This Issue...

• Why I Believe in the Inspiration of the Bible — Roderick L, Ross p.73
• Disobeying God — Garland M. Robinson p.74
• His Theology is Different — Larry Acuff p.75
• Only the Truth can Free one from Sin — Marvin Weir p.77
• King David as a Father — Roger Campbell p.78
• Do you Really Want to Know the Truth? — Ivie Powell p.79
• Controversial — Garland Robinson p.79
• Mail Bag — p.80

        There are various ways in which the inspiration of the Bible can be verified. Some of these evidences, by themselves, may not be completely convincing; but, when all the evidence is compiled together, no honest person can deny the conclusion that the Bible is inspired of God in its entirety.

        A more accurate record of ancient events and places cannot be found. In fact, there is not one single inaccuracy that can be found in all the Bible. Whether it is a record of the miraculous, a record of historical fact, a record of geography, a record of topography, a record of sociology or a record of scientific fact, the Bible is correct in its record.
        There are no errors. From the grain bins of Egypt in the days of Joseph, to the title for magistrates in Grecian cities during Paul’s journeys, the supposed errors of the Bible have proven to be the errors of the doubters. Upon every occasion the spade of archaeology has been able to shed light upon Biblical accounts, the Bible has proven to be 100% accurate. Can such accuracy from forty different authors over 1600 years be a mere coincidence? Or, is it the unmistakable mark of the inspiration of God?

        The Bible allows the actions of its characters to speak for itself. A minimum of commentary is found in its pages. Compare this with the history books written by men, either ancient or modern, and the Bible becomes a wonder. This dramatic form, especially in consideration of the importance of the subject treated in the eyes of the human authors, makes the Bible even more remarkable.
        Is this the result of the combined human genius of forty men over a period of 1600 years? Or, is this an unmistakable mark of the inspiration of God?

        If God is no respecter of persons, then one would rightfully expect his word to exhibit this characteristic; and, the Bible does. Both the strengths and weaknesses of its characters are portrayed -- both their righteousness and their wickedness. Abraham is shown as the great patriarch of faith, but also as a liar. David is portrayed as “a man after God’s own heart,” but also as an adulterer and murderer. Peter is recorded as an apostle of Jesus Christ and a proclaimer of the Gospel, but also as a coward who denies Jesus and becomes a respecter of persons.
        Such frankness and impartiality about major religious personages is not a human characteristic, especially upon the part of those who are supportive of their positions. Look in the library at the biographies of the world’s religious leaders written by their followers and supporters, and the Bible stands in dramatic contrast.
        Is such impartiality in recording the actions of these men the result of human wisdom? Or, is it the mark of the inspiration of God?

        In addition to the dramatic form and impartiality, the dispassionate manner of the narrative of the Bible is a mark of its inspiration of God. Especially in dealing with a subject that is perceived to be a matter of graver concern than life and death -- a matter of heaven and hell -- it is common for men to be overcome with their emotions -- their passions being fired by the importance of their subject. Yet, the Bible reads as the words of an uninvolved observer.
        The emotions that must have swelled within the hearts of Moses, Joshua and the other historical writers of the Old Testament are repressed.
        The passions of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John that must have burned within their very souls are not apparent in their historical accounts.
        Is this dispassionate manner another example of combined human genius? Or, is it the hallmark of the Bible being composed by the inspiration of God?

        The Bible covers over 4,000 years of human history. The book of Genesis covers over 2,500 years of history by itself. Yet, how brief are its records! The biographical accounts of the lives of Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses and the other great heroes of the Old Testament are in essence but sketches of their characters, leaving many questions unanswered to the inquiring mind; yet, containing all the material necessary to give us the knowledge of their lives.
        The same is true of the lives of the memorable characters of the New Testament such as Peter and Paul, including Jesus of Nazareth.
        How much could have been recorded concerning the lives and deeds of the most memorable and important personages to ever walk the face of the earth?
        Yet, through the brief sketches given in the Bible, millions and even billions have come to intimately know these great men of faith. When you stop to consider the biographies written by mere men, the brevity of the Bible is no less than miraculous.
        Is this brevity to be considered the result of mere man? Or, is it the stamp of the inspiration of God upon the Bible?

