Vol. 7, No. 3 March 1996

Reaping The WhirlwindCharles A Pledge

seed he planted. Just one grain ofcorn, germinated, bearing fruit andbarring insect problems, will multiplyitself at least 180 times. The watermelon seed, by the same token, canmultiply itself in number thousandsof times and by weight an unbelievable number of times. So it is withsin. We never reap only the consequences of an act; the evil of that actwill multiply itself as long as it isallowed to go unchecked. The point isvery simple regarding sin: it willgrow, spread, and destroy until it isbrought under control by the word ofGod. Israel sowed the wind of sin andindifference to righteousness andtruth. Now, she must reap manytimes over what she sowed.

The church our Savior purchasedwith his blood is passing throughsome dark times; perhaps darkerthan most of us realize. Not all isdoom and gloom. In spite of the apostasy of a large number of our men inwhom brethren had high hopes, theLord is yet raising up capable youngmen of dedication and determination.But that is not the point. The point iswe sowed much of the wrong kind ofseed in the past and we must yetreap even worse consequences. Mencan't sow the wind without reapingthe whirlwind. We in no way defendthe Shellys, Copes, Wallings,Woodroofs, et. al. There is no excusefor abandoning the faith once delivered to the saints. There is no justification for believing and teachingfalse doctrine. But where were wewhen these men started on theirdownward path? These men, none of

Hosea wrote: "For they havesown the wind, and they shallreap the whirlwind: it hath no

stalk; the bud shall yield no meal: ifso be it yield, the strangers shallswallow it up" (Hosea 8:7). Thenorthern kingdom of Israel had sownher acts of vanity so long the onlything left was to reap the consequences. It was too late for her tochange her course. She was doomedas a nation to destruction. It was justa matter of time. Israel had positedfalse values and lived by wrong priorities. She had sown the wind. Shemust reap the whirlwind.

Of significance is the lesson thatwe gather of that which we sow. Oneof the immutable laws of the universeis that like begets like. We all shallreap of the kind of life we sow. Assurely as people expect to gather cornwhen they plant corn, so men shallreap the consequences of the natureof life they live. Paul stated it in theNew Testament in Galatians 6:7-8:"Be not deceived; God is not mocked:for whatsoever a man soweth, thatshall he also reap. For he that sowethto his flesh shall ofthe flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to theSpirit shall of the Spirit reap lifeeverlasting." Whether nation or individual, physical or spiritual, the lawof reaping and sowing remains unalterable.

Beyond the immutable law ofreaping what we sow is the law thatwe shall reap more than we sow. Thisis what enables the farmer to plow inhope. He anticipates getting back atharvest many times more than the

them, began believing and preachingtheir present error overnight. Theydidn't go to bed one evening wholeand healthy and get up the nextmorning spouting the devil's doctrine.

Rubel Shelly began preaching hisBig F and Little f fellowship severalyears ago. In the first place, numerous congregations and schools continued to use him in spite of that andother serious errors. In the secondplace, Rubel was preaching what alarge number of preachers and congregations practiced. I have heardpreachers and elders defend having afalse teacher to preach to them on thebasis that he would have some goodthings to say and would not teacherror while there. The very basis forsuch an arrangement is abominable!It is reprehensible! Yet, many havebeen guilty of it. All these men havebeen used, and some are still beingused by those who cling to some semblance of soundness. Closely relatedto this fact is the practice of men whoclaim to be sound, appearing on thesame church lectureship with menknown to be unfaithful. No effort ismade to identify and rebuke the sinand error practiced. Rather, the condemnation of witch doctors is preferred on those lectureships. Afterall, it is a comfortable distance to thenearest witch doctor. One oftheir disciples is not likely to be present.

Inspiration is very plain aboutsuch matters. John wrote in 2 John9-11: "Whosoever transgresseth, and

(Continued on page 3)Reaping The Whirlwind...

2/18

:f}h.rljri.rir9: M! "Rahinxnn.

Some believe zeal is a virtue thatis blessed by God under any circumstances. Comments are

sometimes heard, "Oh, he meanswell," "But he seems so nice," "Lookat all the work he does," "At least heis doing some things right," etc.Somehow, many people think thatzealousness is the main ingredientin being pleasing unto God. Howmany times have you heard someonebeing justified in their error on thegrounds of their zealousness?

