Samuel Johnson's Quote

The following is a quote I like. Don't know anything about the author, but giving credit where credit is due, I am letting you know Sam Johnson wrote it. He said...

"The fountain of contentment must spring up in the mind. He who hath so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts and multiply the grief he proposes to remove."

In other words, the only way we will be content is when we spend time trying to improve ourselves, instead of trying to change everyone else! Sounds like a good "life-lesson" to me. Trying to change everyone else just makes you miserable.

“Longing For God’s Word”


Psalm 119:20 and 40 state very interesting thoughts that I think are worth studying. In verse 20 we read, “My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.” Verse 40 says, “Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.”

Go back and read these verses again, for they reveal much. Notice that David did not merely say he longed for God’s word. He longed for it “at all times” (v. 20). This verse is similar to Psalm 1:2 which tells us that the wise man meditates upon God’s word “day and night”! Verse 40 says he recognizes that it is God’s word that has life-giving (“quickening”) power. On seven other occasions in Psalm 119 alone, David repeats his praise for the life-giving power of God’s word.

As I read those statements, I thought about myself. Can I say that I truly long for God’s word? Can I say that my soul breaks for longing for His word, and that I want to hear it “at all times”? Friends, do we see what a high priority David placed upon God’s word? What priority do we give God’s word? Within the Bible, we find the instructions for salvation from sin (i.e., new life). We also find sustaining power within the Scripture, for the Bible is our soul’s sustenance (I Pet. 2:2; Heb. 5:14).

In our society, we recognize our dependence upon food. We know that eating a proper diet has life-sustaining power for our bodies. But, are we ready to admit that the Bible has life-giving and sustaining power for our souls? David, the king of Israel, recognized it! Though a mighty king, a great warrior, and though he had power over a nation, he readily confessed his dependence upon the word of God. Jesus stated this as well when He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). How much more ought we confess such when we understand that we are in need of that life-sustaining power today?

When we appreciate God’s word the way David did, we will not want to hear the experiences, philosophies, and creeds of men. We will only want to hear the pure, unadulterated, complete, and simple word of God (Acts 10:33). We will readily say as Paul did, “Preach the word” (II Tim. 4:2)!! When we humble ourselves as David, we will understand the words of Job who said, “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). Let us read the Bible again “for the first time” and glean the blessings!

The Adoption Of Sons

I have had the privilege to witness families adopt precious children into their families. How wonderful this is. No doubt you know folks who have adopted children in times past, and have been witnesses to their joy upon the completion of the adoption process. These parents now have a child that is “theirs.” We certainly rejoice in such actions, and pray God’s blessings on those families who adopt children and want to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Adoption is a special situation that ought to make those who have been adopted feel loved and needed. Why say this?

1) No child who is adopted into a family could be said to have been “unwanted.”

2) The adopted child was specifically chosen by the adoptive parents.
a) In some cases, the children to be adopted are old enough to make their choice known that they wish to have Mr. and Mrs. “X” as parents. Therefore, in some cases, not only have the parents chosen their child, but the child chose the parents!

3) Regardless of what the child’s surname might have been before the adoption, after the adoption, that child takes his/her new parents’ name.

4) This adopted child now has rights and an inheritance in the family just like what would be enjoyed by a “biological” child.

As I thought about parents who adopt children, I thought about how when one becomes a Christian, the New Testament compares that to an adoption. For example, Paul said that Christ came to this world in “the fulness of time” with a purpose: “to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal. 4:4-5). Paul wrote to the Roman Christians and said, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15). Not only do we read about “adoption” in Galatians 4 and Romans 8, but also Romans 9, and Ephesians 1. The word “adoption” as is used in the KJV means basically what we would think it means: “the placing as a son, i.e. adoption (figuratively, Christian sonship in respect to God)” (Strong’s). Some Bible versions use the terms: “sonship,” or “the place of a son,” in addition to “adoption.” This certainly gets the point across when “adoption” is equated to “the place of a son!” From these passages, we see that those who are Christians are considered “adopted children” of God. Why might this be so? It is because there is only one who is called the “only begotten” son of God, and that is Christ (Jn. 3:16)!

In thinking about adoption, can we see how spiritual adoption and physical adoption are similar? I believe I see several similarities.

