Vol. 9, No. 5 May 1998

>.. J .M„.....UU,,11.«J*...Jl.JJ-LII^W^^,. UMJJi.:MkMM«m^lM^L^,», MnMHIIIiMMWigiUm SUNSET SCHOOL OF PREACHING AND TERRY RUSH Tommy J. Hicks When Cline Paden, Richard Rogers, and Ted Stewart endorsed Terry Rush's book, The Holy Spirit Makes No Earthly Sense, they endorsed Rush's false doctrines ofi "Christ was only a man" (Adoptionism), "Direction Operation ofthe Holy Spirit,9' "Divine Illumination ofthe Scriptures," and "Law verses Spirit" Doctrinally sound men do not endorse false doctrines!

Not only do I urge you to read Terry Rush, in his book The Holy especially Ted Stewart of the Sunset the book Divorce & Remar Spirit Makes No Earthly Sense, School of Preaching gave sugges riage by Truman Scott and taught (teaches) very serious doctri tions to improve the phrasing of the Wayne Jackson, there is another nal error?'' manuscript." According to this, the book that reveals a great deal about If brother Rush did teach false afore mentioned Sunset brethren not how Sunset personnel stand regard doctrines in that book (and he most only endorsed Rush's book, they ing false doctrine. Before I give the certainly did), then why did Cline helped him write it. There are no title of the book, I want to pose some Paden write the "Introduction" for warnings, no disclaimers, no state questions. the book? Why would Richard ments of disagreement, no expressed Question One: "Do doctrinally Rogers endorse the book, saying reservations to be found in Paden's sound elders, preachers, and teach that it is, "An unusual, practical, "Introduction" to, or in brethren ers in schools of preaching endorse challenging book. I found it highly Rogers and Stewart's endorsements and help in the spread of false doc provocative and useful" (back cover of Rush's book. None of these trines!" NO! (1 Tim. 4:1-6,16; Titus ofthe first edition ofthe book). brethren can rightfully claim that 1:9-13; Rom. 16:17; Eph. 5:11). It is Another endorsement on the they "endorsed the man, not the wrong, sinful for anyone, even if he back of the book reads, "Terry book." In their remarks, they disagrees with a false and Rush's book on the Holy Spirit is endorsed the book; therefore, they the false teacher's doctrines to give thought provoking, exciting, encour endorsed (without expressing a sin encouragement to the false teacher aging, edifying and challenging. gle word of disagreement) the false and, in any way, aid him in spread Every Christian can derive great doctrines contained within the book. ing his false doctrine. "For he that spiritual benefit by reflecting on the They became and are partakers of biddeth him God speed is partaker of ideas presented in this study." the false doctrines in the book. Doc his evil deeds'' (2 John 11). — Ted Stewart, Chairman, School trinally sound men do not endorse Question Two (this question is of Missions/Graduate, Sunset School and help to spread false doctrines. / specifically for brethren Cline ofPreaching. respectfully challenge brethren Paden, Richard Rogers, Ted Stewart, On the "Acknowledgments" page Sunset's elders, and all of the faculty of his book, Rush thankfully noted, (Continued on page 4) members at SIBI): "Do you deny that "Cline Paden, Richard Baggett, and Sunset and Terry Rush...

..JT •— 2/34 Seek The Old Paths - May 1998

God's grace in saving sin ners as being "efficacious," "invincible," or "irresistible," for the grace which the Holy Spirit extends to the elect cannot be thwarted or refused, it never fails to bring them to true faith in Christ, (p.49) Garland M: Robinson The basic point ofthis false doc trine is that a person must wait for a special working of grace to come To speak of the "Doctrine of they are by nature, to grace upon him from God. Proponents of Irresistible Grace" does not and salvation by this doctrine say this .comes as the imply at all that it is a Bible Christ; enlightening their result of the direct operation of the doctrine; on the contrary, it is a doc minds spiritually and sav Holy Spirit upon the heart of an trine of man, not God. It is one of ingly, to understand the individual which illuminates his five doctrines that have come to be things of God; taking away soul to be able to understand the identified by the word T-U-L-I-P. their heart ofstone, and giv spiritual things of God which no The five are: ing them a heart of flesh; man can know without the Spirit's T— Total Hereditary Depravity renewing their wills, and by special presence. U— Unconditional Predestina His almighty power deter The doctrine ofIrresistible Grace tion (election) mining them to Jesus is demanded by the very nature of L— Limited Atonement Christ, yet so as they come the doctrine of Total Hereditary I— Irresistible Grace most freely, being made will Depravity. Since this system teaches P— Perseverance ofthe Saints ing by His grace. "This effec that all men are totally depraved John Calvin (1509-1564), a tual call is ofGod's free and (sinners from birth), they cannot do reformer in Switzerland in the six special grace alone, not from anything to be saved nor can they teenth century, is the man who is any thing at all foreseen in even decide, on their own, to be credited as the father of the TULIP man, who is altogether pas saved. This idea, then, must be cir doctrine. His works are abundant sive therein, until, being cumvented or by-passed. Such is and wide-spread. His influence has quickened and renewed