Though the Bible teaches zeal isan essential ingredient in pleasingthe Lord, it does not teach that it isall that is necessary. A misguidedzeal brings the condemnation ofGod.

Paul, before his conversion,serves as an example of one withmisguided zeal. It was at his feetthat those who stoned Stephen laiddown their clothes — "and Saul wasconsenting unto his death" (Acts7:58; 8:1). "As for Saul, he made hav-ock of the church, entering into everyhouse, and haling men and womencommitted them toprison" (Acts 8:3)."And Saul, yet breathing out threat-enings and slaughter against the disciples ofthe Lord, went unto the highpriest, And desired of him letters toDamascus to the synagogues, that ifhe found any of this way, whetherthey were men or women, he mightbring them bound unto Jerusalem"(Acts 9:1-2). After being converted tothe Lord, he would later write of hiszealousness saying, "Concerningzeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in thelaw, blameless" (Phil. 3:6). Hereminded the brethren throughoutGalatia that he had once persecutedthe church with great zeal (Gal.1:13-14).

The nation of Israel is spokenof as an example of misguided zeal.By inspiration, Paul wrote to thebrethren at Rome saying, "Brethren,

my heart's desire and prayer to Godfor Israel is, that they might besaved. For I bear them record thatthey have a zeal of God, but notaccording to knowledge" (Rom. 10:1-2). Zeal is good, yea, essential inserving God acceptably, but it mustbe coupled with the knowledge ofGod's Will!

The Jews were certainly zealousin resisting and rejecting Jesus, butthey contradicted the Lord's Way atevery turn. Upon seeing his mightyworks and hearing his words of life,they fought the more to destroy him.

Apollos was one who had zealfor the Lord but he needed the proper knowledge to go with it. Afterbeing instructed in the way of theLord more completely, he was agreat soldier of the Lord (Acts 18:24-28).

ZEAL WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE

There are multitudes today whohave zeal but have no knowledge togo with it.

Those who are seeking toadd mechanical instruments ofmusic to their worship may havezeal, but not according to knowledge.The Word of the Lord authorizes"singing" but does not authorize"playing^ or "making sounds" withthe mouth which imitate musicalinstruments. No passage can befound in the New Testament whichauthorizes anything but singing."Speaking to yourselves in psalmsand hymns and spiritual songs,singing and making melody in yourheart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19). "Letthe word ofChrist dwell in you richlyin all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms andhymns and spiritual songs, singingwith grace in your hearts to theLord" (Col. 3:16; cf. Matt. 26:30; Acts16:25; Rom. 15:9; I Cor. 14:15;James 5:13).

Seek The Old Paths - March 1996

Those who are seeking toadd choirs, choruses, solos —special music presentations — intheir worship may have zeal, butnot according to knowledge. Suchadditions are a perversion of theright ways of the Lord. The Bibleonly authorizes congregationalsinging in worship. Those who advocate such liberties as "group singing"need to study the words "yourselves"and "one another" in Ephesians 5:19and Colossians 3:16 quoted above.The Greek word used in these passages is a reciprocal pronoun andinvolves the exercise of all those whoare present in carrying it out."Speaking to yourselves" and "teaching one another" requires an interchange of action. The ones speakingand the ones acted upon are thesame individuals! The speaking tobe done by singing is to be donemutually or reciprocally, at the sametime! When certain ones sing andothers listen, this is not done.

Those who desire a widerrole for women in the worship ofthe church may have zeal, but notaccording to knowledge. It may bethe "in thing" to have women waiting on the Lord's table, leadingsinging, leading prayer or evenpreaching in today's society, but allthat is needed to authorize such is a"thus saith the Lord." But, no suchword from the Lord has been givenexcept this... "Let the woman learnin silence with all subjection. ButI suffer not a woman to teach, nor tousurp authority over the man, but tobe in silence" (I Tim. 2:11-12). "Letyour women keep silence in thechurches: for it is not permitted untothem to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, asalso saith the law. And if they willlearn any thing, let them ask theirhusbands at home: for it is a shamefor women to speak in the church"(I Cor. 14:34-35).

