July 2010 Seek The Old Paths

57

Vol. 21, No. 7

July 2010

LESSONS FROM JOBS ORDEAL

Bob Winton

The source of his strength to continue was his faith.

He understood the situation enough to see that his hardships did not indicate that God had deserted him.
o went Satan forth from the
presence of the Lord, and
smote Job with sore boils
from the sole of his foot unto his
crown. And he took him a potsherd to
scrape himself withal; and he sat
down among the ashes. Then said his
wife unto him, Dost thou still retain
thine integrity? curse God and die.
But he said unto her, Thou speakest
as one of the foolish women speaketh.
What? shall we receive good at the
hand of God, and shall we not
receive evil? In all this did not Job
sin with his lips (Job 2:7-10).
This grand old patriarch had
already met with greater tragedies
than most will ever have to face. His
livestock and his children were suddenly and violently snatched away
from him. In the present reading, his
physical health was grievously
afflicted and his personal comfort
was destroyed. His own wife urged
him to renounce the Almighty and
thus forfeit his soul.
We might ask, What could possibly give him the heart to continue to
live? How could he keep from surrendering to his troubles? The source of
his strength to continue was his
faith. He understood the situation
enough to see that his hardships did
not indicate that God had deserted
him. Quite the contrary. He saw that
these tribulations were tests of his

faith, and that through them he

could shine forth to Gods glory. But
he knoweth the way that I take: when
he hath tried me, I shall come forth as
gold (Job 23:10). James later showed
that Jobs steadfastness serves as a
worthy example for Gods people of
this age to imitate (James 5:7-11).
The faithfulness of this great man of
God is being used by the Lord to
encourage us in our troubles today.
When great problems assail
our nation, saints can take heart
from Job. Wars and threats of war
often loom before us. Economic recessions and depressions are a continual possibility. The value of our money
might be eroded due to inflation.
Some national calamity might
destroy our jobs. Illegal drugs and
crime pose serious problems. Sin
runs unchecked in our society. The
legal killing of unborn innocents is a
plague on the nation. In religion,
interest in truth has deteriorated
and there is a growing lust for religious error. Apostasy is taking place
in our own great brotherhood. What
can possibly give us heart to continue
fighting the good fight of faith? Shall
we receive good at the hand of God,
and shall we not receive evil? Christians have enjoyed a measure of freedom in our country which has likely
never before been offered in history.
We have not always used it wisely or

had the proper appreciation for it. We

have happily used these benefits, but
let us also be ready to maintain our
steadfastness in troublesome times.
When great problems assail
the local congregation of which
we are members, saints can take
heart from Job. In the past, real congregational growth seemed easy to
obtain in many places in our country.
Generally, people outside the church
had a high regard for the Bible and
for religion. When interest was high
in the congregation, it appeared we
could grow at will, without excessive
effort. But when numeric growth
slackens, when the community shows
little interest in the truth, when
some members become indifferent
and weak, when some drop out, when
some move away, when death comes
to faithful members, and when there
is an apparent decline in numbers,
our hearts quickly fill with discouragement. What can possibly give us
heart to continue fighting the good
fight of faith? Shall we receive good
at the hand of God, and shall we not
receive evil? When times were good,
we gladly received Gods bounty. Let
us also be ready to maintain our
steadfastness in troublesome times.
When great problems assail
us in our personal lives, we can
(Continued on page 59)

Lessons From Job

Seek The Old Paths July 2010

58

BARREN NOR UNFRUITFUL

IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD #3
Garland M. Robinson
refer you to the issues of May and
June to read the first two installments of this article. We have
examined many graces that every
Christian is to incorporate into their
lives. We continue with the following
thoughts.

THE WORLD SEES AND KNOWS US

We not only have an influence
upon those around us, we have a profound effect upon them too even the
whole world. Someone once said that
we, as Christians, are the only Bible
some people ever see. Whether we like
it or not, theres a lot of truth in that
statement. Many dont take time to
read the Bible. And, many dont even
care. So, as Christians, what do people
see in our lives? Is it good or bad?
Acts 2:47 tells us the early church
had favour will all the people. Why
was that the case? Surely it was
because of the lives they lived. They
saw people who were genuine, who
were true, who sincerely cared for one
another. These first century brethren
were not cut-throats. They did not
position themselves so they could take
advantage of others. Their attitude
was not to get ahead in this world no
matter what, no matter who they had
to trample on to do it. Their motive
was pure and genuine. They actually,
sincerely, cared for one another. Jesus
said, By this shall all men know that
ye are my disciples, if ye have love one
to another (John 13:35).
By what does the world know us?
What do our neighbors think of us?
Those with whom we work? Our classmates? If the Christian graces are evident in our lives and abound, we will
have a good and proper influence.
As the people of God, we ought
to be known for Christ being the
center of our lives. Paul said, For I
determined not to know any thing
among you, save Jesus Christ, and him
crucified (1 Cor. 2:2). Yea doubtless,
and I count all things but loss for the

