Seek The Old Paths

Vol. 12   No. 5                   May,   2000


In This Issue...





 BIBLE DOCTRINE AND DENOMINATIONAL DOCTRINE CONTRASTED

          Division is a terrible thing. Denominationalism, with all its conflicting doctrines, causes heartaches, sorrows, and even religious hatred. Denominationalism is one of the tools Satan is using to increase Hell's population. Denominations are sinful because the Lord hates division.
        Near His death on the cross Jesus prayed for unity. Hear the words of John 17:20-21, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” Christ is not divided and He does not want His work divided. He sets forth a plan for religious unity by naming “seven ones” which should exist in the religious world. These are: one body (church), one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God (Eph. 4:1-6).
        To uphold denominationalism is to uphold the work of the Devil. It is for this reason that churches of Christ plead for a return to the Bible and a “thus saith the Lord” in all religious matters. Observe a few contrasts between Bible doctrine and Denominational doctrine:
        A contrast in teaching about baptism. Bible Doctrine says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). The Bible also says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). Denominational Doctrine says, “baptism does not help a person to be saved or to become a Christian” (from a tract “When you join the church” printed by the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Church). Denominational preachers even call Gospel preachers “water dogs.” Why? They use such derogatory names because they have no faith in Bible teaching! Which will you accept Bible, Doctrine or Denominational Doctrine? You cannot believe both!
        A contrast in teaching concerning eternal security. The Baptist church says, “We believe when sinners convicted by the Holy Spirit repent and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation, they are regenerated by the Spirit of God...and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation, so that they can neither totally nor finally fall away and be lost.” The Bible teaches that it is possible to hear the word, receive it with joy, believe for a while and then fall away (Luke 8:13). To be saved eternally we must hear the word of God and keep it (Luke 8:15). John wrote, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death” (John 8:51). Will you accept Bible doctrine or Baptist doctrine?
        A contrast in teaching about the resurrection. The Bible teaches Jesus' body was resurrected from the grave. Luke 24:6-7 says, “He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” Jehovah's Witnesses, in their book “Studies in the Scriptures II, p.129” say, “Christ's body was not raised.” Witnesses also say Jesus was never equal with God but was a created being (“Let God be true” p.87). Jehovah's Witnesses are false witnesses because they teach many things contrary to the Bible.
        A contrast in teachings about religious titles. Catholics say their priest is to be called “Father.” The Bible says, “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven” (Matt. 23:9). Other denominations call their preachers “Reverend.” Hear the word's of the Bible as it speaks about religious titles, “And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:6-12). The term “Reverend” refers to the name of God because He has sent redemption to His people. “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name” (Psalm 111:9). Neither Catholics nor anyone else have the right to exalt men with religious titles.
        A contrast in teachings about the day of worship. Sabbatarians say that the Sabbath is perpetual for everyone forever, not just perpetual for the children of Israel throughout their generations. The Bible says, “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant” (Exodus 31:16). Christians are to worship on the first day of the week because: 1) That was the day Jesus was raised (Mark 16:9), 2) The church was established on that day (Acts 2), 3) The early church ate the communion on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), and 4) Weekly collections were commanded on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
        A contrast in teaching about God. There are many strange Mormon doctrines. One of them is their concept of God. Joseph Smith said, “God Himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!” (Discourses of Joseph Smith, p.263). Brigham Young said of God, He “was once a man in mortal flesh as we are” (Journal of Discourses. volume 7, p.333). The Bible says God is eternal. “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Tim. 1:17). Again we read, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). Another strange Mormon doctrine says Jesus was born in Jerusalem (Alma 7:10). The Bible says he was born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1). Will you accept Mormon's lies or Bible truth?
        You cannot be a denominational Christian. There is no such thing! From its beginning, denominationalism was the work of Satan. Religious division is a sin. Search your Bible and learn whether: 1) “Faith only” is a wholesome doctrine (James 2:24), 2) Babies should be baptized (Mark 16:16), 3) Sprinkling is baptism (Rom. 6:4), 4) We can or cannot fall from grace (1 Cor. 10:12), and 5) Women can be elders (1 Tim. 3:2).
        You can be an undenominational Christian. To become a Christian hear God's word (John 6:44-45), believe (Mark 16:16), repent (Luke 13:5), confess (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (1 Peter 3:21). After baptism, live your life in obedience to the Bible, recognizing that religious division is sinful.
                --- Charles Box
                PO Box 551, Greenville, AL 36037


