Things the Church Is Not to Do James W

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Vol. 8, No. 11 November 1997 Things The Church Is Not To Do James W. Boyd Some have befuddled the work ofthe church by seeking to do something without authority.

It is not God's intention that the long many have depended upon and apostasy. Brethren have for too church direct the affairs of civil glamorous buildings to be the attrac long bought the false teaching that government. While we have legiti tion of the church. Disproportionate whatever an individual can do, the mate interest and concern about civil amounts of money have been spent church can do. affairs as citizens of our country, we building and maintaining elaborate The church is not simply to should not involve the church in buildings. But the church grew more make people feel good, draw these matters that are purely politi rapidly, physically and spiritually, crowds, build self esteem, get cal, economic, and government poli when our buildings were more "on numbers and funds, be accepted cies regarding trade, foreign affairs, the otherside ofthe tracks." by the community, etc. The church police work, elections, road building, The church is not in the should seek to please God, not men. etc. But in matters of morality, money making or money saving You will never please all men any ethics, truth, though often thrown by business. Some churches hold huge how. It's like the man and boy and some into the political arena, the savings accounts, drawing interest, the donkey. They started out with church should and must be involved hoarding funds, while people all over the man riding the donkey and the because that involves the business of the world are dying lost without the boy walking. Some criticized, think righteousness. For example, the Gospel. Good stewardship of funds is ing the man should let the boy ride. issues of abortion, alcoholic bever one thing. Greedy and grasping So they changed places. Then some ages, gambling, same sex marriages, brethren who just hold on to money criticized because the boy should the teaching of evolution, intrusions while the work languishes is some have had more respect for the man against the moral standards of God, thing else. I would fear to be an elder than to ride while the man walked. these are the concern ofthe church. of a church presiding over large sav So both got atop the donkey. Again, The church isnotintendedto ings while the Gospel is not being some criticized because they thought provide for the social life of its preached. both of them on the donkey was too members — furnishing enter It is not the work of the heavy for the donkey. So they both tainments, sports, gymnasiums, church to provide secular educa walked. Then they were accused of playgrounds, camps, recreation tion. Secular schools are businesses being fools for having a beast ofbur al facilities, etc. To those who think and do not belong in the church bud den but not using him. You cannot so, we simply ask for the Scripture get. For many years school people please everybody. Why try? that authorizes such things. The have dug into the treasuries of Some have befuddled the work of craze to have the church to entertain churches for their school work. the church by seeking to do some has, in some digressive churches, Christ did not die to provide chem thing without authority, but then turned the worship services into near istry labs, tennis courts, computers, asking, "What's wrong with it?" Ifit revelry, show, "a holy wow," and a or make "scholars." Schools can be is without authority, it is wrong. We religious Hee Haw. helpful or harmful to the cause of must have authority for the work of While places for assembly and Christ At present, 1997, most of the the church as we must have it for the facilities to do the work are neces colleges established by brethren, worship, the plan of salvation, orga sary, it is not the work of the have become enemies ofthe cause of nization, and terms ofentrance. church to simplybuild buildings, Christ rather than friends because 2720 Chancery St. temples, sanctuaries, etc. For too they have led the way into digression McMinnville, TN 37110 2/82 Seek The Old Paths - November 1997

will not arrive at its goal within historical events" (p. xvii).

They tell us God is immutable Bible Versus and then say, (4 ents" "The church, however, is dif ferent. It does not possess Barfentf$. Robinson the immutability of divine personality. Nor does it have Ifyou believe these current errors are not affectingyou the unalterable quality of and will not affectyou, then you are in a dream world. propositional truth....The church does change. More over, it needs to change" (p. Change agents seek to nal kingdom of God and that it 3). "For the corporate body of destroy the nature of the exists in its fullness today. They Christ, there is no historical CHURCH and its WOR have contempt for the restoration prototype of the church for SHIP. They despise the simple wor plea. Notice these quotes from The duplication. The kingdom of ship authorized in the Bible. Bible Second Incarnation, a book co- God is yet to come in its ulti tradition based upon the apostles- edited in 1992 by Rubel Shelly and mate form. In all its instan inspired Word is looked upon as cold Randall Harris. tiations, the church has been and legalistic. According to them, we (and is) flawed." (p. 6). presently are in an age of change "As the church, then, we "Change and newness did where feelings and emotion rule. Ifit resist the arrogant claim not end with his arrival. The seems good and feels right, then it that we embody the fullness wine is still fermenting.... must be right. Simple worship dic of the