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April 2012 Seek The Old Paths 25

Vol. 23, No. 4 April 2012

MODESTY ALWAYSFASHIONABLE

INGODSEYESRusty Stark

This is a sensitive topic. Thereare few subjects that seem toget as strong a negative reac-

tion as this one. People resent beingtold how to dress, and they resentbeing told how to dress their chil-dren. But regardless of how theworld goes, and regardless of thereaction of worldly brethren, mod-esty never goes out of style for thechild of God. Immodesty is alwayswrong, and modesty is always rightin the eyes of our maker.

Let us notice three passages thatteach about modesty and warn aboutimmodesty.

1 Timothy 2:9-10, In like man-ner also, that women adorn them-selves in modest apparel, with shame-

facedness and sobriety; not withbroided hair, or gold, or pearls, orcostly array; But (which becomethwomen professing godliness) with

good works.

This passage contains threewords which help us with this issue.Modest. This word identifies that

which is orderly, seemly, appropriate.It deals with more than just what ismodest and what is not. It urgesChristian women (and by extensionmen also) to refrain from shockingfads in dress and appearance. It con-demns ostentation and dressing toattract attention. But let us not for-get that dress which is orderly, seem-ly, and appropriate, would also haveto be dress that is modest. We can

attract attention by wearing out-landish clothing, but we can alsoattract attention by what we do notcover/conceal. The word modestdemands that we do not wear thatwhich is too short, too low, too thin ortoo tight. How much is too much inthese things? That which says lookat me, notice my body. It does notmatter whether we are trying todraw attention to ourselves or not, ifwe wear that which draws attention,causes others to look and gaze, thenwe are immodest.

Shamefacedness. This wordrefers to shame which is rooted fastin ones character (see Vines). Thenatural question is, of what are wesupposed to be ashamed? At the endof Genesis chapter 2, Adam and hisnew bride were both naked, but notashamed. In chapter 3, the womanand the man sinned by eating the for-bidden fruit. Suddenly they wereaware of their nakedness and wereashamed. They tried to cover andhide themselves (vs.7-10). God didnot say to them, Dont worry. I creat-ed you naked. Nakedness is natural.Covering yourselves would be unnat-ural. God even made them coats(garments) of skins so they would beclothed. The word for coats iskethoneth. It is defined as a tunic,under garment, robe, a long shirt-likegarment usually of linen, generallywith sleeves, coming down to theknees.

This truth is evident: in a worldwith sin, nakedness is not appropri-ate. Where sin exists, men andwomen should be ashamed of dis-playing themselves. It is a sad stateof affairs that we let boys and girlsgrow up with no sense of shame inthis matter.

Sobriety. This word refers tosober-mindedness and self-control. InTitus 2:2 it is translated temperate,and in Titus 2:5 it is translated dis-creet.

With these words in mind, andgiven the over-sexualized nature ofour society, these questions seem nat-ural:

Does it represent temperance towear clothing several inches abovethe knee?

Is it appropriate to wear low-cutclothing that attracts attention andinvites the eyes?

Is it modest to wear clothing sothin your underwear can be seenthrough it?

Where is the sense of shame?Galatians 5:19-21 says, Now theworks of the flesh are manifest, whichare these; Adultery, fornication,uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idol-atry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,

emulations, wrath, strife, seditions,heresies, Envyings, murders, drunk-

enness, revellings, and such like: of

(Continued on page 29)

Modesty

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WHAT THE LORD FORBIDS

In order for the Lord to be in ourmidst, we must put away thosethings the Lord forbids.The Lord does not reward imma-

turity. We are babes in Christ whenwe first obey the Gospel (1 Peter 2:2;1 Cor. 3:1). We are to grow andmature to become full grown.Hebrews 5:12-14 describes some whohad not grown as they should. Forwhen for the time ye ought to beteachers, ye have need that one teach

you again which be the first princi-ples of the oracles of God; and arebecome such as have need of milk,and not of strong meat. For every onethat useth milk is unskilful in theword of righteousness: for he is ababe. But strong meat belongeth tothem that are of full age, even those

who by reason of use have their sens-es exercised to discern both good andevil.

A major sign of immaturity isneglecting to attend the assemblingof the saints. This is made clear inHebrews 10:25. Such a willful sinbrings a certain fearful looking for of

judgment and fiery indignation,which shall devour the adversaries(v.27). God means business. If werenot faithful, he will cast us out intoouter darkness; there shall be weep-ing and gnashing of teeth (Matt.

22:13).Growing unto maturity requiresnot only Bible study at home, butBible study with those of like pre-cious faith (cf. 2 Peter 1:1). The greatopportunities ahead of us require awell taught membership that is ableto teach others. Here is where ourstrength lies. Are you growing inmaturity and knowledge? Therecomes a time when the Lord will nolonger dwell in our midst. If we donot grow and mature, the Lord willnot be with us forever.

