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Text File | 1994-11-23 | 267KB | 5,901 lines



Departments
Staff List
Staff List
MORNING STAR
A Multimedia Christian Publication

P.O. Box 7755, Nashua, NH 03060
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
INTERNET: [e-mail]


EDITOR IN CHIEF
Toby Trudel - Nashua, NH

EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Pastor Geoffrey Kragen - Roseville, CA

MANAGING EDITOR
Teresa Giordanengo - Canonsburg, PA

SENIOR EDITORS
Janette Kragen - Roseville, CA
Al Murillo III - El Paso, TX

ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Jerry Johnson - Modesto, CA
Pastor Russell Walden - Doniphan, MO
Mike Wilkinson - Citrus Heights, CA
Dr. Charles Wootten - Matoaca, VA

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Chuck Bennett - San Jose, CA
Bryan Dufelmeier - Springfield IL
Dr. Paul A. Kienel - Whittier, CA
Zola Levitt - Dallas, TX
Dennis R. Mallory - Albany, NY
Joseph A. Nigro - Oradell, NJ
Rick Riker - North Plainfield, NJ
Jeannine Robinson - Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Moishe Rosen - San Francisco, CA
Ray & Sharon Sanders - Jerusalem, Israel
Dale Strand - Dublin, CA
Rick Thrasher - Santa Clara, CA
J.C. Trudel - Naples, FL
Terry White - Washington, DC


SENIOR PUBLISHER - DOS and WINDOWS Editions
Steve Paulovich - Pembroke, NH

SENIOR PUBLISHER - MACINTOSH Edition
Toby Trudel - Nashua, NH

SENIOR PUBLISHER - Hard Copy Edition
Ray Reed - Beaumont, TX

HARD COPY COVER ARTIST
Donna Riker - North Plainfield, NJ

OFFICE SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN
Patrick Auriemma - Nashua, N.H.


ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION

DIRECTOR OF BBS DISTRIBUTION
Walter H. Bauer Jr. - Sugar Land, TX

AMERICA ONLINE
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COMPUSERVE NETWORK
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Douglas Wade - Redondo Beach, CA (MAC)

GENIE NETWORK
Mike Wilkinson - Citrus Heights, CA

DELPHI NETWORK
Rev. Vince Gonzalez - Naples, FL

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Internet Email: [e-mail]
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MORNING STAR is produced and published monthly, by a staff of
born again believers in Jesus, located across the United States
of America. Correspondence to MORNING STAR may be sent via the
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If you run a bulletin board system and would like for your BBS
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Editor's Letter
Editor's Letter
Hi again folks,

Yes - we ARE a bit late with this issue. My apologies. Yours
truly had some surgery done and had to stay away from the
computer for a while. What we are doing is calling this the
Nov/Dec issue and continuing next month with the January issue.
Besides, after 37 straight months of publishing, the "staff" can
certainly use a month off to rest!

You can help us keep this magazine going strong. We need
personal testimonies, articles and stories. Don't worry if
you're not a "professional writer" - none of us are! We do have
a few people that can polish up any rough drafts sent in. Here
are our upcoming Feature themes heading into the winter/spring:

Volume 4.4 (Jan) Music
Volume 4.5 (Feb) Messianic Studies
Volume 4.6 (Mar) ONE in Christ
Volume 4.7 (Apr) Prison Ministry

Check out our updated BBS listing in this issue. We are being
received in more states and countries than ever! Whatever you
can do to help us distribute this magazine to people in more
states or other countries is greatly appreciated. Please write
to us and let us know what you can do.

Don't forget that we publish a hard copy of this magazine which
we send free of charge to prison chaplains, inmates,
missionaries and small churches across the country. We depend
on YOUR donations to keep this going.

Unfortunately, we have presently put a hold on this important
part of our ministry because of lack of funds.

I hope that some of you who enjoy the electronic versions of
this magazine (for free) would find it in your heart to make a
tax-deductible donation so that we can jump-start the hard copy.
Remember, 100 percent of all funds received goes to printing and
mailing cost. All work is done on a voluntary basis. As soon as
we have enough money to print and send another issue - we will.

Send a check or money order to our publishing ministry:

David's Mighty Men
PO Box 5093
Beaumont, TX 77726

For any of you with Email access through the Internet - we have
a free monthly news, info and prayer chain letter called the
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ONLINE LETTER. Send your Email address to
[e-mail] to sign up for this.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all,

Toby Trudel
Ministry Focus
Ministry Focus
THE CIRCLE OF LOVE TAPE MINISTRY to the Blind!
By Rev. George E. Gray


One of my favorite scripture verses is 1 Corinthians 9:22; "To
the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made
all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

I was pastoring in a small town in Western Pennsylvania when one
Monday morning in November, 1984 my telephone rang. It was my
good friend Rev. Elmer McClain. "Hey Bro. Gray, how about
coming over to our house for dinner. You need a break and I'd
like to discuss something with you anyway and I could do it much
better in person," he said.

Well, Bro. McClain was right - I did need a break. The ministry
is tiring and sometimes can be a tremendous strain on a pastor's
family. We decided to get together that Thursday for a meeting.
This meeting would soon alter my life.

Bro. McClain and I have something in common! We are both totally
blind. He lost his vision in a work accident, when there was an
explosion. My vision loss was due to congenital glaucoma; I lost
my vision at the tender age of 22. Bro. McClain was a tremendous
inspiration to me when I first entered the ministry and pastored
my first church.

Bro. McClain had pastored four churches in Western Pennsylvania.
God had blessed his ministry. When he was 65 years old, he
retired from pastoring, but still had the burning desire in his
heart to see men saved through the blood of Christ. He took a
"mission trip" to the Island of Haiti and God burdened his heart
for those people. He worked tirelessly to build a school where
the nationals could be trained in Theology so that they could
minister to the Haitian people. He had worked there for 3 1/2
years and now because of health reasons had to return to the
states.

Bro. McClain was not the type of person to "sit around" and do
nothing. Being blind himself, he knew that "spiritual food" for
those who are blind is, many times, either lacking or else very
sparse. He had a tape recorder and decided to make a tape to
minister to the hearts of Christians, while striving to win
others who heard it to come to Christ! He sent the tape to
three of his friends. They in turn sent that tape - or a copy of
it to their friends. What I have described to you was the "birth
of the "CIRCLE OF LOVE" in August, 1979.

When Bette and I arrived at the McClain's home they had a
wonderful dinner prepared for us. We certainly enjoyed the time
of fellowship around that table. After eating Bro. McClain and I
retired to his study which was in an upstairs bedroom in his
home in New Castle, PA.

"George, I asked you here for a reason - I must confess. My
health is getting worse and worse and I know it. I'm 72 and
Frances my wife is having trouble herself with Parkinson's
disease. The tape ministry I've begun has grown to the point
that it is too much for me to continue. I've prayed about it
and believe you are the one God would have to take it over.
Would you pray about it?

Well, I knew I was busy with my flock, not to mention my young
family, but agreed to pray and seek God's leadership in this
area. I knew Bro. McClain was right about his health, but I did
not know if I was up to the added burden of a tape ministry.

We returned home and made this a matter of much prayer. This, I
believe, is so important. I'm convinced that when we have
"spiritual" decisions to make we ought to employ the "tools" of
fasting and prayer so that we do not make a decision which would
take us out of God's perfect will for our lives.

The following week, I picked up the phone and dialed Bro.
McClain. I told him that I had a peace about continuing the
work he had begun. We made arrangements to pick up the materials
that I would need to get started. He had a one-on-one tape
duplicator, a tape recorder, record player and a file of names.
Oh yes, there were 4324 casette tapes! Now that I think of
it - it might have been 4,325 tapes, but then who's counting?
I was in business!

I can remember working on my first few tapes. How pathetic they
must have sounded. Bro. McClain had gotten the routine down to
a science. Here I was a total "novice." I made up a braille
program from several old Circle of Love tapes and tried to
follow that - religiously. Somehow each issue rolled off the
press. I tried to make each one better than the last. After
all, doesn't Christ deserve our "best?" I think so!

God has been good through the ten years now that I have been
producing the "CIRCLE OF LOVE." We praise the Lord for His
goodness - we have never missed an issue, although sometimes
things have been difficult for us, just as they are for most
Christians. In 1984 Bro. McClain had 120 subscribers to this
magazine. Today, we have just over 400. Our ministry sends
tapes all over the world making it unique. We have a college
professor in Brazil who is blind and receives our tapes each
month. We have lepers, who are blind in India who get our
tapes. At this writing we are in 30 foreign countries. How
people overseas hear of us is a miracle in itself. They do,
though, and as a ministry of love to the world, we faithfully
send out the monthly tapes.

Ours is a listener supported magazine where readers send in
articles of interest. They are reviewed and then published on
our tape. Everything is Christian oriented. The 90 minute
monthly casette tape contains:

Bible games
Missionary stories
Bible memorization section
A Scripture reading for the month
Singing
A prayertime and praise section
A sermon on a timely subject
Recognition of birthdays and anniversaries
Testimonies
Christian pen pals and classified ads - when we have them.

It is such a blessing to receive a tape expressing the joy over
a lost relative or friend who has recently accepted Jesus Christ
as Savior. I get the privilege of rejoicing with my readers. Last
year, we had 13 readers to accept Christ as Savior. Now, this is
not a multitude - I confess. I have not been called to win the
multitudes, but to win people "one by one."

August is our "missions month." Each year we choose a project.
Usually this ministry is something that benefits the handicapped
in some way and encourages them for Christ. One year we helped a
blind missionary in Brazil purchase a much needed speech
synthesizer for her computer so that she could more effectively
do her translation work. We raised $250 that year - praise the
Lord! This year we are raising funds for a library which
provides Christian books for the blind. Our goal is $500.

Our readership ranges from 11 years old to 94 years of age. We
have blacks, whites, Indians, deaf, as a part of our group. Most
of our readers are on the low end of the financial scale. Many
are unemployed, underemployed, elderly, etc. Some are highly
educated, but all have the need to become saved and to grow
closer to Jesus Christ! We are not a church, but an extension of
the church. I try to work with people on the "CIRCLE OF LOVE" to
get them involved in their local New Testament Bible believing
church where they can not only grow, but be a blessing to others.

Just because a person is blind - or has some other handicap -
does not exempt them from serving the Lord Jesus Christ. A blind
person can rock a baby in the church nursery - allowing that
child's parents to hear the Gospel. Many times I've found that
my blind "brethren" have outstanding music abilities. One of our
readers used to play guitar for some very well known country
western singers. Now he plays for "King Jesus."

Another gal who reads our magazine now types letters of greeting
to visitors who come to her church. There are a multitude of
things which "handicapped" people can do - we just have to "plug
them in" and then mostly we will find they are the best workers
we have ever had - and faithful!

God has been good. I produce the CIRCLE OF LOVE full time now.
Ours is a faith supported ministry. Two times a year I travel
via Greyhound Bus to share what God is doing with the blind. In
February 1994 my guide dog "Buck" and I traveled over 8,500
miles preaching the Good news in local Bible believing churches.
I was telling the people what God can do for them, if they will
let Him. Am I extraordinary? Absolutely not - but my God is!

Well, we covet your prayers as we labor trying to reach
blind individuals for Jesus Christ! After all - isn't this
what all of us are to be doing?

If you know of a blind person who would benefit from Circle of
Love, please get their name, address & phone number and write:

"Circle of Love Tape Ministry to the Blind"
Attn: Rev. George Gray
1002 Johnson Street
Pasadena, Texas 77506-4618
INTERNET EMAIL: 71064.541@cis
Book Review
Book Review
Browsing with the Bookworm


If there is any class of Christian writing that is perceived as
boring, it is Apologetics. There have been some standard works
over the years that have been very helpful, but aren't exactly
easy to apply. These include Josh McDowell's "Evidence that
Demands a Verdict" and "More Evidence that Demands a Verdict."

We have all seen books on inerrancy and general works on the
Bible. These too have been very helpful. But we not too many new
works on apologetics have been written lately, until now.
InterVarsity Press has recently published a book that is both
easy to use and readable.


HANDBOOK OF CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS
by Peter Kreeft & Ronald K. Tacelli
InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL

Generally, I don't review reference works. One reason is I don't
read them. For that matter, they aren't intended to be read, but
to be used as a reference tool. This book isn't an exception. It
is a reference work that provides "Hundreds of answers to
crucial questions" (cover). It is put together in a way that
makes it very easy to use and does not bore its readers.

Kreeft and Tacelli are both professors of philosophy at Boston
College. Peter Kreeft has published some well read books
including "Heaven and Hell" and "The Best Things in Life," both
from InterVarsity.

Kreeft and Tacelli's personal preface explains their concerns
for this work better than I could, so let me quote it here:

"Our compelling reasons for writing this book are three:

1. We are certain that the Christian faith is true.

2. We are only a little less certain that the very best thing
we can possibly do for others is to persuade them of this truth,
in which there is joy and peace and love incomparable in this
world, and infinite and incomprehensible in the next.

3. We are a little less certain, but still confident, that
honest reasoning can lead any open-minded person to this very
same conclusion" (preface).

With this terse and positive focus "Handbook of Christian
Apologetics" presents its arguments for the Christian faith.
Each chapter is introduced with an outline of its materials.
Next comes the text itself. Finally, each chapter ends with
questions for discussion. Therefore, this book also can be used
as an in depth study guide for a Christian Basics class. (The
book is too detailed to be used as a study for the average small
group.)

Since the authors are both philosophers, they begin their work
by discussing faith, logic and reason. This discussion is vital
in understanding their approach to the issues of doctrine and
faith that encompass the main focus of the work. In Chapter 1,
"The Nature, Power & Limitations of Apologetics," they focus on
these three areas, considering approaches to their
reconciliation.

While an analysis of faith, logic and reason sounds dry, it is
actually quite readable and should be helpful in getting the
most from the rest of the book. Too often, we have lost the
ability to think concisely and therefore are confused by the
vague thinking permeating Western Civilization.

The general approach of the books is rationalistic. The authors
explain the layout of each chapter as follows:

"... B. Each chapter is divided into a number of distinct,
specific controversial questions which have two possible
answers, or sides. ...

C. Each question can be further divided into seven parts. These
seven things must be done in order to settle an argument
completely.
1. Definition of terms and the meaning of the question
2. The importance of the question, the difference it makes
3. Objections to the Christian answer to the question
4. Answers to each of these objections
5. Arguments for the Christian answer from premises accepted by
the
unbeliever as well as by the believer
6. Objections to these arguments
7. Answers to each of these objections

The remainder of the book is broken down into five areas. These
include: God; God & Nature; God & Grace; God & Glory and
Conclusions. The section on God discusses twenty arguments for
His existence and moves on to talk about His nature.

The section, God & Nature is vital to our ability to respond to
the unbeliever when asked about the existence of evil in
relation to God. The authors first look at the subject of
cosmology. They introduce this discussion by saying: "All four
of the problems of cosmology--creation and evolution, providence
and freedom, miracles and angels--concern God's relationship
with the cosmos or nature or the universe" (p. 104). In this
day of claims or rejections of miracles, obsession with angels
and the religion of evolution taught as science, there is much
found here to help in talking to unbelievers. -- Concluding this
section is an extensive discussion of the nature of evil.

In the section "God & Grace," basic Christology doctrines are
considered. These include the divinity of Christ, His
resurrection and "The Bible: Myth or History?" The questions
and arguments affect the very foundation of Christianity, for
without the deity of Christ and His resurrection we have no
faith. And since the way God has chosen to give us these truths
is in the Word, then we need to defend it with clarity.

Section 5, "God & Glory" deals with eternal issues. Discussions
focus on life after death, heaven, hell and salvation. Here the
main concerns of Christianity are brought back to center stage.
The authors are concerned that Christianity has become simply a
social service program, instead of an issue of eternal destiny.
We are to be used by God in His work of saving souls, and that
is the thrust of the arguments in this section.

Section 6, "Conclusions," is a summary of all that has come
before. It provides direction for the believer in speaking to
unbelievers, religious or non-religious. The authors discuss
such subjects as: "Christianity and Other Religions;"
"Objective Truth," including a review of: theories of truth,
attacks on apologetics, skepticism both universal and religious;
and "The Bottom Line," which is the choice to accept or reject
salvation.

Kreeft and Tacelli have put together a work that will benefit
believers for years to come. I also pray that it will be used by
God to lead unbelievers to Him. This is a highly practical and
very readable book. As the back cover states: "Reasonable,
concise, witty and wise, Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli have
written an informative and valuable guidebook for anyone looking
for answers to questions of faith and reason. Whether you are
asking the questions yourself or want to respond to others who
do, here is the resource you have been waiting for."

This is a book that should be in everyone's library, and so
until next time, good reading and...

See you next month.

Your friend,

The Bookworm
Praise and Prayer
Praise and Prayer
PRAISE AND PRAYER is our international prayer link column. Send
your praise report or prayer request to MORNING STAR for
publication in our next issue. Call on your brothers and sisters
worldwide and together we will call on God!


PRAISE REPORTS

MARYLAND
Dale is praising the Lord for his new job which is only a few
miles from his home.

NEBRASKA
Thank the Lord for pulling George through surgery recently. With
very low blood pressure, his family was called in because the
hospital staff didn't think he was going to make it. But soon
all was well. Praise the Lord! Continue praying for his
cancerous condition.

OTHERS
AngieFaye reports that the Lord has brought a broken family back
together again. Thank you Jesus!

Jason thanks the Lord for helping him in a reconciliation with a
friend at a retreat recently.


PRAYER REQUESTS

CALIFORNIA
Pray for a job for Janette. Also pray that the Lord will grant
her and her husband the desires of their heart.

Red asks prayer for a friend Paul and his poor relationship with
his mother.

Circumstances have put a maternity ranch ministry at risk. Pray
that the Lord would provide funds for the maternity ministry to
purchase the ranch property. Pray also that the Lord would
provide someone to buy the ranch and to continue to make it
available to them. Also that the Lord would somehow touch the
heart of the current owner to hold off on selling it. This is
very hard on them right now because of their daughter ShariAnn's
illness.

Pray for Don's dog who was hit by a car.

FLORIDA
Michael requests prayers on behalf of his brother Howard, his
mother Julia and himself. He has received an answer to our
prayers in that his brother has "invited" him to visit him in
Arizona. God has led him to go out to his brother to help him as
the Lord empowers him through His spirit. He will, however,
need our prayers for strength and faith and power in the Spirit
to be able to face the enemy that is at work in his brother.
Howard talks about suicide and that he will die at the age of 27
and is convinced that suicide is "cool". Please pray for this
family and for Michael.

ILLINOIS
Pray for Pastor Smith. He is exhausted and needs strength from
the Lord.

Pray for Etheldra who recently lost a son on the urban
battleground. Pray for strength and comfort from the Lord.

INDIANA
Pray for Nick who has been very depressed lately.

Christine asks prayer for her sister Cathy, who was kicked out
of the home by her mom, because of her sinful lifestyle. Pray
she will hear the call of our Lord and come back to Him.

Pray for a job for Christy.

KANSAS
Pray for a 15 year old who has cancer. Pray for a healing touch
from the Lord.

MASSACHUSETTS
Pray for Maura that she will grow in the Lord's grace as she
begins her new life in Christ.

MICHIGAN
Pray for Wade who has cancer.

NEW JERSEY
Pray for Bethany, a Kindergarten Sunday School student, her
sister Bess in first grade and their mom. Their father went home
to be with the Lord and they need the Lord's help.

NORTH CAROLINA
Pray for Robert who is back home from the hospital after having
multiple surgery recently. Robert requests prayer for Gene who
is going for complicated back surgery soon. Pray for a
successful operation.

OHIO
Pray for Annette who has cancer.

OREGON
Pray for Jerry and Evie. Evie is in the hospital and has been
diagnosed with Liver Cancer. Pray for a touch from the Lord and
also for their salvation.

PENNSYLVANIA
Pray for Derek, 14 year old boy, who has cancer. He has just had
a last resort transplant of his own treated marrow and he had to
go back in the hospital and is on a respirator.

Pray for a reconciliation of Dan and Beverly's marriage. Pray
for salvation for Dan.

Pray for Dan, a gas station attendant who suffers from seizures
and recently had 18 stitches put in his forehead. A gas station
pump hose hit his head when a car pulled out while the gas was
being pumped into the car. Pray for his whole family also.

TEXAS
Pray for Danny who needs financial help.

Pray for salvation for Dean.

