Vol. 4, No. 11 November 1993

"If You Need To Come, Do So Now"Ed Casteel

Once there was a time

when all gospel sermonswere brought to a close

basically the same way. After thelesson was presented the lost andthe wayward were invited to obeythe gospel as the plan of salvation was well defined and clearlyoutlined. Such was accomplishedas the preacher would give theplan and quote the book, chapterand verse to establish the action.I am afraid in many congregations today, and even in many socalled "gospel meetings" todaythat the simple plan of redemption is never or seldom everexplained to the audience. Manya sermon is being brought to aclose and the preacher is heard tosay, "if you need to come, do sonow." Those in the audience arenever told what to do to come tothe Lord.

Is extending the invitation bygiving the steps of salvation nolonger necessary or needful? Doall the lost in our assembliesknow God's saving plan to thedegree that to outline it at theend of the sermon is only redundant? How can a gospel preacherhold a gospel meeting and nevergive the gospel plan of salvation?

During the past, when wewould outline God's plan ofredemption, the church wasgrowing and was numbered

among the fastest growing religious bodies in the world. Do yousuppose that the powerfulpreaching of God's Word, followedby the extending of the invitationand telling men and women whatthey needed to do, had any bearing on this condition? Do you alsosuppose the weak, watered down,people pleasing, ear tickling, noncommittal sermon, without theplan of salvation has anything todo with our lack of growth today?When I hear a preacher end hislesson and say to the audience,"if you have a need, come now," Iwant to say, "tell them how!" It isclear and evident that not everybody knows how to obey thegospel.

Peter preached a great andpowerful sermon on the day ofPentecost. The people were"pricked in their hearts/9 andbefore Peter could finish theywere asking, "men and brethren,what shall we do" (Acts 2:37)?Peter has already preached theneed for faith, "therefore let allthe house of Israel know assured-ly, that God hath made that sameJesus, whom ye have crucified,both Lord and Christ" (Acts2:36). The expression, "knowassuredly" is the same as callingthem to believe the evidence thatPeter had given to establish thefact that Jesus of Nazareth was

the Messiah and therefore theSon of God. This was another

way of telling them to believe onthe Lord Jesus Christ" (H. LeoBoles, The Acts of the Apostles, p.44).

Today, we need to tell peoplethey need to believe in God (Heb.11:6), as well as Christ being hisonly begotten Son (John 3:16).Jesus said, "ifye believe not that Iam he, ye shall die in your sins"(John 8:24). We need to extendthe invitation by pointing men tofaith so that our children and visitors can learn its importance, aswell as what our faith ought to bein.

"Then Peter said unto them,Repent, and be baptized every oneofyou in the name ofJesus Christfor the remission of sins, and yeshall receive the gift of the HolyGhost" (Acts 2:38). With the sinthat fills the hearts and lives ofpeople, they need to be told thatif they are going to come to Jesus,repentance is demanded of themby God for not all the peopleknow that. Repentance requiresone leaving the path of sinbecause he has become trulysorry for his former conduct.Remember, "godly sorrow wor-keth repentance to salvation notto be repented of: but the sorrow

(Continued on page 3)IF YOU NEED TO COME...

^"'•'» i->;.\j •

Garland M. Robinson

Of all the commands of theBible, repentance is the most difficult to obey. One may find it difficult to convince people tobelieve the gospel, yet manybelieve without ever repenting.One may even hear a person'sconfession of faith that Jesus isthe Christ the Son of God and

still see that same individualrefuse to repent. It would not behard at all to get an alien sinnerto be baptized if he would trulyrepent. From beginning to end,repentance is demanded in God'splan for man.

The greatest obstacle to one'ssalvation is the stubbornness ofthe human will. J. W. McGarveyonce said, "I have often, in mypreaching experience, studiedand prayed and reflected andread, to find some way by which Icould have more power in inducing people to repent. I wouldrather have that power than allthe other powers and gifts thatcould be bestowed upon me as apreacher." It is frustrating topreach your heart out and standto watch people reject the invitation of the Lord. People may havea thought to submit to God but itsoon fades away with the passingof each movement of the clock.

