"And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, where art thou?" (Genesis 3:9)

God, here, was not seeking Adam, as if He did not know where Adam was. For, God said it directly "unto him." God who is all knowing has never needed to ask a question for the purpose of receiving an answer for something He didn't know. He already knows all things. This question is a spiritual one and was posed to Adam because Adam was now in a different spiritual and mental state from that which he had previously been. Adam did that which was contrary to the will of God (he did not heed the commandment. For the love of his family or the want of the world; whatever his reasons were, he partook of that forbidden fruit.) Adam now related to worldly things in a way which he had not known before; he recognized, he was naked (and I believe, he did not know exactly why.)

God posed two more questions to Adam "And He said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? (Genesis:3:11) We are taught in the scriptures, when we fail to obey our Lord, God can give us "over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Romans 1:28)" I believe, this is something we see in Adam here; for he did not have an answer for the first question (he no longer had the understanding of the truth or at least, the depth of the situation.) And to the second question, it looks like Adam became defensive towards God and tried to justify his actions by placing the blame elsewhere: Verse 12: "And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." With this now irrational mind (brought on by failing to strictly adhere to the word of God,) Adam rationalized, it was the woman's fault for giving him of the tree and, well, God gave him the woman!

Do you see, how far and fast a child of God can go astray? With just a little leaven or a little meddling with those things we ought not, or rather, a little taste of that "forbidden fruit" judgment can be taken away. Those to whom this falls upon, many times, don't even know they lack the discernment to know "where art thou?" "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs14:12)

"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence,
and the violent take it by force." (Matthew 11:12)

The true church of God has suffered persecution since our Lord first came to this earth to establish it some two thousand years ago. The true church of God has suffered persecution down through the ages unto this day, and the true church of God will suffer persecution until the end of this time world.

Our Lord told us: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) As long as the children of God, in the church of God are standing in the old paths; those paths established by Jesus Christ, they are going to suffer tribulation in the world (Nevertheless, in Him we will have peace.) It is when we try to make peace with the world or those outside the old paths (concerning the church,) that we begin to go astray. We cannot leave our position, to make peace with anyone or anything, and still retain peace with the Father. James 4:4 tells us that "whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

Brethren, we, many times, tend to have a variableness in our speech. We use the term "liberals" and "ultra liberals" and speak of those that aren't "that bad yet" but just fellowship them that are out of the way. Know this; that there is no variableness in my God and there ought not be any variableness in us when considering the things of God; His church in particular! There is no "middle-ground" in my God. There is no "grey-area," there is no "fence-straddling," because, that which is lukewarm is rejected!

Any time, one tries to meet another "half-way" (even if they are trying to get someone back on the right path) they must move from their original (correct) position onto something else. Any time, one tries to make peace between two sides by balancing somewhere in the middle, they have made themselves lukewarm and therefore are rejected.

There is indeed a fence 'if you will' between the position of truth and the position of error, but he who tries to stand atop that fence, rather than clearly and decisively choosing a position on one side or the other is simply spued out onto the other side (this is the Almighty God's doing and not man's!) You see, if we have been called of God into His church, we have the ability (and indeed, commandment) to heed His Word. Or, we can reject it, but we certainly don't have the ability to ride in the middle. Man may think they are somewhere in the middle (or even, that others are somewhere in the middle,) but this is not possible. God has already placed them on the other side!

Those that reside in the position of error commonly use language like "I don't like to put up bars" or "they are putting up bars" or "can't we just all get along?" when they are speaking of the conservative "old-liners." Brethren, we (conservative's) do not put up bars; we simply acknowledge those bars which the Lord hath set up.

These "bars" we speak of and this "fence" we speak of is in fact the boundary of righteousness which surround the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ. This boundary is unmoveable and absolute! Those that cannot see these "bars" are those whose eyes have not yet be opened or have been blinded by Satan through his influence upon our flesh. If one cannot clearly see this boundary exists, it is not because it doesn't exist, but rather, because they are blind! Moreover; in the examples I have been witness to, when some state that "bars are being put up," it is because they are on the other side and they would seek to tear down that boundary (which cannot be tore down, but only made invisible by the carnal mind.)

