Seek The Old Paths

Vol. 10   No. 6                                           June  1999

           In This Issue...





  F. LaGard Smith to DLU
James W. Boyd

        So David Lipscomb University has added LaGard Smith to the faculty. There is nothing startling or surprising about that. Smith and DLU are "peas in a pod." Another instance of "birds of a feather...."
     In the Lipscomb News, Provost Bledsoe is quoted as saying that the coming of Smith will "help construct a program that will promote faith-learning integration on a continuing basis." What does "faith-learning integration" mean and include? Evidently Bledsoe does not think DLU has had it and does not have it yet, whatever it is, but wants it; and, full-time. Smith will help get it. He will "challenge us to think outside the 'box' that faith and earning are separate entities...." What "box" is Bledsoe talking about? Who knows? Whoever thought faith and learning did not go together? Are we not taught that "faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17)? Are we not taught to study and learn? But we have no reason to think this is what he means. It is certain that faith and some learning are incompatible. Study at DLU and you will discover how such is often the case. DLU is not a place for creating faith by the Word of God. Bledsoe's words must mean something to him (something that pleases his boss), but what that is, your guess is as good as anybody's at this point. But doesn't it sound impressive? So university sounding and "provost-like," isn't it? Another case of, "it depends on what 'is' is," I suppose.
     Smith is a false teacher. Just a sampling of his "soundness" and those who applaud him will suffice. Tim Hester writes, "We have men such as F. LaGard Smith who fellowships those of the various denominations, even appearing on Pat Robertson's 700 club (not to refute Robertson's error, JWB) and worshipping with the use of instrumental music. He has suggested that commitment to Christ is more important than baptism. (Let one step forward and show how you separate the two, JWB). He has defended Homer Hailey's book which states that the alien sinner or non-Christian is not amenable to the marriage law of Christ as found in Matthew 19:9. He does not believe the "Wicked will suffer eternal punishment in hell."
     Wayne Jackson has listed (article appearing in Plumbline and other publications) several glaring and monumental false doctrines in just one book written by Smith, Who Is My Brother? Smith affirms various levels of fellowship (shades of Shelly's "Big F, little f," JWB) but without Biblical support for his claim. He obviously, in spite of all his learning, does not understand the subject of fellowship as taught in the Bible.
     One time Smith argues the necessity of baptism to be saved, but turns around and suggests, without Biblical warrant, that God just might, possibly, and maybe save those who do not obey that command anyway, offering hope to the disobedient unbaptized. You cannot justly accuse Smith of consistency. Is this what Paul meant when he said he became "all things to all men" (1 Cor. 9:22)? I really do not think so, do you? He taught error about baptism in at least two books he wrote, Who Is My Brother and Baptism. Somehow he thinks he knows more about what God may do than what has been revealed. Most of us do not have that "special sense" to know the mind of God outside of His Word. But DLU will have another one who thinks he does.
     Smith teaches error regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage, contending the non-Christian is not, as Jackson writes, "amenable to the marriage law of Christ."
     He does not believe the wicked shall suffer an eternal hell, even though Matthew 25:46 uses the same word to define reward and punishment. In his book and his Pepperdine speech, he presented this error. But who cares? Not the powers-that-be at DLU! Truth has long ago ceased to be their measure. Does it not make you feel wonderful that such teachers will be teaching young people? Is it not comforting to know that your child may be exposed to such people and these false doctrines while the parents are paying the bill?
     Smith's definition of a false teacher is one who has "character problems" and "guilty of bad conduct" (this is noted by Earl Edwards in his review of Smith's book in the 1999 F-HU lectures) rather than false doctrines one might sincerely and honestly teach, as if sincerity and honesty will relieve one of being a false teacher. By this deceptive means he excludes such radical false teachers as Shelly, Cope, Lucado, Hazelip, etc. ad nauseam from the label of "false teacher," even suggesting that those who have obeyed Romans 16:17 regarding these false teachers should apologize.
     As expected, like every liberal false teacher, Smith butchers 2 John 9-11 in spite of linguistic evidence, Scriptural consistency, and common sense. He, like most liberals, think the only false doctrine that warrants withholding "Godspeed" is a denial of the Deity of Christ. You can deny and contradict most everything else the Lord and His apostles taught and still deserve fellowship.
     You naturally expect a man who says he opposes instrumental music, but will worship with it, to hold positions that accept unbaptized denominationalists as brethren. All of these things, and more, come from Smith's own voice and pen. On and on the false doctrines go. Is this the "turn around" Flatt said he was going to inaugurate? What ever happened to, "Give me a year?" Some "turn around" when you defiantly charge ahead with apostasy as in the past! Who is so blind to believe Flatt? He has no credibility and assurances from Flatt are as unreliable as anything else a liberal will tell you. Some former DLU leaders, nearby churches, and national radio speakers have swallowed it, however. Some people reject irrefutable evidence and are determined to be one of the crowd regardless of what it does to the Lord's truth and His church.
     Smith will fit in well at DLU since the president, board of directors, Bible department, and many if not most of the faculty have long ago decided to abandon the principles upon which that school was founded, opting for what is liberal, digressive, denominational, modernistic, "scholarly," pleasing to crowds, and financially productive. With the likes of Joe Beam, Jeff Walling, Harold Hazelip, Rubel Shelly, etc. welcomed to the campus from time to time, and the president teaching false doctrines (a charge documented repeatedly), and the board accepting it all, what else would one expect to come to DLU but Smith and those like him? How far removed from the goals, ambitions, and standards of the founders of the school and many others who worked, sacrificed, and built a school that could help the home and be compatible to the church! But compromise of truth, surrender to error, and cowardice of many who could have prevented it, at least warned of it but preferred to just go along, has made DLU another obstacle, and not at all reliable to teach the truth about God's Word. But this has been true of DLU for a long, long time.
     But who really cares? For sure Flatt does not, nor the board of directors, nor the faculty generally, nor liberal preachers and churches. You may not care either. Satan adores it. But many parents, young people, and churches have, do, and will suffer because of the path of DLU today. How shamefully and dishonorably the present leaders of DLU have blotched and botched the noble work of those who went before them! But to them it does not matter. I challenge anyone to take the Word of God and prove that it does not matter to Him.
         2720 South Chancery St.
         McMinnville, TN 37110



