This Issue...

• Distorted and Contrived Religious Terms — Jon Gary Williams p.9
• Systemic Corruption #3 - LGBTQ — Garland Robinson p.10
• God’s Message to LGBTQ and those who Support Them — Ivie Powell p.15
• Mail Bag — p.16

The world of “Christendom” is filled with churches entertaining false beliefs. Many of these beliefs can be identified by specific terms, some of which are found in the Scriptures and some which are unknown to the Scriptures.

        Over the centuries a number of Biblical words have been given distorted meanings making them conform to man-made teachings. Likewise, many contrived words, unknown to the Scriptures, have been used which also convey false religious ideas.

PASTOR
        This word is widely misapplied to preachers throughout the denominational world. On church signs it is common to see the preacher billed as “pastor.” However, this is not a Biblical use of the word. The word pastor actually refers to an elder(s) (shepherds) of a local church. It is from the Greek term poimen and is translated ‘pastor’ only one time (Eph. 4:11). Elsewhere in the New Testament it is translated “shepherd,” sometimes referring to Christ as the “good” or “chief” shepherd (Heb. 3:20; 1 Peter 5:4). It definitely does not refer to a preacher. Rather, in the New Testament, preachers are called: preachers (Rom. 10:14), ministers (Eph. 3:7) and/or evangelists (Acts 21:8).

REVEREND
        This is another title commonly given to priests and preachers of various denominations. It is used to identify those who are perceived to have special religious attributes worthy of adoration and reverence. At times, a more extended form of this title can be seen. For example, Right Reverend or Most Reverend. However, such titles are obvious corrupted uses of the word. The word reverend is to be used only with reference to God Himself. The Psalmist made this point clear. “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name” (Psa. 111:9). No man is to be addressed in this way — such is blasphemy. And, anyone who accepts such a title should be ashamed.

PRIEST
        Since the early days of Catholicism, leaders of local parishes (congregations) have been referred to as “priests.” However, this title was never a part of the teaching of the New Testament church. Rather, its use is merely a carryover from the priests of the Old Testament covenant. In the New Testament church no special people are so designated. Actually, the Scriptures teach that God considers all Christians as priests — being called a holy and royal priesthood. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ ... But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people...” (1 Peter 2:5,9). Actually, all Christians are spoken of as “kings and priests.” “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever” (Rev. 1:6). The distorted use of this term is just another of the many false teachings found in Catholicism.

BISHOP
        This is a title given to an elevated head of the Catholic Church who serves under the “Pope” exercising control over a diocese, or a large area of land. Such a misuse of the word “bishop” is beyond comprehension! This demonstrates how far removed Catholicism is from the original church of Jesus Christ. The Greek term for bishop is episkopos and means one who “oversees” and is so translated in Acts 20. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers (episkopos), to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). This is simply one of the words which describes the elders who oversee a local congregation. It never refers to a high-ranking office such as seen in the Catholic church. That the word ‘bishop’ is not to be used in this way is made clear by the apostle Paul. In his letter to the Philippians he spoke of the “bishops” — plural, not singular. “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons” (Phil. 1:1).

CHURCH
        People often use the word “church” when referring to a physical, religious structure, similar to the word “sanctuary.” People are heard speaking of a church building as their “church.” Yet, this view is completely erroneous. The word church is from the Greek ekklesia and simply means “the called out,” referring to the people who make up the church, the body of believers (Matt. 16:18). It is never used of an edifice. In New Testament terms, the church is made up of the saved, those who become a part of it when added to it by Jesus. The Scriptures are clear on this point. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47).

KINGDOM
        For many years people have heard preachers speak of a coming spiritual “kingdom” on earth over which Jesus will reign for 1,000 years. Such a future kingdom is pure fantasy — nowhere taught in the Scriptures. The only kingdom found in the New Testament is the church of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 16:18-19 Jesus spoke of establishing His church and immediately referred to it as “the kingdom.” The kingdom existed in apostolic days (Col. 1:13) and the apostle John said that he and others were in that kingdom (Rev. 1:9). There is no such future kingdom. This teaching is part of the premillennial doctrine which separates the church from the kingdom. It says that when the kingdom Jesus came to establish was rejected, in its place He temporarily substituted the church. However, the church is not temporary, for it was purchased with Jesus blood (Acts 20:28).

