The apostle Paul was a great preacher. By his example and instruction he teaches much about preaching the Gospel. In his letter to the Thessalonians he gives a glimpse into his style of preaching. In chapter two he writes, "For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children" (1 Thess. 2:1-7).
     From this description of Paul's preaching among the Thessalonians, we learn the following:
     1. Paul's preaching was not vain, useless. He did not teach the doctrines of men which are useless (Matt. 15:8-9), but preached the "word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe" (1 Thess. 2:13).
     2. One who preaches the Word of God is subject to being shamefully treated. In Paul's day, as in ours, most folks do not wish to hear the pure, simple Gospel of God. Paul even warned the young preacher Timothy, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12). Jesus spoke of a time "when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake" (Luke 6:22). Preaching the Gospel does not make friends from the world or from those who have turned their backs on the truth and deserted the ranks of faithful Christians.
     3. The Gospel must be proclaimed boldly! There is no place in the pulpit for one who is a coward. There is no room in the pulpit for one who will shirk from proclaiming ALL the counsel of God. At Miletus, Paul talked to the elders of the church from Ephesus. He told them, "Wherefore I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:26-27). He instructed Timothy to "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2). One must be bold in his proclamation of the truth. He must preach it when folks desire to hear it and when they do not wish to hear it. He must not shun to declare the whole counsel of God without fear or favor.
     4. Paul's preaching was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile. Paul had no hidden motives or agenda. His only motive was to please God and save men. Today, our pulpits are filled with men who will not teach the truth about God's plan for man. They will not teach the truth about the church of our blessed Lord. They refuse to speak out against worldliness in the church. Thus, they preach of deceit.
     5. The Gospel preacher has been put in trust with the Gospel. This great treasure has been placed in earthen vessels! One should be ashamed to be afraid and afraid to be ashamed of this glorious Gospel. If the Gospel preacher is not true to this trust, then who is going to teach the truth to the world? Certainly it will not be done by denominational preachers preaching their lies!
     6. The Gospel preacher must preach to please God, not men. "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ" (Gal. 1:10). Too many today appear to be more concerned with "making friends" than in winning souls. Too many seem to be more interested in making a name for themselves than in proclaiming the name of Christ. Too many allow friendship, family, etc. to alter their teaching. We must preach to please God and Him only!
     7. Paul never used flattering words. Plain talk is the easiest to understand. The Gospel is for all and should be taught so that all may hear, understand and respond.
     8. God is witness to our preaching. Therefore, I dare not seek to preach to please men. I dare not preach less than the whole counsel of God. I dare not be anything but bold in my proclamation of the Gospel.
     9. One can obey all of the teaching of Paul concerning the preaching of the Gospel. One can follow the example of preaching that Paul left for us and still be "gentle...as a nurse cherisheth her children." One can be bold in telling men the truth. He can be plain. He can be strong and still be gentle.
     How about you, fellow preacher? Do you preach like Paul?
         P.O. Box 5000, Tech Station
         Cookeville, TN 385055

        Dear brother _____; student at Lipscomb University. Thank you for taking the time to write expressing your concerns about what we print in "Seek The Old Paths." I'm glad you are concerned, far too many are not.
     You make several statements regarding the harshness of some of the material we print but have offered no evidence to substantiate your claims. You charge us with making unsubstantiated claims. If you have evidence to the contrary than what we have presented, I'd love to see it. I assure you we never desire to print anything that is not correct and if we have, will certainly print a retraction and spread it far and wide. However, we must be provided evidence to show we have misquoted or otherwise mishandled these matters.
     Also, you have used several "harsh" words to describe and vent your frustration such as "ultra conservative, closed-minded, egotistical, hypocritical," words which we have not used in regards to anyone. You admit that you have been harsh in your letter but suggest that such was necessary to get us to see what we've done. I accept that. But, we've simply dealt with the facts -- the evidence. Jesus used words like "whited sepulchres" (Matt. 23:27), "serpents" and "generation of vipers" (Matt. 12:33), "hypocrites" (Matt. 23:13), "blind guides" (Matt. 23:16), "fools and blind" (Matt. 23:17). Are we kinder than the Lord if we don't use such strong words? We haven't addressed anyone like this. We haven't dealt with personalities. We've dealt with doctrines. However, you can't have a doctrine being propagated without someone proclaiming it. Would you suggest we deal with false doctrines and leave the one's teaching them alone? The apostles did not do that (1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 4:10; 2:17). Are we better than the apostles?
     You deny that many congregations of the church of Christ are headed toward denominationalism and say that such is "the most absurd thing that I've ever heard." Brother, it's later than you think because many have already gone there! Many are hardly recognizable at all as having once been faithful to the Lord. When one teaches and practices denominational doctrine, then pardon me if I recognize and call them what they are. If it waddles like a duck, quacks like a duck, lays eggs like a duck and looks like a duck, then I'm going to call it a duck. I'm not going to deny the evidence and say it's a humming bird! Likewise, if an animal drools like a wolf, howls like a wolf, eats like a wolf, smells like a wolf and looks like a wolf, I'm not going to call it a sheep!

