{"id":12376,"date":"2026-10-11T23:22:38","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T04:22:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kachelman.com\/ukraine\/blog\/?p=12376"},"modified":"2026-10-12T10:56:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T15:56:19","slug":"trip-report-5-seeking-the-old-paths-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kachelman.com\/ukraine\/blog\/2026\/10\/11\/trip-report-5-seeking-the-old-paths-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Trip Report #6\u2014\u201cSeeking the old paths\u2026\u201d (2)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The class is a very enjoyable task, and the attention is focused. While I have uncovered several historic anecdotes within Ukraine\u2019s history, I strive to establish the biblical principles that offer a foundation for the continuing presence of the Lord\u2019s Church in Ukraine. Here are some of the principles that are stressed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seed principle stated in Genesis 1:11.<\/em> The text reads, \u201cThen God said, \u2018Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit according to their kind with seed in them\u2019; and it was so.\u201d This principle is universal. The \u201cseed\u201d that is produced yields the exact product from which it came! This is true naturally, socially (although the \u201cproduct\u201d from a corrupt social seed can choose to be different), and especially spiritually. Spiritually, there are those who replicate their father, the Devil (John 8:44). BUT, there are those whose life\u2019s choices reflect the \u201cseed of the Word of God\u201d (Luke 8:11). If we plant (teach) the Word of God, and that seed germinates in the honest hearts, people will be just as those in the First Century! Teaching ONLY the Word of God results ONLY in the beliefs and practices of New Testament Christianity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The spreading principle announced in Colossians 1:6, 23.<\/em> The \u201cseed\u201d of the gospel spread over the entire known world. God\u2019s spiritual soldiers tirelessly marched into \u201call the world\u201d following the Lord\u2019s orders. This spreading principle certainly applies to Europe and other regions impacted by trade and social integration in the First Century. I was asked, \u201cWhen was the Church of Christ first registered in Ukraine?\u201d The answer: When the gospel was preached, people obeyed God\u2019s commands of belief, repentance, confession, and immersion. At this point they were taken \u201cout of the world\u201d and placed \u201cinto Christ\u201d (Colossians 1:13). As soon as these saved souls gathered together in a congregation, they were \u201cregistered in Heaven, and God\u2019s lampstand was placed in their midst! There is certainty that the New Testament Church was established in Ukraine during this \u201cspreading\u201d period. This principle holds true today\u2014the Lord\u2019s Church does not exist because of \u201cnew changes\u201d but it exists today because it follows exactly the traditions of Scripture that guided the First Century Church (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Remove, lessen, redefined, reimagine these traditions and the Lord\u2019s Church begins to wither, wilt, lose members and eventually the lampstand is removed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biblical principle of restoration.<\/em> Two biblical characters illustrate this principle. The clearest is King Josiah (2 Kings 22, 23; 2 Chronicles 35) and Jonadab (Jeremiah 35). The biblical principle is clear: if the rules have been lost, let us return with a fearless determination to follow only the authority and directives of God! Forget rethinking. Forget reimagining. Forget the new and hold to the old! \u201cSeek the old paths\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The divine assurance principle stated in Daniel 2:44; Hebrews 12:25.<\/em> God\u2019s Church will \u201cnever be destroyed\u201d! This divine assurance means that God\u2019s Church has existed throughout civilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having established these biblical principles, there is a principle in secular recorded history that should be considered. Only the \u201cmacro,\u201d never the \u201cmicro.\u201d The prominent, large events, persons, and organizations are included in the secular histories. Many events are left unrecorded in history\u2014these were real, historic events, but were \u201cinsignificant\u201d to the secular eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout history, there are small, regional movements that are \u201cunder the radar\u201d of the broad brush of history. I am confident that the \u201cKingdom, which will never be destroyed,\u201d perfectly fits into this \u201cinsignificant pigeonhole\u201d of secular history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With each class, these principles were reviewed and placed in the context of the night\u2019s study!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As noted previously, the class and fellowship atmosphere is wonderful. Joy bubbles to the top. There are those eager to just do anything to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThrough your prayers\u201d (Phlm 22), this trip will see multiple successes as \u201cdoors of opportunity\u201d open (Colossians 4:3)!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you for your constant prayers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John L. Kachelman, Jr., UKRAINE MISSIONS, Dalraida Church of Christ, Montgomery, AL<\/p>\n\n\n\n