excellency of the knowledge of Christ

Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do
count them but dung, that I may win
Christ (Phil. 3:8). Jesus the Christ
should be the very heart and center of
our lives. It was so of our brethren in
the first century. Of the apostles we
read, And they departed from the
presence of the council, rejoicing that
they were counted worthy to suffer
shame for his name. And daily in the
temple, and in every house, they ceased
not to teach and preach Jesus Christ
(Acts 5:41-42). Of those persecuted we
read, ...they that were scattered
abroad went every where preaching
the word (Acts 8:4).
As the people of God, we ought
to be known for sound doctrine.
Titus 2:1, But speak thou the things
which become sound doctrine. Second
John 9-11, 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. If there come
any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house,
neither bid him God speed: For he that
biddeth him God speed is partaker of
his evil deeds. Second Timothy 1:13,
Hold fast the form of sound words,
which thou hast heard of me, in faith
and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Titus 1:9, Holding fast the faithful
word as he hath been taught, that he
may be able by sound doctrine both to
exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
As the people of God, we ought
to be known for our love of the
truth. Zechariah 8:19, Thus saith the
LORD of hosts... therefore love the
truth and peace. Second Thessalonians 2:10-12 reads, And with all
deceivableness of unrighteousness in
them that perish; because they received
not the love of the truth, that they
might be saved. And for this cause God
shall send them strong delusion, that
they should believe a lie: That they all
might be damned who believed not the

truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Ephesians 4:25 says,

Wherefore putting away lying, speak
every man truth with his neighbour....
As the people of God we ought to
be known for earnestly contending for the faith. Jude 1:3, Beloved,
when I gave all diligence to write unto
you of the common salvation, it was
needful for me to write unto you, and
exhort you that ye should earnestly
contend for the faith which was once
delivered unto the saints. Paul said,
...I am set for the defence of the
gospel (Phil. 1:17). Ephesians 5:11,
And have no fellowship with the
unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather reprove them. Galatians 2:4-5,
And that because of false brethren
unawares brought in, who came in
privily to spy out our liberty which we
have in Christ Jesus, that they might
bring us into bondage: To whom we
gave place by subjection, no, not for an
hour; that the truth of the gospel might
continue with you.
As the people of God, we ought
to be known to be avowed enemies of satan. James 4:7-8, Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the
devil, and he will flee from you. Draw
nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to
you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;
and purify your hearts, ye double
minded. Ephesians 4:27, Neither
give place to the devil. Ephesians
6:11-13, Put on the whole armour of
God, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we
wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Wherefore
take unto you the whole armour of
God, that ye may be able to withstand
in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand. First Peter 5:8-9, Be sober, be
vigilant; because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour: Whom
resist stedfast in the faith, knowing
that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the
world. Second Corinthians 2:11, Lest
Satan should get an advantage of us:
for we are not ignorant of his devices.
As the people of God, we ought
to be known by our genuine love
for all people. Galatians 6:10, As we
have therefore opportunity, let us do
good unto all men, especially unto
them who are of the household of

July 2010 Seek The Old Paths

faith. James 1:27, Pure religion and

undefiled before God and the Father is
this, To visit the fatherless and widows
in their affliction, and to keep himself
unspotted from the world. First Peter
2:17, Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Titus 3:8, This is a faithful saying,
and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly, that they which have
believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are
good and profitable unto men.
IF WE DO NOT GROW
If we do not grow in the Christian
graces of 2 Peter 1:5-7, we will be barren or unfruitful in the Lords work.
This obviously is not good. It is not an
option whether we do these things or
not. Notice what we read in 2 Peter
1:8-9, For if these things be in you,
and abound, they make you that ye
shall neither be barren nor unfruitful
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ. But he that lacketh these things

