he commended: "…narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be which find it."
The Narrowness of Truth
Truth is always narrow. Five plus five equals ten; this is true from kindergarten to college and everywhere else in the world. It isn’t ten because the arithmetic book says so, but it is ten because it cannot be anything else. If in a class of 100 students, only one gave ten as the answer to five plus five and all the other 99 agreed on a different answer, the one would be right and all the others wrong.
Historical truth is narrow. The Battle of San Jacinto was fought in Texas; Valley Forge was in Pennsylvania. These are facts which are understood alike by all students of history. If a student in a ‘history class gave any other answer concerning the location of these spots, he would be incorrect. No one would think the teacher was "narrow" in telling him so.
Continue reading » Voices from the Past: Narrow-Mindedness (Luther Blackmon)
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