After the end of the great flood in the time of Noah, Jehovah declared, "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease" (Gen. 8:22). God's promise is still being fulfilled in our day. The summer of 1999 is about upon us! Summer is a time when children and students are on vacation from classes. Many families have opportunity to go on vacation together in the summer while others spend much time working in their gardens or simply resting from their normal busy schedule. Summer is a time when many are involved in sports or other activities outside. Yes, summer is a special time that many people, including us, really enjoy. But, we must also plainly say that summer is a time when some affairs are out of place. We must understand that activities which are not pleasing to God any other time of the year do not automatically become acceptable in His sight just because it is summertime. Just what do we have in mind? Please read on.
     Summer is not a time to forget about the Lord. Sometimes it seems Christians are so busy in the summer with their own affairs that they forget about the Lord and their responsibility to Him! Before the children of Israel entered the land of Canaan, Jehovah often warned them through Moses that when they would enter that land of promise and receive great blessings from His hand, they must not forget Him. One such warning was, "Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day" (Deut. 8:11). Sadly, many Israelites did not listen to Jehovah's warning and forgot Him. This summer, let us not forget to study the word of God! Wherever we may be, let us always make certain we have our Bibles with us and keep studying God's book each day, just like always. We need to imitate the Bereans of the first century, of whom it is written, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
     Besides studying God's word each day, we need to continue to pray to the Lord, just like always, as it is written, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17). There should never be a time in our lives when we say to God, "I am sorry, but I am so busy that I just don't have time to study the Bible and speak to you in prayer." If a child of God is too busy to study and pray, then he is TOO busy!
     Concerning not forgetting the Lord, allow us to mention one other affair. If we are going to be gone this summer (or any other time) and will not be attending the services of our home congregation, then we must not forget our contribution to the Lord. Each Christian is to contribute on the first day of the week for the work of the Lord, and that includes in the summer time also (1 Cor. 16:1,2). Surely none of us would want to say to God, "I am sorry, but I am taking a trip and for this trip I need the money that I usually contribute to you." In the summer, a congregation must continue preaching the gospel, helping its widows, and being involved in other aspects of the Lord's work that require funds. So, it is important that every member who is going to be out of town and not assembling with his own congregation on Sundays either give his contribution before he leaves, or else give the money to some other member and ask them to contribute his money while he is away. Let us not forget God!
     Summer is not a time to stop preaching the Gospel. The Holy Spirit instructed Timothy, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2). It is always a good time ("in season") to teach others the good news about salvation through Jesus Christ! The disciples of the first century taught the Gospel every day, and surely that must have included during the summer time (Acts 5:42; 17:17; 19:9). Souls that are lost need the gospel today, for "now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2). Are we prepared to put a sign on the building where we assemble which says, "Because it is now summer and all of our members are very busy with their own affairs, we will not teach the Bible to those who are not Christians until after the first day of September?" I am personally 100% against the idea of putting such a sign on our building because I know the Lord wants us to keep on teaching the Gospel this summer, just like always! Be sure of one thing: while some Christians are resting or minding their own affairs this summer, Satan will not have a vacation, but will be very active trying to hinder people from being saved (1 Peter 5:8). Brothers and sisters, let us not forget to sow the seed this summer (Luke 8:11)!
     Summer is not a time to dress immodestly. In some places it is hot in the summer. In other places it is so hot that people literally die due to the extreme heat. How should a Christian dress when it is hot outside? Is it acceptable for a child of God to wear clothes that are comfortable and cool? Of course, but he must always wear clothes that are modest. After Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, "The eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons" (Gen. 3:7). However, Jehovah was obviously not satisfied with their effort to cover their nakedness, for it is written that after this, "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them" (Gen. 3:21). God was concerned that Adam and Eve dress modestly.
     Today, many are like the Jews of Jeremiah's time who committed sin, but they were not ashamed and did not blush (Jer. 6:15). Unfortunately, even some members of Christ's church dress immodestly and do not blush! The New Testament instruction for sisters in Christ is, "In like manner, also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety..." (1 Tim. 2:9). Yes, brothers must also dress modestly!
     Dressing modestly and with shamefacedness includes the idea of dressing in clothes that does not draw the attention of others. It also means to wear clothes that sufficiently cover the body (skin), that are not too tight, and by all means, does not cause some to look upon us and have improper lustful desires of the flesh. Jesus said, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery; But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matt. 5:27,28). According to Jesus, when a man looks on a woman that is not his wife and in his heart has a desire to have physical relations with that woman, then he commits sin ("adultery"). Now sisters, if you do not wear enough clothes to cover your skin, and as a result, a male looks on you with "evil eyes," then he sins (Jesus said so, Matt. 5:28), but so do you in such a situation, for by not wearing modest clothes, you have put a stumblingblock in front of him, and Jesus said "woe" to one who causes another to stumble (Luke 17:1,2).
     Again, we repeat, men must also dress modestly and with shamefacedness, as there is one standard of morality for both men and women. Let us say the following so plainly that all will understand: We often read about Jesus being beside the sea or riding in a boat on the sea. Thus, to go to the sea or river is not sinful. However, it is wrong for a Christian to be anywhere, including the public beaches, in the presence of those of the opposite sex, and to not be dressed modestly. What about modern swimsuits, are they modest? Absolutely not! Any Christian who wears such swimming clothes in the presence of those of the opposite sex is going to cause them to have improper thoughts in their hearts, and thus both the one who looks with "evil eyes" and the one who dresses in such a swim suit stand in danger of eternal condemnation. That is how serious it is, and we are not joking!
     Summer is not a time to stop assembling with the saints. Those who followed Jesus in the first century assembled (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:20; 16:2). Concerning our obligation to attend the services of the church, the Holy Spirit instructs us, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb. 10:24,25). It is plainly the will of the Lord God that His children not forsake the assemblies (of the church). The Lord Jesus declared, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness..." (Matt. 6:33).
     What about each of us this summer? Will God still be first in our plans, like always, or will we forsake the assemblies of the saints? The Holy Spirit also exhorts us, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2). Will we consider spiritual affairs as most important, including assembling with the saints, or will we instead do what we want to do?
     I know that each summer, beginning about this time, many Christians throughout the Ukraine tell their brothers and sisters in Christ, "I will be gone for several weeks, and will be back by the end of August." What does that mean? I understand every word of that statement, but I cannot understand why a Christian would have a plan to not assemble with other saints to worship. What about worshipping the Lord of heaven during the summer? Is it not as important in the summer as it is in winter or spring? Without doubt, it is! If we are going to be gone this summer (or any other time), then we really need to do one of two things: 1) plan our trips and activities in advance so we can attend the services of a faithful congregation on the first day of the week in another city, or 2) go work in the garden or travel somewhere else, but come back to our home congregation in order to assemble with the saints each Sunday.
     Brothers and sisters, we write these things not because we do not care for your souls, but rather just the opposite! The time has come for many of us to have in our spiritual diet not only milk, but also strong meat by which we can grow (Heb. 5:12-14). We wish for each of you a safe and enjoyable summer, but let us never forget our responsibilities to the Lord and His kingdom. May God richly bless each of you as you live for Him.
         P.O. Box 828
         Kiev 252067, Ukraine

