This Issue...

• Whatever Happened to Sin? — Richard Carlson p.33
• The Bible on Booze — Garland Robinson p.34
• Sectdom — Wayne Coats p.35
• The Way of Righteousness — Marvin Weir p.37
• The High Cost of Sin — Lloyd Gale p.38
• Please for Help with new Printer —
• Mail Bag — p.40

        This question is not intended to imply that sin has ceased to exist. Sin has been in the world since man’s disobedience in the garden of Eden, and will be so until time is declared no more. The thrust of this article is to show how so many take certain sins, give them another name, as though they can minimize the severity of them. We will note twelve specific examples.
        1) Stealing is no longer stealing, it is kleptomania. The claim is made that this kind of person cannot control themselves. And so we tend to overlook them and feel sorry for them.
        To steal is to take what belongs to another without consent. Jesus teaches a thief comes to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Read what Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus. “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Eph. 4:28). Look at the penalty for stealing under the law of Moses. “And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death” (Exod. 21:16). “If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you” (Deut. 24:7).
        2) Adultery is no longer adultery, it’s an extramarital affair. Adultery is unfaithfulness to the marriage bed. “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4). Read the words of Christ. “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Matt. 19:9; cf. Mark 10:11-12). “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt. 5:28).
        3) Fornication is no longer fornication, it’s simply dating or a living arrangement. It’s thought to be normal and without shame. Like adultery, it’s based on a weak argument of experimentation. However, the world’s standard does not make it right with God. God’s teaching on the purity of the sexual relationship between a husband and wife within the bounds of scriptural holy matrimony is sacred and timeless (cf. Matt. 19:6). Yet, too many people of the world do not consider it as such. They look on it as something that is open and free. In other words, engage in it as often and with whomever you please. This illicit activity will not only bring deadly diseases, but shame and disgrace upon you, the community and the whole nation. Study Proverbs 5:3-8, 6:20-29,32-33, 7:5-27. We are to abstain from fornication (Acts. 15:20). “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:18). “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints” (Eph. 5:3). Fornication is sinful every time —“...the body is not for fornication” (1 Cor. 6:13; cf. 5:1).
        4) Gambling is no longer gambling, it’s simply gaming. It’s no longer a sin to many, but has become an investment in the future. To be sure, there are some risks we take every day of our lives. On the road, we run the risk of being hit by another driver, but that is a far cry from gambling. But, gambling is a sinful risk. If we “play for money or other stakes“, we commit the sin of gambling. It is the desire for others to lose while we win. It depends on other’s loss. Notice these scriptures. “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Rom. 12:17). “Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes” (Haggai 1:6). “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:21-22). Is gambling a good thing to hold on to? If a person gambles, is that abstaining from the appearance of evil?
        5) Lying is no longer lying, it is to misspeak —simply telling a falsehood, freedom of expression. Freedom of speech does not give one the liberty to lie. Even in expressing our views, it must be done in the right manner. What does God say about lying? “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord” (Prov. 12.22). “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish” (Prov. 19:5,9). “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Cor. 4:2).
        6) Homosexuality is no longer an unimaginable perversion, it is simply an alternate lifestyle. Those who honor the God-given institution of marriage to be exclusively between one woman and one man are considered hate mongers. The faithful of the Lord are in grave danger of harm and/or imprisonment (in some places) for speaking out against it. And if it comes to that, so be it! God does not see it as alternate lifestyle. The Law of Moses condemned this grievous sin. “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them” (Lev. 20:29). God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of it (Gen. 19). Where do you think the word sodomy came from? “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned [them] with an overthrow, making [them] an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly” (2 Peter 2:6). “But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:29). “And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet” (Rom. 1:27).
        7) Cursing is no longer inappropriate and vulgar, it’s colorful speech. The worldly minded see nothing wrong with it. So many live their lives filled with vile and vulgar language. God’s name is taken in vain. I remember reading a list of twelve rules on raising a juvenile delinquent that was put out by the Houston Texas Police Department. One of the rules said to laugh at your child when they pick up on “cute phrases.” Then later they will pick up on worse phrases that will blow your head off. So, is it wrong, or is it just colorful? Let God answer. “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Exod. 20:7). “And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord” (Lev. 19:12). “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37). “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29).
        8) Abortion is not killing innocent human life, it is simply birth control. The United States, on an annual basis, kills more babies in one year than the number of lives lost in all the wars fought in this country’s history! What does God say? Study Proverbs 6:16-19. God hates hands that shed innocent blood. “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psa. 127:3). “As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all” (Eccl. 11:5). “Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself” (Isa. 44:24).
        9) Euthanasia, the killing of the old and infirm, is no longer murder, it is good death or death with dignity —“mercy killing.” It is considered by many to be nothing more than showing mercy to someone who is terminally ill. We remember too well Jack Kevorkian as an example of this. He invented a machine by which he assisted people in taking their own life. He upheld his innocence and denied any wrongdoing. Did he really think he could play God? What does the Bible say? “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15).
        10) Nakedness is not immodesty, it’s freedom to do as you please. Many, even many Christians, see nothing wrong with exposing their flesh. Immodesty is open to view, not concealed, lack of covering or clothing; nudity or bareness. However the Bible still calls it what it is! It is sin! “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Tim. 2:9-10). “And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach” (Exod. 28:42). Read about Noah’s nakedness in Genesis 9:21-27 and how his sons handled this situation. Those who tempt others to sin are not innocent in the sin (cf. Matt. 18:6; Rom. 14:13).
        11) Drunkenness is not drunkenness, it’s a disease called alcoholism. It’s simply a drinking problem. But again, some argue drinking in not wrong as long as one does not become drunk. But social drinking is sin! Alcohol is a good remover. It will remove and destroy homes and families. It will remove money out of your pocket and food off of the table. And, it will remove a person’s reputation. Read Isaiah 5:11. “Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags” (Prov. 23:20-21). “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself (Dan. 1:8). “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness (Hab. 2:15). Read Leviticus 10:8-11.
        A father asked his son, “If you count a cow’s tail a leg, how many legs does it have? He answered, five.” We know that is not true, because calling a cow’s tail a leg, does not make it a leg. Men can call sin by any terminology they desire, but it’s still sin. Sin will separate you from God. “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isa. 59:1-2). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).
          
