Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 20
May 23, 1968
NUMBER 4, PAGE 7b-8a

Attitudes In Combat

Larry Ray Hafley

Rodger Trimm's article entitled "Pharisees and Sadducees" was informative and alarming as it appeared in the February 29th issue of this paper. It is distressing to think that those who hold the truth would resort to such deceitful practices as he attempts to teach the lost. We should not imitate those who "corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God speak we in Christ." (II Cor. 2:17) Wresting the Scriptures knows no right or wrong side, for all who do so will be destroyed. (II Peter 3:16) Brother Paul was also in the heat of the battle, but the contending, cutting Sword that he wielded dripped with love rather than bloody vengeance. If the Lord's soldiers will concentrate on firm, uncompromising fighting with the Divine weapon, the Word, there will be a cutting of the heart by the Spirit. To inject wrath and bitter words is to pour poison on an open wound. Why not he blunt and bold as were our ancestors in the faith, (Acts 2:22,23,36,37; 7:5156) yet in our contention be as a nurse that loves her children? (I Thess. 2:2,7)

Let us prove all things as we wrestle the wiles of the Devil. (I Thess. 5:21) All people, young and old, need to be rooted and grounded (indoctrinated) in the ways of God. (Col. 2:6; 3:17) A Christ-centered religion unashamedly has a verse for its existence, and thanks be unto God that we do not have to rely upon any human scheme to worship and serve Him acceptably! The very reason that many have succumbed to Satan is because of their lack of reverence and awe at the Word. Clever reasonings of pseudo-intellectualism are nothing more than the imaginations that Paul says the faithful must cast down. (II Cor. 10:5)

It is true that the error of brethren has brought division and hatred, but it is unfair to blame the stedfast for the loss of souls when they cannot determine which church is the church of Christ. I belong to no part or sect that has confused the minds of honest truth-seekers, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world bath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ...should shine unto them." (II Cor. 3,4) All human plans, whether they originate in denominationalism or in the hearts of deceived brethren, make void the Word sent from heaven; therefore, they must be exposed and condemned. The cost may be high in terms of infected hearts and sickly souls, but "If any man will to do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17)

Our sympathy for those in anguish over matters concerning the soul's life or death must never lead us to apologize for "the words of truth and soberness." (Acts 26:25) Be sorrowful and penitent for all actions unbecoming to the gospel, (Phil. 1:27) but true love for God's pattern will never permit us to be embarrassed by the effects of righteousness. Hard-hearted? Hardly! Grief, a deep ache of the mind, continually afflicts all who ponder the plight of the lawless, and I am not too big to weep. If saved it will be by unlimited mercy, by grace, hence we must stand and speak the truth humbly in love and in prayer.

Plano, Illinois