The Lord does not reward luke-warmness. This was the condemna-tion of the church at Laodicea (Rev.3:14-22). The assessment they madeof themselves was that they hadeverything they needed. They wereself-sufficient. They rested in theirown ability. It caused them to becomecomplacent and apathetic. They werecontent to just coast along. They werenot hot or on fire for the Lord. Nei-ther were they cold or totally indif-ferent to Him. They were simply inthe middle. There was no real com-mitment, no real plans for the future.They were just holding their own.How often may we find ourselves insuch a condition today?

What about the local congrega-tion you attend? Is it just gettingalong or it is fervent in the Lordswork? Is it just keeping the doors

open or it is marching forward? Is itjust existing or is it holding the ban-ner high?

The work we all have to dorequires initiative, enthusiasm,effort, zeal, faith and love. Luke-warmness does not achieve thesethings. Apathy brings us shame. Wewill be condemned as a result. TheLord said to the church at Laodicea,I will spue thee out of my mouth(Rev. 3:18). Are we a part of a congre-gation that will prompt the Lord tosay the same thing about us? Do we

contribute to the problem or are we apart of the solution?

WHAT THE LORD REQUIRES

If we desire the Lord to be withus and remain with us, then we willhave to act like we want Him to bethere. What must we do to assure theLords presence and approval?

We must have an unswervingLoyalty to the TRUTH, Godsword. Paul exhorts Timothy to Hold

fast the form of sound words, which

thou hast heard of me, in faith andlove which is in Christ Jesus(2 Tim1:13). To Titus we read, But speakthou the things which become sounddoctrine (Titus 2:1). To Timothy hesaid, I charge thee therefore beforeGod, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whoshall judge the quick and the dead athis appearing and his kingdom;

Preach the word; be instant in season,out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhortwith all longsuffering and doctrine.

For the time will come when they willnot endure sound doctrine; but aftertheir own lusts shall they heap tothemselves teachers, having itching

ears; And they shall turn away theirears from the truth, and shall beturned unto fables. But watch thou inall things, endure afflictions, do thework of an evangelist, make full proofof thy ministry(2 Tim. 4:1-5).

We must love the truth (cf. Zech.8:19). Proverbs 23:23 says to buy itand sell it not. We must preach itwhen its popular and when its not (2Tim. 4:2), hold it fast (2 Tim. 1:13),contend for it earnestly (Jude 3), andonly speak that which is sound, solidand true (Titus 2:1). We must have nofellowship with the unfruitful worksof darkness (Eph. 5:11). We are toidentify and avoid those who causedivision (Rom. 16:17-18). When we dothis, the Lord is in our midst.

There can be no substitute tosoundness in both doctrine andprac-tice. Jesus is in our midst only if weteach/preach His word and do Hiscommandments. If we adulterateHis word, He is not with us.

If we substitute items of worshipwhich He has not authorized, He isnot with us:

Singingmust be congregationaland it must be a capella. Our songsmust be psalms, hymns and spiritualsongs (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19). Songs ofpatriotism are not authorized

Mechanical instruments of music arenot trivial. They are not a matter ofopinion. We must do only that whichthe Bible authorizes.

The collection must be in har-mony with the Lords will. FirstCorinthians 16:2 says it must be onthe first day of the week. Paul wroteBut this I say, He which soweth spar-ingly shall reap also sparingly; andhe which soweth bountifully shallreap also bountifully. Every manaccording as he purposeth in hisheart, so let him give; not grudgingly,

26 Seek The Old Paths April 2012

THEREAMI INTHEMIDST

OFTHEM#2Garland M. Robinson

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or of necessity: for God loveth a cheer-ful giver(2 Cor. 9:6-7). Each Chris-tian is to give and it must be from theheart a free-will offering. This elimi-nates fund raisers such as car wash-es and rummage sales. The exampleof our brethren at Corinth was thatthey first gave themselves to theLord (2 Cor. 8:5). We should do like-wise.

The communion (Lords sup-per) is a solemn act in which we par-take every first day of the week. Thefirst century church did so, and somust we (Acts 20:7). It cannot beeaten on any other day of the weeknor for any other purpose than toremember and show the Lords deathtill he come (1 Cor. 11:26). Jesus said,this do in remembrance of me(Luke22:19). Its emblems are specific, con-sisting of unleavened bread and fruitof the vine (grape juice). It cannot bemixed with barbecue or turned into acommon meal. If we adulterate orpollute the Lords supper, Jesus willnot be in our midst because we arenot acting in accordance to His will.

Our prayers are directed to Godthe Father in the name of Jesus theSon. This is as the Scriptures direct(Matt. 6:9; John 14:13-14; 15:16).When we do these things in accor-dance to the Lords will, we have thepromise that He will be with us.

Prayer is powerful. God tells us so.The effectual fervent prayer of arighteous man availeth much(James 5:16).

We must desire the Unity forwhich the Lord prayed and died.Jesus prayed for the apostles, Nei-ther pray I for these alone, but forthem also which shall believe on methrough their word; That they all maybe one; as thou, Father, art in me, and

I in thee, that they also may be one inus: that the world may believe thatthou hast sent me (John 17:20-21).

Paul exhorted the church at Corinth,Now I beseech you, brethren, by thename of our Lord Jesus Christ, that

ye all speak the same thing, andthat there be no divisions amongyou; but that ye beperfectly joinedtogether in the same mind and inthe same judgment(1 Cor. 1:10).