Those who seek fellowshipwith denominations may havezeal, but not according to knowledge.There are many today that are joining hands in worship services andactivities with those who are theenemies of the Lord. With such "fellowship" Jehovah says, "And haveno fellowship with the unfruitfulworks ofdarkness, but rather reprovethem" (Eph. 5:11). "Whosoever trans-gresseth, and abideth not in the doc-

March 1996 - Seek The Old Paths

trine ofChrist, hath not God. He thatabideth in the doctrine of Christ, hehath both the Father and the Son. Ifthere come any unto you, and bringnot this doctrine, receive him not intoyour house, neither bid him Godspeed: For he that biddeth him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds"(II John 9-11). "Now I beseech you,brethren, mark them which causedivisions and offences contrary to thedoctrine which ye have learned; andavoid them. For they that are suchserve not our Lord Jesus Christ, buttheir own belly; and by good wordsand fair speeches deceive the heartsof the simple'''(Rom. 16:17-18).

Those who do not demand a"thus saith the Lord" for all theysay and do may have zeal, but notaccording to knowledge. The Wordsays, "And whatsoever ye do in wordor deed, do all in the name of theLord Jesus, giving thanks to Godand the Father by him" (Col. 3:17).What we do or say religiously mustbe authorized by God or it is not inaccordance with God's Will.

ZEAL WITH KNOWLEDGE TODAY

A zealous servant of the Lord

worships God in spirit and intruth (John 4:24). The right frameof mind is coupled with the authorized acts of worship in order for hisworship to be acceptable unto God.

A zealous servant of the Lorddoes good unto all men, especially unto those who are of thehousehold of faith (Gal. 6:10). Abenevolent spirit — acts of kindnessand sympathy — is held toward all,in and out of the church (cf. II Cor.9:12-13).

A zealous servant of the Lordseeks to edify every member ofthe body of Christ. "Let us therefore follow after the things whichmake for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" (Rom.14:19). "Let every one of us please hisneighbour for his good to edification"(Rom. 15:2). "Wherefore comfortyourselves together, and edify oneanother, even as also ye do" (I Thess.5:11). The brethren of the church atCorinth were told, "...forasmuch asye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seekthat ye may excel to the edifying ofthe church" (I Cor. 14:12). "Let allthings be done unto edifying" (I Cor.14:26).

A zealous servant of the Lord

evangelizes with every opportunity. One of the last statements theLord made on earth was, "...Go yeinto all the world, and preach thegospel to every creature. He thatbelieveth and is baptized shall besaved; but he that believeth not shallbe damned" (Mark 16:15-16). "Goyetherefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of theFather, and of the Son, and of theHoly Ghost: Teaching them toobserve all things whatsoever I havecommanded you: and, lo, I am withyou alway, even unto the end of theworld. Amen" (Matt. 28:19-20)."Therefore they that were scatteredabroad went every where preachingthe word" (Acts 8:4).

A zealous servant of the Lordmakes his calling and election

Reaping The Whirlwind...(Continued from page 1)

abideth not in the doctrine of Christ,hath not God. He that abideth in thedoctrine of Christ, he hath both theFather and the Son. Ifthere come anyunto you, and bring not this doctrine,receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he thatbiddeth him God speed is partaker ofhis evil deeds." In his first epistle,John made fellowship with oneanother conditional on walking in thelight. We read in I John 1:7: "But ifwe walk in the light, as he is in thelight, we have fellowship one withanother, and the blood of JesusChrist his Son cleanseth us from allsin." Let the liberals say what theywill, John tells us that if we want fellowship with God and persons whohave fellowship with God that wemust walk in the light God gives; thelight of his Word. John tells us in 2John that the sphere of fellowshipwith God is the doctrine which proceeds from Christ. To go beyond thisplaces one outside God's fellowship.Plainly, numerous men who formerlypreached the gospel have becomewise beyond that which is writtenand no longer preach the doctrine ofChrist. To even wish them well in

their efforts is to partake of their evildeeds — how much more to use themand defend them!

Obviously, we are going to losemany more to the false doctrines

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sure (II Peter 1:10). Every child ofGod must continually examine himself whether he be "in the faith"(II Cor. 13:5). In the process of sodoing, one looks at his service in thekingdom. Certain questions areasked: "Am I obedient," "Am I diligent," "Am I enthusiastic in theLord's work," "Do I have the motivation to exhort others unto every goodwork?" How would you answer thesequestions?

