GraceLifer

We Saw Atlas Shrugged

2011-04-18T19:05:00.002-04:00

We went to see the new movie, Atlas Shrugged, Friday evening at Chicago’s AMC theater at River North. It was a fascinating evening. This was the opening weekend of a very limited release.

The venue was very impressive. The theater itself had seating for 950 according to the placard on the wall. It was comfortably full; I’d say at least 700. The most interesting thing about the crowd was that it was at least 80% 30s-and-under; mostly couples and groups of couples. We actually felt like the “oldies” in the group!

The attendees had obviously read the book. There was lively discussion about its contents, about the movies adaptation of its story line and the general philosophy/approach of Rand overall. I would say that if this is the so-called “tea-party-crowd,” then the Tea Party is in pretty good shape.

The movie itself was a bit of a disappointment for me. The acting was ok, I didn’t get the “made for TV” feeling mentioned in some of the critical pans (remember the critics have to be “politically correct” in assessing this most unpolitically correct movie). The not-big-name-actors made it rather refreshing, as the “no-namers” held their own.

My less than satisfying feeling came mainly from the fact that it turns out this is a “Part 1” of what seems to be a planned 3-part effort. You don’t get very far into the book with this part and “who is John Galt” is never answered--the movie ends with the igniting of “Wyatt’s Torch” (a point of info for those who’ve ready the book). If the other two parts get made, this will be resolved but with low budget movies that have taken decades to get this far, that is not a sure thing. I’d have like to have had more resolution of the overall story of the book.

It is a movie well worth seeing. And a book well worth reading. I read the book in the ‘60s and had actually forgotten about it until hearing about the movie. I’m pleasantly surprised it is still being read—and from our observation of the crowd, studied and appreciated.

Which brings me to a point that needs to be made: In our current cultural clamor to reconstruct a society which once again will celebrate individual achievement and enlightened self-interest, we need to be informed about those to whom we give our ear.

Ayn Rand was the “mother” of the Objectivist movement. She (as well as this movement) was outspokenly atheistic and demonstratively anti-religion. Although she/they saw “religion” mainly in terms of Catholicism, she/they rejected out of hand the idea of faith and revelation as the basis for any epistemology (i.e, view of knowledge), code of ethics/values or view of reality. This needs to be understood clearly by those believers who seem to be enamored by her work. Her basic philosophy is anti-god-in-any-and-all-forms.

The Objectivist school bases its understanding of social and societal construct solely on human virtues, reason and intellect, while denouncing as impossibly irrelevant any idea of faith or God. To them the idea of “pride as a virtue” is paramount; the idea it may be a “sin” is scandalous.

For Rand and her followers, both then and now, the watchwords are not faith, God, service; but rather: reason, nature, happiness, man. The absolute, which must guide everything, is the principle of reason; every other idea must meet this test. It is in this approach--in this fundamental rejection of faith--that their philosophy lies. For them, faith is simply “belief in the absence of evidence.”

And it is the propagation of this philosophy that lies at the heart of this novel. When Rand first discussed the publishing of her work with Random House, she reports that she told them, “This work is an extreme, uncompromising defense of capitalism and free enterprise and presents a new philosophy…a new morality….A direct affront to Judeo-Christian values.”

Thus the book works from a premise of abandonment of God, the belief that we have a right to exist for ourselves, opposition to the concept of “sinful” man, the pursuit of happiness as a worthy and ultimate goal coupled with the need for a lack of compassion, charity and humility.

So, my friends, in your search for those to help buttress your economic/political/social model or an idealized Americana, be aware that the Rand model will broach no allowance for a deity, divine revelation or a sinful/in need of redemption man, nor the idea of self-sacrifice as a virtue. No. This is a totally sufficient man, with no need of a belief in an unknown and unknowable “other” and no goal beyond a worthy pride.

It is their view that because this world is of vital importance, the definitive motive of man's action should be the pursuit of happiness. Because the individual, not a supernatural power, is the creator of wealth, a person should have the right to private property, the right to keep and use or trade his own product. And because man is basically good, they insist, there is no need to leash him; there is nothing to fear in setting free a rational animal.

Thus is the ideal of the author of Atlas Shrugged. It is an ideal doomed to fail. See Romans 1:19-25.

Larry Got It All Wrong!

2011-03-25T18:02:00.005-04:00

I don't watch this guy but someone sent me a link to an MSNBC commentator having a melt down last week. Lawrence O'Donnell seems to have flipped out over the Book of Revelation. You can see his extended rant here if you wish. In part he declares:

"The Book of Revelation is a work of fiction describing how a truly vicious God would bring about the end of the world. No half-smart religious person actually believes the Book of Revelation. They are certain that their God would never turn into a malicious torturer and mass murderer beyond Hitler's wildest dreams."

Well, golly-gee-bob! Its wonderful to know that Mr. O'Donnell is so much nicer than the God of the Bible--he would never do such things! Yea, I bet! Odds are he has never personally spent as much as 15 hours in actual examination of the evidence as to whether the Bible is true or not--just going on the word of others to substantiate personal prejudice; but such lack of real investigation seems common in our day for people in Larry's position. It is even more natural for those who are so filled with their own self righteousness.

Anyway, having actually studied the Bible personally for over 40 years I have no doubt about its accuracy. In fact, I am certain that those who read and study the prophecies in the Book of Revelation will be blessed, just as the first three verses of its first chapter declare.

I received the above rant while preparing for a weekend retreat with the elders and deacons of Shorewood Bible Church. What a different group of men, indeed! Although we come from varied backgrounds we have one thing in common: we have come to faith in Jesus Christ as our Saviour and rejoice in the truth of His word. Now there is in our heart a passion to share that wonderful grace with others.

It is a humbling experience to be a part of such a team of godly men; men whose great ambition is to provide one of our nation's greatest meto area with the magnificent opportunity to have a personal, intimate acquaintance with the God Mr. O'Donnel so fears and to enjoy His love and life--the only real life worth living. This is a purpose in life worth having and fulfilling. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.

Larry got it all wrong. Let's pray that one day he might actually hear the gospel of God's love and grace to us in Christ and have his heart "strangely warmed," too. Then he too would have something worth telling the nation!

Maranatha!

Science and Genesis 1:1

2011-03-15T21:05:00.004-05:00

We can look at science and say the Bible is amazingly scientific. To show you how amazing it is, in 1903 a man died by the name of Herbert Spencer--he actually died on my birthday (of course, my birthday came a long time later!). Herbert Spencer was a scientist.

He was heralded by the world, he was given all kinds of prizes as a ground-breaking scientist. His greatest achievement was categorical. It was Herbert Spencer who announced to the scientific world that everything that exists in the universe falls into five categories...one of five...time, force, action, space and matter. That's what he said and he said it in that order...time, force, action, space and matter. Nice going, Herbert.

How about this? "In the beginning," that's time, "God," that's force, "created" that's action, "the heavens," that's space, "and the earth," that's matter. Right there in the first verse.

It's all right, Herbert, you were trying to find it without that verse. Hope others won't.

Maranatha!

I'm Back--Sorta

2011-03-01T18:45:00.003-05:00

It has obviously been a good while since I have posted here. Not that I haven't thought about it, but I can only get so many things done in a day. Frankly, one thing that has taken my energy is my FaceBook page. If you want daily up-dates, that's probably the place to go now. Type in my name, look for my picture among all those who share it and Friend me.

If you don't do fb, well, then there might be enough here to keep you abreast of things. I started blogging after I began my cancer treatments. It was a general way to answer questions about how I was doing. I never intended this to be a "study" site. Now that fb is filling that role, my blog largely got crowded out. I haven't lost interest; just took another route to fulfill that purpose.

So, what to do with this site. I think the best thing will be to put some of my random thoughts here; things that don't really fit on fb. I can link them to fb so folks there can know about them. A blog gives more space and liberty, so I will put some energy back here.

For example: today I finally completed the type setting/editing/lay out for a new study guide. I've been doing a series for TV called Through the Bible In Seven Hours. It is an adaptation of our 7 Mondays seminar. I prepared a study guide to offer viewers and didn't realize how demanding its production was going to be!

Matt Walker made a nice cover for it and now we are getting it printed. The programs start airing in March, I believe, so we'll be sending them out (free of charge to views, by the way) in the next few weeks. Actually, we have already gotten calls for it from our cable version of the broadcast! That really got Debbie excited, since she doesn't have it yet to send out! Next week. Be patient one more week!

I'll be in Michigan next week to make the last two programs (two shows equal one hour, so the series is 14 weeks long) and need to deliver the first 500 then.

Actually, if my car wasn't in the shop I'd have the printing almost done today. But it is in for some needed repairs. My '03 has 134k miles; Cynthia's '01 has 155k. Both have lots of Duck Tape and bailing wire on them!

Tomorrow I'll get the cover printed and then we'll bind them on Thursday and Friday. Busy, hands-on week! It is good to have a number of volunteers to help with such tasks.

I also should tell you that over the past four or five months I've lost 40+ pounds--on purpose. So if you see pictures of me with a lighter look, it is not a health issue but one of purposeful determination. Cynthia has lost almost as much as I have and looks great--lots better than me, of course. A number of you have asked me what/how we did this and I'lltry to explain it soon. It was, actually, the easiest and most effective thing we've ever done to loose weight.

One more thing: I'm enjoying receiving emails/web items from some of saints in the Philippines. Years ago, Nancy Leach began sending our teaching tapes to Filipinos who were studying for the ministry--she actually did this for some time before I knew about it. These tapes have had a wide circulation over the years and those who studied them took the doctrinal edification to heart and have made amazing progress. When Dan Gross spent some years there they had a rallying point and made good advancements. Today there is an active fellowship of what they term "Pure Grace" believers.

The so-called grace movement has been in the Philippines since the 1950's but in more recent years it was formed into a denominational type system. Naturally, when you have such a development you have to either "join" the system--and tow the line--or work from the "outside." I have visited the Republic of the Philippines (RP) twice and discovered that there is a vibrant, lively grace movement independent of the denominationalized group. It is among these saint that what they term "pure grace" doctrine has taken solid root and is producing marvelous fruit.

We have, by the way, a number of graduates of GSB there. My last visit was highlighted by an moving commencement service (along with three day Bible conference!) for a large number of graduates. If you have any acquaintance with the Filipino people you couldn't help but be impressed by their quick intellect and intense determination. Our many friends there have progressed onward with the doctrines of grace--going beyond simple mid-Acts dispensationalism into the "grace life" it is designed to instill in us. These emails have been a benediction to my heart as they give abundant witness to how carefully, fully and clearly some of these brethren have become in defending and proclaiming these grand grace truths!

Very few things really impress me. One thing, however, that always catches my attention is a spirit determined to press toward the mark regardless of what others do, whether supported by others or not. Watching some of these brothers debate issues like the trustworthiness of the King James Bible, prayer, healing and do so with real thoughtful insight coupled with a gracious spirit; well, it is doing my heart good!

And the really great thing is I do not actually personally know most of these men! I remember meeting only a couple of them--and at that over a decade ago! They are not following "Jordan," they're following the apostle Paul! The grace-denominational brethren have opposed them, threatened them, villified them ("they are infected with the virus of Jordanism!"--a scary, deadly thing, indeed!!), etc. to no avail. God give us more like them!

Anyway, that's enough for now. You can see that when I get started I can go on and on and on!

C/ya soon,

Maranatha!
Phil. 1:21

Christopher Hitchens Is Right!

2010-02-01T13:26:00.002-05:00

Noted atheist, Christorper Hitchens, was recently interviewed by a Unitarian minister, Marilyn Sewell, for The Portland Monthly Magazine. In the discussion, Hitchens laid down some seriously good theology. The following exchange took place near the start of the interview:

Sewell: The religion you cite in your book is generally the fundamentalist faith of various kinds. I’m a liberal Christian, and I don’t take the stories from the scripture literally. I don’t believe in the doctrine of atonement (that Jesus died for our sins, for example). Do you make and distinction between fundamentalist faith and liberal religion?

Hitchens: I would say that if you don’t believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ and Messiah, and that he rose again from the dead and by his sacrifice our sins are forgiven, you’re really not in any meaningful sense a Christian.

Talk about nailing it. You can call yourself anything you like, but if you don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross for our sins and then rose from the dead, you are not “in any meaningful sense” a Christian.

What a delicious ironies that an outspoken atheist grasps the central tenet of Christianity better than many Christians do. What you believe about Jesus Christ really does make a difference.

Interestingly, too, is Hitchens’ grasp of a further fact, as he goes on to declare: “Christianity, remember, is really founded by St. Paul, not by Jesus. Paul says, very clearly, that if it is not true that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, then we the Christians are of all people the most unhappy.”

You can read the entire transcript of the interview here.

Maranatha!

The Day After Christmas

2009-12-26T14:55:00.002-05:00

Christmas night often finds folks in a bit of a melancholy mood. After weeks of anticipation, the celebrations have flashed by and are suddenly gone, fading into the night.

This is natural, understandable and probably the best teaching moment of the whole season. As long as the beautifully wrapped gifts remain unopened and the celebrations still future, they appear to be the hope we are waiting for. But when all are opened and the merriment past, we sense we are still longing for something more, something lasting.

I had one of those teachable moments with my granddaughter, Hanna, yesterday. After opening gifts and eating a good meal, she was sitting on the stair in a rather pensive mood. I sat next to her to talk about what she was feeling. I’ve learned that children don’t know what is happening to their emotions or why, so I generally don’t ask the “Why?” question but rather explain the “What” to them.

I pointed out to Hanna that she was learning a lessons many grown-ups haven’t yet grasp:

1. Gifts and events can’t fill you soul. They are expressions of generosity but are not designed to satisfy. They’re designed to point us to the Giver.

2. Putting our hopes in gifts will leave us empty inside. We will ask, “Is that all?” because we know deep down that’s not all there is. We are designed to treasure a Person, not His things.

3. It is more blessed to give than receive. What makes you feel richer, getting the presents you wanted or making someone else happy with something you gave to them? A greedy heart lives in a small, lonely world. A generous heart lives in a wide world of love.

I hope she remembers some of grandpa’s sagged advice! I learned it from someone; I pass it along in hopes it helps others as much as it helps me.

It is just the way of God’s grace to let the glitter and flash of celebrations (even in His honor) pass and then even in the melancholic void they leave teach us once again, “It’s not I, but Christ.”

Marantha!

On Saying, "Merry Christmas!"

2009-12-24T13:31:00.004-05:00

I think I've changed my mind. Through most of my adult life I have resisted the “Merry Christmas” club. Not because I have anything against gift giving or having great family times, but the whole thing is born of pagan folly. This year, however, I’ve begun to look at it a bit differently.

“Christmas” is simply “Christ” (our Savior) plus “mas” (a coming together, as in the Catholic “mass”), and originated in the Roman Catholic attempt to assimilate pagans and their culture under the control of their Church. Hence my problem with the term/event.

As an aside, it is important to remember that the real miracle of the coming of Christ was not His birth/nativity (although there were certain miraculous things involved in that too!), but the real miracle took place at His conception. Being born of a virgin makes Him unique, indeed! Luke 1 gives the historical details necessary to locate the time of the conception of Jesus Christ as being in late December. Hence the pagans attempt to commandeer that season for their own corrupted ends.

But now it has become “politically incorrect” to use the “Merry Christmas” greeting. Employees, for example, are told not to mention “Christmas,” but instead to say, “Happy Holidays.” But herein lies a bit of humor: The word “holiday” comes from “holy” (as in, holy is the Lord) plus “day.”

I find it ironically amazing that our language is so rooted in Biblical tradition that even the attempts to root out every reference to the Savior falls so flat on its face. Oh, the worldly wise don’t get it, but I’m sure the God of Heaven finds such things amusing (as should we)!

So I’ve put “merry Christmas” back into my vocabulary—just for the fun of it. Cynthia has been saying it to store employees just to see their reaction! When they respond, “happy holidays,” we just ask if they are believers too! Its made the shopping lots of fun.

Merry Christmas!

The Truth about Oral and Ebeneezer

2009-12-21T22:53:00.004-05:00

Famous Pentecostal “faith healer” Oral Roberts died of pneumonia on December 15 at age 91. This act demonstrated with great finality that he was a false teacher. He often said that it is God’s will to heal every sickness, declaring, “Sickness is not part of God’s plan and not devised by God’s will.” When he breathed his last he gave conclusive proof that his teaching was false. No one dies of healthiness!

On another front, I ran across a fascinating article written in defense of the much maligned Ebeneezer Scrooge. Often we forget that great “classic” novels were written with political and social messages in mind. Dickens was such a writer. In The Case for Ebeneezer, Butler Shaffer takes up the defense of Dickens' villain in a most interesting fashion—demonstrating how the classic tail has modern overtones. In part he writes:

“Pay close attention to Mr. Dickens' allegations. His case [against Ebeneezer] down to just two points:

1. my client has managed to become very rich, and,

2. he insists on keeping his money for himself.

That's it! That is the essence of his alleged wrongdoing.”

“Taking my client as the miserable fellow Dickens has presented him, let me be the first to admit that if Ebeneezer's obsession with materialistic pursuits rendered him an unhappy person….But it is not my client's happiness that the prosecution endeavors to obtain, but his money.

“The case against Ebeneezer Scrooge is nothing more than a well-orchestrated, vicious conspiracy to extort from my client as much of his money as can be acquired through terror, threats of his death, and other appeals to fear….

“[P]ay particular attention to the utter contradiction underlying Dickens's case: my client is charged with being a greedy, money-hungry scoundrel, and yet it is the conspirators against him who want nothing more than his money! Scrooge — unlike his antagonists — earned his money in the marketplace by satisfying the demands of customers and clients who continue to do business with him, and did not, as far as we are told, resort to terror or threats of death to get it.

“Charles Dickens — writing at the peak of the Industrial Revolution — missed this essential feature of the period. To those who view wealth in such a limited way, the only question becomes "how is this fixed body of wealth to be most 'fairly' redistributed?" The question of "how can more wealth be created?" — and what conditions would be necessary for accomplishing such ends — never enters their minds, for the pursuit of such conditions would utterly destroy all socialist systems. The beneficiaries of such redistribution are looked upon as passive and dependent recipients of other people's decision making. In this connection, Bob Cratchit is the prototypical "proletarian."

“Like other opportunistic parasites who tell us that they "feel our pain" even as they are causing us more pain, let us have no more of the self-serving guilt-peddling that keeps men and women subservient to those who threaten to cut off their dependencies.”

Hope ya have a great holiday—and just so I don’t sound like a WalMart employee, “Merry Christmas!”

Maranatha!

Great Meetings

2009-12-07T18:54:00.002-05:00

I've driven almost four thousand miles over the past three weeks. Hard to believe; hard on the "getting older" body (tomorrow marks another birthday)! But warming to the heart.

Last week I was in Ohio. Wednesday and Thursday we had very interesting meetings in Massillon. Our good friend Edward Yarber is the bishop of Canton Grace Fellowship. He has been teaching right division at the Adult Sunday School Class of Grace Community Church for the past three months. Edward goes there for the class and then hurries to CGF (about 10 minutes away) for their morning service. When he asked about using GCC's church building for meetings, they volunteered to co-sponsor them.

I spoke both evenings on Mid-Acts dispensationalism and the distinctive ministry/message of Paul. Their responsiveness was overwhelming. They actually "cleaned out" most of the material on the Literature Tables I had with me! It is wonderful to see such hunger for spiritual light!

We had a "radio rally" type meeting in Columbus. David Reid heads up the Columbus Bible Church, which sponsors Daily Bible Time on a local radio station. We get good response to the broadcast and wanted to see if some folks would come to a "live" meeting. And they did! One lady, for example, who has been listening for almost two years gave testimony to having her life transformed by the message of grace she has learned. Numerous others were of the same mind. Two ladies actually drove from Indiana to attend, having heard about the meeting via FaceBook! Two other ladies drove about half way across the state to attend. Interest in and hunger for the light on God's Word that right division offers is a great motivator! It was a privilege to help introduce some of our listeners to the local ministry where they can fellowship and grow in grace.

Then we were in Beavercreek at Mid-Acts Grace Fellowship on Saturday and Sunday. The saints there were went overboard in their hospitality and interest. Their response to the six messages on The Gospel Driven Life was refreshing. Matt Hawley is doing a tremendous job leading this assembly. They have weathered numerous storms over the past few years and are a strong, grounded group of determined grace believers who value the work of the ministry they are engaged in. Folks came from as far away as Cincinnati--as well as Indiana and Columbus (as well as wonderful friends from Chillicothe). The happy spirit of these folks was a touching benediction to my weary spirit.

One great privilege for me in trips like this is to get to spend some time in the homes of some really wonderful saints. Ed and Sharrie are by nature a barrel of fun, but more importantly, always active in the ministry. While there I not only spoke both evenings but had a live radio interview and preached in chapel at Heritage Christian School. I also had the opportunity to spend some time with longtime and special friends, Ted and Sue Fellows of nearby Berean Bible Church, Minerva.

The Reid boys were great entertainment for me, demonstrating their Lego and Wii talents. Mom and Dad are ok too, but being the dad of three boys myself I always have a soft spot for others in that category!

It was my first time to spend time with the Hawley family and I quickly discovered that they could make me feel quite at home. It is important for a man in the ministry to be backed up by a godly wife and Matt is blessed in this area. Their three young children (well, one has four legs so they might claim only two as their actual prodigy) were great company.

The icing on the cake, sort of speaking, for the weekend was calling home Saturday evening and having Cynthia tell me how Alabama won their football game with Florida. My precious wife is an enthusiastic Bama fan; well, that's too mild of a description. Hard as it is to picture, I must admit she is a fanatical fan. And a happy one too! So I drove home Sunday afternoon knowing I'd find her in good spirits!

The Women's Fellowship of Shorewood had an evangelistic luncheon Sunday. They had a good number of visitors to hear some outstanding testimonies and a good gospel message. When I arrived at the church building Sunday evening they had already finished resetting the fellowship area for the upcoming children's program scheduled for next Saturday. So, they'd been busy while I was gone--and with Alex to preach, don't really miss me anyway! There lots for me to be thankful for these days.

I'll turn another year on the calendar tomorrow. Today (December 7) is Pearl Harbor Day. We must never forget. I fly to Detroit in the morning to do five more TV programs. I can't think of anything I'd rather do on my birthday than "preach the Word."