by accomplished, as Calvinism believes, swept the world of Christendom the Holy Spirit, he is thereby by God'sIrresistible Grace. Once God (denominationalism) today in that enabled to answer this call, works on an individual's heart, they most churches teach at least one or and to embrace the grace believe, he no longer has any choice more of his doctrines. Hardly is offered and conveyed by it. in the matter but to be saved. There there a place where his influence (The Reformed Doctrine of fore, those who have been selected has not gone. Predestination, Loraine by God to be saved, cannot overcome Sad, but true, some ofthese doc Boettner, p.162) this influence and will yield to it trines have found fertile soil among regardless of their own desire. That some in the . A In the book, The Five Points of is why it is irresistible! growing idea now among an ever Calvinism, Defined, Defended, Docu increasing number fits in well with mented, published by the Presbyter CONSEQUENCES the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. ian and Reformed Publishing Com Proof of this claim will be estab pany, we read: Surely, even the casual reader lished in a future article. Our point will recognize the consequences of in this short review is to identify Although the general out such a far-fetched doctrine. This what the doctrine is and destroy it ward call of the gospel can makes man a mere robot! He is a with the power ofGod's Word. be, and often is, rejected, the machine that can only do what it special inward call of the has been programmed to do. If one DEFINITION Spirit never fails to result in has been predetermined (predesti the conversion of those to nated) to be lost, he can do absolute The Westminster Confession whom it is made. This spe ly nothing to be saved — even if he states the doctrine as: cial call is not made to all desires to. But, on the other hand, if sinners but is issued to the one has been predetermined to be All those whom God has pre elect only! The Spirit is in no saved, there is absolutely nothing he destinated unto life, and way dependent upon their can do to be lost — even ifhe desires those only, He is pleased, in help or cooperation for suc to. This latter point necessitates the His appointed and accepted cess in His work of bringing doctrine of "once saved always time, effectually to call, by them to Christ. It is for this saved" or as they call it, Persever His Word and Spirit, out of reason that Calvinists speak ance of the Saints. This doctrine is that state of death, in which of the Spirit's call and of absurd! May 1998 - Seek The Old Paths 3/35

REFUTED gospel is unproductive and worth did he testify and exhort, saying, less! But, that is not what God says Save yourselves from this unto Such a system removes from an concerning the Word. We read that ward generation" (Acts 2:38,40). individual the power of choice. "...it is the power of God unto salva Those to whom Peter preached could Joshua made it plain in the long ago, tion to every one that believeth; to the save "themselves" by obeying the "And ifit seem evil unto you to serve Jew first, and also to the Greek" gospel. Calvinism teaches that men the LORD, choose you this day (Rom. 1:16). Paul said, "For the cannot save themselves, that salva whom ye will serve; whether the preaching ofthe cross is to them that tion is totally dependent upon God gods which your fathers served that perish foolishness; but unto us which and that men are passive regarding were on the other side ofthe flood, or are saved it is tlte power of God. For their own salvation. If this is so, the gods of the Amorites, in whose it is written, I will destroy the wis Peter lied! land ye dwell: but as for me and my dom of the wise, and will bring to Paul said, "Wherefore, my house, we will serve the LORD" nothing the understanding of the beloved, as ye have always obeyed, (Josh. 24:15). The people could prudent. Where is the wise? where is not as in my presence only, but now choose to follow God or not. The the scribe? where is the disputer of much more in my absence, work out choice was theirs. this world? hath not God made fool your own salvation with fear and Jesus presented the apostles ish the wisdom of this world? For trembling" (Phil. 2:12). Ifsalvation is with a choice in John 6:67 when he after that in the wisdom of God the all God's part, how could the Philip- said, "...Will ye also go away?" They world by wisdom knew not God, it pian brethren work it out? could have left the Lord then and pleased God by the foolishness of John wrote, "Blessed are they there! It was their choice. preaching to save them that believe" that do his commandments, that they Many at Antioch in Pisidia exer (1 Cor. 1:18-21). may have right to the tree oflife, and cised their freedom of choice when The Word of God is powerful! may enter in through the gates into they judged themselves unworthy of "For the word of God is quick, and the city" (Rev. 22:14). Upon what everlasting life (Acts 13:46). Again, powerful, and sharper than any conditions may one have a right to it was their choice. This principle is twoedged sword, piercing even to the the tree oflife and enter that eternal stated in Romans 6:16, "Know ye dividing asunder of soul and spirit, city? Those who obey God by doing not, that to whom ye yield yourselves and ofthe joints and marrow, and is his commandments have that right. servants to