Seek The Old Paths, June, 1998

Vol. 9 No. 6 June 1998

In This Issue...

Steve Flatt's "Covenant" on Behalf of Lipscomb University -- Alan Adams p.1
The Calvanistic Doctrine of Irristible Grace. Is It In The Lord's Church? -- Garland M. Robinson p.2
The Elders That Rule Well -- Earl Case, Elder p.5
The Scourge Of Sideline Soldiers -- Jerry C. Brewer p.6
An Act Of Spiritual High Treason -- Dennis Gulledge p.6
1998 Lectureship Schedule -- THE HOME p.7
Mail Bag -- p.8

. STEVE FLATT'S "COVENANT" ON BEHALF OF LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY
"I Covenant With You That Lipscomb Will Be Such A Place"

Alan Adams

Steve Flatt's ascendancy to the Presidency of David Lipscomb University has been attended by both hoopla and hope. The October '97 issue of The Lipscomb News gives details of Flatt's inauguration address and his and DLU's "covenant" with "whomever." I am not a cynic, but nothing in Flatt's words inspire hope in me: that is, they do not inspire hope that DLU will even remotely return to its moorings and advocacy of First Century christianity. The truth is -- for those who care to examine the facts -- DLU is virtually unrecognizable as having any connection whatsoever with churches of Christ under a Flatt leadership. I predict it will become completely so. On "a brilliantly sunny autumn day before more than 3,000 listeners, Flatt traced his covenants to the founding vision of David Lipscomb and James A. Harding..." (p.1, col. 1). The truth is, David Lipscomb and James A. Harding, if on the campus and in the classrooms of DLU today, would think themselves on another planet, and that not because of new buildings or technology. Let's examine grounds for such pessimism.
PRESIDENT FLATT AFFIRMS. "At Lipscomb, we place the highest value on truth because we believe all truth is God's truth whether found by revelation, reason, or research." That DLU will do a good job in pursuing truth in the areas of "science, mathematics, language" is probably so. It is doubtful they will do a good job in the area of "history" inasmuch as many of their teachers, writers, and lecturers have already made hash of Restoration History. But totally deniable is the claim that DLU will "place the highest value on truth...found by revelation -- the Bible. This article will support said denial.
PAGE THREE AND THE COLLINS SUMMER LECTURES OF '98. With Flatt's commitment to truth from God's revelation on page one, we turn and read the headline: "Stallings to launch Collins Lectures June 14." Hopeful stirrings from the Flatt words of page one are dashed on page three when one reads, "Stallings will be joined on the lectureship by F. LaGard Smith, Jimmy Allen, Joe Beam, Paul Faulkner, Charles Hodge, Steve Flatt and more." This list, including the President himself, does not inspire confidence.
F. LaGard Smith is famous for his "common law" baptism. Teachers at Freed-Hardeman found some of his ideas so disquieting that they put pressure on him to explain or recant else they would disavow. Contrary reports notwithstanding, he has neither explained nor disavowed. Brother Smith can write things that are well thought out and stated, yet promote others (e.g. common law baptism) which are unscriptural at worst, or incomprehensible at best. The gentleman is a Professor of Law, so the problem surely does not lie with a lack of ability to express himself clearly.
Jimmy Allen has for several years now been contradicting Jesus on the one and only grounds on which any earthling living under the Law of Christ may divorce and remarry with God's blessing. Why would thinking people want to include him on a program which includes as one topic "Foundations for the Family?"
Joe Beam, contrary to his denials, is a "Pentecostal" or "charismatic." In his '96 Tulsa Workshop lecture, "Discovering the Holy Spirit," [from a tape of the same, AA] he says some amazing things: Referring to "controversies...over worship," Beam says,