Maranatha!

Let Me Count the Ways

2009-11-15T16:05:00.003-05:00

In marriage, the importance of speaking well of each other, of praising each other, is crucial. In fact, the presence or absence of public praise is one of the clearest signs of marital harmony or marital discord. So here’s a list you and your spouse can use as an example/exercise for saying things to each other. Go ahead and give it a try. We think this is one marriage exercise that will make you smile. Ladies first!

You look great tonight.
That was a wonderful meal.
Thank you for not getting mad at me.
You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.
You’re a super listener.
I really appreciate the way you spend time with my parents.
Thanks for being honest with me.
That’s a great idea.
I enjoy spending time with you.
Congratulations! I’m taking you out to dinner to celebrate.
Before I met you, my life was boring.
So what if they didn’t like your idea? I thought it was great.
You’re the best husband in the whole world.
I hope our boys marry girls just like their mother.
I bought this just for you. I hope you like it.
Thanks for laughing at my corny jokes.
You’re a big help around the house.
I’m looking forward to growing old with you.
You deserve a kiss. I’m so proud of you.
You’ve got a great sense of humor.
You are the reason I’m excited about the future.
That’s a great idea. How did you think of it?
I’m glad you were right about that.
Thank you for working so hard for our family.
I’m the luckiest man in the whole world.
When I think of you, I can’t help smiling.
I’m glad I said, “I do.”
Somebody ought to make a movie of our marriage. It would make a great romantic comedy. You’re more beautiful today than you were the day we got married.
I’m so glad God brought us together.
Have I told you lately how much I love you?
I still believe in you.

Maranatha!

Home Again

2009-11-03T19:09:00.003-05:00

Cynthia and I arrived back home yesterday afternoon. We had a delightful time in Arizona enjoying our kids and the saints of Southwest Bible Fellowship. Their second annual conference went off without a hitch, all their work paying real dividends.

The messages are available at www.ButNow.org. I'd recommend at least listening to John Verstegen's study on prayer; its outstanding. The attendance was actually larger than expected (a high-grade problem) and the Saturday afternoon Q&A demonstrated folks are really studying the Word! The sessions covers several "grace alternative" topics--practical instructions indeed.

Sunday afternoon I had to opportunity to preach at the Maricopa County jail. "Sheriff Joe" bills himself as "America's toughest sheriff." Upon entering the jail, I was immediately impressed with how clean and efficient it is. The staff is professional and no-nonsense, yet very helpful. Sheriff Joe considers the volunteers his "secret weapon," so Calvin and Rick have good access to the inmates. I've preached in a lot of jails and prisons but don't recall one of this caliber. My hats off to Sheriff Joe and his deputies. The inmates may be criminals, but they are clearly treated with respect and dignity--unless they prove themselves otherwise (this is the sheriff who puts rule offenders in pink shorts to identify them).

We were announced and a group of over 20 gathered in the meeting room. I taught for the whole hour, going over the gospel and basic right division. There were several first timers, but most meet weekly with Calvin Wright and have a good grasp of the gospel and issues of grace.

It is a benediction for a dad to be able to labor with his son in the work of the ministry and I praise God for the work in Mesa--September marked their 10th anniversary. Rick is clearly his own man and the men who are working with him seem to have a genuine appreciation for his leadership and vision. That too blesses a dad's heart. When you have mature men (and women!) to do the work of ministry with you, you are blessed indeed. My son is, indeed, so blessed--and his ministry is a blessing.

I have another follow-up check up with my urologist this week. So far the cancer seems to be well into remission. Although I'm still enjoying a few lingering symptoms they are nothing I can't deal with--they keep me mindful of my "age & stage" as I progress through life. Just "bumps in the road," as the saying goes. Thanks to so many who keep asking about my progress. I do appreciate your interest and prayers.

Tomorrow I'll be doing radio--4 half hour programs and 20 quarter hour ones. Next week I go to Detroit to do TV. Also trying to finish the next Grace Journal and getting ready to teach John 3 tomorrow night. I love being a preacher of the message of grace!

Maranatha!

Wrestling

2009-10-15T11:10:00.002-04:00

I believe it was George Bernard Shaw who opined, "I learned long ago never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it."

That is sound advice! And since our "flesh" is a real pig (e.g., Eph. 4:19), we need to remember Ephesians 6:12 and walk in Galatians 2:20.

I know, that sort of sounds like "code words"--unless you meditate on those verses a bit!

Maranatha!

A Note from China

2009-10-14T09:36:00.002-04:00

We are in PA enjoying time with the Leaches. The fall colors have been beautiful and today we are actually going to site see a bit. Don't get many days off, so hope to make the most of it. Allen has a BIG collection of old movies, so we have been laughing to Laurel and Hardy!

I got a note from our friend in China this morning that I thought was most insightful--and timely. Pray for the saints in that distant land and take the following to heart:

"Last night I went to a 'revival' meeting. We were out walking and stumbled

upon an outdoor meeting where there was a three hundred voice

choir - almost every hand raised in praise. The loud speaker system was

blaring away and tears were in almost every eye. It looked like one of the religious

TV programs from the USA.

"Then my eye caught the nearly seventy five young

Buddhists priests at the back. Momentarily I was shocked. It seems that the

emotional deceit of the Devil's plan has worked so well in the West in the

'personal revelations' people receive from God that he has duplicated the "show business"

aspect of it here in the far east. Wow! what a shocker! I could have sworn it was

a 'christian' charismatic meeting."

Maranatha!

On the Road Again

2009-10-11T23:12:00.002-04:00

We finished the conference in Concord, NC this morning. Brother Perry Lemmons and the saints of Royal Grace Bible Church did a great job of hosting this time in the Word. It was good to meet a number of folks who are new to right division and see their joy at the clarity it brings to the Scriptures.

This afternoon Cynthia and I traveled to Winston-Salem to visit my niece--my only brother's middle daughter, Nichole. She is a grad from Salem College and has decided to make this beautiful and genuinely southern city her home. After Nic gave us a tour of the historic college campus area, we had supper together and a good time catching up on life. She is on FaceBook and had added me as a friend by the time I got online this evening. She has 100 more friends than I do, so she thinks she's out doing me!

We are spending the night somewhere in Virginia and will be going on to the Leaches in PA tomorrow. Frankly, this is far too beautiful an area to travel through in the dark. I want Cynthia to see it again as it has been a long time since we traveled up I-81 together (last time was in the mid-80's!).

I've had several good reports from home so know that they had an outstanding day at Shorewood. My heart is always there and folks know it, so they send me notes on what's going on. It is wonderful to have such a "home" to return to. There's no place like home, even when your away doing important and valuable things. Having "hearts knit together" in "the household of faith" is a blessing beyond my ability to describe--so I just enjoy it!

Maranatha!

Just So

2009-10-07T11:49:00.003-04:00

Just so you know that we haven't gone out of business, I thought I should get an update posted. Its been awhile! Actually the "10 Second Kiss" post got such a large response--both in my email box and on FaceBook but for some reason not on the comments here--that I just left it as the top article for a bit longer than usual. Ted suggested we should market the idea--something to consider if he ever masters the technique!

Anyway, I have been busy. Traveled to southern Illinois, Detroit twice, Grand Rapids, Oregon, Washington and Cynthia and I will be leaving for Concord, NC tomorrow and then on the Hamlin, PA next week. Seems like I'm missing some place, but my mind isn't working great at the moment. I'm in the Detroit airport hoping for an on-time departure (something I haven't had the past two months).

Shorewood is into its regular school-year-routine now, so things are really busy there. We have broken into the 100+ hookups for the live Internet broadcasts of our services. Another milestone! Alex is teaching an eight week Friday night evangelistic seminar on "Where Is God?" and we've had really great response from folks outside our normal group. Exciting (and humbling)to see people coming to faith in Christ and growing in grace. We also started a new Sunday morning class for the post-high-school-but-under-30 group. We're calling Cuppa G.r.a.c.e. (i.e., "Grace Rightly Applied Changes Everything"--an anachronism someone came up with that we all like!). I'm actually teaching the class the first three months.

I am blown away with all the folks I'm meeting who are watching Forgotten Truths! The enthusiastic interest for the message of grace is a joy to behold. In Oregon, a 94 year old husband and his 91 year old wife had his 84 year old sister drive them some 9 hours to attend the conference! They simply "had to be there," and are fruit from FT. We are also beginning to enroll a significant number of students in GSB from the FT audience. At first I wondered if they really understood what they were "getting into," but have discovered they not only do they understand they are fast becoming some of our most determined students!

As we watch the culture about us disintegrating before our eyes, it is both comforting and challenging to have the solid rock of God's preserved Word to rest our confidence on, knowing that Psalm 138:2 is still true. The next two decades will be the most important decades of our lives--no matter what your age is at the moment. The Winter season for America is here; we need to be busy about the work of the ministry during this fertile time for spiritual impact. This is not season to be weary in well doing! Lets get on with the program!

Maranatha!

The 10 Second Kiss

2009-08-17T18:08:00.002-04:00

I was watching Oprah—well, not really. Her program comes on after the evening news and I had simply let the TV continue to run. Cynthia was asleep on the couch while I worked on my lap top. Oprah was running in the background. At one point it caught my attention, as some woman something-or-other was speaking about the need for husbands and wives to “connect” (or some-such-mush). Her suggestion? A ten-second-kiss. Not a peck; but a real, moment engulfing kiss. It got me to thinking.

Over four decades of married life Cynthia and I have had a habit of not allowing one of us to leave home without a kiss goodbye. We started the tradition, actually, before we married—but that’s another story.

But those who have been married for a while know it is easy to get into the “little peck” mode. It isn’t that we don’t love each other; we just have gotten used to the ritual and its sort of like a little-peck-will-do-ya effort. So…

I decided to take the lady’s advice. The next day I introduced my wife to our daily 10 Second Kiss ritual. I can say (gratefully) that it has been well received. After the first couple of times I didn’t have to count in my head any more to be sure we met our time requirement. And it is amazing how those extra seconds can focus you on the one who is in reality the other-half-of-you.

Since Paul exhorts husbands to “love your wives,” I decided I would be the one to take the initiative. I vary the timing so as not to allow this special moment to become encrusted with ritual. My only rule of thumb is that it is to take place after we are up and going in the morning and before we begin to retire in the evening. This helps to make it a memory that lasts through the day! I’m not going to beat myself up if I miss a day—neither will Cynthia, since I didn’t tell her I planned this as a daily thing (and since she does't read my blog or do facebook she won’t know about this unless some of you spill the beans). I’ll just be looking for a moment each day to make “special.”

Anyway, its something I’ll be recommending to married couples. In fact, I’ll be doing a wedding this weekend and plan to give the new husband some instructions along these lines while we await the ceremony. Of course, newlyweds don’t need too much encouragement in this area, but there’s really not that much to talk about in the “green room” just before the ceremony and maybe he’ll remember it in the years ahead. He’s a really neat, smart guy—marrying a beautiful, talented gal.

Try it; you’ll like it! By the way, Oprah’s response to the suggestion was something like, “Forget 10 seconds, how about the 27 second one!” Not a bad idea either!

Maranatha!

5 Easy Steps To Wreck Your Life

2009-08-10T17:25:00.002-04:00

Frankenstein #3

2009-08-06T20:19:00.002-04:00

On the trip back to Chicago I read Dean Koontz's final installment in his Frankenstein trilogy. This mesmerizing rework of one of the classic stories of all time offers an unsettling view of the current state of "scientism," the politicizing of science which has changed its primary goal from knowledge to power.

I was struck by his inclusion, just before the title page, of the following quote from C. S. Lewis' The Abolition of Man. Struck, first by the fact Koontz's is reading Lewis on this issue, but more so by the insight of the quote itself:

"I am very doubtful whether history shows us one example of a man who, having stepped outside traditional morality and attained power, has used that power benevolently."

Maranatha!

Going For A Swim

2009-08-04T21:27:00.002-04:00

After a great time at camp in California, Cynthia and I have enjoyed a couple of days with our Arizona grandkids (and Rick and Linda, too!). This is definitely not the time of year to visit Arizona! Triple digit temps each day are brutal. This morning about 6:30 it was 92 on the back patio!

We return to Chicago tomorrow afternoon to get back to life there. Cynthia is at Costco at the moment with the kids for a last shopping expedition to get their last school supplies. It is 111 degrees here at the moment; pool temp is 96. I am going for one last swim!

Maranatha!

In the Mountains

2009-08-01T14:44:00.002-04:00

We are having a wonderful time of spiritual refreshing and also physical relaxation in the San Jacinta mountains. Tahquitz Pines conference center is a beautiful site for a week in the Word! It is quiet--and really dark at night! Stars shine brightly through the soring pine trees at 6K+ feet.

Dan Cobb has the session on PalTalk and there is a good group of P-Ters here. Some are meeting for the first time, putting faces to "names."

John Verstegen indicates he is feeling a bit better but still doesn't know exactly what his problem is. He still suffers the ongoing symptoms but is a testimony that II Cor. 4:7-18 is real in life. His preaching hasn't been adversely affected!

One interesting addition to camp this year is that we are sharing the facilities with a high school football camp from East L.A. Most of these young men have never been outside of the city environment and are having an exciting time. They are part of a ministry that works with teens and have a Christ-focused program. We interact with them mostly during meal times. They are noticeable by their politeness and orderliness. I've talked with their coach and the ministry leader several times and am impressed by what they are doing with these young men. Many of them have trusted Christ, several have shared clear testimonies with me, and have an interest in studying God's Word. We will share a camp-fire with them tonight (if the Forest Service allows the fire) and look forward to pointing them more fully toward grace. It is touching to see that God has His people even in a hot bed environment of inner city turmoil.

I'm only preaching once a day, which is like a vacation for me! Rick and John are doing some really good ministry. It is a wonderful expereince to be taking notes while my own son--and also my "beloved son in the faith"--are teaching! Good to know I'm not too far along to still learn somethings.

Maranatha!

Conference To Conference

2009-07-27T22:49:00.003-04:00

We had an outstanding Bible conference and the new location was excellent. Attendance was actually greater than we had expected given the economic conditions. One unusual thing: the last night's attendance was actually larger that the night before! No matter when you end a meeting like this, some folks feel it necessary to leave early. This year was no exception--the exception was that others took their place! Having the meeting more local helped.

Matt Walker, Rick Jordan and Randy Davis graduated from GSB at this conference. It made Monday evening a very special time. We also had good reports through the week from Bob Barlow about the exciting things happening in China, as well as from Des Strydom about Africa, Johny Varghese about India and Tom Bruscha about our Forgotten Truths television program. From the preaching/teaching this week, I'd say the grace message is alive, well and moving forward!

We always have a large group of friends/relatives staying with us before and after the conference. It is a special treat to enjoy the "after conference" fun times--late night conversations, lots and lots of laughs, etc. Today we took a large group of teens (21 in all) to do downtown Chicago. They are making friends--grace friends--that will last a life time.

David, Stacy and their boys left this afternoon. Cynthia and I leave tomorrow to take our AZ grandkids home and then we'll all drive from Mesa to the conference in California in Rick and Linda's big van. I don't look forward to the long road trip, but more time with my grand kids always keeps things interesting.

At the moment Cynthia is doing some last minute office work. I did radio for the next two weeks yesterday afternoon (Des Strydom preached for us at Shorewood) and caught up on GSB paper work. Now we just have to pack so we can be at the airport at 8:00 in the morning.

Oh, yea. Cynthia still has to cut my hair, too. And, yes, she also cuts hair!

Maranatha!

Getting Ready

2009-07-14T11:00:00.002-04:00

As our family conference approaches (starts next Saturday), we are getting all the run-up preparations cared for. Yesterday was my day to do things around the house. We'll have some 17 guests (friends and family) staying with us beginning Thursday. It will also be the first time all of our grand children have been together with us in a year--that makes all the work/aggravation more than worth it! One special treat for me will be to meet Mr. Noah (our newest grandson) for the first time.

I started yesterday with a hospital visit and then moved on to my "honey-do" list. Most of the day I cleaned, repaired (installed a new sink and storage shelving in the garage!) and moved things out of the house. Cynthia is in her "Ms Clean" mode, so the dust is flying!

Our summer conference is always a special time. Largely the fruit of our efforts through Grace School of the Bible, it allows us to gather folks from across the country (but mainly the midwest--we have meetings in other regions throughout the year, too) who fit the KJB, mid-Acts, grace-life believer mode. I have always said that we are not all there is to the so-called grace movement, but we are!

Our fellowship and associations have been a very lively endeavor through the years. We haven't looked backward, or even side-ward at what others are doing/saying, but have focused on the future and applying Paul's message and ministry model to the world we live in and the world we are moving toward. The fruit speaks for itself.

We intend to put the messages live on the Internet--assuming the wireless service at the hotel cooperates. We'll also have DVD/CDs available. I'm working today on final preparations for the afternoon seminar on Welcome To Winter!

Maranatha!

Toxic Fame

2009-07-06T18:12:00.004-04:00

Several folks asked me to weigh in on Michael Jackson. Frankly, I’ve not been one of his greatest fans. Don’t get me wrong, no one could deny his unique talent. Michael Jackson will always be the undisputed king of pop. His later years were fraught with strangeness and not even the most ardent fan could deny his shortcomings.

It will be a while before the dust settles on Jackson’s passing, but for me he is a parable on the toxicity of fame. The trouble with fame is that it brings with it the imposition of worship. Like it or not, men are not made to receive worship; we are made to give it. The fact is there is a really good reason why only God should be worshipped and that is that He is the only one who is unaffected by it, one way or another.

As we've seen in the case of Michael Jackson, strange things happen in and to men when we worship at their feet, and even stranger things happen in and to them when we withdraw that worship. Michael, and all those who drink from the toxic-cup-of-fame, fall victim to the fact that men are made to worship, not be worshipped. When we don't worship God, it's not that we worship nothing, it's that we worship anything (Rom. 1:19-25).

Interestingly, Philippians 2:5-11 fits this point. Because God the Son personally chose to "humble Himself" in eternity (vs. 6), in incarnation (v. 7) and in death (v. 8), God the Fathers has “highly exalted Him” to the place of supreme worship before the whole of the universe. But this exaltation is not something “new,” rather it is simply the restoration of “the glory which [He] had with [the Father] before the world was” (John 17:5). In plainer words, Jesus Christ was not seeking personal enhancement but rather was fully dedicated to “esteem other better than [Himself]” (Phil.2:3). Thus worshipping Him has no toxic potential!

His Most Telling Admission

In a recent article in The Jerusalem Post, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach wrote the following words about Michael Jackson:

I will never forget what he said when we sat down to record 40 hours of conversations where he would finally reveal himself for a book I authored. He turned to me and said these haunting words: "I am going to say something I have never said before and this is the truth. I have no reason to lie to you and God knows I am telling the truth. I think all my success and fame, and I have wanted it, I have wanted it because I wanted to be loved. That's all. That's the real truth. I wanted people to love me, truly love me, because I never really felt loved. I said I know I have an ability. Maybe if I sharpened my craft, maybe people will love me more. I just wanted to be loved because I think it is very important to be loved and to tell people that you love them and to look in their eyes and say it."

The above quote from Michael Jackson may be the most important admission of his life. He was a man in a frantic search for love—but, sadly, “looking for love in all the wrong places,” as the song goes. There are many others like him among those who are famous, those who are infamous and those who fit neither category.

What does that say to of us? It surely reminds us of the opportunity we have to love people with the authentic love of Jesus Christ.

There's a line in the sand with religion on one side and Jesus Christ on the other. I want to spend my life being on the right side of the line, don't you? Who knows what difference you will make in somebodies life if you do.

Like Michael, we often look for achievement to bring us love. When we don't get it from that, we look for comfort from substances (food and work), etc., etc. The truth is that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only source that really satisfies.

Maranatha!

Surprised Crooks

2009-06-30T12:12:00.000-04:00

A story from Perth, Australia sent along by a friend is comically instructional. Seems that someone stole a python from a wildlife center in Perth. The thieves no doubt thought they had made a clean job of it, but the snake did not cooperate. The six-foot long python swallowed a woylie, which turns out to be an endangered marsupial.

Turns out that the woylie had been fitted with a tracking device by the wildlife conservation department. So the police simply used the signals from that device to find the python with the woylie still inside. No doubt the crooks were shocked when the police stormed into the house where they were keeping the snake.

There is a good illustration here. Remember what the Bible says. “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

Happy Birthday!

2009-06-12T17:32:00.002-04:00

Today is Cynthia's birthday. We are celebrating by going to a wedding rehearsal for a wedding tomorrow of a young couple at church. Good opportunity to share the gospel with a lot of lost relatives.

Next Saturday, the 20th, is our 40th anniversary. We gave ourselves the new kitchen as an anniversary gift. Glad it was finished in time!

Haven't had a moment to spare in the last two weeks. If the ministry gets any busier I don't know what we will do. The fruit from it all has been overwhelming. Such an honor to represent such a wonderful Savior and Lord. I'll try to share some of it next time I have a moment.

Just wanted to say happy birthday to my bride and let you know I haven't forgotten about you folks that read this either.

Maranatha!

A Word From A Dad

2009-05-26T19:46:00.003-04:00

I have been struck with the number of young people, young couples and young families that attend our various conferences and meetings. Frankly, each time I hear some leader from various parts of the grace establishment lament the "aging" of their networks, it sounds strange to me. Oh, I understand; the older networks versus the newer life/growth we represent is obvious. When they invited us to not be a part of their endeavors decades ago, we realized that the future was ours. We embraced it. We have grown with it and into it as only "new growth" can. We are glad for the past; but we have looked to the future--and it is now!

One illustration of this came from an email forwarded to me by Edward Yarber, a key coordinator of last weekend's Ohio Grace Conference. Perhaps it will give you a dad's perspective--and encourage you, too.

"As a Dad, I often find myself measuring the success of my parenting abilities by the feedback and reactions I get from my kids. I know that is not always the barometer to use, but in some instances, I just can't help but smile and know that "We done good". In this case, both my daughters expressed a hardy "Great Weekend" when I asked them about their thoughts/impressions about the trip to the conference. That then, is a true testament to the work you, David, Ted, and all the rest (especially the wives) did to pull off yet again another fantastic weekend around God's word.

