"I Take It Personally"

John M. Brown

When studying religious ideas, theories, philosophies, and concepts, we all seek, or certainly we ought, to be as objective as possible. We recognize that prejudices, preconceptions, and personal feelings can sometimes cloud our view and make it more difficult to assess accurately; hence we seek an impersonal and unprejudiced determination regarding the matters at hand.
However, when it comes to the liberal rantings and ravings among us today, I frankly admit I take it personally. I do try to be objective in appraisal. But personal feelings lie just below the surface, and often force me to confront matters I would rather not. Truly, I find no pleasure at all in confronting liberalism. I would much rather NOT have to deal with it, in that I would rather it didn't exist among us, and thus be of no threat. Howbeit, unfortunately, liberalism among us exists, reality confronts us, truth beckons, and so we must speak.
Let me explain why, to me, personal feelings get involved in these matters. My grandfather, my great-grandfather, and my great-great-grandfather, were all Baptist preachers. It is ingrained in our family many generations deep. When I was in high school, I met a preacher from the church of Christ. I know what I came out of, and what I went into. I know about severing family roots, to forsake the religious sentiments of my ancestors and enter into the one true church of Jesus Christ. In the course of our home Bible studies, as I learned God's Word, I was at times disturbed, often corrected, gratefully enlightened, and thankfully converted! That's awfully personal, wouldn't you agree?
Had the preacher who taught me NOT shown me the difference between the Lord's church and denominationalism, had he NOT taught me the difference between God's plan of salvation and what I had heard all my life growing up, and had he NOT taught me about faithful Christian service in life and worship comparing the New Testament pattern with the creeds and theories of men, I say had he NOT done these things, I would today NOT be a Christian. I would NOT be a member of Christ's church. I would be LOST and WITHOUT HOPE. And, I would be on my way to eternal HELL. YOU BETTER BELIEVE I TAKE IT PERSONALLY!! I have sincerely thanked God many times that my introduction to churches of Christ did not come from a person who didn't know the difference between the church of the Lord ad the churches of men.
I can easily take criticism of the church from without. I expected it and I have not been disappointed. But when I hear unjust and wrong criticism of the church from WITHIN, from those who ought to know better, then I am greatly disturbed and personally disgusted. I know what I forsook, and I know what I gained. I know where I was, and I know where I am. If you don't know the difference between the one church founded by Christ himself, and the churches of men, please write me. Just as I was shown by a brother several years ago, so I'll be glad to explain it to you.
I was sixteen years old when I began a study of the Bible. Some seventeen years have passed since. I learned a few things along the way. I can tell you exactly what you must do to be saved from past sins, to enter Christ's church, to worship according to the New Testament pattern, to serve God faithfully, and to go to heaven when you die. If you don't know, I DO. I say this not arrogantly or presumptuously. These are things I KNOW, and you can know them too! I know, because I have a Book -- THE BOOK -- God's Book, the Bible! It tells me these things and more. And it will tell you if you will listen. It is not a Book that is secret, mysterious, closed, locked and incomprehensible. It reveals God's will. GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW HIS BOOK! I learned the truth because I learned the Bible. You can learn the truth because you can learn the Bible. We oppose liberals and liberalism, because it is advocacy of things contrary to the Book of God!
While liberals speak of "our fellowship" or "our movement," I speak of CHRIST'S CHURCH, the spotless bride for which our Savior died -- the one church, bought with the precious blood of the spotless Lamb. Now, that's personal with me, friend. For that's the blood, and the purchased church, of MY SAVIOR, MY LORD, and MY REDEEMER.
When liberals speak of "our traditions," I speak of GOD'S PATTERN. If there is no pattern to New Testament Christianity, then no one knows what's right, we are all hopelessly confused and blind, groping in the dark for nothing. But that's not the way it is -- you don't have to be confused, your Christianity doesn't have to be a guessing game. You can, personally, be lifted from the miry pit of sin, doubt, and confusion, and be put on the narrow way of light, hope and salvation.
When liberals speak of "change," I am reminded of the GOD WHO DOES NOT CHANGE, the Savior who is the SAME yesterday, today, forever, the WORD which forbids addition or subtraction, the GOSPEL whose warning echo is cursedness upon any who preach otherwise. When liberals speak of changing that by which I found salvation, you're right, I take it personally.
When liberals condemn "our arrogance" or "our sectarian spirit," I think of my BRETHREN, for whom Christ died, and who I must love even as I love God. I cannot extend my love impersonally. I think of brethren, not filled with pride, conceit, nor arrogance, but with conviction about truth! God bless those men and women of both former and present times who often, at great personal hardship, sacrificed for the truth of Christianity! Their toil, their labor, their conviction, their determination, made possible the easier road many of us can today traverse.
When liberal advocate fellowship with denominations, I think of FAMILY TIES I SEVERED, even as the Savior said I would, to take my stand with Him and with His people and with His truth. That gets mighty personal, now doesn't it?
In short, when liberals castigate and ridicule my SAVIOR, HIS CHURCH, and my HOPE, I can't for the life of me figure out any other way to take that, than personally. Can you?
P.O. Box 871
Flatwoods, KY 41139 .

