Category: Featured Articles

by: Jason Williams

I am not a politician or athlete, but I am friends with both.

Every year about this time, youth pastors and pastors will call me and ask for advice on how to start a political outreach or sports outreach. They see the pictures of our church on social media or hear through the grapevine about different events we have, so they call seeking advice, but most leave unhappy with what I tell them.

Herein lies the problem. I don’t have any advice. I honestly cannot point to one exact thing that we do differently than anyone else, and yet our outreach ministry is growing. This year we had professional athletes and politicians attend our church and speak at events like never before, and I wish I could tell those who ask that I am some wise person who has all the answers, but that is simply not true.

If I could give any advice, I guess I would some it up in three statements.

1. I don’t have the answers, but Jesus does.

To often we want to give advice on what we are doing right. I wish I had enough wisdom to give that advice, but I don’t. Since I don’t, I constantly have to go to Jesus for answers. Romans 11:33 says, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” My advice to you would be to go to Jesus and get His advice on how to reach these groups of people.

2. Be friendly to everyone you meet.

A lot of people want to be nice to those who they want something from or somebody they admire. I have a lot of friends. Some are famous, some are not. Some are professional athletes and some don’t even like sports. Some are involved in politics, some hate politics. Some are considered to be “righteous,” and some are considered to be “sinners.” I don’t worry about their title or name; instead, I just try to be friends with anyone and everyone. I leave it to God to bless.

3. Work really hard at building relationships.

For some this is tough, but do whatever it takes to build every relationship you have every day. This will cost a lot of money and time (Starbucks), but there is no price tag on a good friend. Remember Proverbs 18:24, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

I know it’s not much, but it’s all I have!

Hope it helps.

Jason Williams
Assistant Pastor
High Street Baptist Church
Columbus, OH
churchonhigh.wordpress.com

by: Dr. Bruce Goddard

Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Thus saith the LORD, 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].”

All Scripture is profitable for all generations. Of course, when we are to seek out the old-time tested paths, only a fool would think it was only intended for those in the days of Jeremiah’s preaching. Jeremiah must have been profitable for Timothy, and likewise profitable for us today.

Before I get to “OLD PATHS,” I need to preface it with a few other thoughts.

Paul said for believers to submit themselves to the house of Stephanis for they had addicted themselves to the ministry. 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 says, “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth.”

Their life and ministry had earned them the right to be followed. God is big on following great leaders. We sit in a generation of do nothings who want everyone to listen to them criticize those who went before, those who accomplished great things for God. Our generation criticizes the founding fathers, and young foolish preachers likewise criticize the great spiritual founders who gave us the foundation of our churches today.

Paul gave other instruction as to who we should follow in 2 Timothy 3:14 when he says, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];”

Why did Paul encourage Timothy to follow him?  Because he knew him well. He had seen his life and ministry. He had seen some serious Christian victories. In 2 Timothy 3:10 he says, “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,” This was not some youthful “wanna be preacher,” but an old gristled veteran, a man who was proven.

The fact is, in my lifetime “OLD PATHS” means John Rice, Jack Hyles, Lee Roberson and others. I know Dwight Moody did not run buses, but I can read how he used wagons to bring people to Sunday School and follow his “OLD PATHS”. These old men have proven themselves, we can see the beginning and end of their ministry, and we can rest assured that they are pointing us down the right path. In Jeremiah we read more when he commanded us to ask for the old paths. Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Thus saith the LORD, 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].”

We are to go looking for the paths of those who went before us. Of course we are to follow Scripture, but there are ten thousand things I need to do that are not clearly defined in the Bible, so I look to the “OLD PATHS” of wiser, successful men who went before. “Ask” for those paths, Jeremiah said. Who can we ask but older godly leaders.

Today there were some who simply didn’t want to walk in the old paths. They’ve made excuses. They are so full of self and new ideas that they cannot fathom their peers listening to the ideas of older men.

Remember what happened to Rehoboam when he had big choices to make? He asked advice of the old men around him, those who had guided his father. I’d say that is an old path. But choose foolishly to listen to his peers, and the kingdom was split and many lost their lives.

I was brought up in my early Christian life hearing Oliver B. Green, A.V. Henderson, Harold Sightler, G.B. Vick, Lester Roloff, R.G. Lee, but these new kids with their mocking of the “OLD PATHS” just don’t impress me. Great men all preached on “OLD PATHS,” and I will trust what they said about “OLD PATHS” a lot more than some rookie who has more followers on Facebook than in his church.

To seek out the guidance of older wiser men has always been the way of the godly. Look at what Deuteronomy 32:7 says, “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.”

Just what was Jeremiah talking about when he said, “OLD PATHS?” Read the chapter in context and you will see it was old paths of worship, old paths of morality, and old paths of separation from the world. What does this new generation mean when they criticize the term, “OLD PATHS?”  I don’t know, but I would guess it is the “OLD PATHS” that they don’t like?

Maybe it is soul winning, or perhaps holiness, most likely it is separation, for this worldly society is a friend to many in pulpits across America.

Many years ago a friend who had worked in Mexico some told me of the flaws of the Spanish Bible. He set out to write a correct Bible. Now, he was my friend, we were trained at the same college. But he was nuts. I could look to Elmer Fernandez, Tommy Ashcraft, and other veteran missionaries whose life was testimony enough for me. I couldn’t order in a Mexican restaurant, but I knew I wanted no part in this new kid who trashed the belief’s of great older men.