obey, his servants ye are a discerner of the thoughts and Jesus, likewise, spoke ofthe necessi to whom ye obey; whether ofsin unto intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). ty of each person's responsibility in death, or ofobedience unto righteous Peter said that a purified soul comes Matthew 7:21-23, "Notevery one that ness?" It is understood that each one as a result of "obeying the truth" — saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall (even Christians, vs.3-6) has the the Word of God. "Seeing ye have enter into the kingdom ofheaven; but ability to serve evil or serve good. purified your souls in obeying the he that doeth the will of my Father The choice is mine. The choice is truth..." (1 Peter 1:22). The Truth is which is in heaven. Many will say to yours. the Word of God. Therefore, to obey me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we The great commission demands the truth is to obey the teaching of not prophesied in thy name? and in the gospel be preached to every the truth — the Word. But, this doc thy name have cast out devils? and human. "And he said unto them, Go trine says one cannot know nor obey in thy name done many wonderful ye into all the world, and preach the the truth even if he wanted to with works? And then will I profess unto gospel to every creature. He that out first receiving the working of the them, I never knew you: depart from believeth and is baptized shall be Holy Spirit and His irresistible me, ye that work iniquity." Those saved; but he that believeth not shall grace. Jesus said in contrast to this who do the will of the Father, and be damned" (Mark 16:15-16). If the doctrine, "...Ifye continue in my no other, enter the kingdom of heav doctrine of Irresistible Grace be true, word, then are ye my disciples en. the preaching of the gospel would be indeed; And ye shall know the truth, void! If God has eternally elected and the truth shall make you free" CONCLUSION certain ones to be saved and certain (John 8:31-32). ones to be lost, then why should we Jesus lays the burden upon The doctrine ofIrresistible Grace preach with such urgency? If an every hearer ofhis word to obey. "He is from man, not God. It, along with individual must wait on the direct that rejecteth me, and receiveth not those who propagate and follow it operation of the Holy Spirit to my words, hath one that judgeth will crumble in eternal destruction. bestow grace on his heart, then the him: the word that I have spoken, the It is a great enemy of truth and preaching of the gospel wouldn't do same shalljudge him in the last day" righteousness. It is now lifting its any good anyway. (John 12:48). Everyone is to hear the ugly head among our brethren. Will Their system says, "this effectu word and obey. But Calvinism says you fight it or let it run its deadly al call is of God's free and special that only those who are "zapped" by course? Observe what Solomon grace alone, not from any thing at God can obey. The rest have no wrote in the long ago, "Buy the truth, all foreseen in man, who is altogeth chance or choice in the matter. and sell it not; also wisdom, and er passive therein, until, being On Pentecost in Acts 2, Peter instruction, and understanding" quickened and renewed by the Holy taught that all men must "...repent (Prov. 23:23). Spirit." If man is altogether pas and be baptized...for the remission of Next month we will show evi sive regarding salvation, then the sins...And with many other words dence ofthis doctrine among us. 4/36 Seek The Old Paths - May 1998

Sunset and Terry Rush... Earthly Sense, they endorsed Rush's Holy Spirit "empowers" him to do so (Continued from page 1) false doctrine of "Adoptionism." Doc by "opening" his mind and heart to trinally sound men do not endorse receive it. Rush expressed, "It is my Paden, Rogers, and Stewart to deny false doctrines. observation that without the Holy that this book, a book they endorsed, Spirit the Bible only makes earthly contains numerous, serious false doc DIRECT OPERATION OF THE HOLY sense" (page 14). To this he added, "I trines. It contains too many false SPIRIT am thoroughly persuaded that the doctrines for us to consider them all Scriptures become nothing more in this publication; however, we will Rush teaches the false doctrine than a book of 'blah' if we are not note four ofthem. of the "Direct Operation of the Spirit led" (page 14). Holy Spirit" in his book, The Holy If the Bible "only makes earthly CHRIST WAS ONLY A MAN Spirit Makes No Earthly Sense. As sense," without the leading of the mentioned, Hightower called it a Spirit, what of the unconverted? Brother R. L. Popejoy wrote, "If "perverted view ofthe Spirit's opera What of "free will." Clearly, Rush's there is a false doctrine in the reli tion." Speaking of the Holy Spirit, false doctrine is more in line with gious world, our brethren will begin Rush expressly stated, "With him, Calvinism than it is with the Bible. to clamor to it. Terry Rush in his we gain strength — invisible, direct Whatever "spirit" it is that is leading book, The Holy Spirit Makes No strength (emphasis mine, TJH) — to Rush to understand the Bible as he Earthly Sense, advocates Adoption- do kingdom work" (page 74). Besides does certainly is not the Holy Spirit. ist Christology" (Firm Foundation, direct strength, Rush implied that Contrary to Rush's false doc October 1995, p.16). the Spirit provides the