"People say, Well wait a minute, the Bible says do things decently in order. Therefore God cannot come to church (laughter) ... Look at the Bible examples and you'll find that they do the things we make fun of people for doing. Some of them faint, like Daniel when he saw an angel of God; some of them yell -- I mean, God doesn't do things that we consider decent or in order. [What any of this has to do with "the gift of the Holy Spirit, Beam does not tell us, AA.] Remember the prophet God made go naked for three years? [I take it that we are to conclude that if someone strips naked in the assembly and says "God told me to," we are to rejoice, AA.] ...God doesn't obey the rules, so we don't invite God to church because he doesn't do things decently and in order and we have a worship plan...I recently spoke for a church on the subject of the Holy Spirit at their men's retreat and their elders started praying that the Holy Spirit would come, and I stopped them and said, Pardon me brother do you know what you're asking for? They said, What do you mean? And I said, If God comes in power here, you're going to see things you typically don't see. Are you ready for that? They said, Most certainly, and kept praying. I said, Fine. That was on Friday night...The next morning, they came back in again, praying for the Holy Spirit, I said, OK, watch what happens. I'm speaking away when a brother right over here all of a sudden begins to sob, just breaking apart...I said [to the elders]...Take care of him. Thirteen elders rush over and put their hands on this man...they all start praying for him, and while they're praying for him, this guy over here starts sobbing. Half of them jump and run over to him while he's sobbing, a guy over there starts sobbing. They're looking at me like, How did you make this happen? My response -- when we later talked about it -- was, I had nothing to do with it. You asked God to come, and in Bible times when God came people always had a reaction, a reaction that was sometimes amazing. So we have laughed at and made fun of people for doing things the Bible says people do when God comes...I am a Spirit-filled christian (applause). The Spirit is alive. He is here. He is vibrant. And to try to say that the Spirit works only in that written word is to take His power away, because he is working in the hearts and lives of people...Now you might be saying, wait a minute Joe, you have gone to far. Always possible...There's my friend Wayne Kilpatrick. I love him with all my heart, and last night he said, Joe are you going to get in trouble tomorrow? I said, Probably Wayne...I cannot in this one session teach you all the things I've been learning lately...If you want more than that we're in booth 86, over there, Family Dynamics. You come by and put your name on a sheet of paper, and when I finish the six hours of tapes I'm making on this, we'll let you know about those tapes if you want them [For cost only: If you miss the irony, it's not because I wanted you to, AA.] ...The Holy Spirit is here, and viable, and I will try to show you by the end of the session tomorrow that He will speak to you directly, He will tell you what to do...we will introduce you to some concepts that are as biblical as they can be and release you from a shackle of legalistic burden that has bound the people of God since days of old...I'm going to show you how God speaks to you through the word. I'm going to show you from the book of Acts how God speaks to you through spiritual wisdom that you [can] equate to being the word of God. They did. I'm going to show you how that God will some times speak to you through what I call awakenings [at least this is what it sounds like he says, AA] ...(applause)."

Beam says such as this is the "gift of the Holy Spirit." He does not prove it by Scripture. In the final analysis, it implies pure subjectivism. A man sobs, it must be the direct operation of the Holy Spirit. Amazing!
Charles Hodge is another preacher who is hard to figure. He can be astute on some matters, yet maintains the propensity for advocating things blatantly false, such as, "Grace and law are mutually exclusive" (Amazing Grace, 20th Century Christian, 1984, p. 97). Paul having affirmed that the fact of the "righteousness of God through the faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe" (Rom. 3:22), explains, "being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God set forth to be a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness" (vs.24-25). Then, anticipating such error as that of Hodge, Paul concludes, "Do we then make law of none effect through the faith? God forbid: nay, we establish law" (v.32).
Steve Flatt himself is famous for his parroting (in some instances verbatim) of Rubel Shelly's nonsense about the non-abolition of the Law of Moses.
No. DLU is not placing "the highest value on truth [as found in God's] revelation." It is sad that there are Christians who are more devoted to DLU than Christ. None of this will faze them.
104 S Willow St.
Cowan, TN 37318 ..

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. Editorial...
THE CALVINISTIC DOCTRINE OF
"IRRESISTIBLE GRACE"
IS IT IN THE LORD'S CHURCH?

