Evaluation
Maxim 2
Just because something is old, that doesn't make it bad.
Just because something is old, doesn't make it useless or bad. Look at these pictures below. These are pictures of pipe wrenches.
The first one is my grandpa’s. Notice the wood on the handle to allow for a better grip. Notice also the spring that keeps the top of the head pushed in. This is a great wrench.
Now notice the 2nd one. It is my dad’s pipe wrench. It doesn’t have the wood on the handle but still has the spring.
Now examine pipe wrench 3. It is my pipe wrench. No wood handle and no spring. Which one is the better one? Why grandpa’s, of course! This is a great illustration that shows just because something is old it doesn’t make it bad and just because it is new doesn’t make it better!
Everything must be properly evaluated. There are many old things that are good things!
The expression "new and improved" might just be an advertising gimmick to get you to purchase something! Take for example the following "OLD" things that are good essential things to have:
The old, black-back Book-The Bible.
The King James Bible has been around for over 400 years. The lineage of it dates all the way back to the beginning of time and it will be around for all of eternity. It contains the mind, purpose, and way to find God. I believe it has the solution to all of your problems. It not only covers history, it is very up to date, and through the prophecies, tells what is going to happen in the future. It encourages you to "ask for the old paths":
Jeremiah 6:16
"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."
This is very instructive because it gives you the results of asking for the old paths:
"Rest for your souls!"
It also gives the tragic, typical response:
"We will not walk therein."
The old, local church.
The local church has been around since Jesus started the first one; even longer if you consider the nation of Israel in the wilderness (Acts 7:38). The local church is God's organization. It is a good group to join. A local church is essential for the Christian to find God's will, to find a mate, to raise their family, and to find your purpose in life! What makes a good local church? You do! God takes individuals that are unique and puts them together with other unique individuals and uses their talents as skills together to bring Him glory, to educate the children, and to eventually change society! The best form of government, the one outlined in the U. S. constitution, was based upon the pattern of a local New Testament Church. (Please see the section on Good Government). Also, you would be much better off if you were a member of a good local church!
Old, wise saints.
These are not hard to find, but you have to look for them. I find them in church, at the nursing home, and in my own home. God is not done with old people and they have good purpose to pass on their wisdom to the next generation.
The old-time gospel.
The gospel of trusting Jesus as Savior is an old, proven way of redeeming souls. Notice the value in it as recorded in
James 5:20
"Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."
The old-time gospel is based upon "the old rugged cross" on which Jesus died and paid for our sins! It is still just as powerful today as it always has been!
The old hymns.
I don't generally fall out with people over the type of music they listen to. Music is spiritual and affects people differently. But I don't think you can beat the old hymns for worshipping the God who loves you and wants the best for you! These old songs were written and have great inspiration and meaning. They will bring glory to God and rest and worship for your soul! Don't discard the old hymns!