Vol. 15, No. 9 September 2004 A PETITION REGARDING ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

o the honorable members of the the faith, worship or prac- organizers sought speakers who Board of Trustees for Abilene tice, as a part of the same or taught matters contrary to Scripture. TChristian University: Greet- as adjuncts thereto any sup- Simultaneously ACU announced ings. We hope this finds you in good plemental organization or their choice of the Outstanding health. We pray that the Lord will anything else not clearly and Alumnus of the year, choosing Max bless you and endow you with wis- directly authorized in the Lucado for that honor, a man who dom and good judgment in all things. either by has abandoned the use of the name We approach you in respect of precept or example. “Church of Christ,” and has aban- your positions, fully understanding doned the belief that baptism is nec- the burden you bear regarding the EVIDENCES FOR OUR CONCERN: essary and essential for salvation. salvation and instruction of students 2. ACU invited Katie Hays, a at Abilene Christian University There are numerous examples of radical feminist who is the preacher (ACU). We also approach you in con- departures from the founders’ char- for the West Islip “Church of Christ” fidence that you will hear our peti- ter and from the precept and exam- in West Islip, NY, and whose church tion, that you will evaluate its con- ple of the New Testament: ACU has has female shepherds, to critique the tents, and that you will take appro- changed to allow dancing and a rec- ACU advanced preaching students’ priate actions. ognized dance club. A profes- sermons, and to deliver a sermon at sor was shown in the Abilene the Chapel. OUR CONCERN: Reporter News drinking wine. 3. ACU has invited Tony Cam- Instrumental music in worship polo, a Northern Baptist (the liberal Our concern is that the present has been made a non-fellowship wing of the Baptist church), to speak Board of Trustees of ACU have issue by many faculty members. Stu- at ACU in Chapel, where he recruit- allowed or in some cases encouraged dents who are members of denom- ed students to work in his evangelis- ACU to depart from the purposes inations have been allowed to tic ministry. Several denominations and values of its founders. As stated organize religious activities on cam- were allowed to use Moody Coliseum in the 1906 charter, the composition pus. The use of ACU facilities for for an inter-denominational joint and expectations of the Board of denominational activities has “revival” with Campolo as the evan- Directors are as follows: been authorized by the administra- gelist. Letters were sent out to tion. There has been the encourage- churches by “Habitat for Humanity” ...each of whom shall be a ment in chapel that students attend encouraging people to attend and member of a congregation of denominational worship activi- how glorious it was going to be when the church of Christ, which ties. There has been the advocating “Christians” of all the denominations takes the New Testament as and encouragement of women to raised their voices in fellowship and its only and sufficient rule of take on roles in worship and worship. faith, worship and practice, ministry of the church not per- 4. At least some ACU Bible pro- and rejects from its faith, mitted by Scripture. fessors have a functionally different worship and practice every- The following examples describe belief regarding baptism. One profes- thing not required by either briefly some particularly disturbing precept or example, and occurrences: (Continued on page 67) which does not introduce into 1. The 2004 ACU Lectureship Abilene Christian… 66 Seek The Old Paths – September 2004

claims (1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1). They must then heed the Scriptural commands of Ephesians 5:11 and Romans 16:17 to not fellowship them and avoid them. According to Isaiah, GOD’S WILL CONCERNING the responsibility of the watchman upon the walls of Jerusalem was to ALSE EACHERS IN THE HURCH “never hold their peace day or night,” F T C so that the inhabitants could be Dan Guy warned when necessary (Isa. 62:6). The analogy for elders, preach- ers, and all Christians (in con- onsider the following scenario: 2 Tim. 2:17)? Paul not only named text with Isaiah 62) is that we A young Gospel preacher was them but also named their sin (blas- have been set as watchmen to Cinvited to speak at a neighbor- phemy). In 2 Tim. 2:18, the false uphold, speak, and defend the ing congregation. Upon his arrival teaching of Hymenaeus and Philetus truth. his attention was drawn to an apos- is described to be as deadly as gan- Some brethren become upset tate preacher in the audience. He grene. Paul defines false teachers as when false teachers are publicly had been marked (Rom. 16:17) some those who “err from the truth,” and