        Hand in hand with the unaccountable brevity of the Bible are its remarkable omissions. How many volumes have been written of what lies “between the lines” of the Biblical account? Facts and stories men usually include, and deem absolutely necessary, have been omitted from the Biblical record without harming its credibility or affecting its purpose and power.
        What of the life of Abraham before he left Ur of the Chaldees? What of the first twelve years of Jesus’ life, or the next fifteen years? How many are the places men might wish to add facts or explanations? Yet, the Bible has without these additions been read and studied by more people than any other book in the history of the world.
        With these “omissions” the power of its message has changed individual hearts and lives, changing the entire course of history and the way in which man perceives himself.
        Can these “omissions” be the result of human genius? Or, are they the design of divine inspiration unquestionably drawn upon the pages of the Bible?

        Angels are the messengers of God. Whether cherubim (cf. Gen. 3:24), seraphim (cf. Isa. 6:2,6), or other, the angels of the Bible stand in complete contrast to the messengers of the gods of mythology. Read the mythological accounts of demigods, fairies, geniis, etc. But angels stand alone. “Unlike men, they are always like themselves.” The holiness, might, humility and compassion of the angels of the Bible commend themselves to the human mind in contrast to the ridiculous of the products of the human imagination.
        Can humanity account for the angelology of the Bible? Or, is it the result of the direct revelation and inspiration of God?

        No experience is more common to all of the human family than the realization of each individual’s fallibility. Especially is that true of those who present their views or facts to the public, either orally or in writing. A public presentation presents the invitation for public scrutiny. Thus, a claim for infallibility is either bold, or the height of stupidity. If error is to be found, it is stupidity!
        The writers of the Bible from Moses to John on Patmos make the claim of infallibility for what they have written in making the claim that it was given by the inspiration of God. For generations and centuries and millennium, men have inspected and dissected the writings of the Bible to expose the stupidity of the claim it makes to infallibility; and, many of those inspectors have been convinced of the truthfulness of that claim which they thought to be false.
        Could, and would such men as were the penmen of the Bible, make the claim to infallibility if it were not true? and, could their claim to infallibility have been made and sustained had they not been inspired of God?

        Since, and even before the invention of the printing press, the Bible has been the most widely published, the most widely read, and the most widely studied book in the world. Its contents have reached almost, if not every nation upon the face of the earth. Every culture, from the most highly technically advanced to the most primitive in respect to technology and modern education, has been profoundly changed as the hearts, minds and the very souls of men have been transformed by the power of its words.
        The advances in social equity and benevolence, which have transpired where the Bible has held sway, speak dramatically of the difference between the power of the Bible and the writings of men. That is not to say, however, there have not been occasions when men have attempted to twist and pervert the Bible to suit their own ends, for they have. However, in spite of the hypocrisy and wickedness of certain men, the general effect of the Bible upon society and its specific effect upon the lives of individuals has been positive and good.
        Its message has transformed lives of wickedness, ungodliness and unrighteousness into lives characterized by good deeds, godliness and righteousness. Its words and message have forever changed the course of history.
        “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
        “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16).
        Is this power and influence upon the minds, hearts and souls of multiplied millions throughout the centuries the result of the human mind in originating its words and message? Or, does the unparalleled power and influence reveal the divine power and influence which brought about the Bible by the inspiration of God?