                

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 Editorial...

        The Bible is very clear about the sinfulness of using alcohol as a beverage. It runs across the grain of everything that is true and right and holy. So many believe it’s alright to drink (socially) as long as you don’t get drunk. I wonder where they got that idea? It’s not from the Bible!
        Drunkenness is simply a matter of degree. Ephesians 5:18 says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” The word for “drunk” signifies to make drunk or to grow drunk (an inceptive verb marking the process of becoming drunk; Thayer’s, Vines). The first drink starts the process of becoming drunk. Therefore, the first drink is sinful. Such is forbidden in this verse. The word “excess” is not speaking of the amount or quantity one drinks. It’s not saying that it’s all right to drink as long as you don’t drink too much. The word is dealing with the excessive behavior that comes as a result of being under alcohol’s influence. The word is defined as a “abandoned, dissolute life.” It is translated “riot” (ASV) and “dissipation” (NKJV). Alcohol brings one to an abandoned, riotous, rowdy, reckless, dissolute life. Why in the world would anyone choose such a life? Why would anyone promote and defend it? Can you imagine the Lord Jesus sitting at a bar with a glass in his hand? He never gave us such an example to follow (1 Peter 2:21).
        The following points have been so aptly made through the years. I don’t know who put the following arrangement together, but it is excellent. Pass it on.
        Alcohol and its agents are deceitful. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).
        Drunkenness leads to poverty and rags. “Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags” (Prov. 23:20-21).
        Alcohol brings woe, sorrow, contentions, babbling, wounds, and inflamed eyes. “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine” (Prov. 23:29-30).
        Wine at first is pleasing, but in the end is as poison as a rattlesnake! “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder” (Prov. 23:31-32).
        Alcohol inflames lust, deadens judgment, and enslaves the will. “Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again” (Prov. 23:33-35).
        The drunkard is dangerous to himself as well as to others. “As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools” (Prov. 26:9).
        Alcohol corrupts courts and governments, brings national destruction. “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted” (Prov. 31:4-5). “Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel” (Isa. 5:22-24).
        Alcohol makes men forget God. “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands” (Isa. 5:11-12).
        The curse of God is on the drunkard. “Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine! Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand. The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet” (Isa. 28:1-3).
        The curse of God is on every man, every business, and every government that provides or sells booze. “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness! Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD’S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory” (Habak. 2:15-16).
        Moderate drinking leads to even more drunkenness, nakedness, and a curse on the drunkard’s children. “And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness. And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him. And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren” (Gen. 9:20-25).
        Drunkenness contributes to adultery, incest, and illegitimate children. “And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters. And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father” (Gen. 19:30-36).
        Christians are not to associate with drunkards. “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat” (I Cor. 5:11).
        Christ can save drunkards. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (I Cor. 6:9-11). “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isa. 1:18).
        There is a way of salvation for the whole world, including drunkards. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway” (Acts 16:30-33).
        Believe in Christ (John 8:24), Repent of sins (Acts 2:38), Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:10), be Baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16), Live faithful to Christ unto death (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10).
                
