Seek The Old Paths, July, 1998

Vol. 9 No. 7 July 1998

In This Issue...

Condemning The Condemners Is Condemnation, Too! -- D. Gene West p.1
Questions Answered -- Garland M. Robinson p.2
Why Were You Baptized? -- Rusty Stark p.5
Is It Possible To Experience Numerical Growth While At The Same Time Adhering To "Old Paths Preaching?" -- Dan Goddard p.6
1998 Lectureship Schedule p.7
Mail Bag -- p.8

. CONDEMNING THE CONDEMNERS IS CONDEMNATION, TOO!

D. Gene West

Consistency is not one of man's stronger suites. That is why we sometimes hear people make such remarks as, "The legs of the lame are not equal." One of the ways we have noticed that men are inconsistent is in the way they treat others regarding the various things that take place in life. For example, one will pick up a church bulletin in which there will be a two page article written on the fact that preachers should not write two page articles in their bulletins dealing with what may be going on in another congregation of God's people. The scenario runs something like this: a church will do something in their worship they think will draw a lot of people to them. Since their preacher will not say anything about such innovations, another one in the general area will have something to say in his "church bulletin." In this he may warn his brethren and show from the scriptures that they should not go beyond that which is written and that they should not go after the multitude to do evil. The preacher from a third congregation will read such an article or hear that such an article was written, and he will become angry and write an article condemning those who have condemned the above-mentioned practice. He does not ever seem to realize that what he is doing is exactly the same thing that was done by the first preacher who condemned a wrong action. The difference is that this preacher is, by his condemning the first preacher, upholding the first congregation in the things which they are doing that are wrong!
These articles will sometimes say such things as, "If preachers were staying home doing their own work, they would not have time to learn of what is going on in other congregations." Since this preacher knows what is going on in two other congregations, one may safely assume that he is not staying home and doing his work as he should! If he were, he would not know of what is going on and, therefore, could not condemn the condemners! Not only so, but since he is upholding the wrong things that are going on in other congregations, he is rapidly losing the respect of brethren who are interested in standing firmly on the word of God. Somehow or another, he never seems to realize this, and so over a period of several years he will make this mistake again and again. Paul told the Romans, "Happy is the man who does not condemn himself in the things which he allows." There are men who need to take a careful look at what they are doing and stop condemning those who warn those who are wrong. These men are very often the first to assign the wrong motives to the actions of a brother and arrogantly insist that this is just a fight between preachers over matters that are inconsequential when, in reality, there are very few "fights" between preachers over matters of this nature. One has to be very arrogant to assign that kind of motive to a man because he warns people of an evil that might be present in any given situation!
In Romans chapter two, Paul asked the Jewish sinners some very interesting questions. He asked, "You who teach another, do you not teach yourself also?" Paul went on to imply that the Jews condemned the Gentiles for committing adultery while they themselves did the same thing! Again, he asked if they realized that when they preached that one should not steal, they were condemning themselves because they were stealing. The same principle applies to what we have had to say about the matters above. Those who say that such and such a person should not condemn the actions of a given congregation or a given preacher, are they not condemning those whom they characterize as being condemners? If not, why not? We need to be very careful that we do not do that which we forbid others to do!
We have noticed that these preachers will often do a great deal of writing about love. There is nothing wrong with that! But when it comes to condemning those whom they see as condemners, they are often anything but loving! It is often with the harshest and most unkind words that they condemn the men who have "brushed their hair the wrong way." Throw out all kinds of suggestions to the effect that there are men who do nothing but sit around all day long, week in and week out, waiting to pounce on a wrong that they perceive is being committed by another. Those who preach love, and we all should do that, should at least be loving when they reprimand another.
There is nothing wrong with condemning that which is wrong. Jesus did that! So did the apostles! But there is something wrong with condemning a brother who is warning of that which is wrong. The problem revolves around the fact that our reactions to certain situations are often based upon prejudice rather than fact. How very careful we need to be about things of that nature because it is like a man who is prejudiced against black folks telling others that they should not be prejudiced against Hispanics!
Let us join hands and hearts in standing for the right, that which is revealed in the word of God and in resisting that which is wrong.
from West Virginia Christian
69 E. Thistle Drive New Martinsville, WV 26155 .