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              Editorial...

  Instruments of Music

        In a recent letter, one brother said he could not agree with the musical instruments issue. He did not agree with our appeal to the "silence of the Scriptures" because this would invalidate the use of communion cups, pitch pipes, a song leader, or even taking a collection as we do. To this inquiry, let me give some words of consideration.
     The subject of mechanical instruments of music is not a difficult topic. Men have made it so because they want to include it and, one way or the other, in their mind, they'll find "justification" for it.
     It is interesting that instrumental music was used in Old Testament times; hence, the Jews were accustomed to it when the church began in the first century. But all of a sudden, the first century church did not use it. Why? Was this merely a coincidence? No. It was not introduced until hundreds of years after the first century church, and even then it was met with violent opposition. Is this not strange if it "was" and "is" a matter of no consequence?
     The Scriptures read in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." The words "yourselves" and "one another" in these two verses are the same Greek word. It necessitates joint participation among those present; i.e., all those present are involved in singing and admonishing one another. Hence, no authority is found for choirs, solos or special singing groups. The singing is congregational.
     The silence of the Scriptures is a powerful medium by which God teaches. It is so used by God Himself in Hebrews 7:13-14, "For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood." Heaven appeals to the silence of the Scriptures in this text. No where did the Law of Moses state that one who was from a tribe other than Levi could serve at the altar. No Scripture had forbidden it. The Law simply stated that those of the tribe of Levi were authorized to serve. It was unnecessary that any more be said concerning those who were not authorized to serve. When the Lord said Levi, that excluded all other tribes (cf. Deut. 10:8).
     God authorizes Christians to sing and make melody in the heart (Gal. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Where is the authority which authorizes playing an instrument of music? There is none. God's silence on the subject limits worship to what he has authorized.
     Colossians 3:17 makes clear that authority is necessary, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." As you well know, to do something "in the name of" means to do a thing "by the authority of."
     The claim that the "silence of Scripture argument allows too much" is not valid. A valid principle of interpretation allows those things necessary to carry out the command we are to obey. As we have often used the example of Noah building the ark, the same example is true now. By God commanding Noah to build the ark, those things necessary in carrying out that command were likewise authorized. This is what is called "generic authority." God gave certain "specifics" in building the ark and Noah was obligated to follow those directives without addition or substraction. These included: gopher wood, length, height, width, one door, one window, etc. In those areas wherein God did not specify, Noah was free to utilize his good judgment in carrying out the command to build the ark. For example: the use of hammers, saws, nails, etc. Tools would have been necessary in constructing the ark, therefore, they were authorized.
     The command to "sing" necessitates the use of "songs." Specifics have been given in limiting the songs to "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs." Any and all songs outside of these categories are not authorized and therefore are sinful. Generic authority is also employed in carrying out the command to sing. The tempo and melody of the song is left to our good judgment. To aid us in singing together, we use books which shows the words. Likewise, a pitch pipe or tuning fork can be used to set the pitch. But, in the use of all these things, we simply sing. The sounds we make by the words we sing are vocal -- they are words. Singing does not include humming or other sounds that are not words. Nothing has been added to or subtracted from the singing. This is not true when mechanical instruments of music are used. A different "kind" of music has now been added to singing. It would be like Noah using gopher wood but also using cedar and other materials which God had not authorized.
     Playing instruments of music stand without any authority from the Scriptures whatsoever. Notice these very pertinent points: 

