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The Purpose Of The Instructor
In the first issue that appeared in January, 1964 we
ran an editorial that stated the purpose of The Instructor. Among
other things we said:
"It is our intention to do what we can to instruct others by means
of this periodical. It is not our desire to 'tell someone off or to
'offend' anyone. We have no personal 'axe to grind' with anyone. Our
primary interest is in knowing and teaching others the truth which
is able to make us free. (See John 8:32). THE INSTRUCTOR is designed
to teach aliens the way of salvation and children of God their
duties and responsibilities. We will be pleading for genuine faith
in God and Christ as the Son of God. We will be upholding the
Scripture as being the inspired Word of God! Our lessons will be
plain and pointed because of their importance. We will endeavor to
be fair and kind in the presentation of truth, but we will not speak
to please men, but God, who trieth our hearts. (1 Thess. 2:4-5). It
is our desire to be militant against sin wherever it may exist. We
will not only point out the errors of denominationalism but also the
erroneous and sinful practices of many members of the Lord's church.
If you find that we are not teaching or practicing the truth, we
earnestly urge you to call it to our attention and point out by the
Scriptures wherein we err. You will be our friend by so doing."
The purpose of The Instructor has not changed since its beginning. We are
still striving to reach the same goals. Our attitude has not
changed. It is still the same as expressed in that initial issue. We
have endeavored to speak the truth plainly. We do not want anyone to
misunderstand what we are saying, whether they agree with it or not.
With the apostle Paul we say: "Seeing then that we have such hope,
we use great plainness of speech." (2 Cor. 3: 12).
It has been our intention from the beginning to teach all the counsel of
God as we have had time and opportunity to do so. Our preaching and
teaching through this and other media has been patterned after the
teaching and preaching of Jesus and the apostles in that it has been
presented both positively and negatively. In spite of what many
learned, well-meaning brethren think, the Master Teacher and His
apostles gave us an example that we should follow. Some of the
teaching of Jesus on the mount in Matthew 5-7 is negative. For
example, read Mt. 5:33-37; 5:38-42; 6:1-21; 6:24; 6:25, 31, 34; 7:
1, 6). Of course, much of it is positive. For some negative as well
as positive teaching by the apostles read their epistles. NOTE: If
we would simply ''preach the word" and preach "all the counsel of
God" as it is revealed in the Scriptures, we would not have to be
too concerned about whether it is positive or negative. (Cf. 2 Tim.
4:2; Acts 20:26-27). Let us never forget the charge to "Preach the
word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort
with all longsuffering and doctrine" and to "earnestly contend for
the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Cf. 2 Tim.
4:2; Jude 3).
The Lord has been very gracious to us. He has blessed us far beyond what
we deserve. For any good that has been or may be accomplished we
praise God and give Him all the glory! (CRS)
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