Seek The Old Paths, June, 2001

    “Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off” (Nahum 1:15).
     The book of Nahum is about the predicted fall of the city of Nineveh (v.1). The striking thing about verse 15 of chapter 1 is that this is called “good tidings” and the publishing of peace. How can the destruction of Nineveh be called good tidings?
     Nineveh had been the enemy of Israel and of Judah. In fact, they had carried Israel away into captivity. The Assyrian empire (of which Nineveh was the capital) had also fought against Judah. In addition, in 733 BC Tiglath-pileser III had fought against King Ahaz (2 Chron. 28:20). In 701 BC, Sennacherib came against King Hezekiah. And, in 650 Ashurbanipal made war against King Manasseh. In other words, Nineveh was the enemy of Judah. So news about the destruction of Nineveh represented glad tidings to the Jews. This short book was written as an assurance to the Jews that the wicked (Ninevites) would no more pass through them.
     “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (2 Thess. 1:6-9).
     God wants all men to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4), and does not desire that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). We also should desire the salvation of all, even our enemies. This article is not intended to promote any joy over the idea of any individual being lost.
     But as you can see from Paul's words to the Thessalonians, there is comfort to be found in the fact that God will punish sinful man. Hell is part of the good news too.
     Why is hell part of the good news?

Our world looks out of control. That is not true. Sometimes it seems that the forces of evil threaten to overcome the forces of good. This also is a mistaken impression. God is still in control. He has always been in control of our world, and he always will be. “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding” (Daniel 2:20-21). There is no doubt that when all is said and done, God's word will be fulfilled. His promises will come true. God is in control.

We should rejoice that our God is a righteous God. He himself is pure and separate from sin (Hab. 1:13). God, in his righteousness and justice has decreed that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). God is so loving that he allowed his Son to die to pay the wages of sin (1 John 2:1-2), but if we neglect so great a salvation (Heb. 2:3), we must ourselves pay the wages of sin. The doctrine of hell stands as a constant reminder of how much God hates sin. Hell is part of the good news because it reminds us of the righteousness of our God. Imagine, if you can, what it would be like to serve a God who was tolerant of sin, who didn't care when evil was done.

Not only is it true that sin must be punished, sin must also be stopped. There is coming a time when no innocent person will suffer due to the sin of another. No child will starve because of the neglect of his parents. No babies will suffer from the addiction of their mothers. No children will suffer physical or sexual abuse. Someday, the only ones who will suffer will be those who have earned such suffering by their own sin. God, in his longsuffering, has allowed this world to continue for many years (2 Peter 3:15), but he will not allow it to continue forever. Someday every knee will bow and every tongue will confess (Isa. 45:23; Rom. 14:11). As one man said, “Every day the devil helps the thief; someday God will help the policeman.”

     People can argue about hell. They can try to deny its reality and hide behind their rationalizations and finger pointing. They can deny that fear is a proper motivation to serve God. But they are arguing with God, not with man. And, the same short prophecy that says the destruction of Nineveh was glad tidings to the Jews also says God will punish more than just Nineveh. The punishment of God will be upon all the wicked, unless their wickedness is cleansed by the blood of Jesus. “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet” (Nahum 1:3).
     No, we should not feel joy that people will spend eternity in torment. That is not God's attitude, and may it never be the attitude of his saints. But we can feel joy and comfort that there is a hell -- that our God is powerful enough to control the forces of evil -- that he is righteous enough to punish evil -- that he is loving enough to stop the suffering that comes from sin. And, we can rejoice that our God, who hates evil so much, loves people enough to offer a way to escape this awful end.
          1495 E Empire Ave.
          Benton Harbor, MI 49022