THE BIBLE COMMANDS TO... The Voice 

  The Instrument

Speak in song, Eph. 5:19
Can
Cannot
Teach, Col. 3:16
Can
Cannot
Admonish, Col. 3:16
Can
Cannot
Sing with the spirit, 1 Cor. 14:15
Can
Cannot
Sing with the understanding, 1 Cor 14:15
Can
Cannot
Praise God, Heb. 2:12
Can
Cannot
Make melody in your heart, Eph. 5:19
Can
Cannot

     In obeying the Lord's command to sing, the voice can, but a man-made mechanical instrument cannot.
     Instruments of music cause division which the Scriptures forbid (John 17:20-22; Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 1:10). Those who use instruments are the ones causing division, not those who oppose them. The burden of showing Bible authority rests upon those who use and advocate them. However, we'll still be waiting come judgment day for Bible authority because no such authority exists!
     It is very surprising as to the number of preachers and others among us who now either endorse mechanical instruments of music or who do not oppose them. Ephesians 5:11 demands they be opposed. How long will brethren continue to support those who do not believe mechanical instruments of music are sinful?



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Observations

S. C. Kinningham

        In my daily visitation in the local hospital, it is my pleasure to make some four thousand visits yearly with people from all over northeast Mississippi, northwest Alabama and across southern Tennessee. In all that, are people from approximately one hundred congregations. In the course of these visits one can get a pretty clear picture of the church throughout the area, the kind of teaching that is being done, the activities within the congregations and the problems the church is having to deal with that are plaguing the church.
     It is truly a joy to know of all the baptisms resulting from this visitation, the unfaithful members who have been restored and returned to a faithful life in the church, the number of people who have been helped with their personal problems and the strength and encouragement that so many have received. Yet, there is a very disturbing factor that needs attention in the church throughout the brotherhood. That is, the ever increasing amount of denominational terms being used by brethren around over the country in referring to things pertaining to the church and activities of the Christian life.
     It is my conviction that the church in this section of Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee is as strong and sound as it is in any other section of our land. And, the language used by members in this section and the activities within the church can, I think, safely be taken as representative of the church in other sections. Because of the religious background of so many, marriages with denominational companions and the associations with denominational friends, many have never come to recognize the difference between the Lord's church and those founded by men that wear denominational names and live by denominational creeds.
     In the days of Nehemiah, many of the Jews had married foreign wives and their children were not taught the law of Jehovah. Many of them married women of Ashdod and their children could not speak the Jews' language. They spoke half the speech of Ashdod. There are many in the church today who know only the language of Ashdod. We need to learn to speak the pure language given by the Holy Spirit of God -- "speak as thus saith the Lord" (1 Peter 4:11).
     It is astonishing to hear so many members of the Lord's church today talking about who their "pastor" is, where he "pastored" before coming to "our church" and referring to him as "reverend." That reflects a lack of teaching in the church today on pure biblical terms. The word "pastor" is a scriptural term but is grossly misapplied when used with reference to a preacher, that is, unless he is an elder of the congregation; and then, he would be "a pastor" and not "THE pastor." In the Scriptures, a pastor is an elder of the congregation, a bishop, a presbyter, or a shepherd. And, which ever term is used, there must be a plurality. One cannot serve in such capacity alone. He must be one of a group of two or more recognized as the overseers of the congregation, and each one possessing all of the qualifications given in the scripture for one serving in such a capacity (2 Tim. 3; Titus 1).
     Another very disturbing factor expressed by more and more people in the church today is the way they look so lightly on the duties and obligations of a Christian. An increasing number are saying they are members of the church of Christ, but that their companion belongs to "another denomination" and they have started going to a denominational church "to have peace in the family." And, oftentimes they will say they don't think it makes any difference as long as their heart is right. Are we failing to teach people that the church of Christ is not a denomination in any sense of the word? -- neither in name, in organization, in doctrine, in worship, nor creed. No denomination has any part of the church that Jesus built, that he died for and of which he is the head and Savior. One does not become a Christian in joining a denomination and cannot be a Christian remaining in one. One worships contrary to the Scripture when he worships in one. Instead of going with that non-believing companion to "have peace in the family," he should consider what Jesus said about it and abide by it. He said, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household" (Matt. 10:34-36). Then he said, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" (v.37). That is a part of the price one has to pay in becoming a Christian. Jesus said, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26). To "hate" means to "love less." He is simply saying that one must put him ahead of any family ties, or anything else that might keep him from being faithful to God.
     Another very disturbing observation among people who say they are members of the Lord's church is to hear them say they have not been able to go to worship nor take any part in the activities of the church for a number of months, and oftentimes, years, on account of their work. Again, one is putting material things ahead of the Lord. They tell about their financial obligations, wanting to educate their children, to pay for a house and other such things. Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).
     All this lets me know that we are failing in our teaching program, both from the pulpit and in the class room, to make known the whole truth about the church, the worship to God and our obligations in making known the whole counsel of God. I was scheduled to preach in a meeting for a congregation that I had been led to believe was sound in their teaching and faithful to God. Shortly before time for the meeting one of the elders paid me a visit and informed me that they did not want me to preach on first principles -- a request I could not honor. It was later learned that one had come into his family who was a member of a denomination that was highly prejudiced against the Lord's church and he was unwilling for the truth to be taught and the errors of denominationalism pointed out. Brethren, if we do not start preaching the truth so plainly that one cannot miss it, and start condemning error and making it so plain that none can fail to recognize error as such, we will never lead people out of it nor save our people from running off after it.
     200 Knight Dr.
     Satillo, MS 38866
     Written in 1988



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               News Brief...

        Here's an advertisement we received the other day: ATTENTION YOUTH MINISTERS, Harding University wants you to be our guest for a very special weekend featuring Dr. James Dobson, president of focus on the Family, April 22, 1999. The full schedule was given.
     Upon receiving this invitation, I decided to check out their website and found that during this school year a wide assortment of speakers and entertainers have been available including Bill Cosby, Sinbad (comedian), and John Major (former Prime Minister of Great Britain). Reckon a young person might pick up mixed signals from these examples, maybe even wrong signals? What is the difference between some of "our" schools and other schools? "Ours" costs much more. It will always be that a religious environment is not the same as a Christian environment. The faithful have no part or lot with such.                                                --Freddie Clayton
                374 Hill Circle
                Dunlap, TN 37327
               FTCLAYTON@aol.com



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The Dilemma of the
Denominational World