Preachers need not feelrejected. God told Samuel, "theyhave not rejected thee, but theyhave rejected me" (I Sam. 8:7).God made each of us with theright to choose our own way butin so doing he also warned: "Iknow, that the way of man is notin himself: it is not in man thatwalketh to direct his steps" (Jer.10:23).

The people of Noah's dayrefused to repent and were alldestroyed in the flood (II Peter2:5). The cities of Sodom, Gomor

rah, Admah and Zeboim perishedin fire and brimstone because oftheir impenitence (Gen. 19).Thousands of the Israelites diedin the wilderness refusing torepent. The problem of everygeneration has been the same.

Jesus experienced the samedifficulty. He upbraided(rebuked) the cities of Chorazinand Bethsaida — the very cities"wherein most of his mightyworks were done." It was not

because they did not believe, notbecause they refused to be baptized of John but because theydid not repent (Matt. 11:20)! Ofall the Lord taught and did in aneffort to bring people to repentance, most refused — they failedto respond! Not because helacked the power or knowledge ormeans to bring about theirrepentance by divine means, butbecause he refused to interferewith their own stubborn will.Whatever God may do in thisworld he will not violate one'sfreedom of choice.

WHAT REPENTANCE IS

What is repentance? Someanswer it is godly sorrow for sin.Granted, there is no repentancewithout sorrow for sin but it isnot the same as repentance.Godly sorrow worketh repentance (II Cor. 7:10). Repentanceis the result of godly sorrow, notsorrow itself. There needs to bemore remorse over sin. Surely itcannot be that man can sorrow

for his sin too deeply.Some answer that repentance

is a reformation of life. This isstill incorrect. A reformation oflife is the result of repentance, itis the fruit of it and not repentance itself. John the baptizer

Seek The Old Paths -November 1993

commanded the Pharisees andSadducees to "bring forth fruitsworthy of repentance" (Matt. 3:8).Repentance precedes a reformation of life.

If repentance is neither sorrow over sin nor an amended life,then it must be something thatstands in between the two. Itvery plainly then must be achange of the stubborn will ormind which is the very seat of allsin. We must change our heart,"for out of the abundance of theheart" proceed evil things (Matt.12:34-35). A man must realizehis utter inability to save himselfin regard to sin. This will leadhim to change his will and submit it to the Father of Mercies.

WHAT PROMPTS

REPENTANCE?

What is it that will bringabout a change in a person's will?Some have supposed that Godacts upon a person's heart directly to bring about this change (sopreach the denominations andeven now some in the Lord'schurch!). If this is so, why doesn'tGod do it for everyone? Acts10:34-35 gives the answer: "Godis no respecter ofpersons: But inevery nation he that feareth him,and worketh righteousness, isaccepted with him." God's eternaldecree determines that those whodo his will will be saved (Matt.7:21). If God does not workdirectly upon one's heart, howthen does he do it? How are menbrought to repentance? Whatbrings one to say, "not my will,but thine be done?"

There are numerous incentives found in the scriptures toinduce men to repent. One of theprimary motives is the fear ofthe judgment and eternaldamnation. What was it thatbrought the entire city of Nineveh to sit in "sackcloth andashes" in total repentance? It wasthe preaching of Jonah, saying,iCYet forty days and Nineveh shallbe overthrown" (Jonah 3:4). When

November 1993 - Seek The Old Paths

Paul preached to those on MarsHill in Athens and commandedthem to repent, his appeal was:"because he hath appointed a day,in the which he will judge theworld in righteousness by thatman whom he hath ordained;whereof he hath given assuranceunto all men, in that he hathraised him from the dead" (Acts17:30-31).

Our Lord appealed to the terrors of the judgment in preachingto those in Chorazin, Bethsaidaand Capernaum. "If the mightyworks which were done in youhad been done in Tyre and Sidon,they would have repented longago in sackcloth and ashes. But Isay unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at theday of judgment than for you"(Matt. 11:21-22).

Friend, stop and contemplatethe eternal consequences of yoursinful life. Think of the consequences right now while you areyet alive. "The way of the transgressors is hard" (Prov. 13:15).Think of the awful fear of deaththat awaits you. There's no saviorto take you by the hand and leadyou safely through the valley ofthe shadow of death. It was for

these very reasons that Paulsaid, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men"(II Cor. 5:11).