Christian trine, the Bible does not need illumi Speaking of this same book, with direct divine revelation. He nating. It is the Bible that does the brother Terry Hightower penned, declared on page 70, "Christians are "illuminating." It is the light that "As incredible as it sounds, from his led by the Spirit conclusively in that shows men God's will. Thy word is a perverted view of the Spirit's opera we are able to see secret signals" lamp unto my feet, and a light unto tion, Terry Rush sets forth a form of (emphasis mine, TJH). my path" (Psalm 119:105; cf. Isa. the 'Adoptionism' heresy which Throughout his book, Rush 8:20). Paul taught, "But ifour gospel holds that Jesus was merely a falsely teaches that Christians can be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: human during the early years of his do only what the Holy Spirit directly In whom the god of this world hath life" (Studies in Ephesians, 1997 "empowers" them to do. If that were blinded the minds of them which Denton Lectures, page 191). true, Christians would have no "free believe not, lest the light ofthe glori Though he at times attempts to will." The concluding sentence ofhis ous gospel of Christ, who is the buffer the full impact ofthis hideous book serves as a "parting shot" image of God, should shine unto doctrine, no one can successfully against those who do not agree with them" (2 Cor. 4:3-4; cf. 2 Tim. 1:10). deny that Rush teaches a form of his "Direct Operation of the Holy When brethren Paden, Rogers, "Adoptionism" (between his birth Spirit" doctrine. His last words were, and Stewart endorsed The Holy and his , Christ was nothing "May we be as committed to telling Spirit Makes No Earthly Sense, they more than and was only a human neighbors about Jesus, as we have endorsed the false doctrine "that being). Concerning Jesus, on page been to telling ourselves that the without the Holy Spirit the Bible 28, Rush said, "He was emptied of Spirit does not work within us" only makes earthly sense...that the being on the level...of the nature of (page 126). Scriptures become nothing more the invisible God" (emphasis mine, When brethren Paden, Rogers, than a book of 'blah' if we are not TJH). On page 48, he wrote, "Jesus and Stewart endorsed The Holy Spirit led." Now, if brethren Paden, was totally human." When Jesus Spirit Makes No Earthly Sense, they Rogers, and Stewart do not believe was baptized, Rush stressed, "The endorsed the false doctrine of the this false doctrine, why did they Spirit moved toward the 'Word- "Direct Operation of the Holy Spir endorse it? Why are they encourag became-flesh' and immediately it it." (I am not speaking of the Holy ing its spread? was declared that Jesus is God's Spirit's work in "providence." I am Son" (page 18). Having taught a speaking of the Holy Spirit working LAW AND SPIRIT variation on the false doctrine of directly, without a medium, upon "Adoptionism" throughout his book, the Christian.) Doctrinally sound Interestingly, Rush taught the Rush seems to have reached a cli men do not endorse false doctrines false doctrine ofthe mutual exclusiv max on page 124 with, "Jesus set the such as the "Direct Operation of the ity of "law" and "Spirit" in his book, pace. He never misstepped. He was Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit Makes No Earthly as common as a Missouri farmer. He Sense. Knowing what is taught at was as good as a New fish DIVINE ILLUMINATION Sunset relative to "law" and "grace," erman. And until he linked with the it does not surprise me that brethren Spirit of the Father, he was only a Another false doctrine Rush Paden, Rogers, and Stewart would man." That is blatant, soul-damning teaches, in The Holy Spirit Makes endorse a false doctrine on the doctrinal error. No Earthly Sense, is the doctrine of mutual exclusivity of the "law" and When Cline Paden, Richard "Divine Illumination." This false doc the "Spirit." Rogers, and Ted Stewart endorsed trine claims that a man cannot Without mincing words, Rush the book, The Holy Spirit Makes No understand the Bible unless the asserts, "Spirit and law don't mix" May 1998 - Seek The Old Paths 5/0037

(page 38). Rush sees it as "Law ver some may choose to deny it, it is either. There is evidence (letters, sus Spirit" (page 60). On page 63, because ofmy love for the school and books, testimony of Sunset alumni) Rush wrote, "God and sin do not co for Paden that I write these things. verifying everything I have said. exist; nor do Spirit and law." It is because of my love for the souls That evidence is available to you. Brethren, do not be misled into of men and for the truth that will Get the evidence. Sift through it for thinking that Rush is just consider save those souls that, until Sunset yourself. Check what I have written ing the "Law of Moses" when he says "cleans house," getting rid of the against that evidence. Then, draw "Spirit and law don't mix" or they do false doctrines and provides a facul your own conclusions. not co-exist (as might be considered ty that genuinely possesses "intellec The books mentioned in this from 2 Cor. 3). Rush includes "any tual integrity," I will continue to sin series can be purchased at a book and all law" in his statements dis cerely urge brethren — DO NOT store operated by brethren, through daining "law." SEND FINANCIAL SUPPORT OR Wayne Jackson, or through Ted Heretic liberals hate "law." They STUDENTS TO SUNSET. Stewart. You