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour": (1 peter 5:8)

Satan is infiltrating the church today by using our "natural" love for family and friends or our "sincere" desire to have or make peace (Satan cannot actually infiltrate the church; but what he does, is draw the minds of Her members into a position of error.) It does not matter how much love and sincerity of heart may be behind a man's actions; this does not make those actions right in the sight of God. In Matthew:16:22: Peter had expressed his "sincere" love for Jesus, not wishing for Jesus to suffer the things He must. But what was Jesus' answer? "But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."(Matthew 16:23)

Much of the children of God who once stood in the old paths, who are now standing in a position of error today, are doing so because they have followed a true heartfelt desire pulling them in one direction or another "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"(Jeremiah 17:9)

I recently received a disturbing example of the hearts of men directing their actions in the church of God. Just last Sunday (August, 17^th 2003,) during an introductory sermon and after, during conference and pastor call at a sister church in a neighboring state, the groundwork was staged to relieve an elder of his pastoral duties.

This elder (whom I esteem highly as a minister, called of God, to be a servant unto His people,) has stood fast for the cause of Christ. By the Spirit of God, he has upheld the word of truth, adhering to the commandments set forth in the scriptures concerning Christ's church, to the forsaking of all else. As taught in the scriptures, he has (and I pray, will continue to) warn of wolves in the midst, mark those that cause division, exhort others to "stand in the way," and admonish those that are out of the way.

This is not to esteem the elder higher than I ought. For, these works are simply that which all God called ministers should be doing, according to the word of God. It seems to be a rarity to find elders who are standing in the way as they ought and willing to suffer the persecution it brings. So, it fills my heart with joy, when we see an elder such as this, standing steadfast in the old paths.

Of course, obeying the Lord would not be a stated reason for accusations (or at least accusatory language) towards an elder. But rather, what you commonly find is language akin to this: "what they do is none of our business" and "we don't have the right to impose our beliefs on others" and "we don't like to put up bars" and so on. Furthermore, in an attempt to justify their position of error, what we see commonly shadowing these vain statements of peace is a perverted understanding of this scripture: "And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. Verse 10: And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples". (Matthew 9:9,10) The position of error states, these scriptures teach us that we may sit at meat (fellowship) in the sinner's house (those that are out of the way.) They say, "Christ did it and He is our example." Christ is indeed our perfect example! As I said before and will say again, that is a perverted understanding of the scripture, it is a mirror image, or rather, opposite the truth!

In verse nine, do we see Christ sitting with Matthew as he conducted his business? Of course not! For had Christ done so, it would have added credence or appeared as if Christ condoned Matthew's position and Christ in fact did not justify Matthew's position. Christ said, "Follow me." Which demanded, Matthew leave his current position in order to follow Christ. This example is not for us to fellowship those in error but rather, to exhort them to leave their position and to follow us, as we walk according to Christ. So you see, there is no "middle-ground." Matthew was chosen by Christ, called by Christ and is now walking with Christ, leaving all else behind!

Now on to verse ten. If we look in Luke, we will see that the "house" Jesus was eating meat in was "his" (Matthew's) house (remembering, Matthew was following Christ, just as he was commanded.) Jesus was not eating the meat of error and fellowshipping the house of disorder; He was eating His own meat, in His own house, for it was that of one (Matthew) who was walking according to the commandment of Christ! The sinners and publicans left their current estate in order to eat with Christ, and not the other way around (as those in error would have you to believe.)

I understand the above mentioned scripture and misinterpretation thereof were referenced in the introductory sermon/speech in conjunction with some disorderly accusatory remarks as a means of discrediting the pastor's scriptural stand (speaking of last Sunday's meeting.) Whether the speaker understands this or not; the spirit directing such actions can only be that of darkness, tending to support the position of error and to forsake righteousness!