Be persuaded to break yourstubborn will and yield unto theLord. Do not close the book, donot walk away, do not say as didgovernor Felix when Paul reasoned of righteousness, temperance (self control) and judgmentto come, "Go thy way for thistime, when I have a convenientseason, I will call for thee" (Acts24:25). Do not be as King Agrip-pa when he said to Paul, "Almostthou persuadest me to be a Christian" (Acts 26:28). Obey whilethere is still time!

Eternal reward in heavenis a motivation that brings mento repent of their sins. The forgiveness of sins was preached byPeter on the day of Pentecost in

Acts two. The apostle Johnspeaks of heaven to give usdelight and courage through ourstruggle in life (Rev. 20-22). Inheaven there will be no tears,sorrow, crying, pain or death. Wewill be eternally with that Onewho sits upon the throne. He willmake all things new and thegates of that city shall not beshut at all by day or night. Onlythey which are written in theLamb's book of life will be there,the righteous of the ages. Inheaven will be a pure river of

water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of Godand of the Lamb. There will be nonight there for God giveth thelight. "Blessed are they that dohis commandments, that theymay have right to the tree of lifeand may enter in through thegates into the city"(Rev. 14:13).

Truly, heaven is an incentivefor men to repent of sins. Howabout you? Will you repent? Godcommands it of all men. It is auniversal commandment! Thechoice is yours, heaven or hell!!

IF YOU NEED TO COME...(Continued from page 1)

of the world worketh death" (II Cor. 7:10).Contrary to the thinking of some, we cannot continue in sin and be

saved at the same time. If we just say at the close of our lesson, "if youhave a need, come," one living in adultery may come but has notthought of forsaking that adulterous union, while repentance woulddemand such an action. Another may come who is a homosexual buthaving no knowledge of his need to repent of his sins before he canobey the gospel. People need to know what repentance demands and itis the duty of the gospel preacher to be sure those of his audience arewell aware of their individual responsibility.

Also, Peter charged his listening audience to be baptized for theremission of sins. If people are not told of their need to be baptizedwhy would they desire it? The nobleman of Ethiopia must havelearned of his need to be baptized from Philip, for he said, "see, here iswater, what doth hinder me to be baptized" (Acts 8:36). It was hisdesire but Philip must have taught him the importance and necessityof such an action.

Brethren, is there one good reason why we should not extend theinvitation by giving the plan of salvation? Brother James Boyd at the1993 "Seek the Old Paths Lectureship," observed a lady asked himwhy he always gave the plan of salvation, even on Wednesday night.Such being the case, it sounds like he was doing what was required toremind people of their need and how to fulfill that need of salvation.

Can you think of one good reason why we should not extend theinvitation by giving the gospel plan of salvation? I cannot think of asingle reason; but, I can think of many as to why we should. Our children need to learn God's plan of salvation, and repetition is one of thebest ways of teaching. Our visitors, who are not regular attenders ofour services, need to learn the gospel plan of salvation. The alien whoattends on a regular basis but has never obeyed the Lord needs to bereminded of his need to obey the gospel and he needs to be encouragedto do so.

Let us not allow people to leave our services without the answer tothe greatest question in all the world, "what must I do to be saved?" Iam afraid many today are leaving gospel meetings and many worshipservices without this question ever being answered. How tragic.

Rt. 3 Box 8-CBaldwyn, MS 38824

Seek The Old Paths -November 1993

CONVICTION OR CONVENIENCEKen Burleson

To bepleasing to Godwe must act out ofconvictionnot convenience. It may beconvenientto go toa congregation ofthe church ofChrist that does not follow the teachings ofthe New Testament.

But, it takes convictions to drive past such in order to worship and follow God correctly.

Convenience: suitability, personal comfort, suited toone's personal ease or com

fort or to one's easy performanceof some act or function.

Conviction: a strong persuasion or belief. We might say astrong stand for what onebelieves, whether or not easy.

All acceptable servants ofGod have in all ages had conviction; they did not do merely whatwas convenient.