VIRGINIA
Pray for Brian and his wife as they are recovering from a very
serious car accident. He hopes to get the cast off his foot soon
and his wife will have to stay on oxygen for at least 2 more
months.

WISCONSIN
Patrick asks for prayer for a friend, Joanne, who is seeing
"visions" and "ghosts". He is not sure she is saved. He asks
for strength and guidance and wisdom.

OTHERS
Arlene needs prayer support. After many corrective surgeries to
her intestinal tract, she has had an Ileiotomy. She needs God
to do a massively divine corrective surgery of His own on her
body and in her life.

Pray for Tammers whose daughter age 14 was killed a number of
years ago. She requests prayer for the driver of the car also.

Pray that John and Becky will turn their lives over to the Lord
and that the Lord will restore their marriage.

Pray for Chanti's family, that the Lord will have His way in
their lives.

Pray for salvation for Jerry.

Pray for salvation for Gordon. He is in an alcoholic center.

Pray for Dave's mom in the hospital with pneumonia. Pray also
for her salvation.

Pray for Tiny who lost his job and they have twins on the way
very soon.

Pray for Kelsey with epilepsy. She has convulsive seizures.
Kelsey is three years old and unable to talk.

Leo is 16 years of age and has accepted Jesus. Her parents are
set against her belief. She must read her Bible in private and
only has a child's Bible now. Pray for her and her family.

Pray for a brother in Christ, Gary, who suffered a stroke. Pray
also for his family.

Pray for Debbie. She was in a wreck and has been in ICU with a
concussion. Pray for her recovery.

Ace asks prayer for friend Jael and also for himself. He wants
God's will for his life and needs another job to be able to
continue college and maintain a roof over his head. Pray that
the Lord will lead and guide him.

Pray for Jaaaron's friend Dan and family. He has been diagnosed
with a brain tumor, or multiple tumors and given only a couple
of months to live.

Pray for Judi's son, that the Lord will intervene in his life.

Jason asks prayer for Walt's health. Pray also for a job for
Jason.

Pray for the restoration of the marriage of L and E.

Pray for Arkie's salvation.

Pray for a healing for Bruno who is in a coma following an
accident. He was jumping out of a van to get away from the men
who were trying to abuse him, when he hit his head on a rock. He
needs our prayers desperately.

Pray for Janice. She is 17 and a senior in high school. She has
been diagnosed with Lou Gerhigs disease and has been told that
her condition will deteriorate rapidly. She has been in a wheel
chair since July. She is a Born Again Christian and loves the
Lord with all her heart. She feels the Lord is using her
condition to work in different peoples' lives. Pray for the
Lord's will in her life.


INTERNATIONAL REQUESTS

SUDAN
Rev. Lwoki Matayo is imprisoned for his faith. Please pray for
his release and for him to be a good witness for Christ in
prison. Write him at: Juba Military Prison, Juba , SUDAN.

Most of all, Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6a).
Resources
Resources
MORNING STAR BBS DISTRIBUTION LIST - November, 1994


The MORNING STAR BBS list contains those electronic Bulletin
Board Systems (BBS) that are carrying MORNING STAR. They are
either available as a compressed file for downloading or in some
cases use a "DOOR" program that allows the viewers to read the
magazine on screen. With the MSDOOR program available free from
Alan Graff, P.O. Box 131, Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694 or Fidonet
(1:2260/250 or 77:100/50 - BBS Phone: [phone]), callers can
read or copy articles to their system while on line.

Those BBS's with the asterisk next to the name are using a door
program to read MORNING STAR on line. The System Operator
(SYSOP) names are posted where known.

Is your BBS carrying MORNING STAR? If not, send a message to the
SYSOP and upload it! Please let us know of any new BBS where
MORNING STAR is being made available or any that are no longer
carrying the magazine. Contact Walter Bauer, Director of BBS
distribution, via E-mail at: [e-mail] or write to our
Post Office box.


ALABAMA

205 739-1469 Odyssey BBS- Jerry Woody *
205 457-5901 J&J OnLine - Cal Evans
205 744-0943 The Family Smorgas-Board - Randall Dickerson
205 942-4506 SALT - Betty McKnight

ARIZONA

602-459-2383 The Edge BBS - Joseph Simo
602-264-8144 Dove BBS -

CALIFORNIA

209 576-1606 Root Connection - Larry Beyers *
209 675-3218 Hangar 7 - Dennis E. Conner *
310 947-4402 Maclectic BBS - Bob Rockhill
408 899-4552 Logos - Dan Brynes
408 246-8877 His Servant BBS - Mickey Schumacher
408 264-7002 The Silicon Valley Christian Connection - David
Honeywell & Eric Roberts
615 588-4321 The Joyful Noise - Steve
619 460-6398 ToghtToPigeonHole - Howard Barton
707 252-4830 Corpus Christi BBS - Gary Bradford
708 739-0033 Chicago Area Computer Center- Bob Hoffmann
714 870-9228 Digital CHapel BBS - Dennis Vandergoore
714 838-3837 Shofar BBS - Shoshona Bat Zion
714 838-4689 Shepherd - John Scudder
714 457-1020 The Believer's Board - Randy Tincher
714 971-1564 Christian Central - Jeff Reese
805 541-0789 Born Again BBS - James Smith
909 766-8219 Locksoft BBS - Carl Curling

COLORADO

303 935-6323 Electronic Library Exchange - Phil Scovill

CONNECTICUT

203 456-1180 The Grapevine - Scott Lovell

FLORIDA

305-726-5434 Christian Computer Users Group - Doug Lynn *
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407-391-4884 Boca Bytes - Bruce Miller
407-687-8712 Bloomunit BBS - Linda Bloom
813 544-3793 The Salt Shaker BBSBen Waggoner & Phillip Bartol *
904 353-3807 Maranatha - Dan Nance
904 623-5512 OffCenter BBS Richard Swatsenbarg
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GEORGIA

404 948-3428 ACTS BBS
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404 637-9276 Genesis BBS -John Doughtry *
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IOWA

515 961-5693 Good News - Chris Barnes

KANSAS

913 262 0220 KYFC BBS -D.W. Haskins

KENTUCKY

606 276-3590 Petra - Bob Finmore
606 836-3437 The Spotlight BBS - Shawn Brown *

LOUISIANA

504 878-3023 CDN Headquarters BBS - Ray Waldo
504 764-0449 The Eagle's Nest - John Perilloux
504 758-2184 The Word - Charlie Copes

MARYLAND

301 862-3160 Southern Maryland Christian Information Service
Buggs Bugnon
410 247-6266 Turnout BBS - Larry Widikowski or Dale R. McNamee

MICHIGAN

313 795-5829 New Life BBS- Juilia Sidbottom
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MISSOURI

314 227-6885 Messianic Jewish Computer - Harvey Smith
314 821-1078 Origins Talk - Walt Stumper
816 931-1257 The Rock bbs Christian Kingdom - Michael Kiger *
816 858 2989 Piercing the Darkness - Daniel Lemasters
816 231 3235 For God and Country - Jonathan Taylor

NEVADA

702 438-2992 Ice Palace BBS- Joe Dabrowski

NEW JERSEY

609 586-4847 Freedom Infonet - Peter Skorupsky
609 625-4475 Koinonia! CBBS - Bob Korch

NEW HAMPSHIRE

603-594-0510/0511 The System BBS - Jerry Kramer
603 432-6711 Nor'Easter - Gardiner Jones *

NEW YORK

313 455-5806 Cnypcug bbs - Barbara Mancuso
518 756-3002 Christian Hotline - Bob Lucido *
518 537-4881 The Open House BBS
718 352-0821 Hidden Manna

NORTH CAROLINA

704 845-0416 Maranatha! BBS- Joe Squiccianni
1-910-882-8881 The Maranatha Connection - Robert Smith Jr

OHIO

216 723-6732 Medina County Freenet Dan Prorok/Doug Mcclure
419 244-4597 Cuttin - Joe Britt
614 776-7136 Cross Connection - Alan Graff *

OKLAHOMA

918 492-1749 The Star Christian BBS - Dave Wenrick
918 775-9102 Anawah Rescue Mission & BBS - Rev. Frank Cooke

OREGON

503 632-6058 Starfall - Alexandria Sherwood *
503 683-2614 The Provided Faith BBS

PENNSYLVANIA

215 391-1612 The Abundant Life BBS - Lynn Dehart *
215 670-5323 Round - Dan Mccoy

TENNESSEE

615 584-6356 The Joyful BBS - Steve P. Taylor
615 588-4321 The Joyful BBS - Steve P. Taylor
615 454-2295 The ELk River BBS- Joe Lyda
901 492-0168 Gracebase - John Lipscomb

TEXAS

210 696-7234 Eagle's Nest -Lonnie Gaither
214 289-4744 Prison Board BBS- Ruben Figueroa
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214 680-3406 BBS America - Jay Gaines
214 539-9878 The Eagle-Jim Gallagher
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214 709-9011 One Word - Geo. D. King
214 234-8847 Shepherd's Flock - Mark Harris
214 994-0093 Success BBS Darrell Gilyard
214 414-8614 The Cross - Rod Porter *
214 613-6900 The Old Poops World BBS - Sonny Grissom *
214 878-9818 T.R.A.I.N. BBS - Brady Mooney *
409 753-2014 The Agape Way Rick & Carol Arend *
409 727-0887 Wizard's Domain - Ilene Hebert
512 444-8790 Loaves and Fishes-Elizabeth Joyce*
512 937-2088 Gethsemane - Joe Hacker *
512 575-5554 Byte Me BBS - Grady Trew *
512 452-6350 Inspiration BBS - Harold Robbins
713 232-7508 The Corner Stone - Bill Arlequeeuw
713 452-7008 Eternity Inc BBS - Michael Clark
713 645-4055 Eagles Nest - John Channon
713 338-2053 Kerygma II -John Cheatham *
713 894-6062 The Fish Bowl - Robert Wooten *
713 265-2798 Morning Star & Policenet BBS - Walter H. Bauer *
713 728-3012 The Phoenix BBS Michael L. Jones Sr.
713 451-8406 Christian Chat - Mike & Bobby Connolly
806 795-9003 Agape BBS -Jorge Lopez
817 444-2107 FF-BBS- David Johnson
817 654-3671 Maranatha - Mike Young
903 581-6077 Baby Blue - Dana Bell

VIRGINIA

804 543-0830 Resource - Mike Olah
804 590-2161 Servant of the Lord BBS - Dr. Charles A. Wootten
804 790-1675 Blue Ridge Express - Webb Blackman
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804 790-9600 Blue Ridge Express - Webb Blackman

WASHINGTON

206 581-3466 Heaven's Door - Jo Shaughnessy *

WISCONSIN

414 789-4210 Exec-PC - Bob Mahoney
608 277-1376 The Offline BBS Tom Landmann *
608 238-6692 The Extra Mile Patrick Mack *
608 784-5960 Crossfire BBS- Bill Schieche
715 732-1036 CompuLine - Joe Boburka


INTERNATIONAL BOARDS AND CONTACTS

AUSTRALIA

61-2-605-9438 Cross Beat BBS - Mark Smith

BELGIUM

32-15415383 I.C.S. BBS - Mario Lermitte

CANADA

403-460-0541 M.O.U.S.E. BBS - Rob Lindemann
519-657-7237 The Future London/Ontario *
604-726-2577 The Master's Touch - John Vickers
514-425-4001 Pentecom BBS - Roger Raynor
905-271-3617 Christian BBS - Jeannine Robinson

FINLAND

964536132 *
964536133 *
964536134 *

GERMANY

Hans-Juergen Thiess
Angermuender Str. 12
12305 Berlin
Germany

HONG KONG

Shing Kwan
Flat A2, 5th Floor
#6 Broadcast Drive
Kowloon, Hong Kong

ICELAND

Ragnar Wiencke
Vesturberg 94
111 Reykjavik
Iceland
INTERNET: [e-mail]

JAPAN/OKINAWA

633-1638 Olympic BBS - Deane Hibbard
633-5093 This Is The Place BBS - Deane Hibbard

MEXICO

52-14-10-3629 Megalink - Eric Aquayo

NEW ZEALAND

9 6368409 - Christian Ministry BBS- Errol Thompson
06463562038 - Emmanuel BBS - Shane and Michelle Harvey

NORTHERN IRELAND

44 247466189 Red Star BBS *

POLAND
Karol Karkowski
ul. Ks. St. Orminskiego 30
84-230 Rumia, Poland
INTERNET: [e-mail]

SOUTH AFRICA

27 21 618 780 Mother City Mailhub - James Burns-Howell
27 12 429 2882 Unisa Editorial BBS - Steve Hayes

UNITED KINGDOM

44-392-495899 Trinity, line 1 - John Burden
44-392-412370 Trinity, line 2 - John Burden
44-392-410210 Trinity, line 3 - John Burden
44-602-893344 "HIS" SHAREWARE & PUBLIC DOMAIN - Tony Clatworthy

TAIWAN

886-4-292-4455 Taiwan Missionary BBS - Tim Tyler


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S.C.U.D. WARNINGS !
S.C.U.D. WARNINGS !
S piritual
 C ounterfeits
  U ndermining
   D octrine

W A R N I N G S

By Jerry Johnson


The following is a portion of an original STAR TREK script for
an episode that had been scheduled, but was not filmed due to
the series being canceled in its third year. Majel Barrett found
the script in a bag in the back of the storage shed of her late
husband, Gene Roddenberry. Incidentally, the bag also contained
27 "tribble" fur balls and an old "Andorian" costume.

The title of the episode was "Chaplain Spock." The Enterprise
was assigned to transport a prominent religious figure, Robert
Patson, from earth to a religious convention on the planet
Narthex 5. During the trip Patson became sick when a
malfunctioning food replicator fed him Zorian Bloodwort stew
instead of the chicken soup he had ordered.

Patson felt that his keynote sermon was so critical for the
convention that he requested that a member of the Enterprise
crew deliver it on his behalf. Dr. McCoy declared that he was a
doctor, not a preacher. Scotty stated that he "dinna ha' the
time" because he was trying to repair the faulty food
replicator. Uhura and Chekov were pulling double shifts and
Captain Kirk simply did not want to do it. That left Spock.

Here is an excerpt from the script. This scene takes place on
the bridge, with Captain Kirk seated in his chair, while Spock
stands to his right. The gaps and capitalized words in captain
Kirk's dialogue were put in for dramatic effect and are best
read with hunched shoulders and an over dramatic presentation.

Spock:  But Captain, it is not logical for me to deliver Mr.
Patson's sermon, since I do not adhere to his religious beliefs,
nor am I capable of speaking in the emotional style for which he
is famous.

Kirk:   SPOCK,   You are the   MOST  LOGICAL  choice   given the
options. Mr. Patson was granted   AMBASSADORIAL  status, and you
are the  ONLY  fleet officer available.

Spock:  I understand the logic of that factor, Captain, but I
still will not be able to deliver the speech as written to the
effect desired by Mr. Patson.

Kirk:   Then,   SPOCK,   ALTER  the sermon   so it maintains the
HEART  of what Mr. Patson wanted, but without the EMOTION.

Spock:  I will do my best, Captain.

The next scene opens on Narthex 5 with Spock standing before an
audience of very pious religious leaders.

Spock:  Due to an unexpected illness, I will be delivering Mr.
Patson's keynote sermon. (Spock looks at the notes, then looks
up, obviously ill at ease) Will you please assume a position
that denotes respect towards whatever supreme being you may
happened to maintain a belief regarding as we make a request of
said supreme being to be of aid to this convention.

(Reading) Oh, supreme being to which Mr. Patson holds a feeling
of allegiance and belief. On behalf of Mr. Patson I request that
this convention proceeds without undue difficulty and that the,
however illogical, belief systems of those assembled here will
be reinforced, despite the lack of empirical data. Those
assembled here offer religiously phrased affirmations towards
you and thank you for their assumption of your active
participation in their lives. Amen.

I will now read a portion from Mr. Patson's preferred
compilation of religious conceptualization; specifically, Psalms
63rd chapter:

"O, supreme being, I consider us to be in relationship, I will
expend some measure of effort seeking you; the presupposed
essence of my personality prefers your company, my biological
organism is adamant about preferring your company, in an arid
region, which I assume is a metaphor.

I have seen you where you dwell, again I assume metaphorically,
and witnessed your energy and affirmations. Because your
positively inclined opinion of me carries import with me, I will
use my vocal capabilities to affirm you."


You're probably catching the general drift of that overly long
intro.

The title of this SCUD is "VULCAN CHRISTIANITY," and there will
be a portion of you readers that will not relate to this article
at all. But, if you attend a church similar to the one I attend
it should sound familiar.

The idea for this column came out of an incident that occurred a
couple of months ago. A Sunday school teacher at our church
became convicted a while ago of the manner in which he had lead
the class. He had realized that he had set an example of cold
love that had grieved God, and now grieved him.

During the process of sharing with the class the errors God  was
revealing to him and asking forgiveness, he got obviously
"choked up" on a couple of occasions.

That's when a couple of members of the class declared him to be
"emotionally unstable."

And that's when it hit me...

When was the last time I saw a teacher, pastor or Sunday school
teacher weep for what they said grieved them? When was the last
time I heard someone speak about the things of the Lord with
passion? When was the last time I saw someone in front of a
class or congregation be obviously filled with delight and
enthusiasm for God?

It had been a loooooooong time.

(Like I said, I'm sure there are some of you that can't relate
to this... your church is passionate. If that is the case, I
encourage you to check out to read another section of this issue
at this time)

I began to look at a strong trend in many evangelical churches
today and I realized that this trend frankly scares me. It's the
trend towards VULCAN CHRISTIANITY.

Star Trek fans will know what I mean. Spock was a Vulcan.
Vulcans were a race that had total control over emotions and who
felt that emotions were illogical and detrimental.

I see an increase in churches that seem to value an emotionless
approach to God. Expression of sorrow or grief are signs of
emotional instability. Expressions of joy and delight are
defined as fanaticism. Raising hands in prayer or praise is
unseemly and too demonstrative.

Now, I'll freely allow that there is and should be great variety
in how churches are able to express their feelings towards God.
But somehow I don't think that having no observable feelings
about God was something God had in mind.

Christ first came a unique time and place in history. He arrived
in Bethlehem, as a Jewish baby. He was born into a culture that
saw the value in emotional expression. How else do you describe
a people who could party at a wedding for days on end, or tear
their clothes, put ashes on their head and wail in pain. These
are a people who, during Passover Sader, would eat a gob of
horseradish so that tears would flow to express the pain that we
experience in life.

Jesus was born into this demonstrative culture... at a time
when the Greek language and trend of thought created a language
that was bathed in nuance. The Jew, though passionate in love,
really has a single word for love, much like the English
language (I love my car, I love my wife, I love ice cream, etc.)

The Greek had at least four primary words to delineate between
types of love. The analytical Greek style for debate and
exposition was used mightily for the Kingdom of God (read Paul).

Christ came, and the church was birthed, at a time and place
where both emotion and intellect were valued. The early church
had the gift of being able to examine and analyze doctrine with
honed analytical skills and still get majorly excited and
expressive about God.

That is our Judeo-Christian heritage.

But I'm seeing less and less of the Judeo part. Less and less of
the passion about God. Less and less of the impact of being in
relationship with the Creator of the universe should have on the
minds and spirits of us created beings.

I believe it is likely a sin to stand or sit in a church and
live life or teach or preach in such a way that the implication
is that God is boring, passionless, Vulcan.

If you spend ANY time in the Psalms you see everything from the
"down and dirty, everybody's dissing me, why am I in a cave with
these whiners blues" to exultant joy that includes loud music
and jumping and dancing. Grief to joy and everything in between.

Look at Paul and Silas in the dungeon, singing for joy. If they
had been singing a hymn because that's what they were supposed
to do, nobody would have bought it. But because they sang in
pure joy for the awesomeness of who God is, people were touched
and saved.

Although Biblically aligned doctrine is important, doctrine
didn't ever save anyone. Christ dying on the cross in an act of
committed love did.

Why would getting excited about being in relationship with the
living God be viewed as unseemly or inappropriate? Why would
shedding tears of grief over sin or the suffering and pain of
others be a sign of emotional instability?

Probably because emotion is viewed in a Vulcan manner:  not
quite in control, likely to get out of hand, and I might look
silly.

Or at least that's what Michal accused David of when he danced
in joy before the Lord as the Ark of the Covenant was brought
back into Jerusalem. His response?