"As a parent, I am always encouraged when I see young children willing to learn and grow in God's Grace. I know that will set the foundation for the rest of their lives. It is not always easy for youngsters to embrace the desires of the parents, and in this case, when that desire is to be among Saints for three days spending most of that time in Bible Study hearing preaching and teaching, and to realize that there were quite a few young adults willing to participate in the conference, must have brought a smile to our Heavenly Father for sure!

"Please be sure to pass on the thanks of my two daughters (as well as from me and Linda!!) to all involved in this conference, and we all look forward to attending again next year.... Cathy with her new husband as well!!"

To that I can only add: Amen!

Maranatha!

Just A Thought

2009-05-20T09:12:00.003-04:00

I thought when the new flooring was finished we would be able to reoccupy our up stairs, but it hasn't happened yet. The floor is beautiful and so is the kitchen. Its our 40 Anniversary present to ourselves (June 20th, so its a bit early!). Going to Ohio this weekend, so maybe next week we will be able to get moved back in. Just a thought!

Charlie McQuillan will be spending the night with us Thursday. He'll have to sleep on the couch in the family room since our guest rooms are still full of kitchen stuff. Cynthia ain't happy about that! She is so determined to offer only the best in hospitality, its a good things he's still young enough to think a couch is better than the floor!

As I have been teaching the book of John--and thus reading it over and over, most of the time at one setting--I am reminded of its parallel with the Tabernacle. Since John presents the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us--and since the purpose of the Tab was for God to dwell among Israel--that isn't a surprise. Just a blessing! The more you study the details, the more you see the wonder of it. And most of all, that the One who gave the pattern for the Tab knew what was going to happen when He became flesh and dwelt among us. Only God Himself could be the author of the Book!

We have reworked some of the artwork on our Rightly Dividing the Word chart and it is at the printer. Doing 100,000 this time. We thank God for the generous help in making this possible. It is all paid for! That in itself is a wonderful blessing.

I've been on FaceBook and doing a bit of Twittering. FaceBook has turned out to be interesting. Twitter is useless--can't say much in 140 characters! and who needs to know every detail of your day anyway?! Ain't that much that interesting going on. But it is nice to hear from folks directly. Amazing how much hunger there is for fellowship among grace folks there is out there. That is a great thing! Don't worry, however. I don't spend but a very few minutes on either. I check email four or five times a day (I average about 60 per day--plus spam) and look at fb once or twice when I'm doing this. Cynthia watches to see if I pray as much as I'm on it! If you want to say hi via fb, my handle is RJordanGSB.

Maranatha!

A Good Report

2009-05-12T17:27:00.002-04:00

I just got back from the doctor and my PSA numbers have gone down again--they went up on the last check up. They now at their lowest level since the cancer was detected. So, that is very good news and we are very grateful.

Just a reminder: If you are a male (or have one you care about) who is over 50 years old, make it a habit to have an annual PSA test. It is a simple blood test--only takes a few minutes. I have had them since I was 50 and it was that annual habit that allowed us to catch the Prostrate Cancer at an early stage. Prostrate cancer is deadly, but it usually is slow acting (generally takes 10-12 years to be fatal if undetected/untreated). You have no symptoms until it has progressed into the really dangerous stages, and that's why you need the annual tests. So, get 'r done!

Maranatha!

A Really Great Time

2009-05-09T21:07:00.002-04:00

We spent last night at the Holiday Inn in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. This will be the site of our summer family Bible conference, July 18-23. We were giving it a break-in visit.

Mike and Joe Wolke stained our floors Friday and this meant we were unable to stay in the house over night due to the strong fumes from the sealer. We had Hanna and Kayla with us so we took off to the hotel. The girls worn themselves out swimming in the pool (till almost 11:00 p.m.!) and got in another hour and a half this morning before we checked out! The hotel is a really nice place. It will be a great locaton for the conference.

This afternoon we attended a musical recital for several young people from our church family. They were excellent! It is a special blessing to see young couples raising their families in such a way that their children trust Christ at a early age, learn the grace message as a natural part of their spiritual growth and focus on godliness and excellence in their lives.

One of my personal goals has been to lead one local church for a long time--to be able to see godly generations developed. It has been my privilege to lead our assembly for three decades and I rejoice that, by the grace of God, this goal has been achieved.

Today we had a really great time. Tomorrow is Mother's Day (thanks to Hallmark!), so it will be even better!

Maranatha!

P. S. The recital was held in the chapel of Judson College, Elgin, Illinois--where we held our summer conferences during the late 80s and early 90s. We had lots of wonderful and interesting experiences there! It was the site where a fella threw a fire bomb at me while I was preaching (sort of broke up the meeting!). It was also where a number of folks got saved, some of our men dedicated their lives to preach, several couples met their life mates (including one of my sons), scores of folks came to understand the message of grace and lots of turly great teaching/preaching took place. For those who remember, you'll be interested to know the chapel is now airconditioned! There were lots of memories of Cynthia and me as we enjoyed to recital.

Odd Day Today

2009-05-07T17:42:00.003-04:00

Today is one of those "odd date days:" 05-07-09. Such sequences don't happen often and when they do folks like to make a lot of them. So, today is another odd one!

But then it was a good one too! I did radio for Sunday this morning. Did the school programs earlier in the week for next month. I do the Chicago program each week (unless I'm going to be gone) so as to keep it fresh and up-to-date. We then "recycle" it about two months later for the out of town stations. Lots of work, but its is a tremendous ministry opportunity.

It was good to see Alex back in the office. He has been down with the flu (missed last Sunday and Wednesday) but looked like he is on the mend.

Cynthia is spending the night with our grand daughters at their house tonight so she can get them off to school in the morning--their dad is out of town today through Sunday and mom has to be at work at 5:30 a.m. She'll bring the girls home tomorrow and they'll be with us till Sunday. Our kitchen isn't finished, so their bedroom is still full of furniture, et al, which means they will have to sleep in our bedroom closet again. They seem to think it is a great adventure. Oh, yea. It means I'm home alone again. I should write a song!

Living in the land of Lincoln (at least that's what our car tags say), we are often reminded about things he did/said. During the Civil War Lincoln often drew on his faith--sometimes to comfort, sometimes to challenge his countrymen.

I've read that during the early days of the war, at a moment when there was no news from the front and many feared the worst, Lincoln reassured a fearful nation that even when things seemed to be going badly:

"Sometimes it seems necessary that we should be confronted with perils which threaten us with disaster in order that we may not get puffed up and forget Him who has much work for us yet to do."

"Much work for us yet to do"--I like that! Makes even an odd day worth the effort!

Maranatha!

Over the Top!

2009-05-05T00:50:00.005-04:00

We went over the top on the chart challenge yesterday. The offer to match gifts up to $1K has actually been exceeded already. It's amazing to realize that over 600,000 of the Rightly Dividing the Word charts are in circulation. And that just the number we have a record of--there were several printings that we don't have the actually number of copies printed in our files.

Interestingly I had two unrelated emails today from two different people--in two different parts of the world--telling how they came to see right division through the chart and the booklet, The Key To Understanding the Bible (which teaches the chart in short-hand style). So it will soon be back on the shelf--another 100,000 strong!

Life goes on: this morning Cynthia got a call from Nathan (our 4 year old grandson in FL) telling her he wants to move to Chicago and marry grandma. Sort of leaves me out in the cold! She has been longing to go back to Florida to see the boys, but is shut up to enduring life with me. We look forward to seeing the FL and AZ kids in July. Their parents are optional.

I made school radio today and prepared for the trip to Detroit tomorrow to do five TV programs. Cynthia spent most of the day filling CD & DVD orders. She left another 25 copies of second year GSB DVDs on the duplicator when she left for home. Now she is finishing up my mail. Someone told me they notice by my posting times that we work late into the evening. Hey, what else is new!

I had the opportunity to introduce a 37 year old man to Christ this afternoon. It was thrilling to see the scales fall from his eyes as he heard the gospel for what he said was the first time. He said he had thought "Christians had two brains: one lost and the other out looking for it!" After he gave me permission to share the gospel with him, he listened intently and when asked if he would like to trust Christ, he simply said, "Yes." Now to see him grow!

What a benediction to be able to use our time in even small ways to honor the One Who loved us and gave Himself for us!

Maranatha!

$1,000 Challenge

2009-04-29T19:21:00.002-04:00

We need to have the Rightly Dividing the Word chart reprinted. In fact, it is at the printer now. The cost for such a project is always an issue and due to the fact we get such better "per piece" pricing the more we order, we usually order 50,000. This time that comes to just at $4,000. By the way, a 50K supply of charts lasts from 12 to 18 months. There are literally multiple hundreds of thousands of them in circulation.

A friend who was at the recent STS conference offered a challenge: He is willing to match any and all donations up to $1,000 in order to print that many more charts. We don't yet know how many more $2,000 will print, but it should be at least half again the original number. So, here's how it works: For every dollar donated over the next three weeks for the chart printing, it will be matched with another dollar. So your one dollar becomes two, ten becomes twenty, one hundred becomes two hundred, etc.!

Are you up to the challenge? There are three ways to donate: the easiest is to call the office at (888)535-2300 and use your charge card; you can mail a check to P.O.Box 97, Bloomingdale, IL 60108; or you can go to ShorewoodBibleChurch.org and use the donate icon (be sure to designate it for "charts").

Thanks for helping get the message out!

Marantha!

Congratulations, Danielle!

2009-04-28T20:37:00.007-04:00

We just learned that our oldest grand daughter, Danielle, was accepted into the National Junior Honor Society--she is 13 years old. Congratulations, kiddo! We are proud of you. Not only is she growing up to be a lovely young lady, she is smart--at least, for a blonde (that's an "inside" joke). Now, if only her twin brother can catch up.

By the way, her younger sister, Emily, is developing into quite a writer. I have often declared the old maximum to be true: Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your kids. The older they get, the more truth there is to that statement.

This morning our "Florida boys" called to talk to grandma (she gets all the attention, and deservedly so). Since I answered the phone, I got to talk to Nathan a bit before grandma got to the phone. She wants to go back to Florida soon to see Noah, now that he is a couple of months old. You can guess how all my airline travel miles get used! At least Bryant said, "Hi grandpa!"
They called to say they were going to start swimming lessons.

Cynthia will be babysitting for Hanna and Kayla later this week. It is nice to have at least a couple of the grans close by! Hard to believe they just turned seven last month!

At the moment I'm editing DVDs from last weekend's school conference. Mike Taylor is on my screen just now. His grandfather, Marvin Taylor, thinks he is something very special. I agree! Marvin is the only one I know who brags about his grandkids more than me!....well, there are others, too, but he is up there at the top of the list!

Just think: all this, and heaven too! No wonder my heart stays so full of thanksgiving. Just wanted ya'll to know.

Maranatha!

Tired and Happy

2009-04-27T17:36:00.003-04:00

Another Soldiers Training for Service conference is history. We had a bit smaller crowd this year (about 200) but it was one of the more enthusiastic ones! At least 40% had never attended an STS meeting and many of them are new students. It was wonderful to enjoy the outstanding spirit, commitment and excitement on display over the message of grace from the rightly divided Word!

The economy is beginning to more and more take a toll on folks. A good number of our regulars, some who have not missed a conference in years, were unable to be here due to hardships brought on because of the times. We need to stand together during these difficult days and encourage oneanother in every way possible.

Cynthia and I have been sick for over a week with really bad chest colds. I was able to teach five sessions on Saturday but there were times I didn't think my voice was going to hold out--not to mention my mind and legs! She had wonderful help from the ladies of Shorewood and they even made her go home Friday and Saturday nights before everyone else--my wife thinks she should be the last one out the door! It is wonderful to have friends who not only help with the work but look out for your best interests too.

This week will be filled with getting things back in order and caught up. I'll be in Detroit next week so have to get things done for that. Our kitchen is still not functional, so we continue to live out of one room (our bedroom). I'm actually getting used to it!

Maranatha!

Busy and Blessed

2009-04-21T09:32:00.004-04:00

We are in the midst of a busy week as we prepare for next weekend's Soldiers Training for Service conference. This is an annual get together of students, graduates and friends of Grace School of the Bible. We've been doing this for over 25 years!

The purpose of the weekend is to give our students and grads the opportunity to spend some time together--and for me to be able to have some "in person" time with them. The studies are focused on ministry issues--this year I'll be updating a study I did in '97 about the cultural shift currently upon us (what we termed "winter" based on Gen. 8's information about the seasonal cycles of a nation)--along with preaching through some of Paul's ministry charges in I & II Timothy. It'll be a really busy weekend.

My vision for this meeting has always been to provide it as a "gift" to our men. They are on the front lines of the spiritual battle, whether they are working through their own personal edification process or already in "the work of the ministry," and the opportunity to "come apart and rest awhile" is a needed refreshment. We all need to be "recharged" occasionally!

We provide a room for the two nights and enough for them to eat so they don't starve--actually, the ladies of Shorewood go all out in this department! They are working all this week getting things ready. So the men (and now, ladies too) only have to "get here."

This is a special weekend for me, personally. Of all the many things I am privileged to do, none is more dear to me or important to what I am doing than training men for the ministry. I have been committed to doing the work of the ministry Paul's way. That is why I will always be committed to local-church-based-edification and training. Everything we do, from the literature, audio/video media, radio, television, conferences to GSB, is designed in such a way as to enhance local ministries.

So it is a blessing to my heart to see our own local church so willingly and thoroughly involved in helping make this weekend a reality. It is our gift to these soldiers who are on the front lines of carrying the message of grace into the market places of the world!

In the midst of all this, we are also having a funeral. One of the last of our "old timers" went to be with the Lord last Saturday. Bob and Marge Price have been a faithful part of our assembly since the 1930's. Bob is the last of our men who served on the church board with J. C. O'Hair. He was 91 when he moved to heaven and active almost till the end. In fact, we had a men's fellowship Saturday morning and our fellows were asking "Where's Bob?" He hardly missed! We got the call during our time together that he had graduated to glory--so he was enjoying an ever better fellowship time!!

The memorial service will be Wednesday. "If you have never been to a grace believer's funeral, you haven't lived!" was the comment of a gentleman who has only known the grace message for a short time, after attending a memorial service. They are times of great rejoicing! So we'll have a Graduation Service for Bob's promotion to glory on Wednesday. Then we'll have a Graduation Service for GSB students on Satuday. PTL!

By the way, the conference will be broadcast live at ShorewoodBibleChurch.org. We begin Friday about 7:00 p.m. Saturday will be from 8:30 a.m. thru 10:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m and 6:00 p.m. Ya'll come!

Maranatha!

A Father's Love

2009-04-17T11:29:00.003-04:00

A friend sent me this link to a beautiful hymn, "How Deep the Father's Love," wonderfully done by Sarah Sadler. Its on YouTube. Here is the link. This will make your day!

Pay attention to the words--we need to absorb them. We can't begin to understand the Father's love until we begin to comprehend that the fists that struck our Saviour were more than those of some distant Roman soldier or Jewish leader, but they were ours too.

Maranatha!

GSB Channel

2009-04-14T13:46:00.003-04:00

Here is a link to the new Grace School of the Bible channel on YouTube. The videos are from our TV program--I look much younger on them! Hope you enjoy this access to some of the teaching ministry. Go to GSBChannel here. Audio studies--both radio programs and Shorewood pulpit ministry--are also available at GraceImpact.org.

One of the facinating things about this type of Internet site is that I don't actually have to do these things. In fact, I'm wasn't even aware of this particular YouTube channel until someone sent me an invite to join it! It is exciting to see the grace message get a grip on folks and then watch them getting busy putting the message out! You can never fully measure the ingenuity of grace believers! Its amazing!

I finished my taxes yesterday...bummer. This was a welcome "cheer-up"!

Maranatha!

A Busy Day

2009-04-13T12:08:00.003-04:00

We had a busy day yesterday. Our morning meetings were planned for our folks to bring friends/family to hear the gospel. We had a number of lost folks in attendance and I had the opportunity to share the gospel not only in the message but also personally with three adults, one of whom indicated they trusted Christ. PTL!

Afterward, we took Jody, Heather and the girls to lunch and enjoyed a great meal together at a restaurant Cynthia really likes. Then it was back to the church building for me to finish up our taxes and her to fill cd/dvd orders. The evening meeting was well attended too. We needed to sleep in today--but didn't! They are coming today to put in our kitchen counter top! Maybe we'll have a kitchen again by the end of the month! Patience is a virtue. Romans 5:3-5 is true.

Maranatha!

Told ya!

2009-04-09T12:26:00.005-04:00

Told ya he was a cutie! Took a grand kid's picture for me to figure out some of this techy stuff! Motivation!!

The "no shirt, no shoes" thing comes from his other grandpa.

Maranatha!

No Hole

2009-04-09T11:47:00.003-04:00

We got great news yesterday: Our newest grandson, Noah, was released by the heart doctors because the hole in his heart has completely closed. He was born with a heart murmur and the day after his birth it began to worsen. He has responded to the treatment and is now fine! PTL!!

Today is Noah's dad's birthday. David is now 32 years old. Hardly seems possible. He is the same age I was when we moved to Chicago and also has three sons--his brothers both had twins, so he and Stacy did something different! He wanted a riding lawn mower for his birthday--a sure sign he is over the hill! He's a great dad and if I could figure out how to download pictures to this site I could show you!

Happy birthday, David, even if you don't have time to read this!

Maranatha!

Snow, Birthdays and Bikes

2009-04-06T13:00:00.003-04:00

Well, for the second time in a week we awoke to snow! Three inches, no less. About the same as last Sunday.

Actually it started last night. When we left church the ground was already covered. A group of a dozen or so went to a local restaurant for a time of "food and fellowship" and by the time we left there (about 10 p.m.) it was torturous driving. Heavy, clinging snow everywhere. It is a beautiful winter wonderland (BUT it ain't winter)! Since we're on the spring time side of winter, I don't think I'll shovel it. It should melt off by tomorrow. Hey, it gives us something to talk about!

Today is our oldest son's birthday. Hard to believe but Rick turns 39 today! Bob Hope used to say he was the "space age"--39 and holding! "You don't want to get older than that," Hope said. You do begin to be conscious of your own limitations when you pass 39, so Cynthia and I want him to have a great day today while he can still feel young! He is a wonderful son, dad and family man, who makes us very happy--and doing an outstanding job in the ministry there in Mesa. We thank God for you, son.

Also, we just learned that Little Rick (our oldest grandson; Rick's son) had his bike stolen on Saturday. It was his prize and joy. He had picked it out after a long search, earned the money to purchase it and was enjoying the excitement of riding in various bike parks. To loose such a prized possession is a bummer for a thirteen year old--his first real experience with a bad happening.

After the incident, he got a ride home from the responding police officer. Now he is the talk of his neighborhood, having arrived home in the back seat of a police cruiser! Inquiring minds (and nosy neighbors!) want to know!! He is handled the experience well, it seems, even though now he is walking again. Double bummer.

I go to Detroit for TV taping tomorrow so today is a busy day getting ready for that as well as catching up on some things left from yesterday. Forgotten Truths moved to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays over DirectTV (Ch: 367) and the response to the earlier time has been very good. What an opportunity! It has been amazing to see how the Lord has used this program--and how He has used His people to supply its needs. This has proven to be the "little program that could" and we thank God for those who are helping to make it a reality!

Maranatha!

Losing To Win

2009-04-02T23:19:00.005-04:00

Losing is not a popular idea. It's definitely not an American concept. As General Patton famously remarked, "Americans love a winner. America will not tolerate a loser." That's no doubt one reason the current economic/political confusion is so perplexing. We seem to be losing--losing something tangible and intangible at the same time.

But God's grace teaches us that it is in our weakness that His strength is made perfect. In fact, II Cor. 13:4 declares that Jesus Christ "was crucified through weakness"--but not that He couldn't take care of Himself!

He did not die because He could not help it, He did not suffer because He could not escape. All the soldiers of Pilate's army could not have taken him, if he had not been willing to be taken. They could not have hurt a hair of His head, if he had not given them permission.

Truth be told--and what a blessed truth it is--He didn't want to be rescued. What seems to be the cluttered rush of events turns out to be the plan of god unfolding to bring salvation to the world. When evil seems to be winning, Christ calmly submits, knowing that in the end, God's will must be done.

And thus grace teaches us that in losing our power, our significance, our place in the lights, our fame and fortune and all that we hold dear, especially our reputation in the world, in giving all that up, our "losing with God" (as an old hymn puts it) wins for us a blessing the world can't match and does not understand.

Paul describes our ministry when he says of his own, "as unknown, and yet well known...as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing and yet possessing all things" (II Cor. 6:9, 10). I have often said that our influence far out weighs our apparent size!

Maranatha!

A Full Day

2009-04-01T12:32:00.005-04:00

Yesterday Cynthia and I were in downtown Chicago so I took her to one of her favorite hangouts for lunch. Ed Debevic's has great American style food and even greater circuses. I won't say much about the latter because if you come visit us we'll probably take you on our "Chicago tour" which definitely includes Ed's. Don't want to spoil the surprise(s). We had a real nice lunch together. You can see her picture here. Mine is here.

Last evening I attended the graduation ceremony for one of our friends who graduated from the Greenawalt Learning Center and Master's Touch Program sponsored by Wayside Christian Ministries. It is a program for men whose lives have "gone over the cliff," as Brother Reynolds used to say. What a exciting time to see 19 men whose lives have been rescued and transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. They gave testimony to the victory that is available only in Him.

For me it was like a throw back to my early years in inner city mission work. How I loved those days! Sharing the gospel with dozens each day, preaching on the street, in bars and pool halls, teaching converts the message of grace and seeing the truth take root in their lives. Those were formative days in my young life--their impact still with me.

One interesting thing also happened last evening: at least half a dozen people asked me if i was on television! They see our programs, listen to our radio broadcast and through Don have been studying some of our DVDs. Never know where things go--or who is watching! The good news is that the Body of Christ belongs to Him! He takes care of His own. We just labor in our small part of the field.

So, yesterday was a full day. Today promises to be the same. Praise the Lord!

Maranatha!

Home Again, again!

2009-03-30T15:45:00.002-04:00

We had a rather weird day yesterday. Our (hopefully) last big snow of the season arrived Saturday night and lasted into mid-day Sunday. It cut into our a.m. attendance a bit but was actually rather beautiful. Although it was pretty heavy, it was melted by the time we got home Sunday night.