Garland M. Robinson

The Calvinistic doctrine of Irresistible Grace, briefly stated, is, the belief that men, all men, are wholly sinners, born that way from their mother's womb. They can neither understand nor obey the commandments of God in their unregenerate state. For one to be saved he must first have the direct operation of the Holy Spirit upon his heart that would bestow upon him God's grace. This grace cannot be resisted and one must absolutely yield to it -- therefore, it is irresistible. It will enable him to read and understand God's word and respond favorably to it. The point of this doctrine says it is a work wholly accomplished by God and that the individual has no part or lot in it. It is by nothing he has done or will do that God showers his abundant blessings upon him. This has been prearranged in God's so-called plan of predestination. Thus, every person must wait on God to send his Spirit and thereby receive his working miracle of grace.
The doctrine of Irresistible Grace is one of the most farfetched and irrational doctrines ever imagined and initiated by man. It contradicts Scripture at every turn. It is unthinkable that this system of satanic and malicious doctrine could ever find room to spawn in the heart of anyone, especially a child of God. But such is the case from what is now being spoken and written in many circles.
Let no one misunderstand, the Bible teaches that salvation is by grace -- but NOT BY GRACE ALONE; and, certainly not the way this doctrine upholds it! Scripture says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9). Grace is the favor, good will, loving kindness, bounty or benefit of God extended toward man. The Scriptures make it clear that such favor toward man is unmerited or unearned by man, i.e., men cannot so work as to place God in their debt. Jesus made it plain when he said: "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do" (Luke 17:10). Paul wrote, "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" (Titus 3:5). The fact that we cannot obligate God to save us by our own works of righteousness, does not negate the fact that works, works of obedience, works on our part, MUST be present before God will grant us his grace. His grace is only extended upon conditions. But, even when those conditions are met, it is still the free gift of God.
The Biblical understanding of grace presents a beautiful picture for all. It is extended to every man and woman, not just a select few as Calvinism teaches. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11). It is the perversion of God's grace that we speak of in this article.

WHAT SOME ARE SAYING

In a publication called The Persuader, Arnold Hardin (Scyene Road Church of Christ, Dallas, Texas) wrote an article entitled "100% Grace" which was published on August 6, 1989. In this article he said,

Recently a preacher among us addressed a group of preachers and exclaimed that salvation is 100% by grace! I can imagine the religious consternation of most of those brethren. But bless their hearts -- how else can it be? There is absolutely nothing more plainly taught than the fact that our salvation is by grace -- 100%!

Also, in the December, 1991, issue of IMAGE, Denny Boultinghouse published an article entitled "100% Grace." Some of the excerpts from this article reads:

Are we saved 100% by the grace of God? Yes, we are saved 100% by the cross of Christ. Before you panic, please hear me out. May cool heads prevail." ... "To even ask the question: 'Are we saved 100% by the grace of God?' demonstrates an inadequate understanding of man and of the Cross of Christ." ... "...So, yes, we are saved 100% by the death of Christ. Our salvation is completely paid for by Christ's death, it is completely by grace. We contribute nothing to our salvation." ... "As one brother correctly stated recently, 'It is a scandalous and outrageous lie to teach that salvation arises from human activity. We do not contribute one whit to our salvation.' He is exactly right."

This is Calvinism! If salvation is by grace, 100%, then no one can do anything to be saved. Faith, repentance, confession and water baptism would not matter. To love God and Christ would be of none effect. 100% leaves no room for anything else. If a vessel is 100% full, there is room for no more.
On October 31, 1990, Rubel Shelly wrote in "Love Lines" (p.3), the church bulletin of Woodmont Hills in Nashville, Tennessee, "It is a scandalous and outrageous lie to teach that salvation arises from human activity. We do not contribute one whit to our salvation."
Also, in a speech at the Nashville Jubilee in July, 1991, Rubel said (quote taken from the tape),

"Our salvation arises entirely and only from grace. ...It is entirely of grace through faith. ...My salvation is on grace alone, not by anything I've added to that. ...No, I'm not going to debate anybody on the theory that salvation is by grace and grace alone. Because the Bible just makes that too plain."

If it is the case that we do not "contribute one whit to our salvation," then the gospel plan of salvation means nothing. If it is true, then Peter lied on Pentecost when he 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...And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:38,40). These words mean nothing because he says that absolutely no human activity is involved!
In October, 1989, Randy Mayeux, (then serving as preacher for the Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas) presented a lesson at the 21st Annual Youth Minister's Seminar, sponsored by Lubbock Christian University, on the subject of "Unity." In this lesson he says,

"I think it would have been just virtually unthinkable 15 years ago that we would have people, and I'm not about to give you names, and for the record, just so you will know, and I really hesitate to do this on tape. Turn the tape off. I have preached and believed, I believe deeply that the New Testament teaches that salvation is a free gift of God period. You are saved by grace alone."