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.

Editorial... QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Garland M. Robinson

The following is an exchange of letters between myself and one who viewed our web page (www.seektheoldpaths.com/demas.htm) concerning false teachers among us today. There are several questions asked and comments made that need an answer.

HIS LETTER SAID:
It is very sad that fellow christians spend their time breaking each other down. The Demas Page is a perfect example of this. I have heard many sermons from the men mentioned and find these men to be truly in love with God and striving to serve Him with all their might. Their focus is getting the Word to the lost, not cutting each other down. Funny, they don't have homepages dedicated to tearing down other preachers and teachers. I guess that they have the proper focus. They exhibit the aspects of Christ that I study about. In Christ, ...

MY ANSWER:
Let me humbly submit the following reply to your note above. I assure you that I am not angry. I pray you will receive my reply in the spirit with which it is offered. It is only honest and fair that to discuss these things in an effort to make our calling and election sure.
What's really funny is that you condemn me and other faithful brethren for (in your words) "tearing others down" and do not condemn the Lord for doing the same thing. Are you not doing the same as you accuse me of doing? You are "tearing me down" for, as you suppose, "tearing others down." A thorough study of the Lord's life and teaching shows that his focus was not only tearing down false teaching, but those who taught and practiced it as well (read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). This is the reason the leaders of his day hated him. The Lord constantly and relentlessly exposed and refuted the false teaching and practices of the scribes, Sadducees and Pharisees (cf. Matt. 23). In fact, he said, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you" (John 15:18). That is why they sought so hard to put him to death (Matt. 20:18; 26:59; 27:1).
Many were offended at the Lord's teaching as you are (Matt. 13:57; 15:12-14; Mark 6:3). Many others walked away from Him as a result of his hard words and harsh doctrine. "When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? ... From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away" (John 6:61,66-67)? Jesus made no apology for the truth. He was content for even the apostles to walk away if they chose not to follow righteousness. The Lord's disciples today need also to understand there will be those who do not wish to hear the truth, the words of life, and will do what they can to stop the Word from being preached just as those in the Lord's day sought to stop His preaching.
The Lord said, "...blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me" (Matt. 11:6; Luke 7:23). I'm not offended by the Lord and His Way. But apparently you are from the way you despise the truth and those who put their lives on the line in standing for it. My fervent prayer is that you leave the ranks of the digressives and join in the battle for the souls of men in fighting against the wiles of the devil and his modern-day agents, ala: Rubel Shelly, Mike Cope, Max Lucado, Joe Beam, Larry West, Steve Flatt, Buddy Bell, Lynn Anderson, Rick Atchley, Randy Becton, Phillip Morrison, Jeff Walling, etc., etc., etc.
The tribe of those who are seeking to pollute and profane the truth of the Gospel and the Lord's precious bride (church) are increasing. I am not about to be one among the many of that number! I do not plan to stand before the Judge of all the earth and have to answer as to why I aided the destroyers of the church in my generation. I refuse to go to one of "the villages in the plain of Ono" (cf. Neh. 6:2) and compromise with the proponents of error. If that means I must stand among the few or even stand alone, so be it. We must stand fast in the Truth of the Gospel and be not carried about with every wind of doctrine (Gal. 2:5,14; 1 Cor. 16:13; 1 Thess. 3:8; 2 Thess. 2:15; Heb. 13:9; Eph. 4:14).
Please, let me beseech you to stand in the truth.
I wrote earlier and asked the following questions. What are we to do with such passages as: Eph. 5:11, Rom. 16:17, 2 John 9-11? Does "love" demand we ignore them?
Please allow me to answer your reply to my question as to what we should do about these verses.

