As little children are growing up they often live in a world
of "make-believe." The more they are able to pretend, the better
their playing will become. Maybe it is a little girl serving tea
to some important guest or a teacher explaining to stuffed animals
about some "great" subject. In time, as children grow, they leave
behind their toys and ideas of pretending. With pride, and to a
certain degree, sadness, we see them becoming individuals, adults.
Adults, in their growing relationship with others, cannot
afford to pretend. Honesty is not only the best policy, it is the
only policy. Trust needs to develop as people strive to deal with
others in a Christian manner. Making a pretense of something is
hypocritical and strongly condemned in scripture (Matt. 23:3). Let
us be adult enough to admit what we are doing and dispense with
pretending.
What I have reference to is a practice which is being used
more and more in some churches. The idea is to have people sitting
on the first two rows or so and singing with microphones in their
hands. Everyone else in worship does not have microphones, just
those in the first couple of rows. Pardon my ignorance, but what
is the difference between such an arrangement and having a choir?
Is location the only difference? What is the difference between
standing on the platform and sitting on the pew?
When we gather for worship, it is to sing and admonish one
another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Col. 3:16). We are
to sing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. This is an action
carried out by each member of the body of Christ. Because of the
kind of pronoun used in this scripture, this action must be engaged
in by everyone. The idea of a group of singers standing on a
platform with robes on has always been fought against by faithful
brethren.
Society has now moved into what is called "contemporary
music." Such songs often lend strength to the idea of the direct
operation of the Holy Spirit in one form or another. Because these
songs are new, it is thought we need special singing groups to
introduce both them and the ideas they portray to congregations of
the Lord's people. This can best be done, we are told, by
individuals trained to sing these new kinds of songs. Some
congregations have now given up the idea of asking for Bible
authority, and hence, a choir would not bother them in the least.
However, there are some who are a little bit afraid to try
something like a choir with robes in front of the congregation.
Instead, the idea of people sitting on the front rows with
microphones is appealing to them. I would say this to such
efforts: QUIT PRETENDING. If you want a choir, then do not play
around and trample upon the Word of God! Go ahead and pursue your
wishes, but don't pretend you are serving God in the process.
Jeroboam appealed to the people to destroy both their faith and
relationship with God. He did so by getting them to change their
worship to God just like many today are doing.
If our worship in song is to be for praising God, then why
would certain ones be singled out for their ability? You see, that
is a double-edged sword. The use of ability is certainly called
for in our service to God; yet, the use of our ability can never be
at the expense of trampling under foot the Word of God. I plead
with you, quit pretending. If you must, go ahead and wear a man-
made name and worship like you want. Just do not pretend to be the
Lord's faithful people, because you are not.
2842 Shelby St.
Indianapois, IN 46203
.
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Without doubt one of the most influential men in the history
of Israel was king Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. Jeroboam became king
after the death of Solomon in about B.C. 931. After Solomon's
death, the nation of Israel divided into two kingdoms. In the
Southern Kingdom, also called Judah, there were only the tribes of
Judah and Benjamin, plus a faithful remnant that came from other
tribes. The Northern Kingdom or Israel was made up of ten tribes,
and Jeroboam served as its first king, ruling for twenty-two years.
His reign brought immediate moral and religious corruption into
Israel. Sadly, Jeroboam's wickedness influenced the nation for
generations to come as we often read this appraisal of later kings
who followed in the steps of Jeroboam: "And he did evil in the
sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his
sin wherewith he made Israel to sin" (1 Kings 15:34).
As soon as Jeroboam became king, he introduced a new worship
into Israel. While there are many valuable lessons to be learned
from Jeroboam's life and reign in general, we want to focus our
attention on the false worship that Jeroboam established. This
worship is described in 1 Kings 12:25-33 and 13:33,34. In part
these verses say, "And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall
the kingdom return to the house of David; If this people go up to
do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the
heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam
king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam
king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel and made two calves
of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to
Jerusalem; behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of
the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put
he in Dan. And this thing became a sin; for the people went to
worship before the one, even unto Dan. And he made an house of high
places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were
not of the sons of Levi" (12:26-31). Just what was there
about Jeroboam's worship that was so wrong?
First, we should note that Jeroboam did worship.
