March 2010 Seek The Old Paths

25

Vol. 21, No. 3

March 2010

A RESPONSE TO, CHURCHES OF CHRIST DROP

ISOLATIONIST VIEW, WORK WITH OTHER FAITHS
Marlin Kilpatrick

There are only two kinds of people in this world

those who obey God and those who do not obey God
n the January 31, 2010, issue of
The Tennessean (a Nashville, Tennessee newspaper), an article was
published, written by Bob Smietana.
The views expressed in Smietanas
article definitely DO NOT represent
the majority of faithful churches of
Christ. A response to these misrepresentations is in order.
According to Smietana, Doug
Sanders, associate minister with
the Otter Creek Church in Brentwood, Tennessee, learned in his early
years there were two kinds of people
in the world. Those who belonged to
the ...churches of Christ, who were
going to heaven. And those who didnt, who were going to hell. Such a
quote is highly prejudicial at best.
Churches of Christ do not set themselves as judges of anyone. We plead
with all people to study their bibles
and follow only that for which there
is scriptural authority. The need for
having biblical authority for all we do
is set out in Colossians 3:17. Jesus
Christ will be the Judge of all, and he
has told us the standard by which he
will judge mankind. The standard is
His word (John 12:48). In reality,
there are only two kinds of people in
this world those who obey God and
those who do not obey God. Jesus
spoke of this reality in Matthew 7:2123. At the final day of judgment there

will be two groups of people: those

who obeyed God and those who will
wish they had.
Another of Sanders claims is, In
the Church of Christ we had all the
answers, and if we had the answers,
that meant everyone else didnt. Its
kind of embarrassing to admit it, but
thats the way it was. If Sanders
grew up with this perception, he was
definitely wrong. Friends, the bible is
right and any church that practices
only that which the bible authorizes
cannot be wrong. The truth is,
Sanders claim is nothing more than
an effort on his part to justify his liberal theology. Such justification will
be useless at the last day.
It was claimed by the author that
Since the late 1800s, Churches of
Christ...have believed their approach
to church singing without instruments in worship, interpreting the
Bible literally, taking Communion
weekly and banning women from
church leadership was Gods way.
Well, lets see. Smietana is almost
1800 years late with his assessment.
The Lords church began in
Jerusalem ca. A.D.33 (Acts 2). Let
Mr. Smietana find the New Testament (the law to which all men are
now amenable) passage that authorizes the use of instruments of music
in Christian worship. Friend, there is

no such passage!
It is misleading to claim that
churches of Christ believe in interpreting the Bible literally, as Mr.
Smietana claimed. There are many,
many passages that require a figurative interpretation. Jesus said, I am
the door... (John 10:9). Was he a literal door? If so, of what material was
he made? Oak? Pine? Obviously,
Jesus was speaking of his being the
way into which all must enter to be
saved. No, churches of Christ DO
NOT interpret the Bible literally in
all passages and/or places. We do
believe that God meant what he said,
and it is what he said in his word
that we literally believe.
Communion (the Lords supper)
was observed by the first century
church every Lords day (Acts 20:7).
The issue of the role of women in the
church was settled by the apostle
Paul (1 Tim. 2:11,12). And, all who
respect the authority of the scriptures have no problem with following
that which is authorized by the scriptures. The feminist movement in our
country has had an impact on some
churches. Those who reject what the
scriptures teach face a woeful judgment at the last day.
(Continued on page 27)

