You Shall Know The Truth
by H. E. Phillips

Perhaps some have wondered why I usually copy the scripture to which I appeal into the articles which appear in this paper, rather than just cite the “book chapter and verse.” True, that would save space, but that is not important. I have two reasons for copying the scripture into the text of the articles: 1) So many modem translations are now used that are not accurate and true to the original language, hence a misleading or contradictory reference to the scriptural point I make. 2) Very few will take the time and patience to turn to the verses and read them as they read the articles. They tend to take my word for it, and that is not good; they should not do that! By putting the language of the Holy Spirit in the text of my articles my point will be clearly established; otherwise, you would know that I am not properly applying the scriptures and cannot prove my point. I like to prove all things by the word of God.

All the efforts a preacher may put forth will not do an individual any good unless that individual opens his mind, his eyes and his ears to receive the truth by which he can be saved. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
I am not responsible for what is in the word of God. It is not “my” doctrine. I cannot change it in any way. I am happy to preach it just as it is. Here is it’s power: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”(Rom. 1:16).

Time To Check Up
by H. E. Phillips

Termites are some of the most destructive little creatures upon the face of the earth. They work under cover of darkness and in some of the strongest and best built buildings. The greatest opportunity for termites is in the home where the owner is certain no such thing could happen to him. Because there are no early outward signs of destruction, the owner becomes careless and ignores all warnings to check up occasionally on the condition of the supporting timbers to his house, After a while he begins to notice signs of the destructive work of termites. At that point the situation is usually worse than he could imagine. When he investigates more thoroughly he may find that his house is nearly ready to cave in.

Religion can be like that. The evil work of trying to undermine the very foundation of the local church must work in secret until it gains the foothold to act in the open to bring the downfall of the church. Strange as it may seem, the most ardent workers against the church are often those in the church. Just as termites get into the foundation and walls of a building to do their work, those whose lives would destroy the church must get into it and get at the very foundation.

There are early signs of termites working, and the same is true of religious termites. The experienced and trained man knows where to look and for what to look in locating them. The word of God furnishes us with the signs of evil workers in the church.

Watch out for puffed up and over-zealous persons whose words and deeds are self-serving. Watch out for those who continually cry “let us do BIG things for the Lord,” but never contribute anything to the effort. Watch out for those who want the church to get into everything that comes along. Watch for the language that is not found in the word of God when they begin to describe the work and worship of the church. Watch out for the slack in morals and personal duties of Christians. Watch out when everything is approved and nothing opposed. These may be signs of religious termites. We had better make a good check up of our own personal thinking and of the church where we worship. We cannot escape the wrath of God.

- Preacher of the Word, April 28, 1996

Religious Attitudes
by H. E. Phillips

One has only to read from the pens of well-known religious leaders to know that both ignorance and attitudes are destroying the foundation of Bible teaching. It is not uncommon today to hear great preachers talk about innovations in denominational terms that are wholly unknown in the word of God. But even worse is the attitude behind this ignorance that keeps it going. When religious leaders and teachers develop the wrong attitude toward the Bible, what can we expect of the people who listen and follow?
Not long ago I read an article from a religious “doctor” in the church who kept talking about “what Paul had in mind when he wrote” as if Paul wrote by his own power and authority. What does the inspired word of God mean to this attitude? Absolutely NOTHING!