He was a man who was involved in religious activity, and in the
eyes of many people, that is all that matters. Yet, Jeroboam's
example shows that it is possible to be religious and even be a
leader in religious activity, but still not please God. Jehovah
told Jeroboam, "But hast done evil above all that were before
thee; for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten
images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back"
(1 Kings 14:9).
Not all religious activities are "good" in the Lord's sight.
Remember, Jesus declared, "Howbeit in vain do they worship me,
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7:7).
Jeroboam's worship was appealing to a lot of people.
Just think about it. The worship he established was new! You
know, many people are interested in things that are new. It does
not matter what it is, it does not matter if it is right or wrong,
just as long as it is new, that is what is important to many. Many
consider anything new to be better. But let us never forget this
clear instruction that God gave His people: "Ye shall not add
unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought
from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God
which I command you" (Deut. 4:2). Yes, Jeroboam's worship was
new, but it was a violation of God's will because it was
unauthorized. Also, the worshipping of idols was clearly against
the first two of the ten commandments (Exodus 20:3,4).
In our worship today, we must not seek after that which is
new, but only that which is according to the teaching of the Lord
Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:20; 2 John 9).
Jeroboam's worship was convenient. God chose
Jerusalem as the place where He wanted His people to assemble to
worship Him (1 Kings 11:32). However, Jeroboam had his own plan. He
set up centers of worship in Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 11:28,29). Dan
was located in the very northern section of the Northern Kingdom,
and Bethel was located in the southern section of it. By going to
either Dan or Bethel instead of traveling all the way to Jerusalem
(which was in the Southern Kingdom), the people could save both
time and energy. That was convenient! Also, God gave the Jews only
one choice, Jerusalem. Jeroboam gave the people two choices, either
Dan or Bethel. That was convenient!
Today some people make their decision about which religious
services they will attend based solely on which group meets closest
to where they live or which group does what they like. Dear reader,
true worshippers worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23,24).
We must be willing to travel whatever distance is necessary in
order to assemble with faithful saints. In our service to Jehovah,
let us never be so selfish as to think about what is most
convenient for us. What will please the Lord? That is the question!
Without doubt, Jeroboam's worship was popular. The people
liked it. Satan's ways are popular. As soon as Jeroboam
established his new worship, people began to go to Dan and Bethel
(12:30). Let us never forget that a teaching or religious practice
may be popular, but that does not make it right.
Jeroboam's worship allowed more people to be involved as
priests. According to Jeroboam's new arrangements, anyone
could become a priest who wanted to (1 Kings 13:33; 12:31). God
told the Israelites that only men from the tribe of Levi, and
specifically those who were the descendants of Aaron, could serve
as priests (Deut. 18:1). Can't you just imagine what Jeroboam said
to convince the people to accept his perverted worship? "We are
more open-minded. We have more love. We are not
ultra-conservatives who want to go exactly by the letter of the
law. If you are sincere in your heart and want to be a priest,
then God bless you."
We know what many say about us today. They say we are too
strict because we do not have women serving as elders or preachers,
or at least leading singing and prayers. People can think what
they want, but we will continue to accept the teaching of 1 Timothy
2:8-3:7 about leadership in the church. They say we are too
narrow-minded because we preach against drunkenness, but we will
continue to show to the world and the church the evil fruits of
drinking alcohol (1 Peter 4:3; Matt. 7:20). They say we are too
strict because we will not fellowship those who have divorced their
mate (not due to the mate's fornication) and are now committing
adultery by living with a different person in a so-called second
marriage. Friends, Jesus' words of Matthew 19:9 still read like
they did nearly two thousand years ago, so we will not compromise
one centimeter on that topic!
Brethren, let us be content with what God has told us in His
word and not try to change His message so it will be easier for
people to accept.
Perhaps the most dangerous aspect about Jeroboam's
worship was that, in a number of ways, it was similar to the true
worship Jehovah had commanded in the law of Moses. Satan, the
father of lies, is such a great deceiver. He can make a lie look
like the truth, and false worship look like the genuine worship of
the Lord. According to the law of Moses, God commanded Israel to
have priests, an altar for sacrifices, a set place of worship,
special religious days, and special feasts. And, guess what
Jeroboam included in his worship? He also established a
priesthood, an altar for sacrifices, set places of worship, special
days, and special feasts (1 Kings 12:31-33). Jeroboam could tell
the people, "Look, it is not exactly like what your fathers had,
but it is close enough. Remember, we are a new generation, so we
need to do things just a little differently."