Rusty Stark

        Our local congregation mails approximately seven thousand flyers into our community every month. These flyers deal with false doctrines in the religious world, the problem of denominationalism and moral issues such as abortion, homosexuality, etc. Each month we send a business reply card which allows people to write back requesting further Bible study.
     Some time ago, our flyer was about women's role in religion, upholding the truth that God does not allow women preachers, etc. One of the reply cards received was not a request for further study, but was instead an effort to "tell us off." On this small 3x5 card, the dilemma of the denominational world was clearly shown.
     First, there was the rejection of the Bible as our complete and inerrant guide. This person said, "...the Bible was written by men, though inspired, many of their own ideas were added -- all the culture of the times." This thinking is twisted in itself. Are we to believe God wasted his time by inspiring men to write a book that was so intermingled with their own uninspired ideas that we cannot use it as an inerrant guide? Why would God do such a thing?
     Second, if we reject the Bible as our guide, we must look to some other authority. Under the line that requests a free Bible study, this person wrote the following: "You are too ignorant and closed minded. Pray for enlightenment!" In rejecting the Scriptures, this person turned to a different authority both more subjective and less easy to identify -- "Pray for enlightenment!" Their request was to ask the Holy Spirit to pour knowledge and spirituality into our brains and souls directly.
     Will this really help? If Paul was inspired and yet held on to his cultural bias against women, will we give up our cultural biases just because the Holy Spirit enlightens us? How can present day enlightenment (which does not truly exist -- 1 Cor. 13:8-13) be any better than inspiration was in the first century? After enlightenment today, would we not be left with the same jumble of God's will and our culture as this person claims was prevelant in the first century?
     Third, under the line that requests further knowledge about the church of Christ, was written, "My own church is my advisor and happy teacher." Having left the truth of God's word, and judged it to be corrupted with the doctrines of men, this person looked to his/her church as an "advisor and happy teacher" (as if the teaching of that church did not contain the doctrines of men).
     This is the dilemma of those who reject the Bible, there is nothing left for them but the subjective ideas of men. This is more than reminiscent of those who left the true and living God to follow dead idols. It brings to mind the words of God through Jeremiah, "For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewn them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water" (Jer. 2:13).
     The fact is clear and glaring. If God wanted to communicate his will to man, he must have done so in such a way as to keep it pure from the taint of man's ideas. If not, he failed to communicate in such a way that we can know his will is really his. We would do well to pay heed to the confirmed (made sure) word of prophecy (2 Peter 1:19). Therein is enlightenment. Therein is the word of God.
     The Bible was written, not according to the will or interpretation of men. It was written according to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. "We also have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:19-21).
     1495 E Empire Ave.
     Benton Harbor, MI 49022



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The Apostle Paul and Rubel Shelly
Joe W. Nichols

        It was said of Paul, the apostle, that "He that once persecuted us now preachest the faith of which he once made havoc" (Gal. 1:23). There was an abrupt change in Paul's life. He said of himself before king Agrippa, "I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And this I also did in Jerusalem: I both shut up many of the saints in prison, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my voice against them" (Acts 26:9-10). In writing to the young evangelist, Timothy, Paul said of himself, "I thank him that enabled me, even Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to his service; though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly and in unbelief..." (1 Tim. 1:12-13). Paul progressed from persecuting the church and trying to destroy its doctrine, to upholding the church and proclaiming the Gospel while under constant persecution and threat of death. A commendable and notable change took place in his life!