A Response

Seek The Old Paths March 2010

26

WHAT CHRISTIANS HAVE

THE WORLD DOES NOT
Garland M. Robinson
here are only two classes of
people in the world: Christians
and non-Christians, the saved
and the lost (Matt. 7:13-14). There
are no other possibilities! One day, all
the dead will be raised either to eternal life or eternal damnation (John
5:28-29; Matt. 25:46). So, what does
the Christian have the non-Christian
does not? Everything that counts!
Christians have God as their
Father (John 20:17). God is called
our heavenly Father in Matthew
6:26,32. Christians are the called of
Jesus Christ...beloved of God, called
to be saints: Grace to you and peace
from God our Father (Rom. 1:6-7).
Now therefore ye are no more
strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the
household of God (Eph. 2:19).
Those in the world have Satan as
their father. Ye are of your father the
devil, and the lusts of your father ye
will do. He...abode not in the truth,
because there is no truth in him...he
is a liar, and the father of it (John
8:44).
Christians have Christ as
their savior (2 Peter 1:1). Thou
shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall
save his people from their sins
(Matt. 1:21). Christ is the head of
the church: and he is the saviour of
the body (Eph. 5:23). He died so that
all might be saved (Heb. 2:9).
Those in the world have Satan as
their adversary. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour
(1 Peter 5:8).
Christians have a sure foundation. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having
this seal, The Lord knoweth them
that are his (2 Tim. 2:19).
Those in the world have a foundation of sand. 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. 7:26-27).
Christians have peace with
God. Therefore being justified by
faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ
(Rom. 5:1). Christ is our peace (Eph.
2:14-16).
Those in the world are enemies of
God. Ye adulterers and adulteresses,
know ye not that the friendship of
the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the
world is the enemy of God (James
4:4).
Christians have access to
God. Through Christ we have
access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Now therefore ye are no more
strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the
household of God (Eph. 2:18-19;
3:12). Through Christ we can come
boldly unto the throne of grace, that
we may obtain mercy, and find grace
to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16;
10:19-22).
Those in the world are aliens to
God. They walk, in the vanity of
their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from
the life of God through the ignorance
that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past
feeling have given themselves over
unto lasciviousness, to work all
uncleanness with greediness. But ye
have not so learned Christ (Eph.
4:17-20).
Christians have hope. There is
one hope (Eph. 4:4). We are saved by
hope (Rom. 8:24). Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto
the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an

oath: That by two immutable things,

in which it was impossible for God to
lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay
hold upon the hope set before us:
Which hope we have as an anchor of
the soul, both sure and stedfast
(Heb. 6:17-19).
Those in the world have no hope.
Before one becomes a Christian, he is
...without Christ, being aliens from
the commonwealth of Israel, and
strangers from the covenants of
promise, having no hope, and without
God in the world (Eph. 2:12).
Christians have eternal life.
In hope of eternal life, which God,
that cannot lie, promised before the
world began (Titus 1:2). God,
according to his abundant mercy
hath begotten us again unto a lively
hope by the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,
and that fadeth not away, reserved in
heaven for you...ready to be revealed
in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5). Eternal life is in Christ (1 John 5:11-13).
Those in the world have eternal
damnation to look forward to. The
Lord Jesus shall be revealed from
heaven with his mighty angels, In
flaming fire taking vengeance on
them that know not God, and that
obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ: Who shall be punished with
everlasting destruction from the
presence of the Lord, and from the
glory of his power (2 Thess. 1:7-9).
They will be in a lake which burns
with fire and brimstone.
Become a Christian today. Dont
delay. Study and learn what you
must do to be saved. Hear and listen
to the Gospel (Rom. 10:17; John 6:4445), Believe the Gospel and in Jesus
the Son of God (John 8:24; Heb. 11:6),
Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30),
Confess faith in Jesus as the Savior
and Son of God (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:910), be Baptized in water for the forgiveness of your sins (Mark 16:16;
Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16), live faithful
the rest of your life (Matt. 10:22; 1
Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10).
If we can assist you, please contact us today.

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March 2010 Seek The Old Paths

A Response
(Continued from page 25)

The article continues, In recent

years, congregations like Otter Creek
have adopted a more progressive view
of their faith. Theyve added instruments to church services on Sunday
nights and during the week. And
theyve begun cooperating with other
faith groups, especially on charitable
projects. How sad, but true! Yes, they
have adopted a more progressive
view and they have added that for
which there is not the least bit of
scriptural authority. The Bible says
those who so do are guilty of sin (2
John 9-11). The fact that they have
added instruments to church services on Sunday nights and during the
week, shows they have gone beyond
the things (the scriptures) which are
written the very thing the apostle
Paul warned against (1 Cor. 4:6).
Why limit the use of instruments to
Sunday night and week nights? Worship is not limited to Sunday morning! Could this be an effort to
appease those who object to the use
of instrumental music in worship?
According to Smietana, Sanders and
others say this approach is faithful to
their traditions and to the Bible. All
faithful Christians know this
approach is definitely NOT FAITHFUL TO THE BIBLE. Let Sanders
and others step forward with the
scriptures that authorize this
approach. Friends, it cannot be
done!
Mr. Smietana says, To understand whats happening in Churches
of Christ, it helps to look at the Bible.
Yes, indeed! When one looks at the
Bible it becomes readily apparent
that whats happening in churches of
Christ is without scriptural warrant.
If those who look at the Bible would
accept what the Bible teaches rather
than following the doctrines of men,
we wouldnt be in the mess were in
today.
A gross misrepresentation of the
Campbells, Barton W. Stone and the
Restoration Movement appears in
the article under review. It is
claimed, The Campbells and Stone
believed churches of their day had
split into too many denominations.
Those denominations bred hostility
between Christians. And, So the
Campbells and Stone wanted to go