God commanded the Israelites to observe the feast of
Tabernacles on the fifteenth day of the seventh month (Numbers
29:10). Jeroboam commanded them to observe a feast on the
fifteenth day of the eighth month (1 Kings 12:32). What difference
does just one month make? It is not exact, but no one is perfect,
it is close enough! No, it is not close enough, not when we are
talking about worshipping the Lord of heaven! We must worship and
serve Him according to His Word, not according to our desires. I
do not know about you, but as for me and my house, we do not want
a church or worship that is close to the truth. We want only that
which comes from Jehovah! Close is not good enough when we are
talking about the salvation of our souls.
In summary, why was Jeroboam's worship wrong? It was wrong
because:
1. It was unauthorized by God (Deut. 4:2). Jeroboam
substituted his own worship for the true worship of Jehovah.
2. He had the wrong motive. Do not be deceived.
Jeroboam did not care about pleasing the Lord. He set up his
worship simply so the Jews would not go to worship at Jerusalem,
for he feared that if they went there they would begin to follow
the king of the Southern Kingdom (Rehoboam), who would kill him (1
Kings 12:26,27). Thus, in reality, Jeroboam established this
worship for his own benefit.
3. They worshipped the wrong object, golden calves
(12:28).
4. They used the wrong methods, wrong priesthood, wrong
feasts, wrong altar (12:31-33).
5. It had the wrong source of authority. Where did
Jeroboam get the idea for his new worship? It was that "which
he had devised of his own heart" (12:33). That is the bottom
line: Jeroboam did what HE wanted to do, and what God commanded did
not matter one bit to him!
Jeroboam did evil and caused Israel to do the same.
"...He made Israel to sin" (1 Kings 15:34). Jeroboam
corrupted Israel's worship, and as a result God forsook His people.
Do not think this could not happen to us today. All it
takes is for a few people who are not satisfied with the simple
teaching of the New Testament to begin to cry out for change in the
church: change in the worship, change in the church's organization,
just any kind of change. Such an attitude can destroy the church,
for a little leaven can leaven the whole lump (Gal. 5:9). Would it
be worth it to pervert the worship of the church like Jeroboam
perverted the worship in Israel? Of course not! Let us determine
in our hearts that, regardless of what others do or say, we will
work together and follow what the Bible says. May God bless us as
we strive to do that.
P.O. Box 828
Kiev 252067, Ukraine
.
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One of the most famous quotes to come out of the decade of
the 1970s, the above words were spoken by Richard Nixon regarding
his involvement in Watergate. An inordinate desire for power led
him down a path of deception and lying until the threat of
impeachment hung guillotine-like over his head. All the while, he
steadfastly maintained, "I am not a crook." While he may have
convinced himself and his close friends that he wasn't a crook, his
actions proved otherwise. Contradicted by the fruit of his
actions, Nixon's denial rang hollow.
The same is true with regard to false teachers among us who
follow the same pattern. Joe Beam is one of those whose
teachings belie his protestations. Here is his denial of the
Pentecostalism he preaches.
Understand. I have studied some of the charismatic theology and I think they have some serious theological flaws and I reject it. I have studied some of the Pentecostal theology and I think they have some serious theological flaws and I reject it. So, I'm not charismatic, nor do I want to make you one. I'm not Pentecostal, nor do I want to make you one. But I am a Spirit-filled Christian and I would love for you to be one. (Joe Beam, "The Holy Spirit," Tape 1, Nashville Jubilee, 1996).
Ravening wolves do not enter the flock snarling, tearing
flesh, growling and announcing their aim of decimating it. They
are cunning and subtle. Neither did a heretic ever stand before a
congregation of the Lord's people and announce, "I'm a false
teacher. I preach a corruption of the New Testament and I want to
convince you to believe it." Of course Beam denies he's a
Pentecostal! Giving an accurate description of the Joe Beams of
the world, Jesus taught us how to detect them -- instructions which
gullible brethren largely ignore today. He said, "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" (Matt. 7:15-20).