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 Guest Editorial...
GOSPEL OR GIMMICKS

        One does not have to be a prophet of gloom and doom to recognize some ominous rumblings on the modern ecclesiastical scene. Pragmatic philosophy of existentialism is already making inroads on the Lord's church. A watered down version of love has begun to replace New Testament agape.
        Such current philosophies are calculated to elevate the individual over everything and everyone else. Most charismatic ideas ignore the Gospel and make cheap grace the prevailing standard. A kind of playboy philosophy is emerging among some of the brethren. The idea is to “do your own thing” in the worship and the work of the church as long as it feels good and makes one happy.
        Nicholas Von Hoffman hit the nail on the head when he wrote about the “Mush God” who caters to all tastes. This “Mush God” has no distinctive theology, being a kind of “Cream of Wheat” divinity. He has no particular creed, no articles of faith, and nothing that would make it difficult for believers and non-believers alike to bow their knees together in pious genuflections. As N. Von Hoffman pointed out, he is a vapid deity who makes everything kosher. This is the type of divinity that caused the President of the United States to expect peace in the Middle East because the President of Egypt and the Prime Minister of Israel both worship the “Great Mushy One.”
        This type of poppycock and gimmickry is bad enough among people of the world, but when it rears its head in the church, definite action needs to be taken. A “mushy god” allows every person to do what is right in his own eyes. But such has no sanction in the inspired Scriptures. Do whatever it takes to get the people to the church building is the rule of some today -- even if it means to cheapen the church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the use of such methods. Promise them their pie and ice cream but use every gimmick to get them into the building. God has spoken (Heb. 11:1) and we ought to learn to “keep silence before him” (Hab. 2:20). His word is powerful to save (Rom. 1:16-17) and it will furnish the man of God “completely unto every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17).
        Leadership apathy (some leaders would not recognize the Gospel if they fell over it), pulpit neutrality (spineless preachers) and “Mickey Mouse” literature (containing no more truth than the rag-tag newspapers) should have no place in the Lord's church. We need competent preachers and teachers who are dedicated to the promotion of healthy spiritual maturity. This will never be achieved if leaders spend their time on noise, numbers and nickels.
        Although there is a place for social fellowship among the people of God, the church cannot compete with Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Miami Beach. Trying to imitate Billy Graham, Oral Roberts and Robert Schuler is also a waste of time. There is no way their theology and techniques will fit the Gospel format. Compulsive drives that feature coffee and confetti will only multiply neurotics in the church and create further confusion.
        There is no substitute for the Gospel of Christ -- “the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). We have a grand story to tell, the likes of which most people in the modern world have never heard. Since it contains all things that pertain unto life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), the message is vibrant and viable. Only when we get in its way by our blunders and ignorance does it fail to appeal and accomplish its purpose.
        We sometimes wonder how Paul and his fellow-workers turned the world upside down without the benefit of modern cliches, gimmicks and crusades. It must have been difficult for them to make a go of it in the absence of contemporary semantics, seminars, specialists and tomfoolery. How was Paul able to preach the Gospel to the masses without first giving out free passes to the Circus at Rome to all who would attend his preaching?
                Dan Goddard
                29511 Bock St., Garden City, MI 48135


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 The Work Of The Church #4
EVANGELISM