CONCLUSION

Are you a faithful servant of theLord? Is your service pleasing inGod's sight? Is your zeal misguided?"Study to shew thyselfapproved untoGod, a workman that needeth not tobe ashamed, rightly dividing theword oftruth"(II Tim. 2:15).

presently espoused by the Shellys,Copes, Waitings, Aliens, etc., beforewe get things reversed. We need tolearn some lessons, swallow ourpride, admit our failures to take anunflinching stand and stand therelong ago. The pragmatic position ofForm Criticism, Existentialism,and Neo-Orthodoxy will continue totake its toll among gullible and ignorant brethren for some time to come.The inroads have been made in ourschools and papers. There are noinstant brakes we can apply. It is along, laborious task ahead fraughtwith disappointments, grief and sacrifices. The battle is not for the timidand fearful. He who is concernedabout his image had as well stayhome.

Yes, the winds of indifference,worldly attitudes and actions, materialism, and the desire for the newand novel have been sown. As Israel

of old, spiritual Israel, the church,had better prepare to reap the whirlwind. But let all those who love theLord and tremble at his word take upthe sword of the Spirit and fight thegood fight of faith. The battle hasalways belonged to the Lord for thosewho will honor him in submissiveobedience. Let those who would sowthe wind of compromise repent andjoin in the battle or get out and jointhe enemy in name as well as inpractice.

7 West ColoradoSheridan, WY 82801

4/20 Seek The Old Paths - March 1996

Who Is My Brother?With Whom May I Have Fellowship?

Gil Yoder

It may be true that "we be brethren," but some brethrenwalk not with Christ our elder brother (1 John 1:7), and to have

fellowship with them is to abandon our Lord.

Much has been written latelyabout the questions of"brotherhood" and "fellow

ship." Much of the talk began withthe so-called "Restoration Summits,"the first one being held August 7-9,1984, but the questions have beenbrewing for an even longer period oftime. The first "summit" was a meet

ing of one hundred men from amongthe churches ofChrist and the "independent" or "conservative" ChristianChurch, fifty from each side, to seekways to unite the two churches.Though there may have been a fewpresent not willing to compromisebiblical principles, many were thereseeking unity at any cost. Unity tothem was more important than obedience to God's will!

The subject of unity necessarilyinvolves the questions of brotherhood and fellowship. Some mistakenly equate the two terms. One sidefeels that fellowship should extendunto all who are brethren. Anotherside believes that only those withwhom they have fellowship are theirbrothers. Both of these positions aretenuous. Fellowship and brotherhood are not synonymous.

WHAT IS A BROTHER?

The term brother and its relatedterms (sister, brethren, brotherhood)are used in several ways within theBible. They are used in their literalsense: brothers and sisters in theflesh (Matt. 12:47; Acts 1:14). Theyare used to refer to members of thesame nationality (Acts 2:29,37;22:13). They are used of members ofGod's spiritual family (1 Cor. 5:11;6:6; 7:15; cf. 1 Tim. 3:15). It is withreference to the latter that our question ofbrotherhood deals. Now let usanswer the question...

WHO IS MY BROTHER?

Obviously, all who are membersof God's family are brethren. God'sfamily is also referred to as thechurch (1 Tim. 3:15) and the kingdom of God (John 3:3,5). To enterGod's family is to enter His church— His kingdom. This is why Jesustold Nicodemus, "Except a man beborn again, he cannot see the kingdom ofGod"(John 3:3). All who havebeen born again are brethren.

Jesus went on to say, "Verily,verily, I say unto thee, Except a manbe born of water and the Spirit, hecannot enter into the kingdom ofGod" (John 3:5). The birth of waterand the Spirit takes place when oneobeys the instructions of the Spiritin scriptural baptism. We should notbe surprised therefore to find thatGod adds to the church those whohave been baptized in order to havethe remission of sins (Acts2:38,41,47). This does not thoughmean that everyone who is "baptized" enters the kingdom.

Scriptural baptism must beaccompanied by faith and confidencein Christ and His Word (John 3:16;Mark 16:16; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6),and genuine repentance from pastsins, including the repudiation ofdenominational error (Matt. 3:7-8;Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30). Thislatter fact alone calls into questionthe baptism of those who enter theChristian Church thereby!

Those who have been properlybaptized become the children of God(Gal. 3:26-27), and hence arebrethren in Christ.

Who then is my brother? It is hewho has complied with the prerequisites of salvation and has been baptized for the remission of his sins.May all become so!

MAY

WITH WHOM

HAVE FELLOWSHIP?