     WRITER'S COMMENT: "You're afraid that God is actually going to love other people too!"
     ANSWER: God loves all people (John 3:16) but is not going to save all people. As a matter of fact, the vast majority of people will be lost (Matt. 7:13). Multitudes of devoutly religious and sincere people will be lost (Matt. 7:21). This includes those who once walked with the Lord and even now think they are walking with the Lord (Matt. 7:22-23) but are enemies of Christ (Phil. 3:18). Salvation only comes to those who love and obey the Lord, not simply those who are sincere (Heb. 5:8-9; Luke 6:46).
     Walking with the Lord includes honoring and respecting his Word. It involves fellowshipping those whom God fellowships and refusing to fellowship those whom God refuses to fellowship. To ignore God's Word on fellowship makes one as guilty and condemned as the evil-doer himself. The Scriptures are plain on this point. "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 John 9-11; compare Obadiah 1:11). I'm sorry, but those who do not teach and practice the doctrine of Christ, the teaching of Christ, does not have God. They are not in fellowship with God and do not enjoy the blessings of God. The doctrine of Christ is not simply the teaching concerning his nature as some have proposed in order to escape the consequences of His Word and include in God's circle those whom they want to include, but involves the whole system of his teaching. It includes everything Jesus, the apostles and inspired writers recorded in the New Testament.

     WRITER'S COMMENT: "I hope to minister to you and help you see all the good that Lipscomb, Dr. Flatt, Jeff Walling, etc. are doing for the church."
     ANSWER: Whatever good someone does is fine. We have not examined their good and find no fault with it. But, shall we highlight the good and ignore the error? Shall we be blind to false doctrine and practice? Shall we accept any and all that comes our way? Is there anything brethren can do that you would oppose? I know you oppose those of us who are willing to expose false doctrine and those teaching it as per Jude 3, 2 John 9-11, Eph. 5:11 and Rom. 16:17. Is there anything you would oppose other than these verses?
     Brother, is it error to teach that Jesus never repudiated the law? -- that the law of Moses hasn't been done away? If it is error, and it certainly is (Col. 2:14; Gal. 3:24-25), then you ought to reconsider your statement concerning Steve Flatt since he is the one that said these things. Should we just throw a calf rope around all the denominations and accept them into the unity of the Lord? If you don't think so, then you ought to be trying to teach Jeff Walling because that is what he has said. Romans 16:17, 2 John 9-11 and Ephesians 5:11 will not allow unity with the denominations, nor even unity among those who have left the faith.
     Thank you for your time.
     With kindest regards,
     Garland M. Robinson

