WM

Vol. 1 No. 1 October 1989

Seek The Old Paths Garland M. Robinson

The spiritual condition of the people of swer thee. But thou shalt say unto them, in 's time was deplor This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice able. Their sad condition warranted stiff of the Lord their God, nor receiveth cor rebukes from Jehovah. They engaged in rection: truth is perished, and is cut off activities of which God had not com from their mouth" (:23-28). manded them. He continually sent proph False and priests had fooled ets among them to call them back to his the people into thinking everything was ways. "But this thing commanded I them, fine. It was more pleasant to listen to their saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your "good news" than Jeremiah's "bad news." God, and ye shall be my people: and walk Jeremiah 6:14 says, "They have healed ye in all the ways that I have commanded also the hurt of the daughter of my people you, that it may be well unto you. But slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, is no peace." God's cry for the people to but walked in the counsels and in the return to him was crucial and decisive. imagination of their evil heart, and went Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the backward, and notforward. Since the day ways, and see, and ask for the old that your fathers came forth out of the paths, where is the good way, and land of unto this day I have even walk therein, and ye shallfind restfor sent unto you all my servants the prophets, your souls" (Jeremiah 6:16). Sadly, the daily rising up early and sending them: Yet response of the people was, ((we will not they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined walk therein...We will not hearken" (6:16, their ear, buthardenedtheir neck: they did 17). What a sad day for Judah. What a worse than their fathers. Therefore thou dismal day for anyone who will not heed shalt speak all these words unto them; but the call of God to obey his word! When they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt king Saul brought back king Agag alive also call unto them; but they will not an instead of killing him, said, "Hath Page 2 Seek The Old Paths - October

the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings done what we can to accomplish it. and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than THE RELEVANCY OF THE PLEA sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (I Samuel 15:22). Saul's sin was "The time is now and the place of one of rebellion (v.23). So is everyone action is here for the emphasis upon the who does not heed God's word and obey restoration plea. We need to plead for a what it says! return to the ancient order until practice conforms with the plea. This applies to the THE RESTORATION PLEA religious world in general but to the Lord's church in many places specifically (Romafis Does God no longer desire for people 2:1-3, 21-22; 14:22). The shuffling feet of to follow his commands? He has always a new generation marches upon the scene desired it! Jesus taught it! "If ye keep my as an older generation with muffled voices commandments, ye shall abide in my love; pass on to distant points. Every generation even as I have kept my Father's command must be taught the fundamentals (Judges ments, and abide in his love" (John 2:7-10). Even among those who have 15:10). Love for God, is love for his way. heard the first principles of the oracles of "If ye love me, keep my commandments" God (what some may erroneously think of (John 14:15). as "worn out truths"), there is a need to The command of Jeremiah 6:16 to remind them again of these eternal verities "seek the old paths" is as relevant today (H Peter 1:12-15; 3:1-2). The time is as it was then. Peter wrote, "If any man urgent that we plead for a return to the speak, let him speak as the oracles of to prevent some from departing from God..." (I Peter 4:11). To speak as the the faith (Hebrews 2:1-4). We must con oracles of God is the restoration plea, to tend for the faith lest many leave the old walk in "the old paths" is the restoration paths and turn to the doctrines and com in practice. From the late 1700's to the mandments of men (Jude 3; Matthew present, there have been men, both small 15:8-9). The restoration plea is a plea for and great, pleading for a return to the unity. It is a call for all men to stand upon ancient order of things. Their plea has the Bible and the Bible alone (I Corinth been and is: "Back to the Bible," "Let us ians 1:10; John 17:20-21)." (Ben F. Vick, speak where the Bible speaks and be silent Jr., Speak As The Oracles, May 1989, pp.8-9) where the Bible is silent" and, "Let us call God has always desired that men seek Bible things by Bible names and do Bible him. On Mar's Hill Paul preached men things in Bible ways." "should seek the Lord" and "feel after Seeking the "old paths" is not a cry to him and find him, though he be not far return to Bethany or Cane Ridge, Nashville from every one of us" (Acts 17:22-28). or Cincinnati, but back to of the This same attitude should posses men first century. We need the same gospel today to return to "the old paths," the that was preached then preached today - way of Jehovah. All who do not do so are ringing from every housetop in every land. surely "without excuse" at the judgment. May we never cease to contend to that 1801 Cruise St., Corinth, MS 38834 end. May we never rest until we have Seek The Old Path* - October Page 3