Lessons From Job

(Continued from page 57)

take heart from Job. Many of us are

plagued with financial woes which
seem insurmountable. Sometimes,
family problems arise which could
easily overwhelm us. There is the
continuing problem of enemies who
seek to cause us dismay. Our health
often suffers from various ailments
and injuries. Death frequently
snatches away from us precious
friends, relatives and faithful
brethren. Our struggle with sin and
temptation is constant and frightening. What can possibly give us heart
to continue fighting the good fight of
faith? Shall we receive good at the
hand of God, and shall we not receive
evil? We have all been glad recipients of the wonderful blessings of
God. Let us also be ready to maintain
our steadfastness in troublesome
times.
Someone recently mused audibly
in my presence, saying: I dont know
if all my troubles are being sent on
me by the devil to torment me, or by
the Lord to test me. Perhaps most of
us have wondered the same thing
about our problems. At the moment,
it may be impossible for us to know.

59

is blind, and cannot see afar off, and

hath forgotten that he was purged
from his old sins.
To fail to add these qualities
shows us to be most ungrateful. How
could we expect the Lord to save us
when we dont do what He says? Jesus
plainly pointed out, And why call ye
me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things
which I say (Luke 6:46). The truth of
the matter is that we are blind: spiritually blind, blind to the truth, blind to
the Lords way, blind to what salvation
is all about. We want our cake, but we
want to eat it too. We cant have it both
ways. We cant expect to be saved
when were unwilling to obey the Lord
out of a pure heart.
To be saved, we are told: give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye
shall never fall: For so an entrance
shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2
Peter 1:10-11). This does not mean we
will never make a mistake or that we

will never sin. One who says he/she

does not sin is deceiving himself. He is
a liar. First John 1:8 and 10 says, If
we say that we have no sin, we deceive
ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ...
If we say that we have not sinned, we
make him a liar, and his word is not in
us.
We are to make every genuine
effort to obey the Lord and serve him
all the days of our life. When we do so,
there is a home in heaven awaiting us.
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for
us (John 14:2-3). We will be granted
entrance into the heavenly realm. We
are on our way to that place that will
be our eternal home that everlasting kingdom.
Are you faithful? Are you growing
in the Lord? Are you adding the Christian graces to your life? The Lord
knows the answer, and you do too.
Do not be barren nor unfruitful in
the kingdom of God.
Part 3 of 3

But if we use our difficulties as stepping stones to greater faithfulness,

our problems will become our blessings.
Many blessings come in disguise.
Joseph considered his being sold into
slavery by his brothers a horrible
evil. But God worked it out as a
blessing. Joseph was blessed in being
exalted to a wonderful position of
prominence in Egypt. Josephs father
and brethren were blessed in that,
through Josephs influence, their
lives were spared from the great
famine (Gen. 37-45). Some difficulty
which causes us to be more faithful,
more prayerful, more zealous, more
spiritually minded, and more obedient to the Master, even though it
might be painful to bear, is a blessing
(Heb. 12:1-15).
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the
peaceable fruit of righteousness unto
them which are exercised thereby.
Wherefore lift up the hands which
hang down, and the feeble knees; and
make straight paths for your feet, lest
that which is lame be turned out of
the way; but let it rather be healed
(Heb. 12:11-13).
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Manchester, TN 37355

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Seek The Old Paths July 2010

60

THE WORK OF ELDERS #2

Ben F. Vick, Jr.
n a previous article for Seek the
Old Paths, I began a discussion of
the work of elders. This is a continuation and elaboration of it.
It has been said that preachers
do the work of elders, elders do the
work of deacons and deacons do nothing. I am afraid there is more fact
than fiction in this statement. However, such is not the Biblical concept
of the work of elders, preachers or
deacons. Let us consider what is not
the work of elders, according to the
New Testament, and then let us give
some further thought to what is the
work of elders, based on what the
New Testament teaches. Some of
these things will overlap with the
preceding article on the same subject, but will be a reminder of Biblical
truths long taught in ages gone by (2
Peter 1:12-15).