WITNESS
        People are sometimes heard to speak of being a “witness” for Christ. What they mean is that they want to tell someone about Jesus. Though well meaning, they are misusing the word “witness.” Many preachers are guilty of encouraging people to “witness” for Jesus. However, no one today can be a witness for Christ. Why? Because to be a witness one must be able to give first-hand evidence. The apostles were witnesses for Jesus and his resurrection, hence, they were actual eye witnesses. Jesus said to the apostles, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me ... Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection” (Acts 1:8,22). No one today can “witness” for Jesus. This is a false belief.

FATHER
        In the Catholic Church, priests are commonly called “Father.” This is another of the corrupted titles found in Catholicism. Sometimes priests have been known to become offended if someone failed to call them “father.” In Matthew 23 Jesus addressed the Jewish scribes and Pharisees, exposing their corruption. They were those who elevated themselves, desiring special recognition of the people. They wore special religious garments and prayer charms. They wanted to be called by exclusive titles, such a Rabbi. It is here that Jesus plainly taught the people that the word “father” was never to be used as a religious title. “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven” (Matt. 23:9).

FAITH ONLY SALVATION
        The idea of salvation by “faith only” is a doctrine widely held throughout the denominational world. This teaching began with the works of such men as John Calvin and Martin Luther and was their response to the extreme works found in Catholicism. With them the pendulum swung from extreme ‘works’ to extreme ‘faith,’ whereas the Bible teaches a mutual harmony of both faith and works. Yes, the lost are saved by faith, but not by faith alone. James plainly said that the lost are not justified by faith only. “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). Actually, the Scriptures include other steps in God’s plan of salvation: Repentance (Acts 17:30), Confession (Rom. 10:10), Baptism (Acts 22:16).

SANCTIFY
        Holiness and Pentecostal Churches are known for emphasizing the word “sanctify.” They believe that in addition to being saved there is another level to reach in which one is truly “sanctified,” and is usually associated with being baptized with the Holy Spirit. However, such a belief is nowhere found in the Scriptures. The word “sanctify” (sanctification) simply means to be separated, that is, to be set apart from sin. The Bible clearly shows that being “washed” or “sanctified” or “justified” all refer to the same thing. “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11). Hence, of itself the word “sanctify” has no special meaning.

TONGUES
        Many Pentecostal Churches claim that people today can possess a power to speak in so-called mysterious “heavenly tongues.” When witnessing such “tongue speaking” it becomes obvious that this is nothing more than lip stammering. By contrast, in the first century those with the gift of speaking in tongues did not speak in mysterious “tongues.” Rather, they spoke in human languages in which they had not been educated. That was the miracle of it. On the day of Pentecost the apostles demonstrated this to be the case. “...Every man heard them speak in his own language ... how hear we every man in our own tongue ... we do hear them speak in our own tongue” (Acts 2:6,8,11). The Scriptures clearly teach that the age of miracles, including speaking in tongues, ceased long ago. “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Cor. 13:8-10).

HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM
        Some Pentecostal type Churches claim that people today can have a “baptism of the Holy Spirit” like the apostles received. However, such a claim is foolishness. The baptismal measure of the Holy Spirit received by the apostles was exclusively for them. Jesus told the apostles that only they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). This was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. “And there appeared unto them [apostles] cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:3-4). The baptismal measure of the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to perform exceptional miracles, for example, raising the dead (Acts 9:49; 20:9-10). And notice that the apostle Paul spoke of the special “signs” of an apostle. “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (2 Cor. 12:12). All miraculous manifestations, including the baptism of the Holy Spirit, came to an end before the close of the first century (1 Cor. 13:8-10). It is false to claim that people today can receive such a miraculous measure of the Spirit.