may contact me for deny it. They reject it. They con My final plea is, please do not copies of the letters I quoted (send a demn "law" and anyone who teaches take "my word" for any of the things 52 cent stamped, self-addressed that New Testament Christians live I have written in this three part envelope). under "law." Be that as it may, Paul series (Dec/97, Mar/98, May/98). By P.O. Box 64430 taught that "Spirit" and "law" do that same token, please do not take Lubbock, 79464 mix, that it is "law" and "Spirit" the word of the brethren at Sunset (rather than "Law versus Spirit" a la Rush), and that "law" and "Spirit" do co-exist. More than that, Paul taught that the Spirit has a law. He said, "For the law of the Spirit of WHY IS THE GOSPEL life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law ofsin and death" SO SPECIAL? (Rom. 8:2). If Rush's false doctrine were true — that it is "Law versus Roger D. Campbell Spirit" — then it would also be true that it is "Christ versus Spirit" After Jesus rose from the dead, special? Because Jesus Christ is the because Christ has a "law." he commanded his apostles, source of it! Peter also wrote, "But Galatians 6:2 commands, "Bear "Go ye into all the world and the word of the Lord endureth for ye one another's burdens, and so ful preach the gospel to every creature" ever. And this is the word which by fil the law ofChri8t." Not only is (Mark 16:15). Jesus wants his disci the gospel is preached unto you" (1 the "law" Christians live under ples to continue to preach the gospel Peter 1:25). The gospel is from the called the "law of the Spirit" and the until he comes again (Matt. 28:19- Lord, not men. "law of Christ," it is also called "law 20). That is plain. But why is the 2. The Gospel Is True/Truth. of faith" (Rom. 3:27), the "law of gospel so special? It is special We would expect this to be true, love" (Rom. 13:10), the "law of liber because... because it came from God, and it is ty" (James 1:25), and the "royal law" 1. The Gospel Came From impossible that God should lie (Heb. (James 2:8). God. When Paul wrote a letter to 6:18). Jesus prayed to the Father, Why do brethren Paden, Rogers, the church in Thessalonica, he "Sanctify them through thy truth, and Stewart endorse this heretical reminded them, "Because we would thy word is truth" (John 17:17). book that teaches this false doctrine not be chargeable unto any ofyou, we Thus, God's word is our truth. Jesus (the mutual exclusivity of "law" and preached unto you the gospel ofGod" promised the apostles that after his "Spirit") when the Scriptures teach (1 Thess. 2:9). How does he further ascension the Holy Spirit would so clearly that "law" and "Spirit" are describe the message that he come to them and guide them into not mutually exclusive? preached to them? "For this cause all truth (John 16:13-14). Again, the also thank we God without ceasing, apostles' message that they CONCLUSION because, when ye received the word preached and wrote was not their of God which ye heard of us, ye own, but it came from heaven Brethren, these are not the received it not as the word of men, through the Son and Spirit. Unlike words of a vengeance seeking, unlov but as it is in truth, the word ofGod" books written by men, in the gospel ing, disgruntled person. I take no (1 Thess. 2:13). Thus, the gospel there are no contradictions. Not one! delight in writing these things about which he preached to them was the For that truth, many apostles and my alma mater. No matter what word of God. How did Paul get that disciples suffered and died. We must anyone thinks or says, I love Cline message from the Lord? He wrote, be ready to do the same. "Buy the Paden. I love Sunset. Because of all "But I certify you, brethren, that the truth and sell it not" (Prov. 23:23). the good the school and Paden have gospel which was preached of me is 3. The Gospel Is All-sufficient done for me, I will be forever in their not after man. For I neither received For Man's Spiritual Needs. "All debt. I pray for them every day. My it ofmen, neither was I taught it, but Scripture is given by inspiration of desire is that everyone reading these by the revelation of Jesus Christ" God, and is profitable for doctrine, words will pray for them. Though (Gal. 1:11-12). Why is the gospel so for reproof, for correction, for instruc- 6/38 Seek The Old Paths - May 1998

tion in righteousness. That the man said that it is sufficient (2 Tim. 3:16- word, the gospel. When one hears ofGod may beperfect, throughly fur 17; Rom. 1:16). Whom shall we the gospel and receives its message nished unto all good works" (2 Tim. believe? Should we not rejoice to by being baptized in water for the 3:16-17). The Scriptures can cause a know that Jehovah has given all remission of sins, then he becomes a person to be complete before the men in every generation the same child of God. God did this through God of heaven. Is that not our message? the gospel, which is the seed that desire, to be complete beforeour God 5. God Calls Men Through brings forth fruit (Luke 8:11 — "The and please our Creator? God's word The Gospel. God calls men. That is seed is the word ofGod.") is sufficient to make us such a per a fact. He calls men out of darkness The power of the Lord's spoken son! To the elders from Ephesus into the light of his dear Son (1 words is seen from many Bible Paul said, "/ commend you to God, Peter 2:19). He calls men into his examples. He created the world by and to the word of his grace, which kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2:12). his word (Heb. 11:3), raised Lazarus is able to build you up, and to give But how does he do that? "Where- from the dead by his word (John 11), you an inheritance among all them unto he called you by our gospel, to calmed a storm by his word (Mark which are sanctified" (Acts 20:32). the obtaining ofthe glory ofour Lord 4), and did many other great mira God's word which Paul preached, Jesus Christ" (2 Thess. 