YOUR LETTER SAID:
Not at all! But the context is important.
Eph. 5:11: This is discourse of light vs. darkness (good vs. evil). This is saying have nothing to do with evil and show why it is wrong? Are you saying these men are in darkness? Those in Christ are in the light!

MY ANSWER:
Eph. 5:1 tells us to be followers of God. Verses 2-10 lists a number of sins. In these verses we find sins of immorality, of the heart and of the tongue. Verse 6 tells of those who are disobedient and makes no mention as to the specifics of their disobedience. Any and all disobedience to God is contrary to His Will. One can be disobedient in both teaching and practice. Those who are disobedient cannot go to heaven (2 Thess. 1:7-9).
Eph. 5:11 says, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." It is not possible to separate "works of darkness" from the individuals who commit them. Any and all who commit works of darkness must be "reproved." Reprove means to "rebuke, convince, tell one's fault, bring to light, expose, to reprehend severely, to call to account, demand an explanation" (Thayer).
Verse 11 is not limited to only those who are non-Christians. Neither is it limited to only those who have obeyed the Gospel but are immoral. Verse 11 involves all who are not "walking in the light." From your statement above, it would appear we can fellowship those who are disobedient if they are brethren. To assume we cannot have fellowship with the immoral but that we can have fellowship with the disobedient in other areas is not according to the Scriptures.
All those who do not hold to the Truth of the Gospel, including our brethren, whether in moral teaching/practice or in any other area of disobedience, fall under the condemnation of Ephesians 5:11. So, yes, those who are our brethren, who do not stand in the truth of the Gospel, are involved in "works of darkness." Those who claim to be in the light but are walking in darkness are not following the truth. All Christians must put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light (Rom. 13:12). Those in the light must not fellowship those in darkness (2 Cor. 6:14). First John 1:5-7 makes it clear that the children of God (of the light) cannot walk (live) in darkness and remain in the favor of God. "...God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:5-7).
False brethren say they are walking in the light but by their teaching and/or practice they are not walking "in the light." When one does not walk in the light of the truth of the Gospel, they fall under the condemnation of Eph. 5:11 and must be opposed, and yea, exposed. God's faithful must not fellowship them.

YOUR LETTER SAID:
Rom. 16:17: The same might be said of you. These men of God are teaching based on inspired study. They are not trying to upset anyone's faith, but to cause each man to search for the truth. I'm not saying that I believe every word taught by them or others, but I do believe in their integrity and fervent search for the truth. They have brought many people into the light. Who we are is seen by the fruit we bear.

MY ANSWER:
Romans 16:17-18 says, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."
You claim the men we list as false teachers are "men of God...teaching based on inspired study." The Scriptures are inspired and therefore infallible. On the other hand, those who study the Scriptures are not inspired. There is no such thing as "inspired study."
You claim "they are not trying to upset anyone's faith, but to cause each man to search for the truth." One does not have to "try to upset anyone's faith" in order to be guilty of causing "division and offences contrary to the doctrine." Such individuals may be as sincere as they can be. However, their teaching and/or practice, when contrary to the Truth, is what causes division and offences contrary to the doctrine. It may very well be that they do not set out to cause division, but that does not change the fact that they still cause division. What one teaches and practices is what causes division.
Some of the brethren in the church at Corinth were causing division (1 Cor. 1:10-13). Nothing is said about whether they were doing so either by deliberate action or innocently. The end result was the same, they were still causing division and contention among brethren because what they were saying and doing was contrary to New Testament doctrine. They were to be blamed. Paul exposed their error publicly in his inspired epistle to them and the whole world -- 1 Corinthians.
You say, "They have brought many people into the light." When one has been taught error, believes error, and obeys error, he/she cannot be "in the light." When those who have been scripturally taught and baptized follow false teaching/teachers, they have erred from the Truth and are therefore no longer "in the light." Error is always contrary to the "light of the Gospel."
Jesus said, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves" (Matt. 23:15). Those who are taught by false teachers (no matter how sincere) and follow the doctrines and practices of false teachers, are like those whom the Lord says are "twofold more the child of hell."
You are exactly right when you say "who we are is seen by the fruit we bear." Jesus said this in Matt. 7:15-20. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Look at the fruits (converts, works, etc.) of false teachers. Notice whom they support and what they stand for. Notice with whom they associate and fellowship. Truly, "birds of a feather flock together." Gatherings such as the Jubilee in Nashville and Tulsa workshop in Oklahoma are flocking and roosting places of "wolves in sheep's clothing." Their associations (fruits) are proof of their wicked ways.
Romans 16:17 commands us to "mark" those who are teaching things contrary to the apostle's "doctrine." False teaching always causes division. To "mark" means "to look at, observe, fix one's eyes upon, direct one's attention to." The reason for observing such individuals is so we will not make the same mistake(s) they are making and thereby cause further division. Their conduct is not to be imitated because it is shameful and contrary to the Gospel. We obey Rom. 16:17 when we warn brethren to beware of false teachers.