We have mentioned those whobelieve that fellowship should beextended to all brethren. The latebrother Reuel Lemmons, and formany years considered faithful tothe truth, argued at the first "summit" that unify between the Christian Church and the churches ofChrist already exists, because members of both groups have been bornagain, and that those who do not recognize this unity commit sin. Manyhave argued this point since then. Itdoes not seem to matter if seriousdoctrinal differences exist betweenus (or for that matter whether or notmembers of the Christian Churchhave truly been scripturally baptizedand entered the kingdom). If one hasbeen baptized (some would eveninclude those baptized for purposesother than remission of sins), we aresupposed to accept them in fellowship, they say. Fellowship, we aretold, is simply a recognition ofbrotherhood — not evidence of endorsement. This position is simply nottaught within scripture.

The fact that one may be mybrother does not automatically meanthat I should have fellowship withhim. This is true for several reasons:(1) Paul condemned the Corinthiansfor keeping fellowship with a brotherthat was living in fornication withhis father's wife (1 Cor. 5). (2) Hecommanded the Romans to markand avoid brethren who taught falsedoctrine causing division (Rom.16:17). (3) He told the Thessaloniansto have no company with brethrenwho walked disorderly (2 Thess.3:11-15). We cannot be in fellowshipwith every brother, regardless of hisstanding before God, and expect to

March 1996 - Seek The Old Paths

be pleasing to God ourselves! To doso is to partake in their sins; it isindeed endorsement of their error (2John 10-11).

On the other hand, we dare notreserve fellowship only for thosewho hold the same opinions as we.When opinions are made tests of fellowship, we bind where God has notbound. In this area Paul taught usto follow the principle of liberty(Rom. 14:1 — 15:1). We must takecare to distinguish our opinionsfrom doctrines taught within theBible.

With whom may I have fellowship? I may have fellowship with allwho submit to the will of God. Theonly scriptural basis for fellowship(unity) is the revelation of the Spirit(Eph. 4:3-6). We must agree with allthat He taught, or else we must bedivided! It may be true that "we bebrethren," but some brethren walknot with Christ our elder brother (1John 1:7), and to have fellowshipwith them is to abandon our Lord.

As much as we want unity, we cannot have it at that cost!

3045 West Victor AvenueVisalia,CA 93277

CONTRIBUTORS

Mackie & June Dial $5Mr. Gail McPeak $5Jim & Barbara Backhouse . .$12Mary Alice Kinslow $25Anonymous $30David R. Lemmons $5Sumpter Barnes $40Donna Lawter $10Freddie Clayton $15J. Edwin Davis $25Clyde Coker $25Anonymous $25Gary Wilder $5Ruth Robinson $10Verona Church ofChrist $50Ronald Keever $15Joe Walker $15Loretta Garrett $10Martin Bedford $15Paul R. Brown $10

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Lessons From

The FIRST GOSPEL SERMONIan McPherson

Acts chapter 2 is a type of pivotpoint in the Bible. The HolySpirit was poured out upon

the apostles in accordance with OldTestament prophecies and in accordance with the promise Christ gaveto the apostles (John 7:37-37; 16:7-15; Acts 1:5,8). With this outpouringof the Holy Spirit came the revelation of the New Testament messagethat was previously unknown toman and hidden in the mind of God(Eph. 3:1-5). The gospel that we areto preach today is a result of thismiraculous revelation of God's will.It is impossible for anyone to knowGod's will without being taught itthrough words written in the Bible.Through the preaching of the gospel,the church of Christ came into existence. The day of Pentecost in Acts 2is the point in history that thechurch was established and the

gospel in its simplicity and completeness was first fully preached.

Let us notice some importantfacets of this first gospel sermonthat must be followed by all faithfulgospel preachers in the Lord'schurch today.

IT WAS A SCRIPTURALSERMON. Acts 2:4, "And they wereall filled with the Holy Ghost, andbegan to speak with other tongues, asthe Spirit gave them utterance."The source of Peter's words was theSpirit of God. Although we cannotspeak by direct revelation today asthe apostles did, we must still speakonly what is revealed to us by theSpirit in His Word. Although themethod of imparting truth haschanged, the message itself hasnot changed. It is up to each preacher to study the text (2 Tim. 2:15) andrelay accurately to men the messageof God. Scriptures do not havetheir source in the mind of man,but rather in the mind of God (1Cor. 2:11). Preaching must neverpresent the opinions of men, butmust always contain a "thus saiththe Lord" for everything that istaught.