27

back to the Bible and create a simpler

kind of church that could unite all
denominations. The fact is, Campbell and Stone recognized the hostility that existed among the denominations, and the only way to solve this
problem was for all to go back to the
Bible and practice only that which is
taught therein. They coined the slogan, Where the Bible speaks, we
speak. Where the Bible is silent, we
are silent. In principle, this is what
the apostle Peter taught If any
man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11). The Campbells and Stone never desired to create a church that could unite all
denominations. They recognized the
sinfulness of sectarianism and they
fought it tooth and nail. The Scriptures still teach that there is but one
church, the body of Christ (Eph.
1:22,23; 4:4). Christ is the head of his
church (Col. 1:18). He adds the saved
to his church (Acts 2:47). There are
no saved persons outside of Christ (2
Tim. 2:10). Only those who obey the
Gospel of Christ and live the Christian life faithfully will be eternally
saved (Rev. 2:10; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).
In referring to instrumental
music in worship, Mr. Smietana says,
But churches disagree on why they
sing a cappella. Some congregations
do because thats the way theyve
always done it. Others say that it
remains the biblical model and that
to use instruments in church is a sin.
It is likely that some members of the
church of Christ can give no better
reason for singing a cappella than
thats the way weve always done it.
Friends, ignorance of the Scriptures
is not limited to denominational
churches. After almost 46 years of
preaching, I am convinced that many
church members are scripturally
illiterate. But the fact that a practice
is done because thats the way weve
always done it, hardly justifies the
practice. One may do many things,
for many years, and still be wrong in
his practice. We sing a cappella
because that is the only way we are
authorized to worship God in song. It
is a matter of having scriptural
authority for all we do (Col. 3:17).
Dan Chambers, pulpit minister
at Concord Road Church of
Christ, is quoted as saying, We do it
out of conviction...we believe its the
kind of worship God wants in the
church. While what brother Cham-

bers says is true, his statement is

inadequate. Most people in the
denominational churches do what
they do out of conviction, but the difference between them and ourselves
is this: We have scriptural authority
for our practice, but they do not. It
was because of this conviction
brother Chambers said hes reluctant
to work with people of other faiths. I
have the same conviction but Ill
tell you what my conviction is based
upon. I hold this conviction because
of what the apostle Paul said. Hear
him, And have no fellowship
with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather reprove
them (Eph. 5:11). Though they may
mean well and may be very sincere,
people who are in denominationalism are in spiritual darkness.
Denominationalism is a work of
spiritual darkness. Only those people who have obeyed the Gospel of
Christ and thereby have been translated into the kingdom of his dear
Son, are walking in the light of Gods
word (Col. 1:13,14; 1 John 1:7).
Doug Sanders claims that over
the past two years he has worked
with Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Jews, Catholics and other local
believers. No doubt he has, but that
does not justify what the Scriptures
condemn. He claims that cooperating with other faiths, especially on
charitable projects, makes sense. It
may make sense to Sanders, but do
you think it makes sense to the
Lord, when his word condemns such?
I think not!
Now lets look at a statement by
Lee Camp, who teaches theology
and ethics at Lipscomb University. According to Camp, Alexander
Campbell started out with good
intentions but a faulty assumption.
Camp said, He assumed that one
could simply read the Bible and
everyone would come to the same conclusions. Brethren, it is little wonder
why so many of our young people
leave the church when we have a professor on a college faculty who knows
no more than this about Alexander
Campbell and his teaching. To accuse
Campbell of such a simplistic
approach to the Bible and a proper
understanding of Gods word is ludicrous. Campbell never held any such
assumption.
Campbell spent the greater part
of his life teaching people the truth