CALLED
        The claim is made by many preachers that they have been “called” by God. By this they mean that God called them through some unusual experience. Some have said that God spoke to them through a bright light, telling them they were to preach. Some have claimed they were called to preach when they were seriously ill. Others have said God, in a dream, called them to preach. A farmer once told his friends that while he was plowing, in the clouds he saw the letters G P C and interpreted this to mean Go Preach Christ. But one of his friends told him, “From the looks of your crops, I believe God was telling you to Go Plow Corn.” Indeed, the Scriptures speak of a “calling,” but not of a mysterious, extraordinary calling. Actually, the Bible teaches that all who have obeyed the Gospel have been called — called in the same way — through the “Gospel” of Christ. “Whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 2:14). There is no other way to be called.

HELL
        Jehovah’s Witnesses and a few other religions are known for teaching that “hell” is not a real place and that no one will go there. They believe when the lost die they merely cease to exist, which means that hell is nothing more than death. However, Jesus exposed this idea when he taught that the souls of the lost continue to exist. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). Additionally, Jesus spoke of hell as a place of “outer darkness” (Matt. 25:30). The apostle Paul, speaking of the lost said, “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord... “ (2 Thess. 1:9). Likewise, the apostle Peter spoke of hell as the “chains of darkness” (2 Peter 2:4), and Jude as “the blackness of darkness” (Jude 13).

PREDESTINATE
        Most of the protestant world teaches that God individually predestinates (selects) those who are to be saved, even before they are born. Though the Bible speaks of predestination (Rom. 8:29,30), this is not individual predestination. Rather, God has predetermined a group to be saved — that group being made up of all who choose to obey Him (Heb. 5:9). Individual predestination is false for two reasons. First, because the Scriptures teach that God wants all to be saved (2 Tim. 3:9). The water of life is for “whosoever” (Rev. 22:17). Second, because God does not favor any person over another, He is not a respecter of persons. “And Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him” (Acts 10:34-35).

SAINTS
        In the Catholic Church, some deceased people are elevated to what is called “Sainthood” and hold a special place in Catholic veneration. Such people are said to be “Saints.” There are four steps before someone can become “Sainted” according to Catholicism. First, such a person must be submitted by a Catholic Bishop. Second, a Postulator (church official) who coordinates the process and serves as an advocate, must prove that the candidate lived heroic virtues. Third, one miracle acquired through the candidate’s intercession is required. Fourth, before Canonization, a second miracle is required. Then the Pope declares the person a “Saint.” Obviously, such teaching is nowhere found in the Scriptures. Actually, the word “saint” is simply a contraction of the word “sanctify” which means “to be set apart.” The fact is, all Christians are “saints” because they have been set apart to God. Ephesians 1:1 says, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus” (compare 1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1). Also, it is quite evident that having died is not a qualification for being a “saint.”

ANTICHRIST
        This word is often falsely applied to a yet future wicked person. It is claimed that at some point this peculiar person will arise to wage a so-called “Armageddon” war against Christ. Such a doctrine is completely false, being entirely fabricated. There will be no such future person. The Scriptures clearly teach there was not one, but many anti-christs, and that they existed in the first century. “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that anti-christ shall come, even now there are man anti-christs...” (1 John 2:18). “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an anti-christ” (2 John 7). The fundamental belief of the anti-christs was that all flesh is inherently sinful. And since all flesh is sinful, Jesus could not have possessed a fleshly body. To them, Jesus only seemed to have a body of flesh, appearing rather in some spiritual, illusory form.

TRIBULATION
        One aspect of premillennial doctrine is the belief that before a so-called millennial reign of Christ on earth, there will be a “tribulation” period of seven years on earth, corresponding with a seven-year “rapture” of the saved above the earth. Such teaching is nowhere found in the Scriptures and is completely false. The “tribulation” mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 24:21 (to which premillennialists refer) was a tribulation that took place at the time of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., and was a part of several events that took place before that generation would die. “Verily, I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matt. 24:34). Also, the apostle John said that he and others were experiencing “tribulation” (Rev. 1:9). A yet future seven year tribulation on earth is perverted teaching.

SOUL
        Some, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, teach that man has no immortal soul, but that the soul is only man’s breath, and when man dies there is nothing which lives on. Such a teaching is repugnant and defies Biblical Scriptures. That man possesses a spiritual nature should be obvious to anyone who reads God’s word. In the very beginning it is abundantly clear that man was made in God’s own image. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them” (Gen. 1:27). Hence, man is in God’s spiritual image. Also, the Scriptures reveal that there is something about man (the soul) which exists after death. Jesus said, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). And, the apostle Paul said, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). Also, the Scriptures teach that at death the soul departs from the body. “And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died)...” (Gen. 35:18).