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Guest Editorial... The Liberals Will Never Win

Charles Blair

Our loyalty, first of all, must be to God. Then that loyalty can be extended to God's people who walk in the light of God's Word.

It is discouraging to read of whole congregations which have moved away from the foundation of truth. Men who at one time were known for being faithful to the Lord are casting their lots with those who have departed from the faith. In the face of the ever growing information about departures, it is hard for Christians to not become discouraged. It would "appear" that the liberals are gaining more and more ground every week that passes.
In the face of such departures, it is important for us to remind ourselves that the liberal and his cause will never win. He may enjoy his popularity and succeed at deceiving God's people. However, his tenure is limited by God. One can make a study of the history of mankind beginning in Genesis all the way through Revelation and there are periods when sin and iniquity run rampant in the hearts of individuals. The same history also reveals there is always a remnant which chooses God's way.
Satan seduced a world in Noah's day, but he could not get Noah and his family. Eight precious souls were saved by their obedience to God (1 Peter 3:20-21) -- eight souls who determined they would not live unrighteous lives. Which will it be for us? We can either be a part of the movement AWAY from God or be a part of the remnant that HOLDS onto God's revealed Word. Such a precious choice still rests with the individual. We can be like those of the Bible and make a choice for ourselves and for our families (Joshua 24:15).
Why must we be seduced by all the power games which immature Christians try to play out? Do we not possess enough common sense to know that we cannot merge with denominational concepts without losing what we are as the people of God? Neither can we continue to support those whose ideas are no longer true and faithful to the Word. I have attended youth forums and such-like where the idea was to "shock" the audience with some statement or action. That may very well work on young and impressionable minds, but it will not stand among mature Christians.
Our loyalty, first of all, must be to God. Then that loyalty can be extended to God's people who walk in the light of God's Word (1 John 1:7). Loyalty cannot be extended to those who leave the faith or those who help the ones who have left the faith. Why should I be loyal to one who rejects the Biblical idea of grace? I should not speak on lectureships with him, nor try to pretend I am doing God a service by appearing with him. I owe no man on this earth who has left God's Word as the standard, my loyalty.
The liberal does not understand loyalty. He will spend his time attacking the body of Christ with his words. He will appeal to those from whom he can extract money or sympathy. You see, the problem is, you can just shock people so much and then you have nothing left. How very sad that men leave the truth thinking it will make them popular. Popularity, like glory, is fleeting. The liberal cannot win because he does not have on the inside what is necessary to make the journey home to heaven. Get on the winning side while there is still time.
2842 Shelby St.
Indianapolis, IN 46203 .

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Joe Beam, Ben Bogard and The Comforter

Jerry C. Brewer

God didn't leave the earth in the first century. God came to the earth in the first century in the form of the Holy Spirit. So that Jesus, when he was here incarnate in the flesh, when he was leaving us, said, "I'm not gonna leave you alone, I'm gonna give you a comforter, a buddy, a pal." And I don't use those words sacrilegiously at all. He meant somebody who would stand with you through it all, to be your friend, to be there to strengthen you in the inner person when you need strengthening and that would be the Holy Spirit of God and he is here for us. (Joe Beam, The Holy Spirit, Tape 3, Nashville Jubilee, 1996).