"It was before the Lord... I will celebrate before the Lord. I
will become even more undignified than this, and I will be
humiliated in my own eyes"  (2 Samuel 6:21-22). I guess he felt
that acknowledging the greatness of the God was more important
than a self imposed sense of presentation and dignity.

"So are you saying we should dance in our underwear in church?!"

No. But I believe if we let the passion of God make itself
evident in our joy and our sorrow and everything in between, the
world might not so readily see us as being stiff, humorless,
hypocritical and in denial.

Again, to live our lives in such a way that indicates that God
is boring and passionless must be a sin.


Next time: Horace meets the Who, Part Two
Commentary
Commentary
1994? - Why Harold Camping Was Wrong

Undoubtedly many of you have heard of the book 1994 written by
Harold Camping in which Harold claimed proof for when the world
would end. He basically and simply put didn't know what he was
talking about. He simply was wrong. He is not the first person
who has tried his hand at date setting/nor probably will be the
last but I have seen this type of aberrant teaching before and
have a little insight into "Why Harold Camping was wrong."

We live in a real and very practical world. We face facts every
day. When we see facts it is normal to recognize them and act
accordingly. In certain instances we only get a limited and
partial view of some things. Many times what evidence we can
gather is but meager at best. In such cases it becomes necessary
to formulate a theory in regard to what we have in
consideration. When we adopt a hypothesis we need to remember
(something Harold didn't do) that this is only a deduction and
not, I repeat not, an established fact. We must be careful and
considerate of others not to elevate a theory to a tenet of
faith--for when someone creates such a theory and takes it to
the public and makes a stand upon it then it becomes most
difficult for such a one (as Harold) to see anything else except
his theory. Jesus recognized this too--He said to the Pharisees
that they compassed land and sea to make one proselyte to their
views and that, when one has accepted a false theory he becomes
twofold more a son of perdition. (Matthew 23:15). My experiences
through the years has been that once people take a position
regarding any scriptural truth, and when a view contrary to
their own weird slant on things emerges, it is very very
difficult to get them to even consider the facts which one is
attempting to present to them. One fact overlooked in this case
is Jesus said No man knoweth the day nor the hour not that
Harold didn't ever hear the verse or that he didn't misuse it
for He stated that the end of the world would take place
somewhere between September 15 -17 because according to Camping
maybe we don't know the day and hour, but we can know the week
and month. Which is preposterous to take a public stand on but
he just figured he didn't need to pay attention to when the
plain sense of scripture makes common sense seek no other:
Therefore take every word at its primary ordinary usual literal
meaning .

As everyone knows who is familiar with the study of prophecy,
there have been many who have set dates for the transpiring of
various events. In recent years there were 2 books printed one
in 1988 and its sequel in 1989 that deceived its fair share of
people. It seems there is a constant flow these days of tracts
pamphlets and booklets that provide the latest and greatest
sensationalism that they engage in and are based on nothing
more than speculation and guesswork. J Vernon McGee used to say
he liked to keep the cookies on the bottom shelf so you could
reach 'em. And that's what I like to do when I explain things
too I don't need to razzle and dazzle you with sensationalism
I'll just settle to tell you the truth and keep it simple so
everyone can understand it--keep the cookies on the bottom shelf
its better that way if you know where they are and it's not too
difficult to reach. Harold's book to me was like a blueprint
that dazzles you and razzles you with all this brilliant
prophetic utterance and really was nothing more than another
bunch of guesswork by someone who would not listen to the people
who presented other facts. Yes it was a treatise of
sensationalism but not one based in fact--go ahead pinch
yourself yes you are still here.

If I paid attention to all this type of rubbish that crossed my
desk relating to this date setting done by Harold Camping and
others I wouldn't know what to teach or believe on the subject.
All this past year I have met people who get very upset at and
are very confused in regard to prophecy and this practice of
date setting for the rapture and for the beginning of the
Tribulation--What is the answer? Its simple the practice is
wrong Harold was wrong all the others before Him were wrong and
if another date setter comes along I hope we all remember
this--He will also be wrong! Date setting is wrong!

There is only one scriptural sound sane and sober approach for
us to take in regard to these matters. We are to expect the
Lords return at any day at any hour--At any moment He may come
for His waiting church. Know this that we should be ready for
the Lord to come at any time. On the other hand we should not
involve ourselves in any speculative guesswork--and the setting
of dates like Harold did because it is wrong. But while we look
for him at any moment He still may be a long way off and we
should make our plans as if he were a long way off. We should be
prepared to continue a long time before He does make His
appearance. Diametrically opposed attitudes you say? No they
harmonize with each other. If I am busily engaged in the Lord's
cause and He comes suddenly I'm ready--But for those who set
dates (and even more sadly those poor souls who listen to date
setters) and make arrangements accordingly (Harold) -- there is
a great letdown in every way and bitter disappointment. People's
affairs are now out of joint (Harold) and they can not function
in the way which they should. So it is very very detrimental to
one's self and to the cause of Christ for His followers to set a
date for the Lord's return. Instead of doing like the Pharisees
and giving the blinding effects of theorizing to proselytes and
making them twofold more a son of perdition--Isn't it better to
Listen to Jesus accept the facts and not offer a post graduate
course from Hell via date setting books like 1994? Of course it
is! Because once again date setting is wrong 1994 was wrong.

I do not wish to see anyone taken again by such a practice as
date setting aberrancy --so I offer two sources of information
you may contact on any scriptural subject, topic, doctrine,
group, sect, cult, etc. These two groups are dedicated to
serving the body of Christ by bringing you the truth and
exposing clearly what is not sane sound and sober such as date
setting. The Christian Sentinel has a free quarterly newsletter
and also offers representatives to come to your church for a
speaking engagement and has various books tapes and things to
give you facts you might want to look at before the next date
setter comes along. I believe both groups can facilitate such
but I am only sure of this one--my heart goes out to all you who
were taken in by this years possibly biggest lie to come down
the pike.

The Christian Sentinel
PO Box 500
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693-0500

Christian Research Institute Echo, Inc.
PO Box 11322
Philadelphia, Pa 19137
Behind the Screens
Behind the Screens
Behind The Screens

By Bryan Dufelmeier


Let me define a term which I mistakenly assumed would be
understood by everyone last time - SHAREWARE. The term refers to
programs that a person can try before they decide to purchase.
Registering these programs usually gets you the latest version,
a printed manual, and other benefits depending on the program
and company. The programs in this category are usually cheaper
but not necessarily lower in quality than many commercial
programs. Shareware can be freely distributed as long as the
copyright conditions that are clearly spelled in the
unregistered version. Sometimes these programs are
full-featured and other times something is left out that can
only be found in the registered version.

A few comments on the trend toward windows. Attention dos
users!!! While dos development is not as yet finished it is
slowing rapidly and you might find that new versions or programs
that you would like to own can only be found in windows. Two
modules of my Bible program from Navpress Software are only
available in windows. Since these are auxiliary modules and
require the main program, I will have to wait until I get
windows to get these modules.

The main feature is infosearch. This is a powerful and flexible
storage retrieval system for abstracts, illustrative data, and
other types of information that can be used to enhance and
enrich any bible study, sermon, or any other document for that
matter that requires that little something extra of a Christian
nature to make it complete.

Let me start by describing the databases that are available with
the infosearch package. You can choose from any one or more of
the following: sermons and illustrations, current thoughts and
trends, two music databases, humor, and quotes. The songs are
neat because you get not only the words but also the sound
played through the pc speaker. While it doesn't yet support
sound cards the problems are contractual and not technical so I
look very strongly for this to change as the music industry
comes to grip with the overwhelming trend toward multimedia.
Besides those who don't yet have sound cards aren't missing a
thing as far as using the program is concerned.

Remember the current thoughts an trends, derived from various
magazines are not full articles and yet they are more than
citations and can provide the little extra you may be looking
for. The same can be said of the sermon and illustrations
database. There are thousands of tidbits out there if you can
only find them. I should add before I forget that the two music
databases reflect both hymns and contemporary music so if you
enjoy both than both are a must. People have been using great
quotes and humorous illustrations for as long as any kind of
writing has been done and now here is a rich Christian source
for such material.

There is a seventh database under development. This will be
Christian cartoons. This time you'll have text, a caption, and
the cartoon graphic all on the same screen. To top it all off a
windows version will be available as well.

A little about the program itself. It's menu-driven and fairly
intuitive. It allows you to select the desired database and
then search by words, topics, words in the topics, or verses.
You can also search by usage if you have previously recorded the
use of a illustration, a song, etc. in a sermon or study. The
way the data is indexed the search possibilities are endless.
There's an awful lot here and it's ripe for the picking.

The best way to find out more is to use the program yourself.
You won't want to part with it. Pick a database and start your
collection. Call Navpress at 800-888-9898.

Remember, that for a Christian, the real power both in our use
of the computer and in our lives and daily Christian walk must
be Jesus. Without His saving grace and presence in our lives,
we are empty and lifeless. Without Him there is no power Behind
the Screens of our heart and mind. Remember the first part of
Philippians 3:10... "That I might know Him and the power of his
Resurrection."

Until next time. Amen!

Bryan Dufelmeier may be reached via Internet email at:
73617.251@cis

Features
But I Don't Feel Thankful
But I Don't Feel Thankful
BUT I DON'T FEEL THANKFUL
By Nancy Prestide
From HIGHWAY magazine


Sometimes it's easy to be thankful, sometimes not. We have set
aside a day to celebrate called "Thanksgiving Day." Yet many
struggle to feel thankful.

Recently, I was reading Isaiah 54 and sensed God speaking
concerning a friend who is going through a tough time. Isaiah
54:4 says, "Fear not for you will not be put to shame; neither
feel humiliated for you will not be disgraced, but you will
forget the shame of your youth, and your reproach."

We often have times when we feel humiliated and feel like God
has abandoned us. Although Jesus went to the cross with all it's
shame and pain, now He sits at God's right hand reigning in
victory. He has forgotten that reproach. The same can be true
for us. God wants to guide us through the hard times and
promises to reward us.

Isaiah 54:5 continues with, "For your husband is your Maker,
whose name is the Lord of Hosts; and your Redeemer is the Holy
One of Israel, who is called the God of all the earth. For a
brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will
gather you. For the mountains may be removed and the hills may
shake but my loving kindness will not be removed from you and my
covenant of peace will not be shaken, says the Lord."

When God disciplines or tries us, we feel forsaken, but He is
always there to gather us up. Like the mountains and hills in
this passage, we may be shaken, but He is there to give us peace
and to see us through.

Isaiah 54:11 calls out, "O afflicted one, storm tossed and not
comforted"

Does this sound like how you feel right now?

"Behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and your
foundations I will lay in sapphires. I will make you battlements
of rubies, your gates crystal, your wall precious stones."

He will reward us here and in heaven if we allow Him to be our
Lord and Redeemer.

"All your sons will be taught of the Lord and the well-being of
your sons will be great. In righteousness you will be
established." Isaiah continues, "You will be far from oppression
for you will not fear and from terror, for it will not come near
you."

It seems if we allow ourselves to fear or be terrorized, we have
given the enemy an "open door" but when we trust God, oppression
is far from us.

Verse 15 says, "If anyone fiercely assails you it will not be
from Me. Whoever assails you will fall because of you. Behold, I
myself created the smith who blows the fire of coals and brings
out a weapon for its work; and I have created the destroyer to
ruin. No weapon that is formed against you will prosper. Every
tongue that accuses you in judgment, you will condemn. This is
the heritage of the servants of the Lord. Their vindication is
from Me; declares the Lord."

God never fiercely assails us. If you feel fiercely assailed,
that may be Satan at work. God is in control of all things. At
times He allows Satan to work, but only in a way that is
ultimately for our good and only for a time. God promises to
fight for those who serve Him and destroys any weapon or
accusing word brought against them. That's our heritage.

Are you His child? If not ask Him to forgive you of your sins
and take control of your life. Start reading your Bible asking
God to guide you. If we trust and seek to obey Him, He will give
us a thankful heart.
Knowing God's Will
Knowing God's Will
KNOWING GOD'S WILL
By Winkey Pratney


How can I know the will of God?" If you haven't asked this
question openly or secretly, you are probably not a Christian.

Walk through the halls of time and you will see the men of God
who changed history. Look at them carefully. They were not
special men. You will not often find the naturally gifted among
their ranks. But all had one thing in common - they knew and did
the will of God in their generation, and God did a work through
them to shape the course of history.

Those that God used in the past were just ordinary people with
an extraordinary Master. They were not all champions of great
faith, but little people who saw their own need, and put their
small faith in a great God. The driving force in their lives was
the sure conviction that God had called them to His work - and
that as long as they were faithful to that call, He would work
with them and through them against impossible odds to victory.
They knew His will! Living in His purpose, they could be natural
and let Him be supernatural.

Scripture is a record of common people who found the will of
God. Jacob met an angel. Joseph with his multi- colored coat had
a dream. Paul saw a blinding light. Samuel heard a voice. John
had a vision. God is wholly involved with us as human beings. He
spoke to men then, and He has not changed. At every point in
history, He waits to show the way.

God is looking for willing hearts - those who whole-heartedly
decide to do the will of God. (2 Chron. 16:9J You can know God's
will! God has no favorites. You do not have to be special, but
you have to be available. You do not have to be clever, but you
must be willing to learn from Him. You do not have to be
talented, but you must be willing to obey whatever He commands.
You do not have to possess much, but you must give everything
you have.

Has the "will of God" been a mystery to you? Have you longed to
know what He wants for you, but somehow never found the way?
Then read on. If you will faithfully apply these Biblical
principles of guidance to your life, you can know the voice of
God and do His will, as surely as any man or woman of God that
ever lived. Goal and Plan

God's will for your life is a goal, not a blueprint. His one
ultimate goal, or purpose, is for you to be conformed to the
image of His Son, Jesus. God's goal never changes. A goal is the
point you are trying to get to - it sets your direction. While
on your way to this ultimate goal, you will encounter many
smaller goals and purposes along the way.

Guidance is a lifelong process. God will reveal goals, help you
reach them, then set new, higher ones. Therefore, knowing God's
will for your life is a continued discovery of the present
most-effective plan to help you eventually reach, (through a
series of sub-stages) His ultimate goal for you. Should you miss
God and make a wrong decision at one of these sub-stages, all is
not lost. However, many times there are consequences to pay.
Sometimes you may miss an opportunity that may never again come
your way... and many times good years that belong to God are
simply wasted. But the moment our self-dependence or mistakes
are confessed to God, and His pardon obtained, He will take you
where you are at and work with you, daily pointing out the best
course to take in order for you to reach His ultimate goal for
you - to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus.


Conditions

You cannot expect to her from God until you are fulfilling these
essential conditions for knowing His will. Check your life
against these before you ask for guidance:

1. A DESIRE TO KNOW WAND DO ALL THE WILL OF GOD. Don't ask for
guidance unless you are prepared to act on it! God is always
willing to make His purpose known. If you "cannot" find an
answer, it may be that you have some secret reservation in your
heart. God will not show you His will if you are merely
considering doing it. Unless you are prepared to trust His
wisdom and love, and DO what He shows you, don't ask Him. Many
say they can't get God's guidance, when they really mean they
wish He would show them an easier way. God promises to show us
only if we are ready to act on His revelation. (In. 7:17)

2. BE A LOVE-SLAVE. God guides the meek, or those with yielded
wills. If we have unyielded rights or stubborn wills, we cannot
expect His guidance. A love slave lives to serve, not be served.
He owns nothing of power, possessions or personal rights. He has
no plans of His own that are not subject to the command of his
Master. God does not guide those who want to run their own life.
He only guides those who admit their need of His direction and
rely on his wisdom. (Matt. 10:24, 37-39; Phil. 2:5-8; Ps. 25:9)

3. A WILLINGNESS TO BE COUNTED A FOOL. Doing God's will often
conflicts in what's going on in our surrounding selfish world.
Some Christians don't really do anything for the Lord, excusing
themselves by saying they are "not sure of God's will." We need
not always expect a voice from the sky when the path of service
is clear. God gave us common sense, and He expects us to use it.
Most of the time, His will makes sense to our reason and
intelligence. God's will is usually in an area of general
direction, within which He leaves us relatively free to work for
Him. (Prov. 6:20-22, 11:3) However, sometimes His direction cuts
across all human reason, and even goes totally contrary to it.
When the inner voice of God speaks clearly, obedience may be
counted as madness in the eyes of the world. But if you are
willing to be God's fool, then you will see His power. (Matt.
11:25; Acts 26:24-25; Mk. 3:21;1 Cor. 3:1 8-20)

4. A CLEAN CONSCIENCE FROM THE PAST. Guidance will always be
hindered or misunderstood if there are still sinful things in
your life that God has urged you to get right. How can He show
you more if you have not obeyed the things He has already shown
you? (Luke 16:10) Every time you kneel to pray, the finger of
His Spirit will point back to that thing He wants you to get
right. A clear conscience is absolutely essential to
distinguishing the voice of God and the voice of the enemy.
Unconfessed sin is a prime reason why many do not know God's
will. It is the "pure in heart" who will see Him. (Matt. 5:8,
23-24; Ps. 24:3-6)

5. REGULAR TIME OF PRAYER AND READING THE WORD OF GOD. God's
will is expressly revealed in His Word. It is indeed a foolish
and inexcusable thing to neglect the Scriptures if you have
access to them. Bible study shows us what God expects in daily
living. No guidance will ever go against Scriptural principles.
Prayer teaches us by experience what the presence of God is
like, and how His voice sounds. Many do not recognize the call
of God simply because they have never taken the time to talk
with Him long enough to know what He is like. It is not enough
to know about Him - you must know Him! (Prov. 6:23; Isa.
58:9-11; Jn. 27:3)


Methods

God speaks and has spoken in many different ways. Guidance
breaks down into three basic categories personal, corporeal and
supernatural. Study the following examples in Scripture.

I. PERSONAL (Individual Direct Guidance)

1. THE WORD OF GOD - The Holy Scriptures, the foundation of all
guidance.

A. Regular Bible Reading - The "jigsaw" principle. You fill in a
portion of a "puzzle" each time you read a section of the Bible.
A key piece fitted in will suddenly reveal a whole picture.

B. Open Page Method - Definitely not to be abused! Ask God in
faith to guide you to the right Scripture for your need. Open
the Bible, trusting Him to speak to you from it.

C. Mental Suggestion - In prayer God will sometimes bring to
mind a verse, a chapter, or a book of the Bible. Turn to the
place and begin to read until God speaks to you.

D. Recalled Memory Verse - Often, during a time of temptation or
difficulty, God will bring to your mind a verse of Scripture
that will give you clear instruction. It is to your benefit to
know and memorize parts of the Word of God. (Ps. 119:9-11,
15-26, 33-35, 65-68, 97-105; Prov.2:1-20, 3:1-6, 4:1-13; 2 Tim.
3:14-17)

2. THE WITNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - An inner voice known by all
true children of God. The Holy Spirit is able to "check" you
inside as to whether or not something is of God. You must NEVER
act on a doubtful impression, especially if it is accompanied by
haste. God leads, not pushes. Rushed urgings are usually of the
enemy. There is never a feeling of worry or fear with the voice
of the Good Shepherd. His voice is gentle, familiar-sounding,
loving, and leaves you with a sense of spiritual uplift and
rejoicing, never fright. (Jn. 10:3-5, 14-16, 27-28) Test all of
your spiritual leadings by the Word of God, especially when you
feel a sense of uneasiness or fear. (Rom. 8:14-16; Jn. 14:16-17;
1Jn. 2:27, 4:1-3; Col. l:9-11)

3. WAITING ON GOD - Listening to Him in prayer and getting to
know His voice. God has three answers in guidance - (1)"YES" (2)
"NO" (3) "WAIT." We cannot have a demanding attitude towards
God. Sometimes there must be delays. Our lives are bound up with
others, and many times God has to wait until they are ready (or
until we are), before giving us the go-ahead. "Wait" is the most
difficult of all answers, but sometimes it's the most necessary.
Here is the test of a love slave. (Ps. 62:1, 5, 33:20, 25:5,
27:14, 40:1, 130:5, 37:7; Isa. 40:31, 49:23; Hos. 12:6; 1 Chron.
28:9)

II. CORPOREAL (Other Christians)

Although God greatly desires to speak to each of us personally,
He also likes to use other members of the body of Christ to pass
on needed pieces of the "puzzle" to us. This helps teach us
gratitude for His work in the lives of others, and the needed
lesson that none of us are a law or light to ourselves. We can
learn a lot from other Christians, although in the end, we are
responsible to no one but Him.