Nixon said, "I am not a crook." The facts showed otherwise.
Joe Beam says, "I am not a Pentecostal" but his doctrine indicates
otherwise. And, far worse than Nixon's deception of the American
people, Beam's teachings carry eternal consequences. A far better
benchmark by which to evaluate the credibility of Beam's claim are
his own words. Consider the following:
I am not a Pentecostal. ... I'm going to tell you that the Holy Spirit of God speaks to us NOT JUST THROUGH THE BIBLE. That the Holy Spirit of God will speak to us in ways beyond that. (Joe Beam, "The Holy Spirit," Tape 2, Nashville Jubilee, 1996)
Fundamental to Pentecostal doctrine is the assertion that
the Holy Spirit speaks to, leads, teaches, illuminates, nudges,
tugs, awakens and controls the child of God in ways beyond the word
of God. Beam's doctrine belies his denial. Hear him again:
I am not a Pentecostal. ... Like for example, you say 'But everything happens just within the word.' I'm gonna show you that you don't even believe that. And that it's not biblical to say everything happens just in the word. I can show you don't believe it. How many of you have ever prayed a prayer in your public assembly, or how many of you have ever prayed a prayer that your preacher would 'have a ready recollection of the things he has prepared?'... You've asked God to do something beyond the parameters of the word. If you've ever asked God for wisdom, your Bible doesn't start having pages blow in the wind and a passage highlighted in red or yellow or blue. You're asking God to do something. I'm gonna to show you that God is alive and that the Holy Spirit is on earth and he is in you and among you. And that he is active today. (Joe Beam, "The Holy Spirit," Tape 1, Nashville Jubilee, 1996).
Undergirding their claims of miraculous powers today, is the
Pentecostal assertion that God works in ways beyond His word. The
Holy Spirit's power in the apostles ALWAYS manifested itself in
outward miraculous demonstrations (Mark 16:17-20; Heb. 2:1-4; 2
Cor. 12:12). If that power resides in Joe Beam, he will be able to
demonstrate it in the same fashion. He says, "I am not a
Pentecostal," but his doctrine says he is.
Why do people like Beam have free rein in the churches? It's
very simple. Lacking a knowledge of God's word, gullible brethren
love to be mesmerized by the "dynamics" of spiritual wolves like
Joe Beam (Hosea 4:6). They have long-abandoned Scriptural
authority and their "itching ears" trust the words of ravening
wolves, rather than the "faith once delivered" (Jude 3). Brethren
who continue to ignore Jesus' warning in Matthew 7:15-20 are only
accelerating the church's plunge into Pentecostalism.
Nixon said, "I am not a crook," and Beam says, "I am not a
Pentecostal." The American people saw through Nixon, but Beam
continues his deception because biblically illiterate elders allow
him a forum to spew his holy roller venom across the country.
Judging "righteous judgment" (John 7:24), the discerning
will see through his protestations. Joe Beam is a wolf in sheep's
clothing and his doctrine marks him as a Pentecostal.
308 South Oklahoma
Elk City, Oklahoma 73644
.
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To know whether or not one is right or wrong in his belief,
all you must do is compare that belief with the Bible. We must be
like the Bereans and search the Scriptures daily to see if those
things are so (Acts 17:11). We must try the spirits to see if they
are of God, for many false prophets are in the world (1 John 4:1).
We must study the Scriptures to give an answer for our belief (2
Tim. 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15). With most religious people
(denominations), it doesn't make any difference what a man believes
as long as he is sincere.
It is possible for a man to be very religious and yet be
wrong. Jeremiah said, "O Lord, I know that the way of man is
not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps"
(Jer. 10:23). Solomon said, "There is a way that seemeth
right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death"
(Prov. 16:25). You may be a religious person, but your belief may
not be found in the Scriptures.
If what you believe is taught in the Bible then you are
right. But, if your belief is not taught in the Bible, then you
are wrong. This is true with every human being. So I ask the
question, Are we wrong in our belief?
Are we wrong for wearing the name Christian without any
other name added before or after? No, we are not wrong in
wearing the name Christian without any hyphenated name added to it.