Seek The Old Paths March 2010

28

as he understood it revealed in the

Bible. Why would he have done this if
he thought that all who just read
their Bible will come to the same conclusion? After saying, It wasnt quite
so simple, Camp continued, saying,
Instead, followers of Stone and the
Campbells began to split. Those in the
north eventually formed two distinct
groups the Independent Christian
Churches/Churches of Christ and
the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ). Most in the south became
Churches of Christ group. That there
eventually was a split among
brethren is not denied. It would have
been helpful if Camp would have told
us why the split occurred. The split
occurred, not over the instrument,
per se, but over how to ascertain
Bible authority. Those who favored
the use of the instrument in worship
held that whatever is not specifically
forbidden by Scripture may be used,
while those who held to the biblical
view of Scriptural authority, held
that only that which is authorized in
the Scriptures may be practiced
(without sinning). Those who wanted
the instrument in worship held that
since its use is not specifically forbidden, then its use is allowed. Well, neither is adding ham and eggs to the
unleavened bread and the fruit of the
vine (grape juice) on the Lords table
forbidden. The same authority
which allows the use of instrumental
music in worship, will also allow ham
and eggs in the Lords supper. If not,
why not? Once the gate of biblical
authority is thrown open, the liberals
among us have a field day!
Finally, lets look at a few observations made by various individuals.
Glenn Carson, president of the
Disciples of Christ Historical
Society in Nashville, said that congregations like Otter Creek are creating a fourth stream of the Restoration
movement, distinct from Churches of
Christ and other groups. Sad, yes,
but true. One of the first so-called
progressive congregations was Woodmont Hills in Nashville. Another is
Richland Hills Church of Christ,
near Fort Worth, Texas. True, but not
only are they progressive, they
are also digressive. They have
digressed from the New Testament
pattern for the church. Camp is concerned congregations like Otter
Creek could lose their distinctive
nature. Truth is, they have

ALREADY lost their distinctive

nature! Following the New Testament will make any group distinctive, but departing from it will cause
any group to lose its distinctiveness.
Brother Dan Chambers said that
even though hes reluctant to cooperate with other faith groups, he doesnt criticize churches of Christ that
do. Well, Dan, what happened to consistency? Either what they are doing
is right or its wrong! If the practice is
wrong, then the practice must be criticized. If the practice is right, then we
ought to all join in and help.
Brethren, if there is anything Jesus
does not condone, its the fellow that
tries to straddle the fence. Jesus said,
He that is not with me is against
me, and he that gathereth not with
me, scattereth abroad (Matt. 12:30).
Smietana wrote, Theres at least
one danger in the progressive movement, Camp said, Hes concerned that
congregations like Otter Creek could
lose their distinctive nature. We could
just become plain vanilla evangelicals, he said. Instead, hed like to see
other Christian denominations learn
from Churches of Christ, especially
when it comes to the weekly Communion. Other Protestants take the
Lords Supper far less often, sometimes once a month, sometimes quarterly. That means they are missing
out on an important part of worship.
In reality there is no such thing
as other Christian denominations.
The word other implies that we
(churches of Christ) are denominational. So long as we remain faithful
to Gods word, in doctrine and practice, we are NOT DENOMINATIONAL. If we depart from Gods word, we
lose our identity and, therefore, we
become just another denomination
among many. If we use biblical terminology, there is no such thing as a
Christian denomination. Christ
died to purchase his church (Acts
20:28). He did not die for any denomination. Just before he died, Jesus
prayed for unity among all who follow him (John 17:20,21). Denominationalism exists in direct opposition
to that for which our Lord died.
Brethren, as far as this world is
concerned, we are isolationists. We
are neither to love the world, nor
are we to be conformed to this
world (1 John 2:15-17; Rom. 12:2).
When we cease to be isolationists, we
enter into apostasy.

Brethren, I fear in some cases we

are making to much out of the socalled Restoration Movement. Its
not unusual to hear some brethren
refer to what they call our restoration heritage. Surely, men such as
Thomas and Alexander Campbell,
Barton W. Stone and James OKelly
are to be commended for their efforts
to restore primitive New Testament
Christianity. However, we should
remember, Alexander Campbell did
not build the church of Christ, nor
purchase her with his shed blood, but
Christ did (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28).
We are not Campbellites. We are
Christians. I do not appeal to Campbell for my religious convictions. I
appeal to the Bible.
When churches of Christ follow
only that which is authorized in the
Bible, they are not descendants of the
Restoration Movement. Jesus said,
...the seed is the word of God (Luke
8:11). When the seed is planted in
an honest heart, it will produce only
a Christian and where Christians
assemble, the church of Christ exists.
The Bible only, makes Christians
only, and the only Christians.
How else can we account for the fact
that there were churches of Christ in
America long before the Campbells
arrived on its shores. Alexander
Campbell did not start the church of
Christ as Baptists and other such
denominations have long claimed.
This article by Bob Smietana
basically does three things: 1) It misrepresents the stand faithful churches of Christ take relative to the Scriptures. 2) It misrepresents Alexander
Campbell, Barton W. Stone and the
Restoration movement in several
areas. 3) Unfortunately, it shows the
sad departure from the faith the
Lords church has experienced in so
many places.
Brethren, its later than we
think!
1336 Spring Lake Rd.
Fruitland Park, FL 34731

Jesus came to this world and

lived among men without ever
sinning. He gives us a perfect
example to follow. He requires
that we live for him in faith and
obedience. Only then can we be
saved (Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:9).