YOUR LETTER SAID:
2 John 9-11: Am I to assume that you believe that they have gone beyond Christ's Teaching? In my opinion I have not found that to be true. If your going to publish comments by men that you think are false, then you must publish the reason why you believe it to be false -- with scriptural basis. I saw none on the Demas Page. Would building a building to have worship be going beyond Christ's Teaching? He never addressed the issue as far as my study goes. I could name many traditions and doctrines of our brotherhood that are not addressed by Christ's Teachings. What do we do with that? If any man teaches anything other than Christ crucified for the sins of the world then he needs to be corrected. If its matter of opinion then it should be left alone. Read Romans 14 and 15, keeping in mind that most of us are not weaker brothers. Read John 17, about unity. Interesting that on the eve of His death he prays for unity. In Christ, ...

MY ANSWER:
Yes, those whom we list on the "Demas page" have gone beyond the teaching of our crucified Lord. Documentation is listed there of their teaching/practice as well as the Biblical examination of the same. It is clearly pointed out what is wrong with their teaching/practice. However, some teaching is so blatantly erroneous that it needs no explanation and examination for those who know only a little of God's precious Wor d.
You ask, "Would building a building to have worship be going beyond Christ's Teaching? He never addressed the issue as far as my study goes." Colossians 3:17 says, "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." This passage demands authority. Our every word and action must be authorized by God's Word. The Bible authorizes in one (or more) of three ways: 1) direct statement, 2) approved example, 3) implication.
Is there authority for a building in which to worship? Yes. It is implied in Hebrews 10:25. We are commanded not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Assembling necessitates a place to assemble. Such a place can be in private (Rom. 16:5) or public (Acts 2:46). Assembling is a generic command; i.e., the exact place is not detailed in the Bible. Therefore, the place of assembling may be provided for in one's own good judgment as long as it does not violate any passage or principle of Scripture.
You say, "I could name many traditions and doctrines of our brotherhood that are not addressed by Christ's Teachings. What do we do with that?"
There are two kinds of traditions: God's and man's. Not all tradition is wrong. As a matter of fact, we are commanded to follow the tradition of the apostles. Our brethren at Thessalonica were told to: "...stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us" (2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6).
Traditions of men fall into two categories: authorized (right) or unauthorized (wrong). For example: a local congregation may meet at 10am for Bible study and 11am for worship on Sunday. These meeting times may be a long established tradition of that congregation. To follow that tradition and continue to meet at these times is not wrong. Generic authority authorizes these meeting times. The congregation could decide to change these meeting times and be within approved standards of authority. However, if they chose to change the meeting time to a day other than Sunday, they would step outside the bounds of Bible authority and would no longer be following the traditions of the apostles.
A congregation may have a long established tradition of a Christmas or Easter celebration. This tradition is in violation of the Scriptures because there is no authority for such events.
Traditions of men that are bound as God's law are traditions which stand without Bible authority and invites the wrath of God. Traditions of men which contradict the law of Christ brings God's condemnation. The scribes and Pharisees were condemned by the Lord because they transgressed the commandment of God by their man-made traditions (Matt. 15:3,6). Their worship was in vain because they had replaced the law of God with their traditions (Matt. 15:9). An unauthorized tradition is to change that which the Bible authorizes.
From all appearances, your tradition is to change God's prescribed worship and church. Do you deny this? Would you please provide us with a list of those things you believe are traditional among us and not a part of Christ's law? And, would you provide us with specifics as how you suppose these "traditions" are forced upon others as a part of God's law?
You say, "If any man teaches anything other than Christ crucified for the sins of the world then he needs to be corrected." I am at a complete loss to understand this statement! Teaching Christ and him crucified is preaching his Word -- all of it. That involves far more than teaching about his crucifixion. When Philip went to Samaria, he preached Christ which included preaching things pertaining to the kingdom, the church (Acts 8:5,12). He taught concerning repentance and baptism (Acts 8:12,36). Paul had not shun to declare the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27). Neither should we. The plan of salvation, worship in giving, prayer, communion, singing without the accompaniment of instrumental music and preaching are not "our" traditions. They are the apostle's traditions which we must keep. I am not aware of any traditions we keep that are not scriptural. Can you name one? Where does anything we do violate the Law of Christ? You do believe we live under the Law of Christ don't you?
Things that are optional matters are things that are authorized. There is nothing wrong with optional matters as long as they are not made the "law of God" (bound upon others to keep). There is a vast difference between optional matters and doctrinal matters. Romans 14 deals with optional matters, not doctrinal matters.
Christ certainly prayed for unity on the eve of his death (John 17:20-21). But he also added that unity would come about by adhering to His Word, not simply agreeing to disagree. "Unity in diversity" is a contradiction of terms. Union and unity are two different things. Some may decide to be in union together but that does not mean they are in unity with God. The only possible way to have the unity for which Christ prayed is to obey His Word and follow His Law. When I do that and you do that then we have unity together. The Lord's prescribed unity is not achieved until we do.
I hope you will take the words I've written in this reply and sincerely study them. You will be my friend to show me where I am wrong. The Lord knows my heart and that it is filled only with the desire to be pleasing in His sight. It matters not what men may think or say as long as I am right with the Lord. May the Lord hasten the day that all may both desire and do the same.
NOTE: Several weeks have passed since I sent the above reply. I have waited for an answer to my questions but as of this date have received no further correspondence. . .

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. WHY WERE YOU BAPTIZED?

