Old Paths Instruction

Following the Old Paths

In the world in which we live today there is a philosophy permeating the thinking of most people that suggest that everything old needs to be replaced or updated. This concept is also true with the purveyors of religious theology today, most religious professors, and professionals think that religious ideals of past ages are now outdated and require change or alteration to meet the crises that prevails in modern times. One of the problems with this reasoning is simple, the nature, need, and quality of mankind is still the same as it was after God created him and has been that way ever since.

Since man has not changed, he still has the same problem with the devil and with sin that his forefathers had. Indeed, mankind still needs to find a way to reach his Creator, God so that he might find out what is needed for acquiring a good relationship with Him.

GOD’S INSTRUCTION TO MAN

The Bible (i.e., the 66 books in one) is God’s only form of communication with mankind today, cf., 1 Cor. 13:10. Since the Written Word is God’s only method of communicating His will to man, it behooves man to follow the instructions contained therein correctly cf., Jude 3. Man can only accomplish this whenever he has in his possession a copy of the Bible correctly translated from the Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. There are too many translations and paraphrases of the Bible today that are not accurate, therefore the individuals that are persuaded to use one of them will find it extremely difficult to find that which God would have them do in order to be acceptable to Him (See note 1).

You can only follow the “Old Paths” if you know what they are, the teaching that is referred to as the “Old Paths” are those teachings that emanate from the Written Word of God Jeremiah 6:16, “Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and Ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said we will not walk (therein)” (ASV). The teachings that are under consideration in this passage were the teachings known to the Jews as the Law of Moses, the law under Which they were living at the time Jeremiah the prophet wrote this passage.

The “Old Paths” that apply to mankind today are the laws contained in the New Covenant (i.e., the covenant that Jesus Christ established, cf., Ephesians 2:11-21). Consequently, to follow the law of Jesus Christ today means the same as following the “Old Paths”.

Why not make the decision today to seriously examine the teachings of the Written Word of God from a reliable translation of the Bible, believe it and obey it so that you too may walk in the old paths with other faithful Disciples of Christ that wear the name Christians, cf., and Acts 11:26.

Note 1: The problem of many Bible translations today such as Taylor’s translation, Good News for Modern Man, The New World Translation, etc. — they are simply unsupported by the original language.

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Thankful?

When we usually think of being thankful, we think of the Thanksgiving holiday during the month of November. Nevertheless, Paul says of Christians, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:18). Therefore, while our minds (as well as the minds of many) are on this subject this month, let us examine the subject of “Thanksgiving.” In this article, we wish to turn our attention to Luke 17:11-19 and provide some positive points to ponder.

First, note the diseased men (Luke 17:11-12). It was due to their leprosy that they “stood afar off.” Why was that? Leprosy was a disease that eats the flesh, as well as the skeletal system underneath, with people losing their extremities, including their ears, noses, hands and/or feet. It is caused by insufficient diet and poor sanitary conditions; hence, note the irony in the term “unclean.” There are a few leper colonies today, in India, Crete, Japan, the Philippines, and even one in Louisiana and one in Hawaii. Today, the disease is controllable by medicine, which leads me to believe that there is a slight difference in leprosy today from the leprosy about which we read in the Bible. One may see what the Bible says about leprosy in Leviticus 11-15 (specifically Lev. 13- 14), which deals with impurities. The term “leprosy” is a general term that refers to a rotting disease, which may apply even to clothes or a house. The first reference to it is in Exodus 4:6 with Moses’ confirmation. Another famous example is in Second Kings 5 with Naaman and later with Gehazi. In fact, from the statement that King Jehoram made, it seemed as if only God could cure some forms of leprosy. Miriam became temporarily leprous in Numbers 12. There were four lepers of Samaria in Second Kings 7 who saw the effect of the destruction of the Syrian army. Not only that, King Uzziah became leprous because of his disobedience in Second Kings 15. In the New Testament, Jesus touched a leper in Matthew 8, who may later be Simon (Matt. 26:6). The Law of Moses dictated that a priest needed to check anything that even remotely looked as leprosy. One could not determine himself if he had leprosy, but he needed a priest to determine such. One who was leprous had to be shut out of the camp and did not have fellowship within. The many regulations to determine it leads one to confuse it with such modern things as psoriasis or eczema. Moreover, the washings needed to verify cleansing reminds us of what David said in Psalm 51:7: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Therefore, we see the connection between leprosy and sin.

Second, note their pitiful cry (17:13). They were not begging for alms—they were begging for mercy. They knew what was important! They knew who to ask—Jesus! Therefore, He is the source of mercy!