OLD TESTAMENT

EXAMPLES

It was not convenient for

Noah to build an ark. Noah builtthe ark out of conviction. He

believed God, so "by faith" hebuilt the ark. "Make thee an arkofgopher wood; rooms shalt thoumake in the ark, and shalt pitchit within and without with pitch"(Gen. 6:14). Noah moved withfear. "By faith Noah, beingwarned of God of things not seenas yet, moved with fear, preparedan ark to the saving of his house;by the which he condemned theworld, and became heir of therighteousness which is by faith"(Heb. 11:7).

Cain was a farmer. Therefore,it was convenient for him to offerof his crops.

Abel's sacrifice was by conviction. He had a strong belief. Hisstrong faith led him to offer thatwhich God had commanded. "Byfaith Abel offered unto God amore excellent sacrifice thanCain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, Godtestifying of his gifts: and by it hebeing dead yet speaketh" (Heb.11:4). Strong conviction won'tallow variations.

Adam and Eve acted out ofconvenience. "But of the tree of

the knowledge of good and evil,thou shalt not eat of it: for in theday that thou eatest thereof thoushalt surely die" (Gen. 2:17). Godclearly commanded them not toeat in Genesis 2:17. But, according to Genesis 3:1-6, they ate. Adeep conviction would have prevented sin. It was convenient forthem to eat.

God told Nadab and Abihuwhere to get the fire. Convenience led to their disobedienceand, as a result of their disobedience, destruction came.

Naaman had no conviction

about the healing of his leprosy,he looked for convenience (IIKings 5).

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack,and Abednego had convictions(Dan. 3:17-18; 6:10-11). Onewould not face the den of lionsnor the furnace of fire out of convenience. It would take conviction to face such.

NEW TESTAMENT

EXAMPLES

It was not convenient forChrist to be baptized. He walked60 miles in order to be baptized.Conviction led Him to be baptized. "For I came down fromheaven, not to do mine own will,but the will of him that sent me"(John 6:38).

It was not convenient for Himto die. "Let this mind be in you,which was also in Christ Jesus:Who, being in the form of God,thought it not robbery to be equalwith God: But made himselfof noreputation, and took upon himthe form of a servant, and wasmade in the likeness of men: Andbeing found in fashion as a man,he humbled himself, and becameobedient unto death, even thedeath of the cross" (Phil. 2:5-8).

Conviction caused Him to willingly submit to the death on thecross.

It was not convenient for Paul

to suffer the things he did. Conviction gave him the strength todo what he did (Acts 21:13; IICor. 11:23-28).

OBEDIENCE NOT ALWAYS

CONVENIENT

It is convenient and the road

to least resistance to overlook sinand error. "For do I now persuademen, or God? or do I seek toplease men? for if I yet pleasedmen, I should not be the servantof Christ" (Gal. 1:10). There arefar too many men pleasers today.It seems that most are more con

cerned with pleasing men ratherthan God. There are many Biblical examples of this. The following passage is an example. "Nevertheless among the chief rulersalso many believed on him; butbecause of the Pharisees they didnot confess him, lest they shouldbe put out of the synagogue: Forthey loved the praise of men morethan the praise of God" (John12:42). It takes conviction notconvenience to stand for the rightand against the wrong.

It may be convenient to go tosome denomination because it is

close by. But in Matthew 15:13-14 Jesus said, "Every plant,which my heavenly Father hathnot planted, shall be rooted up.Let them alone: they be blindleaders of the blind. And if theblind lead the blind, both shallfall into the ditch." It may evenbe more convenient to go to acongregation of the church ofChrist that does not follow theteachings of the New Testament.But, it takes convictions to drivepast such in order to worship and

November 1993 - Seek The Old Paths

follow God correctly. To be pleasing to God we must act out ofconviction not convenience.

It was not convenient for the

Jews to go to Jerusalem. Thiswas the enticing thing used byJeroboam to keep Israel fromgoing back to Rehoboam. Notewhat he did in I Kings 12:28."Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves ofgold,and said unto them, It is toomuch for you to go up toJerusalem: behold thy gods, OIsrael, which brought thee up outof the land of Egypt." Jeroboammade it convenient for them sothey would not go to Jerusalem.He led them into idolatry. Godsaid, "But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land whichthe LORD your God giveth you toinherit, and when he giveth yourest from all your enemies roundabout, so that ye dwell in safety;Then there shall be a place whichthe LORD your God shall chooseto cause his name to dwell there;thither shall ye bring all that Icommand you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, yourtithes, and the heave offering ofyour hand, and all your choicevows which ye vow unto theLORD: And ye shall rejoice beforethe LORD your God, ye, and yoursons, and your daughters, andyour menservants, and yourmaidservants, and the Levite thatis within your gates; forasmuchas he hath no part nor inheritance with you" (Dent. 12:10-13).