kingdom of God. Yet The wine is the bubbling, tated by divine rule (the Bible) is not we long for 'a rich welcome churning gospel. It is the what draws the crowds. Worship into the eternal kingdom of ever-arriving-yet-never- must be jazzed up and made to fit our Lord and Savior Jesus fully-realized-on-Earth king the whims of the baby boomers and Christ' (2 Pet. 1:11). Until dom ofGod" (p. 11). baby busters. then, we continue to pray, First Peter 4:4 speaks well of Tather, your kingdom come!' In a sermon preached at the those with such a concept. "Wherein We commit ourselves to pur Missouri Street Church Of Christ, they think it strange that you run not suing the kingdom lifestyle. West Memphis, Arkansas, April 20- with them to the same excess ofriot, We live the life of a pilgrim 21,1990, Rubel Shelly said, speaking evil ofyou." They ridicule church moving toward a and scoff, mock and scorn those who clearly identified goal" (p. "My children will not stay do not follow their wayward descent 76). "The tired, uninspiring with the church I grew up from the right ways of the Lord. event called worship in our in. They will not be a part of They do not understand our contin churches must give way to an irrelevance." "The church ued appeal to the tested, tried and an exhilarating experience of has never existed" we are true - the Holy Bible. God that simultaneously not the "true church — an Have you ever known a time in exhibits and nurtures life in arrogant claim." "The church which promoters of the departure the worshippers" (p. 13). "We has never existed except in from the old paths have been so have no interest in building the Father's mind." brazen in their agenda? They are a first-century church or a running wild to excel in the devil's 16th or 19th or even 20th- Wineskins, a paper edited by lies. According to them, the lovers of century church in the 21st Rubel Shelly and Mike Cope, is dedi truth are left in the dust and sham century. To do so would ele cated to the "change agent" move bles of outdated Bible respect and a vate human culture to the ment. Notice this enlightening state "thus saith the Lord." Dear reader, status of divine truth" (p. ment oftheir beliefand purpose. where do you stand? Will you be 20). "Is there either the need counted on the side of the Lord or or theological warrant for "Our goal is to move that the side ofSatan (cf. Exodus 32:26). ongoing change in the group ("the Church of Christ Change Agents don't want any church? Our answer is affir Denomination") closer to the thing we do in worship. Change, mative to both elements of church of Christ revealed in Change, you've got to change. We this question" (p. xv). "We Scripture." don't want the cold, drab, lifeless propose an ecclesiology that worship of the past. We want partici is oriented more toward the They actually believe the church pation, we want movement, we want future than the past for ulti of Christ is a denomination among a renewal of the Spirit. They do not mate significance in God's denominations! According to them, really believe the church is the eter eternal purpose. The church we may look in the yellow pages of November 1997 - Seek The Old Paths 3/83 the phone book and believe there are with other tongues, as the Spirit gave 20:6)? Do you desire to continue wor Christians scattered among the vari them utterance" (Acts 2:4). shipping the Father according to the ous denominations listed there. From what we read above, the divine pattern? And, do you desire Kingdom was to come "with power" your children to do so also? Then "As surely as there must be (Mark 9:1), that is, the kingdom stand up and speak out and demand individuals who hold mem would come along side of power or at that the digressors and compromis bership in groups called 'the the same time the apostles received ers shall not pass! Church of Christ' in the Yel power. They would receive power If you believe these current low Pages who are not mem when the Holy Spirit came (Acts errors are not affecting you and will bers of the church of Christ 1:8). The Holy Spirit came on the not affect you, then you are in a whose membership roll is day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). There dream world. If these errors or the kept in heaven, surely also fore, the kingdom/church came on tendency toward them are not there must be individuals Pentecost in Acts 2. already in the church where you who are not identified with When the apostles preached, worship, they are in the one(s) next the Yellow Page group called there were about 3,000 people who door. Brethren, it's far past time the 'Church of Christ' but obeyed the Gospel. "Then they that that lovers of Truth get in the battle. whose names are neverthe gladly received his word were bap "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy less entered in the heaven- tized: and the same day there were voice like a trumpet, and shew my kept role (roll?) ofthe church added unto them about three thou people their transgression, and the of God." (I Just Want To Be sand souls" (Acts 2:41). Concerning house ofJacob their sins" (Isa. 58:1, A Christian, 1984, p.61; those early days of the church we the Lord's church/kingdom is the 1986, p.69.) read in Acts 2:47, "Praising God, spiritual house of Jacob today). and having favour with all the peo All the Lord's people must The Bible is clear and decisive ple. And the Lord added to the "preach the word; be instant in sea concerning the church and its estab church daily such as should be son, out of season; reprove, rebuke, lishment. Jesus said to Peter, "And I saved." exhort with all longsuffering and say also unto thee, That thou art Those who were being saved doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2). The place is Peter, and upon this rock I will were added to the Lord's one body of here, the time in now that "...they build my church; and the gates of which there is only one. "Thereis one will not endure sound doctrine; but hell shall not prevail against it." body"(Eph. 4:4; 1 Cor. 12:13). It is in after their own lusts shall they heap Jesus spoke of the church as his the Lord's one body, the church, the to themselves teachers, having itch kingdom. To Pilate he said, "...My kingdom, that he receives glory. ing ears; And they shall turn away kingdom is not of this world: if my "Unto him be glory in the church by their ears from the truth, and shall kingdom were of this world, then Christ Jesus throughout all ages, be turned unto fables" (2 Tim. 4:3-4). would my servants fight, that I world without end" (Eph. 3:21). The command of the Scriptures should not be delivered to the Jews: Jesus is the savior of the body, the is clear. "And have no fellowship but now is my kingdom not from church (Eph. 5:23; 1:22-23). I cer with the unfruitful works of dark hence" (John 18:36). tainly will not ridicule and despise ness, but rather reprove them" Jesus said the church/kingdom the Lord's church/kingdom, will you? (Eph. 5:11). "Now I beseech you, would begin as promised in the days Faithful worship includes prais brethren, mark them which cause of the Roman Empire (cf. Dan. 2:44). ing God in song (Heb. 2:12) without divisions and offences contrary Jesus "...said unto them, Verily I say the accompaniment of mechanical to the doctrine which ye have unto you, That there be some ofthem instruments of music (Eph. 5:19; learned; and avoid them. For they that stand here, which shall not taste Col. 3:16). Preaching the Word, not that are such serve not our Lord ofdeath, till they have seen the king flattering words of men, is involved Jesus Christ, but their own belly; dom ofGod come with power" (Mark in worship (Acts 20:7; 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 and by good words and fair speeches 9:1). The Lord told his apostles not Thess. 2:5). Partaking of the Lord's deceive the hearts of the simple" to leave Jerusalem until they be supper each Lord's day is a part of (Rom. 16:17-18). "Whosoever trans- endued with power. "And, behold, I worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-30). gresseth, and abideth not in the doc send the promise of my Father upon A contribution is given by every trine ofChrist, hath not God. He that you: but tarry ye in the city of member of the church on the Lord's abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he Jerusalem, until ye be endued with day (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7). hath both the Father and the Son. If power from on high" (Luke 24:49). In Prayer is a part of the worship of there come any unto you, and bring Acts 1:8 Jesus said, "But ye shall the church (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 14:15). not this doctrine, receive him not receive power, after that the Holy Dear reader, where do you into your house, neither bid him Ghost is come upon you: andye shall stand? Do you believe the God speed: For he that biddeth be witnesses unto me both in church/kingdom was established in him God speed is partaker ofhis Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and its fullness in 33 A.D.? If so, are you evil deeds" (2 John 9-11). Those in Samaria, and unto the uttermost "fighting the good fight offaith" to who do not oppose the agents of part ofthe earth." On the day of Pen maintain its purity (1 Tim. 6:12)? change are counted guilty of their tecost the Holy Spirit came upon Or, are you standing idle while such evil deeds. them. "And they were all filled with perverters of truth are ravaging the When an area congregation the Holy Ghost, and began to speak precious bride of Christ (cf. Matt. invites a false teacher or compro- 4/84 Seek The Old Paths - November 1997 miser (sympathizer) in to preach and you attend, you are guilty ofhis evil deeds. It matters not how long WHAT IS OUR GREAT OBJECTIVE? you have known the man, the church or the brethren there. Error James E. Farley is still error! To be faithful to God, we must oppose him and them and Recently I have been reading again the Hardeman Tabernacle Ser mons. These are a series of sermons preached by the late N. B. show the error of their ways. Blood Hardeman in Nashville, Tennessee in 1922, 1923, 1928, 1938 and may be thicker than water but it is 1945. The first four ofthe five series was held in the Ryman Auditorium in not thicker than Truth. The Truth is Nashville, and the last series was held at the War Memorial Building and thicker than kinship or friendship. the building of the Central Church of Christ in Nashville. I certainly rec To practice Bible fellowship and the ommend these volumes to all, for they can serve as a good help in our daily limits of fellowship won't make you walk as members of the body of Christ. These books can be a great help in popular with the compromisers converting the sinner. among us but it will with God. As I was reading from Volume IV, which is a record of the sermons Remember what Peter and the other that brother Hardeman preached from October 16-31, 1938,1 came across apostles said, "...We ought to obey a wonderful, thought provoking quote. It is from a sermon called, "7sChrist God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). I With Us?" He began by reading Luke 2:40-45. had rather receive the disapproval Brother Hardeman said, "Is it possible for us to pass on to the judg ofsome brethren "for a season" than ment and there to wake up, only to realize for the first time, as did his to be condemned by