March 2010 Seek The Old Paths

29

OLD WAY ISNT THE ONLY WAY

As Some Churches Of Christ Cling To Tradition,
A Few Drop Their Isolationist View And Work With Other Faiths, They Say:
his news article appeared on
the front page of the Nashville,
Tennessean on Sunday, January 31, 2010, written by Bob Smietana. It fits perfectly with the progressive agenda of the Nashville,
Tennessean newspaper. Progressives
despise anyone who holds to established principals such as the Constitution, Bill of Rights or Gods Holy
and inspired word. They, with their
superior attitude, would render such
documents as subject to change at
the whim of those who are wiser than
man or God. They look down on those
who hold to objective absolutes as
unlearned and narrow minded.
Count this writer as one who
believes that Gods word is the perfect, final, complete and unchangeable revelation of God to mankind (2
Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 13:10; Heb.
1:1-2). Count me as one who believes
that no man is able to improve upon
Gods word. All will be judged one day
based upon the teaching of Jesus
Christ (John 12:48). It all comes
down to whether or not we believe
Gods word. Love for God and
mankind is found in truth and obedience. Jesus taught that if we love
Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15). And being made
perfect he became the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey
him (Heb. 5:9). Adam and Eve lost
paradise and life eternal because
they went beyond Gods commandments. Whosoever transgresseth
and abideth not in the doctrine of
Christ, hath not God. He that
abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he
hath both the Father and the Son (2
John 9). If the only place we can find
authority for a thing is in the creeds
and doctrines of men, then one has
gone beyond the doctrine of Christ.
There is no salvation in the doctrines of men. Man can not save Himself. Jeremiah 10:23 says, O Lord, I
know that the way of man is not in
himself; it is not in man that walketh
to direct his steps. Men write their
creeds which teach that salvation is

by faith only, but Gods word does

not so teach. Men write that salvation is by grace only, but Gods word
does not so teach. Men sprinkle a few
drops of water on an infant and call it
baptism, but Gods word does not so
teach. Men teach that a Pope is the
earthly head of the church, but the
scriptures do not so teach. The list is
almost endless of what men teach as
their creed or doctrine, but God is not
bound by what men believe and
teach. Any person or group may
decide to start their own church and
write their own rules of faith, but
only a fool would believe that God is
bound by the creeds and doctrines of
men.
The Old Testament has many
examples of mankind turning their
backs upon God and His instructions.
God destroyed the entire world with
the exception of those aboard the ark.
Without exception disobedience leads
to disaster. God is immutable, and is
no respecter of persons. We are told
that he is the author of salvation to
all who obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). Since
obedience is essential to salvation,
then it follows that man is capable of
understanding the Lords instructions. However, man is often arrogant
and self willed and desires salvation
on his own terms. This is the basis for
men establishing their own churches
and writing their own creeds, doctrines, manuals, confessions of faith,
catechisms, and such like.
Jesus taught, If you continue in
my word, then are you my disciples
indeed; And ye shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free
(John 8:31-32). Note that Jesus said
ye shall know the truth, not a
truth or some truth. Does it require
some time and effort to know the
truth? Yes indeed, Paul instructed
Timothy to Study to show thyself
approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth (2 Tim.
2:15). Are many people just too lazy
to put forth the time and effort to
know the truth? Yes. Do many blind-

ly follow some preacher or teacher,

some human creed or doctrine? Yes.
No person will be judged based upon
a human creed, doctrine or philosophy, for they are from men and not
from God. Man cannot save himself
and yet he has over and over
attempted to do so. Soul a Savior you
are needing!
The newspaper article begins
with quotes from Doug Sanders
who stated When he was growing up
he learned there were two kinds of
people in the world. Those who
belonged to the a capella Churches of
Christ who were going to heaven, and
those who didnt were going to hell.
In the church of Christ we had all
the answers, said Sanders associate
minister at Otter Creek church in
Brentwood. And if we had the
answers, that meant everyone else
didnt. Its kind of embarrassing to
admit it but thats the way it was. If
Doug had paid attention to what the
Bible and his father taught, it would
be that those who believe and obey
God will be saved and that those who
refuse to do so will be lost (Matt.
7:21). Doug, unlike the apostle Paul,
is ashamed of the Gospel (Rom. 1:16).
Just who is this Doug Sanders
who attempts to speak for what
members of the Lords church believe
and teach? He is the son of the late
Joe and Evelyn Sanders. The husband of the late Lady Frank Ezell
Sanders. I have known Doug from a
child and he by no means has the
ability to state accurately what members of the church of Christ believe
and teach. He is not only a poor student of the Bible but also falsely
claims to know what knowledgeable
Christians believe.
His father, Joe Sanders, never
taught what Doug claims the church
of Christ believes and teaches. When
Doug was a child his father Joe
Sanders and I were co-teachers of an
adult Bible class. It was his father
that asked me to preach in his place
at the Stewart Creek church of
Christ when he had a conflict of