If there is anything the Bible teaches more clearly, it is the fact that there is no ONE THING, by itself, by which men are saved. There are many things that save: both on God's part and man's part. Faith, love, grace, blood, repentance, baptism, works of obedience, etc., etc., all have a significant role in attaining one's salvation. But not one of these alone, or by itself, is all there is in the justification of a sinner. They each work together. Each one is essential, or there is no salvation.
God has a part (grace, blood, mercy, forgiveness, etc.) in man's salvation. Man has a part (faith, repentance, confession, water baptism, faithfulness, works of obedience, etc.) in his own salvation. God's grace cannot save one who refuses to be baptized any more than he can save one who fails to have faith -- both are essential (Mark 16:16; Heb. 11:6). If, therefore, salvation were by "grace alone -- 100% grace," without man contributing "one whit to his salvation," then all men would be saved for Titus 2:11 says, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." Man must respond to God's offer of salvation by works of obedience or there is no salvation at all. And, if man must respond, then he contributes to his own salvation. I am not at all ashamed to say that both God and man have a part to play in salvation. To leave out either side does not bring salvation.
Many verses prove that man has a part in salvation. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:8-9). "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21). "...Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:24-26). "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it" (Matt. 7:24-27). "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother" (Matt. 12:50). "By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name" (Rom. 1:5). "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness" (Rom. 16:17-18). "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess. 1:8).

CONCLUSION

If these verses are not enough to convince anyone of the necessity of obedience on man's part, thereby contributing to his own salvation, then more would not accomplish it. Therefore, we rest our case with these.
Brethren, be warned! No doubt the worst is yet to come as more and more of these "dyed in the wool" liberals become more brazen and expose themselves for what they truly are -- destroyers of the faith once delivered unto the saints. May each child of God "stand fast in the faith" (1 Cor. 16:13) and not be persuaded by their smooth words and fair speech (Rom. 16:18). Be as the Bereans who, "...received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11). Amen. .

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THE ELDERS THAT RULE WELL

Earl Case, Elder
Some elders today are nothing more than elders in name only. While many have met all the qualifications specified in the Scriptures, many have failed to meet all the qualifications. Some, after being appointed, have failed to do the work of elders.
I have received calls, letters and talked to some very concerned Christians concerning the direction the elders are leading the flock where they worship. Some have asked me to address some of their concerns in this column. I will try to approach the problems in the same manner that the elders at East Corinth would deal with them.
First of all, let us remember the words of Paul in Acts 10:31 when he was with the elders at Miletus. He said, "Therefore watch." If every elder would only have the proper watchfulness, this would enable him to see the symptoms of coming trouble and digression. Many are like a literal sleeping shepherd that sleeps and lets the wolves enter into the flock and destroy and scatter the flock. Every time I hear of trouble in the precious church of Christ I wonder what happened. Many times the elders were not qualified to handle the situation. Many times they try to handle it separate and apart from the Word of God. Some are merely sleeping through it and don't care what happens as long as they hold their title. There are many other reasons. Just like the elders of Ephesus, we are assured by the same words that God and His Word will strengthen and build us up and give us a reward.
One problem I want to deal with was a problem a faithful brother was confronted with and went to an elder for help. The brother observed a lady teaching a class with men present. The elder would not, did not, and probably did not know how to handle this situation. First of all, let us remember if the elder had been watchful he would know that these things have been and are happening among churches of Christ today. If he were the kind of shepherd he should have been, he would have stopped it (Titus 1:11).
Surely that elder knew God forbids such a practice (1 Tim. 2:12). You see this is happening in so many churches of Christ today due to the elders not being good shepherds. Their eyes they have closed to error (Matt. 13:15). They have let the wolves in the flock (Acts 20:29). There are many today opening the door wider to digresison just like they did in the days of the apostle Paul. The same inspired Word that gave them the quailification to serve as elders instructs them what to do in this case.
A few weeks ago I received a telephone call from a Christian in Texas asking me to write in this column concerning "The elders' work." It was suggested that the elders where they worship are good men but don't know how to do the work of elders. The work of elders is the most serious work that can be done. Elders should turn to Titus 1:7-16 where they can see how to do the work they are given to do. Some claim they are godly men, and must be to serve as elders, "but in works they deny him" (Titus 1:16). One of the big problems the elders had at that place was "car washes to raise funds." This is a very big problem and elders who are doing their work would put a stop to it. This is a reproach brought on the church by those who practice it. Concerning church finances, they should teach the flock over whom they have been given charge: Who is to give, When it is to be done, How it is to be done and Why it is to be done (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7). We just cannot justify a car wash as a means to finance the work of the church. All elders should be sure the flock they oversee does all by the authority of the Lord (Col. 3:17). I hope that none have a problem with the way God has commanded us to finance the church and her work.
We know the elders at Ephesus received instructions from Paul and we know this church left their first love (Rev. 2:4). This church was warned to repent and do the first works. Elders, if the church where you are a watchman has left its first love, we pray you will repent.
Satan has made many inroads into the church in the last few years. Christ describes him in Matthew 13:19,38 as the evil one. "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside. ... The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one...."
Throughout all ages and worldwide the works of Satan are traced to one predominant motive (hate of God and man). He does all he can to draw away disciples into his kingdom. We are concerned today with our public schools and the safety of our children. Our government is trying to do something to correct a wrong.
What about the church under your oversight? Are you a good watchman? Will you stand with Christ?
2009 Lidden Lake Rd.
Corinth, MS 38834 .