God for an eter mother at the close of the day, that Jesus Christ has not been with us all nity. the day. I am asking all of you brethren, what are all of our efforts about? Dear beloved brethren, wake up What are the congregations in the city of Nashville trying to do? Is it to before it's too late! organize or form some special organization unknown to the Bible? What is our purpose? If I can discern and properly understand it, our great objec tive,brethren, is to cut loose from tilingsofhuman relationsand hark back CONTRIBUTORS to Jerusalem, and there again, start out determined and firmly resolved to Anonymous, In memory of Howard Wamsley $25 make all things according to the pattern revealed in the New Testa Naomi Rieben $25 ment...." Ray L. Strickland $25 As I read those words, and contrast them with what is now happening Rocky and Christianne Craig $5 among us, even among "the congregations in the city of Nashville," I too Alfred H. Chetham $10 am made to ask (but for a different reason), "What are the congregations in GaryWilder $10 the city of Nashville trying to do? Is it to organize or form some special James and Marie Butler $25 Thelma Childress $10 organization unknown to the Bible? What is our purpose?" Quinton & Mclita Moss $5 When one looks at those who once seemed to be sound, but who are Harvey Justice $100 now espousing open fellowship with the sectarian churches, we can know Danville Church ofChrist, that these have failed to realize our real purpose, or they have abandoned Rienzi, MS $150 what they once held dear and have another purpose altogether now. When Chuck Pearson $30 we hear one of them say that he can "sing a capella while the instrument is Anonymous $10 Virgil Poe $25 playing," we must realize that this one has lost sight of our great objective, Jean Martin $10 not to mention his sense of logic! When we read that one of them (Max Canelle Threlkeld $25 Lucado) encourages people to "be baptized," but then adds, "But I don't Albert R. Hutchinson $10 want you to do any of that so that you will be saved. I want you to do all of Ruby C. Houston $25 that because you are saved," we must conclude that he has gone "out from Martin Bedford $50 Finger Church ofChrist, us." As 1 John 2:19 states, "They went out from us, but they were not ofus; Finger,TN $100 for ifthey had been ofus, they would no doubt have continued with us: but Central Academy Church they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of ofChrist, Batesville, MS $50 us." CharlesVerkist $30 Those like Rubel Shelly, Mike Cope, Max Lucado, etc. must be Anonymous $30 marked and avoided (Rom. 16:17)! They are not abiding in the doctrine of Seibles Road Church ofChrist, Montgomery, AL $300 Christ, they do not have God, and they must not be bid God speed (2 John James H. Heathcock $20 9-11). These cannot be said to be "disciples indeed," for they are obviously Mark and Linda Miller $25 not willing to continue in Christ's Word (John 8:31-32). Vergil Cretsinger $30 Brethren, when we were going "forward...back to Jerusalem" we were Stanley Shoun $20 growing. We were contrasting truth with error, the Bible with the creeds of CarlT. Bulluck $25 men, the church of Christ with sectarianism. People could readily see the L.O.Word $15 MaryLawrence $60 difference, and many of them left the errors of the denominations, repent Wards Chapel Church ofChrist, ing and becoming members of Christ's one body! Manchester, TN $25 Let us pray, plead for, weep for, and defend our great objective! Let us Merle Weatherford $10 call people back to the Bible, for "THE BIBLE ONLY, MAKES CHRIS Larry Benjamin $20 TIANS ONLY! Anonymous $20 197 Chapel Dr. Anonymous $10 Jim and Laura Parsley $50 Gallipolis, OH Dale Anne Broyles $10 DonaldR. McGuyer $20 November 1997 - Seek The Old Paths 5/85 "BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME, EVEN AS I AM OF CHRIST" James Fisher

In First Corinthians 11:1, Paul concerning a Baptist Church. That people can get 500 churches out of said, "Beye followers of me, even came about by man's own wisdom these few verses of scripture. Chris as I also am of Christ." To be a (Rom. 1:22). tians cannot be followers of Christ follower ofPaul is to be a follower of Paul explains in Romans 10:17 and be divided. Paul writes, "Let Christ as the above verse teaches. Is that "faith cometh by hearing and there be no divisions among you" (1 it possible then to be a follower of hearing by the word of God." In Cor. 1:10). To be divided is to dis Paul and also a follower of modern verse 14 he asks, "How shall they obey Christ. The Bible says Christ is religious institutions? If so, then of hear without a preacher?" Preaching the Savior of those who obey him what denomination was Paul? As is the means by which God makes (Heb. 5:9). the text explicitly states, Paul was a the Gospel known to men (1 Cor. There are many thousands who follower of Christ. Jesus was not a 1:18-21; Rom. 1:16). The church is to have given up their allegiances with Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, spread the gospel by this method, human organizations in favor of sim Catholic, or any other man-made but the church of the Bible is not ple New Testament Christianity. religious name found in the yellow known as the "Methodist Church." Our faith lies in the power and wis pages of the phone book. In the giving of the great com dom ofGod as expressed in his Word Jesus was not a part of any mission (Mark 16:15), Christ shows and not in the wisdom of men as denomination or sectarian group. As that the church will be universal, expressed in their divisions. Paul a follower of Christ, neither was "Goye into all the world and preach makes this clear when he says, Paul. If