Roger D. Campbell

        In addition to its work of benevolence and edification, the church is also to be involved in spreading the glorious Gospel. Have we left this topic until last because it is not as significant as other matters? Not at all! What could be more important than preaching the Gospel to a lost and dying world? Jesus Christ came to this world to be the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14). But before He ever got to the cross of Golgotha He was preaching a message of salvation.
        Every nation in the world faces its own unique problems. However, contrary to what some might suggest, the number one problem in this nation, and the number one problem in every other nation on the planet, is not one of economy, ecology, or education. The world's number one problem is sin! God knew that such would be the case. From eternity He had a plan that could serve as a remedy for man's sin. By His grace He revealed that plan (Titus 2:11). His plan of grace and love, by which He sent His Son to die for our sins (John 3:16), is revealed in the Gospel of grace (Acts 20:24). The Gospel of Christ is God's power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). Like Paul, we dare not be ashamed of it.
        So, God has a plan for the salvation of the lost, God has a Savior for the lost, and He has a message for saving them. Notice that God also has a chosen people to preach that saving message. That is you and me, the church. The Lord's church has the special obligation to preach the Gospel to those who are lost. We need to be about this business of our Father! Civil government has its place, but it is not the role of the civil government to preach the Gospel. Public and private schools have their place, but again, it is not their assignment to preach the Gospel. Brethren, it is the work of the church of Christ to preach the Gospel to every person in the world! It does not matter what their skin color is. It does not matter what their sinful background might be. Every person that is outside of Christ is lost without God, without Christ, and they stand without hope (Eph. 2:12). Each one of them needs the Gospel!
        This task of preaching the Gospel to every person deserves our greatest preparation, time, prayers, and effort. If we are giving anything less than our best in getting the Gospel to the lost, then we simply are not giving enough! There are now over six billion people living on the earth. When the masses of the world stand lost outside of Christ, when the people in our area, whether it be in the county, in the city, across the tracks, or living next door to us, are lost in sin, just what should be the major focus of a local church? How could it be anything other than preaching the Gospel to those who are lost?! Yet, brothers, how often is the major focus of attention in men's business meetings or bishops' meetings on how we can preach the Gospel to those of our community and elsewhere in a more effective way? My answer is, “Not often enough.” A lot of time is spent in those meetings discussing the color of paint to be used on the walls of the church building, the type of carpet that will go in the classrooms, who is going to go buy office supplies, who is going to clean up the parking lot, or other such matters that pertain to the physical structure where we assemble. However, not nearly enough time is spent talking about how we are going to get the Gospel out to the people in our area so they don't die and go to hell.
        Look at the diligence of the first century church in preaching the Gospel. Notice some things of which they were accused due to their being so evangelistic-minded and zealous in preaching the good news. They were accused of filling the whole city of Jerusalem with their doctrine, even though they had been charged by the Sanhedrin council not to do so (Acts 5:28). How many of us today are guilty of that? How many churches are guilty of putting forth the effort to fill their areas with the doctrine of God's Son, so that if they were called before a judge and jury there would be sufficient evidence to prove that they are, in fact, striving to teach the Gospel to every person in their community? The apostle Paul and those that were with him came to the city of Thessalonica where they were accused of turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6). Are we turning the world upside down today, not by being belligerent, noisy, and unkind, but by aggressively preaching the Gospel and calling on men and women to repent and live godly lives?
        Suppose we do not manifest that old first-century zeal in preaching the Gospel in our day and time. What are some of the consequences that will follow? None of them are pleasant to consider, yet consider them we must. 1) If we do not preach the Gospel to the lost, then they will not hear the Gospel, and they will remain lost in sin. Those who do not hear and obey the Gospel will continue on the path to eternal destruction (2 Thess. 1:7-9). 2) If we don't preach the Gospel with a fervent spirit, then the church will not grow and God will not be glorified. The bottom line for you and me, as members of the church is this: if we do not give it “our all” to preach the Gospel to the lost, then God is not going to be pleased with us.
        The Bible declares that on one occasion Jesus was looking at the people of His day and saw them as sheep without a shepherd. This caused Him to be moved with compassion (Matt. 9:36). He turned to His disciples, saying, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (9:37,38).
        There is a section in most daily newspapers that is called “Help Wanted.” Jesus' message that He gives to His church through the Word is not only “Help Wanted,” but also “Help Needed, and Help Expected.” God wants every congregation, and every individual in every congregation, to be involved in preaching the Gospel of Christ. That's the charge we are given in “The Great Commission.” “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15; cf. Matt. 28:19,20; Luke 24:46,47).
        As we go about our Father's business of preaching His Gospel, just as in the realms of benevolence and edification, so our activities in the sphere of evangelism must be those that are authorized by the New Testament of Christ. To the shame of those involved, this past summer in Nashville, TN some congregations that still call themselves “Churches of Christ” assisted, encouraged, and endorsed the preaching that Billy Graham did in his “Crusade” there. The message of 2 John 9-11 makes it clear that to endorse those who bring not “this doctrine,” the doctrine of Christ, is to become partakers of the evil deeds of those who preach a different doctrine.
        Thankfully, most congregations are not yet ready to join hands with the denominations in declaring a man-made message. But, we need to also avoid the temptation to turn the work of the church over to a secular school. It is the work of the church to train and support men to preach the Gospel (2 Tim. 2:2; 2 Cor. 11:8,9). Brethren, let us not get caught up in the practice of sending preachers to foreign nations or across the state to preach in the name of a school. Some past reports that we have read gave glowing praise to some particular school for heading up a “mission” effort, but little if any credit was given to the individual saints and congregations that provided the funds to make it possible. Glory is to be given unto God in and for the church, not a human institution (Eph. 3:21).
        Thank God for the church. Thank God for giving us the privilege to be a member of it. Thank the Lord for the privilege of working as His co-laborers (1 Cor. 3:9). May God help us to first understand the New Testament teaching about the work of the church, then apply that truth in our lives so that through our efforts He might be glorified and souls might be saved.
                4865 Bates Pike SE
                Cleveland, TN 37323