marked. The mind-set of such years earlier by the young Gospel will “overthrow the faith of some” (2 brethren is that any dealings with preacher’s home congregation for Tim. 2:18; Titus 1:11). Once the can- marked false teachers is to be done teaching false doctrine. Letters of his cerous nature of false teaching is privately (behind the scenes) accord- marking were sent to all local con- planted, it influences and afflicts oth- ing to Matthew 18:15-17. This is a gregations. During the song service ers by slowly eating away at the faith flagrant abuse of Scripture. This pas- the song leader called upon the apos- of Christians just as gangrene cuts sage, in context, tells how to handle tate preacher to lead in prayer. This off the blood supply and destroys the private conflicts between individuals. young Gospel preacher refused to tissue of the human body. False It does not address public false teach- partake in the prayer of the false teaching strangles the blood supply ing. Misrepresenting this passage is teacher. Concerned not only with this of truth that flows to the hearts of an attempt by false teachers and apostate preacher’s presence but also Christians. Because it is so deadly their supporters to undermine the his partaking in the service, the and so insidious in nature, the faith- Scriptures and to argue against any young preacher considers this as an ful should be stirred up to expose it, attempt at exposing their false posi- opportunity and exercises his respon- denounce it, and refuse to tolerate it tions as well as those with whom sibilities as a preacher of the Gospel. being motivated by love and concern they associate. Stepping behind the pulpit, he sin- for the souls that have been afflicted For Scriptural examples of the gles out the apostate and addresses by it. need and responsibility to rebuke the congregation, concerning the The primary responsibility to sharply false teachers (Titus 1:13), error of allowing the apostate shut the mouths of false teachers lies consider the following: preacher to participate in the service. with the elders in local congregations rebuked Herod He then continued with his sermon. (Titus 1:9). Yet, preachers by the very for living in adultery (Matt. 4:1-12). Did he err in his handling of the nature of their work will also be Christ rebuked the Pharisees by situation or did he follow God’s will? directly involved. Paul’s charge to telling them to their face that Satan In Titus 1:11, the will of God is Timothy in 2 Tim. 4:1-4 was to was their father (John 8:12-59). revealed to us concerning false teach- “Preach the word; be instant in sea- Peter rebuked Simon for desiring ers in the church. God made it clear son and out of season; reprove, to buy the ability of “laying on of he wants their mouths to be stopped! rebuke, exhort with all long suffering hands” to impart miraculous gifts of Their teaching must be exposed and and doctrine.” the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:13-23). refuted in order to preserve the doc- All Christians, likewise, have a Paul’s rebuke to the Judaizers trinal purity of the Lord’s church and responsibility to reject false teachers (whose intent was to bind circumci- to save the innocent in Christ. False by marking, exposing, and withdraw- sion on the Gentiles) was that he teachers mouths must be stopped in ing fellowship from them that they, would not tolerate such men and order to obey God who commanded it as well as others, will not be partners their false teachings for even an hour to be done (Titus 1:11; John 14:15). It of their evil deeds (Rom. 16:17; Eph. (Gal. 2:4-5). must be done lovingly and coura- 5:11; 2 Thess. 3:6; 2 John 9-11). Paul rebuked Peter “to the face geously so that false teachers become Christians serving under faithful before them all” (Gal. 2:11-14). When aware of their sin, repent and be elders must uphold the efforts of the Peter and others separated them- sound in the faith (Titus 1:13). elders and their preacher to correct selves from the Gentiles and refused Contrary to the irrationality and or reject false teachers (Titus 3:10; 2 to eat with them upon the arrival of ignorance of the Bible by some, it is Thess. 3:6; Heb. 13:7,17). When the Jews sent from James, Paul Scriptural to mark (name) false Christians in local congregations are knew they failed in living up to the teachers. How else would we know of notified of false teachers being truth of the Gospel. Their actions Hymenaeus and Alexander if Paul marked, they are responsible for made them guilty of supporting false had not written of them (1 Tim. 1:20; establishing the validity of the teachers (2 John 9-11) and was sinful September 2004 – Seek The Old Paths 67