Third, note the miraculous healing (17:14). By such, we see how faith operates (cf. 17:19)—their cleansing occurred when they obeyed Jesus! In like manner, our cleansing from sin occurs when our faith complies with obedience. Only Jesus could cleanse/ heal them. I believe the command from Jesus is quite significant, considering Matthew 5:17: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” He could have triumphed over the Law of Moses, but rather, He fulfilled it (cf. Matt. 17:24-27). In other words, He understood the authority of the word of God (cf. Matt. 28:18).

Fourth, note the thankful Samaritan (17:15-16). The emphasis that Luke gives to this man being a Samaritan probably implies that the others were Jews—if not all, then some. Jesus often spoken of Gentiles, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Thus, positive interaction with Samaritans prepared the soil for Philip in Acts 8!

Fifth, note the penetrating question, which is the title of this article (17:17). The sin of ingratitude is one of the ugliest of all sins (cf. Rom. 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:1-2). Moreover, the sin of ingratitude is a root sin of unfaithfulness. For example, would Adam and Eve have eaten of the forbidden fruit if they had really been grateful for the fruit from the tree of life? Would Judas have betrayed Jesus if he had been grateful as one of his closest companions? Would spouses who cheat on each other do so if they were truly grateful for their mates? The list of examples is almost endless!

How do we conquer ingratitude? First, put away selfishness (cf. Acts 20:35). Second, become a humble servant (cf. Matt. 20:26-27; Phil. 2:3-11). Third, count your many blessings! Jesus is our example of being thankful. He gave thanks for the bread and cup in the Passover Feast to represent the Lord’s Supper. Are we thankful for what Jesus has given us? May we never represent the unthankful nine!

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Bible Code 101

Code-Speak. Many modern professions claim their own unique brand of it. For example, the military, medical, transportation and technical professions all have their own particular and precise, personal and unique occupational languages – languages combining numbers, slang, and abbreviations which do not mean anywhere near the same thing to the untrained ear as they do to those within these particular professional circles.

Different areas of the country also share this same “code speak” aspect. For instance, having grown up and spent the first forty-eight years of our lives living in the New England states of Maine and New Hampshire, imagine our surprise after re-locating to Oklahoma and hearing such words (?) as “bumfuzzled” and “tubule” for the first time! Or, having been raised with “puny” meaning ‘very small,’ and all of the sudden hearing that someone in Oklahoma stayed home because they felt “puny” (apparently in ‘Oklahoma-code-speak,’ “puny” means sickly). Or finally, hearing that someone got up “out of,” instead of “off of,” the floor (how can anyone get “out of” something they can’t “get into” but only on to?). I actually went out and bought a small “Okie Dictionary” just to help me communicate… (all in love and jest of course).

Well apparently those of the pagan and biblically-uneducated religious world also have their own brand of “code-speak” as well. In this article I will try to help you actually decipher certain favorite phrases that some of their more militant use – in some cases either unconsciously or subconsciously – in order to try to deny God His rightful place in their lives, and what those phrases actually translate as, to those who are truly listening – including I believe, perhaps even the Lord Himself. For example:

  1. “I do not want to discuss it with you anymore.” (Variations may include, “I do not want to discuss the bible with you anymore,” “No bible discussion at all,” and/or “We’re not going there,” in reference to biblical things.) Translation? This is code for: “With your constantly bringing up ‘book, chapter, and verse’ in support of your points, you make me realize that I have absolutely no biblical ground to stand on whatsoever in support of my personal desires – and you make me realize it. Therefore, further biblical discussion will only force me to further see the full futility of my fallacious folly… and I don’t want to!”
  1. “You have no right to judge!” Doesn’t the bible say “Judge not?” “How dare you be so judgmental as to judge me and my lifestyle?” Translation? This is code for: “I have never actually studied, or even really read that verse (It is a verse, right?) in its context. (In fact, I’m not even sure where it is in scripture.) I have absolutely no idea that Jesus goes on in the very next 5 verses to immediately clarify and explain that statement, therein indicating: #1). That we indeed MUST go and judge, but only after careful and cautious introspection of our own lives and motives; #2) that this agrees completely with His commandment as recorded in John 7:24 that Christians ARE TO judge, only “with righteous judgment;” or, #3) that Jesus, just 5 short verses after stating “judge not,” immediately then refers to those who would repeatedly, rebelliously refuse to receive just such righteous judgments    (such as maybe those who would continually clamor “judge not,” in order to continue to defend their own sinful lifestyles perhaps?) as “dogs” (See and study Matthew 7:1-6). It additionally means: Nor do I see even the slightest hypocrisy at all on my part for passing and pronouncing judgment on you for my erroneously seeing you as being judgmental!    
  1. “It doesn’t matter what church one attends as long as they’re happy there.” (Variations may include, “Attend the church of your choice,” “All churches are going to heaven,” and/or “Do you really think you’re the only ones going to heaven?!?” Translation? This is code for: “Worship is really all about what pleases a person, not about what God commanded and communicated that pleases Him. And additionally: I have absolutely no idea what the bible says about the one body/one undenominated and undivided church/bride of Jesus Christ in places like Matthew 16:18-19; John 17:20-21; Colossians 1:18 and 24; Ephesians 1:22-23 and 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 and 12:12-27; and Romans 16:16; and I have therefore chosen to deceive myself into believing that any man-made and originated denomination of the past 500 years is just as valuable and precious to God as His own one and only perfect Son’s blood-bought church is, as it is seen in Scripture.
  1. “We’re all part of the same church.” Translation? This is code for: “I am actually naïve enough to be convinced that all competing automobile corporations such as Ford, General Motors, and Toyota are all just a part of the same automobile company; and to believe that Burger King, McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr, Sonic, Freddie’s and all the other competing fast food hamburger restaurants are really all just a part of the same earthly corporation, if told so.
  1. “All ‘churches folks’ are going to be in heaven no matter which church they attend; we’re just taking different routes to get there.” Translation? This is code for: “Yes, I believe that by going in a due southerly, easterly, or westerly direction out into space exclusively and eternally, all will arrive at the same due North destination eventually.” (Really? Let’s hope they’re not employed as a pilot on any plane we take for vacation!)