     Rubel Shelly once preached the truth of the Gospel, upheld the church and defended it against the onslaught of liberalism. Many fine articles authored by him can be read from the Gospel Advocate, Spiritual Sword and Freed-Hardeman Lectures (1970) publications which denounced liberalism to the core. Some of the best statements made in defending the church of our Lord against liberalism have been made by him. However, something happened to Rubel and it was not divine intervention. Rubel now stands on religious ground he once abhorred and now upholds things he once denounced.
     In drawing a parallel between the apostle Paul and Rubel Shelly, it could be said that there are some points of similarity. In both we note a drastic change. The difference being, however, that brother Paul went from persecuting the church and making havoc of it, to defending it and promoting it; while brother Rubel went from promoting it and defending it to persecuting it and making havoc of it. Paul was able to say in his latter years, "one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13b-14). Brother Shelly presses on, forgetting the things he once said and is now advocating almost an entirely new doctrine. He once said:
     "Do you love God? ... answer by telling me whether you have obeyed the commands of God relative to your salvation from sins," Spiritual Sword, Vol. 4, No. 2, p.12 (1973).
     "This love must be conscious and visible among Christians. It must exhibit itself in the unity of believers so the world can know that we are truly God's people and that Jesus was sent from God (John 17:21)." Ibid. p.12.
     "The single path to solid ground in spiritual matters is the path of acceptance of total Biblical Authority. One who rejects this view is a man standing on quicksand and having his head in a fog! He has no security, no sense of direction!" Spiritual Sword, Vol. 3, No. 4, p.46 (1972).
     "No man knows anything about Jesus or valid Christian experience except through the statements of the scriptures," Ibid. p.47.
     "The Bible is without an error from Genesis to Revelation! ... One who reads a standard translation of Scriptures has before him for all practical purposes, the very Word of God as it was originally given," Ibid. p.47.
     "The Holy Spirit does not operate directly upon the sinner to convert him. He acts only through the Gospel, the Word of God..." Ibid. p.49.
     "Should the Bible be regarded as the final communication of God to man, or should we expect additional truth?...The next time a divine voice is heard by men will be the judgment," Ibid. p.48.
     "I firmly believe and will declare without fear of successful contradiction that there is an absolute standard of morality for our age," Spiritual Sword, Vol. 2, No. 4, p.44 (1971).
     "Believers contend that man does not have the right to put asunder what God hath joined together! (c.f. Matthew 19:6) We accept the fact that divorce for any reason other than adultery is not recognized by the Lord ... Each man is not left to set his own standards. God has set standards in His Word by which we must abide ... All forms of sexual immorality, fornication, homosexuality or whatever, are forbidden in the Bible," Ibid. pp.46-47.
     "The Bible is an unshakable foundation for our faith ... Man can know the truth and know that he knows it ... We can know that we have divine salvation. How? The Word of God tells us so!" Spiritual Sword, Vol. 1, No. 2, p.52 (1970).
     "Was Jesus born of a virgin? Must we be baptized in order to be saved? What is the work of the church? How may we answer these questions so as to have general agreement? ... since it has been demonstrated that the Bible is God's Word, it therefore becomes our final authority in deciding all matters of doctrine and practice ... the Bible is the final court of appeal. It must settle every religious problem...The plea for men to accept the Bible alone as their guide in religion is both reasonable and welcome to those who examine it thoughtfully," Spiritual Sword, Vol. 1, No. 2, (1970).
     That Rubel Shelly has forsaken many of the principles in these quotations is sad, but true. But as he declared in his great article, The Biblical Doctrine Of Love (Spiritual Sword, Vol. 4, Np. 2, p.11 (1973): "Love is not the basis of fellowship. Truth is the basis of fellowship (c.f. 1 John 1:7; Rom. 16:17) and the new commandment to love one another as Christ loved us applies only to those who stand within the sphere of true faith" (Emphasis mine, jn). According to Shelly's own logic, we can no longer remain in fellowship with him.
     We can only long for the return of the former brother Shelly that we all loved and admired.
     P.O. Box 853
     Vidalia, LA 71373