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 DANGEROUS BOOK

Paul Holland

        Every faithful Christian knows the value of the printed page in spreading the truth of Christ. The Lord's church on American soil has a long history of using the printed page to disseminate the Gospel. There is no other language which has the printed resources that American churches of Christ have. Missionaries know the frustration of wanting to have good material in the language of their host country but not having it. Bad, unsound, material can have as much negative consequences as sound material can have good consequences. If unsound material is distributed in a particular country it can give the church's enemies material to use to show that the “church” does not teach the truth. It can hurt the church's reputation.
        Specifically, the book by Mike Armour (A Newcomer's Guide to the Bible, being distributed literally all over the world), makes some very disturbing statements about the “nature of Christ.” This issue caused considerable problems in the early years of “Christianity.” This writer serves in the eastern European country of Romania which is heavily Orthodox “Christian.” A “faithful” Orthodox would have a hayday castigating the Lord's church for these statements made about the nature of our Lord. It can cause the reader to have misunderstandings and/or cause them to be lost -- if they don't study further on that particular theme. It behooves missionaries and elderships to examine carefully, very carefully, the doctrines which are taught in any material translated into a foreign language. The day is past when we could assume a book was sound because it was written by one of our “preachers.”
        “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Tim. 4:16).
        Thanks for the work you do.


        Editor's Note: Mike Armour has been the pulpit minister for the Skillman Ave. Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas since 1986. He was Dean of student affairs at Pepperdine University and President of Columbia Christian College. He has “Graduate degrees in religion and history, including a Ph.D. in Reformation History from UCLA.”
        Mike Armour has also taught that under God's grace an unscripturally married couple does not have to break up. According to Armour, forgiveness takes care of their adulterous state. This he taught at the Pepperdine lectures a few years ago (“Integrity,” Vol. 26, No. 2, p.40).