        Of all the evidences of the inspiration of the Bible, none is more compelling and convincing than its prophecy of things to come.
        From Moses’ records to the closing words of Malachi, prophecies concerning Israel, the nations surrounding Israel, and the coming Messiah, the Old Testament perfectly portrays the future. From the prophecies concerning Israel, Judah, Babylon, Egypt, Media, Persia, Greece, Rome and other cities and nations which were fulfilled in minute detail; it is evident that the writers of the Bible had more than mere human knowledge of the events of the future.
        Within the Gospel records, as well as within the preaching and teaching of the apostles and evangelists, an understanding and perfect portrayal of future events is clear.
        The minute details prophesied hundreds of years before the facts concerning the coming Messiah (his birth place, his birth, his flight into Egypt, his preaching, his residences, his parables, his miracles, his betrayal, his death, his resurrection, his ascension, his purpose, and his influence) are a convincing testimony of the divine origin of the scriptures. Yet, when the prophecies of the Old Testament are combined with the prophecies of the Mew Testament; the evidence of inspiration is undeniable.
        One prophecy might be attributed to mere chance; two or three prophecies might even be a coincidence; but, when hundreds of prophecies are fulfilled to the smallest detail with not one single failure, only the dishonest could attribute the origin of the prophecies to anything other than the inspiration of God.
        “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him” (Deut. 18:2O-22).
        When you stop to consider the men who wrote the Bible and the circumstances under which the Bible was written; when you stop and consider the character and content of the Bible; when you stop and consider all the evidence of the inspiration of the Bible; reason and logic allow for only one conclusion:
THE BIBLE IS GIVEN BY THE INSPIRATION OF GOD,
WORD-FOR-WORD, EVERY WORD OF IT.
The churches of Christ salute you (Rom. 16:16)
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 Editorial...

        Most people live as though they cannot disobey God, or that at least it doesn’t make any difference if they do. There are at least five ways in which people disobey God.
        1) By doing what is specifically forbidden. People have always been guilty of violating God’s Will. That’s what sin is -- violating or breaking God’s Will. First John 3:4 says, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
        Sin, any sin, all sin is condemned in the Bible: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like (Gal. 5:19-21). Many other lists of sins are recorded in the Bible. Men must learn of and stay clear of every sin (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Rom. 1:18-32; Col. 3:5-9; and many more).
        There is not enough paper and ink to list all those who have sinned. Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” In the Old Testament we read, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). Also in the New Testament we read, “the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19). People love sin. They love evil. They love “doing their own thing.”
        We must take great care to do our best to not sin (cf. 1 John 2:1). But, even with our best efforts we still sin (1 John 1:8). We often end up doing that which is specifically forbidden.
        2) By refusing to do what God has commanded. There are times when we are not directly involved in breaking a specific law of God. But instead, we ignore and/or fail to do what God commands us to do. These are sins of “omission.” We omit doing what God says. James 4:17 says, “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
        God commanded king Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites along with all they had. But instead, Saul spared their king and claimed it was the Israelites who brought back the spoils along with many sheep and oxen. When confronted with his sin, his excuse was that he brought them back to offer as a sacrifice. He sinned in not doing what God commanded him to do. We can read about it in 1 Samuel 15.
        Whatever God commands, we must do, no questions asked! It is our task to do God’s will. It is not burdensome to do so. First John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
        3) By adding to what the Bible says. God has never allowed men to add to his word. Near the beginning of the Bible we read: “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you...that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2). In the middle of the Bible we read: “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Prov. 30:6). And, at the close of the Bible we read: “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18).
        Men today add to God’s word when they refer to themselves by names not found in the Bible, such as: Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Holiness, Catholic, Mormon, etc. Men add to God’s word when they use mechanical instruments of music in worship, when they burn candles and incense, when they have creeds and manuals, etc. All these things go beyond (add to) that which is written. Such is forbidden in 1 Corinthians 4:6. Those who add to God’s word bring upon themselves God’s judgment.
        4) By taking away from what the Bible says. God has never allowed man to do so. In respect to God’s word, Deuteronomy 12:32 says, “Thou shalt not diminish from it” (see also Deut. 4:2). In Revelation 22:19 we read, “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.”
        Denominational churches take away the name of the church and add man-made names (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:2). They take away scriptural worship by adding mechanical instruments of music to singing (Col. 3:16), by eating the Lord’s supper on any day of the week and/or only occasionally (Acts 20:7), by teaching the doctrines and commandments of men (Matt. 15:8-9), by not worshipping in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). They take away the Lord’s plan of salvation of faith (John 8:24), repentance (Acts 2:38), confession (Acts 8:37) and water baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16). Woe be to those who take such liberties with the word of God!
        5) By substituting something else for what God commanded. Nadab and Abihu substituted a different fire than what God had commanded (Lev. 10:1-2). Jeroboam substituted the cities of Dan and Bethel as places of worship instead of Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:25-19). Denominations today substitute fund raisers in place of the first day collection (1 Cor. 16:1-2), sprinkling instead of baptism (immersion) (Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:4), entertainment and recreation instead of Gospel preaching (1 Cor. 1:18-21; 2 Tim. 4:2). There is no end to men substituting for God’s divine arrangement!
        Men everywhere must love, respect and obey what God says in His holy book, the Bible. You will never be saved any other way than obeying God’s commands. The apostle Paul wrote by inspiration, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for IT is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). Jesus made clear that the inspired word is what will be used to judge us in the last day. “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). The only way we can be saved is by obeying the truth, the Gospel. Peter wrote, “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” (1 Peter 1:22).


