Ask For The Old Paths

Dr. Hobbs and his wife have helped five churches grow. These churches did not grow because ungodly changes were initiated into the worship. They grew because the Word was taught and preached, people were loved and invited into our home, and we visited the vistors and newcomers in the community. God's word clearly teaches the gospel message must not be changed. The apostle Paul said "Hold the pattern" (2 Tim. 1:13) and "Hold the teachings" that come through the written Word (2 Thess. 2:15). We are "not to go beyond what is written" ( 1 Cor. 4:6). One day we will be "judged out of the things which were written in the books" (i.e. the books of the Bible--Rev. 20:12). Jesus said, "The word which I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48). It is absolute and total foolishness to depart from the word of God. In 722 B.C. North Israel was destroyed by the Assyrians. Around 627 B.C. Jeremiah is called by God to preach to Judah (southern Israel). Jehovah said in Jeremiah 6:16, "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." How sad and tragic! Because of their sin and disobedience, God destroyed Judah in 586 B. C. Many died from the sword and famine. We will be wise if we learn from their sins (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:1-11). God's people must learn that just because something is appealing to the unchurched--this does not make it acceptable to God Almighty. God must be worshipped "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Just like Josiah initiated a restoration movement, we need to do likewise. We must return to God's word and follow the pattern set forth therein. Without apology Dr. John Hobbs believes in the authoritative word of God!