Our regular "snow plow" man is currently on a cruise with his family enjoying the sun. What a time to be away! Our backup guy was in Colorado on a ski trip with his family. Alex did get him on the phone and he was able to have one of his crew do the parking lot--we love cell phones! At least most folks didn't have to walk through the snow to get into the building.

I got home from Tennessee Friday afternoon. Cynthia picked me up at the airport and we were home before dark. Our kitchen is still not functional so we are living in/out of our bedroom. No way to cook, so eating has been something of a challenge. Didn't seem to be such a big deal while Cynthia was gone--the Alabama, Florida and Arizona kitchens were working! Now that she's home again, she isn't so happy about the lack of facilities. Jody is doing a great job, it just takes so much time. She purchases the appliances last week and they were delivered today. The cabinets are in, so now we have only one major item left--counter tops. Well, the floor still needs to be finished but that will be the last thing we do. We should be ready for company by the April school meeting.

Hanna and Kayla had their 7th birthday party Saturday. It was quite an event! 36 kids (27 girls!) at the Enchanted Castle for the afternoon. Watching them attack the rides/games quickly made it clear that my best option was to guard the presents! So I stayed out of harms way at the the present-table. Actually it turned out well, as there were several others doing the same thing for other parties. I had the opportunity to share the gospel with two of them as we huddled in the safe corner!

Something interesting happened in Tennessee along this line: A large group of us ate lunch at a Golden Coral buffet. Because of the size of the group we had several waitresses. Turned out that all of them had clear testimonies of salvation--six in all! I don't remember ever having that happen! A time of rejoicing and Bible study broke out in that end of the restaurant.

Lots of work got done while I was gone. The Tape of the Month mailing went out, TV and radio programs were shipped, all the orders are filled, the mail and office work is up to date, and this morning I finished paying the school bills. Makes me tired to think of it all! No time for a day off, however, since today began another week!

By the way, I'm still trying to figure my way around FaceBook. I'd be happy to be your Friend!

Maranatha!

Wednesday in the Smoky Mountains

2009-03-25T09:39:00.004-04:00

Its Wednesday morning in the Smokey Mountains; rain is falling and the air is cool. I had expected a bit more warmth, so didn't bring heavier clothing. Brrrrrr. But the meetings are inside and it isn't really necessary to go outdoors. Yesterday was beautiful--just right in every way. So, as the song we learned as kids goes,

As a rule man's a fool,
When its hot he wants it cool;
When its cool he wants it hot,
Always wanting what is not!

I have met several of my Facebook "friends" in person this week. Nice to put a person to their picture. By the way, I haven't figured out yet how to put a picture in my FB profile! Need to talk to a teenager!

A number of younger men are preaching during the morning messages and it is a joy to see them doing such outstanding jobs. There has certainly developed a good "down line" of men coming along behind us older guys who are taking up the baton and carrying it with vigor.

One thing David does that is rather unique is to have a Grace School of the Bible Day. The school is featured during the day, especially by having different students and grads give testimonies as to its impact on their lives and ministries. One special thing this year has been reports on what is going on in China.

Bob Barlow was able to attend this conference and he has been explaining some things happening in China. He originally went there to teach in a university as a means to share the gospel with students. Interestingly, students cannot attend university in China unless they speak English! So they are a great mission field.

After seeing a number of student trust Christ and also meeting many Chinese Christians in the "underground" church, Bob has had the opportunity to introduce the message of grace to an eager audience. It has caught on like wild-fire and now there are mid-Acts grace believing assemblies in every Provence of China--even the Muslim areas!

One of the things they have done is take the GSB classes (we provided Bob with the whole school curriculum) and duplicate them. Some 7,000 copies of the Romans DVDs have been distributed! Now they are working on the Ephesians class DVDs. We can't even imaging what the outcome of such an effort will possible be.

Bob has largely spent his time teaching the English speaking teachers and leaders, who in turn teach the other leaders and so forth on down the "house church" network. They have been translating the school classes, too! Bob, by the way, is originally from south Georgia....imagine learning/listening to south Georgian English and south Alabama lingo and putting that into Chinese! You have to have a real hunger for the Word just to get that far!

If you would like to have a part in helping with the financial needs of this effort, let me know and I can give you the details. There is a need to maintain a low profile due to the Chinese government's many restrictions and constant monitoring.

As the conference hits mid-week folks begin to go home. Some have actually stayed longer than really convenient due to job and life obligations. We had a tearful parting with several last evening, but we carry on! He that endureth to the end gets all the blessings!

Maranatha!

TN Update

2009-03-22T17:26:00.002-04:00

In just a few minutes we'll begin the Sunday evening Singspiration. After that I'll be speaking again. We have had a great time this weekend with some really wonderful preaching. This afternoon we ordained two brothers into the ministry, another treat for a meeting like this. I think this is the third time in four years we've done this! The work of the ministry is growing as a result of the fellowship enjoyed during these weeks.

I had lunch with Steve Hamilton, leader of the grace church in Lena, Wisconsin, and our old friend Don Cote (also a cheese-head)--did I mention there are a number of cheese-heads here? Don's health has been improving and it is wonderful to see his happy spirit. We had a happy time sharing experiences and insight as we enjoyed our soup 'n salad.

Talked to Cynthia too. She's home and working this afternoon in the production department. Had a good a.m. at Shorewood she said and she and Debbie are filling orders--they also had a "mailing party" after church to get the registrations for the April conference ready. So she's home and busy!

Maranatha!

Smokin' In the Smoky Mountains

2009-03-20T16:19:00.005-04:00

Got to O'Hair about 6:00 a.m. to discover the place was a zoo. Spring Break!! This is the first time in a long time the "two hour" window to get to the airport before a flight seemed like a good idea. But things went ok. O'Hair is a big place but it is also amazingly efficient when it needs to be. Got through security (it does help to know where the least used points are) and on the plane (sat next to the mother from hell--but that's another story) and to Knoxville in good order.

Hanna Dowell and Roger picked me up and we arrived in Pigeon Forge like clock work. The hotel has been completely renovated and is very nice. The meeting hall is a great upgrade from the past. It seats about 300 (could go to 1,200) with tables and chairs and plenty of room to move around. We just had an "Ice Cream Welcome," and the first meetings start at 6:00 p.m. It's great to see so many friends from around the eastern part of the country. Gona be a good week of fellowship and study.

Cynthia will get back home tomorrow. She has had a good week with the Arizona gang. They are growing up into fine young people and are an encouragement to us both--although they still think having grandma around is more fun than you-know-who. It has been refreshing for her, and that is good.

Our theme here in Tennessee this week is "Rescue the Perishing." I'll be speaking nightly on "The Destiny of Man." I'm settled into my room and set up to work in the afternoons but look forward to the fortification my spirit receives from hearing God's Word taught rightly divided and with the passion of conviction.

If you have never been to a conference like this, you should plan on joining us next year--or in Chicago this coming July 18-23!

By the way, the Indian family I think I mentioned who attended Shorewood last Sunday night came back Wednesday evening. Johny Varghese was able to visit with them then. Turns out they have an understanding of right division and were excited to find a group in Chicago that did too. Their uncle in India teaches Pauline Dispensationalism and has a ministry there! God has His people everywhere--just because we don't know about them doesn't mean they aren't there! It is a benediction to know that the Body of Christ belongs to Him--and that He really doesn't need us. He just chooses to use us by His grace for His glory.

Maranatha!

O'Hair, Spencer and the Collapse of Evangelicalism

2009-03-17T08:57:00.009-04:00

There is currently a buzz of discussion about the future of "evangelicalism" due to a blog written by Michael Spencer, entitled The Coming Evangelical Collapse. You can read his three posts here. A condensed magazine version is here. I actually heard him interviewed on two Christian radio programs last week. The article is an interesting appraisal of what is going on in the American Evangelical scene.

Some of what he says is spot and all of it offers rather compelling insight. But the article also illustrates one of the fundamental flaws of this type of effort. There is, in fact, under all these issues a more core problem. Spencer seems to sense this; he even seems to be searching for is; ultimately he is himself a victim of evangelicalism's core failure and hence misses it. Let me explain.

He is doubtless correct when he states that "Charismatic-Pentecostal Christianity will become the majority report in evangelicalism." It actually already is. Look at any representative Evangelical Church and even if it doesn't do the "charismatic-spiritual-gift-displays," it will still be dominated by the charismatic movement's music/worship style, atmosphere, programs, etc.

This is exactly what J. C. O'Hair predicted in the 1940! O'Hair was a champion of the distinctive ministry and message of the Apostle Paul. He heralded this truth as he pioneered in Christian radio, through literature, foreign missions, aiding in establishing educational institutions and fellowships of grace believers and preachers, all the while leading an aggressively evangelistic/Bible teaching church in Chicago.

As the tide of Fundamentalism began to shift toward rejection of a clear stand for the distintive ministry commited to the Apostle Paul (the cost simply became too high when traditions like water baptism were threatened), O'Hair issued a warning to his brethren. I don't have the exact quote in front of me, but the gist of it went something like this:

"If fundamentalism continues to refuse to embrace the importance of the distinctive ministry of the Apostle Paul the church will be scourged with the rod of Pentecostal fanaticism."

I have a few more things to say about Spencer's article, but this is the core problem--the eight hundred pound gorilla in the room no one wants to talk about (too often, even those who know/embrace it). The answer will not be found in the dust; the answer is in the cause of the dust swirling so thickly in the air.

Marantha!

Five Things I Do Every Day

2009-03-17T08:41:00.002-04:00

There are five things I do every day. I know it isn't a good idea to ever say "every" or "never" for there are always going to be exceptions--but they actually "prove the rule" (if the rule is general enough!). For the past four decades, however, the days in which these things were not present are so few as to be unrememberable.

What are these things? Actually they are just the fundamental flow of a happy life. I discovered them long after doing them, that is, I one day realize what I was already doing that filled my life with joy. They are: get up in the morning, eat, spend time with the Lord (via His Word and prayer), spend time with my wife (i.e., have some meaningful communication together) and then go to bed. There, that's it! Everything else I do (and there's plenty of that!) simply fits around those five verities.

Now I know this doesn't sound profound. But life isn't make up of the profound, its made up of the little things that matter. At least a happy, joyful life is. When I conclude the day, I think back over its events and if these things are in good order I rejoice. If I have allowed one to be crowded out, I feel the loss and repent!

One thing I've learned is to look for and at core issues. The "simplicity that is in Christ" is a guiding standard for me. This, for me, is my deliverance from "the bareness of business."

Maranatha!

She's Gone Again!

2009-03-16T17:00:00.003-04:00

Cynthia left for AZ this morning. She called a few minutes ago to say she had landed and was being picked up. It is touching to me to see how our grandkids refresh her so. She loves children; they love her. Her ministry with them is remarkable--as is true for all our children's workers. But there is something so very special about grandkids!

I'll be leaving for Pigeon Forge, TN on Friday. The conference there runs through the end of next week. It looks to be a grand time. The hotel has been completely renovated and there is a new meeting hall. Reports are that the reservations are already ahead of last year, so even in the current economy folks are looking for a time of renewal around the message of grace. Since I preach nightly, I'll be finishing my messages tomorrow. Also make radio for the next two weeks. Wednesday is packing day, Thursday I have two business meetings (one with our Chicago radio station and the other with an Internet company). So got to get lots done today and tomorrow.

After the extra busy time yesterday, I've been dragging today. I've come to realize that I am more limited physically than my "ego" wants to admit. My stamina this long after the radiation treatment is probably what it is going to be. I actually watched a video of me preaching a month or so ago and couldn't believe how slow I was talking! Not that anyone complained!! As I watched it I was struck by how tired I looked. As I thought back, I was tired! I suppose that it is a "man thing" not to want to embrace such limits. I guess I'll have to cut back to a 60-hour week.

Being "home alone" this evening I am going to reread Dent's latest book, The Great Depression Ahead. It contains a wealth of information that can help focus ministry for the days ahead. I am going to teach through the cycles or seasons of nationalism at the April school meeting. I did some of this a decade ago; this will be an update. So....I got some more studying to do.

Maranatha!

Facebook Twitter

2009-03-16T00:31:00.002-04:00

By the way: I finally joined Facebook and Twitter. Didn't have enough to do! Look forward to occasionally visiting personally with my "friends"--although I'm still doing the learning curve thing. Cynthia thinks I nuts--and she should know (hey, she's been married to me almost 40 years!).

Check it out!

Maranatha

Catching Up

2009-03-15T23:34:00.003-04:00

Hello, again. I've been away for a while. The trip to Mobile went ok. Traveling with two six-year-olds was a delightful challenge for this 60 year old! We saw a lot of Cracker Barrels and Mc Donalds, spent a night in a hotel with an indoor pool so we could wear 'em out swimming and listened to them watching so many DVDs I can't count--but I can recite at least four by memory!

The wedding was beautiful. The groom's brother is a lay preaching and we had a great time talking Bible together. He visited our web site, listened to a couple of messages and read all the study articles between the rehearsal (Friday) and the wedding (Saturday)! Hungry fella!

Getting home was good. We are redoing our kitchen so have no facilities to cook at the moment. So, its good that Cynthia is leaving for AZ in the a.m. I leave for the Pigeon Forge conference on Friday (she's back Saturday). Another two weeks of passing the in night.

Yesterday we were at the South-side Chicago conference. Art Johnson and the saints of Shorewood-South do an outstanding job with this meetings. An overflow group met to study all day and their eager interest was refreshing for me. Several told me, "Hey, brother Rick, you're back to being like your old self!"

We had a long day at Shorewood today. The morning meetings went well--I preached rather fervently about the choice to make Christ our "life," and was thrilled to see the joyful reception the exhortation received. Rebuking sin and reinforcing righteousness (a la Titus 2:12) in a grace way works among genuine grace believers!

The morning was followed by a church lunch and then a two hour core-group meeting followed by a wedding shower (during which I had a counseling session) and then the evening study. We had 8 visitors for the p.m. meeting! I quickly transitioned the study to teach the chart! If you listen to the I Thess. 1:5 message you'll catch on that there were newbies in attendance. They responded very positively!

After a lively "after-meeting-restaurant-fellowship," we stopped at the p.o.box on the way home. Among the mail was another flier from a brother who seems to have little to do but attach us. Its exhilarating to be "shot at" by a fella who never even gets close to hitting the target. But this one didn't ever give me an honorable mention! So it went into file thirteen. But there also was an application to GSB in the box. I'll close with a portion of the touching testimony it enclosed:

"I was painfully aware in the depths of my inner man that I had given my life to Jesus and that I needed to live 'the Christian life' as a living witness to that which I professed to believe. It wasn't until many years later, while I was in my mid-thirties, that I first heard the message of eternal salvation and really became aware of the total victory we had over sin, and the absolute and total forgiveness we had in the grace we possessed through Christ's death Calvary. When the truth of that message really hit home, I experienced the love of God in my heart and the resultant peace in my spirit for the first time in all my life. For the first time I realized it wasn't about what I did or didn't do. It was about what Christ had done. I was accepted, justified, redeemed, PERIOD!

"Still, even in the light of that knowledge, I couldn't seem to get beyond the feelings of guilt and condemnation that are brought on by what Pastor Jordan refers to as 'trying to live up to a performance based religious standard.' I earnestly began seeking God's wisdom through fervent prayer and study at that point, and then less than a year ago, I came across one of the Forgotten Truths broadcasts. I had never heard of studying the Bible dispensationally before, or of living 'the grace life' in the light of who we are in Christ. Needless to say my life 'in Christ' hasn't been the same since. So, although I am certain that the Lord Jesus Christ truly did save me at that young age, I never really walked in a victorious Christian life nor truly experienced the joy and peace that comes from the freedom I've found in the revelation of God's truth in His Word, rightly divided."

Maranatha!

Detroit & Mobile

2009-03-03T00:58:00.003-05:00

I'll be traveling to Detroit in the morning to do this month's television taping. I keep getting reports from both the Forgotten Truths office as well as our office here about the outstanding response we've been getting. Lately we've had numerous calls indicating they have come to understand the gospel and gained assurance of their own salvation. PTL!

This month's taping of the Message of Grace will mark our 20th year of producing the TV program. The crew from Grace Bible Church of Warren, Michigan has been faithfully producing this program. It has become a very special time each month for all of us, none more than for me. It is a high privilege to work together in the fellowship in the gospel!

Cynthia and I will be traveling to Mobile when I return. My brother's oldest daughter, Devon, is getting married Saturday and I am doing the ceremony. We will be traveling with our almost-7-year-old twin grand daughters, so the trip should be "fun." Their mom and dad (Jody and Heather) will fly down on Friday evening. Devon and her future husband are believers and want their wedding be an opportunity to have a gospel witness to family and friends. I'm good with that!

I talked this morning to a Brother in Canada who is part of a grace church looking for a minister. They are an established group and have a vision and zeal for the Word rightly divided. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in a challenge, let me know and I'll be happy to put you in touch with these folks.

During the past two weeks I have also talked via phone with folks in three other "foreign countries" (actually, since heaven is our real home, all countries here are "foreign"!) where the grace message has taken root. Exciting to know that "globalism" isn't exclusively a reference to economic issues!

Maranatha!

Excuse Me!

2009-03-03T00:57:00.001-05:00

When we sin, we always have an excuse. When God asked guilty Adam if he had eaten the forbidden fruit, he offered the classic dodge: “The woman which thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat” (Genesis 3:12).

Here we have the Original Sin followed by the Original Excuse. And we haven’t stopped making excuses since.

We’re victims; we were tired, the kids were driving me nuts; I was caught by surprise, I didn’t think anyone would see me; I thought I deleted those files; we didn’t have a choice; she made me do it; he told me it was okay; I didn’t think it was wrong; if you had warned me better; you would have done the same thing; I just lost my temper; they deserved it; I don’t care what anyone thinks; and on we go.

Let me say it again: No one sins without making some excuse to himself for sinning. The worst lies are the ones we tell ourselves. Our excuses keep us chained to bad habits, addictive behavior, sinful patterns, and they lead to stupid mistakes and keep us locked into a downward spiral of denial and cover-up. When we sin, we always have an excuse we accept. You’ll never get better until you stop making excuses.

And this is exactly what the grace of God allows--and enables--us to do. Jesus Christ has "put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" and thus set us free from both the guilt and dominion of sin. The old hymn says, "He paid the price for canceled sin and sets the prisoner free!" God's grace allows us to experience real guilt; facing our failures honestly and putting them away. Meditate a bit on Romans 6:1-14 and Titus 2:11-14.

This is the message our lost, sin ridden world needs to hear. This is the message we are proclaiming weekly to literally millions via radio, television, the Internet, the printed page and media; the message we're training men to preach around the globe. This is the message we are privileged to get out to others by "life, lip, lit and 'lectronics" (as Oscar Woodall so often said). Life can never be boring with such a privileged calling!

Maranatha!

A "Barbecue Memorial"

2009-02-14T21:23:00.004-05:00

The conference is going alone well. It is touching to see folks from many different backgrounds so enthralled with the message of grace and an understanding of the rightly divided Word! As one of the teens told me at lunch, "this conference is smokin'!"

We had a special time this afternoon remembering our sister Vickie Lynn Matis. Vickie went to be with the Lord only a few days ago after a struggle with terminal cancer. She was young (56) and taken rather suddenly by cancer that was too far advanced when discovered to treat successfully--or even slow down.

But Vickie had a powerful testimony in life--and her "memorial barbecue" was no less powerful. She had asked that there be no sad time--"Have a barbecue!" had been her wish. So we did. Her family--mom, sister, brother and daughter gave touching testimonies of her faith and confidence in Christ. All who knew her knew the depth of both her understanding of the message of grace and her daily occupation with her Savior. We truly had a time of rejoicing for the life of Christ made manifest in a friend and fellow saint! John gave a clear gospel message and a strong appeal for the unsaved present to trust Christ.

I first met Vickie at this conference over a decade and a half ago. Through her I came to know her mom, brother and sister, husband and children. They have all been part of the "California family" that I have looked forward to seeing at these meetings. Seeing the sound doctrine living in this family during a time of deep sorrow and testing such as this is a benediction to the work of the ministry John and the saints of Berean Bible Ministries have so faithfully carried forward. Over and over Phil. 1:21 was quoted. Enough said!

Also attending this meeting is Barrry Curtis. Barry, you may recall, missed the Arizona conference last fall due to being hospitalized that weekend with newly discovered life threatening tumors in his intestines. Although at first thought to be inoperaterable, subsequent treatments and surgery have brought him to the verge of being declared completely free of danger!

He, and his young family, are thrilled with the situation, naturally. He boldly says, "If we hadn't known the grace message, we would have been basket cases during all this. Grace has given us hope and peace through it all. Knowing that God is for us no matter what has made all the difference."

This is all living fruit from the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. When we simply rest our faith in an intelligent understanding of God's rightly divided Word we find the joy and peace Rom. 15:13 tells us can be ours. It is ministries like this one where saints are established in sound doctrine that make the difference in the shoe leather of life. I am humbled and grateful that this caliber of testimony exists through out our fellowship around the nation--and world!

Praise the Lord!

Maranatha!

Great Start

2009-02-14T00:07:00.003-05:00

I'm writing this just after the second session of the first night of the conference here in California. We are off to a great start. The auditorium is filled with a really energetic group of saints of all ages. They have traveled not only from across the southwest but also from Illinois, Michigan, South Dakota and Florida. Several couples have come from the television program. The singing, led by Ted Marolf, has been spirited with everyone joining in with real gusto. I even was allowed to play the keyboard!

I introduced the Book of Ephesians the first hour, then John began the exposition of chapter one. It is grand to see folks eagerly soaking up the sound doctrine.

For those worried about where the young people are, let me assure you they are both here and interested. As I looked over the audience, maybe 15% are over 60. The remainder are mainly in the 25-45 age group along with a large group of teens. The children's work is in another building but from the number of young couples present no doubt there is a full house there too. Over the past several years, this has been the general ratio of most of our meetings. Don't despair for the future of the so-called grace movement--at least the network of which we are a part.

A good group has gathered with us via PalTalk. If you can join us tomorrow, by all means do so.

Every conference is different. This one is off to a rousing start--even though it has rained most of the day.

Maranatha!