2:14). That is cles through the power of his spoken the gospel, has the power to save the Holy Spirit's answer: God calls word. His written word also possess our souls. "For I am not ashamed of men through the gospel. Thus, his es great power, as it is written in the gospel of Christ; for it is the calling is not direct, but indirect, Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God power ofGod unto salvation to every through the message of the gospel. is quick and powerful, and sharper one that believeth; to the Jew first, Paul shows that one can call on the than any twoedged sword." and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16). name of the Lord and be saved only Why is the message so special? In the gospel God gives us "all after he has heard and believed the We have noted six basic reasons why things that pertain unto life and gospel message. His conclusion? "So it is a unique and essential message: godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). then faith cometh by hearing, and it is special because it came from 4. The Gospel Is Unchanging. hearing by the word of God" (Rom. God, it is true, it is all-sufficient for The gospel message is the same now 10:17). Notice this fact: in every con man's spiritual needs, it is unchang as it was in the first century. It will version recorded in the book of Acts, ing, through it God calls men, and continue to be the same, and it will there was preaching, hearing, through it God begets and saves continue to be the message that believing, and obeying the gospel. men. Let us never be ashamed ofthe man must obey even until the Lord Thus, no preaching means no calling gospel of Jesus Christ, but rather Jesus comes again. Peter described of men, which means no salvation! thank God for it, live according to it, the gospel, saying, "...the word of God calls men only through the pre and tell others of the salvation and God, which liveth and abideth for cious gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus, great joy that they also can have by ever...but the word of the Lord we must peach it so that men can be receiving it! endureth forever. And this is the saved from their sins! P.O. Box 828 word which by the gospel is 6. God Begets Men Through 67 Kiev 252067 Ukraine preached unto you" (1 Peter 1:23, The Gospel. God does not want any 25). God's word, the gospel, lives. It person to perish, but rather desires will abide forever, that is, until that all come to repentance (2 Peter Jesus comes again. Jesus promised 3:9). He wants every person to be CONTRIBUTORS his disciples that he would be with saved (1 Tim. 2:4). Jesus explained Mae Hancock $10 them as they went and taught his to Nicodemus that a person must be Jean Ware $10 word, even until the end of the born again, that is, be born of the world (Matt. 28:20). The faith or water and of the Spirit, in order to Addie B. Long $25 gospel was completely given in the enter the kingdom of God (John West Jefferson first century. Remember, the Holy 3:3,5,7). How does God beget a per Church ofChrist, Spirit guided the apostles into ALL son, or how does he cause one to be West Jefferson, NC $50 truth (John 16:13). If all spiritual born again? James 1:18 says, "Ofhis MZMJames W. Robbins $20 truth was not given to mankind own will beget he us with the word of through the apostles in the first cen truth." To the church at Corinth Everett and Colleen Anderson ....$10 tury, then Jesus is a liar! Jude Paul said, "For though ye have ten Williams Chapel exhorted the early Christians to thousand instructors in Christ, yet Church ofChrist, "contend for the faith which was have ye not many fathers: for in Murray, KY $25 Christ Jesus I have begotten you once delivered unto the saints" (Jude C. B. and Evelyn Burkham $20 3). It was completely delivered to through the gospel" (1 Cor. 4:15). them in the first century, and after Peter clearly states, "Being born Janet Randolph $10 that, God gave no new revelations to again, not ofcorruptible seed, but of James W. Ashworth $12.75 mankind. All who claim to receive incorruptible, by the word of God, Anonymous $500 new revelations from the Lord today which liveth and abideth forever" (1 do not really believe that the New Peter 1:23). These passages plainly Seibles Road Church ofChrist, Testament of Jesus is sufficient for show that God begets men or causes Montgomery, AL $300 their every spiritual need. Jesus them to be born again through his Anonymous $10 May 1998 - Seek The Old Paths 7/39

SEEK THE OLD PATHS99 LECTURESHIP July 26-30, 1998 (Always the 4th Sunday in July) Theme: XWB WOMB