CONFESSION
        The Catholic Church teaches that sins are to be confessed to a priest. This practice is commonly referred to as the “confessional,” when a person confesses sins to a priest in a “confession booth.” This doctrine is blasphemy, for no man can absolve another man of his sins. This is solely the prerogative of Deity. In the Scriptures the word confession is used in two ways. First, it is confessing one’s faith in Christ. “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 10:32). Second, it is the confession of one’s sins to God. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

SABBATH
        When referring to Sunday it is very common for people to use the word “Sabbath,” as in “Sabbath Sunday.” However, this is a misuse of the word. Sabbath (sabbaton) means “rest” and was the day on which the Jews, under the law of Moses, were to rest. The Scriptures never use the word “Sabbath” with reference to the first day of the week (Sunday). The two days (Saturday [7th] and Sunday [1st]) are completely separate. The first day of the week is the day on which Christians assemble to worship and partake of the Lord’s supper. “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7).

BAPTISM — MODES OF
        It is commonly believed that there are three different “modes” of baptism: sprinkling, pouring, immersion. And it is assumed that any of these “modes” is acceptable. However, there are no different “modes” of baptism, for baptism itself, is the mode. The word baptism is from the Greek word baptisma which literally means to dip, to immerse, to bury. The apostle Paul illustrated this meaning. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” (Rom. 6:3-6). And, Luke recorded a perfect example of baptism by immersion. “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip...” (Acts 8:38-39).

ARMAGEDDON
        The word “Armageddon” is another part of the premillennial doctrine that says when Christ returns He will reign over an earthly kingdom for 1,000 years. It is claimed that prior to this, there will be a great battle between Jesus and a so-called “anti-christ.” It is further assumed that this battle will occur at a literal place called Armageddon. However, this is just fanciful imagination. There is no such place as Armageddon. This is merely a symbolic name appearing only one time in the Bible — in the highly figurative book of Revelation (Rev. 16:16). But, this is not referring to a great, physical battle. Rather, the apostle John was symbolically addressing the spiritual conflict between Christ and Satan. Remember: It is always good to keep in mind that whenever a doctrine appeals to the symbolic book of Revelation for support, it is essential to be watchful.
        It is discouraging to know that many words found in the Scriptures are used to promote distorted meanings. However, when these words are examined with a proper exegesis (interpretation), one can easily see the true intent of the inspired writers.
                jongaryw@aol.com
                www.jongarywilliams.com
               


Table of Contents

        In the last two issues of Seek The Old Paths we’ve discussed systemic racism (Dec/20) and systemic adultery/fornication (Jan/21). The word systemic simply means: “of, relating to, or common to a system.” Systemic refers to something that is spread throughout, affecting a group or system, such as a body, economy, market or society as a whole. In this regard, SIN is systemic. It is spread throughout every society — worldwide. It affects the entire human race. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. ... There is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:23,10).

        In this issue we want to show what the Bible teaches about another wide-spread and growing systemic immoral condition of our present day — sodomy; otherwise known as homosexuality/ lesbianism — gay. Some have given it the designation of LGBTQ and more letters of the alphabet keep getting added to it as the situation grows. These letters stand for: L-lesbian, G-gay, B-bisexual, T-transgender, Q-queer. The following terms and definitions come from vanderbilt.edu.

        Lesbian: “Usually refers to a woman who has a romantic and/or sexual orientation toward women.”

        Gay: “Used in some cultural settings to represent men who are attracted to men in a romantic, erotic and/or emotional sense.”

        Bisexual: “A person who experiences sexual, romantic, physical, and/or spiritual to more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree.”

        Transgender: “A person whose sense of personal identity or gender does not correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth, or does not conform to gender stereotypes.”

        Queer: “A multi-faceted word that is used in different ways and means different things to different people. 1) Attraction to people of many genders. 2) Don’t conform to cultural norms around gender and/or sexuality. 3) A general term referring to all non-heterosexual people.”