1) Every child of God is “wanted.” Anyone who has become a Christian did not do so without God’s (as well as their own) consent! Anyone who will become a child of God had to hear God’s word, believe it, repent of sins, confess Christ, and be baptized (Rom. 10:17; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 10:10; I Pet. 3:21). When one did this, the Bible said they were saved by (God’s) grace, through faith (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 2:11-12). God wants all men saved from sins (II Pet. 3:9; I Tim. 2:4), and added to the Lord’s body (Acts 2:47).

2) Every one who would be a Christian is chosen by God, and every one who would be a Christian chooses God. This point varies somewhat from a physical adoption because when folks adopt an infant, that infant did not “choose,” like an older child might have. Yet, for each Christian, he/she is old enough to make that decision. We see God’s choice in the matter when we learn of God’s plan for redeeming man by sending His Son to die for us (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 53; Jn. 3:16; etc.). The salvation of both Jews and Gentiles was in God’s “eternal purpose” (Eph. 3:11)! Seeing God has done all He is going to do to save us, it is then up to each individual to choose to respond to God’s plan in love and obedience (Jn. 14:15). When we make this choice, we are going to be a part of God’s family, His “adopted sons.”

3) Every child of God takes on His name. In Acts 11:26, we read, “...and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” This verse is a fulfillment of a prophecy spoken by Isaiah. Some 700 years before Christ came to this earth, God said, “Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off” (Isa. 56:5). Later in the book of Isaiah, it is said, “And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name” (Isa. 62:2). The third passage stating this fact is found in Isaiah 65:15. All of these prophecies show that the “name” the disciples were called (Christians) was a name given by divine inspiration!

Therefore, when one is baptized for the remission of sins, that person becomes a Christian (Acts 11:26; I Pet. 4:16). If someone wishes to be called by another name, then we know that this person is not a child of God! What would we think if an adopted child so loved by adoptive parents, and so cared for by them would not take their name? What ingratitude! How much more is this the case when folks claim to be God’s children, but take the names of men (Wesleyan, Lutheran, etc.), of practices (Baptist, Methodist, etc.), of systems (Orthodox, etc.), of days (Pentecostal, etc.), instead of taking the name of Christ!

4) Every child of God has rights and a spiritual inheritance with God. If you are not sure about this, please read what Paul said in Romans 8:17. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” A similar statement is made in Galatians 4:7 as well. In fact, when Christ spoke to Paul on the road to Damascus, He said one of Paul’s responsibility was to “open (the Gentiles’) eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).

A Christian’s blessings of prayer (I Thess. 5:17), of fellowship with God and Christ (II Jn. 9), of having an advocate (I Jn. 2:1), of fellowship with saints, of being “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37), of having redemption from sins, of having an “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven...” (I Pet. 1:4) etc., is all due to the fact that we are adopted children of God. All of these great blessings, privileges, and this great inheritance belongs to all of those in God’s family, and belongs to none of those outside of God’s family!

Conclusion

What a great blessing it is when one can be a child of God. May we never take this privilege for granted, but show our gratitude to God for all He has done to make our salvation possible. One becoming a Christian is a great change in his life. Just as one who is physically adopted into a family changes his/her “family tree,” so is this true with those who are Christians. They are no longer in the kingdom of darkness, but in the kingdom of His dear son (Col. 1:13). No longer is a Christian a servant to sin, but a servant to God (Rom. 6:16-18).

Are you a child of God? If not, why not? If you are a Christian, does this not give you a greater appreciation for God?

The Story Of Mike Brown's Conversion

On April 12, 2006, I was first introduced to Mike Brown. Our brother Dale Barnes (currently preaching in Caneyville, KY) had known him for over 10 years, as Mike worked at his deer processing plant in those years. Dale asked me to go with him and to talk with Mike about being baptized because he recently discovered he had cancer (severe), and Dale thought such a visit would get him to thinking about his soul.

We went to Mike’s house around 10:00 a.m. and talked with this kind soul, who was already feeling the effects of cancer. He was thin, and already having “good and bad days,” but this day was a good one (and soon to get better). I met one of Mike’s sisters and after exchanging pleasantries (including learning that we HAD BEEN TO HIS HOUSE IN NOVEMBER, when we passed through inviting people in the neighborhood to church), Dale began to speak. As Dale led the conversation, he asked Mike about his conversion and if he had ever been baptized for the remission of sins. Mike said, “No,” and Dale continued. He read from Mark 16:16 (“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”), Acts 2:38 (“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”), then Acts 22:16 (“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”), and I Peter 3:21 (“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ”). He wove those verses together, showing how they all pointed to the necessity of being baptized for the remission of sins if he wanted to go to Heaven.