IT WAS A CHRIST-CENTERED SERMON. Christ's deathon the cross was no accident. Peterpreached, "Him, being delivered bythe determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken,and by wicked hands have crucifiedand slain" (Acts 2:23). God plannedthe crucifixion of Christ from beforethe creation of the world and knewthat the cross would have very powerful drawing power.

An account is told of a missionary preaching about the crucifixionof Christ to a crowd in India. AHindu priest was in the crowdbecoming very restless. He suddenlysprang to his feet and pleaded withthe missionary to stop. When thepreacher inquired as to why, theHindu admitted that they had noone like the crucified Christ in theHindu religion and he was afraid thepeople would forsake their Hindutemples and follow Jesus.

Peter's sermon not only contained the emotion of the cross, butalso the powerful and indisputableevidence of the resurrection ofChrist from the grave (v.24) and Hisglorious exaltation to the right handof God (vs.33-35). In fact his entiresermon was centered around Christ.When Paul came to Corinth he saidhe was "determined to know nothingamong you, save Jesus Christ andhim crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2). Thegospel cannot be preached withouthaving Christ at its very center.Faithful preaching must exaltChrist.

IT WAS A SCRIPTURE-FILLED SERMON. Peter quotedScriptures and applied them properly. He quoted Joel 2:28-32 and fromit proved that what they wereobserving was the fulfillment of thatprophecy (Acts 2:14-21). He quotedPsalms 16:8-11 and 110:1 to provethese prophecies referred to the resurrection of Christ and His exaltation into heaven (Acts 2:25-36).Many today are preaching very eloquent sermons with wonderful illus-

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trations but very few Bible references. It reminds me of the womanthat went to the preacher after hissermon, shook his hand and said"you needed a sermon with yourillustrations!" Although well placedillustrations are needed and can bepowerful and interesting, we mustremember that unless we quote theScriptures, we are taking away theconvicting power from our sermons.Peter did not simply, refer to theseScriptures, but quoted them wordfor word, and it was the word ofGod that convicted the 3,000 Jews torepent and be baptized (Act 2:38-42).When Jesus was tempted in thewilderness he defeated Satan byaccurately quoting Scripture (Matt.4:4,6,10). In the early church manyJews were wanting to go back intothe old covenant and Paul settledthe argument once and for all byquoting and applying the scripture.He said in Galatians 4:30, "Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Castout the bond woman and her son: forthe son of the bond woman shall notbe heir with the son of the freewoman." As New Testament Christians who love the word of God, disputes can be settled with a "nevertheless what saith the scripture?"

When Scripture is read in sermons it needs to be the very wordof God that is quoted. Preachersmust not read from a paraphrasedversion of the Bible or from a versionthat follows the concept of "ThoughtInspiration." Only accurate versions,presenting word for word translation, should ever be used in the pulpit. In Matthew 22:32 Christ quotedExodus 3:6 which says: "I am theGod of Abraham, and the God ofIsaac, and the God ofJacob? God isnot the God of the dead, but of theliving."In this argument he used thetense of a verb to prove that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were still living. By this powerful argumentChrist silenced the Sadducees whodid not believe in life after death andthe resurrection of the dead. Everyword and every syllable of the Bibleis verbally inspired; and, if the message is going to convict and teachaccurately, then our sermons need tobe Scripture filled messages likePeter's on the day of Pentecost.

FT WAS A CLEAR AND LOGICAL SERMON. Notice the logicalarguments that Peter used to prove

a point. In verse 15 he proved thatthe disciples were not drunk becauseit was "the third hour of the day." Inverses 22-23 he presented undeniable and logical evidence to convincehis hearers that Jesus was theChrist. In verse 29 his simple application to Scripture proved beyonddoubt that Christ, not David, wasthe one spoken of by the prophet.Our preaching must be clear, presenting arguments that hearers canunderstand. Speculation shouldnever be a part of preaching. Longwords and fancy philosophical arguments should be avoided. The Lord'spulpit needs sermons that will convict the gainsayer and silence themouths of speculators and falseteachers. We must "Prove all things;hold fast that which is good" (1Thess 5*21)

if WAS A HEART-CONVICTING AND LIFE-CHANGINGSERMON. Acts 2:37 says, "Nowwhen they heard this, they werepricked in their heart, and saidunto Peter and to the rest ofthe apostles, Men and brethren, what shallwe do?" Thayer's Lexicon says thismeans "They were smitten in theheart with poignant sorrow." Unfortunately, there is sometimes a tendency today to have sermons simplyaimed at making people "feel goodabout themselves." It is said that

preaching about specific sins is toonegative and will only turn peopleoff. Although we must edify therighteous in our preaching, we mustalso convict the sinners. The purposeof the Holy Spirit coming was tobring the message of truth thatwould "reprove the world of sin,righteousness and judgment" (John16:8). There are many like those inJeremiah's time who were crying"Peace, peace; when there is nopeace" (Jer. 6:13-14).