        Questioning: “An individual who is unsure of and/or exploring their gender identify and/or sexual orientation.”

        Intersex: “An umbrella term that describes people born with any of 30 different variations in sex characteristics including chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones, or genitals.”

        Asexual: “A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others and/or lack of interest in sexual relationships/behavior.”

        Aromantic: “A person who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others and/or has a lack of interest in romantic relationships/behavior.”

        Pansexual: “A person who experiences sexual, romantic, physical, and/or spiritual attraction for members of all gender identities/expressions.”

        Non-binary or Enby: “A person whose gender identity does not fall within the binary genders of man or woman.”

        Genderfluid: “A person who does not identify with the gender binary and move within genders and gender stereotypes.”

        Genderqueer: “A person who does not identify or express their gender within the gender binary. Those who identify as genderqueer may identify as neither men nor women...”

        Agender: “A person with no (or very little) connection to gender, no personal alignment with the concepts of either man or woman...”

        Stud: “A term originating within communities of color to describe a masculine identifying person who was assigned female at birth.”

        There are other words and terms that are used in the world today. The point is this, none of these terms, lifestyles, actions, beliefs, etc. are in harmony with the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is God’s operation manual for humankind. People may refuse to believe it, they may refuse to accept it, but it will not and can not change what the Bible says about it. The “cancel culture” so prevelent among the “leftists” CANNOT cancel God’s eternal word! The word of God liveth and abideth for ever (1 Peter 1:23). “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35).
        There’s a judgment day coming and every human being that has ever lived will stand at that judgment bar and give an account of their life. The judge is not a human being — certainly not me or you! The judge is the creator of the universe — God himself through Jesus the Christ his only begotten Son (Rom. 2:16). The judge is perfect and knows all (1 Peter 5:11; Rom. 5:8; Heb. 4:12-13). The rule book (God’s word, the Bible) out of which man will be judged is perfect (Rom. 12:2; 2 Peter 1:3; Matt. 4:4; James 1:21). God’s verdict is perfect (Rom. 2:5). No one can argue with the judge of all the earth.
        There are many who seek to identify with a gender other than the one with which they were born. Many even take measures to change their gender. They may think they’ve been successful, but consider this: if their remains were found, burned beyond recognition, what would their DNA show them to be? A man or a woman? Man may change the outward appearance, but he can’t change the inside.

        This is the most important question facing humanity. It matters not what I think or you think or what anyone thinks, even though we may be sincere. God is the one who made us and not we ourselves (Psalm 100:3). He is the one before whom all who have ever lived will stand one day and give account of their life (Acts 17:30-31). The words and judgments is this article are not my words. They are God’s words. If anyone has an argument to make, it’s not with me, it’s with almighty God in heaven above. I’m just the one that brought it to your attention.
        There is absolutely nothing the Bible speaks about that can overlooked or ignored! “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10).
        In these days of enlightenment, the population of the world is no better off than in ages past. Every generation follows after their own lust. Such is summed up in 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” Verse 17 tells us, “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” I want to be among the number that does God’s will, don’t you? Such a life is one of peace (Phil. 4:17), not anarchy. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3-5).
        HOMOSEXUALITY is a sin of great magnitude. It is a blight upon every society. It is being accepted more and more as an “alternate life style.” Numerous countries around the world are accepting it. Several states now allow acts of homosexuality between consenting adults. With many, homosexuality has gone from being viewed as SIN, to SICK, and now to be NATURAL and NORMAL. Some say it is a choice, a right that each one has just like you would chose a Ford or Chevy. God has not legislated concerning the car you drive, but he has legislated concerning SODOMY. The only right choice is God’s Way —the Bible Way.
        Many denominational churches now accept practicing homosexuals. Some recommend to their members that they accept homosexuals as “persons of sacred worth” and welcome them into the “fellowship of the church.” Others have issued a report saying that homosexuality should not be a barrier to a person who wishes to become a preacher. Some have ordained homosexuals into their ministry. Some have the philosophy of accepting any and all people “just as you are.” If you are living in adultery, come as you are. If you are a homosexual, come as you are. If such a philosophy can be applied to one sin, why can’t it be applied to all sins? If you’re a thief, come as you are. If you’re a rapist, come as you are. If you’re a drunkard, come as you are. There’s no end to the list! The point is this, all sinners, regardless of their sin, can have forgiveness of their sins, BUT they have to repent of their sins (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3,5). No one can get forgiveness of their sin(s) and continue in the sin(s)!
        There are three dispensations or periods of time since the world began. In every one, God condemns homosexuality.