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 DIFFERENT WORDS DESCRIBE CHURCH LEADERS

        The religious world can be quite confusing for the average person. Some people visit different churches looking for one that, in the words of Goldilocks, is just right. Each new church may introduce the visitor to different words describing the leaders of that particular group. To make matters even more bewildering, leaders at the local level may be called one thing while leaders at a higher level have another designation. For example, at the local level some congregations are ruled by pastors, others by a board of deacons and some by a business committee which may be comprised of men only or the entire membership. At the regional, national or international level, churches may be governed by superintendents, boards of bishops, synods or councils. Some congregations practice local autonomy which means they do not recognize any authority above their local leadership except that of Jesus Christ and the word of God (1 Peter 5:2).
        Some of the confusion regarding the various terms used for church leaders can be traced to the Bible itself. The careful student of the Scriptures soon discovers several expressions for leaders in the church. The New Testament mentions elders, the presbytery (or eldership), bishops, overseers, shepherds and pastors. A surprising fact is that all of these descriptions refer to the same group of leaders.
        These six words for leaders basically come from three Greek words. Each of these three words emphasizes a different aspect or characteristic of the leaders. For example, one of the Greek words is translated either elder, elders, eldership or presbytery. This calls attention to the fact that such men are not to be young. Generally speaking, one gains wisdom with age. The young often lack the experience necessary to effectively rule the Lord's house (1 Tim. 3:4-6).
        The second Greek word is rendered as bishops or overseers. It could also be translated superintendent. He has the duty of seeing that things to be done by others are done correctly. Bishops must look over the flock of God and try to correct problems that prevent the Lord's work from being accomplished. The biggest obstacle is that of sin. The overseers have a spiritual responsibility for the church's welfare.
        The third Greek word used for leaders is usually translated shepherds. The only exception is in Ephesians 4:11 where is it translated as pastors. The twenty third Psalm is written from the perspective of the sheep. As part of God's flock, David looks to the Great Shepherd to meet all his needs. This beautiful psalm shows that shepherds are to feed, lead and protect the sheep. Good shepherds also tend to the wounds of sheep and seek the strays (Luke 15:4-7).
        By examining how various passages use these words interchangeably, one can see that all six words refer to the same group of church leaders. For example, Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders in the churches on the island of Crete. However, he also referred to them as bishops (Titus 1:5,7). The apostle called for the elders of Ephesus and reminded them that they had been ordained to be overseers (Acts 20:17,28). These overseers were reminded to shepherd or feed the church. Thus, elders are the same as bishops or overseers. Peter told the elders to feed the flock while serving as overseers (1 Peter 5:1,2). Other translations say shepherd or tend the flock. Since elders are required to feed the flock, it follows they can also be called the shepherds or pastors of the church.
        Shakespeare once asked “What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” That which God calls pastors, by any other Biblical name, whether elders or bishops, should still shepherd the flock.
                Douglas Hoff
                1311 S. Fourth St., Effingham, IL 62401


