In This Issue...

• Questions On "My Church Family" -- Jerry C. Brewer p.33
• Misconceptions of the Church, #4 -- Garland M. Robinson p.34
• Crossview Magazine, White's Ferry Road -- Freddie Clayton p.35
• Questions For Campbellites Answered, 12-29 -- Chuck Northrop p.36
• 15th Annual Seek The Old Paths Lectureship p.39
• Mailbag p.40

      An article of mine, entitled Thy Speech Betrayeth Thee, in the February 2000 issue (page 13) of Seek The Old Paths stirred the interest of some and prompted certain questions. They are listed here along with answers.
     "Why it is wrong scripturally to use the phrase 'my church family' in your speech?" The Lord's people (the church) are God's spiritual family.
     I have no quarrel with the affirmation that the church is God's spiritual family. We are certainly brethren in Christ, with one Father who is in heaven, the spiritual seed of Abraham, heirs of God and His sons and daughters. It is certainly God's family of the redeemed.
     However, the phrase, "My Church Family" indicates ownership. But the church is the spiritual family of God (Eph. 3:15; 1 Tim. 2:15) which Christ purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28). The fact that it is God's house precludes me from calling it my church family. For more than a half-century, I have heard denominational people refer to "My Church" or "Our Church" when speaking of their denominations. While that is true of denominations, it isn't true of the Lord's church. It isn't mine, but His. Peter's injunction for us to "speak as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11) prohibits our reference to the church as our personal possession. Jesus promised to build it (Matt. 16:18), gave himself for it (Eph. 5:25), is the foundation under it (1 Cor. 3:11), is its chief corner stone (Eph. 2:20), is the head over it and the Saviour of it (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23; Col. 1:18). It is His spiritual body, (Col. 1:24), His kingdom (John 18:36; Matt. 16:18-19), His church (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28), and His family (Eph. 3:15; 1 Tim. 2:15). Therefore, if I call it my church family I claim something that isn't mine by right of promise, prophecy, preparation, or purchase.
     "Is the phrase 'my church family' directly associated with 'Family Life Centers' and other entertainments going on in the church today by the liberals?"
     Perhaps I should have noted that not everyone who uses this term is a liberal, but most liberals I know are in love with the term. Doctrinal corruption by change agents will be expressed in a corrupted language. While the church is God's family, they have taken this concept and in a subtle manner used it to appeal to carnal desires. We can corrupt the pure speech of God's people without noticing it. It takes very little, as Satan proved by adding only one three-letter word to what God had said to Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:4). Words have meanings and the words of God should be used in the way God intended.
     Everybody -- and that includes Christians -- has a tendency to pick up and use popular phrases. I have done that very thing. For instance, I once referred to homosexuals as "gay." But after thinking about that term and how they have appropriated a perfectly good word to describe a heinous sin, I stopped using it. The Bible refers to them as "sodomites" and that's the term I now use.
     There is nothing sweeter than the fellowship we have in God's family with other Christians, but consider this: The family into which I was born and raised wasn't my family. I was a member of it and had three fine brothers, but that family was my father's family. He generated us, provided for us, reared us and prepared us for life. My family consists of my wife and six children of my own. God's family isn't my family it is His. He begat us with the word of truth (James 1:18), provides all things for us (James 1:17; Eph. 1:3), and we are beholden to Him for life itself (Acts 17:24-28).
     "There are so many other things in the brotherhood today to be talking about rather than taking a complimentary phrase like 'my church family,' meant to praise and honor the Lord's church and turning it into a dirty, nasty, shameful word!"
     Does the phrase, "My Church Family" honor the Lord's church or does it express something else? The word "church" (as you may know) is a compound of two Greek words, ek meaning "out of" or "from" and kaleo meaning "to call." Ekklesia is the word translated "church" in the New Testament, and is a noun, meaning "the called out." If I use the term "My Church Family," I am literally saying "My Called Out Family." That's simply not true. It is God's family which He has called out of darkness by the Gospel (2 Thess. 2:13-15). From its first New Testament occurrence in Matthew 16:18 to its last occurrence in Revelation 3:14, it is used 80 times according to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. In each passage where it is used, it is a noun. The phrase, "my church family" makes the word "church" an adjective describing the word "family." One may as well say "my kingdom family," "my Lord's body family," or "my vineyard family." The church is God's spiritual family and it is His church, but it isn't my church family any more than it is my church. The phrase "my church family," which cannot be found within the pages of the New Testament, implies that the family is "mine." It isn't mine, by any stretch of the imagination or by inference. We are the sheep of his pasture, but that doesn't make my fellow Christians, "my sheep."
     Thank you again for your questions. May God bless us all as we study His word, earnestly contend for the one faith, and pray for each other.
          308 South Oklahoma
          Elk City, Oklahoma 73644