Although many others could surely be cited – and certainly you can think of many others yourselves – perhaps it is truly time to start thinking in these terms. That way we can better understand what the ‘uneducated in the scriptures religious code-speakers’ are really saying, and help them to see the light and speak more clearly. In the meantime, keep this little reference handy in order to show them the next time they seek to speak to you in code… Maybe it’ll help…

 

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Faith is not a Feeling

The story is told of a boy flying a kite who was so successful that the kite went out of sight.  There the boy stood with a cord in his hand that bent upwards into the sky. Someone asked him how he knew the kite was there.  Without saying a word, the boy put the string into the hands of the bystander who immediately could feel the pull of the unseen kite on the string.  You see, the boy didn’t just have a gut feeling that the kite was there; he could prove it was there.

Likewise, faith is not a feeling; it’s a fact.  Hebrews 11:1 defines it this way: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The word “substance” means, “that which has actual existence; foundation.”  The word “evidence” means, “that by which a thing is proved.” Thus, biblical faith is not a feeling, but rather the proof of the existence of the unseen things of God. For example, a man may never see his paperboy, but he knows he exists – not because of a feeling, but because of that newspaper he finds on his doorstep every day.  How do we know that God exists?  Not because of a gut feeling, but because of the evidence around us (Rom. 1:19-20; cf. Acts 14:17).

Friends, is your faith based on feelings or facts?

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The Sandwich Principles of Spirituality

Nearly everyone loves sandwiches! There are so many delicious combinations that can be invented. Need a quick snack? Try a sandwich! Need to feed a lot of people inexpensively? Sandwiches are the answer. Have picky eaters? Sandwiches without crust are a favorite. They can be eaten cold, hot, whole, halves, or quarters. Sandwiches can be dipped in soup, covered with melted cheese, or fried in egg. Rye bread, sourdough, white, wheat, onion, rolls, subs, French, bagel, so many types of bread are great for sandwiches. They can be eaten inside, outside, formal, informal, in the car, on a boat (even eat them with a goat!). Who when hearing the many verses of the Bible stating “sand which is by the sea”, cannot help but think of sandwiches! Thus, “The Sandwich Principles of spirituality” must be presented. The goal being a light hearted approach in giving a person just another reminder about the Bible from everyday things, however, there are certain aspects presented here which will likely give some people indigestion (Acts 7:57).

The Swiss Cheese Sandwich Principle – Pursue Holiness
Yes, a principle named after the central part of the Swiss Cheese Sandwich, Swiss cheese, which is holey. When you think Swiss cheese, from now on think holy. Man’s ultimate goal in Christianity is to be like Christ who is holy (Mark 1:24). The apostle Paul encourages Christians to be holy proving the will of God (Romans 12:1-2). As ordained by God, man “should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:3-4). The definition of Holy is pure or morally blameless. Man pursues holiness because he loves God and wants to please him. There are so many avenues in life that have been turned to crooked streets. Television, which has so many helpful aspects, has been corrupted to such a degree it is debatable whether or not it should even be turned on. Radio is the same. Billboards, checkstands, newspapers, and magazines nearly all spout filth. Fortunately, there are alternatives in this information age, but the traps still exist. Clothing certainly is an issue of purity and morality and it has been since the first man and woman. Issues such as not enough clothing, the tightness, or the images shared on the clothing have caused both men and women to sin. Social influences operating since the earliest of times invite man to accept lewdness and sexuality at nearly every corner they turn. Social pitfalls such as dancing, drinking, drugging, fornication, adultery, and petting claim innocence each day, yet, man ignores the damage he sees. God did not intend for man to defile himself this way. Pursue Holiness.