Joe Beam's Pentecostal doctrine, which he slobbered forth at Nashville's 1996 Jubilee, squares nicely with the Baptist doctrine espoused by Ben M. Bogard in his debate with N. B. Hardeman in 1938. The major difference between Bogard and Beam, however, is that Bogard didn't refer to Deity as a "buddy" or a "pal."

Did you ever stop to think or to consider that Jesus said the Holy Spirit would come to take his place? Have you not read where Jesus said, "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever?" (John 14:14-17) ...What I am affirming is that the Holy Spirit is personally present, is really present, in the conviction and conversion of the sinner as Jesus was present when he dealt with men and women while he was here in body, during his personal ministry. (Ben M. Bogard, First Affirmative Speech, "The Work of The Holy Spirit," Hardeman-Bogard Debate, Gospel Advocate Co., 1938, p. 9).

While Bogard affirmed the direct operation of the Holy Spirit in the conversion of sinners, Beam affirms the Spirit's direct operation in strengthening the Christian. Both misused Christ's statement regarding the Comforter to sustain their positions.
Jesus' selection of the word Comforter indicated a unique relationship between the Holy Spirit and the apostles. Consider the context of Jesus' final discourse in John 14-16. He was speaking to the apostles. What he said of the Comforter related only to the apostles and the special relationship he would sustain to them. Beam, Bogard and others with Calvinist tendencies have taken Jesus' promise to the apostles out of context and twisted it to suit their own theological speculations.
From the Greek parakletos, the word Comforter indicated a Divine presence in the apostles that would console, intercede and be an advocate for them. The meaning of the word is inseparably connected with inspiration in the apostles of the first century and cannot in any way refer to a function of the Holy Spirit in lives today. The context of Jesus' statements regarding the Comforter in John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26-27 and 16:7-13 indicate this clearly.
Jesus had been the apostles' guide, intercessor, advocate and teacher while he was with them. Telling them he would soon go away, he promised one who would do for them in his absence what he had done in person. That one was the Holy Spirit who is styled the Comforter because of his special relationship with the apostles. Focusing on the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the apostles, Jesus said, "whom the world cannot receive..." (John 14:17). The Holy Spirit as Comforter was promised only to the apostles for the revelation of God's plan of redemption. His work of revelation was not to be accomplished through anyone but them and His function in them is described in John 14:26 and 16:13.

Here is stated the two-fold office of the Holy Spirit Comforter in the apostles; first, the reminding office of the Holy Spirit in them: "bring all things to your remembrance;" and second, the revealing office of the Holy Spirit in them -- "he shall teach you all things" and "he will guide you into all truth." It was therefore reserved for the Comforter, the Holy Spirit of inspiration, to reveal to the apostles the things that the Lord had not himself told them, and thus complete the gospel plan of redemption. (Foy E. Wallace, Jr., The Mission and Medium of The Holy Spirit, Foy E. Wallace, Jr. Publications, 1967, p. 96).

One who claims that the Holy Spirit functions as Comforter in the lives of Christians today, makes a false claim. The presence of the Comforter in the apostles was inspiration and that was demonstrated in the "signs of an apostle" (2 Cor. 12:12). Moreover, Jesus did not denigrate the great work of revealing the gospel, nor the Holy Spirit Comforter by referring to Him as a "buddy" or a "pal" to the apostles.
Joe Beam is a false teacher who has no respect for the Word of God, nor the Spirit who revealed it. He has misused Jesus' teaching concerning the Comforter and claims something he cannot substantiate. If the Comforter functions in Beam's life today then Beam knows everything the apostles knew and is obligated to demonstrate his inspiration by signs and wonders. "As goes the proposition, so must be the demonstration" (Mark 16:17-20; 2 Cor. 12:12)!
618 Santa Fe Drive
Clinton, OK 73601 .

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. Rabbi? Reverend? Doctor? Father? Or Pastor?
What Shall We Call Leaders In The Church?