It is more convenient to be

sprinkled for baptism, but theBible says to be "buried." "Therefore we are buried with him bybaptism into death: that like asChrist was raised up from thedead by the glory of the Father,even so we also should walk innewness of life" (Rom. 6:4). Whydid Philip and the eunuch bothgo down into the water if sprinkling will suffice? It will not suffice! That is the reason both went

into the water in order for Philipto baptize the eunuch. "And asthey went on their way, they came

unto a certain water: and theeunuch said, See, here is water;what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thoubelievest with all thine heart,thou mayest. And he answeredand said, I believe that JesusChrist is the Son of God. And hecommanded the chariot to standstill: and they went down bothinto the water, both Philip andthe eunuch; and he baptized him.And when they were come up outof the water, the Spirit of the Lordcaught away Philip, that theeunuch saw him no more: and hewent on his way rejoicing" (Acts8:36-39).

It is convenient to stay homefrom Bible Study, Sunday morning and Wednesday night. It isalso convenient to stay homeSunday night. If one has trueconviction he will not stay home.The stayers at home depict anattitude that is not acceptable toGod. The attitude is one of seeinghow little one can do and still be

pleasing to God. The attitudethat is acceptable to God is one ofhow much I can do, not of howlittle I can do. Faithful Christians

are not stayers at home. "Studyto shew thyself approved untoGod, a workman that needeth notto be ashamed, rightly dividingthe word of truth" (II Tim. 2:15).Forsaking the assembling of one'sself together with the saints issin. "And let us consider oneanother to provoke unto love andto good works: Not forsaking theassembling of ourselves together,as the manner of some is; butexhorting one another: and somuch the more, as ye see the dayapproaching. For if we sin willfully after that we have receivedthe knowledge of the truth, thereremaineth no more sacrifice forsins" (Heb. 10:24-26). The provoking one another to love andgood works is to be done in theassembly. When one willfully forsakes the assembling together hehas sinned willfully.

It is not convenient to keepone's self unspotted from the

5

world. It takes conviction thatleads to effort in keeping unspotted. "For the grace of God thatbringeth salvation hath appearedto all men, Teaching us that,denying ungodliness and worldlylusts, we should live soberly,righteously, and godly in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12).

It is not convenient to teachothers. Based upon this, manyexcuse themselves from teachingothers. Many that should beteaching have not properly prepared themselves to teach, therefore, they need to be taught. "Forwhen for the time ye ought to beteachers, ye have need that oneteach you again which be the firstprinciples of the oracles of God;and are become such as haveneed of milk, and not of strongmeat. For every one that usethmilk is unskillful in the word ofrighteousness: for he is a babe.But strong meat belongeth tothem that are of full age, eventhose who by reason of use havetheir senses exercised to discernboth good and evil" (Heb. 5:12-14). Christians should study, notonly to save their own souls, butto be able to teach others thattheir souls may be saved. "Andthe things that thou hast heard ofme among many witnesses, thesame commit thou to be faithfulmen, who shall be able to teachothers also" (II Tim. 2:2).

It is not convenient to become

a Christian. Conviction, broughton by hearing God's word, motivates one to become a Christian.If one looks for a convenient timehe will become as Felix. "And ashe reasoned ofrighteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,Felix trembled, and answered, Gothy way for this time; when I havea convenient season, I will call forthee" (Acts 24:25).

We must have convictionsand live up to them, but be surethey are in strict conformity toGod's will.

1644 Pine Lane Dr.

Cantonment, FL 32533

6 Seek The Old Paths -November 1993

ARE YOU A CHILD?

Answering the question,"Who is the greatest in thekingdom of heaven" (Matt.

18:1), Jesus says, "Verily, I sayunto you, except ye be converted,and become as little children, yeshall not enter into the kingdomof heaven" (Matt. 18:3). Today, inthis fast-paced world of moderninventions, most are not concerned with, "Who is the greatestin the kingdom?"