(1 John 3:4). It gave credence to the 4. Sever all financial interests false doctrine of the Judaizers. The Abilene Christian… with denominations. others are not specifically named in (Continued from page 65) 5. Assure the brotherhood and this rebuke (except for Barnabas), demand of faculty that the Biblical but since they were partakers in this sor is in print advocating fellowship pattern of conversion is and will be error, their actions are likewise between those who believe that bap- unapologetically taught. Such state- rebuked. Peter is singled out as the tism is “for” the remission of sins and ments as, “I will not judge anyone’s chief offender because he knew bet- “because of” the remission of sins and faith — God knows who are His,” ter (Acts 10:34-35) and had the most thus treating as brothers and sisters leaves the implication that baptism influence, being an apostle. If it was in Christ, those of the various is optional, not necessary and essen- right for Paul to take such action, it denominations who have not been tial. is right for Christians today to take scripturally immersed for the for- 6. Assure that the Biblical pat- similar actions in parallel situations. giveness of sins. Such teaching com- tern of the New Testament church of Did the young Gospel preacher promises the clear New Testament Christ is unapologetically taught. err in his rebuke? The Answer is: teaching that baptism is essential for This includes a thorough discussion NO! Let us not become weary in well salvation. of the following points: doing but continue to contend for the 5. ACU exhibits examples of con- a. The NT church worships faith once delivered (Jude 3). flicts of interests with denomina- according to the New Testa- NOTE: Some excerpts were tions, at the financial level, and at ment pattern in spirit and taken from the pamphlet, “Stopping the level of preaching regarding the truth (John 4:20-24). Their Mouths” by Gary Grizzell and Gospel and the Kingdom (church). b. The NT church searches the used by permission. This pamphlet 6. ACU gives unclear and mis- Scriptures for sole authority can be ordered by contacting Gary leading teachings about the nature of in belief and practice rather Grizzell at (931) 432-6984 or by the New Testament church. than the teachings of men email at [email protected]. 7. These teachings and practices (Acts 17:10). 249 County Road 464 have led some ACU students to aban- c. The NT church observes the Englewood, TN 37329 don sound doctrine as well as the Lord’s Supper every Sunday churches of Christ, and attend (Acts 20:6,7; 1 Cor. 11:18-30; denominations instead, or return 16:1,2). home to foment rebellion and divi- d. The NT church gives both CONTRIBUTIONS sion in unsuspecting churches. the bread and the fruit of the In summary of the above, the vine to those who participate Anonymous ...... $25 ACU Board of Trustees have thus in communion, and we prac- Robert Price ...... $200 encouraged or allowed ACU to con- tice open, not closed com- Anonymous ...... $25 tradict and leave the founders’ clear munion (:14-20; Anonymous ...... $35 intentions and instructions in the Mark 14:22-26). Jum Simmons ...... $10 1906 Charter, and have drifted away e. The NT church worships by Rube Wilson ...... $25 from Biblical, sound doctrine and singing songs, hymns and Saks church of Christ, practice. spiritual songs, and without Anniston, AL ...... $100 instrumental accompani- Evans church of Christ, REQUESTED ACTIONS: ment since there is no Evans, GA ...... $35 authority for the use of Cushing church of Christ, 1. Evaluate carefully and instrumental music in the Cushing, OK ...... $25 demand that both members of the NT practice of the church John H. Brown...... $25 Board of Trustees and the school (Eph. 5:15-21; 1 Cor. 14:15; M/M Floyd A. Bryant ...... $30 administration of ACU be committed Col. 3:15-17). Charles E. Johnson ...... $50 to the clear intention of the universi- f. The NT church exalts Christ James D. Cox ...... $100 ty’s founding fathers and that they as the only begotten Son of Ronald H. Allen ...... $30 oversee and administrate in a much God and her only head and Church of Christ, more responsible manner, and that strives to be like him in word Webberville, MI...... $200 they resolve these aforementioned and deed as a living pattern Clifford Redmond ...... $40 deficiencies. for our lives (Eph. 1:20-23). Jimmy Williams...... $20 2. If current ACU leadership is g. The NT church teaches that Ruth Caudle...... $50 unwilling or unable to comply with the Lord adds only the saved Frankie Lou Bailey ...... $40 this, that you will take appropriate to his church and that there Imogene Ward ...... $5 personnel action to relieve these peo- are no saved outside the ple of their duties. church (Acts 2:36-38,47; Beginning Balance ...... $ 6,683.76 3. Address those imbalances in Eph. 5:23-25,32). Contributions ...... $ 1,070.00 the ACU Board of Trustees and the h. The NT church selects only Debits Bible Department that are currently men to serve as shepherds Supplies (ink, etc) . . . . . $ 385.89 heavily weighted toward those hold- (elders) who meet scriptural Postage ...... $ 1,319.12 ing a less exclusive, vague, or unclear qualifications (Titus 1:5-9; Ending Balance ...... $ 6,048.75 view of fellowship and doctrine. Acts 20:17, 28-30). 68 Seek The Old Paths – September 2004