The unity required of the Lord isshown in Ephesians 4:1-6: I there-

fore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseechyou that ye walk worthy of the voca-tion wherewith ye are called, With alllowliness and meekness, with long-

suffering, forbearing one another inlove; Endeavouring to keep the unityof the Spirit in the bond of peace.There is one body, and one Spirit,

even as ye are called in one hope ofyour calling; One Lord, one faith, onebaptism, One God and Father of all,who is above all, and through all, andin you all.

Living a faithful Christianlife is a must if we desire the Lord tocontinue in our midst. The Lord tellsus who we are in Matthew 5:13-16.Ye are the salt of the earth: but if thesalt have lost his savour, wherewithshall it be salted? it is thenceforth

good for nothing, but to be cast out,and to be trodden under foot of men.Ye are the light of the world. A citythat is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle, andput it under a bushel, but on a can-dlestick; and it giveth light unto allthat are in the house. Let your light soshine before men, that they may see

your good works, and glorify yourFather which is in heaven.

Loving one another is a cardinaltenet of faithfulness. Jesus said, Anew commandment I give unto you,That ye love one another; as I haveloved you, that ye also love one anoth-

er. By this shall all men know that yeare my disciples, if ye have love one toanother (John 13:34-35). John

wrote, If a man say, I love God, andhateth his brother, he is a liar: for hethat loveth not his brother whom hehath seen, how can he love God whomhe hath not seen? And this command-ment have we from him, That he wholoveth God love his brother also (1John 4:20-21).

It is such a tragedy for brethrento have animosity for one another.How in the world do those who areguilty in this matter think they cango to heaven with this hanging overtheir head? If we cant get along in

this world, we dont have the slight-est chance in the world to come. Imust do everything within my powerto make things right with mybrethren. If things continue to beunresolved, let it be because othersare unwilling to reconcile. Ive donemy part. Theres nothing more I cando.

CONCLUSION

No other people or organizationon earth can rightly say they have

the Lord Jesus in their midst. Hestands with us. He guards, guidesand direct us. He is our King. He isour guide, our savior, our redeemer.We desire Him to continue to be inour midst. He has promised He willbe, as long as we do His will.

Nothing else in this world mat-ters than for us to be faithful to Himunto death. Therefore, my belovedbrethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable,always abounding in the work of the

Lord, forasmuch as ye know that yourlabour is not in vain in the Lord (1Cor. 15:58).


OURONEHOPE

Anyone who reads the newspa-per or views television knowsthat things in our world seem

to be a mess. The Bible says, allhave sinned and come short of the

glory of God(Rom. 3:23). We knowthat many live in darkness outside ofChrist (John 3:19). There is turmoilon every hand: war, crime, immorali-ty you name it! There are a groupof people that lived in the same con-ditions at one time. They were calledGentiles. They were without God,without Christ and had no hope

(Eph. 2:11-12), but all that changedwith the death of Christ. The writerof Ephesians said: But now inChrist Jesus ye who sometimes were

far off are made nigh by the blood ofChrist(Eph. 2:13).

There is hope! There is hope forthe world! More importantly, there ishope for you! Christ is the answer.Read the following, Paul, an apostleof Jesus Christ by the will of God,according to the promise of life whichis in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 1:1). Christis our hope. He is the answer. Paul

later wrote that he knew in whom hehad believed and was persuaded thatChrist was able to keep that whichhe had committed (2 Tim. 1:12).

Will you put your hope in Christ?Will you follow Him? Got problems?Marriage going bad? Children rebel-lious? Not enough money to pay yourbills? Search the scriptures (John5:39). Christ is our hope. He is theanswer.

Larry Acuff4135 Coursey Lake Rd.Douglasville, GA 30135

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The first verse of Genesis 1introduces mankind to the exis-tence of God, In the beginning

God.The first time Satan introduceshimself to mankind is in the gardenof Eden in the form of a serpent (Gen.3:1-6). The first time he is mentionedby the name of Satan is in Job 1:6-12.Therefore, one cannot believe in theexistence of God and not believe inthe existence of Satan!

Various terms are used through-out the Scriptures to describe theevil one that opposes God and Hischildren: Satan, adversary (Zech.3:1), The devil, slanderer (Matt. 4:1;Rev. 12:9), The god of this world (2Cor. 4:4), The prince of the power ofthe air (Eph. 2:2), The father of lies(John 8:44), Murderer (John 8:44),The great dragon (Rev. 12:9), Serpent(Rev. 12:9; 2 Cor. 11:3), Deceiver (Rev.12:9), Beelzebub the prince of thedevils (Matt. 12:24), The wicked one(Matt. 13:38), The prince of thisworld (John 12:31), Ruler of darkness(Eph. 6:12), The tempter (1 Thess.3:5), Accuser of the brethren (Rev.

12:10), The enemy (Matt. 13:39), Aroaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), Belial,worthless, wicked (2 Cor. 6:15),

Angel of the bottomless pit (Rev.9:11).