Seek The Old Paths March 2010

30

schedule. It was one of the first sermons I preached.

Joe Sanders, the father of Doug,
was a knowledgeable and faithful
preacher of Gods word and I refuse
to allow his son to falsify what he and
the church of Christ taught and
believes. Joe and other faithful
Gospel preachers only teach what
the Bible teaches. In the New Testament (which records the early history of the Lords church), the command of God is without exception to
sing. Not one hint, not one mention of
employing instruments of music in
the worship of the New Testament
church. Secular history teaches that
it was hundreds of years later when
men added instruments in worship
services. Instruments are therefore a
clear violation of Gods warning that
we are not to add to or take from His
word. The introduction of instruments of music was not done to
please God, but man. It is a symptom
of progressivism and without exception, will in time, lead to further
departures. History proves this to be
true. Israel, Gods chosen people in
the Old Testament, departed so far
with their progressivism that they
embraced idolatry. No Doug, I was
there when you were growing up and
heard what your father and other
faithful Christians taught and you
have mis-characterized what was
and is believed and taught. Would
you (or anyone else) be so foolish as
to teach that one may disobey the
Lord and remain in His favor?
Doug, it is not a matter of if we
have the answers, but does God
have the answers and the ability to
make them understandable? The
false concept held by progressives is
that there are no clear and absolute
answers and that whatever one
believes is acceptable (cf. John 8:32).
The restoration movement was
not designed to establish a new
denomination, or one at all. It was to
have those who had written their
own creeds and doctrines to cast
them aside and to allow Gods word
to be the authority for everything
believed, taught and practiced. Multitudes made that transition and the
Lords church was restored to its
original purity of faith and practice.
We are told, And whatsoever you do
in word or deed, do all in the name of
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God
and the Father by Him (Col. 3:17).

Gods word teaches nothing

about denominations. Christ built
His church and purchased it with His
own blood (Acts 20:28). How dare any
man counterfeit the blood purchased
church of the Lamb of God? It is to
the church established by Christ that
He adds the saved when they have
complied with His commands of
faith, repentance, confession and
baptism by immersion in water
for the remission of past sins
(Acts 2:41-47). Then one must continue in the teaching of Jesus Christ
(John 8:31-32).
Departures from the instructions
of God are nothing new. The Bible
records that such has occurred
throughout time. It is still taking
place today as men refuse to abide in
the teaching of God. Hear the words
of Jesus. Not everyone 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. Many will say unto me in
that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? And in thy
name have cast out devils? And in thy
name done many wonderful works?
And then will profess unto them, I
never knew you: depart from me, ye
that work iniquity (Matt. 7:21-23).
Just who do you suppose were
those who Jesus said he didnt know?
They were those who did not abide in
the doctrine of Christ. They went
beyond His authority: just as Nadab
and Abihu when they offered unauthorized fire (Lev. 10:1-2), just as
King Saul lost favor with God when
he brought back king Agag and the
animals for sacrifice. There are many
examples of those who refused to
abide within the confines of Gods
instructions and as a result perished.
But some people simply never learn.
Since God did not authorize
instruments of music in the worship
of the Lords church, why would they
be any more acceptable than the selfwilled actions of Nadab, Abihu, king
Saul and a host of other examples of
self-will that are recorded for our
learning (Rom. 15:4)? Perhaps you
should read (2 Tim. 3:1-9) once again.
It appears Doug, that you as a
progressive, find fellowship with
other progressives but you heap
insult upon those who hold true to
the faith once delivered to the saints
(Jude 3). My prayer for you and the
once faithful Otter Creek church is

that you will repent and return to

Gods favor abiding within the doctrine of Christ.
In Christian love, Lloyd Gale
1186 Martha Leeville Rd.
Lebanon, TN 37090