Demands Of The Old Paths Sidney White

"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in methodology and far too little on the the ways, and see, and ask for the old old paths. If we want to develop a paths, where is the good way, and walk great soul winning program, do we therein, and ye shall find rest for your examine the methods of some fast souls. But they said, We will not walk growing denominational organization or therein" (Jeremiah 6:16). This oft do we examine the activities of the quoted passage, a plea for the Israelites early Christians as recorded in the to return to God's way, is as meaning Bible? Copying denominationalism will ful today as when given to Jeremiah by ultimately lead to more denomination God. The significance ofthe passage is alism. We had better re-evaluate our just as binding today as ever. Whole sources of instruction. "Study to shew sale^ changes are taking place among thyself approved unto God, a workman God's people — changes that are cer that needeth not to be ashamed, right tainly not according to God's direction. ly dividing the word of truth" (II Timo For us to properly apply the principle thy 2:15). of this passage in the church today, we Third, the old paths demand to must understand some demands of be believed. "I know that is what it God's way. says, but..." is a phrase heard all too First, we must accept the fact often. God told , "I have loved that God has spoken to us today. you," but Israel said, "We don't believe "God, who at sundry times and in it." "Without faith it is impossible to divers manners spake in time past unto please him..." (Hebrews 11:6). the fathers by the prophets, Hath in Fourth, the old paths demand these last days spoken unto us by his to be obeyed. We say that we study Son" (Hebrews l:l-2a). "This is my and believe the word of God, but do beloved Son, in whom I am well we? Consider some of the changes pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:5). that are taking place in organization, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy worship and work of the church. Ghost, whom the Father will send in Much of what is taking place in the my name, he shall teach you all things, church and called the work of the and bring all things to your remem church has no similarity at all to the brance, whatsoever I have said unto church and its work that we read you" (John 14:26). Thus, the writings about in the New Testament. How of the New Testament are given to many churches do you know of that direct our paths today. obeys the teaching of the old paths to Second, understanding that "withdraw from every brother that God has spoken to us today, the walketh disorderly" (II Thess. 3:6)? old paths demand to be read and How often do we find the kind of studied. Far too much time and at hospitality and fellowship today that tention is spent on denominational characterized the church in the first Page 4 Seek The Old Paths - October century? How many pulpits today are spite of the efforts by some to distort filled with preaching that would follow and twist the meaning of the passage, the pattern of I Peter 4:11? Too much II John 9-10 still reads, "Whosoever "preaching" gives the hearer nothing transgresseth, and abideth not in the but oracles of men, not the oracles of doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He God. "Not every one that saith unto that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the he hath both the Father and the Son. kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth If there come any unto you, and bring the will of my Father which is in heav not this doctrine, receive him not into en" (Matthew 7:21). your house, neither bid him God Fifth, the old paths demand speed...." that we reject all other teachings. If we are going to stay with or Yet the cry of our day is "fellowship return to the old paths, these demands everybody." "In vain they do worship must be met. me, teaching for doctrines the com P.O. Box 1761, Tupelo, MS 38802 mandments of men" (Matt. 15:9). In