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. THE SCOURGE OF SIDELINE SOLDIERS

Jerry C. Brewer
When America entered World War II, the government commissioned Frank Capra to produce a series of films to explain our involvement in that war. Resulting in the monumental series entitled "Why We Fight," his films explained the atrocities of German, Italian and Japanese fascism against helpless millions in Europe and Asia. Designed to stir Americans to battle on the front lines, in factories and farms, the films portrayed every American as a soldier in that great conflict and helped produce a national unity unlike any this nation had ever witnessed. Few dared or desired to be sideline soldiers.
When the giants of the Restoration Movement sought God's truth, bestirred themselves, donned the panoply of God, unsheathed the sword of the Spirit and stood as a mighty phalanx against unrighteousness, they produced a unity little known since the apostles walked the earth. Faithful soldiers of the cross, enlisted through obedience to the gospel, were mighty in pulling down the strongholds of Satan. No quarter was given to the soul-damning errors of denominationalism. There were no draftees in Christ's army.
Having abandoned that mission in our generation, the church has become an army of "peacekeepers" instead of warriors and finds itself in the throes of apostasy. With diplomatic missions shuttling down to Ono on a regular schedule, its army in disarray, deserters striking hands with emissaries of Satan, a compromising spirit pervading it and a desire to be like the nations about it, the church has all but abandoned the conflict. Strewn across scorched fields of battle are bits of armor and the weapon of truth while a remnant fights on against the enemy of God.
But high above the "mournful mutter of the battlefield," safely ensconced in observation posts where they collect their weekly hire, are the sideline soldiers. Knowing the truth, they won't defend it lest they lose that hire on which they depend for earthly comfort in retirement years. Determined to hold the line against financial deprivation instead of sin, they've sold their souls for a mess of pottage and unlike Uriah, they desire comforts of hearth and home while comrades bear the heat of battle. A festering scourge on the body of Christ, sideline soldiers are reminiscent of the old prophet of Bethel who admired the work of the young prophet, but hadn't the stomach to share his conflict (1 Kings 13). It isn't enough to know and possess the truth. One must have the spiritual backbone to stand for it.
While many of them wouldn't think of preaching error, sideline soldiers often criticize those who stand in the breach -- a criticism generally couched in their misapplication of Matthew 18:15-17 -- thereby lending aid and comfort to the enemy. It was that kind of critic of whom Foy E. Wallace, Jr. wrote 62 years ago. "There is no place in defense lines of the truth for time-servers. We need men who know where they stand and who will not lend comfort to the enemy. We need men who will do some of the fighting themselves instead of occupying an observation post to observe who is and who is not fighting in just the manner that he likes..." (The Personalities Left Out, The Gospel Guardian, Vol. 2, No. 1, Jan., 1936, p.24).
When Joe Beam brought his Holy Spirit heresies to Weatherford, Oklahoma in 1997, he was marked as a false teacher in a letter to area churches -- including the Weatherford membership. When the two preachers who initiated the letter presented it to others at a monthly study session, only one out of about a dozen was willing to affix his name to it. Another signed the letter, but telephoned the next morning, asking to have his name removed because some members where he preached had children in the Weatherford church. Another preacher offered money for postage but asked that his name not be used. These men aren't heretics. They wouldn't knowingly preach error, but they are sideline soldiers basking in the comforts of safety while their brethren endure hardships as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Forgetting or refusing to acknowledge why we fight, they are a treacherous scourge to Christ's cause (Matt. 12:30).
308 South Oklahoma
Elk City, OK 73644 .