Rusty Stark

F. LaGard Smith's new book Who Is My Brother? is disturbing. In it he raises many questionable points and teaches false doctrine. But in one section particularly he again shows his confusion on the issue of baptism.
Most readers will remember that in his book entitled Baptism, the Believer's Wedding Ceremony, LaGard Smith argues strongly and correctly for the essentiality of baptism, and then undoes all the good of his arguments by teaching that maybe God can and will accept unbaptized sinners into heaven in spite of the fact they have not obeyed the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (p. 206).
In his new book, LaGard Smith deals with those who have been immersed in obedience to God, but at the time of their baptism, thought they were already saved. He clearly teaches that their understanding is wrong. He correctly states that "In the New Testament there is not one case where salvation preceded baptism" (p. 127). But he suggests the possibility that those baptized with this misunderstanding MIGHT nevertheless have had their sins washed away by their baptism, and therefore be saved (pp. 127-131).
So, without doing him an injustice, or twisting what he has written, let's see if we can grasp his meaning. Smith agrees that salvation comes at the point of obedience rendered in baptism (Rom. 6:1-18), but he reasons this way:
1. A person can be taught the false doctrine that salvation begins at the point of faith, believe that false doctrine, and obey that false doctrine.
2. That same person can be taught the false doctrine that baptism is merely the outward show, demonstrating that we have already been saved, believe that false doctrine, and obey it by being baptized in order to demonstrate that they are saved when in fact they are not.
3. And, according to LaGard Smith, this faith in and submission to false doctrine MAYBE will save one's soul, just as if he had believed and obeyed the truth.
Is there no difference between faith in the truth and faith in falsehood? When Jesus said that the truth would make us free (John 8:32), did he mean that the truth would make us free even if we were following false doctrine and didn't understand the truth we were supposedly obeying?
LaGard Smith asks the question, "First, must a person have a completely correct understanding of the doctrine of baptism in order for his adult, faith-prompted immersion in the name of Jesus to "count"?" His answer, "I know of no passage which gives us a useful answer" (p. 128). There we have it, brethren. According to LaGard Smith, God's Word is not enough to guide us; it doesn't answer whether or not these people are saved. It doesn't tell the person who is in this situation what to do to be saved. This type of agnosticism is a slap in the face to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Is the Bible all we need or not?
The fact is that Romans 6:17 is quite useful and one point in determining the truth of this matter. The concept of obeying "from the heart" certainly involves both understanding and sincerity.
Mr. Smith can show no scripture arguing his point, no example of anyone who was baptized thinking they were already saved and were saved by that baptism in spite of their misunderstanding. He can give no biblical hope for someone in such a position, but he holds out such hope anyway. A man who teaches God's Word must not hold out hope for those to whom the Bible offers none. Let us speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11).
Ephesians 4:5 teaches one baptism. Clearly, the person who has been baptized thinking they were already saved has not submitted to the baptism of the Bible. Smith argues that they have been "biblical in obedience" (p. 129). The fact is, they have obeyed men's doctrine; they have not obeyed God's commandment. Let us get back to the Bible. Let us teach that all men who have not been baptized for the remission of sins must be.
1495 E Empire Ave.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022 .

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. IS IT POSSIBLE TO EXPERIENCE NUMERICAL GROWTH WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ADHERING TO "OLD PATHS PREACHING?"