"...The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch"
(Acts 11:26). Agrippa was almost persuaded to be a Christian
(Acts 26:28). If you suffer as a Christian don't be
ashamed of the name (1 Peter 4:16). I ask you in all sincerity,
where do you read in the Bible of a "Baptist" Christian? A
"Methodist" Christian? A "Mormon" Christian? A "Seventh Day
Adventist" Christian? A "Mennonite" Christian? A "Catholic"
Christian? A "Presbyterian" Christian? A "Jehovah's Witness"
Christian? A "Pentecostal" Christian? Etc. Etc. I have
absolutely no ill-will toward those who are in these denominations.
I have in my own family a sister who is a Jehovah's Witness and
another sister who is a Catholic. Once in a discussion with my
brother-in-law, we were talking about the name of the church. I
said we read of the church of Christ in the Bible, but
will not find any of the denominations listed. His response was,
"I'm going down to the library and search every encyclopedia." My
answer was, "All you have to do is search the Bible."
Is it wrong to wear such denominational names as I have
listed? God says, "If any man speak, let him speak as the
oracles of God..." (1 Peter 4:11). My friends, you will not
find any of these names in the Bible for God's people to wear. It
doesn't make any difference to those who wear these human names,
but to the Christian, it does make a difference which name we wear.
Denominational names are not pleasing in God's sight.
Are we wrong for teaching there is only one true church?
Anyone who reads the New Testament will only read about the
church of Christ. Christ promised to build His church, only one
(Matt. 16:18). God said there is only one church/body (Eph. 4:4).
All modern day churches have been built upon the teaching of men.
Our Lord said every man-made institution "shall be rooted up"
(Matt. 15:13).
When the subject of the church is brought up in discussions
with religious people, not a single one, and I say zero
denominations can be found in the Bible! Just because a man is
religious and belongs to a church foreign to the Bible does not
mean that such is acceptable to God. In fact, the only church God
recognizes is the church built by His Son. Many who are now
members of the Lord's church came out of denominationalism. When
I learned the Truth and rendered obedience to the Gospel, God added
me to the New Testament church, the church of Christ (Acts 2:47).
When a man is saved, he doesn't have to join any denomination, he
is automatically a member of the church of Christ. Why can't
people be satisfied with the Lord's church? The answer is, they do
not like the Lord's teaching.
The teachings of men produce man made churches. I ask in
all sincerity, and please give me a Bible answer, where do you read
about a Baptist Church in the Bible? Where do you read about a
Methodist Church, a Mormon Church, a Seventh Day Adventist Church,
a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, a Catholic Church, a
Pentecostal church, a Christian Science Church, etc., etc., in the
Bible? You will not find any of them in a million years. But to
these religious people it makes no difference, but to the
Christian, members of the church of Christ, it does make a
difference. When Christ comes, He has promised to deliver His
church to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24). Don't you want to be a member
of His church?
The good news is, you can be a member of the Lord's church
without ever joining a denomination. If you do what the early
Christians did to be saved, God will add you to the church. In the
first sermon, they heard, they believed what they
heard, Peter told them to repent and be baptized
and they who gladly received His Word were baptized and the Lord
added to the church such as should be saved (Acts 2:14-41,47; cf.
8:36-39). No, we are not wrong by only wearing the name
"Christian" and teaching there is only "one true church." May I
challenge you to think about these things?
Are we wrong when we meet upon the first day of the week
to worship God? According to the Sabbatarians we are wrong.
The Seventh Day Adventists and other Sabbatarian groups make no
bones about the day God is to be worshipped. They close shop
Friday evening when the sun goes down and gather together on
Saturday to worship. Since the Bible gives us the answers to all
of our questions, we must go to it, for therein the answer lies.
"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came
together to break bread..." (Acts 20:7).
Friends, the early church met upon the first day of the week
and there is a reason. That was the day Christ was resurrected
(Mark 16:9), the day the first Gospel sermon was preached and the
church established (Acts 2:1-41), the day the disciples met for
worship by partaking the Lord's supper and preaching (Acts 20:7),
the day they gave of their money (1 Cor. 16:1-2). You see it was
a glorious day. Christ was still in the grave on the Sabbath.