SUNDAY, JULY 26 2:30 Ken Burleson - Questions: Canone live inadultery, Do 9:30 Windell hikes - TheOrigin of Marriage and the Home -A Christ'swords applytodayand to all men, DoesGodcallfor Divine Institution the separationofthose in adultery, Doesbaptism wash away 10:30 Garland Robinson - God's Purposeof Marriage and the Home adultery, Whatdoes it meanto abide inthe same calling 7:00 Melvin Sapp - Preparing ForMarriage and the Home (What to wherein youwerecalled? lookfor ina mate) 7:00 Gilbert Gough - The HomeUnderAttack, #2: atheism, evolu 8:00 Terry Joe Kee - God'sWordon Divorce and Remarriage tion, humanism, secular education, denominationalism,etc. 8:00 JamesBoyd- How to Keep yourChildren Faithful MONDAY, JULY 27 9:00 Jim Blankenship - After the Honeymoon (Dealing withTrou WEDNESDAY, JULY29 bled Marriages) 9:00 G. W. Childs-Following Christ's Example inthe Home 10:00 Mark Lindley-The HomeUnderAttack, #1: TV, abortion, 10:00 Bryan Hodge- YourOccupation Affects the Home immodesty, homosexuality, drugs 11:00 Richard Guill- How to Strengthenthe Home, Whatthe Home 11:00 Virgil Hale- Definitions: fornication, adultery, separation, needs now divorce, put away, effeminate, natural affection, abusers of 1:30 Wayne Coats-The Home and Congregation Help Each Other themselveswithmankind, love, forgiveness 2:30 Toney Smith- Questions: What aboutsame sex marriages, 1:30 Wayne Cox- Why marriages fail, Things which cause Prob Whatifone is a eunuch, May wives and daughters leadprayer lems ina marriage, Why one becomes unfaithful at home,Whataffectdo governmentprograms haveon the 2:30 Chuck Northrop- Questions: Does Paul contradict Jesus, Can home,Whatabout "mentaladultery?" the guilty partyremarry, Can oneforgive theirspouse offorni 7:00 Ted Tftras/wr-The Role of Wife and Mother in the Home cationand stillput them away,etc. Whatdoes it meanto 8:00 Guy Hester- The Role of Husband and Fatherinthe Home marry"only inthe Lord," What does it meanto be"boundto a wife" and "loosed from a wife?" THURSDAY, JULY 30 7:00 Nat Evans - The Responsibility of Children to Parents 9:00 Alan Adams- Authority inthe Home 8:00 Ed Casfee/- The Responsibility of Parentsto Children 10:00 Tom Bright - When the Children Leave" Home (theempty nest) TUESDAY, JULY 28 11:00 Jimmie Hill-TheJoy ofthe Christian Home (no place like 9:00 Jerry Joseph -ASuccessful Marriage takestwo,a Partner home) ship, Ingredients ofa Successful Marriage 1:30 Walter Pigg- Discipline inthe Home (all family members) 10:00 Joe Nichols - Facing Tragedies and Adversities inthe Home 2:30 Jimmy Bates- Questions: Whocan get married, Is desertion 11:00 JohnGrubb - Unique Situations:elderlyparents and grand a cause for divorceand remarriage,What is "due benevo parents, in-laws, step-parents, step- children, foster children lence," Was Jesus narrow-minded? 1:30 Robin Haley-The Home Likely Determines the Destiny ofthe 7:00 BillCrossno - The Home as God Would Have It Children 8:00 Charles Blair-Our Heavenly Home £ast (Son^vrk OKu^cK of OkHst 1801 Cruise St., Corinth, MS 38&34 Voice (601) 286-2040 or 286-6575 / Fax (601) 286-2040 Email: [email protected] Information on books and tapes will be printed later.

MOTELS: Comfort Inn (800) 228-5150 Executive Inn (800) 354-3932 Limited housing is available in member's homes. Contact the church office for reservations. Water and electrical hook-ups (no sewer) are available for RVs. We would like to know in advance of your arrival to reserve you a space. 8/40 Seek The Old Paths - May 1998

"Keep up the good work. So praises of men. I have two guys here who asked me to send in their many today compromise so names to be on your mailing list. I would appreciate it if you could MAI LBAG much we have lost sight of please add them to your mailing list. This would be a great gift to them. the command to contend for I encourage you to continue in your thirst for truth and to never be the faith. I still believe we moved away from the hope that lies within you. Your labor is not in are commanded to contend vain. We do have a new chaplain here who is a member ofthe church of . for the faith as to be bap- Christ who is pretty liberal. He is trying to start a mixed fellowship ' tized. The truth is just not here with the church of Christ and the Protestants. He says that the being taught as it once was" church ofChrist here is too narrow and too far to the right. When asked S.EEK T.HE O.LD P.AIHS ...Bob Wagner, Tallahassee, the question ofhow broad does he want us to be. He isn't dogmatic in FL. "With so many churches saying that he just wants us to embrace those in the denominational falling by the Liberal wayside, wc thank you for your stand for Truth" world who are not walking according to truth and accept them as our ...Dwight & Lois Duncan, Holden, MO. "Seek The Old Paths is much brothers in Christ. This is a good reason for your publication being needed in the brotherhood" ...Frank & Grace Carriger, Skidmore, TX. spread throughout the Lord's church here. To warn against such "Remove our name from your mailing list" ...John Sledge, Lexington, change agents as him. Thanks again for your stand in the gospel Truth. AL. "We, my wife and I, really appreciate the work you're doing, espe May God bless you. Love in Christ" ...Snyder, TX. "I have just read one cially since the Liberals are trying to take over the church. We really ofyour papers Seek The Old Paths. Enjoyed it very much. If you are enjoy "Seek The Old Paths." Keep up the "Good Work!" ...Malcolm & still sending it out please place my name on your mailing list" ...Doyle Margaret Halford, Norfolk, VA "I appreciate so much the fact that your Castleberry, Brasstown, NC. "I have been reading Seek The