P.S. My Arizona grand children are here. I don't get to see them nearly often enough, but when I do they make my heart rejoice to see how they are growing up to be fine young people.

California In the Morning

2009-02-13T23:49:00.001-05:00

I traveled to San Juan Capistrano yesterday, arriving at John Wayne Airport about 3:00 p.m. local time. The trip began about 7:00 a.m. Central Time with a long “to do” list before I could depart. Not a great way to start a trip!

As usual, I’m staying with Ted and Debbie Marlof. Elbert and Luawana Ray picked me up at the airport—I arrived sometime after they did—and took me to my “home away from home.” Nice to have some “Chicago folk” joining us for what is always a delightful, refreshing conference in the California sun.

Very early this morning, Ted’s phone rang. “Who is calling this time of the morning?!” Hey, we were still working on our first cup of coffee; Debbie hadn’t even left for work yet. What was going on with the early morning caller? Ted wasn’t amused and let the answering machine get it.

The experience reminded me of a verse I hadn’t thought about in awhile: Proverbs 27:14. It reads: “He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.”

This rather humorous proverb is pointing to a simple lack of common courtesy. Even if he means well, this friend’s timing is way off. There is a proper time for everything—including hearty greetings—but this man evidently doesn’t know or doesn’t care. Such a person is tone-deaf to the sensitivities of friendship. The idea behind the proverb is that we should be sensitive to how other people feel. Think about them before you speak.

I Corinthians 13:4-5 tells us that charity “is kind” and “doth not behave itself unseemly.” Ephesians 4:32 exhorts us to “be kind, tender hearted.” Courtesy is nothing more than the practical application of Christian love and esteem to the ordinary affairs of life. The dictionary calls it “excellence of manners” and “polite behavior.” It is a combination of tact, timing, sensitivity, and kindness. Courteous people are known not only by what they do and say, but also by what they don’t do and don’t say.

Admittedly, this virtue may not seem as noble as courage or as important as integrity. But when analyzed, courtesy is impossible without a whole host of other virtues, including patience, forgiveness, self-control and humility.

In a very real sense, the test of courtesy is the bad manners of others. Anyone can be courteous to nice people. It’s how you respond to the louts of the world that makes all the difference. That’s a good thing to remember the next time someone calls you at 6:15 in the morning!

Maranatha!

Home & Reading

2009-02-09T11:29:00.006-05:00

Just a quick note to report that little Noah has responded well to treatment and should be home soon. David and Stacy were given a rather extensive "cpr for infants" course to prepare them for the transition. They are doing well; grandma is still jittery!

I travel to Detroit tomorrow to make five more television programs. I'll be back Wednesday to teach the Book of John that evening and then fly to California on Thursday for the conference next weekend. By the way, the conference will be on PalTalk, so if you can join us that would be great. John Verstegen and my son, Rick, will be joining me teaching Ephesians.

Some folks from here will be on the same flight so it will be nice to have a bit of company. They have planned a "Christian tour" for that afternoon to see a couple of famous California site--the Crystal Cathedral and Azzuza Street Mission (sort of like going to see Ground Zero--curiosity plus voyeurism!). If Dan shows up, we'll probably have to visit a cemetery or two along the way!

San Juan Capistrano is one of my favorite places to visit. For one thing, it has a wonderful Italian restaurant that has the best lazanua I have ever tasted, and then there is the ocean (I love the water, even if it isn't the Gulf of Mexico!). Most of all, however, is the opportunity to enjoy fellowship with saints who are good friends. It always is a refreshing time for me, personally.

I am reading Harry Dent's latest book. Dent is the most amazing economist I have ever come across. He has put together an analysis formula based on the application of the generational concepts developed by Strauss and Howe in the 1980's. This application of the generational cycles opens an understanding of what is going on in the culture about us that is amazingly accurate. Those who have hear me teach the "Dots, Lines and Circles" studies know that the cyclical pattern of national life is based squarely on Biblical declarations of how God established the life of a nation to function. Admittedly this is not a subject commonly addressed in either Scriptural or Economic/political/social studies--but it is Scripturally grounded and historically demonstrable.

My interest in this topic has focused on gaining an understanding of the times we life in, where our culture is headed and how to position the work of the ministry to be most effective both now and in the future. It is a strange thing, but true nonetheless, that church leaders in general look to the past twenty years or so to plot their future course. Understanding this Scriptural approach allows us to look to the future with the confidence of the sons of Issachar, "men that had understanding of the times" (I Chron. 12:32).

The implications of the advances in thinking represented by Howe, Strauss and Dent are almost universally overlooked by civic leaders on the left, right and center of the spectrum. The inmates continue to run the asylum, as demonstrated by the current economic calamity. While clear answers are on the table, parochial interest simply ignore them. It is this narcissisticly induced blindness that leads our nation. It is the same with the truth of God's Word rightly divided: there it sits in plain view, but simply ignored by spiritual leaders more interested in sitting in the rubble created by satisfying fleshly goals of religious existentialism.

The course of a nation and its response to each cycle it passes through is determined by the amount of sound doctrine that resides in and thus influences the populous of that nation. It is on this point that we have the responsibility and privilege to proclaim the unadulterated, undiluted message of grace by every means possible. That's the way to do our part. We thank God for our friends and partners who join us in the campaign "to make all men see."

In light of the above, it was encouraging Sunday afternoon to have a meeting with a good group of volunteers who are interested in advancing our Internet presence. They had many good ideas and the enthusiasm to see them brought to fruition. Stay tuned!

Maranatha!

A Bitter-Sweet Day

2009-02-05T15:39:00.003-05:00

I got a call this morning from Cynthia telling me that little Noah is being transferred to a specialized children’s hospital NIC unit. It seems he has developed a heart murmur that has worsened. Don’t know exactly what the situation is at the moment, but since the doctors didn’t seem to be overly excited, I trust it is something that can be managed successfully.

Grandma was pretty upset, which is to be expected. Even the smallest problem for a little one tugs at the heart strings. We appreciate your prayers for mom, dad and grandma!

I actually had a rather lengthy comment almost ready to post when I received the above information. My wisdom on the use of FaceBook and Tweetering will have to wait!

My day has been largely been spent making radio for Shorewood and GSB—both weekly and daily programs. What a privilege it is to proclaim the rightly divided Word via the media. So, today is a bit bitter-sweet!

When I learned that I had cancer, a friend sent me a message I have posted on my office wall: “You never know that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have. When Jesus is all you have, then you discover He really is all you need!”

Maranatha!

Welcome Noah Avery!

2009-02-03T19:15:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to David and Stacy on the arrival of their third son (and our eighth grand child) this morning! Arriving about 9:30 a.m., he weighed in at 7 pounds 6 ounces, making him the "light weight" of the trio. He, mom and dad are all doing well and we are grateful for another member of the family. Grandma and brothers are awaiting his homecoming later this week.

David's brothers, Rick and Jody, both had twins as their first children. David and Stacy have gone the "three boy" route, the path Cynthia and I traveled. We still have a plaque in our hall that declares, "A boy is the only thing God can use to make a man." We look forward to Noah growing into manhood and living for and serving our Saviour.

The first step of getting him born is done; next is getting him born into the family of God!

Maranatha!

Numbers

2009-01-26T20:45:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was an interesting day of numbers for me. When we moved into our current church campus, the city of Rolling Meadows fire department regulations required us to keep an attendance count of our meetings. Thus, Benny and/or Mel take a count at some point in each service.

Our morning attendance was 176 in the main service with another 46 kids in three “children’s church” meetings. That’s about the usual count. What was interesting was that Lou told me that we had exactly 100 Internet hookups. Each hookup represents at least one, but often more, individuals (one group out west has some 40 regular participants). It is a great way to expand attendance! We had 54 hookups for the evening study.

During the afternoon, after I took Cynthia to the airport (she is now in Florida to help with the birth of our 8th grandchild—David and Stacy will soon join the “three boy” club), there were a number of folks doing various Grace Impact Ministries tasks. I volunteered to put postage on this week’s mailing to our radio and TV responders.

I was amazed to learn there were 56 packages to send out, containing a total of 49 new contacts! Tom Bruscha sent me a note that there were some 51 responses to Forgotten Truths last week. Think about it: That’s exactly 100 new contacts for the message of grace last week!

By the way, the Grace Impact/Grace School of the Bible ministries have expanded into a four-office suit—along with two additional production offices—in the church building. We still have several “off site” offices but having more things under one roof makes us more efficient in many ways. All of these ministries—GIM, GSB or Shorewood Bible Church—are really one in heart and spirit, living examples of what Paul called “fellowship in the gospel.”

Maranatha!

Missing In the Buzz

2009-01-19T23:16:00.002-05:00

In all the understandable buzz over the new president, it seems one action of the exiting president got little to no press: In one of his final acts before leaving office, President Bush designated January 18 as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. Didn’t hear about that did ya? Neither did I. Thank God for the Internet!!

In his declaration, Bush noted that “the most basic duty of the government is to protect the innocent.” And who among us is more innocent and more worthy of protection than the unborn? Frankly, one of the clearest signals that our nation has undergone a fundamental moral/spiritual sea change is the willingness of its citizens to ignore such an atrocity as infanticide, commonly called abortion. Sadly, all too many who claim the name of Jesus Christ join in this tragidy, largely because it is in their own personal self interest to do so. How else can you explain the unfettered support for our new president, in light of his unfettered support for abortion on demand? He will be the most abortion friendly president in our history, if his own statements are to be believed. Sadly, this is swept under the rug in the euphoria surrounding his ascendancy to the highest office of our land.

Ironically, on January 9 an ardent spokesman for the pro-life cause, Richard John Neuhaus, died. During the 1960s Neuhaus marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After the infamous Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 legalized abortion, he gave himself tirelessly to see the unborn protected. Few spoke out more often or more effectively. Last July he delivered a powerful speech at the National Right to Life Convention, explaining why we cannot give in to the “culture of death.” In part he said:

“We shall not weary, we shall not rest, until every unborn child is protected in law and welcomed in life. We shall not weary, we shall not rest, until all the elderly who have run life’s course are protected against despair and abandonment, protected by the rule of law and the bonds of love. We shall not weary, we shall not rest, until every young woman is given the help she needs to recognize the problem of pregnancy as the gift of life. We shall not weary, we shall not rest, as we stand guard at the entrance gates and the exit gates of life, and at every step along the way of life, bearing witness in word and deed to the dignity of the human person—of every human person.

“Against the encroaching shadows of the culture of death, against forces commanding immense power and wealth, against the perverse doctrine that a woman’s dignity depends upon her right to destroy her child, against what St. Paul calls the principalities and powers of the present time, this convention renews our resolve that we shall not weary, we shall not rest, until the culture of life is reflected in the rule of law and lived in the law of love.”

That is truly “change we can believe in.”

Maranatha!

Back To Chicago

2009-01-12T11:24:00.000-05:00

Today I’m trying to fly back to Chicago. It is an iffy proposition due to the weather. So I’ll sit at the airports in Mobile and Dallas/Fort Worth and finish my reading project for this trip.

Going to Mobile I took William Kelly’s Exposition of the Book of John to read along the way. By the time we arrived I covered the first five chapters of this marvelous work by a gifted expositor from the past. Anything you see by Kelly is worth its price and a careful read. I purchased this particular work at Powell’s Bookstore in Portland last fall when we where there after the Northwest Grace Conference. Powell’s is billed, by the way, as the world’s largest bookstore. It covers a whole downtown city block with three stories of used and new books. I could spend a week there—and a fortune.

Kelly writes in beautiful nineteenth century English that requires you to read with special attention. I find this helpful, frankly, because it forces me to think carefully about what he is saying. And what could be more wonderful than the Book of John and its presentation of the Lord Jesus Christ as “the Word, the Only-Begotten Son, God Himself on earth in human flesh.”

It is our common understanding that Jesus Christ is “very God and very man,” that He is “true God and true man”—the God-Man. In other words, in His Incarnation Jesus Christ is both undiminished deity and full, authentic humanity. He is truly the unique person of all time. No wonder He is rightly called the Celebrity of the Universe!

One quote from Kelly puts it thusly:

“The Incarnation was no mere emanation of divinity; neither was it a Person once divine Who ceased to be so by becoming man (in itself an impossible absurdity), but One Who, to glorify the Father, and in accomplishment of the purposes of grace to the glory of God, took humanity into union with Godhead in his Person” (p. 60).

That He can thus actually, really and fully be “touched by the feelings of our infirmities” makes the heart cry, Oh, what a Savior!

Maranatha!

The Last Words

2009-01-11T23:15:00.002-05:00

We had a wonderful time with the saints at Forest Park Bible Church this morning. It is always great to see the Lange’s (I know I keep saying that, but its true!). Brother Lange told us, “I’m no longer pastor of the church—the doctor said so.” They are planning a special day on February 1 to honor his 53 years of service and to place him officially into Pastor Emeritus status. I made a short video to be played along with the many other tributes that day.

We had a delightful lunch with the whole Lange family and spent the afternoon and evening visiting with my brother, Travis.

Everyone knows that my preaching is very extemporaneous. I teach men to preach that way, too. There are, however, two parts of a message that I always try to write out in detail. First is the introduction—that way I’m sure to get started on the right track. Then, the conclusion—that way I have a clear destination and way to conclude at the station. I don’t always deliver these two paragraphs verbatim—I seldom simply read them—but do spend a good deal of time preparing them so they are there to guide my mind in the right direction and to bring it to the desired focal point.

Thus when asked if I could reproduce the concluding comment and prayer at Mr. Howell’s funeral, I can rather easily comply! Although not delivered word for word, I had written in my notes:

At a moment like this we all realize our own mortality and if we are honest, we realize our total dependence on the Lord. “What is your life? You are a vapour that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” The Bible says that the Lord is full of grace and abounding in compassion and His mercies are new every morning. We are told that God is the “Father of Mercies,” which to me means that because of Jesus Christ, we are invited to come, not to an angry God, but to a loving Father who waits for us to call out to Him. Romans 5:8 tells us that “God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” It is with great certainty that I say this: The Lord who loved Mr. Howell also loves us too. Jesus Christ has opened the door to heaven, not only for Pearlie, but for all who believe in Him—and that’s very good news on a day like this. Death will not win in the end. The Lord Jesus Christ has defeated death, and everyone who trusts in Him will share in His victory eternally.

So, look to the Cross! Place your faith in the Son of God who loved you and died for you. For “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). The gift is for you, and it’s yours free for the asking. Reach out and take it. Turn your heart to Jesus and trust him as your Lord and Savior. Then no matter what happens today or tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, you’ll be ready when your time on earth is finally over. For those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, death is not the end of life, it’s the doorway that leads directly to heaven.

“We thank thee, Lord, for the death of the saints of God. Some go before and some after, but one by one your children pass from this life directly into your presence.

And now our dear loved one is gone from us, but he is not gone from you. We thank you that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We thank you that we have not lost him, but you have eternally found him. He is in your presence, where there is fullness of joy forever.

We rejoice that for Mr. Howell, the best has already begun. Help us to rest securely in your grace until that day when you call us home too. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Maranatha!

All Is Well

2009-01-10T20:43:00.003-05:00

Everything went well at the funeral for Mr. Howell. There was a full chapel of family and friends. Rick (Mr. Howell’s oldest grandchild) helped me (the first to steal a daughter from the nest) with the service and Bently (his oldest son) and Carter (a son-in-law) gave eulogies. I used Romans 5:6-8 for the message, noting that Mr. Howell was truly an example of the “good man” of verse 7 but that the passage made clear that even this goodness wasn’t enough to merit eternal life and heaven. It took the work of Jesus Christ at Calvary to make eternal life available to all who trust Him. It is amazing how attentive folks can be at a funeral. People, who will not give you the time of day otherwise, will hang on every word of a funeral message. Now if will only hit home!

With Mr. Howell’s home going we have lost one of our most faithful TV viewers. He had become a regular viewer of Forgotten Truths via DirectTV, even adjusting his schedule so he could see the program. I just got word from Tom with statistics about the past two months on prime time. There have been over three hundred new contacts, with really touching testimonies about how they are being helped into and understanding of the message of grace. I’ll get the details together and post them in a later post.

The conference in Florida is going great without us. Fred Bekemeyer had successful hernia surgery Friday and was also unable to attend. Perhaps we should stay away more often! The meeting is being broadcast via PalTalk, by the way. (Just an aside: I have it on good authority that Fred "postponed" his surgery scheduled for Thursday so he could watch a ball game that evening--good thing his guys won!)

Rick left this morning at 6:00. I took him to the airport and was back to the bay house before sun rise. He arrived home safely. David and his family just left to drive back to Orlando. We again had seafood for lunch (David and my choice). When in Mobile, eat seafood!!

I talked to Debbie this afternoon and they are getting a pounding of snow at home to be followed by really cold weather. She said the drifts were over two feet in her driveway. I am scheduled to get home Monday evening and fly to Detroit Tuesday so I guess I have some shoveling to do! It is shirt-sleeve weather here so I’m enjoying it while I can.

Cynthia and I will fellowship with the saints at Forest Park Bible Church in the morning. I always rejoice to have a bit of time with Brother and Mrs. Lange. They tell me he has plans of retiring into Pastor Emeritus status the first of February. No one deserves it more.

Have a great Sunday! If your are a "stranded grace believer" then tune in to ShorewoodBibleChurch.org and join the services live via the Internet. There is not reason to be "stranded" anymore!

Maranatha!

Funeral At 2

2009-01-09T10:51:00.002-05:00

Rick and I will conduct the memorial service for Cynthia's dad at 2:00 p.m. We look forward to a comforting time rejoicing in God's grace and the joy of the living hope we have in Christ Jesus. Mr. Howell is "present with the Lord"--"which is far better," and we do rejoice. Our goal will be to help the family and friends rest in God's love and grace to us in the Lord Jesus Christ.

There was a large crowd that passed through the visitation last evening; a testament to Mr. Howell's good influence on so many. Cynthia and I grew up in the same neighborhood (I graduated highschool with her older brother; she was two classes behind us), so we saw folks we haven't seen since we were kids!

We appreciate all the expressions of love from so many friends. It means a great deal to enjoy a bit of "oneanothering" at a time like this.

Maranatha!

An Unexpected Opportunity

2009-01-09T10:46:00.000-05:00

I once knew an insurance man who told me that he frequented a popular local restaurant mainly “to shoot flies”—which, he explained, meant to look for prospective customers.
Yesterday I discovered a great place for believers to do so—a funeral home!

While sitting in the lobby of the funeral home waiting for Cynthia’s family to arrive for the visitation, I watched as two young ladies and a teenage boy came in looking for help. Their dad died that morning and they needed to make funeral arrangements.

Later I noticed them still in the parking lot. I asked the 17 year old young man how his dad had died—soon we were all talking together. I had the opportunity to go over the gospel with them and the joy of introducing the boy and his 22 year old sister to Christ. Their 25-year-old half-sister was already a believer and thrilled to have her siblings respond this way. It was some of the “easiest fruit to pick” I’ve seen in awhile!

So, next time I have a free afternoon, perhaps I’ll visit a local funeral home and hangout in the lobby! Well, I have to confess that I’ve seldom seen as busy an establishment as Mobile Memorial Gardens. There were four viewings going on at the time we were there. But you don’t have to be at a funeral home to find folks open to the gospel—you just have to have your antennas up and you mouth open! And the fruit is wonderful. Proverbs 11:30 is true, indeed.

Maranatha!

An Unexpected Journey

2009-01-07T18:02:00.002-05:00

Cynthia’s dad died yesterday morning. After open-heart surgery in mid-December he progressed well and had been transferred to a rehab center for a bit of physical therapy and was scheduled to go home next week. It was not to be—at least not going back to his home of over 60 years on Mobile’s Fairway Drive. Rather he went home to heaven—“absent from the body” and “present with the Lord.”

I am happy to be able to say that with a good degree of confidence. Mr. Howell was a genuinely good man, exactly the “good man” Romans 5:7 talks about. His honesty, hard work and genuine, personal integrity (goodness, if you will) were know to all acquainted with him even in a casual way. But such “goodness” doesn’t purchase a home in heaven, just as Romans 5:6-8 demonstrate. Rather eternal life is a gift purchased at the price of God’s own Son at Calvary—and it is a gift Mr. Howell told me (and on separate occasions, Cynthia) that he had personally received by placing his faith in Jesus Christ alone as his Savior. It is a great comfort to be able to rest in that testimony—something we know about because we took opportunity to personally discuss it with him.

His death was unexpected, given his improving condition. When we got the call it hit Cynthia hard. She was close to her dad—only two days before he had told her how much he missed her. We shuffled our schedule and I was able to arrange tickets to fly to Mobile this morning (thanks to America Airlines Advantage Mileage!).

We were to leave O’Hare at 6:00 a.m., which meant we needed to be there by 4:30, which meant we had to leave home before 4:00, which meant….well, you get the idea: early! We made it in the morning snow and cold only to board the plane and learn it was “frozen to the ground.” Turned out that it was the tractor that pushes the plane back from the terminal that was stuck. Then they told us that one of the luggage carriers had turned over and we would be further delayed.

When we finally arrived in Mobile our baggage didn’t make the trip. We’re waiting now to see if it arrives. I might get a new suit out of this! I’m doing the funeral service on Friday afternoon; the visitation is tomorrow evening.

With Mr. Howell’s home going we have lost a faithful viewer of Forgotten Truths. He watched each week and consistently invited others to watch, telling them, “Ricky teaches the Bible different than those other TV preachers!” Proof he was watching!

We arrived in time to join Cynthia’s family as they made the arrangements with the funeral home and cemetery. After the business was concluded, the man in charge of the cemetery gave a word of testimony to the family and asked if he could have a word of prayer with them. I don’t think I ever had that happen before! It is nice to be back in the Bible Belt, where spiritual things—Bible things—are more readily talked about in conversation and life at a time like this. A lady from one of Cynthia’s sisters' work was just here at the house talking to her mom about the hope available in the gospel and how God’s Word is the real source of comfort and strength. This might turn out to be a great time of testimony!

By the way, I have to confess that the food has begun to arrive. If you’ve never done a funeral “pounding” Alabama style, you haven’t lived! Sugar baked ham, green beans, chicken-‘n’-dumplings, corn bread, killer peach cobbler—oh, I better stop! Getting hungry just thinking about it (and smelling it!).