As he continued, Dale asked Mike if he’d be interested in being baptized, and Mike said “Yes.” Dale asked, “When?” and Mike said, “Now!” When asked, “Why?” He said to be forgiven of his sins. Based upon what we had discussed, such questions and answers showed Dale, and me that Mike knew what he was doing and was ready.

His sister stopped us to ask if we thought we should call someone from the Bellevue Baptist church, and Dale answered, “No. This is Mike’s decision, and not theirs. If Mike wants to be baptized, then we will go right now.” Mike again consented, and we all headed over to the church building. Yes, this was a “good day” health-wise for Mike, and was going to get better. Before leaving, we called for Don Barnes to come with us, and he was there in a moment, ready to assist in any way he could.
Upon entering the church building, we talked for a moment and then we discussed who would do the baptizing. I deferred to Dale, but Dale insisted that I do it. We talked some more, and then asked Mike to make the “Good Confession” before his baptism (The confession of one’s faith: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”, Acts 8:36-38; Matt. 16:16; Rom. 10:10). Then Mike changed into another garment so he would have dry clothes to wear home, and I put on the waders in preparation for following the Bible pattern where he would be baptized (immersed in water) so his sins would be forgiven. In a few moments, I baptized Mike into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). According to Scripture, he was added to the Lord’s church at that time (Acts 2:41, 47). Before leaving, Don Barnes led a prayer, and then Mike went home, exhausted and happy.

I made a point to see him on Friday (April 14), and he was sitting outside on his porch swing. He was having a good day again, and commented upon how great he felt and how happy he was. He was glad for his baptism, and was glowing as I looked upon him that day. As we talked, I learned that Mike had had a visitor Wednesday evening following his baptism. A Catholic priest stopped by to visit, and upon telling him about his baptism that day, the priest basically said it was fine for him to do, but it wasn’t necessary. Mike said that it was necessary, and referred him to the very passages that Dale had cited earlier in the day. The priest said no more! We talked some more on that Friday, and he told me his plans for being with us in the worship services that following Sunday (April 16).

Sadly, Mike would never gather with the saints on earth. His health began to quickly deteriorate. I came to visit him at different times, and to pray with him. One day in April Mike made the point of telling me that he had subscribed to cable just so he could watch our television program (channel 52). He knew he could not assemble with the saints due to his failing health, but also knew he could sit and study from God’s word a few nights a week as he watched the program. At different times in the following days, we talked of the day he was baptized, including the final Sunday I saw him alive (May 14, 2006). By this time, Mike was emaciated, but told me he was “ready to go.” His girlfriend was present, and I told him (in front of her) how I also knew he was ready, and then recounted the story of the day of his conversion on April 12. He said, “Yes, Yes” in agreement at times, and I then led a prayer before I left. He died on Friday, May 19, 2006, at 3 a.m.

I was asked to speak at the graveside service on Monday, May 22, and told the story of his conversion to those present. They were mostly Baptist people, satisfied that Mike was “saved” at the point of faith alone some 10+ years ago. At the graveside, I recounted the events of April 12, 2006, quoting the passages Dale used concerning baptism, and showed “why” Mike had hope, and that it was due to his following what the Lord said and being baptized for the remission of sins. I concluded by going back to Ecclesiastes and the words of the wise man, “Fear God and keep his commandments … this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc. 12:13).

I did not know Mike for very long, but feel blessed for the time I had with him. This experience has taught me the need for getting to folks and teaching them the truth while we have the chance!! If we had been a week later, perhaps Mike wouldn’t have been baptized – due to health reasons – too weak to move, etc. This is my motivation for talking with folks and trying to win more folks for the Lord before it is too late – for me or for them (II Cor. 6:2, “...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”)!!!

Why the title "The Old Paths"?

"The Old Paths" is a title that has been near and dear to my heart from some time. It comes from Jeremiah 6:16 where the prophet said, "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." I have used this title for the bulletins I have written for better than 12 years, and thought this would be a good title for the "blog" I am starting. I hope this work will help point folks back to the Bible and back to "the old paths" established by God. I hope this work will be encouraging, challenging, and be used to give God the glory and lead folks to Him.