Dad Goddard

I have heard it said by some, "you will never grow numerically unless you get rid of that 'old paths mentality'." The Change Agents and Liberals within the church would like to see "old paths preaching" die and never raise its head again. But what do people mean when they say "let's get back to old paths preaching?"
These are the members of the church that like book, chapter, and verse preaching. These are the ones who like calling Bible things by Bible names and doing Bible things in Bible ways. Some believe this kind of preaching will never allow the church to grow but instead, members will move and go elsewhere and no one will ever be converted if you stand where they stood in New Testament times in regards to the practice and obedience to the Word of God.
But to the contrary -- the Garden City Church of Christ in Garden City, Michigan, has experienced a great deal of numerical growth as well as spiritual growth over the past two years. Not only have we grown in this way but our offering has also increased.
Many who read this will be surprised to find out that we right now have 49 people taking Bible Correspondence Courses. Why do we have such a large number enrolled in such courses? Because the members have been challenged by "old paths preaching" and they have responded by going into the communities in which they live and have set up these courses with people who are not members of the church. This means we have a possibility of some 49 people obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ and becoming New Testament Christians. We ask all Christians to be praying for these who have never obeyed the gospel.
"The Old Paths Mentality Preaching" is alive and well at Garden City. We believe in passages like 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; etc,. My sermons for the past year or so have been as follows:
1. Morality -- Gambling; Homosexuality; Dancing; Social Drinking; Pornography; Immodest Apparel; to name a few. Members have responded by living right.
2. Doctrine -- Why we don't use the instrument in worship; the Lord's supper on Sundays only; the church of Christ is the one church; to name a few. Our members are not ashamed to do what God said do and the way He said do it. We like what God said, why change it?
3. Evangelism -- Several sermons a year showing how God challenges us to go and sow the seed of the kingdom. Members have taken the word out of the church building and into the homes of the people within their own communities. There is also a renewed interest in Mission Work.
4. Benevolence -- Not only is there concern about our own members and members of the church everywhere but all men in general. Programs operating now and new ones in the future.
5. Edification -- Bible school teachers who love the Word of God and are not ashamed to teach it and teachers who love their students. Preaching from the pulpit that pricks the hearts of men and challenges us to do what God said do. No social gospel allowed. People are challenged to take their Bible and check for themselves the many passages of Scripture that are used in every sermon. Visitors are challenged with a "thus saith the Lord" -- something many of them have never heard.
6. Love -- all of the above are seasoned with love. Lessons showing the love of God in all the matters listed above. After all, when you do what God said do and do it the way God said to do it, are you not showing God how much you love Him and His Son Jesus Christ and all the people of the world?
And besides all of this, we do not bid Godspeed to those practicing error. No support of the Nashville Jubilee; no support of the Tulsa Workshop or any other gathering of those who teach error. We will oppose it here in Detroit and everywhere else error raises it's ugly head.
Are we losing members because of our stand for truth? No, No, No and a thousand times No. God will bless the faithful. He has blessed us at Garden City with so many spiritual blessings. Let us continue to use these blessing to bring glory to His name. We love "Old Paths Preaching."
29511 Bock St.
Garden City, MI 48135