i. The NT church is committed ACU Board of Trustees. We do not They feel as though they cannot be to male church leadership hate you, and we do not hate ACU. touched. Let’s make sure we do not and selects only men to serve Many of us have had several genera- touch them with our money or other as preachers in her pulpits (1 tions of our families graduate from support of any kind. Tim. 2:8-12; 1 Cor. 14:34-36). ACU. Many of us have received great The Scriptures are clear when it j. The NT church does not benefit from attending ACU. Many of tells us to not support error. Notice teach the use of special titles us met our mates at ACU. We are these passages: such as Reverend, Pastor or deeply thankful for the many years Eph. 5:11, “And have no fellow- Father or make provisions of positive influence at ACU. ship with the unfruitful works of for special vestments to be ACU was built with the sacri- darkness, but rather reprove them.” worn by preachers, and that fices of common men and women who II John 1:9-11, “Whosoever trans- there is no division in the desired Biblical instruction for their gresseth, and abideth not in the doc- New Testament church children. We now beg you to regard trine of Christ, hath not God. He that between clergy and laity the uncountable sacrifices of men abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he (Matt. 23:5-11; Matt. 20:25- and women whose money built and hath both the Father and the Son. If 28). sustained ACU over nearly a century. there come any unto you, and bring k. The NT church accepts all Please do not betray their trust, or not this doctrine, receive him not believers who have been the values of the founders of ACU. into your house, neither bid him immersed for the remission We thank you that you have God speed: For he that biddeth of sins into fellowship, allowed us to present this petition, him God speed is partaker of his regardless of religious, social that you will consider it, and that you evil deeds.” or ethnic backgrounds (Rom. will take appropriate action. We have Rom. 16:17-18, “Now I beseech 6:17; Gal. 3:26-28). confidence that you can, and will, do you, brethren, mark them which 7. Assure that all freshmen are this. cause divisions and offences contrary introduced to the Biblical patterns of We have added our signatures to to the doctrine which ye have learned; conversion and the New Testament this petition. and avoid them. For they that are church of Christ in their first semes- such serve not our Lord Christ, ter at ACU, and assure such expo- •••• but their own belly; and by good sure for all transferring students as words and fair speeches deceive the well. NOTE: hearts of the simple.” 8. Investigate all undergraduate This petition is being circulated I John 4:1, “Beloved, believe not Bible teachers and curricula and throughout the brotherhood in an every spirit, but try the spirits assure these are committed to the attempt to inform brethren of some whether they are of God: because restoration of New Testament Chris- things that are going on at ACU and many false prophets are gone out into tianity according to the New Testa- to seek others who may wish to add the world.” ment pattern and are doctrinally their name to it. If you would like to John 3:19-21, “And this is the sound in the faith. This should add your name to the list, you may condemnation, that light is come into include a questionnaire about basic send it to: the world, and men loved darkness beliefs of the teacher. Vic Vadney rather than light, because their deeds 9. Investigate all graduate Bible 1440 Key Lane were evil. For every one that doeth teachers and curricula and assure Abilene, TX 79602 evil hateth the light, neither cometh to these are committed to the restora- the light, lest his deeds should be tion of New Testament Christianity The apostasy at ACU has been reproved. But he that doeth truth according to the New Testament pat- going on for many many years and is cometh to the light, that his deeds tern and are doctrinally sound. This the same as many other like institu- may be made manifest, that they are should include a questionnaire about tions and schools all across the broth- wrought in God.” basic beliefs of the teacher. erhood. There is no apparent concern If these Scriptures do not apply Students understandably are for Biblical authority or soundness. in this situation, then none do. asked to read materials written by those who are not members of the churches of Christ; however, brethren, it is one thing to ask that Gospel preaching