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. AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL HIGH TREASON

Dennis Gulledge

On October 7, 1997 a group of Catholic and evangelical theologians met in New York City and together signed a document called, "The Gift of Salvation." It was signed by 16 Roman Catholics and 19 "leading evangelicals," and among the latter is listed, "The Rev. Max Lucado (Oak Hills Church of Christ, San Antonio, Texas)."
The denominational magazine Christianity Today (1/12/98) reported that "The document...represents signers' ability 'to express a common faith in Christ and so to acknowledge one another as brothers and sisters in Christ'" (p.61). In an earlier article Christianity Today stated that this document "directly addresses...the doctrine of justification by faith alone..." (12/8/97, pp. 34-35). Is this true? The document states: "We understand that what we here affirm is in agreement with what the Reformation traditions have meant by justification by faith alone (sola fide)."
All of this represents the length to which "unity-in-diversity" and ecumenism will go. It agrees with the false pluralistic notion that "right action" (ethics) is the criterion of "true religion," whereas "right doctrine" (orthodoxy) is divisive. It says that there is not one true gospel, but many (cf. Gal. 1:6-9). It takes issue with the Holy Spirit inspired Paul who taught that salvation is by "grace through faith" (Gal. 2:8), or, by "the obedience to the faith" (Rom. 1:5). It favors Martin Luther who taught justification by faith alone over James who did not (James 2:24). If the act of spiritual high treason committed by Max Lucado in signing his name to such a document of devilish doctrine does not identify him as a spiritual apostate, what will it take? When will brethren wake up?
Apparently the Chenal Valley Church (formerly a church of Christ) of Little Rock feels a similar affinity with false religion as that which is expressed in "The Gift of Salvation." This is evidenced by a seminar which they hosted recently, entitled, "The Significance Of Jesus" (May 16-17, 1998). One of the participants in this seminar was Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson, who "served for a considerable time as a Benedictine Monk and Priest and is still active as a lay-person in the Roman Catholic Church." Dr. Johnson spoke twice on the program, including a "homily" (sermon) on Sunday, May 17, followed by "communion." Get the picture: a Catholic is telling some claiming to be the Lord's church how to confess the real Jesus!
The Chenal Valley Church has committed spiritual high treason by showing its preference to uphold "the ethical and moral standards that Jesus taught," rather than the ethical, moral and doctrinal standards that Jesus taught. They have compromised the faith in a major way by upholding core affirmations of the "significance of Jesus" as taught by elitists, and treating as secondary and tertiary the doctrinal standards of Jesus (Matt. 5:17; 2 John 9-11) and Paul (Rom. 16:17; 2 Cor. 6:17-18; Eph. 5:11). Their action is a clear affirmation of their disregard for the Lord's limits of fellowship.
P.O. Box 345
Mabelvale, AR 72103 .

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. 13th Annual
Seek The Old Paths Lectureship

July 26-30, 1998
Always the 4th Sunday in July

Theme:
THE HOME
Please note the "NEW" icon below where changes have been made to the schedule.

. SUNDAY, JULY 26 . . . .

9:30	The Origin of Marriage and the Home -- A Divine Institution . . . . . . . . . . Windell Fikes
10:30	God's Purpose of Marriage and the Home. . . . . . . . . . Garland Robinson
7:00	Preparing For Marriage and the Home (What to look for in a mate). . . . . . . . . . David Paden
8:00	God's Word on Divorce and Remarriage. . . . . . . . Terry Joe Kee

MONDAY, JULY 27 ...... .