We ask the question, "Howshall we enter the kingdom1?" Ifwe search the scriptures, we findthe characteristics of the one whowill go to heaven (Psalm 15). Wealso find the steps of the gospelplan of salvation. But is thisenough? Jesus said "EXCEPT yebe converted..." This would indicate that obedience to the plan ofsalvation is a must. However,Jesus also said, "AND BECOMEas little children..." Therefore, wecan conclude that one must be achild to enter the kingdom.

Are you a child? Do you knowhow to be a child? I do not meanto cry about everything andthrow fits when you do not getyour way. I mean, do you knowhow to be the child that Jesus istelling his disciples would be thegreatest in the kingdom (Matt.18:4)? Please note with me theinspired scriptures so you, too,may become as a little child, thusentering the kingdom of God.

To be a child one must beCaring. Have you ever noticedthe caring attitude of a child?Whether it be about a pet, friend,parent, grandparent, or even atotal stranger, the child has adeep concern about that personor thing. Too often we are moreconcerned about self and whatself needs than we are aboutanother individual. Adults tendto have that, "take care of number one" attitude. But, to becomea child we must be caring toward

Brian Butler

Are you a child? Do youknow how to be a child? I

do not mean to cry abouteverything and throw fitswhen you do not get yourway. Imean, do you knowhow to be the child that

Jesus is telling his discipleswould be the greatest inthe kingdom?

everyone. The parable of "TheGood Samaritan" illustrates thisvery point. The Samaritan wentout of his way to take care of atotal stranger who had beenignored by others (Luke 10:25-37). We must be caring becausesouls are the most importantthings to Christians, and withouta caring attitude toward others,many souls will be condemned toa devil's hell.

To be a child one must beHumble. James, by inspirationwrote, "Humble yourselves in thesight of the Lord, and he shall liftyou up" (James 4:10). Peter alsothrough inspiration wrote, "Humble yourselves therefore under themighty hand of God, that he mayexalt you in due time" (I Peter5:6). Only if one has the humilityof a child will God exalt him.Only if one has the humility of achild will one enter the kingdomof God. How can one be humble?First, by placing self on an equalbasis with others. Never lookdown on others for their weaknesses. A true child of God ishumble enough to help the weaker brother instead of mocking

him. Second, one can be humbleby following the advice of Jesuswho said to turn the other cheek.This does not mean that weshould let people take advantageof us. Third, by obeying the"Golden Rule." "Therefore allthings whatsoever you would thatmen should do to you, do ye evenso to them: for this is the law andthe prophets" (Matt. 7:12).

To be a child one must beInnocent. Innocent means to beharmless or guiltless. This is anattribute of all children untilthey reach the age of accountability. Yet, this will be the hardestpart of becoming a child for anadult. Why? Because "...all havesinned, and come short of theglory of God" (Rom. 3:23). However, one should not give up hopebecause the "...gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ourLord" (Rom. 6:23). How can webe innocent in this sin sickworld? First, we must repent ofour sins never to do them again.Second, we must strive to walk inthe light as He is in the light. Wemust be Christlike.

To be a child one must beLoving. This is another obviousattribute of a child. Most childrennever have a problem lovinganother person. And, most children have a hard time understanding why adults find it soeasy to hate others. To loveanother individual is commandedby Jesus himself (John 13:34,35;15:12,17; I John 4:7-8). If you donot love others, your heart willeventually be hardened withhate. Too much hate will destroya person in this life time as wellas after death.

To be a child one must beDependent upon the Father. Achild is dependent upon its parents for life. Likewise we must bedependent upon God the Fatherfor eternal life. Why must we be

November 1993 - Seek The Old Paths

so dependent upon the Father?Because he sent his only begotten Son that all may have everlasting life (John 3:16). That Son,Jesus, is the author of eternalsalvation (Heb. 5:8-9). He is theway to God (John 14:6). He caresfor us (I Peter 5:7).