Those who criticize the “OLD PATHS” politically sit in criticism of our nation’s constitution, they criticize the founders, they attack everything our nation was built upon. No, I don’t want us to go back to using a quill and ink well, nor do I want to wear powdered pony tails, but we all agree the values and belief system of the founders is what we want.

So is the truth of spiritual old paths. We want to borrow the lessons learned by older wiser men, as far back as we can get them. Don’t be so foolish to let someone mock “OLD PATHS” while offering you new alternatives. The contemporary church and the compromiser in the pulpit wants to make the world comfortable in their services hoping to gain a crowd. I prefer the old paths of soul winning. It has been working in California for me and many others for decades.

Most who avoid the old paths can be identified by their fruit. See how many young men are called to the ministry under their leadership. They may win a crowd by their flowery teaching, but young men can see a fraud. See the number of soul winners in their church. Count the number of teachers and workers they have developed under their ministry and see if they have built mature growing believers.

Want to define “OLD PATHS?” I suggest you go to some old men and let them set you straight, but to hear someone today criticize what older successful preachers said about “OLD PATHS?” I think I’ll avoid his ideas. Give me the Old-Time Religion.

Dr. Bruce Goddard
Pastor
Faith Baptist Church
Wildomar, CA

by: William Tyson

When I think of the bus ministry, I think of the Great Commission. Every Sunday at Woodlawn Baptist Church, 13 buses and vans go out into the highways and edges bringing boys and girls to Sunday school. Running a bus ministry and being effective at it requires dedication, time and the power of God! We have been blessed over the years to have many men and women who are committed to the bus ministry and are willing to work and pay the price to reach the lost for Christ.

Sadly, we are living in a time when individuals and even churches want immediate “returns” on our investment and are seeking what we perceive as instant gratification. I am reminded of Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” The bus ministry is an investment. It is an investment of time, money and resources. To develop a successful route requires time in prayer, time in preparation and time in visitation.

If you are struggling in the bus ministry or with your bus route, before you scramble to find that next promotion, invest some time in seeking God’s power. You can’t have a successful route or ministry without the touch of God. Ask God to help you see your route as He sees it. May I challenge you to walk or drive your route and pray for God’s power on your ministry. We need some bus directors, bus captains and bus workers who will wrestle with God until His power falls on their route. We look back to yesteryear and say those were the “good ole years.” I happen to believe our greatest days are ahead of us! As the statement has often been made, “Little prayer, little power, much prayer, much power.” How much time have you invested in your prayer closet for your bus route or ministry?

After prayer, preparation is vital! You must be organized and have a prepared plan to reach and disciple your riders! The bus program on the way to and from church is not a time to rest, rather it is a time to disciple and mentor. I remember many Sundays with my bus captain and his wife as they got involved in our lives. Are you prepared for your bus ministry or route? Do you have a vision for what God can do? I believe we must have an excited program on the bus, a powerful message and do all things “decently and in order!”

Nothing replaces visitation! Your route or ministry will not grow unless you invest time reaching out and knocking on doors. I learned a long time ago, the work of God is WORK! Nothing replaces good old fashion work!

When it comes to the bus ministry there are three principles to consider when making the investment in this ministry.

First we must consider the reality…the reality is that we are living in a generation of the spiritually illiterate. I have heard studies that show that four percent of young people have EVER been to a gospel preaching church of any type in America. We wonder why society continues to spiral into godlessness. Plainly stated, we have failed our mandate to fulfill the Great Commission. We have failed to disciple our converts. We have failed to pass the baton of faith to the next generation! It’s time that every church in America recommit themselves to the Great Commission. One way to do this is the bus ministry. The Bus Ministry is a wonderful way to reach families, teenagers and children. A vibrant bus route can often reach as many people as the average church. The question I must ask pastors and churches is not why should you have a bus ministry, but WHY NOT?

Consider the results of the bus ministry. When you invest in the bus ministry, it is an investment worth making. We have reached many families over the last 30+ years in the bus ministry. Through our bus ministry we have seen marriages restored, young men called into the ministry and thousands saved. Every week we see visitors come to church for the first time, and because of this they hear and respond to the Gospel message. In order to see this return, we must invest in the cause of discipleship. Bus kids need your time. They need to be taught what the Scripture says. They should be challenged to study the Word of God for themselves. The Scripture says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Understand that many of them are in a public school setting where they are taught lessons and principles contrary to Scripture. You have them in church for a few hours a week while they are in school being taught evolution and unbiblical teachings the majority of their waking hours. In order to see results in the bus ministry, you need to treat the bus ministry as a life commitment, NOT a Sunday only passing fad.

For many years my wife taught our junior girls class. She averaged 70-90 junior girls every week for nearly 20 years. She was successful at it because it was her ministry every day of the week, not just on Sunday! Because of this investment, the class she once taught is now being taught by girls who were in her class. Sometimes you may get weary in the bus ministry. Just keep pressing on! Exactly 26 years after I started riding the bus I became the pastor. Years of faithfulness of my bus captain resulted in the next pastor of our church. Next month the Pape family leaves for the Dominican Republic to begin ministry there. We are excited and honored to be their sending church. Cynthia was saved because of the bus ministry. For many years our buses and vans picked up a young Indian boy named, Shank. Shank is now our bus director. A few Sundays ago a young man saved in our bus ministry drove a bus for the first time after getting his CDL. I can go on and on about the results of the bus ministry. Let me simply say, if one person were saved it would all be worth it, but the facts are thousands have been saved. We have had 765,000 people ride our vans and buses to church. Scores of families have been touched by the bus ministry of WBC. The work is our responsibility and the results are GOD’s! HE ALWAYS DELIVERS!