CONTRIBUTIONS
Bobby & Mary Lawrence...........$100
Geneva Stark................................$10
Bill & Jean Willard ......................$10
Donald & Weda White .................$60
Berea C/C, Rives, TN .................$100
Murriel C. Windham ....................$20
William & Jean Mayfield ............$10
Old Hope C/C,
Thompsons Station, TN ........$50
Mt. Olivet C/C,
Greeneville, TN....................$150
Anonymous ...................................$50
Russell & Imogene Billings.........$25
Mt. Judea C/C,
Mount Judea, AR...................$50
Church of Christ,
Maysville, OK.......................$100
William & Susan Trees................$20
Chuck & Nancy Verkist...............$25
Lords Way C/C,
Springfield, VT.......................$50
Corrine Young...............................$25
Anonymous ...................................$20
Anonymous .................................$200
Hester Riffe...................................$25
Chuck & Nancy Verkist ...............$25
Ernest & Sandra Armstrong.....$500
Arlington C/C,
McMinnville, TN....................$50
Saks C/C, Anniston, AL ...............$50
Jamie Hampton............................$50
Robert M. Price ..........................$200
Robert M. Price ..........................$200
B. G. & Barbara Benton ..............$25
Anonymous .................................$100
Anonymous .................................$100
Anonymous ...................................$10
Ruby York ...................................$185
Patricia A. Chadwell ....................$20
Beginning Balance...........$10,869.42
Contributions...............$2,615.00
Debits
Postage .........................$1,946.65
Paper ............................$1,875.00
Supplies...........................$223.58
Ending Balance ..................$9,439.19

March 2010 Seek The Old Paths

31

PREACHERITIS
AND UNPREACHERITIS
David Dalton
reacheritis and unpreacheritis
are two sad diseases which
have become predominant in
the church. Both of these diseases
center around how congregations
and individual Christians look at
preachers. These diseases cause congregations to build around the
preacher instead of the congregation
being built around Jesus Christ.
These diseases also can cause congregations to disintegrate because of
the preacher instead of being unified
because of Christ. Because of these
diseases, many Christians either recommend a congregation or complain
about a congregation in terms of the
preacher.
Preacheritis infects the church in
a variety of ways. Frequently it is
heard that one should come to a particular congregation to hear the
preacher. It is never the preacher
that needs to be heard; instead, it is
the message or Gospel of Christ that
needs to be heard (Rom. 10:10-17).
Instead of inviting individuals to
come and hear the preacher, they
should be invited to come and hear
about Jesus Christ (Matt. 11:28-30).
Frequently it is said that preachers should be heard because of the
delivery of their sermons. Some are
bragged about because they can
quote scriptures and preach without
notes. Some are bragged about
because they interlace their sermons
with a variety of stories that attract
attention. Some are deemed to be
worthy of hearing because they are
known because of their media work
on television, radio or in publications.
Others are said to be exceptional
because they use graphs, charts or
computer presentations during their
lessons. When the preacheritis is
stripped away, only one thing really
matters. Did the preacher, to the best

of his ability, deliver the message of

the Gospel that needed to be delivered in a way that was pleasing to
God? The apostle Paul wrote, For
though I preach the gospel, I have
nothing to glory of: for necessity is
laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I
preach not the gospel (I Cor. 9:16).
Unpreacheritis is the open
expression that one simply does not
care for a preacher and desires his
demise. Unpreacheritis is as damaging to the church as preacheritis is.
Unpreacheritis believes that because
a certain preacher does not meet
ones personal perceptions of a
preacher, he should be removed.
Preachers are as different as other
people are different. It is sad however that often a preachers work is
hurt because members fail to allow
for personal differences. Instead of
accepting the preacher for the abilities and good qualities that he has,
he is frequently compared to the last
five preachers that preached for a
particular congregation. He does not
have the personality of preacher four,
he does not have the compassion of
preacher two, he does not visit like
preacher three, and he does not know
the members like preacher one. How
can any individual survive being
expected to follow the patterns,
habits, and expectations of so many
different people?
In the attitudes of unpreacheritis, preachers have not been hired or
have been fired because they did not
golf, throw a football with young people, know about hockey, or understand local customs pertaining to
showers, weddings and funerals.
Preachers have been rejected
because they did not use computers,
understand internet and web sites or
have a pleasant preachers voice.
Ironically, preachers have been