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 A HIDING PLACE

Mike McDaniel

        Not long ago, I read a book entitled, Anne Frank Remembered. This is the story of the woman who helped hide Anne Frank and her family. Miep Gies tells of how she helped hide eight Jews from the Germans in the city of Amsterdam from July 1942 until August 4, 1944. They hid in secret rooms above the pectin and spice business which Mr. Frank helped to run. They called it “The Annex.” The entrance to these rooms on the third and fourth floors was concealed by a moving bookcase which could be locked. This was their hiding place, their place of refuge from the Germans. Only a select few were trusted with this secret.
        Miep Gies, who worked in the business, supplied them with food and other essentials as she was able. In 1944 someone betrayed them. The Germans came and took the Jews prisoner and sent most of them to concentration camps in Germany to die.
        The youngest of the family, Anne Frank, wrote a diary of her two years in the hiding place which Miep Gies hid immediately after the hiding place had been discovered. After the war, only the father, Otto Frank, still lived. He granted permission to have Anne's Diary published in 1947. Since then, it has been read by tens of millions all over the world. It is among the most enduring documents of the twentieth century.
        Man has often needed a hiding place. Proverbs 14:26 states, “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” The Bible reveals several examples of God providing refuge for man. 1) Noah and his family found refuge from the flood in the ark (Heb. 11:7). 2) The Hebrews found security for their firstborn in the land of Egypt by putting the blood of the passover lamb on the two side posts and on the upper door post of their houses (Ex. 12:13). 3) The cities of refuge, three on either side of the Jordan, provided protection from the avenger for anyone in Israel who had unintentionally caused death. These were places of refuge provided by God.
        Likewise, God has provided a hiding place for us today where we may find refuge. “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” (Heb. 6:18). It appears to this writer that the Hebrew writer saw in the cities of refuge a type of the refuge which we have in Christ. We need refuge from doubt, from guilt, and from sin. The Christian has fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope that is set before us.
        Only in Christ and in His church is refuge found. Christ's body is the church. “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18). It is Christ who saves, and the church which is His body is where He puts the saved. Ephesians 5:23 says, “He is the savior of the body.” Acts 2:47 says, “The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
        Christ has not promised to save anyone today out of His body the church. One is saved, added to the church of Christ, and made a Christian all at the same time when one enters Christ. When one has trusted Christ (John 8:24), repented of their sins (Luke 13:3), and confessed Christ (Rom. 10:10), one is then baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27). At baptism he enters Christ and His body the church. First Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.” Christ has but one body. No other body has Divine approval.
        This is God's plan and place of refuge today. Just as we find salvation and refuge in the ark, in the house covered by the blood, and in the cities of refuge of the Old Testament, even so God extends salvation today in Christ. Paul wrote in Second Timothy 2:10, “Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” The salvation Paul was interested in was located in Christ Jesus. It was not to be found out of Him.
        If you are not in Christ and in that church of Christ about which we read in the pages of the New Testament, you are not in the place of refuge. Our plea is not that of one denomination over another. The church of Christ is not a denomination. If we do what they did in the first century, we can be what they were in the year 2001. We want to be Christians just like they were in New Testament times, nothing more and nothing less. If we will do that, we will have the refuge, the salvation, and the blessings (Eph. 1:3) which we so earnestly desire.
        Friend, have you found a hiding place in Jesus? Are you abiding there?
                2609 S Ward Ave.
                Caruthersville, MO 63830


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  16th Annual
Seek The Old Paths Lectureship


July 22-26, 2001
Always the 4th Sunday in July


Theme:
Traditions of Men -- Vain Religion

 

SUNDAY, JULY 22

9:30 Traditions of men concerning preachers: (called Reverend, pastor, etc. ........Raymond Hagood
10:30 Traditions of God .........Jimmy Bates
7:00 Traditions vs. Bible Authority .........Garland Robinson
8:00 Traditions of men: Liberalism/Antism .........Gilbert Gough



MONDAY, JULY 23

9:00 Traditions of men Regarding Baptism .......Ferrell Hester
10:00 Traditions of men Regarding the Role of Women ..........Wayne Cox
11:00 Traditions of men: Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage .......Tom House
1:30 Sayings Heard Today, #1: "It really doesn't matter what you blieve as long as you're sincere," "So many people cannot be wrong," "Jesus is the vine and the denominations are the branches" .......Gary McDade
2:30 Traditions of men: Catholicism ......Ronald Choate
7:00 Traditions of the Pharisees ............James Boyd
8:00 True Worship Pleases the Father because it is in "spirit and in truth"   ............Charles Blair



TUESDAY, JULY 24

9:00 Traditions of men Regarding the Lord's supper ..........Mark Lindley
10:00 Traditions of men Regarding Man's Existence ....Alan Adams
11:00 Traditions of men Regarding "Everything we do in life is worship" ..........Jerry Joseph
1:30 Traditions of men Regarding Singing .........Ken Burleson
2:30 Traditions of men Regarding Millennialism ...........Randy Kea
7:00 Worship can be in Vain ..........Ed Casteel
8:00 Traditions of men: Masonry ................Terry Joe Kee