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14th Annual
Seek The Old Paths Lectureship
July 25-29, 1999
Always the 4th Sunday in July

Theme:
 THE UNIQUENESS

OF THE CHURCH

SUNDAY, JULY 25

9:30 The Kingdom Of God/Heaven ........Chuck Northrop
10:30 Putting the Kingdom First .........Jimmy Bates
7:00 Misconceptions of the Church .........Garland Robinson
8:00 The Church's Founder and Purchase Price .........Nat Evans


MONDAY, JULY 26

9:00 The Preparation and Establishment of the Church .......Walter Pigg
10:00 Solving Problems in the Church .......... Richard Guill
11:00 The Vine and the Branches ....... Mark Lindley
1:30 Worship in Spirit, John 4:24 .......Kent Bailey
2:30 Types/Anti-types of the Church ...... Wayne Cox
7:00 The New Birth ........... . Gilbert Gough
8:00 The Work of the Church ............Tom Bright


TUESDAY, JULY 2 7

9:00 The Church is Militant .......... Melvin Sapp
10:00 Worship in Truth #1 -- Singing, Lord's Supper .... Ronnie Whittemore
11:00 The Church as Seen by the Prophets .......... Windell Fikes
1:30 The Spiritual Nature of the Church ......... Jon Macon
2:30 Church Discipline ........... Toney Smith
7:00 Instrumental Music and Singing Groups .......... Virgil L. Hale
8:00 The Bride of Christ ................ Charles Blair


WEDNESDAY, JULY 2 8

9:00 Metaphors used of the Church ........... David Paden
10:00 The Bible School ............. Don Tate
11:00 Worship in Truth #2 -- Giving, Teaching, Praying ....... Paul Powers
1:30 The Influence of the Church ............ Bill Crossno
2:30 The Organization of the Church ............ G. W. Childs
7:00 Respect for Bible Authority and the Church ......... Gary McDade
8:00 The Pillar and Ground of the Truth ............ Terry Joe Kee


THURSDAY, JULY 29

9:00 The One Body, One Fold, Non-denominational ......... Richard Carlson
10:00 The Church's People: Full of Faith and Works ......... Jeff Bates
11:00 Church History from the First Century until Today ......... Robert R. Taylor, Jr.
1:30 The Church and its Non-observance of Religious Holidays ........ Terry Roberts
2:30 The Unity of the Church ......... Ed Floyd
7:00 150 Years of Digression and the Present Apostasy ...... Ken Burleson
8:00 The Church's Eternal Destiny, Delivered to God ........ Ed Casteel