There would be no reason to meet on Saturday. Yes, the Jews who
lived under the old law did keep the Sabbath, it was one of the
commandments. When Christ died, He nailed the old law to the Cross
(Col. 2:14-16). His blood ratified the New Covenant and that
Covenant says the disciples came together upon the first day of the
week to break bread (Acts 20:7). To keep the old Covenant is to be
in bondage (Gal. 4, read it). No, my friends we are not wrong when
we meet on the first day of the week as the New Testament
prescribes.
Are we wrong when we partake of the Lord's supper every
first day of the week? In a discussion with a Jehovah's
Witness who said to me "partaking of the Lord's supper once a week
would become monotonous and would lose its meaning." My response
was, "our Lord does not want us to forget Him, He wants us to
remember Him, what He did for us and so He gave us instructions to
partake of the Lord's supper every first day of the week in
remembrance of Him, just as the early Christians did."
I know there are many religious groups who partake of the
Lord's super annually, semi-annually, monthly and even on other
days (Thursday, Saturday) other than that which our Lord prescribed
for His people. I realize that with denominational people it makes
no difference, but with Christians it does make a difference. When
God speaks, that's the end of the matter. If I am going to please
God, I must do what He says (Heb. 11:6; Rom. 10:17; 14:23).
No, my friends, we are not wrong when we partake of the
Lord's supper every first day of the week. We have an example and
scriptural authority for such. But there is absolutely no
authority to partake of the Lord's supper any other time other than
the first day of the week.
We could go on and on and ask many more questions. Let me
ask you one, can you find your practice and belief in the Bible?
What about the name you wear, does it come from God's Word? What
about the church you are a member of, can you read about it in the
Bible? If so, where? What about the day on which you meet for
worship, can it be found in the New Covenant? Can you find any
example or any authority to partake of the Lord's supper once a
year or semi-yearly, or monthly, etc.? It's that simple, if what
I practice and believe is not found in the Bible, the New
Testament, then I am wrong. By the same token, if what you
practice and believe is not found in the New Testament, then you
are wrong.
God tells us to prove all things, hold fast to that which is
good (1 Thess. 5:21), be ready to give an answer to your belief
(1 Peter 3:15). Can you prove what you believe? Can you give
an answer from God's Word for your belief? Or do you need to make
a change?
P.O. Box 696
Gentry, AR 72734
.
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The dictionary defines the word "extort" as "to obtain from
another by coercion or intimidation." This term is generally used
in the context of monetary gain. "The love of money" is the common
motive behind such devious acts. However, the lust for power and
the desire for prestige are also common motives of this ungodly
behavior.
Spiritual extortion is the exercising of threats against the
Lord's church in general, and the elders, in particular. It is an
act of cowardice. It is a violation of the "golden rule" (Matt.
7:12) and the guilty tread upon the principles of Matthew 18:15-20.
It is an act void of brotherly love, though cloaked in words of
"concern for the church."
True loving brethren who are concerned about the church do
not have to resort to "threats" against the body of Christ. They
do not threaten to withhold their contribution on Sunday morning.
They do not threaten to leave the congregation in order "to force"
the elders to do their bidding. They do not go behind the backs of
their intended targets and manipulate the decisions of the elders.
Genuine Christians are honest men and women who love the truth of
God and the body of Christ enough that they will confront real
enemies in the open without hiding behind robes of intimidation.
Faithful soldiers in God's army will fight until the enemy is
defeated or hope is gone. When the cause is lost, then they will
come out from among the enemies, regardless of family ties or
friendships.
But spiritual extortionists have accomplices -- weak elders.
Extortionists are discouraged, even defeated, when they face
strong, spiritual men who have the courage to call their hand and
withstand their threats. Extortionists are successful only if they
encounter weak elders who allow them to have their way. So whether
consciously or subconsciously, weak elders aid and abet spiritual
extortionists by their unwillingness to engage the enemy, for
whatever reason, though noble it may seem.
"And they said things would improve at LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY
now that they have a new president! I have just received in the
mail a brochure for the YouthWorker University at
Lipscomb in October, "Jump Start Your Youth Ministry." In
addition to such as Doug Varnado from the Community church in
Hendersonville and Randy Gill from Woodmont Hills, I
noticed a Brewster McLeod from "Southland church in
Lexington, Kentucky." Southland is a Christian Church. Is
that why they only advertise him as being from "southland church?"