WEDNESDAY, JULY 2
5

9:00 Traditions of men: Miracles ...........Ed Floyd
10:00 Traditions of men concerning Special Days: Christmas/Easter .............Earl Claude
11:00 Traditions of men Regarding the Law of Moses .......Randy McQuade
1:30 Sayings Heard Today #2: (That's just your interpretation, we can't all see the Bible alike, What makes you think you are right and everyone else is wrong?)  ............Jim Blankenship
2:30 Traditions of men Regarding Giving ............Freddie Shows
7:00 Traditions of men: Calvinism .........Eddy Craft
8:00 Traditions among the Lord's people (order of worship, divided assembly, Lord's supper Sunday night, use of building, dress in worship, etc)  ............Richard Guill



THURSDAY, JULY 26

9:00 Traditions of men Regarding Salvation .........Mike Hogan
10:00 Traditions of men Regarding the Holy Spirit .........Tom Bright
11:00 Traditions of men Regarding Mormonism .........Victor Eskew
1:30 Saying Heard Today #3: (Join the church of your choice, One church is as good as another, etc) .......Virgil Hale
2:30 The Bible Teaches Unity  .........Dwight Fuqua
7:00 Traditions of men Regarding Bible Versions ......Nat Evans
8:00 What is Right about the church of Christ ........Melvin Sapp



East Corinth Church of Christ
1801 Cruise St., Corinth, MS 38834

Voice (662) 286-2040 or 286-6575
Fax (662) 286-2040
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, $40 postage paid
Order from:
Jim Green
2711 Spring Meade Blvd.
Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: 931-486-1365


CASSETTE TAPE INFORMATION:
Cassette audio tapes are available.


BOOK INFORMATION:
A book of the lesson outlines is also available
Pre-publication price: $5.50  if postmarked by July 31, 2001.
After July 31, 2001 $6.50
Please add postage and handling:
1 book $1.50 -- add 50cents for each additional book

Order books from:

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

The church is not involved in the sale of any materials.