East Corinth Church of Christ
1801 Cruise St., Corinth, MS 38834
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VIDEO TAPE INFORMATION: Complete set of video tapes, $45 postage paid Jim Green 2711 Spring Meade Blvd. Columbia, TN 38401 Phone: 931-486-1365 / Email: jgreen@edge.net
CASSETTE TAPE INFORMATION : Audio cassette tapes are being offered free by the church. Donations to help defray their cost are welcome. Order cassette tapes from the church.  East Corinth church of Christ, 1801 Cruise St., Corinth, MS 38834
BOOK INFORMATION $5 pre-publication price if postmarked by July 31, 1999. $6.50 beginning August 1, 1999. Please include postage and handling: 1 book $1.75; add 50cents for each additional book. Makes checks to Old Paths Publishing and mail to: P.O. Box 97, Nettleton, MS 38858. These books are not sold by the church.
MOTELS : Be sure to tell them you are here for the lectureship!
     Executive Inn -- (800) 354-3932, $40 and up, Restaurant
             Comfort Inn -- (800) 22-5150, $48 and up, Continental breakfast.
     Hampton Inn -- (800) 426-7866, $61 and up, Complimentary deluxe breakfast
     Holiday Inn Express - -- (800) 465-4329, $65 and up, Continental breakfast
Limited housing is available in members homes.
Contact the church office for reservations. RV's need to contact us if you want a hook-up.