Christians are to follow 1 the Gospel to every creature." Howev "That your faith should not stand in Corinthians 11:1, then we cannot be er no command can be found to refer the wisdom ofmen, but in the power a follower of Paul and of these man- to the church as the "Catholic of God" (1 Cor. 2:5). The church made institutions at the same time. Church." exists only inasmuch as the pattern They were non-existent in Paul's These various names and titles exists. If one departs from the origi day. Even ifthey did exist, he would are not the will ofGod. Ifthey were, nal pattern, then one has departed have certainly condemned them one would have no difficulty whatev from the Lord's church. This pattern because they were not established by er locating them in the Bible, as the is clearly revealed in the New Testa Christ (Gal. 1:6-7). Bible is the expressed Will of God (2 ment. Would the apostles or any "...The disciples were called Peter 1:3). Paul says it is by the Christian of the first century recog Christians first in Antioch" (Acts scriptures "that the man ofGod may nize denominational churches today? 11:26). They were not known by sec be perfect, throughly furnished unto No, they would not. My friend, tarian names. Those who obey the all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). accept no substitutes! These institu Lord today are still called Christians Since these names and titles are tions are not the church ofthe Bible. because in this name only is God glo absent from the scriptures, they are Common logic alone proves this fact. rified (John 13:31). All other names not good works. Lest we forget, it These institutions never even exist and titles only serve to dishonor was Christ's blood that purchased ed when the New Testament was Christ (1 Cor. 3:3-4). Peter exhorts, the church (Acts 20:28) and it written. They had their beginning at "Yetifany man suffer as a Christian belongs exclusively to him. Paul the wrong places, at the wrong times let him not be ashamed, but let him affirms this when he penned, "The and by the wrong persons. glorify God on this behalf" (1 Peter churches ofChrist salute you" (Rom. The church of Christ is the only 4:16). It is not possible to glorify God 16:16). religious institution today that is in denominational names and titles. Paul was a follower of Christ molded exclusively after the original That is why Peter could say to the and a member of his church as the church in both doctrine and practice. Jews, "Neither is there salvation in Bible teaches. All the saved are Ifit is not in the scriptures, one will any other, for there is none other added to the church by the Lord not find it in the church ofChrist. To name under heaven given among himself. If you have obeyed the follow Christ is to follow his church men whereby we must be saved" Gospel (2 Thess. 1:8; John 8:24; Acts as Paul was a follower of Christ and (Acts 4:12). 2:38; Acts 8:37; Acts 22:16), then you his church. Peter declared, "If any The Bible teaches the church were added by the Lord to his man speak, let him speak as the ora had its beginning in Jerusalem on church (Acts 2:47) and not to a cles ofGod" (1 Peter 4:11). This time the first Pentecost following the res denomination. less command of our Lord is the urrection ofJesus. However, God did There is one body (Eph. 4:4). The highest rule for all lovers of the not see fit to call the church the body is the church (Eph. 1:22-23; truth ofGod's word (John 17:17). "Pentecostal Church." Col. 1:18,24). The body is of Christ 313 Hunting Rd. The Bible teaches water baptism (Col. 2:17). Christ is not divided (1 Franklin, LA 70538 in many places, yet nothing is said Cor. 1:13). It is amazing how some 6/86 Seek The Old Paths - November 1997 Tennessee, Digression and Foreign Missions Jim E. Waldron

My wife and I rejoice that in ering the featured speaker. Rubel 20:28) and He said, "he that April we were, after fifteen Shelly announced in March: "Best- believeth and is baptized shall be years, able to move back to selling author Max Lucado will be in saved" (Mark 16:16). our beloved Tennessee, which will Nashville on Tuesday, April 22, and Max has co-authored a book on now be our base for my work of I want you to have the chance to Easter with Billy Graham and oth training native Christians in other meet him. Max will speak at a ers (Yokefellow, Knight Arnold countries to reach their own with the dutch-treat luncheon for area minis Church of Christ, Memphis, Tenn, Gospel. Ofthe last 30 years we have ters that day at the Sheraton Music May & June, 1997). lived only five in Tennessee. Much of City." "Max will be speaking at the Max addresses Protestant cler the time we have lived overseas. new Nashville Arena on July, 2, 3, gymen as "Reverend," swaps pulpits I was born in Nashville in and 4 this year. He will be the night with them and promotes their cam November, 1935. I attended schools time keynote speaker at Jubilee '97, paigns. For example, on October 21, in Davidson, Rutherford and Coffee an annual event sponsored by 1996, the Oak Hills church conduct Counties. I finished high school at Churches of Christ. But we want to ed a "Crusade Information Seminar" Bellevue in Davidson County. Calvin spread the word by means of this in San Antonio in order to promote Parker baptized me in August, 1953, luncheon that Jubilee '97 is intended the Billy Graham crusade, which at West Nashville Heights. I for the larger Christian community was to be held this year in San Anto preached my first sermon at Old of Nashville." (Woodmont Hills' Let nio — April 3-6, 1997 (Ibid). Last Charlotte Road west of Nashville in ter, March, 11,1997). Fall our brother Lucado wrote in the June 1955, and began preaching reg