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Readers of Seek The Old Paths (and thousands more) know well that many congregations of the Lord's church today are in the midst of significant change. Multitudes of brethren are drifting from the “old paths” by turning their hearts away from the Lord. Their attitude toward the Lord, his church, his work and his worship has changed and continues to change. Such individuals love what is new and different. They find distaseful the true and tried. Their cry is that the Lord's church must change to keep pace with the new millennium and appear attractive to the masses. When an appeal is made to stay with the “old paths,” they respond as did those of Jeremiah's day, “we will not walk therein” (Jer. 6:16).
     We regularly hear from brethren who say they knew something strange was going on where they worship but did not know exactly what. Slowly, but surely, they are learning they are not alone. They are encouraged to know other faithful brethren are fighting the same battles where they worship. They love the Truth and want nothing but the Truth. This is our plea.
     Any change from the Truth is a change toward Error. Why brethren cannot see this is beyond my understanding. Why many do not stand up and do something about it is incomprehensible. However, the Lord will settle these matters in the judgment.
     In the March 18, 1943, Gospel Advocate, H. Leo Boles began a series of articles regarding evil trends in the church of that era. It's uncanny how some of the dangers or trends he saw then are the same things plaguing the church today. Many have not learned from the mistakes of the past.
     Below, are some excerpts from that series.

It has been truly said: “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” This is not only true in the political realm, but it is equally true in spiritual affairs. We have one book, the New Testament, to guide us; we have one pattern of the church in the New Testament. We have to be ever on the watch lest we forget the pattern and depart from the guidance of the New Testament. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them” (Heb. 2:1). We live in the world and are likely to follow the ways of the world; we are prone to drift away from the teachings of the New Testament. The slightest departure may finally result in a wide separation from the New Testament. We ought to be thankful for faithful men and women who call us back to the New Testament.

There are many trends which are evil. Many churches have not recognized the evil in such trends. They gradually are departing from the standard and turning from the “old paths.” Some are practicing these evils through ignorance. They do not know the New Testament pattern, and cannot be expected to adhere closely to it. They make the changes because they like them, and not purposely to depart from New Testament teachings. Ignorance is one source of the evil trends in the church today. Popularity is another cause of departure. Some lack respect and reverence for God's ways. They know them, but they do not respect them. The pull and tug toward popularity cause them to turn away from the simple pattern revealed in the New Testament. Others have a desire to be like the denominations around them. They do not know the difference between the divine standards and human standards. They think that the church of our Lord is another denomination, and they want it to be in fashion. Whatever new fads they may observe in the denominations, they want it to be brought into the church of our Lord. There are some preachers who need conversion. They do not know “what it is all about.” They lead the church into certain evils because they think they are making progress in doing so. They have not learned the difference between progress and departure.
Attention cannot be called too often to the proneness of man to depart from God's word. In fact, those who love the Lord will appreciate the fact that their attention has been called to this weakness of man, while those who are determined to have their own way will fret under the pressure of the truth. Every church in its business meeting ought to stop and reflect seriously on what is being done in the name of the Lord. At every business meeting someone ought to raise the question whether the New Testament pattern is being followed in every item of work and worship. Churches meet in business session monthly or oftener, for years, and never inquire into the affairs of the church as to whether anything is being done that is not pleasing to the Lord. Man is prone to substitute his own wisdom for the truth of God; and when a departure has been made, it is more difficult to correct that than it would have been to have checked it before the departure was made. God frequently warned Israel against departing from him and forgetting his way (Deut. 6:12; 8:11,14,19). God's people today need this warning.