1. GODLY MEN AND WOMEN- The advice of experienced Christians
sought as confirmation.

Counsel from those who are known to have a pure and trustworthy
walk with God, is often of great value when seeking further
light on some major decision. This counsel should be more in the
area of principles, not pronouncements. Carefully concerned and
loving suggestions aren't necessarily final or direct statements
from the Lord. True godly counsel will of course always line up
with the Word of God and Scriptural principles. (Prov.
15:22,12:15,13:7(),11:14, 24:6, l Th. 2 15)

2. GOD'S SERVANTS IN THE MINISTRY - Preaching under the guidance
of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes God will use a message or sermon anointed by the Holy
Spirit to bring needed light when you are facing a difficult
decision. Perhaps the word you need to help give you direction
is waiting for you at the next meeting! (Ex. 4 12; I Sam. 3 21;
Isa. 6:8-9; Rom. 10:14-15;1 Cor. 2:1-2; l Pet. 4:11)

3. THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - In line with previous leadings
from the Lord and the Word of God.

Scripture records incidents where God has confirmed direction
through such gifts in His body as prophesy, words of knowledge
and words of wisdom. Study their function in Scripture. Such
words are simply spiritual parallels to individual godly counsel
and preached messages, and should not be looked on with more
authority than any of the other means the Lord chooses to use.
Never act solely on a "word" given to you by another. Remember,
the key is individual responsibility for our own actions, and it
is you that must make the final decision, and not someone else
for you. (Rom.12:6-8;1 Cor.12:1-1, 27-31, 14:12, 26-33, 39-40;
Eph.4:8-11; II Tim.1:6)

III. SUPERNATURAL

The instance of "supernatural" guidance, or special Divine
Intervention in our lives are more rarely recorded. These cases
are rare, not because there are only a few who ever reach the
"exalted height" of such direct contact - but to the contrary,
sometimes, God may choose to act in this way because those on
the receiving end are so spiritually insensitive and dull that
they might otherwise never hear or understand! Although it is
not wise to generalize principles from such occasional
interventions, it is certainly clear through Scripture and
history that men and women have received authentic direction
from such divine channels of contact.

1. THE AUDIBLE VOICE OF GOD. God can and has spoken to people
audibly. I know a very trustworthy person who became a Christian
as result of God answering his prayer for help in this way. He
described the voice lie this: "Like everyone I had ever loved in
my life all rolled up in one, like someone I had known all my
life, yet I knew I had never met." As in the case of Saul and
the crowd that witnessed the Lord's baptism, it is apparently a
real sound and not just a mental impression. Examples: Samuel (l
Sam. 3:1-10); Elijah (I Kings 19:9-13); Saul (Acts 9:1-7); the
Lord Jesus and the multitude. (John 12:27-30).

2. VISIONS AND DREAMS. The early church gave much more attention
to this subject than do most Christians today. A dream is like a
spiritual TV commercial - short, easy to understand, and given
at the time when our whole attention is undistracted. Visions,
on the other hand, are superimposed over the normal visual
reality around us, and do not have to happen when we are asleep.
If you believe that God may be trying to speak to you in this
way, prayerfully consider the details of your dream or vision,
remembering that they may represent symbols or principles - not
necessarily absolutes. And finally, talk it over with a trusted
and mature friend in Christ. Both dreams and visions, when
inspired by the Holy Spirit, can be powerful means by which God
speaks to His people. Examples: Peter (Acts 10:9-16); Daniel
(Dan. 8:1-27, 7:128, 10:1-9; John (Rev 1-20); Elihu (Job
33:14-18); Joseph (Matt. 1:19-21).

3. VISITATION- It appears that angels in Scripture do not
"guide" in the same way that the Holy Spirit Himself does, but
they have been sent to warn believers of danger, as well as
provide for their physical needs and safety. They also have made
significant announcements, as in the case of Mary. Many
believers throughout history have had authentic visions or
visitations - and many numbers of Christians have seen either
Jesus or ministering angels at their deathbeds. Examples:
Abraham (Gen. 18:1-33; Moses (Ex. 33:19-23); Joshua (Josh.
5:13-15); Jacob (Gen. 32:24-30); Manoah (Judges 13:2-23);
Zacharias (Lk. 1:8-20); Mary (Lk. 1:26-38).

A Word Of Warning before we leave this area. Young Christians
can easily become fascinated with the "special cases," and exalt
these above the more simple and ordinary daily ways God uses to
speak to us. To deliberately seek or glorify any form of
guidance is an outright invitation to spiritual deception. We
are not to seek or specify how God should speak, but only seek
Him in any way that He wishes to make Himself known. And as
previously mentioned, for God to have to use such methods is no
guarantee at all of our superior spirituality - it may instead
be an indication of spiritual immaturity.


Steps

The following method of receiving guidance combines most
guidance principles into three basic steps:

1. GIVE UP YOUR OWN DESIRES. Take your own desires to God in
prayer and place them aside for the Lord to crucify. In prayer,
give your desires to Him, and ask Him to give you His desires.
Tell Him that you are willing to "die" to the things you most
want to do, in order to do the things He has for you.

2. RESIST THE DEVIL. Be on guard against the tactics of the
enemy, and the temptations that may come your way. Each child of
God has been given power over sin through Christ Standing in His
authority, drive back the enemy's voice. As Jesus did in the
wilderness, you can quote an appropriate Scripture, and like the
thrust of a sword, it will force the enemy to retreat. Do it
simply and clearly, trusting that the power of Christ will back
you up. (Prov.18:10; Eph.1:17-23; James 4:5-10; 1 Jn. 3:7-8;1
Peter 5:6-9)

3. LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF GOD. The Lord wants to speak to you -
He doesn't want to hide or make you play guessing games. If you
have fulfilled His conditions, the lines of communication
between you are open. Ask God to show you, in faith, expecting
Him to answer. Look for an immediate, definite impression. DO
what He tells you to do. If nothing comes immediately - thank
God for His answer of "wait." Be faithful to what the Lord has
shown you, and patient as you wait for further guidance. If you
are being tempted, cry out to the Lord, for it is through Him
that you will find your strength to stand firm in righteousness.


Your Move

Ahead of you is a generation that desperately needs a voice of
authority. Men are tired of the constant failure of human wisdom
- what they need most of all is to hear from Heaven. Can you be
His vessel to proclaim "Thus saith the Lord!" to a lost and
dying world? Dare YOU be guided by God? Will you accept the
challenge to hear His voice and do His will?

"Copyright: 1983 Last Days Ministries Box 40, Lindale, Texas
75771-0040 All Rights Reserved"
Finding and Understanding...
Finding and Understanding...
FINDING AND UNDERSTANDING THE WILL OF GOD
By Rev. Chester N. Shew


The late George Mueller, when asked how he ascertained the will
of God replied, " I seek to get my heart into such a state that
it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. I seek
the will of the Spirit of God through or in connection with the
Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be in agreement. I
look to providential circumstances that may be in reference to
the situation. I ask God to reveal His will to me outright.
Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and
reflection, I come to deliberate judgment according to the best
of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace and
continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed
accordingly."

Seeking and finding the will of God in any Christian's life is
perhaps one of the most difficult but most important facets of
his or her life. Ephesians 5:17 says, "Wherefore, be ye not
unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is... (KJV).
 Acts further explains it, "The God of our Fathers hath chosen
thee, that thou shouldest know His will. (KJV). and Isaiah tells
us, "And thine ear shall hear a word behind thee, saying, this
is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and
when ye turn to the left." (KJV).

We need to know the will of God because, only God knows the
future. Only God knows what is best for me. God has made me fit
into His overall plan in a certain way. My effectiveness in
prayer depends upon my praying in God's will, and lastly God
commands his children to know and obey His will in their lives.
This is all well and good, but how does one get himself or
herself in the state that can obey all these concepts?

We, as obedient children, must be willing to do His will when we
know He has revealed it to us. "I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a
living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your
reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove
what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" Romans
12:1-2 (NKJV). We note here that the word acceptable is used
twice to impress upon us that only following the will of God is
acceptable to Him. Not only does Paul tell us it acceptable to
God but that it is reasonable. By this statement we can assume
the other side of this if it is reasonable to God then it is not
unreasonable to us. We can see the acceptableness and
reasonableness of this command of God in Luke 9:23, "Then He
said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me'".
(NKJV). Too often today Christians want to follow Christ but
they are not willing to deny themselves and they are not willing
to take up the cross to follow.

We too often rely upon emotions and feeling when we seek the
will of God. While, I am certain, that emotions and feeling
play apart in seeking the will of the Lord, we must be very
careful to ascertain whether or not the spirit that is working
in us is the Holy Spirit or not. "Then Jesus said to the Jews
who believed Him, 'If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples
indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make
you free.'" John 8:31-32 (NKJV). Note here that Christ tells us
to be in the Word not in our emotions or feelings. We are to
rely upon what He tells us through the sealed canon of the
Scripture and not what our emotions or feelings may be telling
us. That beautiful Psalm, Psalm 119; verses 105 and 130 explain
in very clear language that we are to rely upon His precious
word to find His will, "Your word is lamp to my feet and a light
to my path." 105 (NKJV). "The entrance of Your word gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple." 130 (NKJV). In seeking
anything we need light to find it. And the light we need to
seek God's will in our lives is the light of His Word. We need
to be constantly searching His word for principles we can apply
to our lives, commands to complete His will, prohibitions that
would impede our doing His will in our lives, promises that will
guide us through our work.

We need to ask outright for God to reveal His will so we can
serve Him better. Philippians 4:6 tells us, "Be anxious for
nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with
thanksgiving. let your requests be made known to God." (NKJV)
and James 1:5 explains it this way, " If any of you lacks
wisdom, let him ask God who gives to all liberally and without
reproach, and it will be given to him." (NKJV) Both of these
verses make it abundantly clear that not only should we ask but
that God expects nothing less. Too often we take upon ourselves
to determine what we think God want of us.

Another facet of knowing God's will in my life is the
realization that He generally coincides His will in my life with
the God-given talents, gifts, and burdens that I already have.
God is not going to call me to teach molecular biology to a
group of people. I have absolutely no knowledge or training in
that field. But, He might call me to teach theology or Biblical
principles as I have training and knowledge in that field. God
is a conservative God. He uses the materials that are at hand.
"Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ' All authority has
been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with
you always, even to the end of the age.'" Matthew 28: 18-20
(NKJV). There are many other verse to bolster this premise of
knowing our gifts and talents, verses such as Acts 20:24; I
Corinthians 10:31-33; Romans 12; and I Corinthians 12.

While many of us today are guilty of overplaying the prompting
of the Holy Spirit and underplaying the importance of the Word,
we must still be aware and sensitive to the prompting of the
Holy Spirit in our lives and work. We must be aware in a way
that leave no room for doubt. We must remember that the Holy
Spirit will not tell us something or guide us into something
that cannot be backed up or proven in God's Holy Word. John
16:13 says, "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He
will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak His own
authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell
you things to come." (NKJV). We also read in Galatians 5:16,
"I say then: Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the
lust of the flesh." (NKJV). I am not here to cast disparaging
remarks or thoughts on anyone or any organization but I do
believe that we are all, sometimes, failing to heed the
prompting of the Spirit in a real way. We have allowed the
emotions to rule where the heart should be in charge.

While we should never allow ourselves to become a follower of
any man we are obliged to seek the counsel of those who are
godly individuals. We should seek this counsel from those
individuals who, preferably, know us and know the factors
involved in our search for God's will in our life. God gives us
godly individuals as examples and as counselors and prompters.

Another important factor in seeking and finding God's will in
our life in to be alert for providential circumstances that may
come into play in our search. We must know and understand the
doors that God opens and shuts before us. Revelation 3:8 tells
it this way, "I know your works, See, I have set before you and
open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little
strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name."
(NKJV). Romans 8:28 says, " And we know all things work
together for good to those who love God, to those who are the
called according to His purpose." (NKJV). Praise God from whom
all blessings flow for His unspeakable love and understanding
when we seek to find and do His will. For it is then that we
find that inner peace that comes from knowing that we have found
His will for our lives.

This is an inner peace that only God can give us and then only
when we seek it. Isaiah 32:17, "The work of righteousness will
be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and
assurance forever." (NKJV). "And let the peace of God rule in
our hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be
thankful." (Colossians 3:15 NKJV). We also find in I John 3:21
and 22 these words, "Beloved of our heart does not condemn us,
we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive
from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things
that are pleasing in His sight." (NKJV). All should seek that
inner peace that comes from knowing that we are exercising God's
will regardless of what that will is. If we be only the door
keeper and it is God's will it should bring His peace to our
hearts.

If we have discerned the above factors in our search for God's
will in our lives the next step is doing that will in our lives.
In order to accomplish His will we must exercise faith. Faith
that will bring results. Too often our faith is not the type
that brings results. It is like the story of the fellow trapped
on a roof during a flood. Shortly a man in a rowboat came out
and asked if he wanted to be rescued, and the man replied, "No,
I have faith in God and He will rescue me." Later another man
in a motor boat came and asked the same question and he received
the same reply. Much later a helicopter landed beside him and
inquired if he wanted to be rescued and the man replied that he
did not; that he had faith that God would rescue him. A little
later the waters rose and washed the man away to his death. On
his arrival in heaven the man inquired why God had not rescued
him as he had exercised faith that He would do so. The reply
was that God had sent a rowboat, a motorboat and a helicopter;
what more did the man want? Too often our faith is exercised as
this man's was.

Psalm 37:5 speaks clearly of our need to exercise faith in doing
God's will, "Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him, and He
shall bring it to pass." (NKJV). Proverbs also has something
to say about placing our faith in the Lord, "Trust in the Lord
with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding; In
all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
(Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV).

While the ways I have mentioned are the main ways we should seek
and find God's will for our lives there are some other ways that
we should be aware of and practice in our spiritual lives:

1. Increase your spiritual awareness through Meditation (Joshua
1:8); and fasting (Judges 20:26 and Acts 14:23).

2. Look for guidance through authority figures that God may set
over you.

3. Make sure that you are submissive in all areas of your life.
Make sure your are "confessed up to date" and have a clear
conscience. Be sure that your relationship with others is on a
solid footing and if you have wronged a brother or sister that
it is cleared up. Be a student of the Word. (If you have never
read the directions it is hard to accomplish the task). Be a
witness for Christ. (Put into practice what you have learned).

4. Study the lives of others who have walked in the will of God
and spend time with those who do so now.

5. Tell others of your search and enlist their prayers. (Matthew
18:19-20).

Many people seeking the will of God in their lives do not really
understand how to "hear" the voice of God. The voice of God is
heard in many ways. It is sometimes heard audibly such as
Elijah and John or we may find His will through signs sometimes
such as Gideon. Frequently we find God's will through other
people such as the apostle David. We may even, like Paul, find
His will through circumstances. But the most reliable and the
method God always uses and many times it is direct guidance is
His Word. I cannot stress enough the importance of reading,
studying and absorbing God's word.

As you seek God's will in your life may He bless in you in such
a way that you may never have doubts as to His calling and His
will and love in your life. Work for Him. Love Him. Seek Him.


Reverend Shew can be reached via Internet Email at:
[e-mail]
Steps to Christian Growth
Steps to Christian Growth
STEPS TO CHRISTIAN GROWTH
Prayer: Keeping the lines Open


Isn't it disappointing to place a phone call to someone and have
it ring with no answer or to get a busy signal? That never
happens with God. He's always there. He's never busy, on another
line, or preoccupied. And He always is happy to hear from us.
That's what prayer is - communicating with God in our own words.


Not an option

Why should we pray? The most important reason is that God
commands us to do it. Read:

* Ephesians 6:18
* I Thessalonians 5:17
* I Timothy 2:8
* Psalm 29:1-2

Jesus prayed continually throughout His life. Make a list of
hints on how to pray based on His example. Read Luke 3:21; Luke
9:29; Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 6:12; John 6:11;
Luke 22:31-32; Luke 23:34. The great "Lord's prayer" is in
Matthew 6:9-13.


What prayer is NOT

* Fancy words. Your own language will do fine.
* An attempt to push God around. He will do His will in His way.
* A public exercise only. Scripture teaches praying in private,
also.
* Approaching God directly. Jesus, through the sacrifice of His
life, is now our "lawyer" through Whom we approach God. So we
pray "in the name of Jesus" or "in Jesus' name." See John
16:23-24
* Only asking for things. We're also instructed to praise God,
to confess our sins, to thank Him and to enjoy His presence.
* Limited to kneeling with bowed head and closed eyes. In the
Bible, people prayed standing, lying down, on their knees, with
hands lifted.


Some practical tips

If you aren't in the habit of praying, it may seem strange at
first. Here are some ways to have a good experience praying:

1. Set time each day and be disciplined. Maybe 10 minutes when
you first wake up. Or at lights out. Or when you get alone in
the rec yard. But determine to pray regularly.

A Handy Prayer Formula: ACTS

Adore Him - Give God praise
Confess your sins - Be specific
Thank Him - Be grateful
Seek answers - Ask in His will

2. Pray using scripture. Take a verse like I John 1:9 and put
your own name in it. Instead of "If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just and will forgive us our sins" say "If I
confess my sins, You are faithful and will forgive me my sins.
Lord I want to confess X and X and X and receive Your
forgiveness."

3. Pray using hymns. Many hymns express wonderful prayers
directly to God. Copy some from the chapel hymnal or obtain a
personal hymnal to use. "Great Is
Thy Faithfulness" and "I Need Thee Every Hour" are good to start
with.

4. Keep a prayer journal. Part 1 may be prayers which you write
out to God. Part 2 could be a list of things you asked for, and
a record of when God answered them. Seeing this list grow will
strengthen your faith.

5. Share prayers with another. Pray together. Pray for each
other. Don't go it alone. One good time is in the chow hall,
thanking God before each meal for His provision. Or pray
together through the mail, with a Christian pen pal.


Unanswered questions

There are a lot of things about prayer we don't understand. If
God knows everything, why does He want us to ask? If He really
wants what is best for us, why don't we get everything we ask
for? If He hears all our prayers as He promises, why do I
sometimes feel like He doesn't? Why would God want to hear from
me?


Great Prayers in the Bible

Jacob, for God's protection- Genesis 32:1-12
Moses, for God's mercy- Numbers 14:1-20
Paul, for believers' strength- Ephesians 3:14-21
David, for forgiveness- Psalm 51
David, to thank and praise God- Psalm 30
Jesus, a model prayer- Luke 11:2-10
David, when lonely- Psalm 22

We don't really know. Someday, when we see Him in heaven, we can
ask. Meanwhile, Scripture is rich in its teaching and examples
on prayer.

The main thing is... get busy and do it. You will please God,
and you will grow in your Christian life.
Who Are You Following ?
Who Are You Following ?
WHO ARE YOU FOLLOWING?
By Rev. John DelTurco


In 1 Corinthians 4:16, Paul made a statement to people who knew
him, who were familiar with him. He said, "Wherefore I beseech
you, be ye followers of me." He did not go on to say, be ye
followers of me, even as I also am of Christ, which he did later
in 1 Corinthians 11:1. He was, in effect, standing up in the
midst of those people and making a declaration, "I beg you to
follow my example."

I wonder, if Paul was walking the face of the earth today and
addressing Christianity, would he dare make that statement? In
light of everything that has happened in some major ministries
and the spotlight thrown on the church by the media, would Paul
dare say, "Follow me?" Knowing that reporters are waiting for
the wrong thing to be said so that they can sell newspapers,
magazines, and attract more people to their portion of
television airtime, would even Paul have said such a thing?

During the past religious scandals, Ted Koppel was heard to say
that the information he gets about ministers is from other
ministers.

I am not condoning what any man or woman who sins has done, but
the Word of God says, "Confess your faults one to another"
(James 5:16). If what Ted Koppel said is true, that ninety-five
percent of all the sludge and smut that comes out (about
ministers) comes from ministers, how in this day and age can we
go one to another and confess our sins?

In this kind of climate, would Paul dare today to stand up and
say, "Be ye followers of me?"

Church, the Word of God does not change. The Word is not
affected by situations and circumstances that occur. The Word
does not change even when God is doing a shaking. If the Word
says we are to stand up boldly and proclaim that we are born
again and Spirit-filled, that we believe in the move of the
Spirit of God, then we are supposed to stand up in the middle of
adversity and say even as Paul said: "Be ye followers of me."