Lastly, I think of the rewards of the bus ministry. I believe Jesus is coming soon! One day we will stand before the Lord and we shall be rewarded for our work and labor of love! May I remind you that Jesus sees all that you are doing. You may not see immediate results from your work in the bus ministry, but God sees the impact you are making. One day, through your faithful and consistent service, you will hear those words from our precious Saviour. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” I believe we will all be able to say the words of the famous song as it relates to the bus ministry “…it will be worth it all when we see Jesus!”

The Bus ministry! IT CAN STILL BE DONE!! Make the investment!

William Tyson
Pastor
Woodlawn Baptist Church
Bowie, Maryland
www.wbcbowie.org

by: Bruce Goddard

We live in a world that works very hard to explain God’s Word and righteousness in their own terms. Our society redefines love, sin, addictions, laziness, guilt, and many other things. What is sad is when the world tries to redefine or eliminate greatness.

I heard a pastor criticize loyalty and “blind followers.” It just seems to be a difficult thing for some to accept that a group of people would trust and follow their pastor. This pastor mentioned these verses;

1 Corinthians 4:16, “Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.”

1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

He said. “Paul said those things and you are not Paul.” Rebuking pastors who would have the nerve to put themselves in that context. I am OK with that if a guy wants to fuss about it, but there are so many other times God speaks of this principle;

1 Thessalonians 1:6 says, “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:”

Now this is suggesting the people follow a group called “US.” That is more than Paul, but maybe some would suggest this is first century Apostles, not the pastor in “small town” America. OK, if a guy wants to go there, but what about verses like these?

Hebrews 13:7, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

Hebrews 13:17, “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.”

This is not a passage about apostles, it is to the one teaching the Bible. The spiritual leader.

I have always suggested believers pick their leaders carefully. I have suggested that if a Christian could not trust their pastor that they should find another one. Anyone who has read the Bible knows there are false teachers. We know that there are men who were right on tract then they got away from the truth. So, we must wisely pick or even change those who would teach us God’s Word and who would influence our thinking and the thinking of our children. (And that would go for Bible colleges as well.)

The big problem in this critical thinking is the hatred for heroes, the lowering of men to make them common. Our society has for some time been trying to lower greatness and lift up average so we are all the same. Let me be the first to say, there are GREAT MEN! Amazing people! In education, in the ministry, in science, in politics. Who would not lift up the amazing life and courage of Churchill, or Patton, or Jefferson? Yet today we see writers doing their all to demean, especially our founders in America.

As I said, there is much in the Bible about great men and men we should follow. Many of the greatest were soldiers, warriors, and lovers of God at the same time. But look at this one illustration;

2 Corinthians 9:23-24, “Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.”

Paul said the proof of their love would be shown by their proper esteem of these great men, AND DOING SO PUBLICLY.

Verse 24 says, “Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches…” That sure sounds public to me.

Paul said Titus and others were “the glory of Christ.” These men are gifts from God to the church, “the messengers of the churches.” When we try to bring down or demean great servants of God, we are simply showing that we have no clue about Bible love. Paul said to prove your love by lifting up these men before the church.

Again, verse 24 says, “Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love,”

In Paul writes in Ephesians 4:11-12, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”

God gives the church some special people to PERFECT THE SAINTS. These people are gifted to lead, to teach, to fix up the weak spots so we could edify the body of Christ. Some people are amazing preachers, leaders and teachers. Enjoy them! Do not try to demean their gifts.

I have sat at dinner tables with some great preachers, quietly marveling at their insights. One such day I sat with Dr. Bob Gray, Dr. Jack Trieber and a few others, and felt very much out of my league as a young pastor. These were brilliant men with understanding and insight I did not have. The next day the same small group was joined by Dr. Jack Hyles. Suddenly, I noticed the ground was leveled considerably. Brother Hyles’ wisdom and ability to communicate and understand our world was vastly above those I marveled at the day before. He did not lower the others, but he brought us thoughts, truth and wisdom, and we all enjoyed being there in that small personal AMAZING environment.

Enjoy the opportunity to hear greatness. Grasp tightly those few fleeting moments when you may cross paths with brilliant men and women. I am still in awe thinking of conversations my wife and I had with Mrs Marlene Evans. Her perception of life and people was off the chart. She had humor, wisdom, understanding, loyalty and brilliance of mind. We need greatness, we need leaders, we need someone to turn to in our hour of need.

All of these wonderful people God gave to the church are not preachers. Paul wrote of one family who seemed to be something very unusual in the ministry in 1 Corinthians 16:15, “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)”

These amazing people had ADDICTED themselves to the ministry. They were great Christians, above the normal. Heroes! Paul then said what modern critics hate in verse 16, “That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.”

Paul said SUBMIT yourselves to these awesome people. Submit to these heroes. Do things their way, follow their lead, let them chart the course for various events or response to certain trials. Do not follow the smart or the rich or the big talker, follow, “every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.” 1 Corinthians 16:16

Do not let the world rob you of these gifted people who were sent from God to help us be what we could be for the church and the people of God. My life has been enriched beyond measure by the amazing people God has placed around me. Many of my church members I trust completely and follow their suggestions, they are gifted and brilliant! I Love Heroes!