WHAT ELDERS ARE NOT

Elders are not deacons as can
be seen from the terms found in the
preachers epistles (1 & 2 Timothy
and Titus). Following Pauls discussion of an elders qualifications in 1
Timothy 3, he then gave the qualifications of deacons. He said, Likewise
must the deacons ... And let these
also first be proved... (1 Tim. 3:8-13).
This shows a distinction between the
office of an elder and that of a deacon. In addition, the charges given to
elders were not issued to the deacons. Elders are to feed and oversee
the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3),
but these responsibilities were not
given to deacons.
Elders can delegate certain
responsibilities to the deacons.
In Jerusalem, the Grecian widows
were being neglected in their daily
needs; so the church selected and the
apostles appointed seven men to
serve tables. Though the seven are
not called deacons, the word in the
original for ministration is from the
same family of words as used in 1
Timothy 3:8-13. Study the words
ministration (Acts 6:1) and serve
(Acts 6:2). Whether one thinks these

seven were officers in the church as

in 1 Timothy 3 is not my point. The
point is that the work was delegated
to these men by the apostles. If the
apostles could delegate certain
responsibilities to others, elders in
the Lords church can do the same
today. If elders spend most of their
time serving tables or caring for the
building and grounds of the church,
they would be abrogating their
responsibilities to feed and oversee
the flock.
Elders do not share the role
of leadership with the deacons.
The writer of Hebrews says, Obey
them that have the rule over you, and
submit yourselves: for they watch for
your souls, as they that must give
account, that they may do it with joy,
and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you (Heb. 13:17). The King
James Version translates the Greek
words hegeomai humon as rule over
you, whereas Berrys interlinear, as
well as The Majority Text Greek New
Testament Interlinear, translates it
as leaders. The word means to go
before, to lead. Deacons, though they
may be highly esteemed for their
works sake, are not the leaders in
the local congregation.
Some may have the concept
that elders are merely board
members, meeting behind closed
doors and making decisions that
affect the flock of God. Though
elders do meet privately to discuss
church matters and make decisions
concerning the local work, their work
entails far more. Even in the making
of decisions that affect the whole
church, overseers should take into
consideration the wishes of the congregation.
Elders are not necessarily
preachers. The qualifications of elders differ from that of preachers. It is
not necessary for a preacher to be
married, though he has the right to
be (1 Cor. 9:5); but an elder is to be
married (1 Tim. 3:2). A preacher does
not have to have children, but an
elder must have believing children (1
Tim. 3:4-5). Too, elders are to feed the

flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). This,

however, does not mean that elders
are to do all of the feeding. In fact, it
is impossible for them to do all of the
feeding. One of the reasons for hiring
a preacher to work full-time with a
congregation is to assist the shepherds in feeding the flock.
Many years ago, some brethren
taught the idea that if a congregation
had elders, it could not have a fulltime preacher or evangelist. It was
argued that preachers are to preach
the Gospel to the world and elders
are to teach the doctrine to the
church. However, a careful reading of
the New Testament will show that
there were preachers in certain congregations, even when they had elders. For instance, the church at Ephesus had elders (Acts 20:17-35). Yet,
the apostle had left Timothy at Ephesus to charge some that they teach
no other doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3). How
long Timothy was there is not the
point. If he were there six weeks, he
was located for six weeks. If he had
been there two weeks, he would have
been located for two weeks.
The terms gospel and doctrine
are referring to the same body of
truth. Paul desired to go to Rome and
preach the Gospel to the saints there
(Rom. 1:14-16). If the doctrine of
Christ is to be taught to the church
only, then Paul did not get that message because he preached the word
of God, the faith and the doctrine
of the Lord to Sergius Paulus (Acts
13:5-12). Later, to the saints at Rome,
Paul commended them for their initial obedience to the form of doctrine that was delivered to them. He
wrote, But God be thanked, that ye
were the servants of sin, but ye have
obeyed from the heart that form of
doctrine which was delivered you
(Rom. 6:17).
It is true that a man might serve
both as a preacher and an elder.
Peter did (1 Peter 5:1), but that does
not mean the two are the same.
Preachers do not oversee the flock;
elders do. Preachers are to preach the
word; elders are to see that the word