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     It is a misconception that the church must have professional ministers.
     Many congregations would not consider having a preacher work with them unless he had a college or sometimes, masters degree. For example: "The Bellevue church of Christ is in need of a second evangelist as Personal Involvement Minister in the area of education...College degree required. Married, 30-yr old man with experience desired. Send resume..." (Gospel Advocate, 3/19/87). Some congregations now have a pulpit minister, associate minister, youth minister, personal involvement minister, educational minister, singles minister, single again minister, family services minister, parking minister, etc., etc. Where will it end?
     Many times in introducing one another some say, "this is brother ___, this is brother ___, this is doctor ___. Why do some feel compelled to make this distinction? If it is to bestow honor, then such is not deserved nor is it right in the Lord's church. But the reply comes back, "but they have earned their degree." So what? I'm earned all the degrees I have: gsd (grammar school degree), hsd (high school degree), tsd (technical school degree), hked (the hard knocks of experience degree), mod (midnight oil degree), etc. etc. There is no end to all the degrees we earn. We never stop learning. When we elevate one we cast down another.
     The Lord condemned those who loved "...the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi" (Matt. 23:6-7). He continued by saying, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ" (Matt. 23:8-10).
     Notice how Jesus said, "all ye are brethren." This doesn't fuel and energize the vanity of men, but the Lord never intended to do that. He could care less what men desire. His point was to show that no one is above another. And, in fact, the Lord's Way shows that regardless of what position of distinction and honor one has in this world, he must forfeit it and humble himself to become a Christian and be counted among the faithful. Jesus plainly said, "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matt. 23:12). In the Lord's army, the excess baggage of worldly acclaim and accomplishment is too much to enter the strait and narrow gate. All must be left behind. Many are unwilling to do this, just as the rich young ruler was unwilling to give up his riches. They simply fool themselves when they think they can serve God and hang on to their earned degrees in the Lord's house.
     In writing the church of Galatia, Paul simply said, "all the brethren that are with me" (Gal. 1:2). Why didn't he say, "Dr. Luke" and "Dr. Silas" are with me? Here was a golden opportunity for Paul to commend all the prestigious and professional titles of his fellow workers unto the brethren of Galatia. But such was not done. Why? Because it was not right!
     Regardless of our station in this world, we are all the same in the Lord's house. In the military there are many ranks, from privates to generals, seamen to admirals. Those of lower rank salute those of higher rank. Each must maintain their status. But, these same individuals have no rank in the Lord's army. Privates and generals alike are simply brethren in the Lord. They are stripped of all rank as they work and worship in the Lord's vineyard. No salutes are given there! Likewise, government officials are ranked from file clerks to the president of the United States. But, there are no titles or distinctions in the Lord's house. We are simply brethren.
     The Lord's church is a melting pot. All kinds of people from every walk of life, every county of the world, every language, culture, ethnic background, race and heritage become one in Jesus Christ. From royalty to peasant, from Nobel prize winner to common laborer, from educated to non-educated, they all lay aside their sins, from prejudice and vanity, to idolatry and immorality. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Gal. 3:26-29).
     In First Corinthians 4:6 Paul says, "...that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another." In Romans we read, "For I say...to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another" (Rom. 12:3-5). "Let love be without dissimulation. ... Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Rom. 12:9-10).
     Some in the church at Corinth were condemned for their feeling of superiority over others. "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul" (1 Cor. 1:12-13)? "For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour" (1 Cor. 3:4-8).
     "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men" (1 Cor. 3:18-21). See also 2 Cor. 10:7-12.
     There is no room for titles of honor and distinction in the Lord's church. We be brethren. We work for the same Lord. We join hands in accomplishing that which is our duty to do.