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. 13th Annual
Seek The Old Paths Lectureship

July 26-30, 1998
Always the 4th Sunday in July

Theme:
THE HOME
Please note the "NEW" icon below where changes have been made to the schedule.

. SUNDAY, JULY 26 . . . .

9:30	The Origin of Marriage and the Home -- A Divine Institution . . . . . . . . . . Windell Fikes
10:30	God's Purpose of Marriage and the Home. . . . . . . . . . Garland Robinson
7:00	Preparing For Marriage and the Home (What to look for in a mate). . . . . . . . . . David Paden
8:00	God's Word on Divorce and Remarriage. . . . . . . . Terry Joe Kee

MONDAY, JULY 27 ...... .

9:00	After the Honeymoon (Dealing with Troubled Marriages). . . . . . . . . . Jim Blankenship
10:00	The Home Under Attack, #1: TV, abortion, immodesty, homosexuality, drugs . . . . . . . . . . Mark Lindley
11:00	Definitions: fornication, adultery, separation, divorce, put away, effeminate, natural affection, abusers of themselves with mankind, love, forgiveness. . . . . . Virgil Hale
1:30	Why marriages fail, Things which cause Problems in a marriage, Why one becomes unfaithful . . . . . . . . Wayne Cox
2:30	Questions: Does Paul contradict Jesus, Can the guilty party remarry, Can one forgive their spouse of fornication and still put them away, etc. What does it mean to marry "only in the Lord," What does it mean to be "bound to a wife" and "loosed from a wife?" . . . . . . . Chuck Northrop
7:00	The Responsibility of Children to Parents . . . . . . . Nat Evans
8:00	The Responsibility of Parents to Children . . . . . . Ed Casteel

TUESDAY, JULY 28 ...... .

9:00	A Successful Marriage takes two, a Partnership, Ingredients of a Successful Marriage . . . . . Ferrell Hester
10:00	Facing Tragedies and Adversities in the Home . . . . . . Joe Nichols
11:00	Unique Situations: elderly parents and grandparents, in-laws, step-parents, step-children, foster children . . . . . . John Grubb
1:30	The Home and Congregation Help Each Other . . . . . . . Lenard Hogan
2:30	Questions: Can one live in adultery, Do Christ's words apply today and to all men, Does God call for the separation of those in adultery, Does baptism wash away adultery, What does it mean to abide in the same calling wherein you were called? . . . . . Ken Burleson
7:00	The Home Under Attack, #2: atheism, evolution, humanism, secular education, denominationalism, etc. . . . . . . Gilbert Gough
8:00	How to Keep your Children Faithful . . . . . . . James Boyd

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 ...... .