For the most part, people are followers. I am not talking just
about Christians, but about all humanity. Most people are
followers. We follow the example of other people. In
Christianity, we are followers.

It is not wrong to be a follower of someone, if that person is
following Christ. We learn from numerous people in our
Christian lives. Very few of us do not have books and tapes in
our homes of someone whose ministry we prefer over the others.
And that is all right -- but only when they are truly following
Christ.

THE SPIRIT OF DECEPTION.
In this day and age, I cannot stress enough that one of the
greatest demonic spirits, if not the greatest, next to the
spirit of anti-christ, has been loosed upon the Body of Christ.
That is the spirit of deception. All Satanic deception has an
element of truth. If it was one hundred percent error, people
would recognize it as a lie. If Satan were to appear wearing a
red suit and carrying a pitchfork, we would say, "Oh, that's the
devil." But if he walked in as an angel of light, many of us
would not know the difference.

Satan will bring that which is good in order to cause you to
miss the perfect. He would much rather have you do something
secondary for God than to have the perfect will of God in your
life. He comes in with deception.

In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul said, "Be ye followers of me, even
as I also am of Christ." That is the only way we can stand up
and proclaim to anyone to be followers of us -- only if we are
following Christ. We need to be aware, particularly in this day
of shaking, of whom we do follow. There are various things to
consider. Following even someone who is following Christ
involves knowing Biblical principles well enough to know how far
to follow.

For example, beware of where you send your tithes and offerings.
Your tithes belong in your local church. Your tithes do not
belong to traveling evangelists. Offerings can go to wherever
God gives you a witness to send them. But also be wise where you
send your offerings. Beware where you plant your seed. Is that
man or woman who is standing up proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus,
following Him in truth and in reality? If not, do not be
deceived.

Do not be deceived today by all that you hear. Beware of those
who are "putting notches" in their Bibles. If something happens
in their ministry -- or in your own -- let the glory go unto
God, for believers are simply His instruments.

The church must stop putting men or women in the ministry on
pedestals. If their lives really reflect Jesus, we can follow
them. But you cannot follow someone who is standing up on a
pedestal. You are only to follow someone walking down the path
ahead of you who is following Jesus walking down the path ahead
of all of us. There is only room for one at the top. His name is
Jesus.

The King James version of Philippians 3:17 says, "mark them
which walk so as ye have us for an ensample." In Ezekiel 9:4,
the prophet wrote that there is a mark put on the forehead of
the believer. You may not see it, but it is there in the Spirit.

Beware of those with whom you associate. Beware of those whose
pattern you follow. In Philippians 3:18, Paul tells of those
enemies of the cross who at one time lived by the Gospel. Beware
of emotionalism. Do not get caught up in just the things that
can be seen. See by the Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit's gift
of discerning of spirits more today then ever before.

We need to be followers of those who through faith and patience
inherit the promise (Hebrews 6:12). We should be followers of
those who are following Christ. Look at the fruit in the lives
of the ministers and other Christians before you follow them.

Do not look to the right. Do not look to the left. Look to
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:12).

From Vista, a Publication of the General Council of the
Christian Church of North America.
10 Reasons to Believe...
10 Reasons to Believe...
10 REASONS TO BELIEVE IN A GOD WHO ALLOWS SUFFERING


1. SUFFERING COMES WITH THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE

Loving parents long to protect their children from unnecessary
pain. But wise parents know the danger of over-protection. They
know that the freedom to choose is at the heart of what it means
to be human, and that a world without choice would be worse than
a world without pain. Worse yet would be a world populated by
people who could make wrong choices without feeling any pain. No
one is more dangerous than the liar, thief, or killer who
doesn't feel the harm he is doing to himself and to others (Gen.
2:15-17).

2. PAIN CAN WARN US OF DANGER

We hate pain, especially in those we love. Yet without
discomfort, the sick wouldn't go to a doctor. Worn-out bodies
would get no rest. Criminals wouldn't fear the law. Children
would laugh at correction. Without pangs of conscience, the
daily dissatisfaction of boredom, or the empty longing for
significance, people who are made to find satisfaction in an
eternal Father would settle for far less. The example of
Solomon, lured by pleasure and taught by his pain, shows us that
even the wisest among us tend to drift from good and from God
until arrested by the resulting pain of their own shortsighted
choices (Eccl. 1-12; Ps. 78:34-35; Rom. 3:10-18).

3. SUFFERING REVEALS WHAT IS IN OUR HEARTS

Suffering often occurs at the hand of others. But it has a way
of revealing what is in our own hearts. Capacities for love,
mercy, anger, envy, and pride can lie dormant until awakened by
circumstances. Strength and weakness of heart is found not when
everything is going our way but when flames of suffering and
temptation test the mettle of our character. As gold and silver
are refined by fire, and as coal needs time and pressure to
become a diamond, the human heart is revealed and developed by
enduring the pressure and heat of time and circumstance.
Strength of character is shown not when all is well with our
world but in the presence of human pain and suffering (Job
12:117; Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:2-5;1 Pet. 1:6-8).

4. SUFFERING TAKES US TO THE EDGE OF ETERNITY

If death is the end of everything, then a life filled with
suffering isn't fair. But if the end of this life brings us to
the threshold of eternity, then the most fortunate people in the
universe are those who discover, through suffering, that this
life is not all we have to live for. Those who find themselves
and their eternal God through suffering have not wasted their
pain. They have let their poverty, grief, and hunger drive them
to the Lord of eternity. They are the ones who will discover to
their own unending joy why Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in
spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:1-12; Rom.
8:18-19).

5. PAIN LOOSENS OUR GRIP ON THIS LIFE

In time, our work and our opinions are sought less and less. Our
bodies become increasingly worse for the wear. Gradually they
succumb to inevitable obsolescence. Joints stiffen and ache.
Eyes grow dim. Digestion slows. Sleep becomes difficult.
Problems loom larger and larger while options narrow. Yet, if
death is not the end but the threshold of a new day, then the
curse of old age is also a blessing. Each new pain makes this
world less inviting and the next life more appealing. In its own
way, pain paves the way for a graceful departure (Eccl. 12:1-14).

6. SUFFERING GIVES OPPORTUNITY 8 TO TRUST GOD

The most famous sufferer of all time was a man named Job.
According to the Bible, Job lost his family to war, his wealth
to wind and fire, and his health to painful boils. Through it
all, God never told Job why it was happening. As Job endured the
accusations of his friends, heaven remained silent. When God
finally did speak, He did not reveal that His archenemy Satan
had challenged Job's motives for serving God. Neither did the
Lord apologize for allowing Satan to test Job's devotion to God.
Instead, God talked about mountain goats giving birth, young
lions on the hunt, and ravens in the nest. He cited the behavior
of the ostrich, the strength of the ox, and the stride of the
horse. He cited the wonders of the heavens, the marvels of the
sea, and the cycle of the seasons. Job was left to conclude that
if God had the power and wisdom to create this physical
universe, there was reason to trust that same God in times of
suffering (Job 1-42).

7. GOD SUFFERS WITH US IN OUR SUFFERING

No one has suffered more than our Father in heaven. No one ha
paid more dearly for the allowance of sin into the world. No one
has so continuously grieved over the pain of a race gone bad. No
one has suffered like the One who paid for our sin in the
crucifix body of His own Son. No one has suffered more than the
One who, when He stretched out His arms and died, showed us how
much He loved us. It is this God who, in drawing us to Himself,
asks us to trust Him when we are suffering and when our own
loved ones cry out in our presence (I Pet. 2:21; 3:18; 4:1).

8. GOD'S COMFORT IS GREATER THAN OUR SUFFERING

The apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord to take away an
unidentified source of suffering. But the Lord declined saying,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect
in weakness." "Therefore," said Paul, "most gladly I will rather
boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For
when am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:9-10). Paul learned
that he would rather be with Christ in suffering than without
Christ in good health and pleasant circumstances.

9. IN TIMES OF CRISIS, WE FIND A ONE ANOTHER

No one would choose pain and suffering. But when there is no
choice, there remains some consolation. Natural disasters and
times of crisis have a way of bringing us together. Hurricanes,
fires, earthquakes, riots, illnesses, and accidents all have a
way of bringing us to our senses. Suddenly we remember our own
mortality and that people are more important than things. We
remember that we do need one another and that, above all, we
need God.

Each time we discover God's comfort in our own suffering, our
capacity to help others is increased. This is what the apostle
Paul had in mind when he wrote, "Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all
comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be
able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort
with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

10. GOD CAN TURN SUFFERING AROUND FOR OUR GOOD

This truth is best seen in the many examples of the Bible.
Through Job's suffering we see a man who not only came to a
deeper understanding of God but who also became a source of
encouragement for people in every generation to follow. Through
the rejection, betrayal, enslavement, and wrongful imprisonment
of a man named Joseph, we see someone who eventually was able to
say to those who had hurt him, "You meant evil against me; but
God meant it for good" (Gen. 50:20).

When everything in us screams at the heavens for allowing
suffering, we have reason to look at the eternal outcome and joy
of Jesus who in His own suffering on an executioner's cross
cried, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46).

YOU'RE NOT ALONE

If the unfairness and suffering of life leaves you unconvinced
that a God in heaven cares for you. But consider again the
suffering of the One called by the prophet Isaiah, "a Man of
sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Is. 53:3). Think about His
slashed back, His bloodied forehead, His nail-ripped hands and
feet, His pierced side, His agony in the Garden, and His
pathetic cry of abandonment. Consider Christ's claim that He was
suffering not for His sins but for ours. To give us the freedom
to choose, He lets us suffer. But He Himself bore the ultimate
penalty and pain for all of our sins (2 Cor. 5:21; I Pet. 2:24).

When you do see the reason for His suffering, keep in mind that
the Bible says Christ died to pay the price for our sins, and
that those who believe in their heart that God has raised Him
from the dead will be saved (Rom. 10:9-10). The forgiveness and
eternal life Christ offers is not a reward for effort but a gift
to all who, in light of the evidence, put their trust in Him.

If we can help you with your questions or send additional
materials showing the reasonableness of believing in a God who
allows suffering, please write or call RADIO BIBLE CLASS at
1-800-598-7221.
No Bargain Churches
No Bargain Churches
NO BARGAIN CHURCHES

By Moishe Rosen


The man and his wife summed up their varied church experiences
with, "We have yet to find a church we care to join." I looked
each of them in the eye and asked, "So, what kind of church do
you think God intends for you to join?"

I wasn't referring to denomination. They had not complained
about denominations or the various doctrines of the several
churches they had attended. In fact, the diversity was so great
that I wondered if either of them noticed or cared about such
matters.

The husband spoke up for both of them. "We would like a church
that is filled with love and loving people. It should make
religion exciting to us, but it should not have very many or
very long services."

That couple wanted a "bargain" church. Our human nature craves a
bargain to receive much and give only a little; but human nature
certainly is not God's nature. God gave much when He gave His
only Son, and He asks comparatively little of us in return. Yet
I see an ever-growing trend, even in God's people, to want more
while giving less of self.


Have Churches Changed?

Much of what we accepted as ordinary in the churches 30 or 40
years ago is now considered exceptional, if it exists at all.
When I first became a believer in 1953, the pastor of my church
frequently preached for an hour on Sunday mornings. No one
expected less. Afterwards he always gave an invitation to
receive Christ, and no one fidgeted while we sang every verse of
the invitation hymn and inwardly prayed for a response.

We also had long Sunday evening services. They often included
three or four musical presentations: a brass quartet, a men's
quartet and a women's trio. The congregation sang not just one
or two verses of a couple of hymns, but every verse of half a
dozen hymns.

We looked forward to the midweek service when we could pray for
corporate and individual concerns. When we met we didn't talk so
much about our problems as we did about blessings from God and
about people to whom we had witnessed. There were many spoken
doxologies for answered prayers.

We canvassed door-to-door and we held big outdoor evangelistic
meetings where the tent was filled every night almost to
capacity. We took special offerings for missionaries in need and
helped at the local rescue mission.

We thought of our church as God's little oasis in a spiritual
desert. It was an inviting haven where we were willing to give
of ourselves to God and others for His sake. Someone put it very
well by saying, "The church is the only institution founded to
serve those who are not yet members." The members of my first
church in Denver, Colorado certainly lived that philosophy.


Churches Like That Still Exist

Such churches go beyond the "good old days" because they still
cling to the "good old ways." Though they may be scarce, such
vibrant, Christ-centered congregations are still oases in a
spiritual desert of godlessness and materialism. We dare not
take them for granted. We must preserve them with our prayers,
commitment and encouragement; but there is a price to pay.

There is no such thing as a bargain in church or anywhere else.
You get what you pay for. If people complain about not getting
anything out of church, it's because they put nothing into it.
Nothing in, nothing out. A church is like a bank. You cannot
make a withdrawal unless you first make a deposit. But church
investment is better than any bank. You can never outgive God in
time or substance. The more you put in, the more comes back to
you in enthusiasm, deeper understanding and Christian fellowship.

In order for God's people to put more into church, a few
guidelines are in order:


Set a Standard For Attendance

Successful church life depends on standards and
policies-decisions made in advance. We cannot successfully
govern business transactions by waiting to see how we feel about
a given matter. Why do it with church attendance?

Make a commitment to regular church attendance. Before you allow
yourself to be absent, ask yourself: Would I stay home from work
or school as easily? You can choose to go or not to go. A third
choice is that you act on a set policy that you will go to
church unless _____ , and those exceptions should be kept to a
minimum.

At times you may have out-of-town guests who may not want to
attend church, and your time together is precious. It is an
occasion to show your guests what you really value. Tell them
even before they arrive, "We attend worship every week. Our
times of worship are _____ . If you would rather not accompany
us, feel free to make other plans for those times." Often your
guests will not only attend church with you, but your commitment
will make an important statement to them.

If you plan to leave town on vacation or for business purposes,
ask your pastor to recommend a church of like faith and practice
where you are going. When you arrive, contact that church and
explain hat your pastor recommended it. You can be sure you will
be welcomed and treated with affirmation.

If the church you visit introduces visitors, stand up and tell
the congregation what church you came from. That will strengthen
the bond of fellowship between sister churches. You might also
send the church bulletin back to your home church. If you
visited a church recommended by your pastor, he will be
encouraged that you followed his advice.


Attend Church With Zeal and Promote Enthusiasm

Church requires active participation, but most of us go into a
passive mode as soon as we take our seat in the pew. To avoid
this, think of yourself as an active component of the worship
service. Begin by praying for the pastor and for those around
you. Don't be reticent about the responsive readings or the hymn
singing. If possible, sit close to the front and establish eye
contact with those who are on the platform. Your attentiveness,
smiles and nods of agreement will cheer those who are leading
worship.


Set a Standard of Financial Support

Support your church and other worthy causes by policy, not
merely by opportunity. Most people support their churches by
putting money into the offering once a week. If, however, you
find yourself unavoidably away a great deal, plan to mail a
check for a specified amount once a week or once a month. After
all, your church keeps on ministering whether or not you can be
there.

To be an effective giver, set aside time once a year to review
your assets and determine what you can do for God. Budget your
giving, then take advantage of extra giving opportunities to
show your love and thankfulness to the Lord.


Make Your Church Your Ministry

Be a worker for God in your church. As a member, you have a
proprietary interest in its welfare and success, and you need to
participate actively in some aspect of its ministry.

Nothing in Scripture restricts leading in worship, teaching,
evangelism, or even preaching, to ordained clergy. Some of the
most effective church ministry is accomplished by lay people.
Those who are not professional clergy often have the best
opportunities for evangelism because they have more contact with
non-Christians. An unchurched person might discount a
clergyman's words as something spoken out of "duty to his job,"
but he might find a lay-person's words more credible because
they were spoken outside of such an obligation.

Church work can be pleasant and gratifying. Some of the
satisfactions are similar to those of parenthood. As parents
take joy in watching their children grow in responsibility and
love for God, you will find that same sense of fulfillment as
you watch your church and its ministry grow.

One of the joys of lay ministry is to teach Sunday school at
virtually any age level. There is no greater delight than seeing
someone's eyes brighten with understanding as you explain a
scriptural truth. Church musicians and lay worship leaders
experience similar joy upon noting a worshipful response in the
faces of the congregation.

Many church members miss those satisfactions. They shrink from
any active role because they feel shy or absolutely tongue-tied
in public. Are you like that? Those in charge of the church
nursery, the kitchen or the office usually will be quite willing
to put you to work. If you are only able to nod yes, they will
find something helpful and meaningful that you can do as your
ministry to God and to your fellow church members.


Love Is Also a Ministry!

Love your church. If you give of yourself to your church, it
will be there for you when you need it. You will find a great
deal of love, but you must not be afraid to open your heart
first and give love. No church is perfect, because churches are
made up of imperfect people. The more you care for people, the
more you can be hurt or disappointed by them. On the other hand,
the more love you show, the more people will respond.

If you love your church, spread your love around. Tell the
pastor and the whole church that you do. Better yet, tell
outsiders and invite them to a service. Nothing gets others
involved like friends who are enjoying themselves and love what
they are doing. Your enthusiastic love for the Lord and your
church can be a spiritual magnet.

Find your own church good, or find a good church! Make the
commitment to belong to it, and let it belong to you. Work for
God in it and through it, and He will work His joy and
fulfillment in you.


Moishe Rosen is International Director of Jews for Jesus
60 Haight St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
INTERNET EMAIL: [e-mail]
The Proper Care and Feeding...
The Proper Care and Feeding...
THE PROPER CARE AND FEEDING OF A PASTOR

By Moishe Rosen


Most church members don't know how to treat their pastor! If you
want to be a considerate church member, there are some things
you ought to know that your own minister will never tell you.
Few pastors will put themselves in the precarious position of
stating what benefits they feel they should receive from their
ministry because they deem it improper to seek for themselves
the remuneration and respect due their office. Nevertheless,
proper care on the part of church members in certain sensitive
areas will aid both the pastor and the church in fulfilling
their God-given roles.


The Pastor and Gossip

One thing that hurts ministers the most is that some church
members like to gossip. They take devilish delight in relating
to their fellow church members those things about the pastor
that represent his shortcomings. Pastors are human! Some may
have bad habits or may make grammatical errors; others may
quarrel with their mates, or devote too much time to personal
affairs at the expense of their ministry to the congregation.
You don't help your church to grow by detracting from your
minister's credibility through faultfinding. If he has a
character flaw that you regard as severe, go to him and speak
with him respectfully, following the Scriptural admonition to
exhort an elder as a father (I Timothy 5:1). Above all, pray for
your pastor, that he might be able to live up to his own ideals.


The Pastor and His Time

Some church members want their pastor to join every civic group
in town because they feel this is good for their church image in
the community. As worthwhile as some of these groups may be,
they take precious hours away from his duties in the church,
from his prayer and study time and personal family time. This
kind of community involvement should be left strictly to the
discretion and wishes of the individual minister.

Many pressing responsibilities claim a pastor's time. He should
spend between 20 and 40 hours a week in study, prayer and
preparation for his messages. The younger a pastor is in the
ministry, the longer it takes him to prepare his sermons. In
addition, he must attend board meetings, committee meetings and
Sunday School meetings and often must oversee youth work and
children's work. In many instances the younger pastor finds
himself shepherding a small or new congregation that is less
than affluent and sometimes cannot even afford a paid custodian.
In such a case the young pastor may find himself to be the chief
fund raiser, custodian, secretary and errand boy. These are all
areas where church members can help to shoulder the burden by
typing letters, making phone calls, vacuuming the sanctuary and
mowing the church lawn.


Proper Title of Respect

This is a small matter, but it's important. Even if your
minister tells you to call him by his first name, perhaps it's
better for your family and other members of your church if you
address him in public with a title of respect He might give you
the right to call him Ed, Jim or Joe to help you feel at ease
with him, or you may even enjoy a special friend-to-friend
relationship with him. Nevertheless there are times when out of
respect to his office you should refer to him as 'Pastor Brown,
Smith or Jones," or at least as "Pastor Ed, Jim or Joe."