Old publication is truth according to the scriptures.' The church very much Paths. I would like to be put on the mailing list" ...Virginia Wright, needs this kind of reminder that we must obey God as He commands. Elyria, OH. "I would like to receive your Seek The Old Paths publica Thank you so much!" ...Nashville, TN. Take me off your mailing list! tion. Thank you" ...David Carriger, Osage City, KS. "Please put us on Thank you!" ...Gary Atkins, Shamrock, TX. "I would like to receive the your mailing list for Seek The Old Paths" ...Tom and Rhonda Taylor, paper Seek The Old Paths" ...Rex Cisco, Varney, WV. "Please add my Elizabethtown, KY. "I received your mailout Seek The Old Paths for name to your mailing list for your publication, Seek The Old Paths" some time and I really enjoyed reading it. I want to take this opportuni ..Junius Bailey, Abilene, TX. "Thank you so much for adding my hus ty to thank you for standing firm on the word of God. In this day and band and I to your mailing list Enclosed is a small check to help cover time we must always be ready to fight with Satan within some of our the cost for our news letter. Thanks again. I look forward to many own congregations. Continue the good work" ...Neel Bennett, Decaur, issues to come" ...Lesha Lott, Rickton, MS. "I would like a subscription AL. "Please put my name on your mailing list. Thank you" ...W. A. Her to Seek The Old Paths. I got the address off the internet. Thanks for ring, Lake Park, GA. "I appreciate very much the work that you do with any help you may offer" ...Danny Fyffe, Richardson, TX. "Thank you so the publication and the lectureship" ...Mark Lance, Cordova, TN. much for your stand in Christ and His Kingdom. You are in our prayers each day. Keep on keeping on. Love in Christ" ...Mack Bennett, Bluff City, TN. "We appreciate and rejoice that you are putting out such a fine paper. It will do the good work if people will only READ, PON DER AND EXECUTE" ...Ector Watson, Cleveland, OK. "I enjoy Seek The Old Paths. I am receiving this publication currently. Enclosed is a Seek The Old Paths is a monthly publication of the East Corinth check to help out with expenses. Keep up the good work!" ...James L. Church of Christ and is under the oversight of its elders. It is Shaver, Flint, MI. "I would very much like to receive Seek The Old mailed FREE upon request. Its primary purpose and goal in publi Paths" ...V. Glenn McCoy, Yorba Linda, CA "I would appreciate your cation can be found in Jude 3; II Timothy4:2; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:1; paper, Seek The Old Paths" ...Gene Pegg, McMinnville, TN. "Even II Peter 1:12. All mail received may be published unless otherwise here in northern Ohio the change agents are making their presence noted. Articles are also welcomed. known. It has been brought to my attention that your paper, Seek The Editor: Garland M. Robinson / Associate Editor: Jimmy Bates Old Paths, has much valuable information about those pernicious doc trines that are making inroads into the Lord's Body. I would like to be http://www.tsixroads.com/~ecorinth put on your mailing list. Thank you and God bless your work" ...James Hiser, Lorain, OH. "I really appreciate getting your fine paper! Your work is truly touching many hearts and lives for good. May God bless you as you teach the Truth in Love!" ...Bob Dodson, Hemet, CA. "Could you please add my name to your mailing list to your paper Seek The Corinth,MS Old Paths. I appreciate good material that is sound and true to the 253PermitNo. Bible. Thank you for your work to defend the truth" ...Samuel L. PAID Troute, Washington Court House, OH. "Our name was placed on your PostageU.S. mailing list without our knowledge. We appreciate what has been sent, CORINTH,38834-5108MS CRUISE1801ST.Org.Non-Profit but also ask that you please remove us" ...M. Scott Farley, Marion, OH. "Would you please add our name to your mailing list. Enjoy Seek The Old Paths so very much. Keep up the good work printing the Truth. CHRISTCHURCHCORINTHEASTOF God Bless your efforts" ...Ralph and Martha Seckel, Bucyrus, OH. "I enjoy your fine paper Seek The Old Paths. Your articles are timely and much needed" ...Martin Kilpatrick, Lawrenceburg, TN. "I'm enclos ing a contribution for distributing the paper. It's such a wonderful, scriptural publication it's hard to imagine people not wanting to receive it. Ofcourse we know there are many who don't choose to hear and obey the truth" ...Nampa, ID. "I would like to be put on your mailing list to receive Seek The Old Paths. A friend gave me some copies and I real ly enjoyed reading them. Thank you very much" ...Virginia Sisco, Boli var, TN. "I enjoy reading Seek The Old Paths and a good friend of mine wants to be put on the list. Keep up the good work with your min istry. Please keep sending the magazine to me" ...Toni Arnold, Union City, TN. "Hello to whom this letter may concern, and how are you? I'm a member of the Lord's church and a subscriber of Seek The Old Paths. I am writing this letter of appreciation for the stand that you are taking for the Lord and His church. We, the members ofthe church ofChrist, here on the Price Daniel prison unit are very grateful for your publications. Ofcourse there are some members here as well as proba bly in the free-world who will raise their noses to such truth. But there are still some bulwarks ofthe faith who love the truth rather than the