I will miss the Florida conference—the brethren have already replaced me (what a great thing it is to have such a “deep bench” of great preachers!). I am scheduled to fly back to Chicago Monday so I can go to Detroit Tuesday for TV taping. Cynthia will stay in Mobile until the 16th. Pray for her, if you will. Someone asked me what to pray for. I suggested Ephesians 3:16 would be a good start.

Maranatha!

Bama Lost

2009-01-03T15:32:00.004-05:00

Yes, yes. We know. In fact, we watched the whole depressing thing. The Crimson Tide lost the Sugar Bowl (big time!) last night to a determined Utah team. They had a lot to prove (being the only undefeated team in the nation and still not given much recognition) and certainly did so against a shell-shocked Bama team.

But the real point for my dear wife (and my brother) is that "our team" beat Auburn. That's the only game that really counts, when ya get down to it. They (Cynthia and Travis, that is) are sort of like Brother Mel (and Roger Savage, et al) about Green Bay, or Sal about the Bears, or Mike about Michigan, or Keith/Fred about the Gators, or David about the Buckeyes, etc. Oh, well. Fanatics will be fanatics!

Now if I can only get my wife to cheer up! She is working on her Sunday School lesson for tomorrow at the moment and that will help. She can't stay depressed when she gets to thinking about all those kids she loves so much. I've always said that it would be the greatest thing in the world to have her as grandma--and that's just what she is to every kid she meets. So, maybe there's hope I might get some supper after all!

Maranatha!

As 2008 Departs

2009-01-03T15:11:00.003-05:00

As 2008 recedes into the history books I must confess it has been quite a year. Never before have I spent so much time focused on my own health. I’ve always been “healthy as a horse,” as the saying goes. To have spent the year working through cancer treatment was “very interesting.” I am grateful to report that my doctors are happy with the way things have gone. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement.

On the broader front, many fear we are entering a time of great instability and hardship. I don’t doubt it. Our world seems to think it can ignore the foundational truths of God’s Word and yet prosper—that’s a fool’s wish.

But for believers—especially, grace believers—to be fearful and insecure is just as foolish. It is to make the mistake the world makes: it leaves God out of the picture!

So, while the economic situation, international conflicts and natural conditions may change, God’s Word never changes! Understanding God’s Word rightly divided gives us a sense of our place in history and world events—along with a firm grasp on who we are in Christ and what our calling is as Ambassadors for Christ Jesus our Lord.

The year ahead will offer wonderful opportunities for spreading the rightly divided Word. As a famous preacher from the past declared, "When the money runs out, people get real basic!" We have only to be faithful to the precious deposit committed to our trust and rest securely in His love and grace to us in Christ.

These are exciting times to be serving our Savior. Thanks so much for your partnership and help. Your prayerful support is what gives life to our campaign “to make all men see.”

Maranatha!

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-01T15:03:00.003-05:00

We had a grand time with the saints at Shorewood saying goodbye to ’08 and welcoming in ’09, even though we began with a bit of confusion. We were going to begin at 7:30 by watching the movie/documentary, Expelled. But when folks began to arrive most thought we were going to eat first—so we quickly rearranged the schedule. Wonderful not to be tied to “schedules!”

After a delicious pot-luck dinner (everyone brings a covered dish or two—Nick had his famous Bulgarian cabbage, which is all I need!) most of the adults watched the move. There was also a fierce Table Tennis tournament going on, as well as a teen/adult floor hockey contest. There were a dozen or so 4 to 9 year olds (mostly girls, and wow could they squeal!!!) who played hid-and-seek after watching a kid’s movie. One 10-year-old boy who was visiting with one of our families declared, “This church rocks!” I guess he was enjoying the excitement. But I agree.

Anyway, after all the expended energy we had a “Wheel of Wisdom” game. It is formatted like Wheel of Fortune (with our very own Vana), but uses Bible themes for the puzzles. Frankly, I knew one team was in deep trouble when Cynthia and Sal wound up on the same side. They have a “take no prisoners” mindset when it comes to competition. Their team won—big.

The “Wheel” game began a bit before 11:00 p.m. We had posted a note on the web site that we would have a service at 11, so when I checked there were a number of hook ups on line. There is no telling what they thought was going on as they watched the spirited competition to solve the Scripture puzzles. They hung in there, though, and Bob told me that they stuck it out for the song service and message.

I will try to share a few thoughts about Expelled in the future, but I was struck by how it impacted Nick Terziski. Nick escaped from communist Bulgaria in 1970. He was captured and imprisoned twice before successfully making his way to the freedom he yearned for. The politically correct tactics of “scientific-academic-correctness” against even examining the “other side” of the evolution debate struck a nerve with him, mirroring exactly the tactics of the communism from which he had flee. Nick’s joy in finding freedom in America and then real freedom in Christ and then the grand freedom of the message of grace makes a powerful testimony.

We finished the year out by looking at II Cor. 1:12, where Paul opens his heart in a touching statement about what the believer’s life is about. Such genuine, authentic living is what the grace life produces.

It was a wonderful evening—a fitting conclusion to the old; a promising beginning to the new; a truly touching “family time” with the saints.

Maranatha!

Hello, Again

2008-12-30T17:38:00.004-05:00

I know its been awhile since I’ve posted and certainly appreciate all the friends who have contacted me wondering where I’ve been. December has certainly been a busy month; there’s been lots I could have written about.

We’ve had a good month at Shorewood as we are working to pay down the debt on our mortgage, which we will be refinancing soon. Looks like we’ll cut the indebtedness in half as well as reduce our interest rate by over two points. That’s like getting a raise!

My trip to Detroit went well for the TV taping but I came home with the beginnings of the flu. Have you been watching Forgotten Truths via the net? I have—we don’t have DirectTV. Its great! No, that’s not self promotion—its just fact. I don’t watch myself, frankly, but focus on the way the program goes together—how the camera shots move, the editing, etc. Tom does a GREAT production job and we have a truly outstanding crew! The message ain’t bad either—but then, preaching grace makes anyone sound good!

I also had to send Cynthia back to Mobile on my birthday. Her dad unexpectedly had open-heart surgery and she spent several weeks there. He is still in the hospital but doing well. It meant I got to spend some "home alone" time (no biggy) and endure the flu on my own (now that is a biggy!). I managed to read a couple of books that I’ll try to report on in the next few weeks, along with having unexpected “quiet time” to study the books of John and I Thessalonians (which I’ll start teaching in January).

Cynthia got home the Monday before Christmas, so I was happy again. Sunday the 21^st was a truly bitter day in our area. It was –2 as I drove the church that morning with wind chill at –30. We had a good crowd anyway, considering the holidays and the weather. That evening was a bit different. With the weather still threatening, we had a “corporals guard” (as Mel puts it) for the study—but had 50+ hookups on the Internet! We did better on Wednesday, the 24^th. We don’t make a big deal of Christmas—I have never put up a tree or decorations, even raising three boys—but it is a natural family time and we certainly do promote that.

I encourage our folks to remember and appreciate the “Real Miracle”—that is, the incarnation of God the Son into our humanity (John 1:1,2, 14; Gal. 4:4). That’s what the real issue around Dec. 25 is all about—and why the vain religious systems of the world have sought to usurp it.

Thinking alone those lines, Matt sent me a list suggesting that Isaiah 55:8 is still true: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” Some of the ways that this is true:

As for beauty, man thinks it is glorious, but God says it is vain (Proverbs 31:30).

As for riches, man thinks they are greatly to be desired and praised, but God says the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10) and “riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away” (Proverbs 23:5).

As for men of high degree, man thinks they are impressive, but God says “men of high degree are a lie” (Psalm 62:9).

As for the prosperity of the wicked, man thinks it is desirable and fascinating, but God says it is foolish and casts men into destruction (Psalm 73:18).

As for trouble, man thinks it is a nuisance, but God says it brings spiritual growth (Romans 5:3-5).

As for poverty, man thinks it is to be avoided at all costs, but God says it can be better than riches (Proverbs 15:16-17; 19:1).

As for children, man thinks they are a burden, but God says children are a heritage from the Lord and happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them (Psalm 127).

As for evolutionary theory, man thinks it is brilliant science, but God says it is the vain babblings of science falsely so called (1 Timothy 6:20).

As for foolish laughter and filthy jesting, man thinks it is fun and cool, but God says it is vanity (Ecc. 7:5-6) and brings His wrath (Ephesians 5:4-6).

As for self-promotion and self-praise, man thinks it is wise, but God says, “whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12), and, “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth” (Proverbs 27:2).

As for the pride of life, man thinks it is commendable, but God says it is of the devil and will pass away (1 Timothy 3:6; 1 John 2:15-17).

As for religious harmony, man thinks it is expedient, but God says Christ has no part with Belial (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).

As for human nature, man thinks it is basically good, but God says there is none that doeth good, no, not one (Romans 3:12).

As for religion, man thinks all religions have some truth and lead to the same God, but God says that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no man cometh unto the father but by Him (John 14:6).

As for hell, man thinks that it is a religious myth, but God says it is the destiny of every man that dies without Christ (John 3:36, Eph. 5:6).

The wise man will align his thinking with God’s by humbling himself before Him and studying His Word. “... for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15).

Maranatha!

Don't Miss Church!

2008-12-01T18:40:00.002-05:00

Its never a good idea to miss church! When the saints gather—there is a reason to be there. If you miss, you loose. Ask Thomas (John 20:24)! Ask folks at Shorewood last Sunday morning!

I was about half way through the morning message when the fire alarm system began to chirp. In just a moment our men determined it was not a false alarm and we immediately cleared the building. Imagine the excitement of the 180+ adults and 40+ children making their way into the snowy parking lot; the fire department arriving with three big trucks accompanied by an EMS vehicle and two police cars! Wheeeee!

It turned out that the motor in one of the heating units (there are 9 in all) had malfunctioned and caught fire. This filled the vent system with smoke, which set off the alarm sensor and called the fire department. But there was no further damage to the building and no one was hurt. It did bring the morning meeting to a conclusion with a bang.

So, for all those watching via the Internet we wanted to let you know everyone is fine. We had our regular evening meeting, in fact a number of us worked as usual in the building all afternoon.

For those who were absent, well they’ll have to hear about it second hand. There are now a couple of hundred stories available to listen too!

Maranatha!

Bama Won!

2008-11-29T20:59:00.005-05:00

We just got home from Alabama. Drove a bit over 3,000 miles in all. While driving last night we listened to the Friday night version of the Grand Ole Opry over Nashville's WSM. They announced it was their 83 anniversary night! I used to listen to the regular Saturday edition when we lived in Alabama--it was a weekly ritual. I would listen to the Opry while reading the Pastoral Epistles (something I did each week--still generally do, in fact). That will only make sense if you're from Alabama (or perhaps Tennessee!!).

Our goal was to make it home before the Alabama/Auburn game was over. My brother called Cynthia each time Bama scored and we made it home in the middle of the fourth quarter. She was excited to see the last touchdown--more so that her team won. My dear wife bleeds Crimson Red. Otherwise she is pretty normal.

We had a good time in Mobile. Nathan and Bryant think the "bay house" is Alabama. They are too young as yet to know the difference, but they are old enough to enjoy it! We played in the water and hiked in the "big woods." We all ate too much on Turkey day. Family time is good time.

While driving down we got a call that the father-in-law of one of Cynthia's sisters had died. I had the opportunity to conduct the grave side service--interestingly, it was the only time the gospel was given. Mr. Bush knew the Lord; I had personally heard his testimony. So it was easy and a joy to point folks to "life in Christ Jesus." I thank God for opportunities like this!

Now we have a busy week ahead. I wish every believer had the privilege of being a part of a good, sound, active grace church! It fills life with excitement and joy! Its the real reason Cynthia and I were anxious to get home tonight. She's busy at the moment getting her Sunday School class lesson ready; I've already got my a.m. study on "Paul's Prayer Template" (Phil. 1:9-11) done and am almost finished with the p.m. study. Just taking a break to answer email (37 of them) and post this before I finish that--and read I Tim. thru Philemon!

Maranatha!

Watch Forgotten Truths!

2008-11-25T20:38:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Tom Bacon I just learned that it is possible to watch Forgotten Truths via the Internet. Simply go to http://leseanet.com/wht1.asx at the time of the broadcast and you will join us live! Now, those who do not have DirectTV can be a part of our audience!

That also reminds me to remind you that we have purchased 13 weeks of prime time on DirectTV channel 367. We are now on at 8:00 p.m. Saturday. This new audience has already been very responsive and we are praying we will have the needed funds to continue this time slot when the 13 weeks come to an end. One brother donated half the cost in an effort to help us reach out to a larger group of viewers. So, join us: if you do not have DirectTV, join us via the Internet. If you have DirectTV, we are on channel 367 at 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. Saturdays.

Cynthia and I are currently in Mobile for Thanksgiving. David and his family have joined us for this family time. We had a long drive down on Sunday evening and Monday. Its fun playing with the grandchildren! Before we left I got the next issue of the Grace Journal to the printer, another month’s programs for Riches of Grace and Daily Bible Time done. We also had an important business meeting at Shorewood Sunday afternoon. I will be working at least two of the days we are in Alabama—laptops mean you never “can’t work”—but hope to have a couple days of diversion. My strength hasn’t been the greatest the last few weeks. Just when I thought I had turned that corner it seems it may have been a dead end!

While in Michigan for TV taping, Tom told me a viewer had asked I personally call him. He and his wife have been watching and are rejoicing in understanding the message of grace. She just had a stroke. He told me she had been able to say to him, “Call Brother Jordan and ask him to pray for me.” “That’s how important you’ve become to us,” he said to me.

The very next day a lady facing potentially life-threatening surgery called. She didn’t want to go through it without having taken the opportunity to personally tell me how her life had been changed by what she was learning through the program. “I’ve known something was wrong—now I know what’s right!”

I don’t get to personally talk to a lot of callers, but these two are representative of the majority we hear from. The Word rightly divided brings light, understanding, clarity, joy!

Then I got a call from a lady in our assembly whose husband had just died. When she had gotten saved, several years ago, and started reading (and understanding!) her Bible, he thought she had joined a cult. Things were so strained at one point that he almost had her committed! Anyway, they have been divorced for some time, but when he was diagnosed with cancer she became his primary care-giver. She would gently tell him, “Jesus died for you, not Mary. Only He can save you.” Along the way, he gave clear testimony to having come to faith in Christ alone. Now he was in heaven and she wanted to have a memorial service.

It was a “hard crowd.” Although she and two of her daughters are believers, there were no others in evidence among family and friends. Romanism was heavy in the background, but grace won the day. I was able to give a clear presentation of the gospel to a remarkable attentive—even curious—audience. We pray the seed planed may sprout!

By the way: Fred Bekemeyer had a heart procedure done this morning and things went okay. He has some blockage issues but they were not as bad as first thought, but they did discover a new porblem that will now need monitoring. We look forward to Fred being back to full strength very soon.

Have a great Thanksgiving—the most authentic Christian holiday possible!

Maranatha!

A Year Ago Today

2008-11-06T00:25:00.002-05:00

A year ago today (November 5) I had 89 radiated “seeds” implanted into my prostate gland. It wasn’t a real good day! I had never been sedated before—never even been to the hospital except for a few outpatient tests. The first thing I remember after awakening is a nurse standing at my feet with a Geiger Counter! When I asked her what she was doing, she told me they had to get a radiation reading. “But you didn’t put them in my feet!” was my reply. Still makes sense to me!

Anyway, it took about a week and a half for the radiation symptoms to begin to appear. Don’t worry, though, because the immediate aftermath of the implants was misery enough to carry me through until the impact of the radiation began to appear. I mostly recall it as a “site-specific” miserable experience.

It was not until January that the pain levels subsided enough to call them “no real problem,” and it wasn’t until the August/September time frame that the chronic fatigue began to become simply fatigue. It is actually much better at this point—a year later. Doctors don’t seem to understand why it has lingered so long; but it has!

I am happy to report that my doctor reports I am doing very well. My PSA numbers are the lowest they have been in five years (if we can trust the current tests—which he isn’t sure he can, yet!! Wheeee!!! They don’t call it the “practice of medicine” for no reason). The pains are mostly gone and my energy level allows me to work 40-50 hours a week (not back to the 60+ level just yet).

Also, all the bills are paid so far. They do keep dribbling in, but they are paid. This is thanks mainly to so many friends who generously contributed to the Medical Fund established to help with this. My health insurance had (in fine print on page 23 of the 24 page policy) an exclusion clause for just the problem I experienced! “Standard practice,” they informed my, for men over 50.

So there you have the annual update. One thing: If you are or have in your life a man who is 50 or older, get an annual PSA test. It is a simple blood tests, takes only minutes and costs about $100. Every man will eventually have prostate problems; the only way to know if it is cancer is via the PSA test. Having it annual is the only reason I caught mine in a very early stage and thus have a high probability of successful treatment. So: get the test done annually.

The reason I started blogging was to keep folks up-to-date on my progress. I have enjoyed the outlet and will keep doing it even without the need for an “organ recital” on my health. Thanks for visiting and reading and commenting. Its enjoyable to keep in touch this way.

My dad used to say, when he would hear someone longing for “the good old days,” that "these may be bad times, but they are only times we are given--and despair is no an option." I agree. I have learned not to get my comfort from the “odds of recovery,” or any such foolishness. My comfort comes from the God of All Comfort and is founded on the excellency of the power of the Word of His grace to us in Christ Jesus. II Cor. 4:7-18 and Romans 8:18-39 and Eph. 3:13-21 become part of one’s experience when you don’t waste your cancer/problems, but use it as an opportunity to trust in the living God!

As Paul says, “Not I, but Christ.” That’s the reality. My weakness is where His strength is made perfect. PTL! Without that need, there would be no appropriation into our experience of the blessings of our identity in Christ Jesus. And who would want to miss that!

Maranatha!

Tis The Day After

2008-11-06T00:19:00.003-05:00

It can’t be denied that something good happened last night. Those who supported other candidates would be wrong to deny it, and would, quite simply, be denying reality. The good thing that happened was the election of the first African-American president in our history. That in itself is remarkable because even a few years ago, it was unthinkable. And it is an important step forward for our country. Frankly, I am thrilled for my African-American friends--and for my country.

As I watched the events in Grant Park last night I confess it was an amazing sight, and an amazing moment, and we would do well to be glad about it even if we voted for someone else. By the way, I did vote for someone else. No, I didn’t vote for John McCain either—got ya on that one, didn’t I! I simply haven’t found the two major parties to reflect my views of the world of politics—and I consider it a waste of my vote not to cast it for my convictions.

But last night was a special moment, no matter who you supported. I have a few more thoughts about this, but its late and I want to get to bed.

Maranatha!

A Different Kind of Start

2008-11-01T00:37:00.002-05:00

We had a good beginning for our conference here in Phoenix. The crowd filled the meeting room and the children’s program was overflowing. Folks have traveled from New Mexico, California, Washington, Nevada, Michigan and Illinois to join the Arizona saints. We started by studying “Bible 101”—a study of the right division of Scripture. Don is posting the sessions on PalTalk.com under the “Helpers of your joy” room in the Christian section.

One event prior to beginning gave the conference a different kind of start and made the night's topic all the more appropriate: When John Verstegen was about an hour from Phoenix, he called Rick with news of a sad nature. Barry Curtis (a member of John’s assembly in San Juan Capistrano) had emergency surgery this morning and it was discovered that he has terminal cancer. At age 40 and the father of a young family, this is stunning news. John, of course, turned around and returned home to be with Barry and his family.

John recounted that as he talked to Barry yesterday he said, “I’m so thankful to have learned this message! If we were still in the confusion we were once in, Sil and I would be basket cases now!” To this we can only say, Amen!

Rather than fearing that God has abandoned them, or doesn’t really have their best interests at heart, Barry and his family are resting in the understanding that even though the curse is random, God’s love and provision for us is in Christ Jesus and thus unalterable and unaltered even by the most extreme of circumstances. “There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful!”

And it is His faithfulness to us in Christ Jesus that gives the consolation and good hope through grace that can/will/does strengthen Barry and Sil (and all the saints) unto every good word and work during the days ahead.

So we continued on with the conference, remembering the Curtis family and all the California saints in prayer and resting in the riches of God’s grace to us in Christ Jesus made so clear and evident through His rightly divided Word.

Maranatha!

Hello From Mesa

2008-10-29T15:52:00.004-05:00

Cynthia and I are currently in Mesa, AZ. We flew here yesterday. It is hot! We left temps in the 30s and arrived to the 90s.

This afternoon we went by and looked at the property Rick's assembly has purchased in Tempe. It is in a great location just off the major East/West corridor (Hwy 60). I will be teaching at their midweek meeting tonight. Then the conference starts Friday evening. They already have a large number of folks staying in the hotel. Even had a couple from Michigan show up last Sunday for the conference--always great to have early birds! So we are expecting a good crowd. I made a couple of special radio programs for our Riches of Grace program which airs here on Sunday morning's over KXEG, and hope to have some listeners join us too.

One other piece of good news: Starting on Saturday, November 1, we will be airing Forgotten Truths in prime time! We have purchased 13 weeks on DirectTV channel 367 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This puts the program on at 8:00 p.m. Central, 7:00 p.m. Mountain and 6:00 p.m. Pacific Times. We will continue with the midnight airing too. The late night program has gotten good response; pray that this venture into prime time will reach many with the Word rightly divided. One of our core goals is to get the message of grace into the market place. Radio and (especially) television are tremendous vehicles to this end!

Frankly, funding these type efforts has become quite a challenge. The income for Grace School of the Bible, for example, has taken a significant hit over the past four weeks as economic uncertainty has gripped the country. Lets pray for one another during these times, especially that we not be gripped by the spirit of fear that is so pervasive just now. II Tim. 1:7 is still in the Bible! I Tim. 6:6-8 is too. Lets not just claim to be followers of Paul, lets be followers of Paul as he was of Christ--depending on the truth of the Word of His grace.

I'm sitting here with my grandkids' dogs answering email and working on an article on John 1:29. Cynthia and Linda are at Hobby Lobby getting things for the conference children's program, the grand kids are at school and Rick had work to go do. Just thought I'd say hello before things get so busy I won't be able to get to my computer.

Maranatha!

"Love ya!"