Wrath Of The Old Paths Jimmy W. Bates

The Jeremiah called upon 6:16). One is either walking in "the the people of Judah to "ask for the old paths" or he is walking in the old paths" and "walk therein...but they paths of satan. said, we will not walk therein" (Jere While man has the power to miah 6:16). From the beginning of choose and must choose one or the man there have been basically two other, he cannot escape the conse "paths" in which he may walk. He can quences of the choice he makes! walk or live according to the will (in Through the pages of the Bible, God structions) of God which Jeremiah uses two great incentives to encourage referred to as "the old paths," or he us to make the right choice and walk can reject the will of God and walk in in "the old paths." the paths of satan. God created man One, he shows the consequences of with the power to choose which path "walking therein" (Jeremiah 6:16), he will follow (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-6). which involves his love, mercy, good Every individual must choose (cf. Deu ness, and blessings toward those who teronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15). The make that good choice (cf. Romans paths of God and satan go in opposite 2:4). Hundreds of examples could be directions (Matthew 7:13-14) and there given to show God blesses those who are no paths in between, no middle follow his instructions. ground (Matthew 6:24; 12:30; Romans Two, God shows the consequences Seek The Old Paths - October 1989 Page 5 of failing to walk in the old paths, 11, 16, 21; I Corinthians 10). Nadab which involves his wrath (punishment) and Abihu (priests) were devoured by upon those who make that poor choice. fire from the Lord because they used declared to the second genera a fire to burn the incense that was tion Israelites that they had two unauthorized by the Lord (Leviticus choices; they could "love the Lord thy 10:1-2). The prophets penned God's God, to walk in his ways, and to keep wrath against the nations of Israel his commandments" and receive God's and Judah because they would not blessings or, they could turn away from walk in "the old paths." God and "surely perish" (Deuteronomy The wrath of God will be brought 30:15-20). The apostle Paul warned, upon the unbeliever (John 3:36), the "Behold therefore the goodness and ungodly and unrighteous (Rom. 1:18; severity of God: on them which fell, 2:8), the disobedient (Eph. 5:6; Col. severity; but toward thee, goodness, if 3:6), the false teacher (Gal. 1:8-9; II thou continue in his goodness: other- John 9-11), because all such involves wise-thou also shalt be cut off" (Ro failure to walk in "the old paths." mans 11:22). The burden of this arti Ananias and Sapphira were the cle is to show the wrath of God upon recipients of God's wrath upon their those who reject "the old paths!" disobedience (Acts 5). All that the BIBUCAL EXAMPLES Bible says about hell is a reminder to us of the consequences of failing to God warned Adam and Eve of walk in the paths of God (cf. Matthew what the consequences would be if 10:28; 23:33; 25:46; Luke 16:19-31; H they ate of the "tree of the knowledge Thessalonians 1:7-9). of good and evil" (Genesis 2:17), and when they rejected God's instructions, THE WARNINGS OF JEREMIAH they learned that God meant what he NEEDED TODAY said (Genesis 3). When Cain departed God called Jeremiah to prophesy from God's will he suffered the conse to the nation of Judah (1:4-5). God's quences (Genesis 4). The majority of people were on the brink of 70 years the earth's population was destroyed captivity. Jeremiah warned them of by the flood because they rejected the God's wrath unless they repented paths of God (Genesis 6-8). In Gene (6:11-12; 7:1-7). sis 19, God showed the cities of Some of the same attitudes and Sodom and Gomorrah the conse sins that led to God's wrath upon quences of their grievous sins of Judah, exists in the church today! sodomy or homosexuality as he rained L The word of the Lord was a upon them brimstone and fire out of reproach to them (6:10). They had no heaven destroying them. The Israel delight in it. Why do many members ites were the recipients of God's wrath of the church refuse to attend Bible on numerous occasions because oftheir classes, Gospel meetings, etc.? They rebellion and refusal to walk in the have no delight in the word of God! paths of God (cf. Exodus 32; Numbers They do not hunger and thirst after Page 6 Seek The Old Path* - October righteousness (Matthew 5:6). deceived and hardened (cf. Hebrews 2. "For from the least of them even 13:3). The same could be said of many unto the greatest of them every one is in the church today with regards to given to covetousness" (6:13). One of modesty, social drinking, dancing, vul the greatest hindrances to the cause of gar language, etc. Christ today is the obsession with 5. They refused to walk in the old material gain by so many in the church paths (6:16). By attitude and practice (cf. Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:13-21; Co- many today are saying, "we will not lossians 3:5). walk in the old paths!" 3. Although they were repeatedly The nation of Judah went into 70 warned, they refused to recognize error long years of captivity because she and said, "peace, peace, when there is would not heed the warnings of God no peace" (6:14). Many in the church through Jeremiah. She suffered the have the same attitude today! They consequences (God's wrath) for refus refuse to hear warnings of error and ing to walk in the old paths. Will we departures from the old paths! make the same mistake? If you re 4. "They were not at all ashamed, fuse to walk in the old paths, then neither could they blush" (6:15). No expect for the wrath of God! sense of shame, no regret. They were P.O. Box 97, Nettleton, MS 38858

Rewards Of The Old Paths

Ken Burleson

"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in one refusing such a wonderful blessing. the ways, and see, and ask for the old It is a sad commentary but the majori paths, where is the good way, and walk ty of people are like that today. therein, and ye shall find rest for your God has promised blessings for us souls. But they said, we will not walk if we will do his will. Many today, by therein" (Jeremiah 6:16). There was a word or action say, "we will not do his blessing to be had if they walked in will." the old paths. They had the promise God has promised "...all spiritual of rest for their souls if they walked in blessings in Christ," this centers upon the old paths. But they said "...we will the immediate blessings when we obey not walk therein." They could not Him. He has promised eternal life to expect to have rest for their souls, His children that remain faithful, this because they were not willing to walk is a future blessing to be received at in the old paths. It is hard to imagine the judgement day. Seek The Old Fatht - October Page 7

ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS blessing to man. By having fellowship, "Blessed be the God and Father of we draw strength from one another our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath that we may be able to cope with the blessed us with all spiritual blessings in evils of the day. It is obvious, by the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians failure to take advantage of the oppor 1:3). The spiritual blessings are many. tunities to have fellowship, that many The promise of receiving them is de do not realize the importance and pendent upon being in Christ. When benefits of it. If we walk in the light one hears the word of God and as he is in the light we have the bless believes it, repents of his sins, confess ing of fellowship. "But if we walk in es that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the light, as he is in the light, we have he can be baptized into Christ. "For fellowship one with another, and the as many of you as have been baptized blood ofJesus Christ his Son cleanseth. into Christ have put on Christ" (Gala- us from all sin" (I John 1:7). If we are tians 3:27). Some of the spiritual in fellowship with God then we have blessings are as follows: fellowship with all who are in fellow Redemption. One is redeemed ship with Him. through the blood of Christ. "In Peace with God. When one whom we have redemption through his obeys the gospel and lives faithful to blood, the forgiveness of sins, accord God he has peace that no one outside ing to the riches of his grace" (Ephe of Christ has. "Therefore being justi sians 1:7). One is redeemed through fied by faith, we have peace with God the blood of Christ when he obeys the through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ro gospel and if he walks in the light, His mans 5:1). The peace that comes blood continues to cleanse him. "But through knowing that our sins are if we walk in the light, as he is in the forgiven is a tremendous blessing that light, we have fellowship one with comes from God. What a reward! We another, and the blood of Jesus Christ have peace that passeth all understand his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I ing. "And the peace of God, which John 1:7). passeth all understanding, shall keep Forgiveness of sins. One of the your hearts and minds through Christ greatest blessings in this life is the Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). forgiveness of sins. "Then Peter said Salvation. One who is lost is unto them, Repent and be baptized alienated from God, in darkness, with eveiy one of you in the name of Jesus out hope and without God. When he Christ for the remission of sins, and ye by obedience to God's will is saved he shall receive the gift of the Holy has: God, fellowship with God, hope, Ghost" (Acts 2:38). Jesus shed His and is no longer in darkness but in blood so that man can have remission light. A wonderful blessing indeed. of sins. "For this is my blood of the "He that believeth and is baptized New Testament, which is shed for shall be saved; but he that believeth many for the remission of sins" (Mat not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). It thew 26:28). is by the grace of God that salvation Fellowship. This too is a great came. "For the grace of God that Page 8 Seek The Old Paths - October bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11). In order for man to This is the first issue of a gospel paper have salvation he must apply the grace that is being sent forth to teach and of God by obedience to God's will. admonish members of the Lord's king dom, especially in the state of Missis ETERNAL LIFE sippi. Our goal is to teach God's word faithfully in every area. There is so much Though eternal life is a spiritual that needs to be done by way of instruct blessing yet to come, it stands as the ing brethren to grow in the Lord. Study ultimate of all blessings. If one has these things carefully! This work is been blessed with all the spiritual supported by individual Christians and blessings mentioned under the preced sister congregations. Your cooperation in ing point, then eternal life will be that this regard is appreciated. —The elders final reward at the judgement day. "That as sin hath reigned unto death, Seek The Old Paths is a publication of the East Corinth church of Christ and is under the even so might grace reign through oversight of its elders. Its primary purpose and righteousness unto eternal life by Je goal in publication can be found in Jude 3; II sus Christ our Lord" (Romans 5:21). Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:13; 2:1; H Peter 1:12. Manuscripts are welcome. "For the wages of sin is death; but the Editor: Garland M. Robinson gift of God is eternal life through Associaten-Prof editors: Ken Burleson, Sidney White Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). .S.Po "...Blessed are the dead which die in PAI the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith upelo ermit the Spirit that they may rest from ±i tS Q - Hfe Q their labours; and their works do follow LU them" (Revelation 14:13). "And these Z OD r-O- Q shall go away into everlasting punish IJLJ ment: but the righteous into life eter 3(0 =£ IILUI nal" (Matthew 25:46). CD LU O CDLU CONCLUSION The rewards of walking in the old SoI* paths are many. God has promised l& these rewards and ifwe do His will, we |g will receive them. When God makes a Go promise we can be sure that He will DC O keep it. "The Lord is not slack con «$O UJ cerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should II perish, but that all should come to I repentance" (II Peter 3:9). May we be s encouraged to walk in the old paths! 4217 Hwy. 39 N, Meridian, MS 39301