     One evil trend is that of having the women lead in the public prayer. Some preachers are even encouraging such practices. The good women ought to refuse to be put in such attitude in the church. This tendency leads to public addresses by women in the church; in fact, it destroys all of the restraints that God has placed around the women. Such trends cannot lead to a more consecrated life in the service of God; they cannot improve a church. No church will be filled with the spirit of Christ and fill its missions as the Lord intended by practicing these things. As brother Tant used to say by way of warning: “Brethren, we are drifting.”
     Young People's Meetings. It is quite popular now for the young people to have their organization in the church. They look about and see that the denominations have their “Epworth League” and “Christian Endeavor” and “B.Y.P.U.” hence, the young people in the churches of Christ want to be organized like these denominational agencies. In some places the organization of the young people has gotten away from the control of the eldership and has planned its program independent of any church authority. Some of them have even planned “revival services of the young people,” and have arranged with their preacher independent of the church to hold the revival. Some churches are calling for preachers who are successful in handling the young people's meetings. No objection is here raised to helping the young people grow and become strong in the Lord and the strength of his might; no objection is raised to teaching the young people in the church the word of the Lord. However, it is pointed out here that the modern trends of these meetings of the young people are dangerous trends away from the New Testament pattern. Let us examine closely these meetings and make them conform to the divine pattern.
     Worldliness. There is a trend to lean to the world. The church has been called out of the world, and should keep itself unspotted from the world. In some places there are worldly church leaders. They have usurped the authority over the church through political schemes and because of their prominence in worldly affairs. No church can be true to the Lord with a worldly leadership. The church is to keep itself unspotted from the world. Some preachers are worldly in their own lives, in their home life, and in their work in the church. A church is in great danger that has such leaders and preachers. All sorts of worldly amusements, recreation, and entertainment are brought into the activities of the church. The church becomes only a social club rather than a group of the Lord's people who are striving to keep themselves unspotted from the world.

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     Somehow, many folks assume that all judging is wrong (yet they are not reticent to judge those whom they feel are judging). But all judging is not wrong. Hypocritical judging is wrong, i.e., condemning someone of the very thing that you are practicing (Matt. 7:1-5; Rom. 2:1ff). Superficial judging, i.e., judging on the basis of mere appearance, is evil as well (John 7:24a).
     On the other hand, Jesus commanded us to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24b), which is a judgment (pronouncement) consistent with Scriptural teaching. Paul rebuked the Corinthian Christians because they were flaunting their differences before unbelieving authorities, rather than “judging” these matters within the confines of the congregational environment (1 Cor. 6:1ff).
     And so, a certain type of judging is not only not wrong; it is positively required.

     The second aspect of the question deals with what one may or may not criticize relative to the affairs of a neighboring congregation. If the subject under consideration has to do with an issue of mere expediency, it is not appropriate for the members of one church to be harshly negative toward the activities of another congregation. Expediencies are matters of personal judgment, and ought not to be targets for hostile barbs.
     Having said that, the notion has some involved in the thinking of many that a congregation may practice virtually anything it pleases þþ no matter how much of a departure from the truth þþ and no one, who is not a member of the congregation, is at liberty to offer any censure. Such a view is far from the truth.
     When Paul wrote First Corinthians to the church in Corinth, he was living in Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8), where he labored for approximately three years (Acts 20:31). While in Ephesus, the apostle received reports of various happenings in Corinth. Accordingly, he wrote First Corinthians to address problems within that church. That congregation was divisive in spirit (1:11ff). The Corinthian saints retained a fornicating brother within their fellowship (5:1ff). Some were litigating their differences before heathen judges (6:1ff); others were abusing spiritual gifts (12-14). Some of them even denied the future resurrection of the body (15:12).
     It apparently never occurred to Paul that he was “meddling” in the affairs of a church of which he was not a member.
     A Christian has the right to oppose error þþ wherever it may be. We would respectfully suggest, however, that it is not a reflection of maturity and balance to virtually consume one's time in monitoring the problems of other congregations. When one virtually makes a career of “policing” the brotherhood, he reveals that he does not have a responsible view of what Christianity is about.
     www.christiancourier.com/questions, copyrighted