and congregational singing (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) can be people read material containing false heard on the internet all around the world. This program comes from the East End doctrine in order to learn how to church of Christ in McMinnville, Tennessee. Tell others about it. For those who main- refute it. It is quite another to tain a web page, consider adding this link so others may benefit as well. require readings by radical feminists and liberal theologians with no repu- www.pioneerpreachers.com diation of their false teachings. Click on the LISTEN button that appears under the Bible. If this is the first time you CONCLUSION: have entered this page, you will need to download and install the player365 (it is free). We have love and respect for The next time you enter, it will start playing automatically. Christ, His church, ACU, and the

September 2004 – Seek The Old Paths 69 THE ONE BODY Marvin L. Weir It is the church which Christ built that people should give their allegiance to.

eople often make amazing deci- refer to the same thing. The Bible, in one member does or does not do can sions based purely upon biased speaking of what God purposed for have an effect on the rest of the body. Por prejudiced feelings. The Christ says, “he [God] put all things It is also easy for folks to see that one Bible clearly reveals that the church in subjection under his [Christ] feet, leg does not travel in one direction of the Lord is one body (Eph. 4:4). A and gave him to be head over all while the other leg travels in the human body with two or more heads things to the church, which is his opposite direction and yet both legs would be considered an abnormality. body, the fulness of him that filleth end up at the same destination. Such The same would be true of a human all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23). There is is the claim of many religious groups head having two or more bodies. The only one body for which Christ died who contend that although they take human body is used in the Scriptures (Eph. 4:4; Acts 20:28) and there is different routes (in doctrine and wor- as a metaphor of the church or the only one body He has promised to ship) they will all arrive at the same body of Christ. save (Eph. 5:23). destination (Heaven). The church of our Lord is one The act of baptism puts one Jesus taught the truth, saying, body. The apostle Paul says, “Now ye into the one body of Christ. Paul “Not every one that saith unto me, are the body of Christ, and members proclaims, “For by one Spirit are we Lord, Lord, shall enter into the king- in particular” (1 Cor. 12:27). It is not all baptized into one body, whether dom of heaven; but he that doeth the a body, some body, or any body! we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be will of my Father which is in heaven. There is only one body, but many bond or free; and have been all made Many will say to me in that day, members of the one body. Paul like- to drink into one Spirit” (1 Cor. Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied wise taught, “so we, being many, are 12:13). The same apostle taught the in thy name? and in thy name have one body in Christ, and every one Galatians, “For as many of you as cast out devils? and in thy name done members one of another” (Rom. 12:5). were baptized into Christ did put on many wonderful works? And then In the world, there are many dif- Christ” (Gal. 3:27). Peter commanded will I profess unto them, I never knew ferent religious bodies all claiming those on Pentecost to “Repent ye, and you: depart from me, ye that work Christ as the one head. Such surely be baptized every one of you in the iniquity” (Matt. 7:21-23). is the wistful thinking of man name of Jesus Christ for the remis- There is to be no division in because such a concept cannot be sion of your sins” (Acts 2:38). In giv- the one body of the Lord. The plea found in the word of God! Christ ing the Great Commission Jesus of the inspired Scriptures is that promised to build only His church says, “He that believeth and is bap- members of the body are to give “dili- (Matt. 16:18). He never claimed to tized shall be saved; but he that gence to keep the unity of the Spirit in build one belonging to someone else. believeth not shall be damned” (Mark the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). Please The apostle Paul did not die for the 16:16). Bible baptism is a burial and note that this is not some man-made, Lord’s church and neither did Peter not a sprinkling as is evidenced by man-agreed upon unity, but rather or Apollos (1 Cor. 1:10-13). The studying the fourth verse of the sixth the “unity of the Spirit.” One who church and the body are terms that chapter of Romans. desires to go to Heaven will listen to All people are to be members the Spirit speak through the Word of the