July 2010 Seek The Old Paths

is preached.
Elders are not in charge of
each home within the congregation. Elders are to oversee the
church, not the home. There is no
Bible statement, nor New Testament
example, nor New Covenant implication of elders, as elders, being over
the home. However, some brethren
have the false idea that elders can be
over a childrens home. But God did
not authorize them to oversee the
legal home, any more than he authorized them to oversee the private
home. Elders have no authority to go
into someones home and discipline
the children in the home. As much as
elders may want to do that, they have
no authority to do so. This does not
mean that the elders may not have to
talk with a man about his leading his
family in the right way, if the problems in the home spill over into the
church. When a matter affects the
church, it becomes the elders business.
Elders are not church bosses. Several years ago when a
preachers name was put before the
congregation to be considered for the
eldership, a good but ignorant sister
asked him, If you are put into the
eldership, who is going to be your
boss? In the first place, one man
does not make the eldership. Second,
the congregation, which also includes
each elder and preacher, is to obey
the eldership that is over them (Heb.
13:17). An elder by himself has no
more authority than any other member of the Lords church. It is the
eldership that has authority. Obey
them that have the rule over you.
I remember in one of my first
works with a congregation, one particular elder would take me aside
and chew me out for something that
I had said or done. I got tired of that
quickly, and asked this good brother
if he was speaking for the eldership
or himself. He said that he was
speaking for himself. Then I told him
that the next time he had a criticism
of my work, I wanted all of the elders
present to hear his criticism of me.
That ended his taking me aside and
criticizing me.
Peter warned elders, Neither as
being lords over Gods heritage, but
being ensamples to the flock (1 Peter
5:3). The Message, a very loose and
inaccurate translation, expresses the
thought of this verse this way: Not

61

bossily telling others what to do, but

tenderly showing them the way.
WHAT ELDERS ARE
Elders are spiritual inspectors and analyzers. When Nehemiah had heard of the terrible condition
of the walls of Jerusalem and the
plight of Gods people, he was granted permission by Artaxerxes to go to
Jerusalem and help. This he did.
After three days of being in
Jerusalem, he with a few men, went
out at night and viewed the ruined
walls of Jerusalem. He inspected the
walls and analyzed the situation.
Elders must first inspect and analyze
themselves (Acts 20:28; 2 Cor. 13:5).
Then, elders in the Lords church
must inspect the condition of the
local congregation and analyze the
situation. Overseeing the flock
includes inspecting and analyzing it.
Where are we spiritually? Are we
getting the spiritual nourishment
needed in our classrooms and from
the pulpit? How can we help each
member, each teacher, and the
preacher improve?
Elders are to be counselors of
the souls under their charge.
Peter wrote, The elders which are
among you I exhort, who am also an
elder, and a witness of the sufferings
of Christ, and also a partaker of the
glory that shall be revealed: Feed the
flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy
lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as
being lords over Gods heritage, but
being ensamples to the flock (1 Peter
5:1-3). The root Greek word for feed
means to lead, with the implication
of providing for, to guide and to help,
to guide and take care of (from
Greek-English Lexicon Based on
Semantic Domain. Copyright, 1988.
United Bible Societies, New York.
Used by permission). It seems only
natural that elders who have a love
for Gods word and the souls of men
and have experienced the hardships
of life would be the ones from whom
counsel is sought. The fact that a
young minister has been granted a
PhD in counseling from some seminary does not necessarily mean he is
qualified to counsel. The Bible is the
very best book on counseling in all
the world (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and elders
ought to know the Bible as well as, or

better than, anyone.

Elders are to be examples
to the flock. They must set the
example. They are to be out in front.
The word rulers in the original carries the idea of those who go before
(Heb. 13:17). Elders are not to drive
or herd the flock of God, but lead
it in both word and deed. A man that
is not above reproach (i.e., blameless)
or who does not have a good name
among those in the world, cannot be
a good leader. A church who puts a
man lacking these qualifications into
the eldership, is wrong and headed
for trouble.
Elders are to be business-like
in the Lords work. Minutes of elders meetings should be recorded.
Honest men can sometimes forget
what was said or decided in a meeting. So, if minutes are kept and given
to each elder, one can refer to the
minutes if there is a question about a
decision that may or may not have
been reached. Letters sent to elderships should be answered by the elders (unless they are form letters). A
missionary or preacher who is seeking financial support may send a letter to an eldership. Even if the elders
decide not to help the brother, it is
good to let him know one way or the
other. Such is just good business. If
businesses in the world were run like
some churches, they would be utter
failures. Paul wrote, Not slothful in
business; fervent in spirit; serving the
Lord (Rom. 12:11).
As shepherds of the flock,
elders are to be restorers. They
need to try to restore the wayward.
Paul wrote, Brethren, if a man be
overtaken in a fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore such an one in the
spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted (Gal.
6:1). Jesus said, How think ye? if a
man have an hundred sheep, and one
of them be gone astray, doth he not
leave the ninety and nine, and goeth
into the mountains, and seeketh that
which is gone astray? And if so be
that he find it, verily I say unto you,
he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than
of the ninety and nine which went not
astray (Matt. 18:12-13). Sometimes
it is very difficult to catch a member
at home who has strayed. There have
been times when the only way that
an eldership could communicate with
a member is by letters, emails or
phone calls. When face-to-face meet-