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      As I sit at my desk writing this article (2/27/01), I am listening to and recording a tape of a lesson preached by brother Steve Fishel at the 1996 Seek The Old Paths lectureship, East Corinth Church of Christ, Corinth, MS.
     I first met brother Fishel, his wife Regina, their son Gideon and daughter Emily about ten years ago. From that meeting, I, my wife Carla, and the Fishel family developed a close, lasting, strong friendship. One of many things I deeply treasure is the encouragement brother Fishel gave to me through some discouraging times. He truly was a friend to his fellow faithful Gospel preachers.
     My friend was carried to his temporary resting place on Wednesday, 2/20/01 after a short, tragic, yet brave battle with cancer. I certainly was honored to have been asked by this good family to serve as a pallbearer. In doing so I remember and reflect on his life as a faithful Christian, faithful preacher, devoted husband and father. Truly he is now like Abel. “By his faith he being dead yet speaketh” (Heb.11:4). When we learned brother Fishel had passed from this life, I felt like the king speaking to his servants in 2 Sam. 3:38: “Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen in Israel?”
     A faithful soldier in God's army (spiritual Israel, the church), brother Fishel has now laid down the armour of God (Eph. 6:10-18). He, like Paul, has “fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:6-8). I write this article for the purpose of remembering a very good friend, and with hope that it will be used as a tool along with God's Word to bring the lost to Christ. This article is not designed to worship a human being. We must never exalt anyone above God. Jesus said: “Call no man your father upon the earth” (Matt. 23:9). John, in trying to worship an angel, was instructed: “See thou do it not...worship God” (Rev. 22:9).
     Brother Fishel taught me how faithful Christians can have confidence of going to Heaven when this earthly life is over. I talked with him by phone for the last time on Monday (2/18/01). His last words were those of a request and words of great faith. He asked me to call back in a couple of days to see how things were by then. He said: “If I am not here, I will talk to you at the Pearly Gates.” Brother Fishel truly believed and he understood the words of John in 1 John 5:13: “that ye may know that ye have eternal life.”
     Brother Fishel taught me something about the determination and willpower to live. In his last days he fought his illness with courageous determination. Just a day or two after my conversation with him, my wife called to see about him. She was pleasantly surprised when brother Fishel answered the phone. When she asked him how he was he said: “I am doing good, because I am not supposed to be here, but I am still here.”
     Brother Fishel taught me the value of studying the Holy, Inspired, Divine Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Even on his deathbed he still taught the Word! There was one night he conducted a Bible study with his family. In doing so, he made the statement he had taught his children how to live, and now had to teach them how to die.
     Brother Fishel taught me a lesson on keeping the Word of God in our hearts. There were times his sickness brought confusion to his mind, and some things he was unable to remember, but one fact remained: the cancer was not able to take from him his ability to remember and quote Scripture just like he always could. Is there not a lesson to be learned here? “Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
     Brother Fishel had an unsurpassing love for God's Holy Book. After he obeyed the Gospel, he memorized his favorite Psalm (121). This passage speaks of God being the helper, keeper and preserver of man.
     On Wednesday before his passing the following Sunday, I used brother Fishel as an example in the invitation. I am thankful he knew I was going to do this, and I can take comfort knowing this cheered his weary heart.
     I have not told all in this article I could have said about brother Fishel. It reminds me of the visit the Queen of Sheba paid to Solomon to prove him with hard questions and her reply was: “the half has not been told.”
     The memories of my great friend will live in my heart as long as I live. Even now I continue to remember his dear wife Regina, “a virtuous woman whose price is far above rubies” (Prov. 31:10). I remember his son Gideon, who as “a wise son maketh a glad father” (Prov. 10:1). I remember his daughter Emily who along with the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is a “daughter who has done virtuously, but thou excellest them all” (Prov. 31:29).
          P.O.Box 158
          Lynn, AR 72440

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I just learned of this sad news -- the word SAD, is explained by the post following the announcement below...
This is from the website of F-HU...