Satans ultimate destination,along with his angels, as well as allwhom he is able to destroy, is ever-lasting, unending damnation in hell(Matt. 25:41,46). As one seriouslycontemplates these facts, he cannothelp but tremble at the very thoughtof being lost!

As powerful as Satan is, he can

be resisted and overcome, Be Sober,be vigilant; because your adversarythe devil, as a roaring lion, walkethabout, seeking whom he may devour:Whom resist stedfast in the faith...(1Peter 5:8-9). This is why Christiansare to put on the whole amour ofGod, that ye may be able to standagainst the wiles of the devil (Eph.6:11).

Johns inspired words truly giveus strength to press on, even in thehottest of confrontations with theevil one. Ye are of God, little chil-

dren, and have overcome them:because greater is he that is in you,than he that is in the world (1 John4:4). In addition to this, God has notleft His children defenseless. On thecontrary, According as his divine

power hath given unto us all thingsthat pertain unto life and godliness,through the knowledge of him thathath called us to glory and virtue(2Peter 1:3). It is truly comforting toknow that God is with us every stepof the way in our journey to heavenas we walk in the light(1 John 1:7)....I will never leave thee, nor forsakethee(Heb. 13:5).

The Bible gives numerous exam-ples of Satans insidious attacks onthe body of Christ: Persecution (Acts4,5,9,19), Certain brethren makingcircumcision a condition of salvation(Acts 15), Conspiracy of certain Jewsto kill Paul (Acts 23), Forming of fac-tions (1 Cor. 1), Brother living in anincestuous and adulterous relation-ship and the church accepting it (1Cor. 5), Making a gluttonous feast ofthe Lords supper (1 Cor. 11), Somedenying the resurrection (1 Cor. 15),Perverting the Gospel of Christ (Gal.1), Peter siding with the Jews (Gal.2), Two sisters at odds with oneanother (Phil. 4), Works of the flesh(Gal. 5), Malicious use of the tongue(James 3).

Satan wants to ultimatelydestroy every soul so they will bewith him and his demons to suffereternal punishment. Satan is thefather of all lies. He is constantlytempting the Lords people throughthe lust of the flesh, the lust of the

eyes and the pride of life (1 John2:16). He greatly rejoices when chil-dren of God live by the iron rule andnot the golden rule (cf. Matt. 7:12).He and all of his demons rejoicewhen the lust of the flesh (Gal.5:19-21) reigns in the heart of Chris-tians instead of the fruit of the Spir-it love, joy, peace, longsuffering,gentleness, goodness, faith, meek-ness and temperance (Gal. 5:22). Thefather of all lies is constantly tryingto divide the body of Christ throughbitterness, wrath, anger, clamour,

evil speaking and malice (Eph. 4:31).When this takes place, evangelism,benevolence and edification come to ascreeching halt!

Be assured that the devil knowsevery faithful Christian. He knowsyou and he knows me. If he can getus to yield to him (Rom. 6:16), thendoubt, discouragement, envy, strife,hatred, jealously, covetousness, aswell as all works of the flesh, will putus well on the road to destruction.Even when this takes place, thosewho have gone back under Satansrule can repent of their sins and berestored (Gal. 6:1-2; James 5:19-20;Jude 23)!

Through Christs death, burialand resurrection, Satan has beenbound, thus destroying his works (1John 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:10; Heb. 2:14-15).Every Christian has been givenassurance that we can overcome anyand all temptations if we will look forthe way of escape. There hath notemptation taken you but such as iscommon to man: but God is faithful,who will not suffer you to be temptedabove that ye are able; but will withthe temptation also make a way to

escape, that ye may be able to bear it(1 Cor. 10:13). John wrote, To himthat overcometh will I grant to sitwith me in my throne, even as I alsoovercame, and am set down with my

Father in his throne(Rev. 3:23).Remember, God, Christ and the

Holy Spirit wants every Christian tobe with them in heaven (Rev. 22:17)!Brethren, dont allow Satan to dis-tract you from serving the Lord! Con-tinue to fight the good fight of faith

(1 Tim. 6:12). Put on the wholearmour of God (Eph. 6:11). Beunmoveable, always, abounding inthe work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58)

You will hear the welcome words ofthe Savior one day, Come, ye blessedof my Father inherit the kingdom pre-

pared for you from the foundation ofthe world(Matt. 25:34)!

PO Box 975Rowlett, TX 75089

SATANSINSIDIOUSATTACKSONTHECHURCH

Ivie Powell

SEND YOUR CHANGE OF ADDRESS

WHEN YOU MOVE.

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the which I tell you before, as I havealso told you in time past, that theywhich do such things shall not inher-it the kingdom of God.This passage

speaks plainly to these matters.Immodest dress is uncleanness. It islascivious which has to do with inde-cency, wantonness, suggestive. Howcan it be classed as anything else?

The power of this passage is alsothat it does not allow for loopholesbased on technicalities. Even if some-one is able to convince themselvesthat tight, revealing clothing is notprecisely found in the definition ofwords like uncleanness or lascivious-ness (which is ridiculous), surely wemust admit that such shamelessnessis in the category of such like asstated in verse 21. Paul didnt have tospecifically mention clothing thatwas revealing and immodest. TheHoly Spirit saw to it that such likewas also condemned.