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        Upon inquiring about a speaker at an upcoming youth rally, the youth director at the host congregation said of the speaker, “His theology is different but he is good at communicating with young people.”
        Is being able to communicate the only prerequisite to speak at a youth rally? What about the words of the apostle Paul, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God” (1 Cor. 2:1). Paul may not have had an excellent way of speaking, but his theology was right. He said, “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). It seems to me this youth minister was saying, “We don’t care what he believes and/or teaches as long as the kids like him.”
        Does it not matter any more what we feed our young people? Remember when Paul marveled that the Galatians had so soon turned away from the Gospel? Some had perverted the Gospel of Christ. He follows by saying, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet please men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10).
        I like to hear good speakers. Not every speaker has the ability to gain and keep the attention of an audience but when it comes to the message of the Bible “a man must speak the truth in love” (cf. Eph. 4:15). But it must be the truth! Unfortunately, some congregations select speakers based on their ability to speak, not on the message to be delivered. Their thinking is: “Who is the most popular speaker among us? Find out and get him.” I much prefer to hear a man stutter through Acts 2:38 than to eloquently preach men into hell with a false doctrine.
        Paul said, “...it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). The power of God is in the Gospel (Rom. 1:16), not the speaker. “The word of God is quick and powerful” (Heb. 4:12), not the speaker. “I charge thee, therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ...preach the word...” (2 Tim. 4:1-2).
        Elders and preachers, wake up! Why, oh why will you take a valuable asset like your young people and turn a false teacher loose on them? The “different theology” teacher will lead them down the broad way that leads to destruction and following close behind will be the elders and preachers who endorsed it. You wouldn’t think of turning a prostitute loose to spend the night with your fourteen to eighteen year old boys, but you will turn them loose with a false teacher.
        It doesn’t make sense! But what does an old stammering, stuttering, Bible quoting, Bible thumping preacher know?
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        Bible truth cannot be destroyed. Skeptics and haters of the Word of God have tried for years to destroy truth. God’s Word, however, “abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:25). Jesus clearly states that “heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35). The truth Christ taught does not change from society to society or with the passing of time. One can reject and run from the Word of God, but he cannot hide from it. Jesus says, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).
        The Bible says, “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Error cannot free one from the bondage of sin. This is the reason truth is so precious and important. The words of the Savior will ring for an eternity in the ears of those who refuse to heed and hear. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). Please note that it is the truth and not perversions, speculations, feelings, or partial truth that saves one from sin. One must not make light of or refuse to abide by God’s Word -- the “truth” (John 17:17).
        One is not saved just because he believes he is saved. One is a child of God (a Christian) only when he chooses to obey and abide in the Word of God. Acting upon feelings is not the same thing as acting upon God’s Word. In fact, the wise man warned, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12). Countless millions of people believe they are “right with God,” but they have never obeyed the Gospel of Christ. There are not many gospels. A perversion of the gospel will not save a single soul. Paul warns, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:6-8). Thus, one must know, believe, and obey the truth to be saved. Belief, in and of itself, will not save a person. Jesus clearly states that one must “abide” in truth (John 8:31).