Rod Rutherford

Many of the religious leaders in Jesus' day were very proud! They wore special clothing so they would look important in the eyes of men. They chose the best seats when they came to worship God. They wanted everyone to see them and praise them. They especially liked to be called by special titles such as "Rabbi," "Teacher," and "Father."
Jesus condemned these proud men. He commanded: "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. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matt. 23:8-12).
Many preachers and other religious leaders today are just like the proud scribes and Pharisees who were condemned by Jesus. They like to wear "uniforms" or other special clothing so they will stand out from other believers. They want people to see them. They think they are very important and deserve honor and praise from men. They especially like to wear religious titles such as "Reverend," "Pastor," "Doctor," and "Father" to set them apart from their fellow believers. These vain people are guilty of the same sin the scribes and Pharisees were guilty of. They are condemned by the same words the Lord used to condemn the proud religious leaders in his day!
"Reverend." The word "reverend" describes someone who is highly exalted and worthy of great praise. In the King James Version of the Bible, it is used to describe God: "Holy and reverend is his name" (Psalm 111:9). The New King James Version translates this verse: "Holy and awesome is his name." Only a very foolish and arrogant person would claim to be worthy to be called "reverend" or "awesome" like God!
"Doctor." Many religious leaders today like to be called "Doctor." The word "doctor" originally meant "teacher." Today it is used to describe one who is a physician or medical healer. It is also the name of the highest degree one can attain in education. But it is not a title to be worn by leaders in the church, whether preachers, teachers, elders, etc. Jesus said: "Call no man Teacher" (Doctor)!
"Father" is not meant to be used as a special title given to religious leaders. It is right for a child to call his male parent "father." But it is wrong to use it as a special title for religious teachers. Jesus said: "One is your Father, he who is in heaven."
"Pastor" is one of the most misused words in the entire Bible! The word "pastor" means "shepherd." The Lord's church is often described in the Bible as "the flock of God" (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). According to the Bible, pastors (shepherds) are the elders or overseers of the church (see Acts 20:17,28; Eph. 4:11; Phil. 1:1; 1 Peter 5:1-4). It is God's pattern for his church that each congregation will have overseers or shepherds who meet the special qualifications which he has given in his Word (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). There must be two or more pastors (elders, shepherds, overseers) for they are always plural when mentioned as leading a congregation (see Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1).
Many people confuse the work of pastors with that of preachers or evangelists. Please note Paul's words to the church of Christ at Ephesus: "And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers" (Eph. 4:11). Evangelists are preachers of the Word of God. Their job is to "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching" (2 Tim. 4:2). Elders (pastors) are only over the local congregation where they are members (1 Peter 5:1-4). But evangelists may serve just one congregation in preaching the gospel or they may be sent out to establish new congregations. They are not pastors (elders) and do not have the authority to rule the local congregation. Neither "evangelist" or "pastor" is meant to be a special religious title. They simply describe different workers in the church.
Jesus said of his disciples: "You are all brethren." It is sinful for a Christian to exalt himself above his fellow Christians by wearing special clothing to set himself apart from them. It is also sinful for a Christian to insist he be called by some special title such as "Rabbi," "Father," "Reverend," "Doctor," or "Pastor!" It is wrong for workers in the church to insist that special seats be reserved for them or that they be given special greetings. God is our Father. All Christians are brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. Let us honor God as our heavenly Father and Jesus as our Teacher. Let us humbly serve them and take no pride in wearing man-made titles to exalt ourselves. Let us always remember Jesus' warning: "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted!"
5911 Southbend Lane
Olive Branch, MS 38654

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. Jesus Christ:
The Head Of The Body

Victor M. Eskew

In several places in the New Testament Jesus is referred to as "the head of the body." This term is most applicable when metaphorically describing the church as "the body of Christ." Every physical body has a head. In like manner, the spiritual body has a head. This head is the Son of God.

"THE" HEAD

Scripture designates Jesus as "the head" of the body. "And he is the head of the body, the church..." (Col. 1:18). The definite article "the," singles Jesus Christ out as the only head. There is no other head of the church, neither in heaven, nor on earth. Some very foolishly have asserted their headship over the church. Sadly, many have accepted a human head, and have submitted themselves to his assumed authority. Such actions call in question the headship of Christ. Is the Son of God able to fulfill his role as the Head? Most certainly! He needs no angel, throne, dominion, principality, power, or human to help him direct the affairs of the body.