Matthew 5:28 says, But I sayunto you, That whosoever looketh ona woman to lust after her hath com-mitted adultery with her already inhis heart.

It is wrong to watch women (andmen for that matter). It is wrong tocast our gaze and lust. Jesus said oureyes are the light of the body (Matt.6:22). We must keep our hearts(mind) pure (Matt. 5:8).

Since lustful looks are wrong(sinful), then that which promotesthose looks is also wrong (sinful).Many women have intentionallydressed to cause a man to stumble(fall, sin) through his eyes. Howmany women and girls who think ofthemselves as Christians have unin-tentionally set the same stumblingblock before others? It may be done

without intention and withoutthought, but it is not done withoutsin.

Consider these reasoning prob-lems:

Some say that culture is the onlyfactor in deciding what is modest.The account of Adam and Eve andtheir shame proves this is not so.Moreover, society does not teach usthat the revealing modern clothingtrends are pure and without sexualovertones. Just the opposite. Adver-tisers sell the clothing as sexual.

They promote it for the purpose ofgrabbing attention. Short shorts/skirts, see-through and/or low-cutattire, are not ok because that is thefashion. Such worldly fashion is sin-ful. We are to be as different from theworld as light is from darkness(Matt. 5:14-16). Certainly culture hassomething to do with how we dress.We want to become all things to allmen to save some (1 Cor. 9:27) andwe dont want to cause any to stum-ble (1 Cor. 10:32). If we find ourselvesin a culture that requires women tocover their ankles or their faces,Christians should comply with that,but fashions and fads and culturecannot make it ok for us to exchangethat which is orderly, self-controlledand discreet, for that which is lustful,unclean, and lascivious.

Some dress modestly in most set-tings, but then lose all shame when itcomes to certain situations. Warmweather does not make it ok to revealor expose ourselves. Sporting activi-ties do not make skin-tight, thigh-exposing volleyball shorts or anyother sports wear suddenly becomeless lustful and lascivious. Fill inother activities or situations as youwill: swimming, public workoutplaces and spas where others can seewhen we expose ourselves. Situationsdo not make a wrong thing right.

Would you wear, or want yourdaughters (and sons) to wear reveal-ing clothing when a sexual pervert isnear? Would you feel comfortable indoing so? Would you claim its yourown business what you wear? Logicand reason and decency dictate thatyou would cover up and in no wayexpose yourself to longing and crav-ing eyes. You know this is true. Whythen would you wear such in publicfor the whole world to see?

What a shame that the god ofthis world has blinded the minds of

many in this matter.What a shame that Christianminds and hearts have been influ-enced and at times even overrun byworldly trends.

What a shame when we are with-out shame and cannot blush (Jer.6:15).

What a shame when parentsteach their children it is more impor-tant to be fashionable with the worldthan to be acceptable to God.

1495 E Empire Ave.Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Modesty(Continued from page 25)

DOWELOVETHELORDMORE?

S

o when they had dined,Jesus saith to Simon Peter,Simon, son of Jonas, lovest

thou me more than these? He saithunto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowestthat I love thee. He saith unto him,

Feed my lambs(John 21:15). This isa good question for us to ask our-selves.

Do we love the Lord morethan we love our relatives? If wedo, we will not let them hinder usfrom obeying the Lord or worship-ping Him. The Lord taught: Whoso-

ever therefore shall confess me beforemen, him will I confess also before

my Father which is in heaven(Matt10:32).Do we love the Lord more

than we love our money? If so, wewill cheerfully and liberally supportthe Lords work. But this I say, Hewhich soweth sparingly shall reapalso sparingly; and he which sowethbountifully shall reap also bountiful-ly. Every man according as he pur-

poseth in his heart, so let him give; notgrudgingly, or of necessity: for Godloveth a cheerful giver(2 Cor. 9:6-7).

Do we love the Lord more

than we love entertainment andpleasure? Indulging in pleasure atthe expense of Christian living andserving God is sinful for these thingshave taken over Gods rightful place(cf. Luke 12:15-21). Sinful pleasure isalways wrong. But she that liveth in

pleasure is dead while she liveth(1Tim. 5:6). Ye have lived in pleasureon the earth, and been wanton; yehave nourished your hearts, as in aday of slaughter(James 5:5).

Do we love the Lord morethan the praise of men? If so, we

will be willing to obey God even if itmeans we must incur the rejection ofmen. Some Jewish leaders believedon Christ but would not confess himbecause they loved the praise of menmore than the praise of God (John12:42-43).

The Lord must be the supremeobject of our affection. We must beable to sing with meaning, O How ILove Jesus!

Bob Winton464 Ridgewood Dr.

Manchester, TN 37355

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Gods love is precious to

Christians! Without Godslove, there would be no hope

for fallen mankind. All accountablepeople sin (Rom. 3:10,23). The wages

of sin is death(Rom. 6:23). When one

sins, he is separated from God (Isa.59:1-2). One cannot simply pardonhimself from the sin he has commit-ted. Without the love of God provid-

ing a plan for reconciliation and

redemption, sinners would have nohope. To the Ephesian brethren Paulsaid, That at that time ye were with-out Christ, being aliens from the com-monwealth of Israel, and strangers

from the covenants of promise, havingno hope, and without God in theworld: But now in Christ Jesus yewho sometimes were far off are madenigh by the blood of Christ (Eph.2:12-13).