Table of Contents


MailBag "The contemporary Christian music group, Acappella, will present a concert at Cookeville First Baptist Church on Sunday, May 9 at 6p.m. in the church sanctuary. Admission is free and child care will be provided. The group has performed more than 2,000 concerts to millions worldwide in the last 16 years. Doors will open at 5:15 for their 90 minute concert. From Herald-Citizen, Cookeville, Tenn. Friday May 7, 1999" ...Thomas F. Eaves Sr., Cookeville, TN. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Acappella makes no distinction between denominations and the Lord's church. They had just as soon "perform" at one as the other. It's amazing why brethren continue to invite them. They have long ago departed from the "strait and narrow." As a matter of fact, they have been in error even from their inception.] "Please take me off of your mailing list of Seek The Old Paths. Thanks" ...Mary Harsh, Magnolia, AR. "Please remove my name from your mailing. Thank you" ...Mike Ballard, Haysville, KS. "We appreciate and endorse your work with the Seek The Old Paths. Sending you some support to that end. Have been preaching more than 85 years. Had my 95th birthday last October. Keep on keeping on. Fellow workers in Christ" ...Ector & Cordia Watson, Cleveland, OK. "Please continue to send us Seek The Old Paths, we find it to be the best publication we receive and we eagerly look forward to reading it as soon as it arrives. It keeps us informed of the liberal elements in the brotherhood. We very much appreciate the soundness of S.T.O.P. and the good work the brethren there are doing. May God continue to bless you all in your efforts to preach the truth in love. We are encouraged greatly to know ther are many faithful brethren who are not afraid to speak out and refute error. Keep up the good work, and may you never stray from the stand you now take in seeking the old paths" ...Jim and Barbara Backhouse, Bellerive, Tasmania, Australia. "I would like to ask you to take me off your mailing list if you don't mind. Thank you very much" ...Rose Williamson, Crossett, AR. "I enjoy Seek The Old Paths so much I am sending you names of two friends for you to send the S.T.O.P. to. Thanks so much" ...Mavolyn Vaughan, Temple, TX. "May God continue to bless you as you stand for the truth. We look forward to each paper we receive. Hope this check can help in someway" ...Blackman Church of Christ, Milligan, FL. "Please remove my name from your mailing list for Seek The Old Paths. Thank you" ...Barbara Ann Oliver, Lewiston, NY. "Bro. Robinson, I would like to receive your monthly publication Seek The Old Paths" ...Collin Stringer, Fort Collins, CO. "I commend you on your stand for the Truth and that you are exposing false teaching in the Lord's church. Many today are afraid to speak out and contend for the Faith. My hat is off to you" ...Ferrell Hurley, Albemarle, NC. "Keep up the good work. We enjoy your publication Seek The Old Paths" ...Jerry Riggs, Dresden, TN. "I hear very good comments about your publication and would like to be put on your mailing list. Thank you very much" ...Jerry Nevins, Hamilton, MS. "Please add me to your mailing list to receive Seek The Old Paths. Thank you" ...Beth Bush, Woodbury, TN. "To Whom It May Concern: I no longer want to be on your mailing list" ...Stacy Brewington, Baxter, TN. "I would like to be put on your mailing lists. This is a very informative paper I can use very, very much" ...Robert Garner, Cleveland, TN. "I want to thank you so much for sending me Seek The Old Paths. I truly enjoy it. I am sending a check to help on the postage. Thank you for standing for the truth. In Christian love" ...Mrs. W.H. Guinn, Marietta, MS. "I receive your periodical S.T.O.P. and enjoy it very much. Please keep up the good work exposing error throughout the brotherhood" ...Larry Wayman, Portland, TN. "I obtained a copy of Seek The Old Paths and found it to be very interesting and informing. I would appreciate it if you would include me on your mailing list" ,,,Edward Richardson, Houma, LA. "We really appreciate Seek The Old Paths. We haop you will continue to stand for the truth and keep the brotherhood informed" ...Bobby Thompson, Cantonment, FL. "I would kike to start receiving the publication Seek The Old Paths. I am interested in what is going on in the brotherhood and very much concerned" ...Herdis Kyle, Georgetown, TN. "God bless you for your bold stand on His Word, and grant even more boldness! I find the articles well thought out, and informative. It would gladden my heart to find Seek The Old Paths in my mailbox. Thanks so much" ...John Miller, Macomb, IL. "We want you to know how much we enjoy the Seek The Old Paths paper. We need more to stand for the truth, the one true Church mentioned in the Bible. Thanks so much" ...O.A. & Wilma Danielson, Wewoka, OK. "I appreciate receiving the newsletter for several years but you may remove me from your mailing list. Thank you" ...Barbara Dyer, Baxter, TN. "Thank God for the eldership and brethren there, Thank you for the subscription to Seek The Old Paths. My prayers are that God will ever give you the strength and courage to continue teaching God's true word þ Bible. Enclosed is check to help with postage" ...Margaraet L. Coley, Pensacola, FL. "Thank you for your good work and stand for the truth" ...Anonymous, TN. "I have been reading the articles in Seek The Old Paths publications that I received at a visiting church. Your publications are very interesting and has given me more insight in how men are trying to change the Church of Christ. Please keep up the good work of informing the members of what men are trying to change in the church" ...Charlotte Scaggs, Livonia MI. "I surely hope that there are at least 6,999 men like you left in the church so that I can at least feel as good as Elijah. Although I don't compare myself to Elijah, I believe that I know how he felt. I have wondered many times if there were any faithful churches left but after reading your paper I am relieved to know that my old home state has one in Corinth. I was raised in Greenwood and baptized by C.M. Allen. We are compiling a short list of members who would benefit greatly from your paper. Keep up the excellent work" ...Clarence Pearce, Greenfield, MO. "I really enjoy Seek The Old Paths. I always pass mine on to some one else who likes to read it" ... Marguerite Johnson, Coldwater, MS. "I have been reading your publication for quite some time. As a young preacher I find your articles very uplifting and informing. I wish more young Christians would read your publication. It's sad to see so many young Christians in the state of "liberalism" as they are in. I thank God everyday that I had parents to "raise me in the way that I should go." KEEP UP THE FIGHT!!" ...Mark Johnson, Ardmore, OK. "We are still enjoying your publication. Many thanks. Keep up the good work. In Christian love" ...Doyle Castleberry. "Keep up the good work" ...Debbie Drake.

 
BOOKS AVAILABLE

        1998 -- The Uniqueness of the Church, $6.50
        1998 -- The Home, $6.50
        1997 -- The Church At Colosse, $5
        1996 -- The Seven Churches of Asia, $5
        1995 -- The Church at Corinth, $4
        1994 -- Immorality, $3.50
        1990 -- New Testament Questions, $3.00
        1989 -- Old Testament Questions, $2.00
        Preparing For The Eldership, $2.00
        The Race That Is Set Before Us, $8.00

Shipping/Handling -- 1 book, $1.75
add 50cents for each additional book.

All books are sold by Old Paths Publishing, not the church.

Send order to:
Old Paths Publishing
304 Ripley St.
Corinth, MS 38834




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