I lift heroes up, I submit gladly to them and their pattern of living. What fool wants the average guy who has succeeded at little, accomplished nothing, who wants him doing brain surgery on his child. No! Give me brilliant minds, give me greatness of character, point me to those who have Divine insights to the Bible and ways to communicate Its life giving truth.

I love heroes!

Bruce Goddard
Pastor
Faith Baptist Church
Wildomar, CA

by: Dr. John Hamblin

Today there is a frontal attack upon the “Faith of our Fathers”! It can be easily seen from shore to shore, and even from state line to state line. Any number of books or blogs at this hour bear the fact that it is “VOGUE” to misrepresent and malign militant fundamentalism. Don’t let anyone fool you, “old time religion,” militant fundamentalism and New Testament Christianity are all ONE in the SAME! If a believer is going to be on the “old paths” tomorrow, then they must be on the “old paths” today. (Jeremiah 6:16) The key to continuing in fundamentalism is cultivating a heart for the “Faith of our Fathers.”

There are seven sky-scraper truths that will keep the child of God having a strong love for “old time” religion.

1.  REMEMBER OUR HEADING.

A sky-scraper truth that will keep the child of God having a real love for “old time” religion is remember our heading. (Jeremiah 18:15) Since perception is projection, you and I must always be mindful of our DIRECTION. If we refuse to, it will reveal itself in our words, walk and even in our attempted work for God. Nobody has to raise the inquiry, “Is the leaning Tower of Pisa, really leaning?” Just like you check the batteries in your house smoke alarm, you ought to check your fundamental direction, OFTEN!

2.  REMEMBER OUR HEROES IN HEAVEN.

A sky-scraper truth that will keep the child of God having a real love for “old time” religion is remembering our heroes in Heaven. (Hebrews 12:1a) Those giants who are gone, have left us some guideposts for our good. When I think of D.L. Moody, Billy Sunday, Bob Jones Sr., John R. Rice, Oliver B. Greene, Tom Malone Sr., B. R. Lakin, Jack Hyles, Carl Hatch, Lee Roberson, Maze Jackson and R.G. Lee, I’m inspired to reject even the slightest suggestion that we need to re-invent or rename fundamentalism.

3.  REMEMBER OUR HIGH WATER MARKS.

A sky-scraper truth that will keep the child of God having a real love for “old time” religion is remember our high water marks. (Psalm 77:14) No matter how many days or even decades, those who are on the “old paths” can give heart-moving testimonies to God’s smile upon their life, family, church and ministry. So why would anyone in their right mind, want to stray from Heaven’s sanctioned sidewalk? With the old songwriter, I’ll just keep singing, “GIVE ME THAT ‘OLD TIME’ RELIGION, IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME.”

4.  REMEMBER OUR HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES.

A sky-scraper truth that will keep the child of God having a real love for “old time” religion is remembering our highways and hedges. (Luke 14:23) For over three decades of being a fundamentalist, it’s been obvious to me that when a preacher, church, ministry or even an individual believer compromises, the very first casualty is the consuming desire to see people reached with the Gospel! The Bible backs this up 100%. You will recall that Mr. Lot was not known for his bold soul winning, but his blatant sin! (Please read Genesis 13:12, Genesis 19:8, Genesis 19:14)

5.  REMEMBER OUR HALLMARKS.

A sky-scraper truth that will keep the child of God having a real love for “old time” religion is remembering our hallmarks. (2 Timothy 3:14) Don’t let this slip from your mind. It’s those who stayed and stood by New Testament Christianity who are known for PREACHING, PRAISE, PERSONAL SOUL WINNING, PURITY (PERSONAL & ECCLESIASTICAL) and PERSEVERANCE. Just mention some of these words to those who openly mock the “Faith of our Fathers” and watch the acrimonious attack that immediately comes your way over those fundamental earmarks.

6.  REMEMBER OUR HYMNS.

A sky-scraper truth that will keep the child of God having a real love for “old time” religion is remembering our hymns. (Ephesians 5:19) Put the very “best” contemporary tune up against any single hymn like, “AMAZING GRACE,” “HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION,” “HIGHER GROUND,” “AT CALVARY”or “JESUS PAID IT ALL” and you are looking at the stark difference of a T-ball substitute and a Major League Hall of Famer! “SELAH” (Muse on that for a moment!)

7.  REMEMBER OUR HEAT.

A sky-scraper truth that will keep the child of God having a real love for “old time” religion is remembering our heat. (Hebrews 12:1) The race that the Christian runs every day of their life should rally them to REMAIN on the “old paths.” Search from Genesis to Revelation and you won’t find a single crown or commendation for those who become spiritual BENEDICT ARNOLD’S of the faith. Sad, but not GAIN, only LOSE will be the sound they hear at the Judgment Seat of Christ. (2 John 8)

It is this evangelist’s earnest prayer that these 7 sky-scraper truths will find a place in the heart of every person who reads this article, and that they would in turn, KEEP A HEART FOR “OLD TIME” RELIGION!

Dr. John Hamblin
Evangelist
https://twitter.com/DrJohnNHamblin

by: Stephen R. Nichols

Proverbs 8:1-3, “Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.”