9:00	After the Honeymoon (Dealing with Troubled Marriages). . . . . . . . . . Jim Blankenship
10:00	The Home Under Attack, #1: TV, abortion, immodesty, homosexuality, drugs . . . . . . . . . . Mark Lindley
11:00	Definitions: fornication, adultery, separation, divorce, put away, effeminate, natural affection, abusers of themselves with mankind, love, forgiveness. . . . . . Virgil Hale
1:30	Why marriages fail, Things which cause Problems in a marriage, Why one becomes unfaithful . . . . . . . . Wayne Cox
2:30	Questions: Does Paul contradict Jesus, Can the guilty party remarry, Can one forgive their spouse of fornication and still put them away, etc. What does it mean to marry "only in the Lord," What does it mean to be "bound to a wife" and "loosed from a wife?" . . . . . . . Chuck Northrop
7:00	The Responsibility of Children to Parents . . . . . . . Nat Evans
8:00	The Responsibility of Parents to Children . . . . . . Ed Casteel

TUESDAY, JULY 28 ...... .

9:00	A Successful Marriage takes two, a Partnership, Ingredients of a Successful Marriage . . . . . Ferrell Hester
10:00	Facing Tragedies and Adversities in the Home . . . . . . Joe Nichols
11:00	Unique Situations: elderly parents and grandparents, in-laws, step-parents, step-children, foster children . . . . . . John Grubb
1:30	The Home and Congregation Help Each Other . . . . . . . Lenard Hogan
2:30	Questions: Can one live in adultery, Do Christ's words apply today and to all men, Does God call for the separation of those in adultery, Does baptism wash away adultery, What does it mean to abide in the same calling wherein you were called? . . . . . Ken Burleson
7:00	The Home Under Attack, #2: atheism, evolution, humanism, secular education, denominationalism, etc. . . . . . . Gilbert Gough
8:00	How to Keep your Children Faithful . . . . . . . James Boyd

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 ...... .

9:00	Following Christ's Example in the Home . . . . . . G. W. Childs
10:00	Your Occupation Affects the Home . . . . . . Bryan Hodge
11:00	How to Strengthen the Home, What the Home needs now . . . . . . Richard Guill
1:30	The Home Likely Determines the Destiny of the Children . . . . . . . Robin Haley
2:30	Questions: What about same sex marriages, What if one is a eunuch, May wives and daughters lead prayer at home, What affect do government programs have on the home, What about "mental adultery?" . . . . . . Toney Smith
7:00	The Role of Wife and Mother in the Home . . . . . Ted Thrasher
8:00	The Role of Husband and Father in the Home . . . . . . Guy Hester

THURSDAY, JULY 30 ......

9:00	Authority in the Home . . . . . . Alan Adams
10:00	When the Children Leave Home (the empty nest) . . . . . Charles Leonard
11:00	The Joy of the Christian Home (no place like home) . . . . . . Jimmie Hill
1:30	Discipline in the Home (all family members) . . . . . . . . Walter Pigg
2:30	Questions: Who can get married, Is desertion a cause for divorce and remarriage, What is "due benevolence," Was Jesus narrow-minded? . . . . . . Jimmy Bates
7:00	The Home as God Would Have It . . . . . . Bill Crossno
8:00	Our Heavenly Home . . . . . . Charles Blair

.

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

MOTELS:
Comfort Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 228-5150
Executive Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 354-3932

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

VIDEO TAPE INFORMATION
Complete set of video tapes, $45 postage paid
Order from:
Jim Green
2711 Spring Meade Blvd.
Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: 931-486-1365

CASSETTE TAPE INFORMATION:
Cassette audio tapes are being offered free by the church. Donations to help defray their cost are welcome.
Order cassette tapes from the church.

BOOK INFORMATION:
A book of the lesson outlines is also available (220 pages).
Pre-publication price: $5 if postmarked by July 31, 1998.
After July 31, 1998, $6.50
Please add postage and handling:
1 book $1.75 -- 2-3 books $2.75 -- 4 books $3.25 -- 5-6 books $4.75

Order books from:

Old Paths Publishing
P.O. Box 97
Nettleton, MS 38858

Free books will be distributed by the church to those who attend.
The church is not involved in the sale of any materials.

"We will not be furnishing lunch each day during the lectureship." . .

If you would like an index of Seek The Old Paths for 1995-1997, please send us a stamped (55 cents) self-addressed envelope and request it. It is free.

1997 Bound Volume of
Seek The Old Paths
$5 (includes postage)

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

The 1996 Volume is still available
The 1995 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 (sold out)
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 -- 1996 Garfield Heights Lectureship Book

FAITH, $8.00 -- The 1997 Garfield Heights Lectureship Book

"Messianic Prophecies & Their Fulfillment," 24 sermon outlines, 118 pages, $3.50

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

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