same body. It matters not instead of listening to men speak whether one is young or old, rich or through their creed books! A new “Bible Study Helps” page has poor, educated or uneducated — all Religious division is sinful been added to: who obey God’s word are members of and contrary to the will of the same body. To the Galatians Paul Christ. It is not the church of man’s said, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, choice but rather the church which www.seektheoldpaths.com there is neither bond nor free, there is Christ built (Matt. 16:18) that people neither male nor female: for ye are all should give their allegiance to. This is on the bottom left corner of one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Pride will stand between many the screen. You will find several Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, people and their obedience to the Bible study tools to help you in your and heirs according to the promise” Gospel. Bias and prejudice will cause study. You can search for certain (Gal. 3:28-29). multitudes to reject the simple truth words or phrases in the Bible or Each member of the one body found in God’s word. How horrible it search through word studies and is important. “And the eye cannot will be for those who had every dictionaries. There is also an excel- say unto the hand, I have no need of opportunity to see and understand, lent Bible atlas. Check it out and thee: nor again the head to the feet, I yet chose to remain blind to God’s have no need of you” (1 Cor. 12:21). truth! pass on the word. All members of the body are to work 5810 Liberty Grove Rd. together for the glory of God. What Rowlett, TX 75089 70 Seek The Old Paths – September 2004 MIRACLES HAPPENED AND MIRACLES CEASED Charles Box

he Bible teaches that miracles both know even as also I am known. And now ness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no happened and ceased. Men in our abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; more children, tossed to and fro, and car- Tcity and across our nation claim to but the greatest of these [is] charity” (I Cor. ried about with every wind of doctrine, by be miracle workers today. I believe what 13:8-13). the sleight of men, [and] cunning crafti- the Bible teaches about miracles. There- When the last words of the New Tes- ness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” fore I believe these men are frauds. tament were written in about 96 A.D. mir- (Eph. 4:11-14). They do not teach the Gospel plan of acles had ceased. The only miracles we Are miracles being performed today? salvation. God’s plan of salvation is for a have or need today are those written in No person living on earth today has been penitent believer to confess faith in Jesus the Bible. baptized with the Holy Ghost (Eph. 4:5). and be baptized for salvation (Acts 2:36- There are no people living today who have 41). Most of those who claim miracles DOES THE LORD PERFORM had the hands of the apostles laid on them today teach salvation through the “sin- MIRACLES TODAY? to impart miraculous gifts of the Holy ners prayer” and accepting Jesus. Would Spirit (Acts 8:14-18). These were the only God give miracles to such false teachers? There was a time when miracles hap- two ways miraculous powers were They do not teach New Testament pened. When Jesus was upon earth he received. Therefore, the Lord does not per- worship. Most of the so-called “Miracle performed many signs and miracles form miracles through any human today! Working” churches have women in leader- (Matt. 8:16; 9:34; 14:14-36; John 11). Miracles ceased when the perfect ship roles, instruments of all kinds, do not Jesus even gave others the power to per- came. Miracles were both “in part” and observe communion weekly and partici- form miracles. But not one miracle is temporary. Miracles ceased when the per- pate in other acts of worship foreign to the being performed today. fect or complete will of God — the New New Testament (Read I Cor. 14:34, Acts What was the purpose of miracles? Testament — was completely revealed (1 20:7, Eph. 5:19). Will God give real mira- Miracles were performed by Jesus, the Cor. 13:8-10). cles to those who teach and practice false apostles and those on whom they laid Do Christians speak in unknown worship? hands, to confirm the word (Mark 16:17- tongues today? There is no doubt that the They do not practice Bible miracles. 