Salary or Living Allowance

A neglected fact of Scripture is that the Apostle Paul in I
Timothy 5:17 wrote that a pastor deserves double pay. Check it
out for yourself. The word "honor" as used in that text is
related to the word "honorarium" or "fee." Some interpret this
as referring to two different kinds of honor: remuneration and
respect. However, the noun is used in the singular form,
suggesting only one kind of "honor," and the context clearly
speaks of wages. The Apostle Paul set an example of not taking
pay for his ministry because he ministered for the most part
among new and immature believers. Still, the Scripture teaches
that "a workman is worthy of his hire." If the pastor deserves
double pay, he should at least be accorded a salary that will
allow for a comfortable standard of living.

Many denominations in this country maintain set policies for the
welfare of those who minister under their auspices. The
specified benefits in such cases include minimum required
salaries, hospitalization, annuities and educational allowances.
Nevertheless there are many other groups and independent
congregations that have no such set policies, and it is to them
that this advice is directed.

A good rule of thumb for a pastor's living allowance is not in
terms of money, but in terms of the median life-style of the
congregation which he serves. If almost all of the people in the
congregation live in apartments rather than in single-family
homes, then the pastor and his family should be able to afford a
nice apartment by community standards. If the church people
generally own their homes, the pastor should be accorded a
salary whereby he and his family may enjoy the same privilege.
Oftentimes church property includes a parsonage. This is a
practical and convenient arrangement because the house is
usually close to the church and the housing benefit allows for a
lower salary to be taken from the annual church budget.
Nevertheless some pastor's families may not be comfortable with
such a living arrangement. Self-esteem, privacy and being free
to choose one's place of residence are all important factors to
be considered. Besides this, the monetary benefit to the church
may be offset by expenses of repair and maintenance for the
parsonage. Another factor in favor of a pastor buying his own
home is that under IRS rules a home owner enjoys substantial tax
benefits in the form of deductions for all housing expenses. In
any case, if the pastor were to feel more content in a home of
his own choosing, the church might well consider renting the
parsonage to someone in the community and adding the amount of
the rental to the pastor's salary.

Your pastor has many other needs and expenses of which you may
not be aware. As the leader of a faith mission I have found that
ministers are extremely generous. They often support Christian
causes with their own funds. It is not unusual for Jews for
Jesus to receive a gift from a minister that represents his
whole week's salary. In addition, because a bishop must be
"given to hospitality" according to I Timothy 3:2, pastors must
entertain much more than the average church member. That can be
expensive.

Then, too, the successful pastor is busier than the average
working man in his church and can't do some of the things for
himself and his family that can be done by the ordinary layman.
He may have to pay for things like shoveling the snow from his
front walk in winter, or mowing his lawn in summer. Just about
the time he gets ready to repair this appliance, or do that
errand, he is likely to be interrupted by some church emergency.
It is necessary that he be paid enough so that he can devote as
much time as he needs to his flock and leave errands and chores
to those whom he can pay.

Another minister's expense involves study materials. Did you
know that your pastor will need to spend $500 to $800 a year for
books and periodicals just so he can do the work of informed
preaching?

Other ministry-involved expenses include the cost of attending
conferences and denominational conventions, and the all too
often forgotten major expense of an automobile. The pastor's car
is a business tool, and the pastor should be reimbursed for the
use of his car in behalf of the church. Car expenses should be
in the same category as office equipment used for church
purposes.

Furthermore, most pastors find themselves in a social security
trap. Under present law, everyone is covered by social security
unless he files for an exemption stating that he is
conscientiously opposed to any government help for himself or
his family. If the pastor does not file the exemption form, he
must pay the full social security tax of a self-employed
individual out of his own pocket. If he does choose to file an
exemption, he is not covered by social security. Then he is left
to provide for his own retirement and hospitalization benefits
unless he is fortunate enough to belong to a denomination which
makes it a policy to provide for such needs.

Another expense for a young pastor might be an outstanding
school debt. Few church members realize that a man who completes
college and seminary often graduates owing a considerable amount
of money. The debt was incurred in preparing himself for the
ministry. His income should be sufficient to allow the repayment
of that debt.

The pastor's income should also be adequate for him to afford an
occasional private, restful vacation that involves travel and
hotel bills. A visit with family or friends, while enjoyable,
does not usually comprise a time of rest and privacy.

As a considerate church member you should see to it that your
pastor does not have to concern himself too much with money
needs. Most pastors spend as many years in school as does a
doctor or a lawyer, and they deserve a salary commensurate with
their training. Though pastors are willing to humble themselves
and settle for little in order to serve God, it is up to you to
show your pastor that you understand the value of the position
to which God has appointed him.


What Else You Can Do

If your church is the kind that cannot give your pastor a proper
salary and uphold him financially the way that he deserves,
there is one thing you can do that is always welcome. Sit down
and write your pastor a note. Tell him how much you appreciate
him and what he is doing. Be specific. If you were moved to
action by a particular message, tell him which one. There's
another way you can uphold him. Tell other members of the church
specifically how and why you appreciate him so that they might
look for the same qualities in him and gain from God what your
pastor has to give them. If you know that what you have received
from him is of God and you are growing spiritually and are
headed in a proper direction because of his ministry, why not
tell others outside of the church too? Through your efforts the
congregation may gain new members, and nothing pleases a pastor
more than to see God's kingdom grow, especially if it's his own
little flock.

A pastor's lot is often lonely and demanding, and even
discouraging at times. Your pastor needs to know that you care
and that you appreciate him. Treat your pastor well and you
encourage him to do his very best for God. A right relationship
between the pastor and the congregation will please God and make
your church and its ministry a blessing to the entire community.


Moishe Rosen is International Director of Jews for Jesus
60 Haight St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
INTERNET EMAIL: [e-mail]

Studies
Old Testament Studies [Part 1 of 2]
Old Testament Studies [Part 1 of 2]
In this column, we return to the Old Testament. We will continue
our pattern of looking at the Psalms between major series.
During this study, the column is called "Old Testament Studies."
Future studies after this series will include books from both
the Old and New Testaments.

NOW HEAR THIS!  Psalm 5
By Pastor Geoffrey Kragen

There have many been times over the last years when my
circumstances have been going less than ideal. As a result, I
have experienced the reality of a prayer life that controlled
me, more that I controlled it. I'm sure, considering the tests
that many of you have been put through, you too are familiar
with the experience of crying out in pain to the Lord. These are
prayers that are inarticulate groans, reflections of the pain
being felt, more than some profound theological exercise.

When the church I was pastoring finally closed, I had some
serious discussions with God about my assessment of His
fairness. I was in significant pain. I felt that I had given my
all, and that He owed me because of my sacrifice. I also
recognized this was an emotional response and not consistent
with what I knew to be true about God, or about life.

It is during these times of struggle we can prostate ourselves
before the Lord. All we seem to be able to express is pain and
frustration. But this very expression can be a testimony to the
depth of our faith. It is God to whom we are crying, because we
know He loves us and can do something about our pain. While
there may even be anger in our cry, nevertheless there is also
an awareness of God's mercy. And it is that mercy we long for.
While Satan may say, as Job's wife did: "Are you still holding
on to your integrity? Curse God and die." Let us say with Job,
"You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good
from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:9-10).

One of our greatest blessings as believers is access to God. We
can have the confidence that we have His ear and His love. The
author of Psalm 5 also had this awareness. This was true even
though he lived in the Old Testament economy and we live in the
New. In this article, we will look at his prayer and see what we
can find that will benefit our daily walk.

The approach we will take as we examine the Fifth Psalm is to
first examine its form. Next, we will review the passage itself.
Lastly, we will see how, and how not to apply it to our own
walk. Yes, you read correctly. I wrote "how NOT to apply it."
This is the first of the imprecatory prayers, a concept and word
that will be explained shortly.

Now, unlike earlier psalms, this one is much more general in
focus. It doesn't relate to a specific incident in the life of
David. In fact, there is some thought that he might not have
even written it, but it was sung to one of the familiar tunes of
the day, which David composed.

Keep in mind that it really doesn't matter who wrote each Psalm.
What is important is that the Holy Spirit inspired them and
chose which to include in Scripture. "All Scripture is
God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction
and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16).

It would be helpful to have an outline of the Psalm for
clarification, so I have borrowed the one given by H. C. Leupold
and altered it slightly.

a) A plea to be heard. Vs. 1-3
b) The wicked may not abide in the presence of God, but God's
   true children may. Vs. 4-7
c) A prayer for guidance, and condemn nation of the wicked. Vs.
   8-12 (1)

The overall focus of the poem is the need for moral standing
before the Lord. This need must understood within the context of
an Old Testament perspective. The Psalmist knew that God was
just and required mankind to meet His standards. This is still
the case today. Where individuals reject the sacrifice of Christ
as payment for sin, they place themselves in the same position
as the wicked of the Old Testament.

Through the birth of Jesus, God has provided a way for people to
be restored to a relationship with Him. Nevertheless, He has not
changed His standards and He will not accept anyone who has
rejected Christ. As Jesus said: "I am the way and the truth and
the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you
really knew me, you would know my Father as well" (John
14:6-7). God is not a different God in the Old Testament than He
is in the New.

A plea to be heard: "Now Hear This!" This Psalm is called a
morning prayer because of verse 3. It presents the reflections
of the author as he urgently approaches the Lord with his
concerns. His prayer is an act of sacrifice, as Spurgeon notes
when speaking of the word "lay:" "It is the word that is used
for the laying in order of the wood and the pieces of the victim
upon the altar, and it is used also for the putting of the
shewbread upon the table. It means just this: 'I will arrange my
prayer before thee;' I will lay it out upon the altar in the
morning, just as the priest lays out the morning sacrifice." (2)

The petitioner presents all his concerns to the only One who can
truly respond. He is both David's God and King. The Lord is the
One who has all authority to deal with the burdens of His
people. The psalmist also makes an underlying assumption: God
only hears the prayers of those that are His own, desiring to be
obedient to His will.

The author has the confidence that God hears not only the words
of his mouth, but also the sighing of his heart. These are the
inarticulate expressions that aren't understood by the one
making them. "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the
Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot
express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the
Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in
accordance with God's will" (Romans 8:26-27).

Finally, not only does the petitioner go before the Lord in
confidence, he shows trust, by waiting on the Lord for the
answer to His prayers. We often pray this way, recognizing God
already has our answer, and that all we have to do is wait to
see how He works it out. Conversely as Alexander Maclaren notes:
"Many a prayer is offered, and no eyes afterwards turned to
heaven to watch for the answer, and perhaps some answers sent
are like water spilled on the ground, for want of such
observance." (3)

The wicked may not abide in the presence of God, but God's true
children may abide: Obviously the conditions of the day burden
the author's heart. Dealing with the issue of sin, first he
starts from the negative position. Wickedness abounds, and so
his prayer reflects the reality that God will not accept
unrighteousness. He will not accept the wicked before Him. Now
understand that the wicked are all who have rejected the way of
the Lord. Wickedness is not synonymous with a life style that
would cause society to put the individual away. It is a state
that causes the Lord's rejection.
Old Testament Studies [Part 2 of 2]
Old Testament Studies [Part 2 of 2]
First, the psalmist notes that God hates all forms of
unrighteousness and second, He will destroy the wicked. There
also may be a prophetic aspect to this. The psalmist may be
looking towards the day when God will finally bring down
judgment on all unrighteousness. This truth allows Paul to
instruct the Romans; "Hate what is evil: ..." (Romans 12:9).
The Psalmist's thrust is the fact that God's very nature is
unable to accept unrighteousness. Leupold notes that at this
point in the psalm the author is simply expressing his
confidence in the righteousness of God. (4)

A prayer for guidance, and condemnation of the wicked: In
contrast with the wicked, the righteous can enter into God's
presence with confidence and hope. Even here, however, the basis
for approaching God is His mercy, and not petitioner's
worthiness. (5) He looks for the of Lord's leading, specifically
as it pertains to walking in the midst of all the enemies of the
author. Remember as we walk in God's ways, His enemies are our
enemies. Jesus said, "All men will hate you because of me, ..."
(Matthew 10:22).

In contrast, again pointing to the wicked, the psalmist notes
their deceitful nature. He prays God will bring all their plans
to ruin. As Jesus spoke of the "white washed tomb," so the
psalmist compares the wicked with the stench that comes out of
the grave. Their very words filled with lies, destruction and
treachery, betray their wickedness. Second he prays that God
would bring destruction upon them. As his support for this
request, he notes that underlying all their sin is the fact
they are in rebellion against the Lord.

This rebellious nature of mankind explains how we can see
individuals who are "upright" by society's standards, but still
meet the definition of "wicked" from God's perspective. There
are many individuals carrying out "good" works, claiming to
follow the Lord, but their motivation is self righteousness.
This is nothing more than rebellion against God's righteousness,
against God Himself.

The psalmist closes with the confidence of the righteous man
before a loving God. God is the source of his security and
protection. His righteousness comes from his choice to follow
God and is therefore imputed by God to him. None of us have any
righteousness in and of ourselves. Because we have chosen to
follow the Lord, we too, along with the psalmist, can have
confidence in the care and protection that the Lord provides to
His own.

There are three points I want to take from this passage. The
first is that God is a just and righteous Lord whom we can
approach with all our concerns because He is also loving and
merciful. Second, while God is just, and does hate all
unrighteousness, it would be inappropriate for us to pray that
God would bring down judgment on them. Finally, we can rejoice
in the security that is available to us through our prayer life.
The greatest gift we have, next to our salvation, is direct
access to the God who holds all things in His hands.

So we need to be in prayer for the concerns of our heart. Too
often we feel guilty if we continually go to God with the same
problems. We are sometimes told that this shows lack of faith.
Maybe sometimes it does. But then again, if we are burdened by
something, we need to go to the Lord for relief.

Prayer is to be a continuing work. As we struggle through the
difficulties of life, we need to depend on God through the
process. It isn't wrong for individuals to wrestle with the Lord
over the question of the need to work, or spending time dealing
with career directions. Take time to talk to the Lord about the
pain of a marriage, or the fears in raising children. If I am to
serve those to whom I've been called, then I must make these
people a regular issue in my prayer life, a task at which I
often fall short. King David is our example, for many of the
prayers found in Psalms deal with the same battles and concerns,
but he shows us the blessing and comfort that comes from a
relationship with the Lord.

The psalms themselves can serve as a basis of our own prayers,
especially when we need help in praising and worshiping the
Lord. Having said that, some of the text is clearly not
appropriate for us as a basis of prayer. As I pointed out at the
beginning of the article, this is called an imprecatory psalm.
It contains a prayer offered up to God, calling for His judgment
and destruction on the unrighteous. As noted before, there also
may be a prophetic aspect to this call for judgment. (6)

We are of the Church, and therefore our responsibility isn't to
pray for the working of God's judgment on the unrighteous. On
the contrary, we are called to pray for them and their
salvation. "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute
you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" (Matthew
5:44-45).

The day will come again where the saints of the Lord will plead
for His judgment, but that day isn't today. "When he opened the
fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who have
been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had
maintained. They called out in a loud voice, 'How long,
Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants
of the earth and avenge our blood?'" (Revelation 7:9-10).

David wasn't wrong in praying for God's judgment on his enemies,
but we would be. Our concern is to be the healing of mankind. We
are to strive to bring all people to salvation and to aid in
their spiritual growth. This is the marching order of the
church. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end
of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20).

Finally, let us stop and remember just how greatly we are
blessed, because each of us, no matter how young, no matter how
old, whether a new believer, or a long time one, has access to
the throne of God. I don't know about you, but I often take this
privilege for granted. So I need to resolve to go to God as
frequently as possible, under good circumstances or bad.

There is so much joy available to us from a deep and continuous
relationship with God through the work of prayer. "Shout
joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with
gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the
Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we
ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter
His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him; bless His name" (Psalm 100:1-4).

Often it gets discouraging when we view the fallen world around
us. I know that it gets to me when I see the painful lives of
people with whom I come in contact. But wait! Remember our hope.
The more we understand the nature of the world and its
wickedness, the more we can rejoice in just what a loving Lord
we have. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
No matter how far man has fallen, God is there, offering the way
back up out of the mire and into His arms. This is the message
of joy and hope we have to offer to people around us. This is
the true message of the Gospel.

1. H. C. Leupold, "EXPOSITION OF PSALMS," Baker Book House,
   1969, pg. 74-78.
2. C. H. Spurgeon, THE TREASURY OF DAVID, Vol. 1, MacDonald
   Publishing Co., pg.46.
3. Alexander Maclaren, THE PSALMS, A. C. Armstrong and Son,
   1901, pg. 41.
4. Leupold., pg. 77
5. Maclaren, pg. 43.
6. Ibid., pg. 47.
New In Christ
New In Christ
"New in Christ" is a regular MORNING STAR column written
primarily for people who wish to learn more about the basic
teachings of Biblical Christianity. The editorial staff at
MORNING STAR encourages all readers to use freely this
information to help new Christians grow in their walk with the
Lord.


CHRIST IS GOD
Part two of a three-part series

By Toby Trudel


There are many opinions in the world as to who Jesus Christ
really was/is. The most important question in my opinion would
be, "Is Jesus God?" There are churches and individuals today,
professing to be Christian, who don't believe Jesus is God - or
that the Bible teaches this, or that Jesus Himself said that He
is God. This month, in part two of our study, we examine what
Jesus Himself said about who He was.


WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT WHO HE WAS?

Jesus Himself let it be known that He believed Himself to be
God. He clearly acknowledged Thomas in the affirmative when he
expressed his belief that Christ WAS GOD:

"And Thomas answered and said unto him, MY LORD AND MY GOD.
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou
hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have
believed" (John 20:28,29).

Christ not only accepted this worship of Thomas, He also
accepted the worship of many other people: (Matthew 8:2, 9:18,
14:33, 15:25, 20:20, 28:9,17 and Mark 5:6 and John 9:38). Yet
only Jehovah is to be worshipped as such (Exodus 20:1-4,
Deuteronomy 5:6-9). No men are to accept worship, (Acts 14:15),
nor do angels, (Revelation 22:8,9).

Jesus not only accepted worship but put His words on a par with
those of God: "You have heard that it was said to men of old,
... But I say unto you ..." (Matthew 5:21,22). He claimed all
authority under heaven (Matthew 28:18,19). He added to the ten
commandments (John 13:34). He claimed that not one jot or tittle
would pass from the Law (Matthew 5:18) and put His words on that
level when He said that "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my
words will not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). Speaking of those who
reject Him, He said that HIS WORD would be their judge on the
last day (John 12:48). In view of these statements it is obvious
that Christ gave His word the same authority as God's.

The reason the Jewish leaders wanted to kill Him was clearly due
to His blaspheming claims to be God. Christ claimed the
authority to forgive sins, (Mark 2:10) which in Judaism was only
God's right and ability.

It would NOT have offended the Jews if Christ claimed to be "A
HUMAN son of God." This was within the realm of Jewish thinking.
Rather, the Bible shows that the religious leaders wanted Him
dead for His claims of BEING GOD. When talking to the religious
leaders He referred to God specifically as "MY FATHER" not "Our
Father." He claimed the ability to grant eternal life and said
He and HIS FATHER WERE ONE. The religious leaders knew exactly
what He meant. Jesus claimed to be God:

"Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works
that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye
believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And
I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father,
which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to
pluck them out of my Father's hand. I AND MY FATHER ARE ONE.
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered
them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for
which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him,
saying, For a good work we stone thee not; BUT FOR BLASPHEMY;
AND BECAUSE THAT THOU BEING A MAN MAKEST THYSELF GOD" (John
10:25-33).

"Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not
only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his
Father, MAKING HIMSELF EQUAL WITH GOD" (John 5:18).

The reference Christ made in John 8:56-58 ABSOLUTELY related to
Exodus 3:14. Jesus claimed to have seen Abraham in verse 56.
The Jewish leaders knew exactly what he meant in verse 58 by his
use of the term "I AM", as in verse 59 they picked up stones to
kill him, again for claiming to be God, the great "I AM". His
claiming to BE GOD is the reason they sought (continually) to
kill Him.

Jesus certainly claimed to be God. He made it clear that;

To know Him was to know God (John 8:19, 14:7).

To see Him was to see God (John 12:45, 14:9).

To believe in Him was to believe in God (John 12:44, 14:1).

To receive Him was to receive God (Mark 9:37).

To hate Him was to hate God (John 15:23).

To honor Him was to honor God (John 5:23).

To obey HIS commandments (John 14:15).

To pray in His name (John 14:13,14).

The Jewish leaders sought to stone him for His claims (John
5:18).

At His trial it was clear that the Jewish leaders interpreted
His claim to be God as such. They accused Him of blasphemy (Mark
2:7, 14:61-64, John 5:18, 8:59, 10:33).