        One is not saved just because he believes in his family’s religion. Many people choose to worship as they do simply because it is the way their family has always worshipped. Do not forget the words of Joshua to his people: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15). The apostle Paul could not support family tradition and be pleasing to God. He says he, “...profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers” (Gal. 1:14). To follow family religion instead of the Word of God is to honor family more than God.
        It is imperative that one find the truth as truth is the only thing that can free one from the bondage of sin (John 8:32). Where will truth be found? Truth is not found in the contradicting and ever-changing creeds of men. Can “truth” be true one year and false the next year? This is the plight of all man-made creeds that people are encouraged to follow. Each year boards, councils, and synods meet to vote out “old” laws and vote in “new” laws.
        God’s truth is not revealed in the creeds of men. Paul, speaking by inspiration, declares, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:12-13).
        Christ has all authority today (Matt. 28:18), and He speaks to us through the inspired Word of God (Heb. 1:1-2). One will never be loyal to Christ without being loyal to His Word. This is why Jesus said, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)? It is the height of hypocrisy to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and ruler and refuse to abide in His Word.
        Will you yield to and obey the truth, the Word of God? This is the most important question you will ever answer. The destiny of your soul depends upon your answer. Remember that Jesus said, “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, emph. MLW).
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        David, the son of Jesse, wore a lot of different hats in his lifetime. He was a shepherd, armor-bearer and harp player for King Saul, soldier, king, prophet of Jehovah, husband, and father. While each of his roles had its distinct challenges, surely nothing was more challenging to him than being a dad. As a parent, David showed some traits that are worthy of imitation, but he also demonstrated serious flaws that we would do well to avoid. Consider these brief observations on King David as a father.
        David did not properly restrain and discipline his sons. When David’s son Amnon raped his sister Tamar, David “was very wroth” (2 Sam. 13:21), but there is no indication in the Bible that he did anything about it. Later, we read that when David’s son Adonijah tried to steal his father’s throne, David “had not displeased [rebuked, NKJV] him at any time” (1 Kings 1:6). Tolerance and lack of discipline helped corrupt David’s family. Remember Eli’s failure to properly restrain his sons (1 Sam. 3:13).
        David showed favoritism toward one of his sons. David had a slew of children, but he made it no secret that Absalom was “Daddy’s boy.” Jacob had made the same mistake in loving Joseph more than his other sons. David’s elevated affection for Absalom hurt David’s family, his reputation, and adversely affected the nation. Are we listening?
        David endured the pain of having a son turn against him. That son was Absalom, the very one whom David loved so much! Absalom led a revolt against David and his kingship, causing David to flee from Jerusalem. Absalom made his choices of his own free will, but the havoc that he caused in David’s family and in the nation of Israel were, in part, a punishment for David’s sin with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11).
        David endured the pain of losing a child. No parent wants to see his/her child die, but David faced such sadness at least three times (the first son that Bathsheba bore to him, Amnon, and Absalom). To his credit, through his suffering and weakness of the flesh, David time and again turned to the Lord for strength: “In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God” (Psalm 62:7).
        Before he died, David showed interest in his son’s project. When God made it known that He wanted Solomon, not David, to build a temple for Him, rather than pout and work against that task, David worked diligently and did all that he could to help rally the nation behind his son’s project. Wise dads today will take an interest in their children’s activities at school, in recreation, and especially in the things they do which are related to the Lord’s church.
        Before he died, David gave wonderful advice and exhortation to his son Solomon. As his death approached, David told Solomon, “...be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways ... that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest...” (1 Kings 2:2,3). Is there anything more important that a father could express to his son?