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      This came in the mail via CrossView Magazine. "God heals crippled beggar in Haiti's worst slum" by Jeantyard Elmera Port-Au-Prince, Haiti.
     "Now it is circulated that God performed a miracle at Cite Soleil. There was a crippled man named Osange Duprevil in the area, who decided to leave the world and his life of begging to become a Christian. As he kept coming to church, he began seeing some blessings in his life. He gradually gained strength and took some steps. The church rejoiced last Sunday that he could actually walk to make his confession and to be baptized! Although he had been living with a woman for many years without being married, he wanted to do the right thing in this matter also. Joy abounded in the audience when he asked me to officiate at his wedding. So last week I baptized him into Christ, officiated at his wedding, and also baptized his wife Carole and two others."
     This sounds more like an Oral Roberts campaign or something straight out of a Benny Hinn crusade than a gathering of New Testament Christians. Perhaps someone should invest some real "We Care" time in a New Testament study of the "design and end of miracles" before embarking on a crusade to "share the truth" with others! How much longer will faithful brethren continue to support the work at White's Ferry Road and World Radio, via all it's network of CrossView Ministries is beyond me.
     "How long halt ye between two opinions?" asked the prophet of old. We have many of our fellow congregations who continue to use the various tools put out by this group. They use Larry West in his 1 minute and 5 minute "We Care" daily programs, and "Dr." Calvin Warpula in his "Unveiled Mysteries," a 15 minute program with so-called sharing of biblical answers to modern day questions. Many others use "In His Presence" by Jeff Walling or "Son Words." CrossView is definitely a CROSS VIEW to the Scriptures, for it is contrary (cross ways) to the truth. May we wake up to the harm being done before it is too late! John warns us with these words in 2 John 9-11: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." How much error is too much? Jesus said: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth, shall make you free" (John 8:32). He also warned the woman of Samaria at the well, "Ye worship ye know not what" (John 4:22). The Samaritans had so corrupted God's way, they no longer worshipped God. They worshipped something, but He was not the object of their worship! The lesson? Perverted worship is no worship at all! Perverted truth is not truth at all!
          Freddie Clayton
          374 Hill Circle, Dunlap, TN 37327