        Deception is a terrible thing. It can come from another or one can deceive himself. Regardless, it is terrible because it can bring such tragic results. One time, it almost cost my father his life. At the time, he was a lineman working for the St. Joe Lead Company. He told me he had climbed up onto some power lines and was straddling them while working. A fellow worker came along and told him to get down as carefully and quickly as he could because the lines were live. Dad said that there was no power to the lines, and to prove it he carefully climbed off the wires to a higher level. Then he dropped a large gauge copper wire across the wires he had been straddling. The copper wire melted quickly from the resulting short. Fortunately for dad, his clothing had insulated him enough that he had not been electrocuted. However, he climbed down from the high wires and was finished for the day. He was too weak and shook up to continue. Whether someone had accidentally told him wrong or he had made an improper assumption, he had been deceived into thinking he was safe -- and it almost cost him his life.
     The greatest of all tragedies is if one is deceived spiritually, for it will cost him his eternal life.
     One might deceive himself. Paul wrote, "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise" (1 Cor. 3:18). There are those who think they are wise in this world and do not listen to God's word. Maybe it is because of their own desires. When something is desired enough, they convince themselves that it is correct and are hardened to the truth of God's word. Paul follows the above statement with, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness" (1 Cor. 3:19).
     One might be deceived by his own pride. The Edomites were filled with pride and trusted in their natural surroundings, for their city was easily protected due to its position in the mountains. Obadiah wrote, "The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground" (Obadiah 1:3)? There are those who have become self-sufficient in their own eyes. They do not need God. They trust in their riches, their abilities, their accomplishments. Paul knew where his sufficiency was, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God" (2 Cor. 3:5).
     One might be deceived by others. Paul warned, "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience" (Eph. 5:6). Some will listen to others, whether it is a trusted teacher, a preacher, friends or even parents. There is danger in doing so blindly (Matt. 15:14). Certainly we should study under and learn from those who can teach us God's word. That is the way God intended (John 6:45). But each one has a responsibility to study for himself/herself. For even the most trusted can be wrong and deceive others, whether innocently or intentionally.
     It is a tragic thing to be killed due to deception. Yet, death is just a departure from this life to another. If one is properly prepared through obedience to God, his death is not so tragic (2 Tim. 4:7-8). However, if one has been deceived spiritually, the departure from this life is tragic because that one departs with an unfounded peace and will enter an eternity of punishment (Matt. 25:46; 2 Thess. 1:7-9). Paul sums it up as follows, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Gal. 6:7-8).
     1400 Troy Rd.
     Collinsville, IL 62234 .