        Like the rest of us, David was flesh and bones, a mere mortal. As a father, he endured hardships, made mistakes, and did some things well. Let us learn from this famous father.
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        Invariably, when religious people are asked, “Do you want to know the truth,” the majority will answer in the affirmative. They will whole-heartedly agree with John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Yet, when various denominational doctrines are put under the spot-light of God’s word, they will reject the truth? Why? It could well be the case these people mean, “Yes, I want to know the truth as long as truth agrees with my views.” It is not that many do not understand the truth, they simply do not believe the truth!”
        In John 10, after Jesus had spoken, the text states, “Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ tell us plainly” (John 10:24). Jesus preceded to tell them forthrightly that He indeed was the Son of Almighty God, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). The next verse gives their response, “Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him” (John 10:31). Note, please, it was not the case that they did not understand Jesus, rather they did not want to know the truth! Their actions proved they were not honest nor sincerely seeking truth.
        Many today (including brethren), like the Jews of Jesus’ day, cry “tell us plainly,” and when told, reject truth.
        My friend, do you really want to know the truth about marriage, divorce and remarriage? Here is what Jesus said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” Therefore, God’s law of divorce and remarriage is one man for one woman until death, with one exception, fornication!
        Do you want to know the truth about denominations? The church of our Lord, the church of Christ, is NOT a denomination! According to Matthew 16:18, Jesus built only one church, “Upon this rock I will build my church.” Christ is the only head of the church, which is His body (Eph. 1:22-23). He purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28) and all of the saved are added to the one church by our Lord (Acts 2:47). Denominations are man-made and are NOT a part in any sense of the Lord’s church! Furthermore, those in denominations are lost and have no hope of eternal life unless they obey the Gospel of Christ and live the Christ-like life!
        Do you want to know the truth about instrumental music in New Testament worship? The ONLY KIND of music authorized in New Testament worship is vocal music (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)! The absolute fact of the matter is, one cannot turn to the New Testament and find a direct command authorizing mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship! If so, where? Neither can one find an approved Bible example where instruments were used in Christian worship! If so, where? And neither can one find anything implied where mechanical instrumental music was used in Christian worship! If so, where? Since there is no Bible authority (Col. 3:17) for instrumental music in New Testament worship, to use it is to go beyond that which is written (Rev. 22:18-19) and stand under the curse of Almighty God (Gal. 1:8-9)! To be even more pointed, let it be clearly understood, that brethren who use the instrument or state that instrumental music in worship is not a salvation issue, are no longer in fellowship with God nor faithful brethren (2 John 9-11)!
        Do you really want to know the truth about false teachers? According to the Bible, we are to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11). To fellowship false teachers is to partake of their evil deeds, “for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 11). If 99.99% of the brotherhood accepts any false teacher, that does NOT change God’s mind and furthermore, they stand condemned of God!
        Now you are faced with the dilemma of accepting or rejecting truth! I have plainly told you the truth because I love your soul (Gal. 4:16). Do not allow blood relations, long held friendships, or schools to alter your stand for truth! Remember, when you stand with truth, the Lord stands with you! May our heavenly Father give us brethren who “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Prov. 23:23)!
                PO Box 975
                Rowlett, TX 75089