In Matthew 21, the people offered their praise to Jesus which
greatly displeased the chief priests and scribes, (verse 15).
Jesus countered their complaint in verse 16, by quoting Psalm
8:2; "Out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants You have
perfected praise." With this, he unmistakenly is stating that
these words of praise were prepared BY God for worship OF God,
Himself. Jesus accepted the worship of others as in Matthew
28:17, even though He Himself stated that this was for GOD ONLY
(Matthew 4:10).

There is no doubt according to the Bible - Jesus claimed to be
God!

Our study concludes next month with even more evidence from the
Bible that Christ is God.
Growing in Grace
Growing in Grace
The Growth in Grace column provides insights into basic issues
of Christian maturity. Growth is the nature of life. When growth
ceases, death is the result. Spiritual growth is a possibility,
and a necessity. Growth in Grace is every believer's privilege
and responsibility.

This article is one of a series and some questions raised here
will be answered as the series continues.


RECOVERING BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY - Part 2

By Pastor Russell Walden


Biblical Spirituality is a term coined here to describe life as
Jesus intended it to be lived grounded in His death, burials and
resurrection. The hope is that we can strip away the religious
trappings and reveal a biblical Christianity. This is the true
Christianity as it could have been had it never strayed from its
purity. This is what it will be again if we will return to our
God in a new, deep way.

Last month we looked into Romans 10 and 11 to see a warning from
Paul to Christianity: If the Christian religious system commits
the same errors as the religious system of Jesus' day, they too,
will face the same difficulties. The prevailing religious system
in Jesus' day crucified the Living Word because they couldn't
see past the end of their religion as they understood it.

This month we will continue to study on "Recovering Biblical
Spirituality." We will consider the road to restoration,
examining the wrong turns the religious leaders in Jesus' day
made and how we can avoid the same mistakes.

Twentieth-century Christianity is as far removed from its first
century counterpart as the Herodian religious system in Jesus'
day was from the Temple of Solomon. The religious system
prevalent in Jesus' time strayed from the pure, vital worship of
Yahweh, denigrating into a corrupt, politicized monstrosity.
This system flourished under Herod, the Pharisees and Saducees.
Yet every advance brought it further from the purpose of God.
These leaders were so far removed from God they crucified his
Son to preserve the religious status quo. "... nor does his word
dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You
diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them
you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify
about me" (John 5:38-39).

Christianity today is possessed of a life and vitality FULLY
SEPARATE from the life of God. It is capable of advancing its
agenda, and fulfilling its goals SOLELY in the context of its
vigor as a sociological unit or religious subculture. Many of
its vast organizations, countless programs, myriad activities
and endless pursuits are largely void of His grace, alien to His
influence.

The exposure of immorality and deceit in Christian leadership
over the last years is a much needed wake-up call to the saints
slumbering in the false security of the Clergy. It is no longer
safe to consign the spiritual affairs of your life in the hands
of the church, the pastor, or religious group you are a part of.
It is no longer safe to wait for the next revival, or move of
God. This is the time to optimize to full potential the impact
and power available through Jesus Christ who lives personally
and in reality in the heart of everyone who has accepted him as
their personal savior. It is not enough to be just to be
sincere. The Waco cultists under David Koresh were sincere, and
the results were deadly.

There is no denying the need for recovering the individual
values and godly ideals that give Christianity a character
distinctive from other religious systems. The primary value of
biblical spirituality is not expressed in doctrine, practice,
program, or organization. At the core of biblical spirituality
you will find rather, the Person of Jesus Christ, as he is
personally manifest in the life of the born again believer.
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me"" (John 14:6).

In contemporary Christianity throbbing beneath the tangled
morass of programs, preachers, three piece suits, and
denominational power lunches, under the tons of stained glass
and glitzy sanctuaries and benign Sunday morning fashion shows
throbs the beating heart of God pumping the liquid virtue of the
blood Christ to the surface of every honest person's conscience.
Honest hearts are crying out for a return to intimacy with Jesus
and heartfelt commitment to the Word of God.

How is this return to Biblical Spirituality to be affected? The
means will be determined by God's restorative method. In the
fall, one man brought condemnation on the whole race. In
regeneration, one man provided justification to all who believe.
God fixes things the way they get broken. The church emerging
from the first century died by degrees. Year after year subtle
shifts in emphasis and changes in practice accumulated,
ultimately leading to a crisis situation (usually involving
accusation against a sect or would-be reformer). Church councils
convened to redress the critical issues with a view to shoring
up their threatened power base. These repetitive crises and
resulting solutions engendered a cumulative drift away from
spiritual purity.

A pattern of change developed within Christianity. Small, almost
immeasurable shifts away from biblical spirituality into a
religious value system prioritized to maintain the entrenchment
of the prevailing leadership and proliferation of creed-based
spirituality or religion as opposed to personal experience with
Christ. At times, when a call or demand for change escalated to
the point that it could not be ignored, the "powers that be"
would posture themselves through doctrinal revision, and
increasingly lax standards to accommodate those who were
dissatisfied. Thus, the vibrant church of the living God lurched
toward the spiritual abyss of medieval times. This downward
process continues today concurrent with God's program of
restoration. Ultimately this will lead to full apostasy of those
particular elements of Christianity that thrive independent of
the sustaining grace of God.

Around the time of Martin Luther, God's restorative efforts
emerged undeniably in the annals of Church history. This was
typical of the fact that, at periodic intervals, men of good
conscience and spiritual insight successively influenced
increasingly noticeable numbers. The resulting crises in the
Church would result in the embrace of reform or more common,
expulsion of the reformers and the establishment of splinter
groups. On an individual basis, the ebb and flow of these
conflicts provided the believer cause to reflect on his
relationship with God and perceive it as more personal than
institutional.

In this way cumulative restoration resulted in a series of
restorative events described as revivals. With most revivals in
church history since Luther, the defectors from the religious
establishment usually formed into a separate movement. However,
the upward velocity of these split-away groups seldom reached
escape velocity. After a number of years they would ultimately
spiral backward into the gravity well of the prevailing system.
They would continue to operate independently of the original
system, but the distinctives would wane, and practical
differences between the original group and the reformers
ultimately became nominal. The classic example of that is seen
in the Ecumenical agenda which continually minimizes the
distinctives between the Lutheran and Catholic churches which
historically were very different one from the other.

At first analysis, the quest for recovery of biblical
spirituality may seem bleak. Yet the scriptures affirm the
expectation of this hope. Even as the ultimate evil expressed
through the Antichrist will emerge in full manifestation in the
Tribulation (Revelation 13), likewise there will be a full
manifestation of the purpose of God with a restored Israel and
the healing of creation through Christ's rule in the Millennium.
(Romans 8:18-23).

Satan is only a counterfeiter. He originates nothing. He only
determines what God is doing in the earth and attempts the
opposite. To illustrate, it is known by the scriptures that he
will attempt to preempt the personal return of Jesus with a
personal, individual expression of himself in the person of the
Antichrist. The spirit of Antichrist has been in operation since
the first century preparing a support system that will provide
the religious, economic, and political platform from which the
emerging antichrist will attempt to dominate the world (2
Thessalonians 2:7).

The Spirit of Christ, also has been in operation through His
support system (the church) to prepare the hearts of men for
salvation and to prepare the world for judgment. The
antichrist's effort is perversely patterned after this activity
of the Spirit of God. Satan's strategy for destruction and God's
agenda of restoration will reach their final stages in the same
generation. The Antichrist will present himself not only as the
Jewish messiah, but also as the ideal evangelical leader to
guide Christianity into the "Kingdom Age."

So there are two forces in the earth: the Purpose of God and
the working of Satan. Both are on a collision course, upon which
Christianity will be the backdrop. That aspect of Christianity
that is casual, innocuous, not recognizably different in dynamic
and principle from other religions in the world, this will fall
by the way side. In the midst of the Christian Religious System,
however are thousands of individuals who are looking beyond the
social, natural aspects of religious life. These are hungering
and thirsting for a reality that can't be found in a pew, or
behind a pulpit. This is a draught of spiritual satisfaction
that is only realized in deeper, personal, (mystical if you
will) union and intimacy with Jesus Christ (remember Him, he's
the head of the Church). Even as those who "waited on the
consolation of Israel" became the first century church, even so,
those who are crying out for more, who refuse to swallow the
religious propaganda of Christianity as a religious system,
these honest, searching, hungering souls will become the
building blocks, the living stones of God's purpose as it is
fulfilling in these last hours.
The WORD for Today
The WORD for Today
This month, we will continue the series on Communication in
Marriage. We are examining communication problems in marriage
from a biblical perspective. We are showing how couples can
apply God's word to their marriage. The companion book to this
study is H. Norman Wright's COMMUNICATION: KEY TO YOUR
MARRIAGE. The book is published by Regal Books and should be
available from your Christian book store. This is the ninth of
ten articles inspired by a series given by Pastor Geoff Kragen
through Foothill Bible Church in Lincoln, California.

As you can see, this series has almost ended. If it has been a
help to you, please let us know. You also can send any questions
about marriage issues to us here. Finally, we are considering
continuing the series with the recently published sequel to the
companion book. Let us know how you feel about using this column
to continue focusing on communication in marriage.


WE'RE CHRISTIANS. WE NEVER FIGHT!


Conflict -- 1. A state of open, often prolonged fighting; a
battle or war. 2. A state of disharmony between incompatible or
antithetical persons, ideas, or interests; a clash. (1)


There seems to be a myth in Christian circles: Christian
couples don't fight. Maybe better words might be: argue,
disagree, yell, etc. For some, fighting carries the picture of
physical violence. I hope there is no physical confrontation
going on in your marriage. If there is, get help NOW!

To come back to the point though, the myth is: Christian
marriages should not experience conflict. This is especially
true for marriages of people in leadership. And while there are
some couples who don't fight, I suspect they are in the
minority. Most couples fight at one time or another.

We all know that we can chose to put on the "I've got it
together" mask when we are around other believers. You've seen
them frequently on Sunday mornings. But I bet if you ask, and
people are honest, the time of the week when they are most
likely to end up in a struggle is Sunday morning before, or on
the way, to church. (Sound familiar?)

It is a myth that believers never experience conflict. All
marriages do, although conflict isn't synonymous with fighting.
How can we expect always to agree with our spouse, when we can't
always agree with ourselves? Haven't you ever struggled with
coming to a position on an issue for yourself, much less with
someone else?

One of the real blessings of a healthy marriage is a husband and
wife with different perspectives and approaches who commit to
help each other. They can come to agreement on matters of
significance, and for that matter, on small but irritating
problems. We are less likely to make faulty decisions if we look
at more than one perspective before making them.

Why do appropriate disagreements move from "we can agree to
disagree" to serious conflicts that create major pain and can
even fracture a marriage? One major reason is: we focus on
protecting our "interests or our rights." If our greatest
concern in a disagreement is "winning," then we have already
lost. We have forgotten a principle we have seen in previous
articles.

"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and
gave himself up for her ..." (Ephesians 5:21-22, 25).

If we are in submission to each other, we can disagree and stand
for our own point of view. Finally, we will be more concerned
for our spouse than winning the argument. We should be concerned
with the Lord's will and benefiting the family, not just getting
our way. Where the Lord is part of the process, disagreement
doesn't have to deteriorate into conflict.

H. Norman Wright gives several examples of behaviors that
significantly enhance the likelihood of either ending up with or
avoiding a serious conflict. I will only mention them here and
recommend that you read these sections in his book.

"Don't avoid conflict with the silent treatment." (2) Some
believers are so afraid of conflict that they will remain
silent, not even expressing hurt feelings or disagreement.
Silence also can be used to punish our spouse for failing us.
Obviously, silence, a lack of discussion, solves nothing. If
there are significant issues that must be resolved, then silence
can create a disaster.

Silence is also very frustrating for the individual on the
receiving end. Frustration can build to anger and a desire to
retaliate. Couples must find a way to talk about their concerns
without either the need to attack or to defend.

"Don't save up emotional trading stamps." (3) Have you ever
been in a disagreement with your spouse when you got so angry
you brought up the hurts and sins of the entire life of your
marriage? How often do we think: "I'll forgive him/her, but
I'll never forget what he/she has done!?"

God calls us to forgive one another and let go of the past.
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may
have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you"
(Colossians 3:13). "Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you"
(Ephesians 4:32). If we refuse to hold grudges, then we will let
go of the past, not forgetting, but choosing not to remember.
This will eliminate much of the ammunition used to move from
disagreements to open warfare.

The most important issue in dealing with areas of disagreement
is focus. If we focus on the problem, we are less likely to make
our spouse the problem. When we attack each other, when we
demean our spouse, we not only don't find a resolution to the
area of disagreement, but instead we do serious harm to our
relationship. Also, we are displeasing God by not showing His
love for us toward our spouse.

Paul said the following to believers in Rome. "Therefore let us
stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind
not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's
way" (Romans 14:13). If we are to care for one another within
the church in this way, we need to act with the same love toward
our spouse. Too often we treat each other in ways we would never
treat anyone else.

There are some behaviors that must be avoided if you want to
prevent disagreement from escalating. Don't use the words
"never" or "always." "You never tell me you love me." "You
always hurt me." As you shouldn't bring up past failings, you
shouldn't put a person on the defensive where he or she feels
there is no choice but to fight back.

Similarly, don't use "you" words. Avoid comments like: "You
really hurt me." A better choice of words would be: "I'm
feeling hurt right now." This helps your spouse understand that
you are hurting, but helps avoid putting him/her on the
defensive.

If the discussing is getting hot, acknowledge the difficulty and
make a mutual agreement to put it on hold. Take time away from
the subject and then agree on a mutual time to come back when
tempers have cooled.

Most important, before discussions of serious consequence, start
first with prayer. We need the Lord's wisdom to find the answers
to difficult questions. We must turn to Him to help us learn to
compromise, for compromise may often be the only real solution
to avoiding conflict.

As Ogden Nash once said:

"To Keep
your marriage brimming
with love
in the loving cup

When you're wrong
admit it,
when you're right,
shut up." (4)


Next time: "Build Up One Another"


1. THE AMERICAN HERITAGE ELECTRONIC DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH
LANGUAGE, THIRD EDITION, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1992

2. Wright, H. Norman, COMMUNICATION: KEY TO YOUR MARRIAGE,
Regal Books, Ventura, CA, 1974, p. 139.

3. Ibid., 141.

4. Ibid., 156.
Special Studies
Special Studies
THE NEW DELIVERANCE MINISTRY -- A BIBLICAL CRITIQUE

Part 2 of a 2-part series

By K. David Kragen
Bainbridge Island, Washington


The Bible commonly contrasts the inner and outer person (2
Corinthians 4:16; Romans 7:22; Ephesians 3:16; 1 Peter 3:4), as
well as the old self and the new self (Ephesians 4:20-24; Romans
6:6, 7:6). Therefore, not only are there "monist," "dicotomist"
and "trichotomist" (functional) breakdowns of human nature in
the Bible, there are also "quatrochotomist" or four-part ones as
well (Mark 12:30, with its "heart, soul, mind, and strength"
division; also Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12).

1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Hebrews 4:12 are the primary if not the
only biblical texts used by deliverance theorists to support the
trichotomist view of human nature. Deliverance theory requires
the trichotomist view to even get off the ground. Yet,
trichotomy has always been a much debated theory. Even in terms
of psychology and counseling, the trichotomist theory of human
nature has proven to be highly problematic. Such speculative
theology ought never to be utilized as a basis for one's basic
Christians beliefs about sin, salvation, regeneration,
sanctification, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, healing,
demonology, or spiritual warfare. To build such a complex
doctrine and practice as the new deliverance ministry upon
problematic interpretations of but two biblical verses is not
only unsound hermeneutics but bad reasoning.

Note, I am not claiming here the trichotomist view of human
nature is flatly wrong or has been disproved. I am only claiming
there is not enough evidence in favor of the trichotomist view
to base key Christian doctrines and ministries upon it as
deliverance theorists have attempted to do.


B. So much for trichotomy as a sound basis for deliverance
ministry. What about the further claim concerning Christian
demon-possession and the nearly universal need for deliverance?
The primary passages appealed to by deliverance theorists in
support of these claims are Isaiah 61:1, quoted by Jesus in Luke
4:18 (and secondarily, Colossians 1:13 and Ephesians 2:5-8).

Isaiah 61:1 concerns "liberty to captives and to bound ones"
(lishburim deror), a technical expression referring to the
release of Hebrew slaves and property every 50th year in the
year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10). "Isaiah uses the term [deror]
once (61:1) in announcing good news to the afflicted, including
a proclamation of liberty to captives. This text, portraying the
reversal of Jerusalem's material and spiritual fortunes, was
quoted by Christ in the synagogue in Nazareth with reference to
his own ministry." (12)

Of the New Testament use of aphesis ("release, pardon,
cancellation, forgiveness") in its 17 instances, 15 have the
sense of forgiveness (e.g. Colossians 1:14; Mark 1:4; Matthew
26:28; Luke 1:77; Acts 2:38; Hebrews 9:22) while two refer to
release from captivity (as Luke 4:18). (13)

In Luke 4:16-21, Jesus alludes to the Jubilee passage of Isaiah
61:1, that is, "To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord"
(Luke 4:19). This is Jesus' message of redemption (from our
sins), and Jesus' Messianic role as the redeemer. The term
"deliverance" itself only refers to deliverance from sin by
Christ's atonement, and deliverance from actual, physical,
socio-political oppression and captivity, again by Christ. There
is not one specific biblical usage of "deliverance" in
connection with exorcism.

To read Isaiah 61:1 (and Luke 4:18) as referring to deliverance,
or exorcism, from demons is to succumb to one of two errors:
First, this reading adds a second underlying meaning to the
text. (This is the fallacy of the allegorical method of biblical
interpretation, which claims that underneath the literal,
straight-forward meaning of a passage lies deeper, more
spiritual meanings not open to common persons).

Second, such a reading takes the passage completely out of
context, ignoring its clear meaning and reference to the year of
Jubilee, i.e., setting people free from actual prisons and real
political oppression.

Now, in reference to Colossians 1:13--"for he delivered us from
the domain of darkness" --according to the context, 1:12-14,
this passages is again a straightforward statement of redemption
from sin unto life everlasting (see Ephesians 2:5-8; also
Dictionary of New Testament Theology, v. 3, pp. 177f, and
"Exorcism," pp. 473-76). Even in Matthew 6:13b, whether read as
"deliver us from evil" or "deliver us from the evil one," it is
still too unspecific a statement to construct a solid basis for
a theory of deliverance.

Supplemental to the claim that Christians can be demon-possessed
are the dual notions of "binding and loosing," drawn from
Matthew 16:18-19. Again, as stated in Pigs in the Parlor, ch.
15, the claim of deliverance theory is that this "difficult
passage" in Matthew "makes a lot of sense" only when taken in
the light of deliverance theory. Thus their interpretation does
not rest on a clear reading of the passage itself, but rather on
a previous acceptance of deliverance theory. Therefore, the
passage does not support deliverance theory, but, precisely the
other way around, deliverance theory is held to support this
particular (deliverance) interpretation of the passage! This
kind of fallacious thinking is called "circular reasoning."

Concerning the phrase "the gates of Hades" (Matthew 16:18),
thought by deliverance theorists to refer to "the powers of the
infernal region, the forces of Satan," L. Coenen writes, "it is
improbable that the gates of Hades in Matthew 16 denotes the
ungodly powers of the underworld which assail the rock, for
Hades is not regarded as the abode of evil powers, whence they
emerge to attack men. In the light of Jewish background, the
image is best understood as affirming that death, in spite of
its hitherto unconquerable power, will not win control over the
rock or more probably over the ekklesia (church) erected on the
rock: death will not vanquish the Messiah who builds the
church, nor the members of the messianic community [1
Corinthians 15:54-57]." (14)

Matthew 16:19, "Whatever you bound on earth will be bound
[already] in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be
loosed [already] in heaven," concerns the context of church
discipline over particular situations of sin (Matthew 18:18;
John 20:23; Acts 15:20). This straightforward reading is quite
different from the deliverance interpretation which has Satan's
power along with demons being "bound" by deliverance or
exorcism, and has "loosing" being tied into the motif of
"setting the (demon-possessed) captive free."

The point is that deliverance theorists, reasoning in a circle,
appeal to difficult, debated passages for support of their
theory while at the same time interpreting these "supporting"
passages in terms of that very theory.