Seek The Old Paths July 2010

62

ings are not possible, then other

methods are necessary. Keep in mind
that the New Testament letters were
written to churches and individuals
to instruct, correct and admonish.
Elders are to be visitors.
James wrote, Is any sick among you?
let him call for the elders of the
church; and let them pray over him,
anointing him with oil in the name of
the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall
save the sick, and the Lord shall raise
him up; and if he have committed
sins, they shall be forgiven him
(James 5:14-15). In the first century,

there were members of the church

who had received spiritual (miraculous) gifts by an apostle having laid
hands on them (Acts 8:14-24; Rom.
1:11; 1 Cor. 12:8-10). This passage in
James indicates that some elders had
spiritual gifts in the first century.
When a member of the church was
sick, the elders were called. They
would pray on behalf of the sick, and
the prayer of faith (that is a miraculous faith, not the prayer of the faithful) shall save the sick, i.e., he would
be healed (if it were the Lords will).
Though miracles have ceased, it is

still right and good for one who is

sick to call upon the elders or any
faithful member of the church to pray
for him.
Therefore, let elders oversee and
feed the flock of God. Let preachers
preach the word and let deacons
serve in the areas in which they are
called upon to serve. This is Gods
pattern set forth in the New Testament. Let us adhere to it.
Inform-vick@[Link]
4915 Shelbyville Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46237

THE DEVILS FAITH AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

Marlin Kilpatrick
an is saved by faith (Rom.
5:1). The faith that saves is
the faith that obeys (Heb.
5:9). Salvation by faith is a prominent theme throughout the New Testament. Amazingly, the devils also
have faith (James 2:19), but their
faith is not a saving faith. The devil
believes there is a God in heaven. In
fact, he has first-hand knowledge of
Gods existence! Many professed
Christians have no more faith than
does the devil.
The devils faith says, One
church is as good as another.
Consider how many professed
Christians believe this lie. Most
members of every denomination subscribe to this belief. We are sometimes told, Well, after all, the church
does not save. While it is true, the
church does not save, it is also true
that Christ has promised to save only
his church (Eph. 1:22,23; 5:23). The
saved are in the church of Christ
because Christ ...added to the
church daily such as should be saved
(Acts 2:47). Of course, the devil wants
everyone to believe one church is just
as good as another and, unfortunately, many have swallowed the devils
lie which has produced in them the
same kind of faith as possessed by
the devil.
The devils faith says, Baptism cant save you. Dont you
know theres nothing in water
that can save anyone? The devil
is a Master of deceit. He deceives
many into believing baptism is not

essential to our salvation. Those who

deny the necessity of baptism for the
remission of sins, have nothing more
than the devils faith. One who has
a faith like the devil will often say,
Let me tell you how the Lord saved
me. When I hear someone say that, I
know right away their so-called
saved me never includes baptism
for the remission of sins. But, the
apostle Peter said otherwise: repent
and be baptized...for the remission of
sins (Acts 2:38).
Not all who possess the devils
faith are outside of the church. Even
in the Lords church there are many
who are afflicted with a faith like
that of the devil. Lukewarm Christians never intend to have the
devils faith, but they do. The
church at Laodicea was lukewarm,
wherefore Jesus said, ...I will spue
thee out of my mouth (Rev. 3:16). The
devil says, Hold on there! Dont get
too excited about your religion.
Many Christians listen to the
devil and never say a word about the
Lord and his plan to save man from
his sins. Dear brother or sister, when
was the last time you were responsible for someone obeying the Gospel?
Jesus spoke of himself as being the
True vine (John 15:1). He also said,
Every branch in me that beareth not
fruit he taketh away... (John 15:2).
Of these fruitless branches, Jesus
said, ...men gather them and they
are cast into the fire and they are
burned (John 15:6). The devils
faith will cost many a church mem-

ber their soul.