9:00	Following Christ's Example in the Home . . . . . . G. W. Childs
10:00	Your Occupation Affects the Home . . . . . . Bryan Hodge
11:00	How to Strengthen the Home, What the Home needs now . . . . . . Richard Guill
1:30	The Home Likely Determines the Destiny of the Children . . . . . . . Robin Haley
2:30	Questions: What about same sex marriages, What if one is a eunuch, May wives and daughters lead prayer at home, What affect do government programs have on the home, What about "mental adultery?" . . . . . . Toney Smith
7:00	The Role of Wife and Mother in the Home . . . . . Ted Thrasher
8:00	The Role of Husband and Father in the Home . . . . . . Guy Hester

THURSDAY, JULY 30 ......

9:00	Authority in the Home . . . . . . Alan Adams
10:00	When the Children Leave Home (the empty nest) . . . . . Charles Leonard
11:00	The Joy of the Christian Home (no place like home) . . . . . . Jimmie Hill
1:30	Discipline in the Home (all family members) . . . . . . . . Walter Pigg
2:30	Questions: Who can get married, Is desertion a cause for divorce and remarriage, What is "due benevolence," Was Jesus narrow-minded? . . . . . . Jimmy Bates
7:00	The Home as God Would Have It . . . . . . Bill Crossno
8:00	Our Heavenly Home . . . . . . Charles Blair

.

East Corinth Church of Christ
1801 Cruise St., Corinth, MS 38834
Voice (601) 286-2040 or 286-6575 / Fax (601) 286-2040
Email: Contact Us

MOTELS:
Comfort Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 228-5150
Executive Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 354-3932

Limited housing is available in member's homes. Contact the church office for reservations. Water and electrical hook-ups (no sewer) are available for RVs. We would like to know in advance of your arrival to reserve you a space.

VIDEO TAPE INFORMATION
Complete set of video tapes, $45 postage paid
Order from:
Jim Green
2711 Spring Meade Blvd.
Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: 931-486-1365

CASSETTE TAPE INFORMATION:
Cassette audio tapes are being offered free by the church. Donations to help defray their cost are welcome.
Order cassette tapes from the church.

BOOK INFORMATION:
A book of the lesson outlines is also available (220 pages).
Pre-publication price: $5 if postmarked by July 31, 1998.
After July 31, 1998, $6.50
Please add postage and handling:
1 book $1.75 -- 2-3 books $2.75 -- 4 books $3.25 -- 5-6 books $4.75

Order books from:

Old Paths Publishing
P.O. Box 97
Nettleton, MS 38858

Free books will be distributed by the church to those who attend.
The church is not involved in the sale of any materials.

"We will not be furnishing lunch each day during the lectureship." . .

If you would like an index of Seek The Old Paths for 1995-1997, please send us a stamped (55 cents) self-addressed envelope and request it. It is free.

1997 Bound Volume of
Seek The Old Paths
$5 (includes postage)

Make check payable to
Old Paths Publishing
304 Ripley St.
Corinth, MS 38834

The 1996 Volume is still available
The 1995 Volume has been sold out

BOOKS AVAILABLE

1997 -- The Church At Colosse, $5
1996 -- The Seven Churches of Asia, $5
1995 -- The Church at Corinth, $4
1994 -- Immorality, $3.50 (sold out)
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 -- 1996 Garfield Heights Lectureship Book

FAITH, $8.00 -- The 1997 Garfield Heights Lectureship Book

"Messianic Prophecies & Their Fulfillment," 24 sermon outlines, 118 pages, $3.50

Shipping/Handling -- 1 book, $1.50
2-3 books, $2.25
For each additional book, add 50 cents.

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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