THE HEAD'S RESPONSIBILITY

Just as the head of the physical body directs, controls and governs the activities of the members, so also does the Head of the spiritual body. It is the Lord Jesus who is to control the thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5; Phil. 4:8), words (Eph. 4:15; 1 Peter 4:11), and actions (Col. 3:17) of the members of his spiritual body.
This control is exerted through his inspired Word known as the Bible. The Holy Spirit searched out the mind of God (1 Cor. 2:9-13). Those thoughts were then revealed to men by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26-27; 16:13). These things were eventually written down in book form (2 Thess. 2:15). By the end of the first century the work of the New Testament was completed. The faith had been once for all time delivered unto the saints (Jude 3). This book is for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Using this book will cause the members of the body to be perfect, fully equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

THE BODY'S OBLIGATION

The members of the body have a responsibility to the Head. They are to submit to his demands. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...and whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Col. 3:16-17).
It is here that the comparison between the physical and spiritual body is somewhat different. Within the physical body, the members do not possess minds of their own. Unless there is some type of medical problem, the members always comply with the demands of the head. Such is not the case in the spiritual body. Every member has his own mind. He has the ability to choose to obey the Head, or refuse to obey. Some members comply fully with the Head's demands while others do not. Some may halfheartedly obey. Others rebel completely. When this happens, the Head is not pleased, and the body fails to function properly. When the body is not functioning as intended by the Head, it will never accomplish the things it could and should.

CONCLUSION

Dear brothers, as a member of the body of Christ, we exhort you to recognize the Head of the body, Jesus Christ. We beseech you to comply fully with his dictates. Do not impede the functioning of the body by being disobedient to the head. If you will submit, the body will effectually work and there will be an "increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love" (Eph. 4:16).
400 Cherry Road
Paragould, AR 72450

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BY WHAT AUTHORITY?

Richard Guill

It is absolutely crucial that we decide the "authority issue" before we practice anything in religion.

Proper authority is the most important consideration in religion. When Jesus was teaching in the Jewish temple, he was confronted by the Jewish religious leaders as to his authority for what he was doing and teaching (Matt. 21:23). "By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?" No doubt they did not ask out of the right motive, and it is very likely that they could have known if they had properly examined the evidence available. Jesus then turned the whole matter around and asked them the same basic question regarding John's baptism. "The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men" (Matt. 21:25)? Those were the only two alternatives. They knew the answer, though they chose to reply "we cannot tell" (Matt. 21:27).
The doing of things by God's authority will bring his blessing. However the doing of anything without God's authority, but only with man's authority, is iniquity (lawlessness) and is sinful (Matt. 7:21-23). Christians are plainly told, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of (by the authority of) the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Col. 3:17). It is absolutely crucial that we decide the "authority issue" before we practice anything in religion.
The divided state of the religious world and the chaos of conflicting doctrines and practices is due to men acting upon some authority other than the authority of God. "God is not the author of confusion" (1 Cor. 14:33). The authority of Christ will produce people who all speak the same thing, have no divisions among them, and are perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (1 Cor. 1:10), who are "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3).