Years ago when my children were young, the boys shared a bedroom and the girls shared a bedroom. Most of the time, the girls would just go to sleep when you tucked them into bed. However, the boys were another story! I found out years later, they figured out that in our hallway was a sensor light which was connected to our security system. When that little red light blinked, it meant someone was coming down the hallway. When they saw it blink, they would jump into bed and pretend to be sleeping. As soon as they knew we were back out in the living room or wherever, one of them would be the lookout while the other would play Nintendo. Who knew we had 5 and 6-year-old, high-tech felon’s in the house! The little criminals! Well, check that! The little smart ingenious criminals! Their only problem was that they could never keep it 100% quiet in their room. They would make a great play in the game and let out a whispered, “YES!!” or the guy who was supposed to be the lookout would start watching the game the other was playing and forget to watch the little red light. The next thing you knew, we would hear something and go catch them. Their mama and I didn’t know they were using that little red light as their compadre until they grew up and told us last week! Ha! Ha! Well, it wasn’t last week, but it was after they had left for college.

Though we didn’t figure out they were using that little red light sensor to help them commit their crimes against humanity, we did figure out that they were not going straight to bed like we had told them to. Some nights I would pray with them and then I would say, “Alright boys, it’s time for bed! Do you understand?” — Immediately I would hear them say — “Yeth Thur!” “Yeth Thur!” “OK! good! I’m glad you understand this! Now there will be no talking, we are going to go straight to bed boys, do you understand?”  — “Yeth Thur!” “Yeth Thur” — “If I hear you talking or giggling or playing around, you will be getting a spanking, is that understood?” “Yeth Thur!” Yeth Thur!” — So, the reality was that they clearly understood and had been given the wisdom in all of this. I had put forth my voice and cried out to them the importance of heeding this advice. It was right there for them to grab ahold of. It wasn’t hidden, it was right there nice and high up so they couldn’t miss it. It was as our verse says, “in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths…at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.” Yet, in spite of all of the availability of this wisdom to help them make their decision, they would choose to giggle, whisper, play Nintendo, etc. Sometimes, I would say my speech to them, go out the door and hide just beyond their sight. It would usually take about one minute and I would hear one of them throw a dirty sock or something over at the other one and there was a smack followed by a giggle, and just like that the wisdom of obeying dad’s orders went out the window. Suddenly, I would come around the corner and it was spanking time! I would then talk to them in the fashion I learned from my dear ole dad. I would say, “Do you boys enjoy spankings?” Of course they would cry, “NO!” I would then say what my dad always said to me, “Well boys, you are in charge of whether we have spankings or not!” “If you do not want a spanking, then simply obey your father!” — Duh! Really! All we gotta do is obey! Who knew???

I remember thinking to myself as I dealt with those little lawbreakers, “What is so hard about obeying what I said? I just 2 minutes ago stood right by their beds and told them exactly what was going to happen and they both said, ‘Yeth Thur!’” “What in the world is the deal?” You probably are thinking as you read this, “What a couple of goofballs, what were they thinking?” Well, that’s the simple truth of it. They weren’t thinking about the wisdom from dear ole dad, they were thinking of their own selfish desires. The sad truth is, I have this same experience continually with people to whom I preach. I stand up in front of young people and I put the wisdom of God right up in plain sight for them to see. I put it “in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths…at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.” Yet, I watch them in mere moments ignore the clear wisdom of God and make the most ridiculous, foolish decisions imaginable.

God does not hide his wisdom from us. He puts it right there in plain sight in the Bible! He puts it up high (top of high places) so all we have to do is look up and see it. He puts it right in the paths (places of the paths) of our lives, as we enter buildings and other places (at the gates), in our daily activities where we live in our towns and cities (at the entry of the city), and right in the privacy of our lives (coming in at the doors). In other words, God is not hard for any man to find. He has written his law upon our hearts, (Romans 2:15) and He has promised that if any man truly seeks Him, he will find Him. The Bible was given by God to the whole world. God has put it right up there for everyone to see and learn and make use of in their lives.

It is sad that the average human is nothing more than a silly goofball child, more interested in themselves than in the wisdom of the God Who made them. Sadder still is to watch people who claim to be Christians, have God put his directives in His Word, have preachers preach to them behind pulpits, have teachers teach them and authors write to them, and yet they are described in Mark 8:18, “Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?” It is beyond sad to see them act like childish goofballs and forget all about the clear wisdom of God. I have watched so many Christians in my life do their own thing, to have it all blow up in their faces and be under the chastising hand of God, and see them upset and bitter that it’s all happening to them.

Friend, don’t you think it’s time for you to grow up? Don’t you think it’s time to stop all the foolishness that is going on in your life? Don’t you think it is time to stop trying to figure out how to get away with stuff and just obey the Lord? Instead of trying to figure out that if you watch that blinking red light you can jump back in bed and pretend to be asleep before you get caught, why don’t you just decide to look up and see God’s wisdom and apply it to your life? Some of you spend so much time trying to figure out how to get away with sin, that if you even put half of that effort towards doing right you would be giants of the faith! Just remember as you live out the rest of your short vapor here on this Earth, someday you will stand before God to give account of the works done in your body. There will be no excuse for any of us. God has covered all of His tracks, so to speak. He sees everything, He hears everything, and He knows everything! Hebrews 4:13 says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Beyond that, He has gone to great lengths to show the whole world that He loves them and desires a relationship with them. He sent His son Jesus Christ to the cross to pay for their sins and provide a way to Heaven for them, and then He has sent His Holy Spirit to indwell them and to guide them into all truth. He has made everything clear to all of mankind as to what is necessary for salvation and what He expects of His children, so that the whole world stands before him “Without Excuse.”

Consequently, it’s time to stop being an excuse making Goofball Christian! God’s Wisdom is right up there for you to see and grasp. He puts it all around you in every corner of your life. It is of course in His Word for you to easily read! Choose today to become a wise, obedient Christian and “Stop Being A Goofball Christian!”