That passage often referred to asthe golden text says, For God soloved the world, that he gave his only

begotten Son, that whosoeverbelieveth in him should not perish,but have everlasting life(John 3:16)Think about that little word so. GodSO loved that He purposed, planned,and provided a way by which mancan be forgiven of his sins and recon-ciled to God. Man would be hopeless-ly lost were it not for the love of God!

Gods Word is precious to theChristian! Spiritually speaking,man is not capable of directing hissteps: the way of man is not in him-self(Jer. 10:23). A trustworthy guideis needed. Ones emotions, feelingsand opinions do not measure up tothe challenge. The Psalmist knew theanswer and was right in saying, Thyword is a lamp unto my feet, andlight unto my path (Psa. 119:105)The Word of God is right, pure,true. It is settled in heaven (Psa33:4; 119:140,160,89).

Gods complete will for mankindis revealed only through Hisinspired Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Forthe preaching of the cross is to themthat perish foolishness; but unto uswhich are saved it is the power ofGod (1 Cor. 1:18). Paul reminds usthat ...faith [cometh] by hearing, andhearing by the word of God (Rom10:17). For one to be saved, he musthold fast to Gods Word (1 Cor.15:2). Only the word of his gracecan build us up and give us aninheritance among all them that aresanctified(Acts 20:32). The seedtobe sown before a lost and dying worldis the Word of God (Luke 8:11). GodsWord liveth and abideth forever (1

CONTRIBUTIONS

EDITORS NOTE:You may have noticed in last months issue an announce-ment that I have started preaching for the Leoni Church of Christ near Wood-bury, Tennessee. This is the first issue that is being printed under their name.It is an exciting work and opportunity to serve the Lord with the church atLeoni. The building is located at 6818 McMinnville Hwy, Woodbury, TN 37190.The mailing address is P.O. Box 7506, McMinnville, TN 37111. Pleasesend all correspondence and/or contributions to the P.O. address. Ifyou have already sent mail to our address at East End, that is fine. I can stillreceive mail there during this transition period. Thank you so much for yourcontinued prayers and support. Garland M. Robinson

Arlington C/C,McMinnville, TN.....................$50

Chuck & Nancy Verkist...............$25Everett Anderson.........................$50Bobby & Mary Lawrence...........$100

Anonymous ...................................$50Jean Ware .....................................$40Marjorie Davis............................$100Bobbie J. Wheeler.......................$100Church of Christ,

Falfurrias, TX.......................$100Clear Creek C/C,

Corinth, MS............................$50Marlene J. Dyer............................$25Mt. Olivet C/C,

Greeneville, TN....................$150Billy & Lydia Jones......................$20Jackie & Janet Bullard................$50

Anonymous ...................................$25Anonymous ...................................$75Church of Christ,

Webberville, MI....................$100Baker C/C, Baker, FL...................$25

Anonymous ...................................$50Mary Welch...................................$50Burl & Charlene Leamons

(in memory ofLester Fowler)........................$25

Don Smith.......................................$1Mayfield C/C, Saltillo, MS.........$100Robert M. Price...........................$200Gridertown C/C, Opp, AL ..........$250James R. Austin ...........................$20Joe C. Turbeville...........................$12Del Brantley ...............................$100

Anonymous...................................$50Chuck & Nancy Verkist...............$25

Anonymous...................................$25Everett Anderson .........................$50Dale E. Eyberg ...........................$125

Bobby & Mary Lawrence...........$100Arlington C/C,

McMinnville, TN....................$50Anonymous...................................$50Anonymous...................................$50Central C/C, Denison, TX ............$20Floyd Dale Stovall........................$50Leadale D. Simpson .....................$20Mayfield C/C, Saltillo, MS.........$100Jackson St. C/C,

Alexandria, LA.....................$100Anonymous...................................$25Pleasant View C/C,

Bradyville, TN......................$300Anonymous...................................$10Sherry E. Roberts.......................$100Joe Britt ......................................$100Don Smith.......................................$1Robert M. Price...........................$200

Beginning Balance.............$3,994.62Contributions...............$3,494.00Refund on parts..............$590.05

DebitsPostage........................ $1,675.23Supplies.............................$73.87Repairs/Parts...............$1,904.84

Ending Balance..................$4,424.73

THINGSPRECIOUSTOCHRISTIANS

Marvin L. Weir

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Peter 1:23,25) and will judge allmankind in the last day (John 12:48).Put your trust in the sword of the

Spirit,the word of God (Eph. 6:17).Heaven is precious to the

Christian! There are only two roadsone can travel through life: one leadsto eternal life and the other to eter-nal ruin (Matt. 7:13-14). Hell is to beavoided at all costs (Matt. 10:34-38).It has been prepared for the deviland his angels(Matt. 25:41) and forthose who know not Godand obeynot the gospel(2 Thess. 1:8). What a

joy it will be for the faithful to get toHeaven, as God will ...wipe away alltears from their eyes; and there shallbe no more death, neither sorrow, norcrying, neither shall there be anymore pain: for the former things are

passed away(Rev. 21:4). All of thosewritten in the Lambs book of lifeshall be in heaven; but, those whomaketh an abomination and a lieshall never enter this precious place(Rev. 21:27).