Brother Lucado is a known Oak Hills Church bulletin about ularly at Five Points in Hickman writer who also preaches for the Oak Graham's upcoming crusade, "We County in 1956. I preached my first Hills Church of Christ in San Anto heartily urge you to support and gospel meeting at Crewstown near nio, Texas. However, besides work encourage this outreach any way Lawrenceville the same year. ing with the church of Christ, he is you can" (Nov. 10, 1996). The Holy My wife to be, Laura Gary, was also known for his work and co-oper Spirit has said, "have no fellowship born in a log cabin beside Plunders ation with various denominations. with the unfruitful works ofdark Creek on a Bon Aqua route in Hick He sometimes works with Catholic ness, but rather reprove them" (Eph. man County in July, 1939. She grew priests and even though Jesus com 5:11). Yet, Rubel Shelly, who himself up in Oak Ridge. We met at Lip manded that no one should call any works in harness with denomina scomb in 1957, and were married man "father" (Matt. 23:9), Max will tional clergy around Nashville, fea February 22,1958. use that title for priests when work tured Max Lucado at his 1997 While at Lipscomb I frequently ing with them. He also sings with Jubilee. Such men are working to heard the beloved Marshall Keeble their instrument (Behold The Pat restructure the church of our Lord preach in meetings for the Jackson tern, Goebel Music, Colleyville, TX, into a denomination. Street church. On one occasion in pp. 113-118) and has told the Oak The Spirit has also declared in Nashville in 1956,1 heard the vener Hills church, "many of you know I conjunction with the work of elders, able N. B. Hardeman speak. These have no trouble whatsoever with "there are many...whose mouths two are examples of giants in Ten using instruments in worship." must be stopped, who subvert whole nessee in this century who preached Yet, he doesn't always line up households, teaching things which the urgency of holding to God's pat with Catholics, for Max teaches they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake" tern for His church (2 Tim. 1:13) and Calvinism and John Calvin was a (Titus 1:10-11). Have you and will who stood like the Rock of Gibraltar Protestant. As an example of such you as an elder warn your flock for the one original church of Christ teaching, Max in his radio broadcast, against such false teachers? Space against all denominationalism. They called "Upwards" last December, fails me to tell how the books and maintained it was the kingdom fore 1996, over station KJAK from Lub tapes of Shelly and others with the told by our Lord and the prophets bock, taught Protestant false doc same liberal agenda are being dis (Matt. 16:16-19; Isa. 2:2-4; Dan. trine which says a sinner can pray tributed abroad among young Chris 2:40-44). Preaching in Nashville at through to salvation. He then tians. Just this year we have lost that time was done with boldness declared to the listeners: "I want to three men from the Bible School in and few if any in the church of encourage you to find a church, Kiev, Ukraine, due to such error. Christ did not know the difference ...to be baptized, ...to read your Beloved, I urge you to help stem this between it and any denomination. Bible. But I don't want you to do evil in our own beloved land. Now, it is different. For an any of that so that you will be (Jim Waldron serves under the uncertain sound has, for some years, saved. I want you to do that oversight of Frankie Boynton and been coming out of Nashville via because you are saved." Brother Barney Hollis, elders of the Dunlap what is called, Jubilee. This year, Lucado says this in spite of the fact church ofChrist, P.O. Box 123, Dun- 1997, was to be no different consid that Jesus died for the church (Acts lap, TN37327) November 1997 - Seek The Old Paths 7/87

Being one of the most popular ning, the preacher at Trinity Bap devotional writers in the LUCADO'S tist Church. It transpired as denominational world is no planned. Brother Darrell Conley small feat. To head the best-seller referred to this event as a "Tragedy list, one would have to write in such SECTARIAN in Sari Antonio," and rightly so! a way as to not offend, or convict Elder Benjamin Franklin spoke of anyone of sin. Basically, all one the sinfulness of exchanging pulpits would have to hold is a beliefin God CONNECTION with denominationalists, giving the and in Jesus. A church affiliation Steve Miller example between a gospel preacher might disturb some and keep them and a Roman priest. from laying down the cash to pur country: *We aren't the only Chris The book of God forbids the chase your books. So, one would tians, but we are Christians only.' saints from keeping company with never write in such a narrow fashion How about that for "unity in diversi such a man, or eating with him, or to as to teach that there is only one ty?" bid him God-speed. We can meet a true church; one baptism; that It is rather interesting that Romish priest and treat him as a cit church membership is essential to brother Lucado tells us that he met izen, ifhe is one, a neighbor, or gen salvation; that the New Testament with the elders of the Willow Creek tleman, but we do not know him as a is the pattern; and most of all, one Community Church and prayed with preacher ofJesus, or as a teacher of would never write the Bible only, them before he spoke. We wonder if saints, or as a Christian. He bears makes Christians only, and the only there were any women elders pre no such relations as these to us, and Christians. sent in these meetings? According to we recognize him in none of these Max Lucado, preacher at the Willow Creek's leading preacher, relations. (A Book