rejected because they are too young,

middle aged or too old. They have
been rejected because they were not
married, were married, had children
or did not have children. Preachers
are rejected because they do not have
a degree, they have a degree, they
use too much scripture, they move
too slowly or too fast in class or simply because the congregation needs a
change and changing the preacher is
the easiest change to make.
No congregation can be what
God wants it to be until preacheritis
and unpreacheritis are removed from
their thinking and practices. A
preacher is just a fellow laborer in
the wonderful work of Jesus Christ.
He is a man that has strengths and
weaknesses. He is a man that stands
before the judgement of God for
every action he does and every word
he speaks. He is a man that will be
judged for his successes and failures
alike. He is a man that needs Gods
grace and forgiveness. He is a man
that loves brethren and needs brotherly love. He is a man that does well
and makes mistakes. He is a man
that needs mans forgiveness and
needs to be forgiving of men. Simply,
he is just like you.
395 W Main St.
Algood, TN 38506

THE PURPOSE
OF PREACHING
declare good news. Rom. 10:15;
To
Luke 2:10-11
present the Truth. Gal. 4:16;
To
John 8:31-32;
To inform the listener. Acts 2:40 41;
Mark 16:15-16; 1 Cor. 1:18-21
To show the consequences of sin.
Rom.
6:23; Rev. 21:27; Isa. 59:2
To
produce
faith. Rom. 10:13-17;
Acts 15:7; John
6:44-45
condemn error and rebuke the
To
erring. 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Tim. 5:20;
Eph. 5:11

restore the erring. James

To
5:16,19-20; Gal. 6:1; Matt. 18:12-

13
To edify the hearer. 1 Thess. 5:11;
Rom. 14:19; 1 Cor. 14:12
To encourage Christian living. 2
Peter 1:5-11; Eph. 6:10-17; 1 Peter
2:9
To comfort those in sorrow. Rom.
12:15; 15:4; 2 Cor. 1:3-4; John
14:1-3,27

32

MAILBAG

S.EEK T.HE O.LD P.ATHS

people back to God before its too late. Were talking about the U.S. in
the past tense. Now the politicians are working to make Washington,
DC a state! Its already passed in the senate and no one is talking
about it. Our government is so corrupt, its hard to believe. We had a
very traumatic experience months ago. We had a letter stating that
our investments were on hold because the company was being investigated for fraud. If anything happens to my husband I would have no
income, so we have to have investments. It also gave us back-up security to be able to make donations to churches and worthy charities.
Weve heard nothing to update the situation and would appreciate
your prayers. We know God cares and knows the needs of his children.
You are in our prayers always. May God bless you in many more years
of work in his Kingdom. Sincerely ...Name withheld by request,
ID. Dear brethren, Greetings from the church that meets in Allenhurst, GA! Thank you so much for the work you are doing in publishing Seek the Old Paths. It is certainly a blessing to have your sound
publication that all can read and find Bible truth. We have been
receiving your publication for some years. We request that you continue to send us a bundle of twenty copies each month. Please accept the
enclosed check and use it in whatever way you deem best for the publishing and distribution of this good work. May God continue to bless
you in this noble effort. In His service ...church of Christ at Allenhurst, Bob Miller, Secretary, Allenhurst, GA. I have only recently been receiving your paper and I appreciate it so much. It is so good
to know that there are other sound people out there. I am enclosing a
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with my husband in the hospital. Thanks ...Georg A. Fields,
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Thanks ...Kay Williams.

Seek The Old Paths is a monthly publication of the East End

Church of Christ and is under the oversight of its elders. It is mailed
FREE upon request. Its primary purpose and goal in publication can
be found in Jude 3; II Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:1; II Peter 1:12.
All mail received may be published unless otherwise noted. Articles
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Due to some things happening in my life, I have not been able to help
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Seek It ...Anonymous, Kemp, TX. Dear brethren, it is so wonderful to sit and read Seek the Old Paths in the midst of what has happened to churches that for many lifetimes wore church of Christ on
their buildings. Sometimes entire local denominational churches were
converted by the truth. Now it seems the tide has turned. Do they
ever read II Peter 2:20-22? Its a chilling thought. Weve known a couple for forty years who started down the broad road to liberalism. They
now attend the huge church in Fort Worth, go to church on Saturday,
have instruments and communion. Vain worship it is. Here in the
Treasure Valley, the true church is hard to fine. Thanks be to God for
all of you and for all those still seeking the old paths. There was one
way paid for by the death of Christ, and there is one way now and till
the end of time. Its strange that people love old homes and antiques
but wont accept the old time religion. Weve had a rough year with
sickness (me), whats happening in our country, etc. May that bring

Seek The Old Paths March 2010