The devils faith will cause the
church to divide. The use of instrumental music in Christian worship is
a symptom of the devils faith,
which is possessed by some church
members. The devil says, The
singing sounds so much better with
the use of a piano or organ. Those
Christians who are more interested
in pleasing themselves rather than
pleasing the Lord, will listen to the
devil and split the church. Why?
Because they are infected with the
devils faith. The Ill please myself,
regardless of what the scriptures
say, is alive and well in many congregations of the Lords church.
The cure for the problem of the
devils faith is in the words of the
apostle Paul. And take the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph.
6:17). Soldiers of Christ must arise
and take the lead in the battle for
truth. We must, fight the good fight
of faith, lay hold on eternal life... (1
Tim. 6:12). We must be able to say,
for I have not shunned to declare
unto you all the counsel of God (Acts
20:27).
When our pulpits sound forth the
message of truth and our elders support such preaching, the church will
be made strong. When this approach
to the devils faith is made, souls
will be saved and the Lord will be
pleased. Think about it.
1336 Spring Lake Rd.
Fruitland Park, FL 34731

July 2010 Seek The Old Paths

63

THE CHALLENGE TO JESUS AUTHORITY

Marvin L. Weir

Failure to accept the undeniable truth of Gods Word

does not change the facts. The authority of Christ is challenged today
just as it was by the Jews of Jesus day.
uring Jesus earthly ministry,
the Jews were constantly challenging His authority. The
Jews claimed to believe the Old Testament Scriptures, and yet they
rejected and refused to follow the
very One (Messiah) for whom they
looked. There was no reason for Jewish believers to not recognize the Son
of God. Jesus observed, ...These are
the words which I spake unto you,
while I was yet with you, that all
things must be fulfilled, which were
written in the law of Moses, and in
the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me (Luke 24:44). Sufficient
information regarding the Christ had
been revealed in the Law of Moses,
the Psalms, and by the prophets. It
did no good to claim to honor Moses
and then refuse to believe what
Moses said about the Christ.
The Jews ask Jesus, ...By what
authority doest thou these things?
and who gave thee this authority to
do these things (Mark 11:28)? Jesus
knew these Jewish rulers would not
believe His claim of Deity or His
claim of being the Messiah. A debate
or further dialogue would be useless.
If Christ claims His authority comes
from heaven, the Jews will accuse
Him of blasphemy. If the Lord claims
Rome as His source of authority, the
Jews will have turned Him over to
the Roman authorities. Such being
the case, Jesus says to these rulers,
...I will also ask of you one question,
and answer me, and I will tell you by
what authority I do these things. The
baptism of John, was it from heaven,
or of men? answer me (Mark 11:2930). This question caught the Jewish
rulers by surprise and caused them
quite a dilemma. Thus, ...they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we
shall say, From heaven; he will say,
Why then did ye not believe him? But
if we shall say, Of men; they feared
the people: for all [men] counted
John, that he was a prophet indeed

(Mark 11:31-32).
Think about this question as you
ponder the Jewish rulers dilemma.
Tell me, have you stopped beating
your wife? A yes or no answer to
this question simply points to ones
guilt. If the Jews said Johns baptism
was from Heaven, then why had they
not obeyed God? If they said Johns
baptism was of men, they feared the
people (even being stoned to death,
Luke 20:6). Thus, these Jewish leaders who took great pride in their
knowledge, answered We cannot
tell (Mark 11:33). What an answer!
They presume to sit in judgment on
Jesus, and yet cannot reach a simple
conclusion regarding John the Baptizer and his baptism.
Failure to accept the undeniable
truth of Gods Word does not change
the facts. The authority of Christ is
challenged today just as it was by the
Jews of Jesus day. The Scriptures
make it clear that Christ has all
authority in heaven and on earth
(Matt. 28:18). Although Christ has
ascended back to the Father (Col.
3:1), His Word remains as our guide
(Col. 3:16). The Lord reminds all
today of the power of His word in saying, He that rejecteth me, and
receiveth not my words, hath one that
judgeth him: the word that I have
spoken, the same shall judge him in
the last day (John 12:48). No one has
the right to add to or take from
the Word of God (Prov. 30:5-6; Rev.
22:18-19). Neither must the Gospel
be ignored (2 Thess. 1:8-9) or perverted (Gal. 1:6-9).
Let us now observe how many
today who claim to believe in Christ
and His Word, yet challenge His
authority. People say:
1) I believe in Christ, but I dont
believe I have to attend church services to be saved. Answer: One does
not believe the Lord who willfully
forsakes assembling with the saints
(Heb. 10:25; 1 Cor. 11:18-20).