Stephen R. Nichols
Pastor
Regency Baptist Church
Orangevale, CA

by: Dr. Bruce Goddard

The title seems deeply foolish, but let me explain.

Recently, as in the past, we find mockers who act as if you are so stupid for fussing over little things. One recently mocked the lines some have over-pleated culottes or non-pleated. Let me add to that, how about the foolishness of fussing over the hemline, two inches below the knee or two above, or how about six inches below or six inches above. I mean, they are just foolish lines only the ignorant fight over. By the way, whatever your line, have one. I don’t mind your line differing from mine, but be man enough to say where right ends and wrong begins.

Let’s make this more clear, was his foot touching the three point line or not, I mean, it is only an inch or two difference, why is everyone fighting over that? Honestly, why fuss over the goal line, really, it is only a few inches one way or another, why are you fighting over if he crossed the line or not?

Don’t let someone mock you for standing somewhere, for if you are not standing somewhere you are not standing at all. The guy who mocks your stand, has none. The guy who laughs loudest at your fussing over a line between right and wrong has a youth department that does not understand right and wrong. If you have no line, then you have no line and anything goes.

As kids we heard stories of one boy provoking another to a fight saying something like,”Step over that line.”

We hear parents and even law enforcement personnel who have said things like, “They have crossed the line.”

There are of course property lines, state lines and national lines, all of which change jurisdiction of authorities not to mention tax laws, speed limits, commerce and much more. One of my neighbors has his fence slowly curve and eventually take twenty feet of my property. Now ask again why we fuss over lines? You bought the Devil’s line of stupid thinking, and the price was too high. We all understand there are lines in life.

In church circles I use to face the worldly churches, the rock and roll or praise and worship churches who argued with my “legalistic ideas.” People in these evangelical churches or “Come as you are, leave as you were churches” didn’t like the fact that I preached on music, dress, movies, dances etc. They felt it was wrong I drew lines between right and wrong.

What is sad is that we recently visited a well known Baptist church where the pastor said something like this, “We cannot put manmade rules or lines about right and wrong about the beat of music or dress or other things in the same category as the Bible.”

Wow! Did that ever sound like the praise and worship, rock and roll, evangelical churches of the last decade. I was not bothered by the last decade’s evangelicals, though that is what they are, they never did stand for separation. What are we coming to when Baptists of today are borrowing the compromising logic of yesterday’s evangelicals?

Lets help today’s Baptists see themselves in the mirror as I tried the last decade with the contemporary churches.

Is there no line on dress? Of course there is! We would not let someone naked walk into our services. So, we do have a line. We may be too cowardly to say where it is, but there is a line. There is a skirt length that any preacher would eventually say is “too short.”

What about music? Would we allow Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift or Rihanna sing in our church? Maybe some would allow it if it got their crowd bigger, but most of our Baptist brethren would not. So there is a line somewhere that they won’t cross. Wow! These shameful manmade lines! I cannot believe how heretical some preachers can be.

There are lines in music, dress, movies, dating and all kinds of activities. Even the public schools have some lines, though so far down the value list of morality that few notice the line exists.

When a preacher criticizes someone having a line, what he is really doing is trying to make his compromise seem more acceptable. He probably had standards at one time and is now shifting the sands in hopes of not offending people in order to build his crowd. He does not want to look like a compromiser. He still wants to be accepted in his Baptist circles and desires to look fundamental, but in reality he is nothing more than the last decades Evangelical.

Dr. Hyles told the story of a church he preached in every year for over 20 years. One day the preacher stood up and apologized for pushing the people too hard. He said he was wrong to push soul winning, standards, and separation. He also never invited Brother Hyles back. I visited that once great church and was shocked at the dead spirit and empty pews. I wonder what happened to the exciting, vibrant ministry that was once there? That is not hard to see. Hey! Why play ball, if the guy keeps changing where the boundary lines are. I’ll go elsewhere to play where the lines are clear, be it a shoe there and a t-shirt here, and the old tree at the end of the field,  but we all played with lines.

Brother Hyles told the story of meeting with Southern Baptist officials at a cafeteria. His church was the fastest growing and most popular in the convention. The summary of the meeting was that he needed to stop naming sin. He could preach against it, but stop naming in specifically. He in turn slammed his hands on the table and yelled that he was not for sale. That day every meeting he had been scheduled to preach at was canceled. Brother Roloff called him and said,”Bro. Jack, you’re dead ain’t you?” Brother Hyles replied, “Yes.” Brother Roloff continued, “Nobody ever got resurrected until they died.” Brother Hyles would joke, the “Three R’s” got him in trouble: Roloff, Rice, and Roberson. What it was that hurt him was the preachers who wanted a crowd without offensive lines.

Don’t be afraid of drawing some lines, you are in good company. Our choice is to associate with the compromising contemporary churches of the last two decades or the men who built our Baptist movement, Roloff, Hyles, Roberson, Rice and Norris. If you need help to explain this more on the wave length of most preachers, ask about the lines in the sweet sixteen ball games. They will understand that even if they don’t understand the Bible.

These Baptist compromisers will stand up in their living room and yell at the ref over a missed call, and if it was or was not across the line, then they will turn around and yell at you for having some lines in your convictions. Don’t let that crowd bother you. They are blind leaders of the blind. Draw your lines.