OfGems, p. 209) Oak Hills Church of Christ in San Bill Hybels, "my daughter is 11 Brother Franklin viewed the sec Antonio, Texas, does not recognize years old, and it's great for her to see tarians correctly, non-Christians! To the lines of fellowship that God has women role models in the church. engage in fellowship with them, is drawn in the Bible. After all, when It's important to me that she knows having fellowship with the "unfruit one denies the Bible as the pattern, there can be a place for her in ful works ofdarkness" (Eph. 5:11). certainly, one can adjust the lines to church leadership some day, some Cases of joint fellowship with suit himself. Brother Lucado endors where" (Daily Herald, Suburban the sectarians by apostates have es the sectarians. He has done so for Living, Wednesday, May 18, 1988). taken place over the years in various quite a while. The same newspaper article reveals locations. Now that many brethren "another striking feature about Wil have rejected the Bible as a pattern, WILLOW CREEK low Creek is that women are in posi they have lost sight of the distinc COMMUNITY CHURCH tions of power. Three of the eight tiveness of the church of Christ. Toward the end of his article in church elders are women." Brother With no guide from heaven, no lines Wineskins, entitled, "ADream Worth Max, did a woman elder lead a of distinction, and no Bible authori Keeping Alive, Liking the Fruit But prayer for you? Do you also accept ty, men will seek fellowship with Not the Orchard" (January/Febru women in positions of power, or did anyone who claims to believe in God. ary, 1993. p. 17-20), Max Lucado you try to teach them out of their We cannot endorse Max Lucado reveals to his readers that he has errors? because the Bible forbids fellowship preached at the Willow Creek with false teachers (Titus 3:10). Community Church in Chicago. DENOMINATIONAL Christians must oppose heretics and ASSOCIATIONS Max describes this church as "an their influence. Lucado works immense non-denominational fellow Brother Lucado seems to have through his books, his speeches, and ship." Brother Lucado describes his no problem with preaching for and his association with various denomi experience with them as follows: fellowshipping denominations. He nations. He has his own Max Lucado "Each evening before the assembly a has spoken at St. John Neumann video series and is even getting into group of elders would meet to pray Church, Trinity Church Family congregations via the video series with me. I asked the elders to tell Center, First Presbyterian "Raising Faithful Kids in a Fast- me about themselves. 1 used to be a Church (See Behold The Pattern, Paced World" by Paul Faulkner. Baptist, but now I'm just a Christ Goebel Music, p. 113-127), and the Departing from the faith happens ian,' one shared. 'I grew up a Willow Creek Community Church. over a period of time, and faithful Methodist,' stated another, Taut now brethren have seen it coming for I'm simply a believer.' 'I was Dutch- UNITY DAY WITH years. Many bright, talented gospel Reformed,' said a third, 'but now I THE BAPTIST CHURCH preachers leave the faith once deliv just follow Jesus.' And this went on Brother Lucado continues his ered to the saints and embrace mod around the table. Both nights. And associations with the denomination ernism and liberalism. These factors both nights I thought to myself, al world. In the March 25, 1995, have contributed to the reality that That's our line!' That's what we in issue of the San Antonio Express- the churches ofChrist are experienc churches of Christ are supposed to News, was an article announcing a ing a major division within her say. What I heard in Chicago must "Unity day" on April 2, 1995. This ranks. have been akin to what early event was a pulpit swap between 13 Preston Estates restorationists heard all around the Max Lucado and Rev. Buckner Fan Paintsville, KY 41240 8/88 Seek The Old Paths - November 1997

"Receive your Seek The means you DO HIS WILL. Jesus said, "Ifye love me, keep my com Old Paths and enjoy it mandments" (John 14:15). "Hethat hath my commandments, and keep- very much. Thanks so eth them, he it is that loveth me:... Ifa man love me, he will keep my much for sticking right with words:... He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings..." (John the Bible" ...Charles Barnes, 14:21,23-24). "Yeare my friends, ifye do whatsoever I command you" Crossville, TN. "I truly enjoy (John 15:14). "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things •the articles for they are very which I say" (Luke 6:46)?What is so often pawned offas "love" today is 1scriptural andhelpful tome. not love at all. Love demands obedience. If all the confusion in the God bless you in this great church today were simply over different methods ofcarrying out God's S.EEK T.HE O.LD P.JHBS work" ...Barbara Johnson, commands, then I concur that we ought to cease immediately, apolo Lyons, GA. "I have been gize and repent. However, we are not examining authorized "meth receiving and enjoying it very much" ...Charles Dyer, Louisville, KY. "I ods," we are examining false teaching and false practices (methods). request that my name be taken off your mailing list. Thanks in All that we do must be authorized by God (Col. 3:17). I honestly cannot advance for your prompt attention" ...Scott Pagel, Joplin, MO. Thanks comprehend anyone who does not love the Lord enough to obey Him. I for sending me Seek The Old Paths" ...Earl Claud, Dover, TN. "A sis imagine such folks would not even oppose the devil. They would think ter in Christ brought Seek The Old Paths to church and asked if I that would be bashing him. Isaiah was told to "spare not* (Isa. 58:1). would like to read