THE AUTHORITY OF MEN

The authority of men comes from one of two basic sources or a combination of the two. Those sources are the thinking and feelings of the individual and human traditions which have been handed down.
Men have always had the tendency to act according to their "heart" or feelings and/or their own thinking. The book of Judges describes a time of anarchy, confusion, and lawlessness in Israel after the death of Moses and his successor, Joshua. The last verse of this book tells the reason for such a state of affairs: "In those days there was no king in Israel, every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). Each person used no objective standard of conduct, but decided for himself what was right and wrong. The wise man wrote, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 14:12). Saul of Tarsus is a classic example of one who learned that what you think is right may not be right after all. Speaking of his vigorous persecution of Christians, Paul said, "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth" (Acts 26:9). Jeremiah 17:9 warns about reliance upon one's heart because, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Therefore, the Bible warns, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool" (Prov. 28:26). The one who trusts in and acts according to what he thinks or feels is going to do as he pleases without consideration of others.
Human tradition, often handed down for centuries, is the standard of authority for multitudes. The Samaritan woman at the well asked Jesus a question regarding the proper place for worship. As a Samaritan, she worshipped according to the tradition of her fathers. She said, "Our fathers worshiped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship" (John 4:20). The Jews of Jesus' day worshipped God in vain because they followed the commandments of men (Matt. 15:9). He told them that they had "made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition" (Matt. 15:6). They even went so far as to "reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition" (Mark 7:9). Some of those Jews were later converted to Christ and redeemed "from your vain conversation (manner of life) received by tradition from your fathers" (1 Peter 1:18). Even today there are many who worship and serve in some religious group because "our family has been ___ (some religious group) for years." Such human tradition carries no weight with God. Unless it is based firmly upon God's word, no human tradition is worthy to be followed.
Often, there is a combination of what one thinks and what the tradition thinks and practices. Saul not only thought within himself that he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus (Acts 26:9), but he also acted with the full authority of his fathers' religion and its leaders (verse 10, and Acts 22:3-5). Traditions of men often color what one will "think in his heart." Therefore, the combination is often very powerful.
In order to enter the kingdom of heaven, it is imperative that we do the Father's will (act by his authority), and not what tradition says, or what we personally feel or think (Matt. 7:21).
4865 Bates Pike SE
Cleveland, TN 37323

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. 12th Annual
Seek The Old Paths Lectureship

July 27-31, 1997
Always the 4th Sunday in July

Theme:
The Church at Colosse
. SUNDAY, JULY 27 . . . .

9:45	The History Of The City Of Colosse Along With The Occasion And Setting Of The Church, 1:1-2 . . . . . . . . . . Windell Fikes
10:30	Conversion In Colossians . . . . . . . . . . Nat Evans
7:00	Exposition Of 1:3-8 . . . . . . . . . . Charles Blair
8:00	A Faithful Minister, 1:7; 4:7 . . . . . . . . . . Garland Robinson

MONDAY, JULY 28 ...... .

9:00	Exposition Of 1:9-20 . . . . . . . . . . Wayne Cox
10:00	Let No Man Deceive You, 1:23; 2:4,8,16,18,20-23 . . . . . . . . . . Brian Hodge
11:00	Being Fruitful In Every Good Work, 1:10 . . . . . . . . . . Ted Horn
1:30	Exposition Of 1:21--2:3 . . . . . . . . . . Dean Fugett
2:30	Redeeming The Time, 4:5 . . . . . . . . . . John Grubb
7:00	Dead In Sins, 2:13 . . . . . . . . . . Charles Leonard
8:00	Alive In Christ, 2:13 . . . . . . . . . . Melvin Sapp

TUESDAY, JULY 29 ...... .

9:00	Exposition Of 2:4-12 . . . . . . . . . . Ben Vick
10:00	The Nature & Preeminence Of Christ, 1:15-19 . . . . . . . . . . Robin Haley
11:00	The Kingdom Of God's Dear Son, 1:13 . . . . . . . . . . Chuck Northrop
1:30	Exposition Of 3:16 . . . . . . . . . . Charles Pledge
2:30	Exposition Of 3:17 . . . . . . . . . . Ken Burleson
7:00	Punishment Of The Wicked, 3:25 . . . . . . . . . . Ron Cosby
8:00	Redemption Through His Blood, The Forgiveness Of Sins, 1:14 . . . . . . . . . . Gilbert Gough

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 ...... .

9:00	Exposition Of 2:13-23 . . . . . . . . . . Wayne Coats
10:00	The Mystery Of The Gospel, 1:26-27; 2:2; 4:3 . . . . . . . . . . Melvin Elliott
11:00	Worshipping Of Angels, 2:18 . . . . . . . . . . Walter Pigg
1:30	Exposition Of 3:1-15 . . . . . . . . . . Alan Adams
2:30	Give Thanks To God -- Gratitude, 1:3,12; 2:7; 3:15,17; 4:2 . . . . . . . . . . H. D. Simmons
7:00	Grounded And Settled, 1:23 . . . . . . . . . . Virgil Hale
8:00	The Wrath Of God, 3:6 . . . . . . . . . . Terry Joe Kee

THURSDAY, JULY 31 ......