Bruce Goddard
Pastor
Faith Baptist Church
Wildomar, CA
www.thepreachersfriend.com

by: Jason Williams

I grew up around guns.

I shot my first gun at age 5 and began hunting with my dad and brother soon after. I owned my first gun when I turned 13, and my dad taught me to use a gun safely and effectively to provide food for and to defend my family.

I have always been against gun control because I understood that a gun is simply a tool and I knew how to safely use the weapon I held.

Recently, my very close friend was murdered by a boy with a gun. I have to admit, during that time my emotions bounced from confusion, to anger, sadness and despair. In all of this, I began to question how a thug could own a gun and use his rights to own a gun to take away my friends right to live. I even took a break from most of my work and writing to get alone and sort all these feelings out.

I have thought long and hard about this issue as the weight of my friends passing hit home.  He was killed by a weapon that I have defended. Did I contribute to his death? How can anybody kill another person? Could tougher gun control laws have prevented this? Is gun control any different than drug control? All of these questions raced through my head this week as well as a thousand others as I prepared for my friends funeral.

Finally, after a lot of thought and prayer and anguish, I have come to these conclusions.

1. A gun did not kill my friend, another person did.

2. This man who killed my friend did not follow the laws in obtaining a gun, so why should we expect new laws to change that?

3. People have always used good things to do bad things. (Look up the story of Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis)

4.  More laws cannot change the fact that bad people do bad things.  Only Jesus can change people.

I have changed my mind on gun control countless times during this time, and finally have arrived at the conclusion that a gun can be used for good or for evil.

Pray for me as I continue to struggle with this and for the family of my friend as they deal with this loss.

Jason Williams
Assistant Pastor
High Street Baptist Church
Columbus, OH
churchonhigh.wordpress.com

by: Emily Carstens and Mitchell Haley

Wednesday came too fast for most people. It was a day to learn new things, but also a day to end the 2014 National Old Paths Conference. Split sessions were from nine until eleven. The ladies session once again was privileged to hear from Mrs. Buchanan. She taught miniature lessons during the question and answer session that took place during the first hour of the ladies split sessions. She backed up what the preachers during the week have been saying that advice is good to get, but the best advice is from the Bible. The teen ladies ensemble sang, “Jesus is coming soon.”

In the men’s session at nine, Bro. Buchanan taught on having a “Wartime Lifestyle.” There are three battles that a Christian will face. The first type of battle is for family. The second is battling for the church. Thirdly, Christians will battle for their heart. He gave five points to having the wartime lifestyle. First, one must be willing to sacrifice willingly. Second, when separation must happen, separate nobly. Thirdly, submit willingly. Next, one must surrender unconditionally. Last, one must unquestionably obey God.

Still in the men’s session, a college men’s quartet sang the song, “When God Dips His Love in my Heart.” Dr. Gray proceeded to teach pastors how to take advantage of the different outreaches each church could have. He did this by describing the different Saturday ministries the Longview Baptist Temple participates in each week.

At ten, in the ladies session, both Mrs. Domelle and Mrs. Gray taught a lesson. Mrs. Domelle spoke on her favorite Bible character, Hannah, the mother of Samuel. Mrs. Domelle gave pointers about having a better prayer life. First of all, pray specifically. Next, pray persistently. Next, one must pray believing that God will answer the prayer. Next, a person’s prayer life should never cease. Last of all, one should pray fervently. After Mrs. Domelle spoke, Mrs. Gray spoke about the subject, “Have you Prepared yourself for the Storms.” She emphasized that storms will come, but God is in control every step of the way.

At eleven everyone came back together into the auditorium for the final morning session of the conference. The Texas IBS chorale sang two songs, “Embrace the Cross” and “There Is.” After they sang, Bro. Domelle came up to teach a lesson on Developing the Personal Touch with people.” He gave eight points starting with walking slowly through a crowd and ending with always pointing people back to Jesus.

The evening service was full of excitement for the final night of preaching. The LBT choir opened the service with “Amazing Grace.” After the first congregational, Dr. Gray called all the men down for one final time of prayer to beg God to speak to them. Pastor Greg Clark and Pastor David Owens both were asked to pray for the meeting. It was very evident after the time of prayer that God was about to do something special.

Bro. Domelle preached first on “Bringing the Walls Down.” He gave six points to use to bring down the walls in each city as well as in each life of each person present. First of all, crossing over is a must. Second, one must be there. Third, walk around your city and go soul winning. Next, show your support for the preacher by shouting every one in a while. Do not give up. Lastly, God’s presence has to be with you if God is going to do something. He challenged the church and delegates to leave the conference and with God’s help bring down the walls of their city. After Bro. Domelle’s sermon an invitation was held and the altars were filled with Christians making a commitment to help bring down the walls of their city.

The Texas IBS chorale sang again. They sang “Psalm 139,” The Resurrection Morn,” and a special request of “There Is “ again. Dr. Gray came to the pulpit to use what voice he had left to preach the Word. His and Bro. Domelle’s sermon tied in together.

Dr. Gray preached on having “Unfeigned faith.” He explained that we can only have unfeigned faith if our faith is evident and not hidden. First of all, unfeigned faith has to start somewhere. Secondly, unfeigned faith must be grounded in the Scriptures. He emphasized having children read their Bible starting when they are young. Lastly, unfeigned faith will help someone overcome shortcomings. He stressed the importance of Christians being transparent in their Christian life and not to put on a show. Another altar call was held and people flooded the altar even before the altar call was given.