        Yesterday I received notice of the Annual Sermon Seminar to take place in May of 1999 at Rochester College (formerly Michigan Christian College).
     The first person listed as a presenter was Tom Long. There were others mentioned, some of whom I had questions about. There was also a contact person, David Fleer.
     I called David Fleer and asked him about one of the other presenters, and then asked him about Tom Long. When I asked if Tom Long was a member of the church of Christ, David Fleer replied that he was not, that he didn't know for sure, but he thought he was a Presbyterian. The contact person for this seminar didn't even know the religion of the man the college had asked to present material on biblical preaching.
     When I began to express my concern about this, David Fleer asked me if I had read Mr. Long's book. What does it matter if I had read his book? He is not even a Christian. We are not going to learn how to preach the Word from someone who does not know how to follow it. When I said as much to David Fleer, he responded by saying that Mr. Long was going to teach us to use the text of the Bible to determine the form of our preaching, and that he (David Fleer) thought that was very biblical. Since 2 Timothy 4:2 says that preaching includes reproving, rebuking, and exhorting, I asked if anyone was going to follow the biblical precept and rebuke Mr. Long for not being a true follower of the Word. David Fleer informed me that they would not be doing that.
     Am I surprised? No. But I am deeply saddened. This tolerance and endorsement of sin is typical of our once-upon-a-time "Christian" schools, and either they have no idea, or they have no concern over the amount of damage they are doing to the kingdom for which our Lord died. Whether this springs out of ignorance or apathy, the results are still just as devastating.
     If we accepted the lead of Rochester College in this matter, what would we learn? Rochester College is teaching by this example that "scholarship" is more important than truth, and that man's words are valued beyond God's Words.
     Rochester College is ignoring 2 John 7-11. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
     Those who would argue that the doctrine of Christ in 2 John 9 simply means the doctrine that Christ is come in the flesh (v.7) have given up on the plan of salvation taught in Scripture. If we say that the doctrine of Christ is just the doctrine about Christ, that he came in the flesh, then whoever has that doctrine has both the Father and the Son. Then why worry or teach about baptism? Why teach any truth other than that Jesus came in the flesh if that alone is enough to ensure we have the Father and the Son? The doctrine of Christ is the doctrine that springs from Jesus and from his authority.
     Mr. Long does not abide in nor bring the doctrine of Christ. Rochester College does not have the right to endorse him, to bid him God speed, neither do they have the right to give him a platform from which to preach.
     Rochester College is ignoring Ephesians 5:11 in both parts. They are extending their fellowship to works of darkness, and they are refusing to expose or reprove them. When did our brethren lose their fear of directly disobeying God?
     Will the students at Rochester College, or the ministers who go to this seminar learn that it is sinful to belong to the Presbyterian denomination? Will they be influenced by the College to stand against the error of denominationalism? No. This is not surprising, but very sad indeed is the truth that Rochester College is teaching by its actions in this matter that listening to the doctrines of men (Tom Long) is more important than following the Word of God (2 Tim. 4:2).
     Addendum. After writing this article, I called the President of Rochester College, Ken Johnson. I told him I wished to express my concern about their decision to bring a presenter to this seminar who was not even a member of the Lord's church. He responded by asking me why I was suddenly taking an interest in Rochester College, how long since I had been on their campus, and how long since I had been to one of their programs. I have not been there in a long time, but I am an alumnus of this school and a concerned Christian. As such I told him I certainly had the right to express my concerns. He responded that these programs were put together for people who appreciate the college and who are generally involved with their programs, and thanked me for my call.
     Again, it is not surprising that they didn't really want any input from a lowly little nobody like me. In this matter they will not even accept input from God. But, oh, how sad it makes me.
         1495 E Empire Ave.
         Benton Harbor, MI 49022

        Educating our youth in the principles of Christianity is a vital need. In this time of open rebellion against God, we need to fortify our youth with the Word of God that they with "the shield of faith...shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Eph. 6:16). For this reason, many parents have sent their precious children to "Christian Colleges." However, rather than being fortified, many have returned home being corrupted by evolutionary and denominational thinking.
     In this world of complexity, the roles of parents, the church, and educational institutions have been confused. It is not the church's responsibility to educate anyone in a secular field of study. It is the parents responsibility to see to the education of their children. Colleges have been intrusted by parents to help in this responsibility and have served a vital role in helping parents educate their children. In defense of the colleges, it is not their responsibility to finish what we as parents have started, nor is it their responsibility to do what we have failed to do. Nonetheless, some "Christian Colleges" have assumed responsibilities that do not belong to them. It is not the responsibility of colleges to educate gospel preachers. By inspiration of God, the apostle Paul gave that responsibility to the church. In 2 Timothy 2:2, he wrote, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
     Though the church of our Lord does not officially have a clergy/laity system, many congregations certainly lean in that direction. In these congregations, the preacher is a hireling -- a pastor. And because of such a view, those congregations seek preachers with secular degrees who could not quote enough Bible to prove baptism for the remission of sins. The words of Hosea the prophet ought to ring loud and clear in these times of ignorance: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). Brethren, a congregation who seeks only preachers with degrees would not want men like Peter, James, and John to be their preacher. Though they were not educated by the world's standards, yet they knew Jesus and they knew the Lord's will for mankind. Such congregations are more concerned with the excellency of speech than the testimony of God (1 Cor. 2:1,4).
     From the establishment of the church, "preacher-itis" has been a problem. Paul writing to the church at Corinth reminded them, "that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ" (1 Cor. 1:12). Of late, this has expanded into "college-itis." In defense of a position, sometimes you hear someone say that such and such college teaches... Or sometimes someone may ask, "which college teaches...?" Sadly, in some circles such and such college gives credence to certain doctrinal positions and when a college is not named when asked "which college," it breeds discredibility. Brethren, we do not need a college to establish doctrinal positions. The Bible is our only source of religious authority (Col. 3:17). Our Alma mater may be important to us, but let's keep it in the proper perspective.
     Brethren, if we are trusting in "Christian Colleges" to do the work of the home, the work of the church, or establish doctrinal positions or practices then we are trusting in uncertain education.
         610 Elmwood Dr.
         Cleveland, OK 74020 .