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      12. "Were you redeemed by the precious waters of Baptism or by the precious BLOOD of Jesus Christ? 1 Peter 1:18,19."
     According to this passage, all who are redeemed are redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ." The question is, how do we come in contact with Jesus' redeeming blood? By mere belief? No. Why? Because "the devils also believe, and tremble" (James 2:19). A person comes in contact with Jesus' redeeming blood when he/she is baptized "into Christ" (Gal. 3:27). He shed his blood in his death, and it is only when we take part in his death in water baptism that we contact his blood (Rom. 6:3-6).
     13. "If Baptism LITERALLY puts one IN CHRIST, What act LITERALLY puts CHRIST in You? 2 Cor. 13:5; Col. 1:27; Rom. 3:24,25."
     From John 15:5, we learn when a person is saved, Christ is in him or her, and he or she is in Christ (see question 4, page 28). When a person is "baptized into Christ" (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27), Christ is in them.
     14. "Did Jesus Christ know the plan of Salvation? John 14:6."
     Absolutely! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). The only way to the Father is through Jesus. "What shall we do?" Jesus said, "for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24). Jesus also said, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). Further, Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 10:32). Finally, Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). Not only did Jesus Himself teach the plan of salvation, He taught it through His apostles to whom He promised to give the Comforter who taught them all things and brought all things to their remembrance (John 14:26).
     15. "Did Christ at any time or place personally tell a sinner to be baptized FOR or in ORDER to the Remission of Sin? If so WHEN and WHERE?"
     To prepare the Jewish nation for the establishment of the Messianic kingdom (the church), John preached, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:2). Jesus' message during His public ministry was the same (Matt. 4:17). Furthermore, Mark records John preached, "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mark 1:4). Since Jesus' preaching and baptizing is compared to John's (John 4:1-2), then we know that Jesus' baptism during His public ministry was for the same purpose -- "...for the remission of sins" (though He did not baptize anyone personally).
     Concerning baptism "in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins," He did not personally tell anyone to obey such. Why? Because He lived under the Old Testament, and His will (i.e. the New Testament) was not yet in force. Hebrews 9:15 teaches Jesus "is the mediator of the new testament." Verse 17 goes on to say, "For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth." Therefore, Jesus' will, the New Testament, was not in force while He lived upon the earth. It came into effect after He was dead and after it was proclaimed. However, though He did not teach it personally Himself, He did teach baptism for the remission of sins. As we noted in the previous question, the Comforter or Holy Spirit brought all things to the apostles' remembrance. What the apostles taught was not their interpretation but was God's and Christ's Will. Peter, with the eleven, by the inspiration of God said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). Thus, Jesus did teach baptism for the remission of sins both personally, and through the apostles.
     16. "Did Christ personally, at any time or place say to anyone, He That is Baptized not shall be damned?"
     It is really amazing the length to which some will go to teach their doctrines! One can twist the scriptures anyway he wants, but still Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). Since that implies, "he that is baptized not shall be damned," then so let it be. However, it seems to me we ought to be more concerned with what to do to be saved than to be damned, and in this passage, Jesus taught two conditions of salvation -- belief and baptism. Baptism is an act of obedience based upon one's faith. If a person does not believe, then he or she is not a candidate for baptism. Obedience is simply a demonstration of one's love and faith. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). James wrote, "shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works" (James 2:18). The person who does not believe will be lost, and the person who does not act upon his faith by being baptized will also be lost.
     17. "Is that Statement: HE THAT IS BAPTIZED NOT SHALL BE DAMNED, to be found anywhere in the Bible? If so...Where????"
     Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). One can twist it anyway he wants, but it still implies, "he that is baptized not shall be damned." Who am I to argue with the Lord? My responsibility (as is all men's) is to obey what he taught!
     18. "Do you and your brethren, self-styled CHURCH OF CHRIST, not preach and teach, in word, precept and effect, that 'HE THAT IS BAPTIZED NOT SHALL BE DAMNED'?"
     Because of Jesus' commission, those preachers who are faithful to God and to His word teach, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). Since that implies, "he that is baptized not shall be damned," then so let it be.
     19. "Do you not further pollute your own imaginary scripture by inserting TWO imaginary requirements: (1) That it must be administered by a Church of Christ preacher, and (2) that when the candidate goes under the water, he MUST BELIEVE that act is for OR IN ORDER TO THE REMISSION OF HIS SINS????"
     Is Mark 16:16 imaginary? I think not. What a blasphemous thing to say! Baptist Davis' hatred and antagonism for the church of Christ oozes out of his pen! Concerning the one doing the baptizing, God has not spoken. There are no qualifications upon the one baptizing mentioned in the Scriptures. Therefore, it does not have to "be administered by a Church of Christ preacher." Concerning the purpose of baptism, God has spoken.

• Baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
• Baptism places one into Christ (Gal. 3:27).
• Baptism places one into the church (1 Cor. 12:13).
• Baptism is the new birth (John 3:3-5).
• Baptism doth also now save us (1 Peter 3:21).

     If one is going to be baptized correctly, he/she needs to know why he/she is being baptized.
     20. "Do you not reject Baptist Baptism because of the absence of these two points????"
     No, Baptist baptism should be rejected because it is not administered for the God given purpose.

• Baptist doctrine teaches a person is saved or has the remission of sins at the point of belief. Therefore, baptism cannot be for the remission of sins since they already have it.
• Baptist doctrine teaches a person is in Christ at the point of belief. Therefore, baptism cannot place one in Christ since they are already in Christ.
• Baptist doctrine teaches a person is born again at the point of belief. Therefore, baptism cannot be the new birth since they are already born again.