Grace and mercy are pre-cious to the Christian! The apostlePaul says it best, For by grace are yesaved through faith; and that not of

yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Notof works, lest any man should boast(Eph. 2:8-9). Salvation is Gods won-derful gift, but salvation is notunconditional. Gods wonderful grace

coversonly

those who love Him andsubmit to His will. As Jesus said, ...Ifa man love me, he will keep mywords: and my Father will love him,and we will come unto him, andmake our abode with him (John14:23). One cannot continue in a lifeof sin and expect Gods grace toabound (Rom. 6:1).

Salvation is precious to theChristian! Paul describes it likethis: I have fought a good fight, Ihave finished [my] course, I have keptthe faith: Henceforth there is laid up

for me a crown of righteousness,which the Lord, the righteous judge,shall give me at that day: and not tome only, but unto all them also thatlove his appearing (2 Tim. 4:7-8,emph. mine).

Fellowship is precious to theChristian! How wonderful it is toassociate with those of like precious

faith(2 Peter 1:1)! We dare not, how-ever, fellowship those walking indarkness (Eph. 5:11). To aid, supportin any way, participate with, orencourage those who are enemies of

the cross is wrong.Let us be thankful for the fellow-

ship that is ours in Christ Jesus. Howwonderful it is to be in the company

of those who love God! Never forgetthe many things precious to theChristian!

135 Airport Rd., Reno, TX 75462

DEPARTURESFROMWORSHIP

James R. Lewis

Departures from God often are first observed in matters of worship.Cain is a good example of such departure. Both Cain and his brother

Abel offered sacrifice unto the Lord. Abel offered by faith (Heb.11:4). His sacrifice was acceptable and well pleasing unto the Lord. Cainalso offered, but the Lord had not respect unto Cain and his offering. Caindeparted from Gods way in that he offered something different than whatGod had authorized. Another example of unacceptable worship is Nadaband Abihu, sons of Aaron. These two brothers offered strange fire before the

Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord,and devoured them, and they died before the Lord (Lev. 10:1,2). Changingmatters of worship is disobedience to God. It is unacceptable to the Lord.

The kingdom of Israel was divided following Solomons reign.Rehoboam, Solomons son, ruled over the southern kingdom; and Jeroboamwas the first king over the northern kingdom. It seemed clear to Jeroboamthat if the nation continued to worship together in unity at the temple inJerusalem, then he would have little hope of keeping the tribes under hisreign separate from the southern kingdom. Accordingly, the first order ofbusiness for Jeroboam was to change the worship and this thing became asin(cf. 1 Kings 12:25-33).

Even in the New Testament, the apostle Paul rebuked the church atCorinth for perversion of the Lords supper (1 Cor. 11:18-22). The apostleplainly stated that the one who failed to properly discern the Lords body,was eating and drinking damnation to himself(v.28).

The above examples clearly establish that departure from Gods author-ized way of worship is a serious thing. The Bible warns that worship whichcomes from the doctrines of men is vain (Matt. 15:9). The Bible also warnsagainst will worship (Col. 2:23), which is simply following mans will inmatters of worship rather than following Gods will. Faithful worshippersknow they must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). It is agrievous error for man to attempt to worship God in some manner or fash-ion which is not authorized by the truth, Gods word.

Here are three present-day departures from the authorized worship ofGod.

1) Failure to observe the Lords supper every first day of the week isa departure from the truth (John 4:24). The Bible teaches that the Lordssupper is to be observed every first day of the week (1 Cor. 11:24-26; Acts20:7).

2) The use of mechanical instruments of music in worship is a rel-atively recent innovation. It is both a biblical and historical fact that suchinstruments were not used in authorized New Testament worship. It is alsoa historical fact that it was several hundreds of years before even theattempt to introduce them in worship. Even many of the founders and lead-ers of denominational religions openly opposed their use. God authorizessinging psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in worship (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).The use of mechanical instruments into worship is a departure from Godsauthorized worship.

3) The modern day practice of hand clappingis also adding to whatthe Bible authorizes in worship and is, therefore, a departure from the faith.

