Third Annual TRUTH IN LOVE LECTURESHIP Theme: Fundamentals Of The Faith May 12-16, 1993 PAUL SAIN, DIRECTOR Hosted By The East Hill Church Of Christ 509 E. Madison •• 1Pulaski, TN 38478 1993 Printed in the United States of America A Product Of Sain Publications 217 E. Jefferson ••Pulaski, TN 38478 (615) 363-6905 or 363-8868 2 INTRODUCTION This is our Third Annual Lectureship. The theme for the first series was: “Stedfast, Unmoveable, Always Abounding.” The theme for the second series was: “Soberly, Righteously, and Godly.” These first two series of lessons enjoyed significant success, for which we are thankful. The elders of the East Hill church have always been sincerely concerned about faithfully fulfilling their responsibility of overseeing and feeding the flock, over whom they have the charge from the heavenly Father. This grave responsibility is intensified especially in light of false teachers and doctrines existing all around. While they recognize the automony of each congregation, it has also been their desire to encourage, participate with, and provide solid faithful material and lessons for all Christians throughout our area. The elders at East Hill decided to conduct and host a lectureship here, believing it would be an appropriate way to teach and stand for that which is right in the sight of God, and oppose the false ideas and ways being advocated by men among us today, in the brotherhood, and from those in the world. The theme for the lectureship this year is: “Fundamentals Of The Faith.” Various thoughts are needed to convey the reason for this twenty- one lesson overview of many of the basic truths of the gospel of Christ. There is always a need to teach, reteach, and teach again the wonderful truths of the gospel (II Tim. 2:15; II Peter 3:18). From days of old, to this very generation, it is a fact that many are “destroyed for a lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Especially we must be 3 faithful in teaching our children the fundamentals of the faith (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:6; Deut. 6:6-7). It is of vital importance that we teach frequently and faithfully about Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, His glorious church, His faithful followers and their lives, etc. Our attitude toward TRUTH must be reflected in – receiving the Word with all readiness (Acts 17:11); hungering and thirsting for the way of righteousness (Matt. 5:6); meditate in its truths all the day (Psm. 119:15,97); our handling aright the Word of God (II Cor. 4:2); standing fast and holding to the Word (II Tim. 2:15); not adding to, nor taking from it (Rev. 22:18-19; Prov. 30:5-6; Deut. 4:2); understanding it (Eph. 3:3-4); studying and searching it (II Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:10-11); remembering (II Peter 3:2); handling it in the right way (II Tim. 2:15); abiding in (II Tim. 3:14); contending earnestly for it (Jude 3); not perverting it (Gal. 1:8-9); partaking of the milk/meat of the Word (I Peter 2:2); respecting the inspired (God- breathed) truths (II Tim. 3:16-17); not just hearing, but doing what God has spoken (James 1:22-25); doing the will of the Father (Matt. 7:21f); proving our love by keeping (doing) His commands (John 14:15). At any moment in history, the church is only one generation away from complete apostasy. Satan is always busy and striving to destroy faithful followers of Christ (I Peter 5:8). He has servants who live among us today, who pervert the gospel of Christ (II Cor. 11:23f; Gal. 1:6-9). It is absolutely necessary that Christians today must stand for right (Eph. 6:10f; Phil. 2:16), and defend the faith (gospel) (Jude 3; Phil. 1:7,17). The Lord and His faithful servants, after the church was established, named the false teachers 4 and troublers in the church. May I give a few examples of this action: Scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 16:6,12); Scribes (Mark 12:38-40); Herod (Luke 13:31-33); Nicolaitanes (Rev. 2:6,15); Herodians and Pharisees (Matt. 22:15-22). Christ was not unloving, nor unkind to take this action – and neither is it so today. In fact, we are commanded to “mark” (draw attention to) the ones who cause division and offences contrary to the doctrine of Christ (Rom. 16:17-18). One who teaches “another gospel” is an enemy of the cross of Christ (Phil. 3:18). Faithful Christians MUST stand for the right, and oppose the wrong (Eph. 6:10- 18; Phil. 1:7,17). Appreciation Expressed May I express my appreciation and thanks to each one who makes its possible for such an effort to be possible. I must specifically express love and appreciation to: (1) the elders of the East Hill church, Hugh Cooper, Louie Fuqua, Eldridge Woodard and their families, for faithful and sacrificial service through the years; (2) the family of God at East Hill, for many