Mark 7:20-22 – And he said, That which proceedeth out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, covetings, wickednesses, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, railing, pride, foolishness: all these evil things proceed from within, and defile the man.

2 Corinthians 6:17 – Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you, And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

The Dagwood Sandwich Principle – Pursue Growth
Dagwood Bumstead is a comic strip character from the comic “Blondie”. The Dagwood sandwich is named after him. His approach was pursuing growth. The more you add on the sandwich the better it is. Meats, cheeses, vegetables, piled high as you can go – mmmmm! God put man on the earth and did not just leave him to do nothing. He gave man work to do (Genesis 1:28, 2:15). Man, of course, decided to do what he wanted to do which just resulted in sin. God allowing man to see what horror results, started man off again. This time He chose a specific people (Israel) to show the blessings and curses which result from following God. It was this people from which he would bring his son and engage the next part of his plan for man. To Israel it was said:

Deuteronomy 5:33 – Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.

As God knew beforehand, this people would not obey. However, they did carry the lineage from which God’s Son Jesus was born and in his life he provided the perfect example for mankind. Having this example, man knew precisely what they were to grow into. Later the apostles Paul and Peter would say:

Ephesians 4:14 …be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ; from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love.

1 Peter 2:1-2 – Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation;

The idea behind growth is to become like Christ. Man is to put away all of the things that are not pure in his life. However, a person does not grow without having the proper input. An individual cannot just keep away the impure, they must consume the pure. Bring on the Dagwood sandwich of spirituality, which is the Bible. That is the pure spiritual milk Peter speaks off. It is the daily and lifelong study, pursuit, and application of the Will of God. No person is too young or old to have God’s truths fill their life. King David, the second king of Israel, once stated: “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” (Psalms 119:97). Following God’s law is not something that is to be a burden, but something which becomes part of man and he longs to do. Growing in the instruction of God matures and prepares man for his salvation and at no point is man to stop such growth.

2 Peter 3:17-18 – Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.

BLT Sandwich Principle – Pursue Perfection
Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato with a thin spread of mayonnaise, is a BLT. It is not Bacon, Cabbage, tomato, or Ham, Lettuce, Tomato, or even Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and pickle. A BLT is what it says. It does not need any other vegetables or meats. It is perfect just the way it is. The word of God is just the same.

Psalms 19:7 – The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Yet, folks want to change perfection. God establishes assembling on the first day of the week and partaking of communion to remember His son (Acts 20:7), man changes it to assemble on Saturdays or partake of the communion monthly, quarterly, or annually. God says be immersed in water for salvation (I Peter 3:21), man changes to sprinkling or just believing . God says lead with men who meet proper qualifications (I Timothy 3:1-7), man leads with unqualified men and women. Each person sees his way as a better way. They see their change as an improvement. Yet, just as with the BLT, it is not just changes which spoil the sandwich, additions do the same. God says sing (Colossians 3:16), man adds instruments. God says follow His Word (John 14:6), man adds the Koran, book of Mormon, Catechism, watch tower publications, or various additional ordinances assuming the authority of God. God says preach the word to draw souls (I Corinthians 1:21), man adds gyms, coffee shops, plays, puppet shows, bands, and discount food delivery programs to draw people. You cannot change perfection and have it still be perfection. You cannot add to perfection and have it be perfection.

Galatians 1:6-8 – I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

P & J – Pursue Simplicity
Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches are comfort food to a great many people. They are simple to make, yet they are also flexible with ingredients. Peanut butter is specific. Jelly, is flexible. Do you want grape, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, or a host of other jellies? No problem, enjoy! Do you want something other than peanut butter? Sorry… it is no longer a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. God’s word is much like a P&J sandwich. It has some things which are very specific. God makes clear what he wants. However, there are some things with which God is flexible. His general authority is there, but he allows man a choice. For instance, God tells man to assemble and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). This is a general command which allows man to assemble where he desires. That place may be a home, a park, a grange hall, or a Church building. God did not make his Word so complex man could not understand it. He made it simple to follow and easy to engage, if man would not be distracted by his own desires.

Proverbs 14:6 – A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

Romans 16:19 – For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

James 3:17 – But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Matthew 11:30 – For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

How much frustration occurs in everyday life? God made things real simple. Be pure and holy (Philippians 4:8), avoid the appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22), and love him by keepings His commandments (John 14:15). It is only when man brings his own desires and “what if’s” to the table, desiring to walk some sort of imaginary line where he can get away with the “most”, he makes life far more complicated than it needs to be.

The Sandwich Principles of spirituality are principles evident in scripture. They can be garnered from simple blessings of our everyday diet – Swiss cheese, Dagwood, BLT, and P & J sandwiches. Pursue holiness, growth, perfection, and simplicity in all that you do (Hebrews 12:12-15).

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