2) I believe in the one Christ, but

I do not believe in just one body.
Answer: Christ, as head of the
church, has only one body (Eph.
1:22-23; Eph. 4:4; Col. 1:18).
3) I believe the blood of Christ
saves me, and it does not matter
which denominational church I
attend. Answer: Christ promised to
build only His church (Matt. 16:18),
and to save only His church (Eph.
5:23) [the one blood-bought body,
Acts 20:28].
4) I believe in Christ, but I feel
that I can worship as I please.
Answer: One must worship in spirit
and in truth (John 4:24) in order for
such worship to be acceptable to God.
Gods Word is true (John 17:17) and
not necessarily what man thinks.
5) I believe in Christ, but I do not
believe baptism is necessary for salvation. Answer: The Lord said, He
that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved; but he that believeth not shall
be damned (Mark 16:16).
6) I believe in Christ, but I
believe that women can serve as elders or leaders in the Lords church.
Answer: Only men (1 Tim. 3:1) who
are the husband of one wife (1 Tim.
3:2) can serve as elders. Women are
not to teach men or assume a leadership position in the church (1 Tim.
2:12; 1 Cor. 14:34).
To profess to believe in Christ
and then reject and ignore His
authority never honors the Lord!
1272 Bonham St.
Paris, TX 75460

The cross of Christ is despised by

the world. Yet it is the means by
which we have forgiveness of sins.
By the Lord's death on the cross,
salvation is made possible for all
humanity. Jesus endured the cross
for us (Heb. 12:2). The way of the
cross leads home. Are you ready?

Seek The Old Paths July 2010

64

MAILBAG

[Link] [Link] [Link] [Link]

EVOLUTION IS A HOAX

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup,

ye do shew the Lords death till he come (1 Cor. 11:26).
Eating the Lords Supper after the Scriptural order is a
method by which the death of Christ, with all of its profound meaning, is proclaimed. In preaching the gospel, we
proclaim his glorious death in word; in eating the Lords
Supper we do so by deed. That which we do in silence by
means of the Supper is a powerful proclamation. Those
who eat it in grateful and reverent remembrance of the
Lords death bring a blessing into their own lives. We are
to eat and drink in memory of Him. Life is ruled by the
memories we nourish and cherish. The memory of the
Savior lifts us up to a new level of living. Those who eat
and drink without reverence and thoughtful reflection
deprive themselves of one of the most powerful strengthening acts available to the children of God. For this cause
many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (1
Cor. 11:30). Author unknown
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
FREEupon request. Its primary purpose and goal in publication can
be found in Jude 3; IITimothy 4:2; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:1; IIPeter 1:12.
All mail received may be published unless otherwise noted. Articles
are also welcomed.
Editor: Garland M. Robinson

[Link]

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Every feather is a marvel of engineering design. A single pigeon feather is composed of more than a million individual parts. Barbs extend from each side of a center
shaft. Smaller barbules grow out of both sides of these
barbs, which in turn are made with tiny microscopic barbicels. These barbicels are tiny hooks which interlock with
barbules, weaving each feather together like the teeth on
a zipper. If the barbs are pulled apart, the bird hooks them
back together by simply running its beak through the
feathers. For their weight, feathers are stronger than any
man-made structures. If the design itself were not miraculous enough, the functions of the feather are even more
astounding. This extremely lightweight, durable, and
complex design enables the birds wing to flare and hold
air as it flies. The trapped air within the feathers serves
as an extremely efficient insulator against both hot and
cold temperatures. A minute coating of oil makes feathers
waterproof, keeping birds dry and warm. Evolutionists
claim that reptile scales evolved into feathers. Could this
have happened? There is virtually no similarity between

THE LORDS SUPPER

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scales and feathers, nor is there any fossil evidence showing the transition from scale to feather. A scale could only
become a feather as specific information is added to the
DNA molecule. The feather has a much more complex
DNA code than a reptile scale. Random mistakes could
not produce this complex information. A Closer Look at
the Evidence by Richard & Tina Kleiss

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