it I read the June 1997 issue and enjoyed it very Was Jesus bashing those whom he called blind, blind guides, hyp much. Please put me on your mailing list" ...Ernest Don Neil, Brandon, ocrites and fools (Matt 23:16ff)? Paul speaks about those who are ene MS. "We enjoy Seek The Old Paths each month. May God bless you mies of "thecross of Christ: Whoseend is destruction, whose God is in your work and for standing up against false doctrine" ...Myles & their belly, and whoseglory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" Nina Clement, Duck Hill, MS. "I received the April issue ofyour publi (Phil. 3:19). I pray more would repent and turn to LOVE the Lord. — cation and enjoyed and benefitted greatly from it as it was sent to me editor]. "Please keep up the good work" ...Donald McGuyer, Shefped, by my dear friend and Bible instructor, Mr. W. F. Parker* ...Scott Gift, AL. "We enjoy and appreciate the articles" ...Rose Ulrey, Ashland City, Carson City, NV. "We have received some copies of your fine paper. TN. "Please send the publication to us. I believe it will be a big help to Appreciate the "sound doctrine" therein. God bless you and your co us as we earnestly contend for the faith once delivered. Thank you workers. Keep on keeping on. Have been preaching for more than 80 very much" ...Wynell Freeman, Lamesa, TX. "We thank you very years. Will soon be 93 years ofage, wife will soon be 90. We both are in much" ...James Norman, Montgomery, AL. "I appreciate getting Seek ill-health. Wife is under the treatment ofthree different doctors. I have The Old Paths. Keep up the good work" ...Louise Welch, Union City, been confined to a wheel chair and that has been going on for 3-4 years TN. "I enjoy SeekThe Old Paths. I reread it and I read my Bible day with no sign of relief. I am writing sermon books. May God bless you in and night. Wonderful to read and when one reads it with their eyes our good work. Command us if we may lend our helping hand. Your open they know it is true. Why they don't is beyond me. Sept 30 Fll be fellow servant in Christ" ...Ector Watson, Cleveland, OK. "Enjoy read 99" ...W. H. Dell, Tupelo, MS. ing Seek The Old Paths each month" ...Don Curtis, Killen, AL. "I appreciate the information contained within your paper. There are not many papers in the brotherhood that will take on some of the topics that you have (women translators, etc.). Keep up the good work and Seek The Old Paths is a monthly publication of the East Corinth Godbless you" ...James Rennaker, Deport, TX."Thank you so much for Church of Christ and is under the oversight of its elders. It is sending the old issues ofSeekThe Old Paths. I will putthem to good mailed FREE upon request. Its primary purpose and goal in publi use. We thank God for the Kissimmee Church ofChrist and their firm cation can be found in Jude 3; II Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:13;Titus 2:1; stand for the truth. It's like a breath of fresh air to hear the truth II Peter 1:12. All mail received may be published unless otherwise explained so clear after being in a denomination most of my life and noted. Articles are also welcomed. hearing lame sermons with weak reasoning, never a clear answer to Editor: Garland M. Robinson /Associate Editor: Jimmy Bates my questions. Your papers that I've been privileged to share from oth ers have been a big help for private study and trying to show others http://www.tsixroads.com/~ecorinth the truth. Thank you again" ...Howard & Marion Stark, Kissimmee, FL. "First of all, I want to compliment you on your paper, Seek The Old Paths. It is excellent and I appreciate receiving it, very much. Thanking you in advance and bidding you God's speed in your work" ...V. W. Harris, Louisville, KY. "I have enjoyed reading S.T.OJ*. Con Corinth,MS tinue this goodwork. I have enclosed a check to help with the postage. Permit253No. Thank you" ..Asbury Williams, Madison, GA "Enclosed please find a PAID check to help with your mailing" ...Connie Jarrell, Bidwell, OH. "I PostageU.S. would like to thank you for the bulletins and lectureship books. Keep CORINTH,38834-5108MS 1801CRUISEST. up the goodwork*...BenPorter, Davison, MI. "Thank you for sending Org.Non-Profit me Seek The Old Paths. I appreciate you standing for the truth of God'sway. Continue to fully complywith Romans 16:17-18* ...DonShi CORINTHEASTOFCHRISTCHURCH fted, Irondale, AL. "You are doing a good job.We need more preachers like you, not to hold back the truth as some preachers do" ...Silver Point, TN. "I thank you all for the good work that you do with Seek The Old Paths. It is needed and helpful. Charles Pledge'sgoodarticle "A Man That is an Heretic" was EXCELLENT! Much needed! In the same issue, Jimmie Hill had a very good article concerning Romans 16:17. I am enclosing a small donation to help you with expenses. I know how expensive it can be. Keep up the good work, brother. I am constantly praying for you and all who will remain faithful" ...James Farley, Gallipolis, OH. "After reading your bulletin I feel that it is nothing but a bashing magazine against people who love Christ but just don't preach the gospel the way you do. I don't think they are preachingfalsethings, I believethey just have a more exciting method of getting the message across. No where in my bible do I read that you must not be excited about spreading God's word. I have been a mem ber ofthe Church ofChrist all of my life, I am the daughter of an elder and am appalled that there are peoplewho would publicly bash people who love the Lord! We would love to help with your mounting bulletin expenses, please remove me and my family from your mailing list" ...Daryl & Patti Conner, Shamrock, TX. [NOTE: To "love Christ"