     At their February meeting, the Freed-Hardeman University Board of Trustees appointed a new member, John Dale of Murray, Ky. Dale was named Mr. Freed-Hardeman in 1966, the same year he graduated. He is also a graduate of Oklahoma Christian University, where he was named Most Outstanding Senior Ministerial Student in 1968. In addition, he earned a Master of Science degree at Murray State University in 1970 and has done graduate work at Vanderbilt University and Louisiana Baptist University.
     Dale, who was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Murray Chamber of Commerce in 1999, has served as pulpit minister for the Glendale Road Church of Christ in Murray for 27 years. He is married to Marsha Hendon Dale of Murray and has two children, Karen Weatherly and Mike Dale.
     19-Feb-01
                               -----------------------------------
     On October 11, 2000, I attended a preacher's luncheon in Murray, Ky. There were approximately 30 persons in attendance with about half of them being preachers from the area. The basic subject for the meeting was of fellowship with the denominations and bidding them “God speed.” Of primary concern was the recent event known as “Jubilee 2000 Revival!” which occurred at, and was sponsored by, St. Leo Catholic Church in Murray the week of September 24, 2000. One of the purposes of the event at St. Leo Catholic Church was to put forth a more ecumenical face on their church in an effort to reach out to the community.
     The Catholic church has, in recent years, seen a decline in their numbers. They attribute this, in part, to the perception the public has of them as being exclusive and intolerant of other religious groups. In an attempt to soften this image, they sponsored the “Jubilee 2000 Revival” in hopes of appearing more open, tolerant and accepting of differing religious groups. It is in this new found spirit of ecumenicalism that they had speakers from different religious bodies come to St. Leo's to speak each night. Those delivering messages included a Catholic woman, Sister Mary Margaret Pazdan; an African-American Baptist preacher, Reverend Herman Toles; and a husband and wife team, co-pastors of a Presbyterian church, the Reverends Ann Marie and David Montgomery.
     In addition to those mentioned above, one of the speakers for this event was John Dale, preacher for the Glendale Road Church of Christ in Murray, KY. By John's own admission, the Catholic church placed no restriction on what topic to speak on or what he could say. He could have spoken on whatever he chose. John chose the topic of “Living Jubilee in Murray & Calloway County.”
     It is reported by eye witnesses, who were there purposely to hear him, that John said nothing that would have upset a Catholic or other denominationalist in any way. In fact, his message was one of cooperation and tolerance. John spoke of his enjoyment of being a part of that Catholic “Jubilee 2000 Revival.” He further explained that this Jubilee was a jubilation and that “this jubilation is a celebration.” Part of his message was that he was proud of the way in which the various churches got along and dwelt in peace in Murray and Calloway County. In short, John was a proud participant in St. Leo Catholic Church's ecumenical effort known as Jubilee 2000 Revival. And, he did so with the full blessing of the elders of the Glendale Road Church of Christ, most of whom were in attendance during his lecture there.
     Friend, the word of God still says, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph 5:11). Did John reprove them? No, he didn't. One definition of fellowship is “joint participation.” John participated jointly with the unfruitful works of these Denominationalists. He was part of their effort to enhance the image of the Catholic Church in Murray. So not only did he not reprove them, he had fellowship with them in direct violation of God's word.
     Additionally, by being a willing participant in their endeavor, John Dale was thus bidding them God speed. The apostle John was clear on this matter when he wrote, “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). There can be no doubt that the Catholic church, not to mention the Baptists and Presbyterians, do not abide in the doctrine of Christ, neither do they bring Christ's doctrine. By his actions, John has become a partaker of their evil deeds.
     Much more could be said, including the fact that John informed the audience that he was present for the first two lessons, including the one taught by the Catholic woman. This is in violation of 1 Tim. 2:12. I wonder just what he learned from Sister Mary Margaret that caused him to say how much he “enjoyed” being there for her lesson?
     Why do I write all of this? Is it because I do not like brother Dale? Hardly. It is because of the tremendous influence that John Dale and the Glendale Road congregation wields in western Kentucky. John is admired, respected and honored by a great many in this area. Thus, because of his immense influence and example, some may be emboldened and encouraged to follow his lead in joining hands with the denominations. In so doing, they will jeopardize their soul. The words of the apostle Paul still ring true, “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9).
     Brethren, let us pray for John, and do all that we can to ensure that this leaven doesn't spread to the remaining faithful congregations and Christians in this area.
     May God bless us as we serve Him in accordance with His word.
     In Christian Service,
     Michael Heath, (Gal 4:16, John 8:32, 2 Th 3:6)
     PO Box 496
     Princeton, KY 42445

