Pine Knoll Publications

The Scourge of Theological Gossip

Written by Graham Maxwell
Friday, 02 August 1996 00:00
"I hate to have to do this," said the voice on the telephone, but I must warn you that pastor so-and-so is teaching heresy." "Are you sure?" I inquired. "Absolutely. It was explained to our whole class at the seminary. Then I heard it again at campmeeting." "What heresy is the pastor accused of teaching?" "They said it was something called 'the morally influential theory.'" "Actually it's pronounced 'moral influence,'" I corrected. "But do you know what this theory is all about?" "I was hoping you could tell me. But at least I understand it has something to do with the cross and atonement. Evidently the pastor is confusing people by saying that Jesus didn't have to die." "That's a very serious charge. Have you told many others about it?" "Yes, I think we owe it to our fellow believers to help protect them from such false theology." "Why did you say earlier that you hated to have to pass on this information?" "Because the pastor is a good friend of mine, and I've found some of his ideas very helpful to me personally." "Well, since you're both such good friends, can I assume that his reputation is safe in your hands?" "What do you mean?" "Would you agree that one of the great joys of friendship is that friends can always be trusted to protect each other's reputation? This means to me that if you should hear a damaging report about someone of whom you claim to be a friend, you would never think of passing it along without first checking the accuracy of the accusation. Can I assume, then, that as the pastor's friend, you have already given him a face-to-face opportunity to explain what he is actually teaching?" "I don't believe I need to do that," concluded the voice on the phone. "I know enough already to make up my mind."
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How God Won His Case (Perceptions of a "Juror")

God may you "win your case when you go into court!"

Goodspeed's dramatic translation of Romans 3:4 matches Paul's use of David's prayer in Psalm 51:4. The apostle has raised the question, does the lack of faith among God's privileged people mean that God Himself cannot be trusted? "By no means! God must prove true, though every man be false; as the Scripture says, ‘That you may be shown to be right in what you say, and win your case when you go into court.'"

If God had not been accused, there would have been no need for Him to defend Himself. And just as the charges had been heard throughout the universe, so the answers must be publicly made known. When Daniel described a convening of the heavenly court, he emphasized the open presentation of the evidence. A hundred million watched as "the court sat in judgement, and the books were opened" (Daniel 7:10, RSV).

As sinners needing salvation, we naturally tend to be preoccupied with what God has done to save us, so that we may be regarded as righteous when our cases come up in the judgement. But the Bible speaks of a prior concern of far greater importance—the confirmation of the truthfulness and trustworthiness of God Himself.

Some find it hard to believe that the Infinite One would tolerate—let alone encourage—the questioning of his inscrutable ways. But the book of Revelation and many other parts of Scripture describe an age-long conflict over the divine character and government that has involved the whole universe—even to the extent of war up in heaven (see Revelation 12:7-17).

Remembering Graham

November 29, 2010

Friends,

With sorrow, but with peace and assurance of what God is like and His gift of life to come, Pine Knoll and the Maxwell Family announce that A. Graham Maxwell passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2010.

Since 1972, we have been mentored by this scholar and friend to thousands. Demonstrating evidence, Graham guided us to a trustworthy God—the God who invites us to be His friends. Keeping God the focus and treating others with a life of consistent grace, Graham stood in the shadows by choice, pointing to the light.

We want to acknowledge this giant of goodness and to thank God for His gift of this human friend.

Would you like to join us in thanks and with memories? If your journey with Graham reminds you of a favorite saying you remember him using, a favorite quote or a favorite story, would you share? If what you have learned has made a difference in your life, if you have been able to share it and observe the results, please write us a note at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , use our "Contact Us" form, or give us a call at (909) 792-0111.

Thanks to the generous permission of the Loma Linda University Church, you can now watch Graham's memorial service:

Graham Maxwell Memorial Service from Pine Knoll Publications on Vimeo.

What We Believe

Written by Graham Maxwell

What We Believe -- A message from Graham Maxwell

I believe that the most important of all Christian beliefs is the one that brings joy and assurance to God's friends everywhere -- the truth about our Heavenly Father that was confirmed at such cost by the life and death of His Son.

God is not the kind of person His enemies have made Him out to be -- arbitrary, unforgiving and severe. Jesus said, "If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father." God is just as loving and trustworthy as His Son, just as willing to forgive and heal. Though infinite in majesty and power, our Creator is an equally gracious Person who values nothing higher than the freedom, dignity, and individuality of His intelligent creatures -- that their love, their faith, their willingness to listen and obey may be freely given. He even prefers to regard us not as servants but as friends.

This is the truth revealed through all the books of Scripture. This is the everlasting Good News that wins the trust and admiration of God's loyal children throughout the universe.

Like Abraham and Moses -- the ones God spoke of as His trusted friends -- God's friends today want to speak well and truly of our Heavenly Father. We covet as the highest of all commendations the words of God about Job: "He has said of Me what is right."

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