To become a child one mustbe Caring, Humble, Innocent,Loving, and Dependent uponthe Father. Are you a child? Ifnot, you will not enter or be apart of the kingdom of heaven.You will not enjoy the wonderfulthings that are in heaven. Youwill not know what heaven isreally like. You will know onlywhat Jesus Himself has told usall, "Suffer the little children, andforbid them not, to come unto me;for of such is the kingdom ofheaven" (Matt. 19:14). If you donot become as a little child youwill know what hell is like. Youwill feel the weeping and gnashing of teeth. You will feel the torment of the lake that burns eter

nally with fire and brimstone.Why not strive to become a childnow?

P. O. Box 73Canton, MS 39046

CONTRIBUTORS

Paul Holland ...$10

BardwellChurch of Christ ...$50

Verona Church of Christ $50

Michael Copeland ...$15

Wynema A. Chenault.. ...$10

Anonymous ...$25

DanvilleChurch of Christ .$150

Otis Word ...$20

Everett Spencer ...$25

GUILTBY

ASSOCIATIONDan Sikes

In Numbers 16 we find recorded the rebellion led byKorah the son of Izhar against Moses and Aaron. In verse 3of Numbers 16 Korah and those who followed him rose upbefore the congregation of Israel: "And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and saidunto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is amongthem: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD" (Num. 16:3)? Moses responded in Numbers 16:5: "Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his,and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him:even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come nearunto him"God fully intended to consume the whole congregation at this time but because Moses pleaded for the people, God spared them. However, we know that God causedthe earth to open up and swallow Korah, his followers, andall that pertained to them. Two hundred fifty men lost theirlives.

In Numbers 16:26 we find a verse that has very important implications. The Bible says, "And he spake unto thecongregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents ofthese wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins." Why did God instruct them todepart from their tents and touch nothing that belonged tothem? Because, had they failed to separate themselves totally and completely from those who were evil, who rebelledagainst God and taught error, they also would have beenconsumed. GUILT BY ASSOCIATION! Many today do notaccept the principle of guilt by association, but this andother passages teach it very plainly (I Cor. 15:33; II Cor.6:14; Eph. 5:11). In order to keep our reputations pure andunspotted we must be careful whose company we keep, andwith whom we are identified. In addition, preachers whoappear on programs and lectureships with known falseteachers need to "depart from their tents and touch nothingof theirs" if they want us to believe they do not condone,approve, nor agree with the false teacher. Read Romans1:32; 16:17; I Tim. 6:3-5; and II John 9-11.

P.O. Box 187Sharon, TN 38225

8

WANTED:

PREACHERS LIKE

THE PROPHETSMen cannot be prophets today. But we

need the same caliber of men today as theprophets we read about in the scriptures.Notice some of the qualities of these men.

They were men of deep convictions.They were convinced of their message andthe need for the people to respond to it (Jer.4:19).

They did not ^eat-around-the-bush"in getting the message across. Nathan, inconfronting David with sin, said, "Thou artthe man" (II Sam. 12:7).

They did not fear the reaction ofmen. Elijah denounced King Ahab's sin(I Rings 2:1).

They did not go along with thecrowd. Read about Michaiah in I Kings 22,who stood against 400 prophets.

They were willing to suffer and diefor God's cause (Heb. 11:37).

They had grief and pity. See Jeremiah8:18.

They proclaimed judgment. For mostof the prophets this was a re-occurring theme(Micah 3:12). Judgment must be preachedtoday (Acts 17:30-31).

They rebuked false prophets andleaders (Micah 3:11).

They spoke out on morality andethics. Amos said, "therefore as ye trampleon the poor, and take exactions from him ofwheat: ye have built houses ofhewn stone, butye shall not dwell in them; ye have plantedvineyards, but ye shall not drink..." (Amos5:11).

They became discouraged, but notdefeated. Jeremiah did not quit! He said, "IfI say I will not make mention of him, norspeak any more in his name, then there is inmy heart as it were a burning fire shut up inmy bones, and I am weary with forbearing,and I cannot contain" (Jer. 20:9).

Are you a preacher with the characterand integrity like the prophets? We must becareful of "smooth things" (Isaiah 30:10).

— author unknown

Seek The Old Paths -November 1993

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Seek The Old Paths is a publication of the East CorinthChurch of Christ and is under the oversight of its elders. It ismailed free upon request. Its primary purpose and goal in publication can be found in Jude 3; II Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:13; Titus2:1; II Peter 1:12.

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