                

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        The one thing which is amazing to so many of us is the great number of sects, cults, philosophies and far-out theories which have ever plagued those who would respect the word of God.
        Before Jesus was born there were a number of religious sects who imbibed some of the superstitions of the Egyptians, Syrians and Arabians. In Palestine, the Jewish and Samaritans religions flourished during the time of Christ.
        The Samaritans originated in the time of King Rehoboam. Shalmanesser, King of Assyria besieged Samaria the capital of the Kingdom of Israel. The people were carried away and their place was filled with Babylonians. The Jews and Babylonians mixed their religions. After the Jews returned from their captivity, quarrels erupted with the Jews who were still in Jerusalem over rebuilding the temple. When the returning Jews were not allowed to assist in rebuilding the temple, they erected a temple on Mount Gerizim. The Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with each other.
        The Jews were divided into three major groups and a number of lesser groups. The Essenes, Pharisees and Sadducees were the more prominent groups.
        The Essenes dwelt generally in solitude and decreed that: religion consisted wholly in contemplation and silence. They practiced a rigid abstinence. Some elected to live in celibacy. They viewed the Law of Moses as allegorical which relieved them from observing its precepts.
        The Sadducees maintained that: only the written law was of divine authority, that neither the oral law nor the prophets were to be regarded as divine authority. They did not believe in the resurrection nor future state, nor angels, or human spirit. They believed in opposing Christ.
        The Pharisees taught that: the Law of Moses, the prophets and the tradition of the elders were of equal authority, that there was a resurrection of the dead, a future state and the children of Abraham alone would be raised from the dead and enter into future happiness. Persons would be able to eat and drink in a future state and that every man would be reunited to his former wife.
        The Pharisees separated themselves from all who were deemed to be sinners. They were strict observers of the traditions of the elders and did their religious acts to be seen of men.
        Besides the above, there were an endless number of sects which prevailed when Jesus was born. The gods, idols, priests, festivals, and rituals would require a book to describe them.
        When the minds of men are cluttered with cultic foolishness, it is all but impossible to teach them the pure word of God. Jesus and the inspired apostles made but little progress with all the prejudicial rot which existed in their time.
        Sectarianism abounds all around and new groups are being formed each week. All it takes is to form a musical band to entertain the gullible people and attach some sort of religious title and the show proceeds.
        Several congregations and preachers who used to claim loyalty to Christ and his church have digressed aside into cultism. There’s a sad day coming.
                705 Hillview Dr.
                Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