I mentioned this on the phone to Peggy Pharr and in doing so I
noticed another speaker, Rick Bundschuh. He is described,
"Rick is a pastor, veteran Youthworker, writer, speaker and
cartoonist based in Kauai, Hawaii. Currently, Rick serves as
the teaching pastor at Kauai Christian Fellowship as well as
youth director." Here they are claiming to train "Youth Ministers"
from the church and using denominationalists to do that! How safe
is Lipscomb? They are seeking to train those who work with the
young people in such a way that they will embrace
denominationalism. If this is not what they are doing, then why
would they have such speakers? Surely no one can say that
Lipscomb is sound and is an appropriate place for our young people
to attend. Brethren, we need to wake up and quit supporting in
any way those universities and other places where our youth are
going to be led into apostasy" ...Ken Chumbley, Frankfort, KY.
"Keep up the good work. What a wonderful Gospel paper. I love
the truth, the whole truth that I find in the Seek The Old
Paths. I am an 81 year old widow and been a member of the
church since November, 1938. I left a denomination. Thank the Lord"
...HR, Arkansas City, KS. "This paper is a blessing to all
of us who can't understand some of the `clues' that something is
wrong but we can't put our finger on it until it's too late"
...Norma Woolbert, Marana, AZ. "I would very much like to
receive your magazine, Seek The Old Paths. I have greatly
enjoyed the articles I have read so far. A friend loaned me one of
her copies" ...Mary McCoy, Rochester Hill, MI. "We enjoy
the bulletin Seek The Old Paths very much. Thank you"
...Oak Ridge Church of Christ, Obion, TN. "Like the paper
Seek The Old Paths. I find the articles very impressive. Keep
up the good work!" ...Bill Lamb, Florence, AL. "I have
enjoyed receiving Seek The Old Paths for several months
and do appreciate the timely and much needed work you do. Please
keep it up" ...Russell Cozort, Salem, AR. "Please take our
name off of your mailing list" ...T.J. Brooks, Shamrock, TX.
"We would like to be put on your mailing list to receive
S.T.O.P. We picked up a copy while visiting at West Jefferson,
NC Church of Christ. This is a good publication" ...Oscar &
Sara Koontz, Mocksville, NC. "I really don't know how I
started getting Seek The Old Paths, but I want you to know
how much I really enjoy it. I also pass it on to others. I know you
are doing a great service getting the necessary information out
about false teachers and false teachings. May God continue to bless
you and your work" ...Richard L. Riley, Saginaw, TX. "I
salute you in the name of our Lord and Saviour. Today I received my
first copy of your publication Seek The Old Paths. You are
to be commended for taking a position openly and publicly against
the anti-Christ in our midst. It is refreshing indeed to know there
are still congregations whose shepherds take a firm position
against the error being taught and preached by our wayward
brethren. May the Lord continue to bless your work" ...H.H.
Rhode, Fort Worth, TX. "Please remove me from your mailing
list for Seek The Old Paths. There are a lot of things in
the Church today that I do not like, but one thing I have never
cared for is all the negative talk about caring brethren.
All of us have our faults, but you guys don't give some good
people any credit at all, that's sad and too bad! Best
regards" ...Coba C. Craig, Lexington, KY. "It's so
exciting as I read the S.T.O.P. each time I receive it. I
thank God for each of you, and the wonderful work you're doing in
and for His name. May the Lord continue to bless this work and each
of you, and continue to bless me as I learn so much and am greatly
strengthened against this liberal atmosphere around me. Keep up the
great work of teaching truth so many will be kept from that evil
path and stay with His Truth" ...Sue McDaniel, Jonesboro, TX.
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very much. I appreciate men who will stand for truth"
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your publication Seek The Old Paths. We need more good
sound teaching in the brotherhood today. If you would, please add
my name to your subscription list. May God bless you in your
endeavor to spread the gospel to this lost and dying world. I look
forward to receiving your paper" ...R.E. Morris, Kenton, OH.
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with error in the brotherhood. I understand that it is sent free of
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my name from your mailing list" ...Steve Lavin, Pelahatchie,
MS. "Please use this small gift to help in your ministry with
S.T.O.P. Thank you for sending me the paper" ...Warner
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Use this check as a donation to help with expenses" ...Dennis
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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 |
 1998 -- The
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