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    Within the pages of various periodicals or publications written by change advocates, one can see some very disturbing statements. It is almost frightening to see once faithful brethren take positions that are directly contrary to God's Word. The following are just a few of the statements floating around the more “progressive” (digressive) brethren in the church:
     “There are saved individuals in denominations.” “Grace 100%, works 0%.” “The church of Christ is a denomination.” “Instrumental music in worship is a matter of opinion.” “The Gospels take precedence over the epistles in relevance and importance.” “We may still have miraculous spiritual gifts among us today.” “The Spirit speaks to us separate from the Word.” “Just accept Jesus as your personal savior for salvation.” “Christmas and Easter are Christian holidays.” “We're holding back our women by not letting them preside in the worship services.”
     These dangerous statements attack the distinctive nature of the body of Christ. How can men advocate such positions and ideas when Scripture clearly contradicts their false doctrines?
     However, there is some irony in this struggle to keep the church pure and whole. As some of our brethren are departing from the faith, some conservative denominations are showing slow signs of moving back toward Bible truth. Great strides have still yet to be made by these groups, yet their gradual pace toward Bible teaching is almost paradoxical in light of what is happening in the liberal element of the church of Christ.
     More “independent” churches are sprouting forth, some out of a desire to be free of a burdensome and costly hierarchy. However, some have come to realize the autonomous nature of the church as revealed in the Bible.
     The following are some loose quotations from some well-known denominational leaders. The quotations sound more brethren-like than denominational-like. This writer has observed these quotes recently via radio, television, and the printed page.
     “We watched as the minister gently immersed the young man under the water. A second later, he lifted him back up to his feet. It was a dramatic moment. The young man emerged from his watery grave as if he had been resurrected from the dead. According to biblical teaching, he was a new person -- a born-again child of God.” “We only want to do what the Bible says -- the Bible doesn't say three wise men.” “The Word of God is complete. No need for further revelations.” “Worship is God-centered, not man-centered.” “Evangelicals have abandoned biblical truth in favor of self-centered experiential religion. 'Pastors' have abandoned their roles as ministers of the Word to become therapists, and 'managers of the small enterprises we call churches'.” “We've made worship a three ring circus.”
     Amazing isn't it? They are not there yet, perhaps some will never be, but many are moving closer. At a time when some brethren are crying to be like the denominational world, several in the denominational world are crying to be more like the church of the Bible.
     Let us pray that liberal brethren and those within denominations will repent of their rebellious attitudes and strive to be New Testament Christians only. That's what the Lord wants (John 17:20-26). It's happened before, surely it can happen again.
          Brian W. Jones Preacher
          2863 E. High St. Springfield, OH 45505