9:00	Exposition Of 3:18--4:1 . . . . . . . . . . Bill Crossno
10:00	Love To All The Saints, 1:4 . . . . . . . . . . Don Tate
11:00	Let Your Speech Be Seasoned With Salt, 4:6 . . . . . . . . . . Arthur Burnett
1:30	Exposition Of 4:2-18 . . . . . . . . . . Jimmy Bates
2:30	Laboring Fervently -- Zeal, 4:12 . . . . . . . . . . Jimmy Young
7:00	The Priorities Of Life, 3:1-2 . . . . . . . . . . Ed Casteel
8:00	The Hope Which Is Laid Up For You In Heaven, 1:5 . . . . . . . . . . Ronnie Whittemore

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East Corinth Church of Christ
1801 Cruise St., Corinth, MS 38834
Voice (601) 286-2040 or 286-6575 / Fax (601) 286-2040
Email: Contact Us

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Limited housing is available in member's homes. Contact the church office for reservations. Water and electrical hook-ups (no sewer) are available for RVs. We would like to know in advance of your arrival to reserve you a space.

BOOK, VIDEO & AUDIO TAPES ARE AVAILABLE
A book of the lessons will be available for $5.00. If your mail order is postmarked before August 1, 1997 we will pay the postage. If it is after August 1, 1997, add $1.30 postage. Cassette audio tapes are $20 for the complete set (add $2 for postage). Make checks (for books and cassette tapes) payable to Old Paths Publishing, 304 Ripley St., Corinth, MS 38834. The set of video tapes is $50. Order from: Jim Green, 2711 Spring Meade Blvd, Columbia, TN 38401. The church is not involved in the sale of any of these materials.

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"We enjoy the paper so very much. We're sending a small contribution, only wish it were more. Please remember us in prayer as Noel is to have two major surgeries in the next 2 to 4 months" ...Noel & Arno McNeil, Crab Orchard, TN. "I enjoy reading Seek The Old Paths. Please keep me on your mailing list. I look forward to receiving your papers" ...Lorraine Scott, South Lyon, MI. "May our God continue to bless you as you strive to do His good will" ...Jimmie B. Hill, Crossville, TN. "Hello! I am 19 and go to Fisher Street Church of Christ. I have only been a Christian since May, so any thing you all can do for me (especially pray) is greatly appreciated. I would like to receive Seek The Old Paths. It is great! It has important issues, the Christian standpoint on those issues and plenty of verses to help me study. I feel I am spiritually immature in Christianity and I need all the help I can get, especially sound help and not corrupt opinions of men. All I want is truth! "Give me the Bible" as the old song goes. I find your publication suitable for my needs. Anything else you can offer is great also. Keep up the good work. Tell your members their contributions to this will be rewarded by our Father. Anything to further the kingdom, to fight the good fight of faith and strengthen the Body of Christ. Thank you" ...Blake Brietz, Harrisburg, AR. "We all really enjoy this paper and appreciate you all standing up for the truth" ...Maurice & Martha Johnson, Albany, GA. "I appreciate the paper and the other great works East Corinth is doing" ...G. B. Richey, Jr., Dexter, MO. "Please send me copies of Seek The Old Paths. I have read a copy from a congregation I visited and found the articles to be very scriptural and helpful. Thank you very much" ...Herbert Pierce, Pine Bluff, AR. "Please reinstate my subscription to your wonderful paper" ...Roger Genung, Mena, AR. "I appreciate Seek The Old Paths and the good work you are doing in keeping the brotherhood informed. Keep up the good work" ...Bennie Vickers, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. "I need my name removed from the mailing list. I will be moving off campus and I don't want you all to waste paper" ...Eric Lyons, Henderson, TN. "Will you please add my name to your mailing list? I notice you do not charge any subscription price, so I am sending a small donation. I had seen where Wayne Coats mentioned Seek The Old Paths several times in his "Plumbline," so I wrote and asked him for your address. Since that time, I have seen a friend's copy of the August 1996 issue of your publication and I think it is a paper I will love to read" ...Mrs. Howard Nelson, Harrisburg, AR. "You are doing such a good work. We enjoy Seek The Old Paths and it helps us in our daily life" ...Agra, OK. "Thanks for your paper. My wife and I enjoy it very much. It is sound. We feel like you fellows still have your head screwed on straight" ...Donald While, Maysville, OK. "I would like to be put on your mailing list. I have heard a lot of good things about your publication. I can then pass it on to family members. Thank you" ...Rita Wilson, Memphis, TN. "We appreciate the fine articles in Seek The Old Paths" ...Bobby H. Thompson, Cantonment, FL. "Keep up the good work. God bless you in your efforts to Seek The Old Paths" ...Will & Nancy Winchester, Marion, NC. "Will you please put me on your maiilng list for Seek The Old Paths? Your publication has the kind of articles that are needed. Thanks" ...Billy Culpepper, Sumner, GA. "Please send me your paper. I am a church of Christ member for many years. I love the truth you print in Seek The Old Paths" ...Opal Barton, Flora, IL. "Thank you so much for sending the publication" ...Elizabeth Richardson, Sugar Tree, TN. "There is to much concession amongst the church of Christ toward their wayward brothers. We need to be constantly reminded of the high cost of error and God's unchanging mind concerning such matters. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7). Thank you for constantly reminding us to keep the faith and to heed to God's unchanging word. Thanks to you Garland Robinson and Jimmy Bates" ...Bob Parker, Oklahoma City, OK. "I'd like to say how much I enjoy your paper and the things you stand for. How can anyone write such letters to you as was in the March/97 issue? I am sorry for them. I pray that you have a long life to teach the truth. In Christian love and may God bless you there" ...Mrs. W. H. Guinn, New Site, MS. "Enclosed is my new address along with a small contribution to Seek The Old Paths. I look forward to getting and reading for I know there are many of our brethren going astray and unless we are warned, how else would we know them if they are in an area we are familiar with? Thank God for preachers who stand up and speak the words of our Lord and Savior in truth and do not try to compromise" ...Varda Cole, Booneville, MS.