        Under the Patriarchal Dispensation. Sodom and Gomorrah were not destroyed because they were inhospitable. They were destroyed because of their homosexuality. We read about it in Genesis 18-19. “The LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous” (18:20). The men of the city, both young and old, sought desperately to “know” (sodomize) the two men (angels) in Lot’s house (19:4-5). They were so determined and vile in their attempt that they proceeded to break the door down to get to these men (19:9). Their heart was set on wickedness. God had Lot and his family to leave before he destroyed the city. “Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground” (19:24-25).
        The events of that day are also recorded in the New Testament. “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 1:7). The annihilation of these cities was so complete that it’s not know to this day exactly where they were located.
        From Sodom comes our word “sodomy” — a law prohibiting sex between men and between women, even if it is consensual. But, when was the last time you heard of anyone being convicted of sodomy? Instead, our country embraces and celebrates it — even approving of what they call “same sex marriage.” This is nothing new, it has always been around. Isaiah revealed God’s will when he said, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” (Isa. 5:20)! “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8-9).

        Under the Law of Moses, God spoke about the repulsive and immoral act of homosexuality. Leviticus 18:22-24, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you.” Also Leviticus 20:13-16. “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. ... And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast. And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”

        Under the Law of Christ, the New Testament. Read 1 Cor. 6:9-10, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” “Abusers of themselves with mankind” involves “one who lies with a male as with a female, a sodomite.”
        Romans 1:26-27, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”
        In all three dispensations of time, God has condemned homosexual conduct. Man may think he has changed God’s law but it won’t be so come judgment day. However, there is hope for the wicked. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament tells us so. Isaiah 55:7, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Acts 17:30, “God...commandeth all men every where to repent.” John 3:15-16, “...whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Faith in the Lord is no good without obeying what he said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14).
        Sinners, no matter what the sin, can be forgiven. But forgiveness is ONLY for those who: 1) Believe in Jesus (John 8:24), 2) Repent of their sins (Acts 17;30). Repent means to change your mind. When one changes their mind, they change their conduct, 3) Confess faith in Jesus the Christ, 4) be Baptized for the forgiveness (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). One must then 5) Live faithful to the Lord the rest of their life (1 Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10).
               
               
               