20.) Miracles confirmed that the message gift of speaking in unknown tongues was a These religious racketeers bleed as much preached was divine. “And many other reality in the early church (Mark 16:17; money as they can from the poor, unsus- signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6; 1 Cor. 12-14). These pecting and helpless. They make a mock- disciples, which are not written in this unknown tongues were languages (Acts ery out of Christianity. They do no real book: But these are written, that ye might 2:4-6). These languages could be inter- miracles. Jesus performed great miracles, believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of preted (1 Cor. 14:26). Tongue speaking real miracles! Nicodemus said, “Rabbi, we God; and that believing ye might have life was the ability to speak intelligently a know that thou art a teacher come from through his name” (John 20:30-31). Jesus language you had not studied. The pur- God: for no man can do these miracles that performed miracles to prove His claim of pose of this miraculous gift was as a sign thou doest, except God be with him” (John being the Son of God and to confirm that to unbelievers (1 Cor. 14:22). The gift of 3:2). Matthew 15:30 says, “And great mul- what He taught was God’s message. tongue speaking ceased near the close of titudes came unto him, having with them Are miracles needed today? Every- the first century (1 Cor. 13:8-10). [those that were] lame, blind, dumb, thing originated by miracle, but it contin- No one living today can walk on maimed, and many others, and cast them ues by divine law. Adam is the only man water, raise the dead or perform any other down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them.” God created by miracle (Gen. 1:27-28). We real miracle. This cannot be done because Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves were not created by miracle like Adam. the Bible teaches miracles have ceased. and caused the great calm (Matt. 8:26). No God originated things by miracle but con- Have you ever wondered why the so-called one is doing these miracles today! tinues them through natural law. modern day miracle worker: 1) Only Miracles ceased when the perfect or Both Old Testament and New Testa- selects healing and tongues from I complete revelation was received. “Chari- ment were ushered in by miracles (Exodus Corinthians 12, 2) Cannot raise the dead ty never faileth: but whether [there be] 18-20; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). or stop a tornado, 3) Refuses to drink prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there When the New Testament was completed, deadly poison, 4) Believes the Bible is be] tongues, they shall cease; whether the need for miracles ended. Paul incomplete and still needs confirmation, 5) [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. described the purpose and duration of Does not possess the signs of an apostle? For we know in part, and we prophesy in miracles in these words, “And he gave Let us be content with being New Tes- part. But when that which is perfect is some, apostles; and some, prophets; and tament Christians today. To become a come, then that which is in part shall be some, evangelists; and some, pastors and Christian a believer must repent and be done away. When I was a child, I spake as teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38). a child, I understood as a child, I thought for the work of the ministry, for the edify- True miracles caused faith (John 20:30- as a child: but when I became a man, I put ing of the body of Christ: Till we all come 31). The so-called miracles of today cause away childish things. For now we see in the unity of the faith, and of the knowl- doubt and confusion. through a glass, darkly; but then face to edge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, PO Box 551 face: now I know in part; but then shall I unto the measure of the stature of the ful- Greenville, AL 36037 September 2004 – Seek The Old Paths 71 CHRISTIAN GROWTH John D. Cotham

t is of great importance that a finally die. On the other hand, our spir- praying. We learn to win souls by win- Christian continue to grow spiritu- itual growth continues to progress ning souls. These (and others) are the Ially in Christ. It is evident from even when our physical bodies are areas where we need to exercise our- scripture that spiritual growth is a decaying and passing away, “For which selves. God given responsibility. Notice these cause we faint not; but though our out- verses: “As newborn babes, desire the ward man perish, yet the inward man GROWTH NEEDS sincere milk of the word, that ye may is renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). A PROPER CLIMATE grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2); and “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of WE NEED PROPER FOOD Life is sustained in a proper cli- our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...” mate. Not many want to spend their (2 Peter 3:18). Good parents try to see their chil- lives in the Arctic nor the Sahara Peter gave a list of areas where dren are fed a proper diet. Some chil- Desert. These areas are not supportive each individual Christian must grow. dren want to eat only when they want of life. It makes just as much sense to “According