2008-10-24T21:46:00.002-04:00

My friend, Johnny Hall, departed to be with Christ last Tuesday afternoon. He had been in a South Bend, Indiana, hospital for a little over a week. Cynthia and I enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship visiting with him and his wife, Mary Jo, last week. It was obvious that Johnny would soon be moving to heaven. After 58 years in a wheel chair, today Johnny is walking the streets of glory!

As a 19-year-old soldier, Johnny’s earthly sojourn was forever changed when he was cut in half by machine gun fire during the Korean War. His life was saved, but he lost the use of his body from the waist down. He spent the remainder of his life in a wheel chair—a real American hero worthy of our greatest honor and respect. I was privileged to conduct his memorial service today. The chapel was filled with family and friends touched by his generosity and life. He was then buried with full military honors at the National Military Cemetery at Fort Custer, Michigan, where his earthly house awaits the trumpet sound.

Johnny was much more, however, than a soldier: he was a saint of the Most High God and an ardent student of His Word. I first met Johnny in the mid 1960s while I was a senior in high school. At the time he and Mary Jo lived in Mobile and my interest in Bible study and preaching the gospel to the lost made it natural that we would became fast friend. When I was struggling to understand the Bible version issue, he was a source of both information and encouragement. I was often in his home, studying the Word and discussing doctrine. We had wonderful times that have become some of my happy memories.

As a young soldier, Johnny paid a tremendous price for his country. Yet he never ever complained about his lot in life. He endured unceasing pain for all the years I knew him. During one of our times together he was in especially sever agony. Through the obvious suffering, he said to me, “Ricky, all my legs ever do for me is hurt”—but he immediately added, “Oh, but isn’t God so good!”

Johnny never allowed the bitterness of self-pity to poison his spirit; rather he filled his heart with the love and grace of God found in Jesus Christ. His example (and instruction) taught me as a teenager a lesson about I Thess. 5:18 that has never left me: It is “in” everything, not “for” everything, that we are called upon to "give thanks." Even in his most difficult circumstances, Johnny could always “rejoiced in the Lord” and all He has done for us.

The Halls returned to Indiana in the early 1970s and when my family moved to Chicago in 1979 we were able to see them again. You never left Johnny’s presence or ended a conversation without him saying, “Love ya!” For Johnny it was far more than just words. You knew he meant exactly what he was saying.

The Berean Bible Church of South Bend meets in the Hall’s home each week. These saints have an active ministry and enjoyed Johnny’s leadership and influence. Many reading these lines have attended our Summer Family Conference and enjoyed Johnny’s harmonica playing. Frankly, it was hard not to be influenced by this brother!

While his “seat will be empty,” we can only rejoice that he is with the Saviour he loved and served so long. Pray for Mary Jo. She has been a faithful helpmeet and now must adjust to a new life. She said to me this afternoon, “I just don’t know how anyone could go through all this if they didn’t have the Lord.” God’s grace has been on display in Johnny and Mary Jo for all to see. Thank you, Lord! And as Johnny would say, “Love ya!”

Maranatha!

The "Other Guy"

2008-10-21T15:43:00.003-04:00

A friend sent me a note suggesting that we need to start praying for the “other guy.” In light of I Timothy 2:1-3 and Titus 3:1,2 I think he has a good point:

Who is the “other guy"? It’s the guy I’m not voting for on November 4. Doesn’t matter what his name is because I’m not voting for him. I’ve made up my mind and I can’t be moved away from my decision. There isn’t anything that could done or said that could change my vote. Let me say frankly that your “other guy” may be the guy I’m going to vote for. Fine. So be it. I’m not here to tell you how to vote or even to argue the matter.

But the increase in hostility, frustration, malice, name-calling, taunting, dissembling, rumor mongering, and general anger about the election can be seen and heard and felt all over the country--on both sides. If I were so inclined, I could do a rhetorical flourish and say, “And all this name-calling and hostility and the animosity must stop here and now.” That and about $5 might get you a nice cup of fancy coffee. The animosity isn’t going to stop because people are increasingly dug in about “their guy.”

So I propose something more modest and achievable. Starting today, prayer for “the other guy" and his running mate every day between now and November 4. And don’t use prayer as a weapon. Simply pray for them, for their spouses and children. Pray that God's Word will touch their hearts and that they will truly listen.

We all have a role to play. We can free ourselves from anger and frustration by praying for someone with whom we have profound differences. Since I truly believe in the power of prayer, I know it will do my own soul good.

So that’s my commitment. I’m going to pray for the “other guy” every day between now and November 4. Care to join me?

Maranatha!

"Construction Completed"

2008-10-17T15:48:00.003-04:00

It’s been awhile since my last post. Thanks for all the notes wondering where I’ve been. No, I haven’t been ill or down physically. In fact, in that regard I’m doing much better. My PSA count (a couple of weeks ago) was the lowest its been in probably 6 years. PTL! So, let me see if I can give an account just for those who thought I was loafing around eating Moon Pies and drinking D.P. as I listened to Ray Stevens.

When Cynthia and I returned from Oregon (on a Wednesday evening) I had radio to do the next day. On Friday I traveled to Grand Rapids to speak on Saturday (along with David Reid) at the conference there. It was great to be with Bryan Ross and the saints of the newly established Grace Life Church and see how the work has progressed. They have already been able to purchase their own meeting location and anticipate moving into the completely refurbished building in the next few weeks. Exciting! There is plenty of room in the Grand Rapids area for a strong testimony to the rightly divided Word and the message of grace we rejoice in—and Grace Life Church will provide just that!

Then we had a good day at Shorewood. I continued Philippians in the mornings and began a four part study on Bible Numbers in the evening (I’ll start I Thessalonians after that). Cynthia and I spent the week answering the school phone in order to give the Keable’s a needed break. Actually, Ray had a series of doctor’s appoints to get treatment for his long standing back problems. We are hoping against hope they provide some much needed relief for him. I began teaching the book of Ruth on Wednesday.

The next week I caught up in the office, worked on finishing the next Journal, worked on preparations for Shorewood’s Annual Business Meeting, did more radio Thursday and had an Elders meeting, Thursday evening, along with the regular Shorewood studies. I answer as many as 70 emails a day and write numerous letters each week, so this can be added to the mix each week. I also traveled to Detroit on Tuesday to do the TV taping. I was able to once again do five programs this time.

Last Sunday we had our annual church business meet. We have more than one business meeting during a year, of course, but this is the big one at the close of our fiscal year. It is where we set a vision for the year ahead. On Tuesday Cynthia and I were in South Bend, Indiana and Thursday we both flew out of O’Hare--she to Mobile to visit her dad, whose health is failing more and more; me to Charlotte, NC.

Currently I am in Concord, North Carolina, for a conference with Perry Lemons and the saints of Royal Grace Bible Church. Meetings start this evening and although it is currently raining there is already a good crowd reporting for the conference. We had some of the best smoked BBQ you could ever set your affections on for lunch—and for supper yesterday! I’m in “hog heaven.”

This morning a group of us visited the Billy Graham Library. It takes almost three hours to go through the whole presentation and is quite impressive. You begin by entering doors that are located at the foot of a cross that rises to the top of the structure. You conclude the tour by exiting through a walkway shaped like a cross. Not a bad way to begin and end!

One touching thing to see was to grave site of Ruth Graham. I carried away from the visit two memorable quotes—one from her grave and another from the video presentation of a lady’s testimony. The lady, after recounting her own conversion to Christ, commented, “I am so thankful to God that He was willing to take on Himself a body—one just like the one I so long to get out of!” Through her testimony I kept thinking of Rom. 8:3 and II Cor. 8:9. Then there is the quote Ruth Graham herself chose for her grave stone: “Construction Completed. Thanks for your patience.” That made me think of Eph. 2:10 and Phil. 1:6.

Well, that should catch you up some. I’ve got to get dressed now. They are coming for me in a few minutes. I didn’t have time to tell you about loosing my luggage on the trip to Detroit or the broken airplane on the trip to Charlotte or the various other odds and ends of the past few weeks. But then you’ve probably got plenty of such things of your own to laugh (or groan) about!

Maranatha!

Time on the Pacific Coast

2008-09-22T01:21:00.007-04:00

We just concluded the conference in Rockaway Beach, Oregon. It was a wonderful time of study and fellowship. John Verstegen, Corey Richardson and I taught through the first two chapters of Colossians. What a thrilling section of God's Word, focusing on the preeminence of Christ. Chapter 1 defines the doctrine; chapter two alerts us to the necessity of defending the doctrine again "grace killers." We had a grand time of instruction. You can hear the messages here and see pictures.

One special feature was the outstanding singing. It seems these saints--many of whom have no regular grace assembly to personally attend--hunger for the annual fellowship this conference affords them and when it comes time to raise their voices in song they go all out. Sort of like making up for a year's worth of not having the group to sing with! It was truly heartwarming.

There are good things happening in the Pacific northwest, especially between Portland and Seattle. The faithfulness of the saints has begun to reap real dividends and they are set for some real advancements in the near future. It's a real privilege to be a part of their company!

By the way, the leadership is largely in the hands of young couples with growing families. While it seems that some branches of the so-called grace movement have experienced a significant "graying," this is not the case with most of those with whom we fellowship. That is something that causes my heart to rejoice--especially as I myself grow grayer!

Dan Cobb put the studies live on Paltalk so folks from the net were able to join us live. Dan is a jewel, a faithful servant to those looking for Bible study information.

Cynthia and I are staying at the Stouts' ocean front motel--Twin Rocks Motel. We have a spectacular view of the Twin Rocks and the vista of the Pacific. This is a place we could really get used to! The Stouts have are such generous hosts, making our stay enjoyable in every way. Bill and Dennis' parents began attending these meetings from their earliest days. The brothers also go "way back" in this annual conference. Sharing this weekend with them has become something I look forward to each year. It is another example of the "fellowship in the gospel."

We will be spending Monday and Tuesday in the Portland area, flying back to Chicago on Wednesday. Life/ministry goes on.

Maranatha!

Ones On the Way

2008-09-15T14:26:00.002-04:00

I have often reported that grand kids are God’s reward to parents for not killing their own kids. As grand parents of seven lively and wonderful grandchildren, Cynthia and I have discovered that everything we ever heard about grand kids is true. They are wonderful!

We just got word that David and Stacy are joining the “three-boys-club.” Stacy is pregnant and they have learned that it will be another son. We had three boys. Rick and Jody both had twins; they have one boy and four girls between them. David has traveled the all-boy route. Rick’s twins just turned thirteen; he called last week and offered to send them to live with us until they are eighteen! Payback is sweet!!

Marvin and Louise Taylor are great-grand parents. Marvin says, however, that nothing surpasses grand children. I believe he is right.

Anyway, for ages I have been collecting “grand parent thoughts.” To celebrate number eight being "on the way," I thought I’d share one of them with you. We thank God for our grandchildren. And we pray for them—daily, fervently. I pray that they know:

--enough of sin to drive them to the Savior, to make them understanding toward others and to keep them humble.

--enough of failure to turn them to the overcoming grace of God and make them wise and strong and smart.

--enough of heartache to appreciate the comfort of the Holy Spirit and to fill them with kindness.

--enough of betrayal to appreciate God’s faithfulness and make them loyal.

--enough of struggle and hardships to find strength in Christ alone and make them faithful.

--enough of the bruises in life to toughen them and make them gentle.

--enough of disappointments to open their eyes about people and give them discernment and judgment.

--enough of ugliness to appreciate the beauty always found in the heart of God and in His creation.

Enough--but no more than that, please.

If it were up to me, I would keep them from sin and pain and heartaches. And yet, I know all too well how these dark elements in life build character within us when they are mixed with God’s abounding grace available in Jesus Christ. The ever abundant, all-sufficient grace of God teaches us—and thus from our sin, we learn the blessings of mercy and grace; in our pain, we learn strength and endurance; through heartaches, we comprehend love and faithfulness.

Above all and through all this, I pray that they may grow up to know intimately, love intensely, and serve intelligently the God of all Grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Proverbs 17:6 says, "Children’s children are the crown of old men." Cynthia and I are the happy possessors of eight such crowns--from the oldest to the youngest: Danielle, Ricky, Emily, Kayla, Hanna, Nathan, Bryant and “one’s on the way.” No gift in life has filled us with greater joy and purer pleasure than the children of our children. If you knew them, you would accuse the Almighty of favoritism toward us.

Maranatha!

Good News on 9-11-08

2008-09-11T16:57:00.002-04:00

In the “good news today” department: The experiment that could have eaten the world was a success and we’re apparently still here. There is a fine line between scientific endeavor (which we applaud) and the arrogance of man as shown at the Tower of Babel. Sometimes you’ve got to wonder what we’re shooting for.

We love mankind’s desire and ability to explore, discover and understand--love huge engineering tasks that display collective learning, achievements and advancements. But science can be a religion—the CERN complex one of its cathedrals.

Theoretical physicists may well be “bracing themselves for a revolution” and experiencing “palpable excitement.” Believers, however, are looking forward to hearing more about how God has wired up this universe that He spoke into existence.

Maranatha!

911 and 4

2008-09-11T11:23:00.001-04:00

A friend mentioned to me the other day that she could tell how busy I was by how often I update my blog. That’s not too far off, actually! Almost daily I will think of something to write about, many times even making a note to myself to remind me later to post it. Then life gets in the way. Yesterday, for example, I had three counseling sessions, made two hospital calls, studied for four hours, answered a couple of dozen emails, wrote five letters and spent time with Cynthia (who was babysitting sick grand kids most of the day) trying to figure out what to do about her dad’s sudden turn of bad health (he experienced heart failure Tuesday evening and is in intensive care at the moment)—should she go down there; wait until things develop further?

Anyway, I’m not complaining, just letting you know I am not sitting under a juniper tree sipping D.P. all day. But you already knew that!

We were in Ridge Farm last weekend. The Leaches came from PA to attend the conference and visit for a few days. Morris has been trying to get us to a local steak house for years, so we went down early to enjoy an evening with the Chesnuts before the conference got going. Dan Gross, Ray Keable, Morris and I were the speakers. I taught John 1:29, John 6:29 and John 20:29—needed to get those “29s” out of my system!

They returned to PA Tuesday evening—traveling via Amtrack—and got home Wednesday evening ok. Its always good when they come for a visit. We get to laugh a lot.

This morning I watched a few moments of the 911 memorial service from the Pentagon. I was struck that the news channels had people talking—talking—talking during the activities, even up to and including the moment of “silence.” I suppose they can’t help themselves—they obviously think they have such important things to say and love hearing themselves saying it. Thank God for C-Span, where I eventually got to watch what was going on.

While on C-Span, I noticed they were playing a press conference (on one of their other channels) where Ron Paul was speaking. Frankly, he makes too much sense to be a politician! His idea of America being a republic and not an empire would go a long way to solving many of our so-called international problems.

That got me to thinking: I prefer celebrating July 4^th. Oh, I understanding remembering September 11 and why we do that too. But few still have memorial moments for December 7^th—Pearl Harbor Day; or many other such important dates I could list and no one would know why.

But we all know July 4^th. I like it best because it represents the best of what America is all about. Freedom. Liberty. What concepts! These are essentially Christian concepts; at their root they are Bible concepts. They certainly have nothing to do with religion! Nor human wisdom or philosophy. Nor politics, for that matter!

What a juncture in history when the forces of national life and spiritual awakening converged to form the most amazing moment in the history of the Time of the Gentiles! A new land open for discovery and development; a place to put into form and substance the spiritual impact of the Protestant Reformation; a opportunity to throw off Saul’s armor and walk with David’s sandals and sling.

As we watch the tail lights of this “great experiment” slowing disappearing over the dam, I still like to remember what was. So, as I go to make next week’s radio programs (my big task for the day) and study for Sunday and the upcoming Oregon conference, my mind is buoyed by the memory that even when folks don’t fully realize it (as our founding fathers surely didn’t), God’s Word has an impact that far exceeds what seems possible or real. That’s true for nations. It’s true for you and me too.

Maranatha!

1885

2008-08-26T22:38:00.001-04:00

FYI: That is the year Dr. Pepper was introduced, making it the oldest major soft drink. Coke didn't debut until 1886.

Just thought you should know.

Maranatha!

Odds and Ends

2008-08-18T12:29:00.005-04:00

The saints at Berean Bible Ministries, San Juan Capistrano, had a memorial service in honor of our friend Keith Spoelstra's promotion to glory. Keith has been a champion for the message of grace on the west coast since the 1950's and will be missed by us all. You can listen to the service on their web site at HelpersOfYourJoy.com.

We had a very busy weekend. Last week was my week to put together a month's worth of radio: that's 20 Daily Bible Time and 4 Riches of Grace programs. I now have a studio set up at the church building so I'm no longer making the programs at home--my home studio was taken over by Cynthia in a bedroom remodeling project! This makes it a bit more of a formal process to make the program. At home, I could do it on a "when-I'm-ready" schedule (in shorts and tee shirt!); at the church building I have to at least get dressed up a bit more!

Anyway, it is a great privilege to still be doing radio. I believe in radio. We do TV and I know how tremendously effective it can be. But TV is still "owned" by the charismatic/Word of Faith crowd. Radio, on the other hand, has long been the bastion of more evangelical focused ministries. We have been on our station in Chicago, Salem Communication's WYLL (AM1160), since March 1992. It has been the base from which we have established churches across the Chicago metro area. We are also on a dozen stations in different states. Between the radio and cable television program we average over 300 phone calls per month--the great majority of which are first time callers!

You can hear our weekly and daily radio programs at ShorewoodBibleChurch.org. Check them out!

Saturday morning we had the last summer edition of our Timothy Fellowship. Alex gave an excellent study on "redeeming the time," after which a dozen men hit the streets to pass out gospel literature in our neighborhood. In the late afternoon we enjoyed a "third wedding celebration" for Jen and Bill Hatters--a delightful backyard bash. They "got married in a fever" without telling anyone, then had a ceremony in Seattle for their west coast friends and now here for friend in the Midwest. Now we all believe its true!

In between all this, Cynthia worked on CD and DVD orders, along with restocking the GSB shelves, making over 2,000 copies. Friday we took receipt of another shipment of 4,000 CDs and 2,000 DVDs along with albums, cases and shipping material. It is a lot of work, but wonderful to see the message going out!

Sunday morning I began teaching the book of Philippians. We are beginning our study in Philippians by spending three weeks in the Book of Joshua--not exactly a normal beginning, I realize. Many years ago, F. B. Myers wrote about the comparison between Joshua and Ephesians (J. Sidlow Baxter picked up on this in his excellent book, Explore the Book). The idea is that Joshua focuses on "possessing your possessions"--taking actual possession of the promised land; the same emphasis is found in Ephesians, only directed as possessing the "all spiritual blessings" bestowed upon the Body of Christ.

Paul's epistles are arranged in our Bible according to a spiritual design intended to produce the "godly edification" needed to perfect the saints. This "milk to meat"/"childhood to adulthood" progression follows the "doctrine, reproof, correction" pattern: Ephesian (doctrine), Philippians (reproof), Colossians (correction). As we recognize this relationship, we properly appreciate the Divinely intended impact of Philippians.

Unfortunately, it seems the self-absorbed nit-wittery of our age has christened Philippians as the "Handbook of Happiness" and the "Epistle of Joy." While joy and rejoicing are certainly present in this epistle, it's real focus is more readily seen in Phil. 1:9-11, 2:12, 13 and 3:14. "Working out" the appropriation of our life in Christ by abounding in "knowledge and judgment" that gives us the single mindedness to press toward that mark--in other words, to "possess our possessions" in the details of our lives. Actually, Philippians contains no less than ten specific examples demonstrating how to put "grace into shoe leather" (the path, of course, to true joy and rejoicing!). Since that is how Joshua 1:3 begins that book's focus, it is fascinating to see how Philippians also parallels Joshua in these areas. Interesting to me, anyway. You can listen to the studies on ShorewoodBibleChurch.org and decide for yourself!

Maranatha!

Farwell to Solzhenitsyn

2008-08-10T00:39:00.001-04:00

I actually had the following written before I got word about Brother Spoelstra’s homegoing. I, frankly, didn’t want to take away from its importance so have waited a few more days to post the following. Two great saints at home in one week!

Aleksandr Isayevich Solzhenitsyn, writer, Nobel Prize winner, and the most famous Soviet dissident died at the age of 89 on August 3, 2008 in his home near Moscow. He lived a long and hard life, but he died the way that he wanted to: "He wanted to die in the summer – and he died in the summer," his wife Natalya said. "He wanted to die at home – and he died at home.”

Solzhenitsyn spent many years in the Soviet Gulag system and wrote his masterful Gulag Archipelago to chronicle the horrors of the brutal labor camps. One of Russia’s greatest writers, he will be remembered as an unyielding champion of freedom who dedicated himself to revealing the horrors of socialism and exposing the ultimate evil of Lenin, Stalin and their cabal of mass murderers. He became a moral and spiritual leader who exposed and condemned the nefarious nature of the socialist ideology that served as the basis for the monstrous communist slave camps established from Siberia to Ethiopia, Cuba to Vietnam, China and Yugoslavia.

Exiled from Russia in the early 1970’s he taught at Stanford University for awhile and later moved to Vermont where he lived with his family for years. In 1990 Gorbachev restored his citizenship and he returned to Russia in 1994 and actively participated in the reform process.

I had the opportunity to meet Solzhenitsyn in the mid-80’s. He was working on editing his works in English with a son of one of the saints in our assembly here. We traveled to where they were working and had the privilege of spending a brief time with him. He had a clear testimony of trusting Christ as his Savior and was quite forthright in saying that it was God’s grace that had and did sustain him through difficulties and joys, alike.

A short article chronicling his life can be read here.

Maranatha!

08-08-08

2008-08-08T20:20:00.002-04:00

Down South there is an old saying, “When in trouble, remember your 8’s.” The reference is to Romans 8 and the verses containing 8—verses 18, 28, 38. It’s good advice!

The first twelve years of a century contain a day like today, at least as far as the calendar is concerned. But today will be a special one to remember. No, not because the Olympics began today in China. The Olympics long ago ceased to be about simply athletics and became a political party for the use of propaganda. No, something far more memorable happened on 08-08-08.

This afternoon our dear friend and fellow soldier, Keith Spoelstra, graduated into the presence of the Savior he loved and served for seven decades. In the Scripture, the number 8 is the number of a new beginning. So it is for Brother Keith—and triply so!