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“May our Lord continue to bless you in your work. Please put me on your mailing list to receive Seek the Old Paths. Thank you” ...Bettye Zumbrun, Deltona, FL. “We enjoy your issues and are interested in your work” ...Wayne Covington, Grant, AL. “My brother, I received the February issue yesterday, March 14, 2001, to which I was more than happy to receive because as you can see it is already late into the month, but I will await the March issue patiently. So before I go on any further with this letter, I would like to pause for a moment and pray to our Heavenly Father and in His Son's name Jesus Christ I pray to God that when you receive this letter it will find you and your family as well as all the saints of the Corinth church of Christ in the very best of health and I also pray to God that you all may continue sending me this wonderful issues of the STOP because I enjoy them so much that I have kept every issue since you first started issuing them to me. 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Our home congregation, Quail Ridge Church of Christ, is just one of those. Our elders are wonderful God fearing men who keep the congregation on the straight and marrow. Please continue to send me your paper and I am asking that you start sending to two of my fellow members. Continue to do God's will and may God bless you. I keep you in my prayers” ...Charlotte Rauchle, Bartlett, TN. “We enjoy reading Seek the Old Paths and we appreciate the strong stand you exhibit toward teaching the truth” ...Jerry & Judy Powell, Morrison, TN. “Please add us to your mailing list to receive Seek the Old Paths. We'd like to begin a subscription right away” ...Janel Deaver, Ocean Springs, MS. “May God bless you in your efforts in spreading the Gospel” ...John O'Dell, Mount Vernon, OH. “Your paper is doing much good in a balanced way! I appreciate you for that” ...Pikeville, KY. “I use a lot of your material in my adult classes and many students like my sound (conservative) teachings from God's book. So I'm trying to put them in touch with as many sound writings and brethren as I can. We love STOP. Please send it to another brother who has asked that he be put on your list. Keep up the good works” ...Andre Washington, Houston, TX. “Thanks for the Seek The Old Paths. I thank you for your stand for truth” ...Mack Bennett. “I enjoy receiving Seek The Old Paths. Thank you” ...Marcia Oshel, Rio Grande, OH. “You have a wonderful website. We would love to be added to your mailing list. Continue in His service” ...Gary & Pam Smith, Sulphur, LA. [NOTE: our new web page address is: www.seektheoldpaths.com] “Would you please send me your monthly publication Seek the Old paths? I have enjoyed reading them” ...Debra A. Jones, Lakeside, AZ. “I am a member of the church of Christ in Benson, AZ. We have an in home study on Tuesday evenings and we use some of the things in your publication as a source for study ideas. We have received an incredible amount of knowledge concerning things we as Christians need to be aware of concerning liberals, false teachers and the like entering the Lord's church today. We are a congregation of few but most of us are faithful to the assembly every time we meet. We here at Benson thank you for this good work and pray that your publication will awaken some of the walking dead. Thank you, ...Cliff Marshall, Benson, AZ. “I just want to thank you for the work you do to keep us informed on so many issues concerning the Lord's church” ...Charliene Johnson, MI. “Thank you for the wonderful work you do as editor of S.T.O.P.” ...Marshall Spencer, Duck River, TN. “There is a movement going on here in Flint, Michigan, against the congregations that are going the way of the change agents. Bristol Road church of Christ is the biggest offender. They have brought in Joe Beam several times, Jeff Walling and they have sent their children to the Winterfest twice, Larry West, B. Stephens, Dobson tapes. Elders have gone to the Jubilee and Promise Keepers a lot of times. You get the picture now about Bristol Rd. In the last year they have had Dr. Albert Lemmons from the Woodmont church two times. The Preacher of the Grand Blanc Church of Christ got Lemmons workbook that Bristol Rd. used. There are many things that go against what the Bible teaches and brother Mike Gowitzer is putting these false teachings out on the web site and it is starting to get a good following. We need all of the help that we can get in this area to show the brothers here that what these change agents are doing is breaking up the church. Brother M. Gowitzer I know would like to get all the help that he can get from solid Christians such as you” ...Robert Schultz, MI. “Dear Brothers in Christ. I have been receiving the Seek the Old Paths for about a year and absolutely love the publication” ...Dana Howard, Canton OH. “We have appreciated receiving STOP for the last few years. The articles have been sound, timely, and edifying. God bless you and the brethren at East Corinth. We look forward to more good writing” ...Chuck Pearson, Montgomery, AL.

Vol. 12 No. 6 June, 2001

In This Issue...