It truly saddens the heart to see these precious children of God being led away into a position of error, but it was not without warning. Several years ago, I attended one of the association's annual meetings. At this meeting, I heard a pastor of one of the churches state "I am so tire of the fighting." This statement was a little saddening, but I really didn't take notice of his faintheartedness at that time. The following year, while attending another annual meeting at this same association, I heard this same pastor state something about "trying to make peace with everybody." This time, his statement caused a little concern in me. Also, now there were a few more brethren making similar remarks. And last year, a clear line was manifested when we saw those that were fainthearted now justifying the position of error (deceiving themselves into thinking, they were "in the middle" trying to make peace.) And the conservatives not budging, not allowing themselves to be pulled in any direction away from the position of truth. And this year? Except the Lord intervene, I expect a sharp and distinct division in the near future.

This type of progression (or rather, regression) is becoming commonplace around the country and is a sure sign of impending problems in a church. It may begin with a faintheartedness tending towards despair, graduating into making excuses for those in error and openly fellowshipping those that have been marked to be in error (these are now lukewarm.) It finally culminates into the perversion of scripture in order to justify a position of error in doctrine and or practice.

Brethren beware; at the onset of these things, many times, we will find a wolf at the door or in the midst of the flock. He won't look like a wolf; he will be doing his best to imitate one of the sheep! Many, or most of the sheep will not recognize any problems with this one (because "they eateth herbs" or have only "fed on milk,") but unto you who recognize that unfamiliar spirit, watch and pray. For if you sleepeth, you also will become numb to these things and your house too will be broken up!

But what shall we do? How shall we handle such a situation? In Matthew, 22:12-13, when one was recognized, being without the proper attire (wedding garment) which, spiritually, would be manifested repentance, the King (Christ) commanded the servants (ministers) to bind the man hand and foot (his works and his walk) and to cast him out! Do you think David would have suffered wolves to walk in the midst of the sheep he tended to? God forbid! They may have entered into the flock but David surely would have hazarded his very life to slay that wolf!

But aren't the church doors always open? Absolutely! To everybody? Absolutely not! But how shall we judge? We don't (not of ourselves.) God has already judged and set forth His judgment in the scriptures. We must only take action according to the judgment of the King. And His judgment is just!

Brethren, when a child of God comes to the wedding house in that true wedding garment (in the spirit of repentance,) whether they were called from the "dregs of society," from behind the bars of a prison, or from a church fallen into error; we shall accept them as one of God's redeemed and chosen, no worse nor better than any other.

On the other hand, when a man is present amongst the flock, regardless of his stature, who is marked as one to be in error (even if you "don't think" he is, but is just in fellowship with those in error.) If that man does not manifest the spirit of repentance, or especially if that man seeks to justify himself or others in error (which is the absolute opposite of repentance!) Brethren; that man is a wolf and shall be slain! Our King commands us to bind him hand and foot and to cast him out!

Remember how the King greeted him (as "friend.") All things are to be done in the spirit of love. Never in a mean spirit, or a spirit of wrath, revenge or hate. But in love for Christ and His church and love for the brethren.

Brethren, I can't say, your continued vigilance will keep those around you from falling out of the way; only our Father can protect us from the devices of Satan. But if you will be vigilant in adhering to the word of truth, in doctrine and practice, Christ will protect you and will continue to bless you in His kingdom.

And to the elder who has upheld the word of God; my heart goes out to you, for I believe you have suffered grievously and shed many tears over the recent events (for the sake of Christ's sheep.) You have fought the good fight of faith, you have done that which you are called of Christ to do, you have professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Elder, Brother and Friend, keep His commandment without spot, unrebukable, as Christ has given it to you, and as thou hast kept it. Continue in the things which our beloved Lord has blessed you with, and faint not (for the strength thou hast it not thine own; but the Lord has been thy strength, and thy comforter) and my trust is in Christ that you will do the same. God bless and keep you; amen.

And to all others who nameth the name of Christ; and believest that thou holdest the truth in righteousness, is the Lord God calling unto you and saying,

Where art thou?

Some thoughts from an unworthy young elder, with a burden placed upon him. I too wish for peace; not the peace of man, which can be found with compromise, but that peace which comes from above, from the Almighty God and the love of His Son, by earnestly contending for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." (Romans 10:1)

Elder, Chuck Campbell
Zion's Rest, (old-line) Primitive Baptist Church
McAlester Ok.