I saw Keith in the hospital last Monday and reminded him that soon he would be with the Lord Jesus and once again see his beloved Lilly. His eyes sparkled with joy, even as they moisten with emotion. John Verstegen saw him yesterday and related to me how Keith, though almost too weakened to speak, would finish the verses John was reading to him. Such are the last days/thoughts of a veteran soldier.

Keith and Lilly were in our home often in years gone by. Their wit was irrepressible; sort of an on-going stand-up comedy team. Our boys loved them!

My favorite memory of Keith has always been of him debating II Thessalonians 2:13 at the Cedar Lake Conference in the late 1970’s. It was my first trip to the Berean Bible Fellowship’s summer conference. I arrived only to discover that there was a controversy raging over Calvinism. No one seemed willing to engage the debate too fiercely, perhaps because most of the BBF leaders were themselves Calvinistic, really rejecting only the one point of Limited Atonement.

But Keith (along with Harland Shriver, Floyd Baker and a few others) were standing against the tide. Actually, Keith was doing so more openly than anyone I could locate that week. One afternoon Q&A session was given to a “debate” over II Thessalonians 2:13. On the Calvinist side was a brother who was touted as the smartest of the smart, an unbeatable debater. Then there was Keith. From Win Johnson on down, Keith was considered, jokingly, at best to have “no chance.”

Since I didn’t really know any of these brethren, I watched and listened with keen interest. The Calvinist did his usual song and dance through II Thess. 2:13—all the while making it clear that his use of the Nestle-Aland Greek text was to be unchallenged. Then it was Keith’s turn. Everyone seemed to wonder at his foolishness to expose himself to such an opponent; what would/could he possible say to this presentation.

Well, it was amazing. Keith simply read the verse, going through it phrase by phrase from a purely dispensational point of view (what an idea at a mid-Acts conference!!). The verse came alive in front of my eyes: The “salvation” in the verse was salvation from the danger in the contest—verses 1-12’s exposition of the Anti-Christ and the 70^th week of Daniel. The “beginning” was located by the fact the Thessalonians were called to this salvation by “our gospel” (v. 14)—I can still remember Keith stretching his neck, cocking his head and asking, “And when did Paul’s gospel begin to be preached?” The only answer that crowd could give was obvious: the beginning of the Dispensation of Grace. His conclusion: From the very beginning of the dispensation of grace God had chosen the Body of Christ to be saved from the culmination of the Lie Program destined to culminate in the 70^th week of Daniel by it being delivered into the “eternal glory” of our Lord Jesus Christ at the rapture. In other words, the verse is talking about the "pre-trib" rapture!

Having thus completely rid the verse of the Calvinist’s assumptions, he sat down. The Calvinist brother quickly dismissed as foolish all Keith had said and gave another Greek lesson. For Keith’s rejoinder he simply said, “Well, in my Bible the verse still says the same thing it did a moment ago,” then reviewed what he previously said and went on to point out the weaknesses in the Calvinist’s assumptions and assertions.

It was that clear appreciation for the rightly divided Word of God and his simply grasp of great truths that won my heart and endeared this Brother to so many of us. That week I was privileged to become a friend to Keith and “Doctor Lilly” (as Mel Dary always called her). They quietly gave me a copy of Keith’s book on Calvinsim that had been banned by the BBF Board from distribution at their conference—they took me to lunch to give it to me (they gave me several more copies to take home out of the trunk of their car after the conference had ended!).

When we exited the BBF in the late 80’s due our unwillingness to adopt their view that the KJB is filled with mistakes and errors, Keith joined our fellowship of rejects. He was already highly regarded by our brethren and continues to be so even now. He didn’t have to stand with all those “young men” but he did so because his heart was with us. Frankly, I believe he saw the life, the conviction, the future (if you will) in those rejected brethren and I think he recognized that we were indeed his crowd. I, for one, have never regretted going outside the “camp” of the establishment of the so-called grace movement. Neither did Keith.

At any rate, a soldier has moved to heaven and we shall miss him. By the way, Keith was awarded the Purple Heart twice as a soldier during WWII, but his real soldiering came his service for his Savior. Even in his last few years when preaching has not been possible he was a constant testimony for the gospel of grace to those about him and a heartening encouragement to the saints in Southern California and across the country. As Paul said of David, “after he had served his own generation by the will of God, he fell on sleep” (Acts 13:36). Now the baton is in our hands. May we follow his example!

Maranatha!

Having Fun Too

2008-08-03T00:17:00.005-04:00

I just finished teaching the last camp session of the day. We leave after the morning meeting tomorrow. We have had a truly blessed time.

One interesting occurrence was that I had to preach in my pajamas this evening. Well, its a bit of a story. This afternoon I have been wearing a pair of cargo shorts that it turns out I slept in last night (I can't really remember why!). After supper I went to our room to change and couldn't get in because Cynthia had locked the door and I didn't have my key. She didn't arrive at the meeting hall until we were underway and it was too late for me to change. So, it was really her fault I had to preach in the pj's--something I've never done before but that the crowd thought was great. I was also wearing my "Ricky Ricardo shirt" (actually a really nice Cubavera) so it was a good thing there is no video of the meeting!

When I finished tonight, closing in prayer, immediately every hand the the hall went up! They were, of course, playing a joke on me. It isn't the first time that has happened at camp! Anyway, I do appreciate the fellowship we have in the gospel of grace--and that we can have loads of fun along the way. I had pointed out during my message that God has quite a sense of humor--I didn't realize it would be demonstrated in such a dramatic fashion at the end of the study!

At the moment, while I'm using his computer again, Dan is discussing his adventure with Mitch Schmidlin to visit several cemeteries in the LA area. Turns out he once discovered a dead aunt he didn't realize had died--although she would be 120+ if she was still alive! This trip was to show Mitch (who is from Michigan) some of the graves of famous people. Actually its something I might like to do--but I'm married! Dan and Mitch aren't.

Goes to prove that "after meetings" can go down hill quick! But we are having lots of good laughs.

Maranatha!

Hello From the Mountains

2008-08-02T21:53:00.004-04:00

I'm writing this note from the San Jancinto mountains in Southern California. Idyllwild is the nearest town--about 6,000 feet elevation. Beautiful setting. We drove up from the coast with the "three Dutch gals" (Helen, Paula and Rachel) here for the conference. It was fascinating watching them take in the terrain--desert, lakes, hill country and then real mountains. They are having a great time seeing America and rejoicing to get to know the grace believers here.

Camp has been great. I had a "bad day" Thursday--I still forget that I can't do everything! Otherwise, I've been ok. The preaching--by Keith Baxter, my son Rick and John Verstegen--has been right on the mark. It is wonderful to see parents with kids that I knew when they were kids themselves! To see how God's Word has taken root and borne fruit makes the years of camp ministry more than rewarding!

One interesting feature of this meeting is the Q&A session after each study. The informal nature of the setting allows more give and take and keeps everyone on their toes. This morning before Keith had finished his closing prayer hands were already up!

One lady came in yesterday who has been involved (with her husband) in the ministry of Gene Scott. She has been listening to PalTalk and come to an understanding of right division and the grace life. Thanks to Dan Cobb (dandc_3 on PT) our teaching sessions have been on line. He also let me use his computer to post this note (on the condition I say something nice about him). Check HelpersOfYourJoy.com to hear the messages.

This morning we got a call that our dear friend and fellow soldier Keith Spoelstra had a heart attach yesterday. Now in his 90's his future is uncertain as far as recovery--his eternal future is secure, however. Keith has preached the message of grace for decades, coming from a grace family that goes back to the "early days" of the grace movement. Soon he will move to heaven; we'll miss him but for him t will be "far better."

The news about Brother Spoelstra (who has ministered many times at this camp) makes our joy all the more sobering and real. Far more than an emotion/circumstance based happiness, the joy of the Lord flows from the God of hope filling us with joy and peace in believing (Rom. 15:13).

Maranatha!

Ready To Go, Again

2008-07-28T23:54:00.004-04:00

I just finished packing my suitcase. I leave in the morning for California. Cynthia and the AZ grandkids flew out this morning to Mesa. It has been great having them here for almost the whole month of July. I know they are glad to be home, but we'll miss the excitement and "action" they bring to the house! But first we have one more week together in the mountains of southern California.

Cynthia will drive over from Mesa with Rick and family along with some of the saint from there. I am flying directly to Orange County along with Susi Grist who is from Sweden. She has been here for several weeks to attend conferences and didn't want to fly to a strange airport alone (and there is little stranger than a California airport!); I didn't want to make the 8+ hour drive, and I also I got an extra day to catch up on things here.

The California Family Camp has long been a wonderful time of fellowship and blessing. Headed up by John and Lori Verstegen and the saints from Berean Bible Ministries, San Juan Capistrano, folks from across the southwest (and beyond) assemble in Idylwild to enjoy the beautiful mountains and rejoice in the message of grace. I'll be speaking each evening; John, Rick and Keith Baxter will be teaching in the mornings.

I got an email Monday from a brother who listens to our Sunday services via the videocast from Shorewood. He commented that "You were really diggin' taters this morning!" That's a way of saying that the message was really hitting home--and it's music to the ears of an Alabama boy. I learned years ago that teaching/preaching needs to aim at the heart as well as the head. I pray earnestly that I not only make the message accurate and clear, but that it also hits the intended target--the heart of the hearer. There is nothing more exciting than having God's Word "working effectually in you that believe." And there is little that compares with "so speaking that a multitude believes." I hope to dig some taters in California this week!

Maranatha!

Forgotten Truths

2008-07-23T14:07:00.005-04:00

I promised to get the address for Forgotten Truths on our web site and this blog, so here it is:

Forgotten Truths Ministries

13630 Common Road

Warren, MI 48088

(586) 778-5032

All donations are tax deductible, if that is important to you. You can send donations to the above address or call to use a charge card.

As we talked about at the conference, this ministry is having a tremendous impact and we simply can't imagine it going off the air. It is one of only two national television broadcasts that proclaim mid-Acts dispensationalism. For a short preview of the show, click here and here and here and here

A ministry like this is dependent on regular, monthly support in order to both continue and expand. Why not prayerfully consider the part you or your fellowship should be having in making this ministry possible. Forgotten Truths should be in your missions giving--and so should Grace School of the Bible, by the way!

Maranatha!

Heads Up Today!

2008-07-23T14:01:00.002-04:00

Cell Numbers Go Public Today!

REMINDER....all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies today and you will start to receive sale calls.

YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS. To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number. It takes about 20 seconds, but you must call from the number you want blocked.

Or go online to www.donotcall.gov to register.

(HT to Charolette Randolph for the reminder!)

Maranatha!

Great Time In Palatine

2008-07-23T13:31:00.002-04:00

When we arrived home last Friday from the conference our Internet connection was down. Comcast has just now gotten it going again. There is slow and slower; we seemed to be on the slowest side of the service list!

We did have a great time at the GraceImpact '08 conference. The new location was a good move, it seems. Great facilities!

The Internet connection at the hotel wasn't the best but, thanks to Bob and Lou and David and Edward and Little Rick and a couple others, we did manage to stream the preaching sessions fairly successfully. We sure had lots of good feedback from those joining via the net. This looks like it has a future!

This morning I took the last of our house guests to the airport. The Baxters went home Saturday, David and his family left Sunday, the Strydoms left Tuesday and Alice Candee moved out this morning. Our Arizona grand kids are still here until next Monday. At least the house is not completely quiet yet!

Debbie Keable and Cynthia are pretty worn out. So are Kathy Wouters and the folks who worked so hard with her to provide the children's program and activities. It is a wonder to watch these ladies labor so tirelessly and with such skill and love. I long ago abandoned the effort of trying to keep up with Cynthia; Ray doesn't try to keep up with Debbie anymore, either; Jeff never even thought about keeping up with Kathy--its the steel-plate-in-the-head thing (that's an inside joke I wont try to explain!). We just "wonder" around attempting to stay out of the way, thanking the Lord for our good fortune in the spouse department!

Maranatha!

Support Our Show (S.O.S.)

2008-07-15T22:01:00.002-04:00

Tuesday, 8:45 p.m.

An amazing thing just happened in our evening meeting. Tom Bruscha of Grace Bible Church, Warren, Michigan, gave a report on Forgotten Truths (our weekly TV program aired mainly over DirectTV). Frankly the report is a bit discouraging. Income to the program has been on a downward trend for some months. When I was there making programs last month we made the decision about how we would end the broadcast if necessary.

Tom reported to the conference audience that we face the almost unthinkable task of take Forgotten Truths off of DirectTV by the end of September if things continue as they are now. A dear saint, an elderly, retired school teacher, spoke from the audience about how the program couldn’t be allowed to end. I’ve known Zelma for some time so I invited her to give her testimony.

She told of being in religious bondage for almost seven decades, only to be liberated into the sunlight of grace by watching “a strange looking man furiously drawing on a chalkboard.” “ I saw the program by accident and it change my whole life.”

Zelma lives in a project on Chicago’s Southside. Yet I know that she already gives, as she says, “out of my poverty” to get the message of grace out. Now she was asking how to help on a monthly basis with Forgotten Truths. “I’d be ashamed if that program went off the air,” she declared, adding, “I just don’t understand grace people!”

One man arose from the audience to say that he wanted to help. He offered a challenge: He would match any gifts up to $5,000 to keep Forgotten Truths going. Before he finished his statement a lady raised her hand to contribute $6,000! Then a couple offered $2,000 and another couple another $2,000 and another man $1,000. In a matter of three minutes not only had the $5,000 challenge been met but more than doubled!

It was touching; amazing. I know all of these folks and, frankly, outside of the man who gave the original challenge all the others were giving out of much more limited resources. Yet the message of grace has gripped their hearts and they simply could not see the silencing of our television show. This was not an “emotional” appeal, but rather a very serious minded moment that was touching to behold as it unfolded.

My own wife and I had decided some time ago to donate our government “stimulus” check to the work of the ministry—half to Grace School of the Bible and half to Forgotten Truths. We know what it is to sacrifice for the ministry and the joy of ownership it gives. It was wonderful to witness others join in that blessed fellowship.

So, rather than Save Our Show we say: Support Our Show. Forgotten Truths is one of only two national programs proclaiming the Word rightly divided over our nations airways. It is, in fact, the only one that does so from a King James Bible believing viewpoint, with a grace-life emphasis and a clear understanding of grace edification issues. If these things are dear to you, perhaps you should join our S.O.S.

Maranatha!

Grace Impact '08

2008-07-15T12:36:00.003-04:00

I haven’t had time to send out a note until this morning. We are having a great time at the conference. It doesn’t surprise me, but it does thrill me! This year, due especially to the economic challenges we all face and the new venue we had to adopt, we really had no idea how attendance would be or how the accommodations would work out. Turns out that both have been better than we have expected.

Attendance is about the same as last year—which is exceptional given the costs of gas! It looks like we will not drop below the 200 mark until the last day. Some folks simply can’t “endure to the end!” We have a great host of first timers this year.

The Internet has enhanced this a bit by allowing those not able to make the trip to attend via the live streaming. It has been a bit spotty due to service interruptions caused by the hotel’s system getting overloaded, but for the most part it’s gone well. We had, for example, 12 hookups this morning as soon as we logged on—at 6:45 a.m.! In other words, viewers were up earlier than we were! Every time service has been interrupted we have almost immediately gotten at least half a dozen emails telling us the connection had been lost! Bob, Lou, David and Edward have done a great job with the sound and recording systems, along with the Internet. My twelve year old grand son, Rick, has been our evening camera man—taking after his dad who started at thirteen!

This is the 25^th Anniversary of Grace School of the Bible. We aren’t waving lots of banners or passing out awards, however. Rather we are demonstrating exactly what the school is about by allowing its fruits to speak for it. Rarely, in our day, can you gather such a group of men to preach the rightly divided Word with such clarity and power. Men with a message are what our ministry has always been about. I realize many even in the so-called grace movement don’t care for us; that’s ok. We really don’t mind. It saves us from the confusion of compromise and accommodation such associations foster. I learned years ago that one of the most effective means of protecting my ministry is to speak boldly the things we believe.

There is often a call for “unity” among the saints. This is almost always done in the context of “getting us together” in some organization or association or endeavor. But, as many of the saints of ages past have pointed out, this is too often simply a call for “union,” not real “unity.” The fact is, if you are preaching Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery and I am preaching Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery—then we are united in the truest sense of the word, even if we are not in the same fellowship/location/organization/association. Some folks, however, aren’t satisfied with having a local ministry—or perhaps are unable to generate one—and thus seek to ride on the coat tails of others. I can almost guarantee you that if you will get busy winning lost folks and edifying saints where you are, soon you’ll have so much to do that you will not be so concerned about what others are doing where they are! It is an interesting thing.

One of the joys we have experience over the past 25 years is a true unity among the brethren. Last evening, for example, we had an after-meeting with our preachers to discuss a couple of doctrinal questions that seem to raise their heads from time to time (e.g., the question of the place of “works” in the justification/salvation of O.T. saints; the security of believers in Time Past). We desire to speak with a unified voice on these type things and, frankly, some of the “traditional” statements of mid-Acts dispensationalists have been less than clear on some of these matters. So we met, had a couple of presentations of various views and then a long study session of give and take. It lasted about three hours, will continue this evening, and was a delightful time of give and take. The evident spirit of warm regard among brethren was a benediction. I’ve seen meetings like this turn into blood baths! Not so with men schooled in the grace life. PTL!

It is this type “fruit” that tells me we have been and are on the right path. Making the edification of the believer through Paul’s specific design for this task our goal has rewarded us with a most unique fellowship. The thing I have heard so many so often call for, we are privileged to experience. It is humbling to be part of such a group of grounded, godly men.

But, hey, don’t get me wrong: we’ve got plenty of problems! That’s why it takes grace as our life to make it happen. Frankly, what makes something true is not how effective it's supporters are able to apply it, but "what saith the Scriptures." Its just touching to see grace truth be more than a doctrine to believe, but also become a life to live.

Please join us via the web-cast if you.

Maranatha!

Newest Form of Evangelism Motivation

2008-07-11T23:55:00.003-04:00

We are surviving the pre-conference party! Sixteen of us are enjoying close communion in our little domicile--and having a great time. The Strydoms and Baxters were both delayed arriving yesterday due to bad weather but we finally collected everyone and had all in bed by 3:00 a.m. this morning!

One treat is the time to catch up on what's happening in everyone's lives. It also give us a chance to have lots of fun. One of the high points came when Keith shared the following clip with us about the newest methodology in the field of confrontational evangelism motivation. You'll get a kick out of this one too:

Linebacker Evangelism at its finest! Click here for the YouTube video and get ready to be motivated!

We begin the summer conference tomorrow evening. George Foyer told me he would be praying for us like a Pentecostal (translate that "with great zeal and sincerity") and I recommend II Thess. 3:1,2 as a guide too.

Maranatha!

Redeeming Some Time

2008-07-07T17:45:00.004-04:00

Last week was a busy one. I was in Detroit Tuesday for TV taping. We made four programs and my energy level was really good. Tom came out of the production room after our second program to tell us that we had just finished my 700^th program! We have done more than that, actually, but that is how many I have personally done. There have been times when we needed programs when I was not available and Tom or one of the other brethren made them.

We’ve been making The Message of Grace program for over 19 years. Currently we receive (on average) 300+ calls per month from our TV and radio programs. The Forgotten Truths calls go to Detroit and average something in the 20+ range each week for first-time callers. Keeps everyone busy!

Our three Arizona grandkids also arrived last Tuesday. We have had a blast getting to know them again (how they are growing up!!!) and “grandpa training” them—I feel a great obligation to have them properly traumatized so as to be able to handle life successfully!

We spent the 4^th at Jody’s with his family. Sunday was a good day at Shorewood, even though we had about 50 of our folks up in Wisconsin on a camping trip. They got back Sunday afternoon and seemed to be glad to be back in civilization. I still haven’t figured out exactly who won the paint-ball-war. For some reason the adults tell somewhat different versions than the teens.

This week we are preparing the final details for the summer conference. It begins Saturday evening, but folks start arriving Thursday—at least those staying at our house before the conference. We’ll have our David’s four, the Baxter four, the Strydom three, the Arizona three plus Cynthia and me. After the conference we’ll add Alice to the mix and perhaps a couple more. It makes for “close communion” but also a great time. I am ever thankful that my dear wife is given to hospitality—even though she is putting me on the family room floor with the boys! Oh, yea. “Company” gets our room, don’t ya know.

I think Lou and Bob have figured out the details for getting the conference sessions on to the Internet. If they are successful, the sessions will be video streamed live at ShorewoodBibleChurch.org. The schedule is on the Conference Page at GraceImpact.org. Join us and then let me know how it works.

Last Wednesday we actually had more hookups via Internet than we had people in the auditorium for the study! First time that’s happened that I know about. There is no reason for anyone to be “stranded” without a grace church to attend in light of modern technology!

Yesterday I taught two lessons that I did for TV last week. The teaching time on the TV program is 26 minutes; took twice that at church. Nice to have more time to “massage” the message in a bit! Topics: “Building on the Wrong Right Foundation” in the a.m. and “The Pause That Refreshes” in the p.m. They’ll be on the SBC web site for you to listen to. These were two rather strong messages about following Paul.

A couple of weeks ago someone pointed out to me that the name “Paul” not only means “little” (from its Latin meaning) but also “pause; to cease; to refresh” (the underlying Greek etymological meaning). I got to thinking: Little fits great with Eph. 3:7,8 and I Cor. 15:10; but Pause fits great too, since the ministry and message committed to Paul marks a dramatic pause in the prophetic program—just at the moment when prophecy called for Christ to “judge and make war” He interrupted the prophetic plan with the unprophecied mystery program of “grace and peace!!” Actually the “pause” meaning for Paul is a bit of a stretch (although a very interesting one if you have eyes to see it!) but it sure fits—and makes great preaching! And the message of grace is surely "the pause that refreshes!"

By the way, I am writing this from the waiting room of the car repair shop where Cynthia’s car is being worked on. Nothing like having car problems in the middle of a busy week! And naturally they can’t find anything wrong. Just wait till she drives it again—then we’ll see! For now, however, I'm just redeeming some time catching up here--and thanking God for laptops (I've also answer 22 emails sitting here)!

Maranatha!