     21. "Since you and your brethren ADMITTEDLY preach and teach the above doctrine, in word and deed, and since such statement can not be found in the Scriptures. He That is Baptized not shall be damned, Is it NOT TRUE that you teach a doctrine that IS NOT in the Scriptures?"
     Baptist Davis would like to think so. However, Mark 16:16 is still in the Scripture. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matt. 24:35). Mark 16:16 is eternal. Long after I or Mr. Davis is gone, Mark 16:16 will still be around.
     22. "You, furthermore, proclaim, your motto: Where the Bible speaks we speak, where the Bible is silent, we are silent: WHY DON'T YOU REMAIN SILENT ON ABOVE DOCTRINE, 'He that is Baptized not shall be damned.' BE SILENT, SUCH statement is NOT IN THE BIBLE."
     Over the years, different ones have taken a penknife and removed certain passages they did not agree with. A person can reject God's message, but His message does not change. Jesus still teaches, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). Since that implies, "he that is baptized not shall be damned," then so let it be. Who are we to change what Jesus taught?
     What is really interesting about this question is how Mr. Davis can apply this to others but not to himself. He like other Baptists teach a person is saved by "faith only." Do Baptists speak where the Bible speaks, and are they silent where the Bible is silent? Dear reader, please listen to the inspired words of James, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24). As the old adage goes, "What is good for the goose, is good for the gander."
     23. "Since your entire approach is builded on an imaginary scripture which does not exist, your every effort is made to twist other scriptures and compel THEM TO MEAN your imaginary Scripture. NOW IS THE STATEMENT FOUND IN THE BIBLE: 'He that believeth not shall be damned'? Baptists preach that exactly as listed. DO BAPTISTS PREACH WHAT IS IN THE BIBLE? Now watch him twist."
     In John 14:9, we can feel the frustration of Jesus as he said to Philip, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?" We could say, Have we been so long time with you, and yet you still don't understand the Scriptures? Mark 16:16 is not imaginary! Yes, Baptist preachers preach "He that believeth not shall be damned." In fact they teach most of Mark 16:16. They also teach, "He that believeth shall be saved." In reality, that is saying "He that believeth and is baptized not shall be saved." However, Jesus still teaches, "He that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Why don't Baptists just do what Jesus said? Because it doesn't agree with their doctrine, that's why! Baptists have their imaginary doctrine of "faith only." "Have we been so long time with you...?"
     24. "Is there an instance in the Bible where a sinner was saved without Baptism? Acts 15:9; Luke 7:48; 1 John 5:4; Acts 26:18; Eph. 1:11-13."
     There are no instances in the New Testament age where a sinner was saved without water baptism. Acts 15:9 concerns what is normally referred to as the "Jerusalem Conference" which was a discussion about Gentiles being added to the church. During this discussion, Peter said, "And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9). Whom was Peter speaking about? Specifically, Cornelius. What was Cornelius told to do? Acts 10:48 says, "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." Cornelius obeyed the commandments of the Lord "by faith."
     Luke 7:48 concerns an incident that happened under Old Testament law, "while the testator liveth" (Heb. 9:17). The Law of Christ, which includes baptism, did not come into effect until after the testator died and after His will was proclaimed. This took place in the city of Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost in A.D. 30.