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        “In the way of righteousness [is] life; and [in] the pathway [thereof there is] no death” (Prov. 12:28).
        One must know “the sacred writings” to be “wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). Lack of study of God’s Holy Word (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15) is not an option if one desires to travel the way of righteousness. Christ taught “they that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6). The way of righteousness is not a mystery or something one cannot be sure of. Let us note some things that are essential for one to do if the way of righteousness is to be traveled.
        One must “heed the call” to the way of righteousness! So many people misunderstand how God calls people. It is not a miraculous calling or a special experience or feeling that overpowers a person. God’s Word says that all are called through the Gospel (2 Thess. 2:14). There are no exceptions. Since “the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16), one will not be reckoned as righteous who has not obeyed the Gospel plan of salvation (cf. Gal. 3:6). To be in or put on Christ (Gal. 3:27), one must be baptized into Christ (Rom. 6:4). This is where Christ’s blood is contacted and “we have our redemption through his blood” (Eph. 1:7). Without redemption and forgiveness of sins, one cannot be reckoned as righteous. And, of course, prerequisites to being baptized are belief/faith (Heb. 11:6), repentance of sins (Luke 13:3), and a willingness to confess that Jesus Christ is the only begotten of the Father (Rom. 10:9-10).
        One must choose to “travel” the way of righteousness! People are not robots, but free moral agents and have always had to make choices regarding their lives. Remember Joshua saying, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15). The way of righteousness is too strait and narrow (restricted) for many and so they reject it (Matt. 7:14). One will not find himself accidently on the way of righteousness. A decision must be made and sacrifice and effort are required. “No man can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24). The Devil is with the majority of people who have chosen the broad and worldly way that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13). The choice you make will determine the destiny of your soul!
        One must be “involved” as he travels the way of righteousness! All Christians have the obligation to be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” so that God will be glorified and others will see these “good works” (Matt. 5:13-16). Christianity is not to be confused with a spectator sport. Each member of the church will be held accountable for doing what he or she could do for the Lord and His cause. No one can serve or worship in the kingdom for you. You will not be credited for faithfulness because fellow church members are faithful. Will you speak up for the Lord and defend His cause? Can you be counted on when the going gets tough? Will you be steadfast even though family and friends are involved? The Bible warns, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25).
        One must not “apologize” for the way of righteousness! The politically correct climate of the world has influenced some brethren far more than the Bible. It is sickening that some brethren are embarrassed by God’s truth as they seek to find favor with their denominational neighbors and friends. A number of brethren no longer believe in one church, one plan of salvation, one way of worshipping God (in spirit and truth, John 4:24), and one way to be forgiven of sins (repentance or turning from, Luke 13:3). Worldly philosophy and immorality has definitely influenced some congregations more than the sacred writings. The egos of many brethren stand in their way of growing in the knowledge of God’s Word. It is still true that “Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). The wisdom of the world will one day be destroyed (1 Cor. 1:21). Let us learn to fear and honor the One who can “destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28).
        One must continue to “travel” the way of righteousness (Rom. 11:22)! The once saved, always saved and cannot sin so as to be lost false doctrine will contribute to many souls being lost in an eternal hell.
                 484 CR 44700
                 Blossom, TX 75416

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        There are so many lessons we may learn from Second Samuel 24:15- 25. Please read it before you continue this article. The question is, are we listening with a desire to learn and embrace the lessons?
        Here is David, the humble shepherd boy who by fidelity to God rose to become king of Israel. He is credited as being a man “after God’s own heart” (cf. Acts 13:22). A man who in times past had shown courage and leadership against the forces of evil. Yet in one weak moment, he fell from God’s grace as one sin led to another.
        We learn the high price others paid for the sins of David. From Dan to Beersheba, 70,000 men died. Was not this a painful thing for David to know that he was responsible for the death of so many of his loyal supporters? We find David pleading with God that his sheep (subjects) be spared any further deaths. Sin does indeed have very painful consequences. Here was a man that for so many years had lived in fellowship with God and had been so blessed by God; who is now wallowing in the consequences of his sins. His tie to God had been severed. He is now alone in the clutches of sin. We may well be reminded of our Lord and Savor Jesus Christ who when taking on the sins of mankind cried out: “My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt. 27:46)?
        Do we (who have been forgiven of our past sins and who enjoy fellowship now with our Lord) appreciate the tie that binds us to the Lord and one another? Do we say at the approach of every worship opportunity; “I was glad when they said let us go up to the house of the Lord” (Psa. 122:1)?
        I would to God that our elected officials would give thought to the consequences of their actions. Have Christians been complacent by a failure to speak out long and loud when sinful legislation is being proposed by the forces of evil? Did we stand strong and united when being told the blessings of legalizing the sale of alcoholic beverages and reaping the revenue from same was being enacted? Did God’s people stand united when the forces of evil proposed the legal right for a woman to kill her unborn child? When evil men and women demanded that God’s law of marriage be changed to suit extreme wickedness, where were the preachers? When God’s people are demeaned if and when they oppose such evil, do you stand strong? Have Christians spoken up about so called hate speech and hate crimes which attempt to judge motives? Have these same type of laws been used to silence the preaching of the Gospel?
        David, humbled and punished, is brought to his knees. He cries out to God, “I have sinned and I have done wickedly.” David assumes responsibility for his sins, he makes no attempt to blame others. His sheep (subjects) have been killed from Dan to Beersheba —from one end of Israel to the other. Now, David pleads that his sheep (subjects) be spared from further reprisals. When one sins, others often have to pay as well. Was it the case that the mantle of protection that God had afforded the Israelites been removed due to the sins of David, resulting in victories of their enemies?
        I cannot but wonder if perhaps the mantle of protection that God has afforded America has been removed. Early Americans established a nation based upon Biblical principles, put on their currency “In God we trust“, had Bible reading and prayer in their institutions of education, and spoke of inalienable (God given) rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. So many people in America today no longer adhere to these founding principles. So much of America today is a nation that bows at the altar of humanism and political correctness.
        The richest most powerful nation on earth now holds out a beggars cup and finds itself over 17 trillion dollars in debt with no end in sight. When there are no more lenders, we just print more money. America is a nation that is welcoming a radical ideology that desires to rule over us. We already know what is inside this Trojan horse, for the record is clear of what becomes of nations over which they dominate.
        Make no mistake about it, for every transgression there is a just recompense of reward. “For if the words spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him” (Heb. 2:2-3).
        We have a nation who glorifies an ex-president who committed adultery in the Oval Office of the United States government and who is held in high esteem and honor by his political party and most of the news media. We have those who are openly homosexuals in the churches, in high government offices, in the entertainment industry and in the news media. One’s livelihood may be jeopardized if you condemn such God-defying conduct. You are a bigot they say!
        We have a political party of which half attempted to have the word “God” removed from their political platform —who support abortion for any cause and homosexual unions (can’t be marriages) and then turn around and say “God bless America.” Some brethren will vote them back into office. God help us!