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NOTE: There have been some who are handwriting names and addresses on some issues of Seek The Old Paths and putting them in the mail. The Post Office WILL NOT DELIVER them when done this way. The reason is because we mail BULK (the entire mailing at one time) at the McMinnville Post Office. The only way you can hand-write an address and mail it is if you put a first class stamp on it. It MUST also be folded “long-ways” or they will send it back. We don’t mind anyone sending out copies to others, but whoever is doing this needs to know that they are not being delivered. They come back to us in McMinnville. If you would like for us to include someone on our mailing list, give us their name and address and we’ll be glad to add them. --Editor, gmr]
        “Please change my address” ...Joe B. Whitaker, Vestavia Hills, AL. “Ivan McKinney, Sr. has passed away. Please remove” ...Tyler, TX. “Please cancel” ...J. W. Hines, Lexington, IN. “Thank you for publishing relevant and sound articles. I’ve been a reader of STOP for more years than I can count. I’m happy to finally be able to make a small contribution toward postage/printing costs. Wish I could do more” ...Lisa Loftis, Albuquerque, NM. “Please remove Del Koenig from your mailing list. Both my parents are now deceased. They enjoyed your paper very much. Thank you and may your good work continue” ...Ann Prewitt, Holcomb, MS. “Please accept this contribution to help with postage of STOP. A dear friend of mine that I’ve known since childhood had my name put on the list. I could never tell you how much that I enjoy STOP -- the Truth is a good thing! Please don’t post my name in the mailbag. Thank you. May God bless” ...Murfreesboro, TN. “This article is a response to Roger Campbell’s article on Five Things The Gospel Can’t Do in the June 2010 issue of STOP. Although brief, Mr. Campbell really told it like it was. I agree, we who have obeyed the Gospel should regularly petition our Lord with thanks for blessing and petition for our many needs as well as seek forgiveness for our sin problems. Unless we do those basic things, the Gospel has no consequence for us. Also, the Gospel will not help a wayward family. When either or both parents have a drinking or gambling problem, for example, they must repent of these things and obey the Gospel fully. Children need to be taught that there is a line of good and bad behavior. Lying, stealing, pornography and bullying and harassing the school nerds are very much unacceptable. Children need to be appropriately disciplined when doing wrong. Finally, the Gospel will not save those who seek salvation their own way. Jesus said in Mark 16:16, he who believes and is baptized will be saved. Believing faith is obedient faith. Acts, the book of conversions, states, hearing, repenting, confession of Christ as Lord and Savior and baptism is the way to eternal life, as well as living a separated life. Those who attempt salvation by man-made means will be disappointed some day. Thanks and keep up the good work Mr. Campbell in your stand for true New Testament Christianity” ...Leslie Putman, El Dorado, AR. “Please change our address. Thank you” ...Bronson Ostic, St. George, UT. “Keep up the good sound work that you are doing. Hope this helps some” ...Cliff and Shelly Brewer, Crossville, TN. “Brother Robinson, I’ve been receiving Seek The Old Paths for over fifteen years now and believe it to be one of the soundest in the brotherhood. My prayer is that STOP will continue on many years into the future. I am one of four elders at the South Highway 5 Church of Christ, two being recently appointed. It would truly be a blessing if they could also receive STOP to assist them in their work for the Lord. Please find their names and addresses below, along with my check to help with postage” ...Vic Sicard, Jr., Lebanon, MO. “I’m so thankful to be able to receive Seek The Old Paths. Look forward to every issue. Enclosed is a check to help with mailing costs” ...Marietta Hamby, Rockwood, TN. “Please discontinue. Thanks” ...Oneal Grant, Valdosta, GA. “Brethren, would you please add me to your mailing list” ...Peggy Moreino, Pawnee, OK. “Would love to receive Seek The Old Paths. Thanks so much” ...Illa Shockley, Sparta, TN. “Dear Brethren, I read in the last issue of STOP that several wants his or her name taken off the list. It makes me sad to know that many do not want to read or hear about the truth” ...Dorothy Chism, Plumerville, AR. “Please cancel sending the bulletin to me at this address. Thank you” ...Robin W. Haley, Reynoldsburg, OH. “Please cancel the pamphlet, STOP. Thank you” ...Patty Tillett, Morrison, TN. “May God continue to bless your great work of spreading the message of truth to a dying and non-truth believing world. Keep up the great work. Please change our address on our subscription. Thank you and if possible, could the change include the June & July issues?” ...James Lockwood, North Adams, MI. [NOTE from the editor: we have an ample supply of back issues of STOP going back many years. We are always happy to send them to whomever could use them. As a matter of fact, we’re running out of room to store them and need to clear some space. If anyone would like to get some and distribute them, let us know --gmr]. “I really look forward to the STOP. Please send it to this name too. Here is some more seed to sow. I see you are way down. Name withheld please” ...Gallipolis, OH. “Greetings my fellow saints! Thank you for the monthly STOP. I not only enjoy reading your publication, I also learn quite a bit as I constantly try to do those things that are pleasing and acceptable in the sight of our God and Father in heaven. Here is a little something to start to help the STOP issues to continue. If the Lord will we shall live, I’ll do my best to always support Seek The Old Paths articles. Once again, thank you for putting me on your mailing list and if we never see each other in this world, may our righteous Lord and God in Jesus Christ name, grant us the privilege to be together in everlasting life and in the Father Jehovah’s love and glory filled with all joy and praising God the Father” ...Jerry Jones, Memphis, TN. “Thanks” ...Raymond Exum, Crystal Lake, IL. “I would like to receive the monthly STOP periodical. I was receiving it, however I moved and now have a new address. Thank you and God bless” ...Aaron J. Dodson, Caleera, AL.


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