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        “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD” (Jer. 22:29).
        “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10).
        “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Rom. 1:18-32).
        “It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31).
        “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Gal. 6:7-8).
        “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (1 Peter 3:12).
        “...Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh” (Matt. 19:4-5).
        “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” (Isa. 5:20)!
        “And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous” (Gen. 18:20).
        “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly” (2 Peter 2:6).
        “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7).
        My friends, when the moral fiber of a nation is removed, chaos reigns and inevitably that nation will fall! The Supreme Court, politicians, news media, et all, cannot “out vote” Almighty God! “Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar...” (Rom. 3:4a). Peter and the apostles response should be ours, “We ought to obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29).
        Yes, God loves all sinners, including LGBTQ. But, He does not approve nor accept their sinful practices! He wants all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). He wants all to come unto a knowledge of the truth. He wants all to be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4).
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“Remove me from your mailing list” ...June Maynard, Rockport, WV. “I appreciate the good work you do. Please accept this check in memory of Linda Shafer. She was a godly woman and wife of brother John Shafer, a Gospel preacher in Kearney, Nebraska. I thought this would be a fitting tribute to Linda” ...Tracy O’Connor Clymer, Las Vegas, Nevada. “I appreciate you, brother Garland! Thanks!” ...Jason Gann, McMinnville, TN. “Keep up the good work and truth-telling based on Biblical Truths. I am a Democrat, but everything you said is surely true about my FORMER party” ...Jim Grove, Friendly, WV. “Thank you” ...Allen & Irene Tate, Cache, OK. “We at the Lincoln Avenue C/C in Bucyrus, OH, receive 10 copies of Seek The Old Paths monthly. We would like to receive 10 additional copies monthly if possible. We appreciate your Gospel paper very much. Thank you. May God bless you” ...Wayne Crum, Calendonia, OH. [NOTE: we are happy to send bundles of each issue to anyone who would distribute them, editor]. “Louise Welch has passed away” ...Johnson City, TN. “Thank you” ...Jack Piper, Clemmons, NC. “Appreciate so very much your sermon lessons teaching the ‘old paths.’ Most especially the Oct/20 issue titled ’Which Way America.’ Please keep up the good work. Our prayers are for you and those who read your good works, that all may take seriously the sound doctrine. May God bless you” ...Ed Waggoner, Lubbock, TX. “I have to say I agreed with your October 2020 edition and the article in the December issue ‘What’s In Store For The USA?’ Hits the nail on the head. I have been telling my children and grandchildren, no matter the outcome of politics, we can still be Christians. We may suffer persecution as a result, but they do not compare to our reward in heaven. Romans 8:18, ’For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.’ I also found the article about the ‘Fall Of Babylon’ very comparable to the USA. I have preached several times that we will have to answer to God on the judgment day why we voted for someone that supports the murder of unborn babies, or supports homosexuality, etc. I realize we do not have Christians running for office most of the time, but their moral character is important and we need to, in most cases, choose between the least of two evils” ...Leland L. Reed, Pleasant Hill, MO. “Please remove me from your mailing list. Thank you” ...Alan Fields, Fort Mill, SC. “I have picked up the last two issues of STOP at the Grant County church of Christ and would like to receive your publication at my house. It is a fresh breath of air to find writings that have not given into the liberalism that is creeping into the church” ...Steve Davis, Florence, KY. “Greetings. The Northside C/C in Lexington, Nebraska, is a very small and elderly congregation. We have currently temporarily stopped our assembly owing to the very limited size of our meeting place and inability to socially distance for the safety of our members during the virus outbreak. We are considering ways of continuing to spread the Gospel outside of our assembly with some limited funds. God has been good to us in that our landlord is not charging us rent and we feel we would like to continue to assist the Gospel heralding with your help. I have received and enjoyed your spiritual publication over the years. In addition, I am hopeful a donation of $1,000 might be used to defray some expenses or find some additional congregations or souls to which you might send your publication. We are blessed even in this pandemic and are glad to assist in this small way. Thanks for what you do” ...Mike Millican, Northside C/C, Lexington, NE. “Please accept these donations to help support your great publication. I am so thankful for your publication and the elders at the Leoni congregation who oversee this much needed work. I am especially thankful for your Oct/2020 issue that highlighted the truth about a Christian’s privilege to vote, and the responsibility that each Christian has to vote for the person who most closely represents the values and commandments that God’s word tells us to live by —regardless of political party affiliation. I was greatly disappointed by the criticisms of your Oct/2020 issue by those who say they are members of the Lord’s church but kept their opinion on politics to themselves (that was printed in the Dec/2020 issue). We have to wonder, if all Christians had been guided by God’s inspired Word (and their faith) of whom to vote for in this last election, as well as past elections over the years, would this nation be in certain danger of falling into the abyss of a godless form of government known as COMMUNISM? I would urge every Christian to read Psalm 9:17 and Proverbs 14:34 before they cast their vote in the next election for those who will rule over us; and, consider the profound truth, and the warning contained in these two short verses! “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” ...John Sisco, Whitleyville, TN. “Please add me to your mailing list to receive Seek The Old Paths. I have always heard of your sound journal and would certainly enjoy the benefit of it” ...Philip Rabren, Enterprise, AL. “The Dec/20 issue of Seek The Old Paths was very good. Also the Oct/20 issue. It is sad some have taken their names off your mailing list. They should open their eyes and see what the liberals are doing to America. I’m afraid they will see it sooner than they think. Keep up the good works and God bless you” ...Bonnie Barnett, Eufaula, OK.

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