        (The following is from the Seibles Road church bulletin in Montgomery, Alabama, December 13, 1998)
     Just in case you are one of those who do not believe that anything alarming is occurring in the Lord's church, please read the following that appeared in the November 18, 1998 bulletin of the Woodmont Hills Church of Christ in Nashville, TN, where Rubel Shelly is the preacher.
___________________________
Community Thanksgiving Service
     On the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, we will assemble in our Great Hall with members of four other area churches for a Community Thanksgiving Service. Although many of you may be on the road for holiday travel already, we hope the rest of you will try to be present for a wonderful evening that has been planned. Brookhaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Cofers Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Glen Leven Presbyterian Church, and First Christian Church will join us to give thanks to God for the blessings of the past year. With music and Scripture, we will join with our neighbors and friends to honor the Lord for his continual goodness. Following our time together, light refreshments will be served in the lobby to give us the chance to get better acquainted. A Thanksgiving Offering will be taken on behalf of people suffering the devastating effects of Hurricane Mitch in Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
________________________
Now, read the following advertisement as it appeared in the Nov. 21, 1998 issue of "Times Daily", regarding the Magnolia Church of Christ in Florence, Alabama.
_______________________

SHOALS AREA MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING ASSEMBLY
     This Year's Community Celebration of Thanksgiving Will Be Held At: Magnolia Church of Christ, Florence AL. 10:00 A.M., November 26, Thanksgiving Day.
     Ministers leading the assembly include: Milton Glor -- Grace Episcopal, Viskie Montaie -- Jesus Church, Mark Parris -- North Wood Methodist, Gary Rapp -- First Nazarene Church Florence, Joe VanDyke -- Magnolia Church of Christ.
     Congregational singing with special music by The Magnolia Singers. Join your neighbors from across the Shoals on this special day!
---------------------------------------
     Most of you know these are not widely scattered happenings. More and more we see departure from the Pattern. The elders are charged to uphold the Truth but it is apparent some do not take this charge seriously.
     I have recently heard that a long time LIBERAL congregation in Chattanooga, Tenn. had many members leave because a women got up and read Scripture. Hmmm, too liberal for some of these liberals? One MUST understand though, these are congregations that have fallen off the edge. Liberalism and departure start from small innocent (a lot of times, well meaning) ideas BUT grow into a monster -- this is the case of many congregations of the Lord's church today. Where does it stop? When the brethren begin entering into the entertainment business instead of the preaching the Gospel business, it opens the door for a multitude of factions. When the brethren began laxing their stance on sin so that no one is offended, then they will reap the reward of their actions. When the brethren put the Lord's money into building cathedrals to impress the community instead of saving their souls, they have their reward.
     DO NOT GIVE AN INCH, STAND FIRM.
     James Sisemore

        The following article appeared in the Observer and Eccentric a local newspaper for the Detroit, Michigan area. The Temple Baptist Church located in Livonia, MI; a suburb of Detroit, will host a Leadership Conference in April of 1999. Max Lucado will be one of the featured speakers. The article states: "Lucado senior pastor of Oak Hills Church of Christ in San Antonia, Texas, has authored such books as 'Six Hours One Friday' and 'A Gentle Thunder.' Max is a pastor and an extremely well-known author."
     Now that Max has long since shown his true colors, will members of the churches of Christ keep inviting him to speak on their lectureships, hold gospel meetings and appear on their college campuses? Will "we" keep on buying his books, which will in part produce money for his works of error? It is true that in some places we are no longer a people of the Book. No faithful eldership or faithful college president would allow such a false teacher as Max Lucado to appear on any program sponsored by them. If they did they would be in violation of such passages as 2 John 9-11. "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."
     One wonders what good if any it does nowadays to warn members of the Lord's church of such things. It seems to me that so few are listening to any such warning because Max and others like him keep on appearing on church of Christ sponsored events. These fellows like Max want to hold on to Jesus with one hand and the Devil with the other. They want the endorsement of our Lord Jesus Christ while at the same time wanting the endorsement of the denominational world. You can't have both. Not according to Matthew 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
     Paul was one who believed in warning people of the dangers coming on the Lord's church in the first century as he would try to warn the elders in Acts 20:28-31, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."
     Can we do no less?
         29511 Bock St.
         Garden City, MI 48135