Before Peter baptized the penitent believers on the day of Pentecost we must remember that hespent some time with them talkingabout sin and its consequences: "Andwith many other words did he testifyand exhort, saying, Save yourselvesfrom this untoward generation" (Acts2:40). We do not have the "manyother words" of Peter recorded here,but by reading through Acts and seeing what was taught on other occasions we have a good idea of what hesaid. About 3,000 repentant souls

Seek The Old Paths - March 1996

responded to the gospel and werebaptized that day. However we canhave little doubt that there weremany like the rich man who wentaway sorrowful because they werenot willing to surrender worldly pursuits that were hindering their following Jesus (Matt 19:22). Also,there could have been many like theJews in Acts 7:54 who "gnashed onhim (Stephen) with their teeth," andlike Felix who trembled at the

preaching of "righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come"(Acts 24:24-25). The aim of gospelpreaching is to convict hearts,change lives and edify hearers whohave good and honest hearts. If people reject the message of Christ, it istheir fault, not the preacher's. But ifsin and righteousness are not clearlytaught it is the preacher's fault(Ezekiel 3:17-21).

IT WAS A MOTIVATING

SERMON WITH AN INVITA

TION. "Then Peter said unto them,Repent, and be baptized every one ofyou in the name of Jesus Christ forthe remission of sins, and ye shallreceive the gift of the Holy Ghost"(Acts 2:38). After giving the terms ofpardon, Peter then urges the peopleto obey (v.38-40). It is becomingmore and more prevalent for theinvitation to be left off sermons, yethow can we expect a genuineresponse of sinners without it? Aninvitation, clearly giving the conditions of pardon, should be a part ofevery sermon. Although most of thelistening audience may be faithfulChristians, there may be someonewho needs to obey the gospel orrepent of sins. Also, young childrenwho constantly hear it will more easily come to obedience when theyreach the age of accountabilitybecause they are continually admonished to repent and be baptized.

The first gospel sermon was agreat and powerful lesson that convicted the hearts and brought aboutthe baptism of about 3,000 souls. Wemust take a lesson from Peter sothat we too can convict soulsthrough the preaching of the gospel.

32 King St., BelleriveTasmania, Australia 7018

March 1996 - Seek The Old Paths 7/23

Still The Most Critical ProblemBill Jackson, deceased

The question is often asked,"What is the most critical problem facing the church today?"

The answers are varied and oftengiven in keeping with that particularman's interest and concern, and forall the answers, all of them play apart in today's time of discontent,unrest and turmoil. And, when westate that which is to us the MOSTcritical problem, we know that somemay disagree. Still, the answer wewould give is this: THE LACK OFQUALIFIED, SCRIPTURAL ANDFUNCTIONING ELDERS! We knowthis problem then aggravates someof the others; indeed, were it not forthis problem, some of the otherscould not have been given birth, orwould have been "nipped in thebud."

Where did we go wrong regarding the eldership? Certainly theScriptures furnish us unto everygood work (2 Tim. 3:16,17), and thepoint is clear that the Scripturesthen furnish us completely unto theorganization of the church and thefunctioning of those within thatorganization. The list of qualifications, set forth in First Timothy 3and Titus 1, with other passagesrelating to the eldership, lets usknow the spiritual qualities to be inthe men thus to be appointed. And,there is no shortage of material inthe New Testament regarding thework that is given the elders, withsuch words as "oversee...feed...take

care oL.watch for souls..." making itvery clear. In looking over all that issaid in the New Testament regarding the eldership, we see no lack, norwould we expect to find such, sincethe Scriptures completely furnishus! Looking at all that God has provided, is it not clear that men havechosen to ignore what the Wordsays, and have proceeded by theirown devices?