Comments from THE INTERNET
"I think your home page on the internet is great. I have gained much help on researching material on various subjects" ...Tim Wilkins, Memphis, TN. "I am just dropping a line to compliment you on the fine web page. The Bible Questions & Answers part is excellent and I hope you will continue it. I find that the Web is flooded with many pages outlining false doctrine; so much that there really is a void for good sound Biblical answers. I have been a Christian now for about seven months and am a member of your neighboring congregation at Chapman. I look forward to reading more in the future" ...Clint Stroupe, Ripley, MS. "We enjoy your publication very much. Keep up the good work and continue to take a firm stand for the truth" ...J. S. & Janice Horne, jadehorne@netserver2.softeknet.net. "Thank you for this page on the net. We are members of a new congregation in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. We are the Midway Church of Christ and are looking for a preacher. We are small and struggling just now. Please pray for us that we may be what God wants us to be. We are between Denton and Sanger Texas on I H 35" ...Leon and Irene Tribble, dewberry@iglobal.net. "My name is Chad Seaton and I am a Gospel preacher at Talihina, Oklahoma. I like the web page. Keep up the good work" preacher@clnk.com. "Yesterday I visited your web site for the first time in several months and was most impressed with it. You have done an excellent and professional job with it" ...Chuck Northrop, NorthropC@aol.com. "I put your home page on my favorite places" ...Paul Pitts, clevwatr@mindspring.com.

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1996 Bound Volume of
Seek The Old Paths
$5 (includes postage)

Make check payable to
Old Paths Publishing
304 Ripley St.
Corinth, MS 38834

Only 200 available!
The 1996 Volume has been sold out

BOOKS AVAILABLE

1997 -- The Church At Colosse, $5
1996 -- The Seven Churches of Asia, $5
1995 -- The Church at Corinth, $4
1994 -- Immorality, $3.50
1990 -- New Testament Questions, $3.00
1989 -- Old Testament Questions, $2.00
Preparing For The Eldership, $2.00
The Race That Is Set Before Us, $8.00

Shipping/Handling -- 1 book, $1.50
2-3 books, $2.25
For each additional book, add 50 cents.

All books are sold by Old Paths Publishing, not the church.

Send order to:
Old Paths Publishing
304 Ripley St.
Corinth, MS 38834

12th Annual
Seek The Old Paths
Lectureship
July 27-31, 1997
"The Church At Colosse"
Held at the East Corinth Church of Christ

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