Everyone is already looking forward to the National 2015 Old Paths Conference. A special VIP registration was held after the service for people who wanted to register for next year’s conference. It was evident by those registering for next year and the spirit of the people after the conference that God moved in the hearts and many were looking forward to next year. Hope to see you there on March 23-25, 2015.

by: Emily Carstens and Mitchell Haley

Tuesday started off in a teaching mode. The nine o’clock session was opened with a lively congregational. Dr. Gray then came up to remind the congregation of what God spoke to hearts about the night before. He reminded the crowd of the importance of being “One of Them.” The Victory Trio sang, “Is Anything Too Hard For God?” posing the question as well as reinforcing the truth. After another congregational, Bro. Martinez sang an uplifting song, “He Ransomed Me.”

Dr. Gray then came up to teach a lesson on, “Developing a Morality Mindset.” He emphasized that the purity of heart will show as purity on the outside of a Christian. He went through seven steps to develop that mindset. First, one must realize his depravity. Next, he must insulate himself with morals. Next, he must realize the boundaries he keeps in relation to his struggles. Fourth, he must develop this mindset through the failures of others. Next, one must deal with the first thought so there will not be a second thought. A person must also learn to develop his morality mindset through associations and the right kind of activity. He closed out by saying that the more godly the activity is, the more moral a person will become.

Right after Dr. Gray, Bro. Domelle taught a lesson on “Developing Your Discernment Skills.” He gave five words that will help a person develop his discernment skills. First is terminology, or the words people use. Next, are the associations a person keeps. Third, is a Scriptural stance taken. Next is music. And last of all, are references or who people promote.

From ten until twelve, split sessions were held with the men remaining in the auditorium and the ladies meeting in the fellowship hall. The Longview Baptist Temple teen ladies ensemble sang, “Sweet Jesus” before Mrs. Buchanan spoke to the ladies on the subject, “Some Things I’ve Learned in Forty-Five Years in the Ministry.”

Through jokes and serious illustrations, she taught the ladies many different lessons that she has learned during her time in the ministry, such as being thankful for trials and learning to do right no matter what others are doing.

In the men’s session, Bro. Domelle spoke first on the subject, “Not being the One.” Taken from Luke 9:62, Bro. Domelle emphasized that being wrong minded will cause one to go the wrong direction and to have the wrong kind of preparation. He relayed seven kinds of problems that can cause someone to turn back: marriage problems, moral problems, ministry problems, money problems, methodology problems, motive problems, and mental problems. He taught to avoid being that kind of person one must know what he believes. He must know his weaknesses. He must be honest with his spouse. Lastly, he must find someone from whom he can get help.

After singing, “Without the Blood,” Bro. Martinez then spoke about “The Benefits of Godly Music.” He explained first that godly music promotes holy living. Next, godly music will set someone’s spirit right. Thirdly, godly music will remind us of Heavenly music. Godly music will convict someone. Last of all, godly music will heal the weary.

Bro. Buchanan spoke last during the men’s split sessions on, “The Emerging Church.” His message was to warn the pastors of the growing group of people who believe in the kingdom of God, in a universal church, and in a one-world government. He described their message that they do not believe that Jesus is coming to judge the wicked, that Hell was invented by the Pharisee, and that there is no need for the blood of Jesus. Bro. Buchanan also described the citizens of this emerging church. They believe most people are already part of it, that one can opt out of Heaven, that all races and religions encompass it, and that everybody can be a winner.

Tuesday night was opened up by the LBT choir singing and inspiring song, “To Rescue a Sinner Like Me” reminding the congregation that no matter how good one thinks himself to be, Jesus still came to die for every sinner. The men once again came down to pray for God’s power on the service with Bro. Scott Thomas, pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas, starting off the prayer and Dr. Bob Gray Sr. finishing it up.

The Joy Trio then came up and sang two songs, “Only the Redeemed” and the “We Shall See Him Medley.” After a congregational, Bro. Martinez sang, “I Sing Because” and “Faces” eliciting “Amen’s” across the auditorium.

Bro. Buchanan then preached his second and final evening message for this conference entitled, “Reproducing Reproducers.” He emphasized in the sermon that God meant for every creature to reproduce after its kind to fill the earth. In the same way, Christians need to reproduce by going soul winning so that way the world can be replenished with soul winning Christians. An altar call was held, and many people responded by going to the altar and yielding to the Holy Spirit conviction.

Bro. Martinez came up again to sing, “At Calvary” and “Five Rows Back.” He urged the congregation to never lose the wonder of their salvation. Bro. Domelle then came up and preached, “Another Generation.” He expressed his concern about America raising a generation that does not know God because the current generation is starting to back up on their standards and easing up. He gave six points illustrating his message. First, he said that there is nothing wrong with the old paths. Next, he reminded that the old paths made us who we are. Third of all, the old paths are not a technology but rather a faith, doctrine, and practice. Next, Christians should stop copying and start seeking. Fifth, Christians need to separate themselves from those who criticize and minimize the old paths. Lastly, Christians need to work the old paths. He ended his sermon with two questions that need to be asked: what are you doing with the old paths and why?

People started to move to the altar before the prayer was even started. It was evident that God spoke to many people about sticking to the old paths so that the next generation will know what God has done and stick to the old paths themselves. After reminders about the Wednesday morning sessions and a little change from this morning’s sessions, Bro. Martinez came up to sing one more song entitled, “I’m Still not Over That I’m Under the Blood,” ending the night with many “Amen’s.”