It has been disappointingthrough the years, in seeing howsome brethren have approached thematter of appointing elders, withthoughts of spirituality set asidewhile men are selected by someother rule. It has also been disap

pointing that, while there must bethe desire of the man to serve (1Tim. 3:1) before he can be appointed,some who have the desire and aremost anxious to be appointed haveagain and again given little thoughtto the work as being spiritual innature. One other disappointmenthas been in seeing men appointed,and then they have little concept ofwhat an elder is to be and do, andother than having meetings to see tothe finances of the church, do littleelse. Perhaps a summary statementhere would be that too often moneyis the prime consideration, and soulsare forgotten!

It must be admitted that insome instances we have a problemwhen we really have not appointedthe wrong men. There is a problembecause the men appointed have notgrown. And, growth is expected...itmust be! One newly appointed as anelder, for all spirituality and all wisdom, is still newly an elder, not having so served before. He will have toapply, to work, to study, to labor, tocontinue to be what God expects himto be, and to function as an elderwhom God can bless! It should beclear that one cannot so insulatehimself with concern for a congregation of people, that he knows nothingof problems, errors, apostasies, andthreats to the faith that must be justbeyond his doorstep. We live in a

mobile time, and sin and Satanalways have been. How could I be aguardian, shepherd, and protector ofthe flock, and yet have no concernfor the forest fires raging out of control all around me, and knowing thatat any moment some of those sparksmay land and ignite right where Iam?

Ours is a most hurtful time. Aperilous time, Paul would say (2Tim. 3:1). Many things of spiritualimport are hurting: many things arelacking; and many things are beingperverted. Our need for QUALIFIED, SPIRITUAL, and FUNCTIONING elders, I think, heads thelist of things we truly need, andwhich things we must have if we'reto be the people of God. We speak of"adhering to the pattern," and wemust, but shall we default in thisaspect ofthe pattern?

11th Annual

Seek The Old Paths

LectureshipJuly 28-August1,1996

The Seven Churches ofAsiaEast Corinth Church of Christ

34 men, 36 lessonsRV hook-ups available. Limited housing in

members homes also available. Book available.

E-mail:

jorobin@edubbs.tsei.k12.ms.us

4th Annual"Labourers Together With God" Lectureship

Sept. 15-19,199624 Lessons on Stewardship

Northwest Florida School of Biblical StudiesEnsley Church of Christ

57 E Hannah Circle / Pensacola, FL 32534

8/24

S.EEK T.HE 0.LD P.ATHS

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Seek The Old Paths - March 1996

only read Matthew 23 to find how candid Jesus was with the scribesand Pharisees —Editor.] "Still enjoy reading your paper every month.Thank you very much" ...John Chelette, Mamou, LA. "I continue toappreciate the paper and regret to see where someone requests thatyou stop sending it to them. It would be great if it was not necessaryto publish some of the articles, warning of the error being taught, butSatan will continue to work as long as man is here. I would like tohave extra copies of the Dec/95 issue. Do you send bundles to congregations?" ...Lenard Hogan, Hornbeak, TN. [NOTE: We try to keep asupply of back issues available. Also, we do send bundles to congregations. These are done in multiples of 8 per packet. You can request 8,16, 32, etc. on a monthly basis.] "Thanks so much for such a wonderful paper. This paper is very encouraging to Christians and keeps usup on why so many other churches are following Satan's path. Wemust keep on guard and stay with Bible scripture" ...Oscar & WilmaDanielson, Wewoka, OK "I just happened to come across a couple ofcopies and would like very much to receive it each month" ...RayShup, Hamburg, IL. "I thoroughly enjoy S.T.O.P. very much" ...LeonJobe, Madison, TN. "Thanks for a great publication" ...Milton Mathers, Richmond, VA "I enjoy S.T.O.P. very much, especially during thetime of ultra liberalism that we are living in today. Continue the goodwork and God will continue to bless you" ...Myron Morris, Elba, AL."Keep up the good work. Your publication is superb!" ...Donald Layman, Moulton, AL. "S.T.O.P. is a very good paper. Keep up the goodwork. We need some transplanted Christians in this location. Pleasepray for us" ...Ronald Keever, Kennewick, WA. "Continue contendingfor the faith through S.T.O.P." ...John M. Brown,Magnolia,AR. "It isa great paper. Keep up the good work" ...Ricky Clark, Liberty, SC. "Iappreciate S.T.O.P. and the stand you take for New TestamentTruth. Continue to "fight the good fight of faith" ...John Taber,Greeneville, TN. "Please remove my name from your mailing list"...Ross Mitchell, Opp, AL.

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