        When I was a student at ACU (1995-98), I often heard the word "unchurched" thrown around by students and faculty in the Bible and Missions departments. I was told by my professors that as evangelists, our goal was to reach the "unchurched" with the Gospel of Christ. My initial response was quite positive. After all, if a person is not part of the Lord's body, his church, then that person is not a Christian, and needs to hear and obey the gospel! The problem is that this is not what the term "unchurched" means to ACU professors and other liberals!
     "Unchurched" is a word used to describe those people who have had little or no "church experience." The word describes the masses who were not raised with any kind of religious upbringing, are not familiar with the Bible, and who do not participate in any kind of religious activity. Since the United States has sometimes been described as a "post-Christian nation," with religion taking a less and less active role in people's lives, this group of people so labeled as "unchurched" make up quite a large segment of the population. The term is also used to describe people in foreign countries (usually in Africa and Asia) who have never been exposed to any form of "Christendom." Again, a large group of people. According to the ACU Bible and Missions departments, and many liberals in general, these "unchurched" people should be the target for evangelism.
     Hopefully, we can all see the problem with this approach. Giving priority in teaching the Gospel to this group labeled the "unchurched" fails to take into account a sizeable group of people who live in this country (and around the world) who have just as much need to hear and obey the gospel of Christ -- DENOMINATIONS! People in denominations have been left out of the equation! And, we need to understand why. The people who use this term and believe that only the "unchurched" need to be taught, also believe that those who are in denominations are already saved, and have no need to hear the word preached!
     In 1992, Randy Mayeux left the Lord's church and formed his own congregation called Christ Church North in Dallas, Texas. He patterned its worship and practices after Bill Hybels' Willow Creek Community Church, incorporating the "Seeker Service" and many other unscriptural innovations. Mayeux stated that part of his goal was to reach the "unchurched." He also stated that he believed the Kingdom of God was much bigger than just the church of Christ, and that he couldn't accomplish what he wanted to within the traditional confines of the church. Mayeux has proven himself throughout the years to be a false teacher. His false doctrines and denominational beliefs have been well-documented and exposed. Yet Mayeux, like his yokefellows at ACU, uses the term "unchurched" to describe his target audience. Why? Because he and other liberals believe that the church of Christ is merely a segment of God's kingdom, and that people in denominations are also in a right relationship with God!
     God's Word teaches contrary to this digressive nonsense. Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19). He also said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Our Lord said nothing about just going to the "unchurched!" Christ came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). Those who are members of denominational groups are LOST and need to be saved just like those who embrace any and all religions who do not claim any connection with Jesus or have not embraced any form of religion at all. Christ established his church (Matt. 16:18), which is his body (Eph. 1:22-23). Those who are saved are added to it (Acts 2:47). Denominations are outside of Christ's body, and the people within those groups have not been added to his one, true church!
     Brethren, be warned! The term "unchurched" as used by many is a code word for liberalism. Do not fall into this trap, thinking our efforts and resources are only needed to bring some of the lost to Christ! As Christians, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18). Let us carry out the commission of our Lord and Savior and preach the gospel to ALL who need to hear it (including denominations). This is necessary so that all people might obey his word and be saved!
         P.O. Box 866
         Ringgold, LA 71068

1996,1997,1998 Bound Volumes of
Seek The Old Paths
$5 (includes postage)

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

Only 200 available!
The 1995 Volume has been sold out