3923 Bennett Rd.Chattanooga, TN 37412

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Thank you for the wonderfulSTOP. I know that someone mayread this and learn the truth.May God bless you that you maycontinue this printing, GodsWord. May God bless the eldersat East End ...Bobbie Wheel-er, Baxter, TN. Please remove

us from your mailing list. Broth-er Eddie Cantrell is now deceased. Mailing is very expensive.God bless! ...Mrs. Eddie Cantrell, Huntsville, AL. My hus-band, Ben Ferrell, recently passed away and I am presently liv-ing in Frankfort, Kentucky. Would you continue sending me theSeek The Old Paths magazine? We enjoy it so very much.Thanks so very much ...Joyce Ferrell, Frankfort, KY. Istarted receiving STOP about 8 yrs. ago. I dont no (sic) whostarted sending to me! Your news letter is so depressing! I feelsorry for your church family! Theres no love in your writing. MyBible talks about love, not running down our denominationalneighbors! How can you draw them to your fold, if all you can dois run them down! Lets preach about the good news and seewhat happens. I attend Orchard Hills Church of Christ in Cov-ington, Indiana ...Jack R. Macy, Covington, IN. [NOTE:

Obeying the Lord IS love and preaching the good news tells menwhat to do to be saved; and, how to stay saved. We have not onlythe command of Jesus to show what love is, we have His exam-ple as well. Jesus said, If ye love me, ye will keep my command-ments(John 14:15, ASV). The way we know we love the Lordis by keeping his commandments. By this we know that welove the children of God, when we love God, and keep hiscommandments. For this is the love of God, that we keephis commandments: and his commandments are not grievous(1 John 5:2). The love of God demands that we speak as the ora-cles of God (1 Peter 4:11) and proclaim the whole counsel of God(Acts 20:27). We cant do either of these if were afraid to preachthe saving Gospel. By the way, I cant draw men to my foldbecause I dont have a fold. The Lord has a fold. It is His church,the one for which He died. gmr, editor]. Thank you for contin-

uing sending me the issues of Seek The Old Paths. I wish tocommend all the brethren and Garland Robinson for the inspir-ing word of God. Please remember me in prayer. I have encloseda small gift to help in your continued work of spreading the wordof God. Wishing you his blessings, thinking of you in a very spe-cial way and asking God to bless you today and every day withlove and friendship in Jesus Christ ...Leadale Simpson,Rockford, IL. It was a pleasure meeting you at the NorthwestFlorida School of Biblical Studies lectureship in Pensacola, Flori-da (www.nwfsbs.com). I have been receiving STOP for over twen-ty years now and deeply appreciate your stand for truth. It is myprayer that this small amount will help with your costs. My wifeand I have decided to send this amount each month. May Godcontinue to bless your efforts in his kingdom ...Mike Jones,Evergreen, AL. Enclosed is a check to help with the work.

Thank you ...K. V. McClure, Mt. Olive Church of Christ,Greeneville, TN. Please cancel the mailer to Church of Christ,Westport Road, Cleveland, OK. The congregation has movedmembership to other congregations. Thank you very much forthe years we have received it ...Ryan Kepke, Westportbrethren, Cleveland, OK. Please use this for postage or asneeded. May God bless you for all the wonderful articles youprint. Thank you ...Janet Bullard, St. Elmo, IL. WeldonBrown has passed away ...Oxford, MS. I receive the publica-tion Seek The Old Paths and do enjoy the articles. Would youplease send 12 copies each month that I can distribute at theLincoln Avenue Church of Christ, Bucyrus, OH? I believe thereare several members who do not presently receive it. We aregoing to do a study of the Lords supper and the February issue

would be very helpful. We are a small congregation of around 50-60 and will try this amount first. Please let me know what thecost will be. Thank you ...Wayne Crum, Caledonia, OH.[NOTE: There is no charge for STOP. It is always free. We aresupported by the free-will contributions of churches and individ-uals that make this work possible. gmr, editor]. We like yourSeek The Old Paths paper very much. You are doing a goodwork. Enclosed, find a check for $$ ...Francis & Marjorie

Davis, Appleton, WI. Thank you very much for your soundpublication. We enjoy! The Dry Fork Church of Christ was estab-lished in the 19th century. Thanks again ...Freddie Hunt, forthe Dry Fork Church of Christ, Tompkinsville, KY. Pleaseput me on your mailing list ...Glenn Smith, Natchez, MS.Ken Gray passed away on 7/11/11 ...Cotton Valley, LA.Please start sending me the STOP magazine. Thanks...Tommy Thornhill, Ozark, AR. I received your monthlynewsletter, Seek The Old Paths, last month in error. Your web-site, as well as the newsletter itself, said that the publicationwas sent to its subscribers upon request. This letter serves asnotice that I DID NOT request such a newsletter. In fact, myname appears misspelled on the mailing label. I would verymuch appreciate being taken off your mailing list and do notwish to receive any future correspondence. Your compliance with

my wishes is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much...Everett Rossy, Sparta, IL. [EDITORS NOTE: Readers ofSTOP often submit the names of individuals whom theythink would enjoy the paper or otherwise need the paperSometimes they dont.]

MAI LBAG

S.EEKT.HEO.LDP.ATHS

Seek The Old Pahs is a monthly publication of the Leoni Ch!rch ofChris and is under the oversight of its elders. It is FREE, being sup-ported by the contributions of both individuals and congregations. Its pri-mary purpose and goal in publication can be found in Jude 3, 2 Tim. 4:2,Titus 1:13, Titus 2:1 and 2 Peter 1:12. All mail received may be pub-lished unless it is marked not for publication. The church building islocated at: 6818 McMinnville Hwy, Woodbury, TN 37190.

Editor: Garland M. Robinson" seektheoldpaths.com

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