     1 John 5:4 says, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." What kind of faith is the victory -- simple belief, or a living, active faith? As we have already pointed out, it is the living, active faith which obeys. Notice John earlier wrote, "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments" (1 John 2:3). John, most certainly, did not believe in "faith only" salvation as does Baptist Davis.
     Acts 26:18 says, "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." This text is about Paul preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. Did Paul preach "faith only" salvation? No, of course not! Paul taught Lydia, and she was baptized (Acts 16:14,15). He also taught the Philippian jailer and his household, and they were baptized (Acts 16:30-34). Further, he taught the Corinthians, and Luke records, "...and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." Yes, they were all "sanctified by faith." But what kind of faith? A faith that included works of obedience. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:26).
     Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:11-13 "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise." Here, and again, belief is used in the broad since that includes obedience (see question 3, page 27).
     25. "Is Baptism a command to and for the Saved or Unsaved? Which? Remember there is only ONE BAPTISM!"
     If baptism is for the saved, then it could not be for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Nor could it place one into Christ (Gal. 3:27) where salvation is (2 Tim. 2:10). Further, it could not place one into the church (1 Cor. 12:13) because the church is composed of the saved (Acts 2:47). Also, it could not be the new birth (John 3:3-5) because the saved are already born again. Furthermore, if baptism is for the saved, then it could not save (1 Peter 3:21) because the saved are already saved. But the Bible says it does save (Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). Therefore, the command to be baptized is for those who are lost -- the unsaved.
     26. "If to the UNSAVED are not the unsaved UNBORN OF GOD? Now, do you give commands to your child BEFORE IT IS BORN OR AFTER it is born? Can an UNBORN child obey a parent?"
     Talk about straining out the gnat and swallowing a camel! If Baptist Davis is like every Baptist I've met, he doesn't even believe this. I've heard Baptists in person, on the radio, and in writing refer to John 3:16 and say something to the order of "believe and you will be saved." Are they not commanding unborn children to do this?
     Are the unsaved unborn of God? Of course they are. Did Jesus and the apostles command the unsaved? Absolutely! When the unsaved asked, "what shall we do?" Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). Furthermore, we are children of God by adoption (Rom. 8:23; Gal. 4:5). A Christian is born into the family of God by the Spirit of adoption. The new birth, redemption, and adoption are all figures referring to a person's conversion to Christ. How does the lost (unborn) learn? Listen to Peter, "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (1 Peter 1:22,23).
     27. "Do you and your Brethren not teach that the COMMANDS of God are given to the UNBORN and that they, the commands are but instruments BY WHICH the UNBORN can obtain BIRTH?"
     It is amazing how some folks can twists figures, and then not even apply them to themselves. In questions 3 and 5 (pages 27-28), Baptist Davis used (or better misused) Scriptures to teach salvation by "faith only." In fact, he misused 1 John 5:1 to teach the new birth comes by "belief only." Doesn't that make you wonder if he teaches the unborn to believe that God for Christ's sake has pardoned their sins?
     28. "You boast of LOGIC -- where is there any LOGIC to this matter?"
     My point exactly! Baptist Davis takes the Nicodemus approach to the new birth. "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" Listen to what Jesus said! "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." There are some similarities between the new birth and physical birth, but the new birth is not physical birth. Though there are similarities, there are also differences:

• Physical birth is impossible for those already born. Spiritual birth is not.
• Physical birth does not add one to God's kingdom. Spiritual birth does.
• Physical birth does not consist of water and Spirit. Spiritual birth does. What is this spiritual birth? The Bible is its own best commentary. What sayest the Scriptures?
• 1 Corinthians 12:13, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body...."
• Romans 6:4, "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."
• Titus 3:5, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."

     29. "If you say -- Baptism is a command for the SAVED -- you find yourself in the BAPTIST position, EXACTLY. This you do not teach or believe. See Acts 2:41. WHO was baptized here?"
     As we have shown in questions 19 & 20, baptism is not a command for the saved. Acts 2:41 says, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Those who "gladly received his word" were those who were baptized "for the remission of sins" (v.38) and "the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (v.47).
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"A few days ago I was handed a copy of your publication Seek the Old Paths. It was a great blessing for me to read and to learn of your great work for truth. How sad it is to read of so many in the church today who care not for the truth. I attended a meeting in the 1950's in Temple City, CA. Brother Foy Smith said all these things were just over the horizon. I am 72 years old, have preached for over 30 years after retiring from the US Navy in 1970. I read a lot of publications put out by our brotherhood that are good for the defense of the truth but your's is as good as any available. Please add my name to your mailing list" ...Gerald L. Hale, Jacksonville, AR. "I would like to commend you on your great effort to 'Contend for the truth.' Surely in these 'perilous times' there is need for men of your caliber who stand for the truth. It is refreshing to know that we are not alone here in Zimbabwe, in contending for the truth and oppose liberalism and various false doctrine within and without the church. May God bless you abundantly. Please add my name to your mailing list. If possible send me all of your available back issues. We need your publication in this country. May God bless you abundantly. And may you not become weary of doing this good" ...MacDonald Manyenga, Marondera, Zimbabwe. "Still enjoy STOP very much. Just keep up the good work you are doing. If it wasn't for STOP we would be in the dark about so much of what is going on in the church today" ...Truman Lewis, Clarkridge, AR. "We want to thank you for sending our congregation a bundle of Seek the Old Paths. I have been getting it for years and enjoy it very much. With all the error that is being taught in the brotherhood, we felt it was very much needed for all of our members to be aware of it" ...Don Tate, Ferriday, LA. 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May God bless each of you" ...Bro. & Sis. C. Herrington, Taylor, MI. "We really love reading Seek the Old Paths" ...M/M J. B. Brock, Piedmont, AL. "I recently have received several copies of Seek the Old Paths and am very grateful that there are still true members of the church. The truths that are said in these publications are inspirational and helpful and show how easy (if we are not careful) it would be for false teachings to enter in amongst us!" ...Steven Baisden, Pentwater, MI. "We are sending another contribution for the furtherance of preaching the word through your great publication" ...Name withheld per request. "I like the Seek the Old Paths and I have gotten two other brothers to receive it too. Please keep up the good work in exposing these false teachers and standing for the truth" ...Robert L. Schultz, Burton, MI. "Keep up the good work, God bless" ...Richard Sparlin, Rome, NY. "I appreciated the short financial statement, as it gives us a better idea of what is needed to continue this excellent work. I add my sincere, heartfelt gratitude to the thousands of others for your efforts on behalf of the only church mentioned in the New Testament. You all are in my prayers for your continued success. Forget those few who stop taking S.T.O.P. because they recognize truth and it hurts. God bless you" ...Martin Bedford, Tucson, AZ. "I picked up two copies of Seek the Old Paths while visiting the Chapman Church of Christ during their meeting. I really appreciate your timely articles and would like to be put on the mailing list if possible" ...Name withheld per request. "I receive S.T.O.P. and I appreciate the good work you do in your efforts to teach the Truth. May God continue to bless you in His service" ...Lyla King, Manassas, VA. "A friend gave us a copy of S.T.O.P. Please put us on your mailing list. Keep up the Great work" ...Oral D. Harris, Pantego, NC. 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We will continue to pray for each other as we strive to live and do God's will and pray for those who are lost!" ...Willie Mae Hickson, Atlanta, GA. "At the present time I am receiving 10-12 publications and I find it impossible to read them. I appreciate the good articles and the good work you are doing but I request you remove my name from your mailing list. I'm enclosing a $10 check to help with your good work of sending the paper to some one else and in appreciation for the past issues sent to me" ...Name Withheld, GA. "Would you please add me to the mailing list for Seek the Old Paths? I understand that this is one of the best and last reliable publications in print today" ...William Chandler, Parchman, MS. "I'm receiving the S.T.O.P. and pass it on to my son who is a missionary in Morley, England. May God bless his people that are striving to keep the faith as was spoken to the apostles" ...John Hill, Sand Springs, OK. "We appreciate the bundles of STOP you are sending to the Ash Street church in Wilson, OK, where I am now preaching. It has started opening the eyes of many who previously had no understanding of the problems in the church" ...Charles Ivie, Wilson, OK. .


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15th Annual
Seek The Old Paths Lectureship
July 23-27, 2000
Always the 4th Sunday in July

Theme:
DANGERS FACING THE CHURCH -- CHANGING VIEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 23

MONDAY, JULY 24

TUESDAY, JULY 25

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

THURSDAY, JULY 27

East Corinth Church of Christ
1801 Cruise St., Corinth, MS 38834
Voice (662) 286-2040 or 286-6575

Fax (662) 286-2040
Contact Us

VIDEO TAPE INFORMATION: Complete set of video tapes, $40 postage paid Jim Green 2711 Spring Meade Blvd. Columbia, TN 38401 Phone: 931-486-1365 / Email: jgreen@edge.net

CASSETTE TAPE INFORMATION : Audio cassette tapes are being offered free by the church. Donations to help defray their cost are welcome. Order cassette tapes from the church.  East Corinth church of Christ, 1801 Cruise St., Corinth, MS 38834

BOOK INFORMATION $5 pre-publication price if postmarked by July 31, 2000. $6.50 beginning August 1, 2000. Please include postage and handling: 1 book $1.75; add 50cents for each additional book. Makes checks to Old Paths Publishing and mail to: P.O. Box 97, Nettleton, MS 38858. These books are not sold by the church.

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