        David, even though a king, assumed responsibility for his sins. He spoke to the Lord and said “Lo I have sinned and have done wickedly” (2 Sam. 24:17). David recognized that his sins had caused the innocent to suffer. Be it an individual or a nation; sin like a pebble dropped in a still pond spreads out and has an effect on the rest of the still water.
        The father who drinks or gambles his paycheck away brings poverty and hunger to his entire family. The mother who abandons her responsibility to the family will have a profound wicked effect upon her children.
        A nation of legislators who do not pursue physical responsibility and who do not have the ultimate best interest of the people, will bring a nation into a state of debt. A debt that it cannot pay. Such elected officials, while pursuing their own self interest, will bring pain and suffering on the innocent.
        Leaders who are not willing to stand upon the moral and spiritual values given to mankind by our Creator are a curse to humanity. How sad to observe businesses who for profit will actually aid and abet the moral decline of the nation that has given them opportunity to exist. There are many so-called religious leaders who are ready and willing to abandon what little respect they have for the Oracles of God in order to increase their numbers and coffers.
        Many educators are so afraid of losing their jobs that they go along with teaching that they know is wrong. At least I hope they understand that replacing “in the beginning God” with “in the beginning nature,” is false and wicked. While America spends more and more on a failed educational system, we fall farther and farther behind other nations. No amount of money will rectify our problems with education. Oh for a David who is willing to admit I have sinned and done wickedly. Our schools no longer educate, they indoctrinate with the most foolish attempt at social engineering.
        The handwriting for America is on the wall, yet the foolish desire of so many seems to be, let’s do more of the same.
        Praise be to God there is a place of refuge and safety in the right relationship with our Lord. In the final analysis, this is what matters. Are YOU standing up for what is right and true?
                 1186 Martha Leeville Rd.
                 Lebanon, TN 37090

Table of Contents

“In Jeremiah chapter 42, the king of Babylon has taken captive many of the Jews, but a remnant of the poor has been left behind to care for the land. Jeremiah had forewarned what was to take place but they (Israelites) did not listen. Now those left behind fear for their lives and are ready to hear the words of Jeremiah and plead with him to pray unto the Lord. In Jeremiah 42:5-6 we read, ’Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us. Whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.’ Sounds good doesn’t it? They mean well don’t they? Read the remaining portion of the chapter. We should have the attitude of whatever God wants me to do, whether it is pleasing or displeasing, I should be ready to obey and do his will. But alas, how many will be like these in Jeremiah 42 and only give lip service and be like the ones Jesus spoke of in Matthew 15:7-9, ’[Ye] hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.’ God is not seeking lip service from us!” ...Del Brantley, Salem, KY. “Please add my name for Seek The Old Paths. A friend passed some of her’s to me —Great! Enjoyed all. I’m interested in ‘Worshipping God in One Place’ [2/11,3/11]. Could you please send lesson #1 on this? Thanks and keep up the good work” ...Evelyn Harper, Pearl, MS. “Accept this small donation to help with cost of mailing. 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