MAILBAG

“Rodney Hilliard, one of our deacons at the East Corinth church of Christ, is planning on attending preaching school this fall at the Northwest Florida School of Biblical Studies in Pensacola, Florida. He is in need of financial support. He is one of the finest and most faithful men I know. He and his wife Mendy and their young son Kyle are certainly worthy of your support. He is already preaching in the area by appointment and doing a great job. You may contact him at 662-284-9581 or 79 CR 106, Corinth, MS 38834.” Please help him if you can” ...editor. “I appreciate STOP very much and would appreciate receiving it. Could you please send me 3 copies of the most recent issue. I want the elders here to see it so that we might start receiving a bundle for distribution here” ...Garry Stanton, Cadiz, KY. “Please add my name to your mailing list. I appreciate your fine publication. A brother from McKenzie, TN sent me a copy and I enjoyed reading the articles. Keep up the good work! Don't STOP!” ...John Japa, South Bend, IN. “We appreciate your stand for sound doctrine” ...Mrs. Robert Cunningham, Obion, TN. “Soldier on, my brother. Many of us are standing shoulder to shoulder with you” ...Martin Bedford, Tucson, AZ. “I have recently come into possession of a December 1994 copy of Seek the Old Paths. If this paper is still in circulation, I would appreciate being added to your mailing list. This Dec. 1994 copy is excellent” ...Adelle B. Ashford, Malvern, AR. “Thank you so much for the work you do in preparing Seek the Old Paths. The articles are always of a scriptural content and are very uplifting. We pray that you will be able to continue for many years” ...Joe Britt, Baxter, TN. “Thank you for an outstanding paper. I enjoy reading it but hate that one of the reasons for its publication is informing of the brotherhood of the deviation of some of the congregations of the church from the true Gospel. I am happy that many of the articles can be, and are, to help members of the church grow spiritually through the writings of faithful brethren. Keep up the good work” ...Carl Thomsen, Texarkana, TX. “Thanks for the paper. Good work” ...Nelson Adams, Montgomery, AL. “Please strike me from your mailing list. I am now receiving STOP from another source. I enjoy the paper so much. Please keep up the good work” ...Al Dills, Athens, GA. “You all do such a good job. Thanks” ...T. W. Meredith, Coldwater, MS. “Thank you all for your fine efforts” ...Tyler, TX. “Thank you so much for sending your monthly publication. We really appreciate those who are sticking with sound and scriptural doctrine. This quality is rare to find these days” ...Kelly Woods, Deer Church of Christ, Deer, AR. “Please remove my name from your mailing list. Thank you!” ...Chuck Forsythe, Sand Springs, OK. “I appreciate receiving your bulletin for a few years. I am getting so much reading material I just can't keep up. Please remove my name from your list for the time being. Thank you” ...James Norman, Montgomery, AL. “Thank you very much. I appreciate your good works. May God bless you and yours” ...D. A. Atchley, Springtown, TX. “I picked up a copy of Seek the Old Paths recently at a lectureship in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Just got around to reading it. Thank God for the ones who stand for the truth of God's word. A church of Christ minister in our area has just left the church for the Community Church. The article on the Community Church was great. We who are Christians and Christians only need to stand up for the truth. I've been preaching for the same congregation for 26 years. We just built a new building. We are small but hope to grow first of all stronger spiritually and then number wise. But we want to do it God's way and not man's way. We took on a great work with just 40 people. But I believe all will turn out good for the cause of Christ. We had to get other congregations to help us with the finances but we have faith in God and we believe and do what He says. If we can not grow with the truth, then we don't need to grow at all. It's time that the church woke up and realized that we have a job to do, and we as God's people are the only ones for the job. Pray for us as we try to win souls for Christ using nothing but the Bible and study what it says. God bless you as you continue to teach God's word. Please put me on your mailing list” ...Frank Neal, Murfreesboro, TN. “Your monthly publication of STOP is very beneficial to me. It's necessary and right on target with its articles. Keep up the good work” ...Robert Price, Jacksonville, FL. “I would first like to thank you and the elders at East Corinth for continuing to send me STOP. I enjoy reading the various articles in each of these papers. I am just starting to do some of the preaching in my congregation and the materials you send greatly aids me in preparing sermons. I know that putting out these papers is a lot of work. Your efforts are greatly appreciated” ...Jason O'Neal White, Milliken, CO. “I am enjoying Seek the Old Paths. Keep the good work up. Many members do not believe in the truth any more. Any thing will do. So I am glad to read a paper like this one” ...S. E. Hampton, Milan, TN. “Just a note to tell you that as Paul said to the Philippians (1:3), “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” You indeed speak as the oracles of God. Thank you for always upholding the truth” ...Alfred H. Chetham, San Lorenzo, CA. “I appreciate your work, it is very edifying. I would like to be placed on your mailing list so that I may benefit from your spiritual work. I'm living in Kingston, Jamaica, in the Caribbean. May God continue to bless you and the work at East Corinth” ...Justin Hardy, Jamaica. “Thank you for sending the Seek the Old Paths to me. I let the other members look at it too, and I use it sometimes in my Wednesday night class. Keep up the good work” ...Virgil Horsley, Sheridan, WY. “Please take us off of your mailing list” ...Linden Lipp, Tyler, TX. “I want to take this opportunity to once again commend you for the great works that you are doing for the Lord, especially with Seek the Old Paths. You are in my prayers continually” ...Dorcas McLeod, Lucedale, MS. “It is a marvel to me how you manage to get out STOP each month in such a professional way but more than that, each article is true to the Bible and written so that all can get the message intended. Just keep on keeping on” ...Tommy Exum, Nashville, TN. “I saw one of your papers and it was a very good paper. I would like for you to add me to your mailing list” ...David Haley, Manchester, TN. “Please keep up the good work in defending the truth and exposing error” ...Joe Myers, Gallipolis, OH. “Enclosed is my check for the new equipment. It's my vote of confidence in the efforts of your local church. We need this monthly publication very much. It helps me, especially at this time. The New Web site works” ...Robert Price, Jacksonville, FL.


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