long and sacrificial hours of work; (3) the many visitors, friends, and co-laborers in the kingdom of God, who represent over 130 congregations and/or cities, who have supported this work with their prayers, attendance, and vocal encouragement; and certainly not least, we convey our sincere love and gratitude to (4) the speakers and their families, who share their time and talent so willingly in writing the lessons for this book and then the actual presentation. Only eternity will determine the good that has been accomplished in the presentation of these lessons. It is our sincere prayer that God receive the glory in ALL we do that is right. Paul Sain 5 Lectureship Director "TRUTH IN LOVE" Under the sponsorship of the East Hill eldership, Truth In Love is now in its sixth year of existence. It has been our exclusive purpose to go back to the Word, study and teach the Word, plead with others to learn and obey the Word of God. The Truth In Love Lectureship was developed from these same desires and purpose. May God help us to fervently teach and spread the glorious gospel that has the power to save us from our sins (James 1:21- 25; Rom. 1:16), in every scriptural way possible. As of the current issue, we publish over 20,000 per issue. Our major thrust is in the Giles County area, with almost 11,000 copies mailed to individual homes. Over 150 bundles are mailed to congrega-tions in almost 40 states and seven foreign countries. Six issues are published each year. This 16 page periodical is provided (free upon request) to the brotherhood. 6 DEDICATION Over five years ago the elders of the East Hill church hired Paul Sain as the preacher for this family. He and his family moved here in December, 1987. During the time that Paul has served as the preacher of the East Hill church, he has shown his dedication to God. He has always been prepared when teaching or preaching God's Word. We at East Hill are very fortunate to have a man on whom we can depend to always follow the “old paths.” When the decision was made by the eldership to have a lectureship, we asked Paul if he would direct it. He not only was willing to accept the responsibility, but has done an outstanding job with it. We feel we have one of the best in the brotherhood. The elders at East Hill are indebted to Paul for his endless work and dedication. We appreciate him, his fine wife and girls. Thanks Paul for helping make the oversight of the East Hill church much easier. For the faithful stand for the truth, and outstanding service given, we, the elders of the East Hill family, dedicate this book to our gospel preacher and co-worker, Paul Sain. Hugh Cooper Louie Fuqua Eldridge Woodard 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section I – Basic, Fundamental Truths 1 God – His Existence And Nature .................. 13 Garland Elkins 2 Jesus Christ – The Preeminent One ............. 23 David Sain 3 Holy Spirit – Guide To All Truth ................... 33 Robert McAnally 4 The Scriptures – Inspired, Inerrant .............. 45 Lester Kamp 5 The Bible Only Makes Christians Only And The Only Christians ............................. 71 Raymond A. Hagood 6 Christian Actions And Characteristics .......... 95 Edwin S. Jones 7 Fellowship ................................................ 109 David P. Brown Section II – The Glorious Church 8 The One True Church That Christ Built ...... 133 Perry B. Cotham 9 The Church – Unique, Agressive, Militant ... 155 Jim Laws 10 The Church – Acceptable Worship ............. 169 Jack Wilhelm 11 The Church – Her Mission And Work.......... 187 Eddie Whitten Section III – Satan, His Ways And Attacks 12 Satan – His Power, Ways And Servants ..... 211 H. A. (Buster) Dobbs 8 13 Sin – Its Reality And Consequences ............ 225 Joe Cox 14 False Teachers And False Doctrines ........... 241 Roger Banks 15 The Scriptures (Pattern) Under Attack ......... 263 Robert R. Taylor, Jr. 16 Grace And Faith ......................................... 283 Winfred Clark 17 Concerns With Shelly, Jubilee, Etc. ............ 299 Curtis A. Cates 18 What Does The Future Hold? ...................... 335 Winford Claiborne Section IV – The Future 19 The Second Coming And Judgment ........... 365 Joe Cox 20 Heaven And Hell ........................................ 395 Willie Bradshaw Section V – Women's Lesson 21 Bible Women Speak To Today’s Women ..... 411 Annette B. Cates 9 10 A Study Of Basic Fundamental Truths 11 12 Garland Elkins "Jehovah God" Chapter One God – His Existence And Nature Garland Elkins Garland graduated from Freed-Hardeman College, Middle Tennessee University and University of Tennessee •• Born in Woodbury, TN •• Preaching first sermon in 1949 •• Co-authored numerous Spiritual Sword lectureship volumes •• Presently teaches at Memphis School of Preaching, and preaches throughout the brotherhood.