as his divine power hath to eat, and only what they want to eat. conduct our Christian lives in a proper given unto us all things that pertain In order to grow, bodies need the prop- climate or atmosphere. unto life and godliness, through the er food. Good sense tells us that the Paul warned, “Be not deceived: evil knowledge of him that hath called us to same is true with our spiritual bodies. communications corrupt good man- glory and virtue: Whereby are given Peter said we need the proper spir- ners” (1 Cor. 15:33); and, also, “Your unto us exceeding great and precious itual food, “As newborn babes, desire glorying is not good. Know ye not that a promises: that by these ye might be par- the sincere milk of the word, that ye little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? takers of the divine nature, having may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). The Purge out therefore the old leaven, that escaped the corruption that is in the writer of Hebrews said, “For when for ye may be a new lump, as ye are world through lust. And beside this, the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have unleavened. For even Christ our giving all diligence, add to your faith need that one teach you again which be passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:6- virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to the first principles of the oracles of God; 7). Paul wrote: “Wherefore come out knowledge temperance; and to temper- and are become such as have need of from among them, and be ye separate, ance patience; and to patience godli- milk, and not of strong meat. For every saith the Lord, and touch not the ness; And to godliness brotherly kind- one that useth milk is unskilful in the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 ness; and to brotherly kindness charity. word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Cor. 6:17). The wrong friends can For if these things be in you, and But strong meat belongeth to them that destroy our spiritual growth. On the abound, they make you that ye shall are of full age, even those who by reason other hand, strong Christian friends neither be barren nor unfruitful in the of use have their senses exercised to dis- are most helpful to our growth in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. cern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:12-14). Christ. But he that lacketh these things is The writer speaks of some who refused blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath to grow and were still babes in Christ. GROWTH TAKES TIME forgotten that he was purged from his They were still on the bottle. It is obvi- old sins. Wherefore the rather, ous from the language that the writer Nowhere is this more evident than brethren, give diligence to make your was rebuking these Christians for in the example of our children. Neither calling and election sure: for if ye do refusing to grow to a point where they a human baby nor a new babe in these things, ye shall never fall” (2 could eat meat from the table. Christ is born full grown. Growth Peter 1:3-10). takes time. We understand this in Notice that the apostle Peter says WE NEED PROPER EXERCISE physical life, but sometimes fail to see to ADD these things into our lives. Not this in the spiritual lives of others. only must we add them to our spiritu- If one goes to bed and just lies We must be patient with new al lives, but it is important that we there, the body will wither away to babes in Christ and to give them time continue to strengthen each of these nothing. It is deadly to refuse exercise. to grow. However, their growth is nec- areas in our lives. Doctors and other experts tell us that essary and others have a right to be Growth is the normal expected much of the heart problems of today concerned if they see that a newborn thing. We would be very concerned if are partly because of a lack of exercise. child of God is NOT growing at all. our new born child did not begin to Exercise is essential to proper growth. God requires that we grow spiritu- show evidence of proper growth. Can’t In like manner, spiritual exercise ally. Spiritual growth is to be expected we understand that God is just as con- is suggested for the Christian, “...and of each other. The Christian that refus- cerned if one of His newborn children exercise thyself rather unto godliness” es to grow is already dying spiritually never grows? (1 Tim. 4:7). The way to exercise spiri- if he is not already dead. Another interesting point concern- tually is by DOING what we can. We 2632 Highway 133 ing growth is that our physical bodies learn to study by studying. We learn to Shady Valley, TN 37688 begin, after a while, to regress, then sing by singing. We learn to pray by

72 Seek The Old Paths – September 2004

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