C. Contrary to the new deliverance ministry, in most cases
"deliverance experiences" may be interpreted wholly in terms of
non-deliverance, Christian counseling theory and practice.
Without clear, incontrovertible biblical support for
demon-possession of Christians, or of anyone for that matter,
positing demons is neither theoretically sound nor practical,
and more often than not ends up denying human responsibility and
accountability. This is not of course to deny that some people,
non-Christians that is, can and indeed are at times possessed by
demons, as was true in New Testament times! Demon possess is
still a problem today; however, deliverance is not the solution.

Finally, it is alleged deliverance experiences which are nearly
always the last court of appeal in the support of deliverance
ministry, even though most deliverance ministers do claim
biblical support for their views.


3. Following from the technical and biblical criticism of
deliverance, we can now consider some of the implications of
deliverance practice.

As has been shown, deliverance theory breeds misleading and
dangerous hermeneutical habits, that is, improper methods of
biblical interpretation, which may also manifest themselves in
other doctrinal errors. Deliverance can supply the philosophical
foundation for heresies and cults, which in turn can lead to
erroneous beliefs concerning salvation or the nature of Christ.

There is also a problem of confusion surrounding the doctrine of
divine revelation and inspiration. Deliverance literature speaks
continually of the method by which names for demons are
"discerned" or learned, for purposes of recognizing their
presence in people and "calling them out." Deliverance ministers
often claim to learn about demons and their names from other
demons encountered during deliverance sessions. These new
"divine revelations" (called also "dream revelations") play a
large role in developing the details of deliverance ministry
(see dreams and their interpretation at the end of Pigs in the
Parlor). This practice blurs the distinction between the true
divinely inspired revelation, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit's
activity of illumination (making clear the truths of the Bible
to the believer).

Deliverance also poses a real danger to children, particularly
where parents attribute their child's problem-behavior to
demons. Such beliefs can result in misdirected blame and the
breakdown of communication between a child and parent or
counselor, especially when it is believed that it is a demon or
demons speaking and in control of the child. For an horrendous
example of this kind of problem, see "Spirits of Arrested
Development," Rudy LeBlanc, The Dove, Spring 1988, vol.1.X, pp.
19-22. LeBlanc writes, "The function of this demon is to arrest
development in a young person, always bringing them back to age
13 and younger. [The demon] claims to have authority over
homosexual spirits, ... over spirits influencing a girl to be a
tomboy to please her father, the demon will stir up the desire
through the spirits passed on by ancestral curses; ... he is
also called the chronic prince of arrested development, ...
claims to be sent by Satan personally, has a prince and a deputy
who lives in the mind of the person to make sure that they do
not advance past age 13. ... Those that collect dolls and
stuffed animals as grown-ups are arrested in their development.
They do childish things such as playing with toys on their desks
when at work" (15). For other examples, see also Pigs in the
Parlor, ch. 14.

Given the lack of solid biblical support for (a) the
trichotomist view of human nature, (b) the demon possession of
Christians, and (c) a correlation between the ideas of
deliverance and exorcism, appealing to "new revelations" in
support of the details of deliverance becomes even more
dangerous to orthodox Christianity. Adding "new revelations" to
the inspired Word of God, especially ones that "come from
demons" is one of the more common starting points for many of
the ancient heresies and modern cults. Recall the "angel"
Moroni, who is said to have given certain engraved plates to
Joseph Smith in 1827. (16)

One logical and unavoidable consequence of the claims of
deliverance is especially striking. That is, if any of the
deliverance listings of demons is even modestly accurate, and
if, correspondingly, deliverance is the only successful means of
counseling in the majority of cases, then the following
conclusion is inevitable: the history of Christianity is a vast
landscape of helplessly demon-possessed Christian. As stated
earlier, some deliverance practitioners even conclude that Paul
did not escaped being possessed by demons his entire life. What
hope then did Augustine have, or Catherine of Sienna, Luther,
Calvin, Wesley, Kierkegaard, Finney, Knox, Gladys Aleward,
Deitrich Bonhoeffer, Amy Carmichael, C. S. Lewis--1900 years of
missionaries, martyrs, evangelists and biblical scholars? How
many demons possessed Mary while she carried Jesus within her?
Either God has not much cared for the needs of His church for
the last 2,000 years or else He must consider demon-possession
to be of little consequence to the life of His bride, the church.

In the final analysis, to accept such an extreme consequence a
Christian ought to require only the most incontrovertible
biblical evidence! Yet, as has been shown, difficult or
inapplicable passages, highly controversial, unsubstantiated
interpretations, fallacious exegesis, poor hermeneutics, and
circular reasoning abound in much deliverance literature. "New
revelations" or "insights" such as those found in deliverance
must be viewed with skepticism and subjected to careful biblical
verification. Even if some deliverance ministers reject the more
extreme literature on the topic, there is still a need for
careful response to the objections raised here.


 1. Brown, Rebecca, HE CAME TO SET THE CAPTIVES FREE, Chic
    Publications.

 2. Berkhof, L., SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY, Grand Rapids, 1977,
    p.193.

 3. Hammond, Frank and Ida Mae, PIGS IN THE PARLOR, 1972, p.
    136.

 4. Ibid, p. 137.

 5. Thomas, Robert L., EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY, v. 11,
    Frank Gaebelein, ed., Grand Rapids, 1978, p. 295.

 6. Marais, J. L., INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA,
    4, p. 2,496.

 7. Berkhof, p. 192.

 8. Ibid.

 9. Duddy, Neil, THE GOD-MEN, InterVarsity Press, 1981, p. 98.

10. Bruce, F. F., THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, The New
    International Commentary on the New Testament, Grand Rapids,
    1964, pp. 81-83.

11.  Hodges, Charles, SYSTEMATIC THEOLOG, v. 2, Grand Rapids,
     1981, p. 50.

12. THEOLOGICAL WORDBOOK OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, vol. 1, Chicago,
    1980, p.198, #454e.

13. DICTIONARY OF NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY, v. 1, Zondervan,
    1979, p.701.

14. NEW INTERNATIONAL DICTIONARY OF NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY, 1,
    Colin Brown, ed., Grand Rapids, 1978, p. 292.

15. LeBlanc, Rudy, "Spirits of Arrested Development," THE DOVE,
    Spring 1988, vol.1.X, p. 20.

16. The Book of Mormon, Salt Lake City, 1949, p.ii.
Messianic Studies [Part 1 of 2]
Messianic Studies [Part 1 of 2]
AN OVERVIEW OF REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY
Part two of a two-part series

By S. Douglas Sorensen
Director of Christian Friends of Israel - USA


Replacement Theology obscures the purposes which God has
predestined for both Israel and the Church. Nineteen centuries
of Church history have chronicled a sad story of how greatly the
Church has missed the blessings reserved for her by God. Satan
is engaging all the resources of his kingdom in these final days
to keep believers ignorant of the Church's destiny. Of course,
this ignorance will not ultimately prevent God from
accomplishing His purposes for both Israel and the Church, but
will unnecessarily prolong the pain and suffering (Romans 8:22)
which are currently borne by Israel, the Church, and all
creation.

Paul calls the Church a mystery (Ephesians 3:4), and Satan
acknowledges that it is the Church's destiny to cast down his
kingdom from its current seat of rule in mid-heavens (Ephesians
3:10-11; Rev. 12:7-12). He further understands that the
restoration of Israel to it place in the Holy Land, with
Jerusalem as its capital, and the restoration of Israel's
religious leaders and people to faith in Yeshua as Messiah, are
the necessary final steps preceding His return (Matthew 23:39).
This suggests that as long as Satan can keep the Church ignorant
of its destiny, which is to make disciples of all the nations,
participate in God's purposes for the restoration of Israel, and
to rule in the heavenly places, he can prolong his domination
over the world. It is therefore of vital importance that the
true Church align itself with its destiny and thereby hasten the
Day of the Lord.


Interpretation of the Tenach - the Old Testament.

Although the Tenach frequently incorporates allegory in prophecy
to illustrate a principle, or describe an object or place, (and
sometimes to conceal as in Daniel 8:26), the prophet or angel
dictating the prophecy will generally state specifically how it
is to be applied (Daniel 7:16+; Revelation 1:20). In the
Tenach, unless so qualified, a prophecy should be understood to
describe actual 'literal' persons, places and events. Perhaps
no better example can be found than the many references to
Messiah which became 'literally' - that is actually - fulfilled
in Jesus. The following are just a few examples.

Isaiah 40:3-5 A prophet shall precede the coming of Messiah.
Isaiah 7:14 Messiah will be born of a virgin.
Micah 5:2 Messiah will be born in Bethlehem.
Numbers 24:8 Messiah, the Son of God, called out of Egypt.
Jeremiah 31:15 The infants of Bethlehem slaughtered by Herod.
Zechariah 9:9 Messiah will ride into Jerusalem upon a donkey
and its foal.
Zechariah 13:7 Messiah is struck and the disciples are
scattered.
Zechariah 11:12 Messiah betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.
Psalm 22 Messiah will suffer physical abuse and torture, and
will be rejected and abandoned by God.
Isaiah 53:8-9 Messiah will be buried in a rich man's grave.
Psalm 16:10 Messiah will live again after his death.

That these prophecies were in actual fact fulfilled so
accurately and completely should leave no question that we can
be assured that the prophecies describing Israel's restoration
will also be fulfilled with the same certainty of timeliness,
accuracy and completeness.


The Use of the words Israel and Israelite in the New Testament.

In the Tenach, the word Israel (pronounced in Hebrew,
Yis-rah-el) occurs more than 2,492 times, and Israelite at least
6 times. A thorough review of their usage confirms that these
words always mean a person, a people or the nation descended
naturally from the lineage established through Abraham's son
Isaac and grandson Jacob, whom God renamed Israel. The writers
of the New Testament books, themselves Jews, (with the possible
exception of Luke), understood and used the words Israel and
Israelite in the same way.

In the New Testament, Israel occurs 75 times and Israelite 2
times. It is certain, with possibly one exception, that the
usage and meaning is as found in the Old Testament: Israel
refers to the nation and people descended naturally from Jacob.
For example:

John 1:47 "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile."
Jesus speaks of Nathaniel who was a Jew, possibly from Cana of
Galilee, and a disciple of Jesus.

Matthew 8:10 "... I have not found such great faith, not even
in Israel!" Jesus, referring to the faith of the Roman
(gentile) centurion, is amazed that his faith is greater than
that found among the Jews.

Matthew 15:24 "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the
house of Israel." Jesus, referring to the requests of a gentile
(Canaanite) woman explains that his ministry is to the Jewish
people, not to the gentiles.

Acts 2:22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth,
a man attested by God to you..." Peter is addressing the crowd
of Jews assembled within the city of Jerusalem for the feast of
Shavuot (Pentecost) whom he has just referred to in the same
scene as 'Men of Judah' (Acts 2:14).

Romans 11:1 "I am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the
tribe of Benjamin." Paul here traces his ancestry to one of the
twelve tribes (sons) of Jacob.

Ephesians 2:12 "... aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and
strangers from the covenants of promise ..." Paul is addressing
gentile believers (verse 11) concerning God's covenants with the
Jewish people and that they are brought near through the blood
of Messiah.

Philippians 3:5 "... circumcised the eighth day, of the stock
of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews ..."
Paul uses the most basic terms to describe is natural ancestry.


Is the Church the Israel of God?

Perhaps the most frequently cited scripture supposedly proving
that the Church is Israel is Galatians 6:16:

"And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be
upon them, and upon the Israel of God."

Those who embrace Replacement Theology claim that this verse
equates the Church with the 'Israel of God.' The translators of
the New International Version of the Bible are apparently
convinced of this, since they render this verse, "...peace and
mercy be upon them, even upon the Israel of God." The
assumption here is that "...Israel of God" is the true Israel
(which it is) and "... as many as walk according to this rule"
is the true Church (which it is). The problem lies in whether
it is legitimate to equate the two groups.

In the Greek text, the word here translated 'even' is the Greek
word kai. Kai is most frequently used in the New Testament as
the conjunction 'and', and is so rendered hundreds of times. It
is also possible to render kai as 'even', 'also', 'so' and
'then', although it is so rendered to a much lesser extent than
the primary usage, 'and'.

If we render kai as 'even', then we mean that the Israel of God
is one and the same with "..as many as walk according to this
rule." However, if we render kai as 'and', then we mean that
there are two distinct groups of people, the "Israel of God,"
and "as many as walk according to this rule." Since the choice
of translation is up to the opinion of the translator, based
upon context and usage, translating kai as 'even' instead of
'and' to prove the supposed connection between the "Israel of
God" and "as many as walk according to this rule", cannot be
considered a valid proof since the word kai can be legitimately
rendered either way.
Messianic Studies [Part 2 of 2]
Messianic Studies [Part 2 of 2]
As we have said, the most straightforward meaning of this verse
is that there are two categories of people being referred to.
The first are those who keep the rule of walking by faith who
are not of the circumcision. The second are those who walk
according to this rule of faith who are of the circumcision, the
Israel of God. If one continues to insist that here the term
'Israel of God' refers to the Church, then it is an single and
stark exception and cannot change the use of Israel throughout
the rest of the New Testament. Furthermore, if one insists that
Israel always refers to the Church in the New Testament, then we
are at liberty to test this theory by substituting the word
'Church' for the word 'Israel' wherever it occurs in the New
Testament text. Such a test will quickly prove a failure,
however, since such substitutions will render passages where
Israel appears not only meaningless but ridiculous. (In the
following scripture references, wherever 'Israel' or 'Israelite'
occurs in the original text, it is replaced with 'Church' or 'the
Church'.) For example:

Acts 13:16 "Then Paul stood up, and ...said, 'Men of the
Church, and you who fear God, listen: The God of this people the
Church chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt
as strangers in the land of Egypt...'"

Romans 9:6 "For they are not all the Church who are of the
Church..."

Romans 11:7 "What then? The Church has not obtained what it
seeks; but the elect have obtained it, the rest were hardened."

Romans 11:25-26 "For I do not desire, brethren, that you should
be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own
opinion, that a hardening in part has happened to the Church,
until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all the
Church will be saved ..."

Furthermore, the term 'Church of God' is used at least eight
times in the New Testament. For example, Acts 20:28; 1
Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; etc. In
no case is the term 'Church of God' also referred to as Israel.
On the contrary, the usage of the special terms 'Israel of God'
and 'Church of God' reinforces the observation that these are
two distinct categories of people.


The Apostle's Treatment of Believing Jews and Gentiles

Paul, in his ministry, also made a distinction between Jewish
and non-Jewish believers. For example, he circumcised Timothy,
who was a Jew through his mother (Acts 16:3), but Titus, who was
a gentile, he did not circumcise (Galatians 2:3).

James addresses his letter to "The twelve tribes of the
Diaspora." Diaspora is a Greek word used exclusively among Jews
to describe those Jewish communities scattered throughout the
Roman empire away from the land of Israel, meaning primarily
Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. In James 2:2, the
writer refers to the Jewish believers meeting in a synagogue, a
Greek word transliterated directly into English, used
exclusively in the Bible to designate a meeting place for Jewish
worship. Thus, James is writing primarily to the believing Jews
scattered throughout the Roman empire.

Peter is called the Apostle to the circumcised and Paul to the
uncircumcised (Galatians 2:7-8). Thus the New Testament makes a
clear distinction between the believing Jews and believing
Gentiles.


*** SELF STUDY TEST ***

In the following self-study test you can discover for yourself
that throughout the Bible Israel retains her own unique calling.


Matthew 23:39 "...for I say to you, you shall see me no more
until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the
Lord!'"

Speaking to the leaders of the Jewish nation, what does Jesus
say they must confess openly to the world before Messiah will
appear a second time in His glory?

Luke 21:24b "... and Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles
until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."

Until the "Six Day War" in June, 1967, the Jews were forbidden
by the Jordanian occupiers of (the Old City of) Jerusalem to
enter the city. Now, after 19 centuries, Israel is again
sovereign over Jerusalem with the exception of the temple mount
area where two Moslem mosques now stand. Where are the gentiles
still "trampling" Jerusalem?


Matthew 24:15 "Therefore, when you see the 'abomination of
desolation' spoken of by Daniel the prophet standing in the holy
place ... then let those who are in Judea flee to the hills."

In 70 C.E. the Temple and the Holy Place within it were utterly
destroyed by the Romans. What significant structure must be
rebuilt by the Jews to make it possible for an 'abomination of
desolation' (abominable sacrifice) to be offered?


Romans 9:3-5 "For I could wish that I myself were accursed from
Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who
are Israelites ..."

Paul suggests that he might be willing to be forever cut of from
Messiah if it would mean that which people, whom he calls his
brethren, might turn to faith in Messiah?


Romans 9:4 "... who are the Israelites, to whom pertain the
adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the
service of God, and the promises."

To whom do the covenants and the promises (made to Israel in the
Tenach) still belong?

Romans 9:30-33 "What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who
did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness,
even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of
righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.
Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by
the works of the law. For they stumbled at the stumbling stone.
 As it is written ..."

Paul here refers to two groups of people, the believing Gentiles
who have received righteousness through faith, and ____ .
In the this scripture reference, is unbelieving Israel still
called Israel by the Holy Spirit writing through Paul?


Romans 10:20-21 "But Isaiah is very bold and says: 'I was found
by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who
did not ask for Me.' But to Israel he says: 'All day long I
have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary
people.'"

Who found Messiah although they were not seeking for Him?
Who are called a disobedient and contrary people?
Can both of these peoples here referred to be one and the same
people?

Romans 10:1-4 "Brethren, My heart's desire and prayer to God
for Israel is that they may be saved."

What nation does Paul pray will be finally saved?


Romans 11:2-6 "I say then, has God cast away His people?
Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of
Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away his
people who He foreknew. ... Even so then, at this present time
there is a remnant according to the election of grace."

Paul here identifies the Israelites as being the seed of
Abraham. Has God cast away Israel and now being finished with
them?

 Romans 11:8 "Just as it is written: God has given them a
spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, ears that they
should not hear..."

Who does Paul say caused Israel to be deaf and blind to the
Gospel?

Romans 11:32 "For God has committed them all to disobedience,
that He might have mercy on all."

For what reason did God cause Israel to enter into disobedience?


Romans 11:25 "For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be
ignorant of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own opinion,
that a hardening in part has happened to Israel until the
fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be
saved."

Paul does not desire us to be ignorant; he calls the partial
hardening of Israel a ____.
Referring to the above scripture, when does Paul say Israel will
be saved?

Romans 11:28-29 "Concerning the gospel they are enemies for
your sake, but concerning the election, they are beloved for the
sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are
irrevocable."

Concerning Israel, what does the Jewish apostle Paul say about
the gifts and calling given to her by God?


Jeremiah 33:25-26 "Thus says the Lord: 'If My covenant is not
with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances
of heaven and earth, then I will cast away the descendants of
Jacob and David My servant, so that I will not take any of his
descendants to be rulers over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob."

Jeremiah states that as long as the sun, moon and stars continue
in their courses, and the laws which govern nature remain in
force, the descendants of _____ and _____ , God's servant, will
not be cast away, so that they will continue to rule over the
descendants of _____ and _____ .


I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never
hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD,
do not keep silent, And give Him no rest till He establishes And
till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. (Isaiah 62:6-7)


Except where noted, all scripture quotations in this article are
taken from the New King James version of the Bible, copyright by
Thomas Nelson, publishers.

This article is taken from an instructional course series
entitled, "The Restoration of Israel," copyright 1994 by Douglas
Sorensen, used by permission of the author. No part of this
article, other than within the format of this issue of MORNING
STAR, may be copied, printed, transmitted over a data network,
posted on a computer bulletin board, or stored in an information
storage and retrieval system without the written permission of
the author.

Douglas Sorensen
Christian Friends of Israel
PO Box 19227
Charlotte, NC 28219-9227
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
EMAIL: 74111.552@cis
The Roots of Our Faith
The Roots of Our Faith
THE ROOTS OF OUR FAITH

"... I worship the God of my fathers believing all things which
are written in the Law and the Prophets" (Acts 24:14).


THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH IN THE TANACH

By Pastor Chuck Cohen
King of Kings Assembly
Jerusalem, Israel

Messianic terms used in this teaching:

Yeshua = Jesus
Messiah = Christ
Tanach = Old Testament

(Unless stated otherwise, all scripture verses are from the New
King James Version)


All basic doctrines of the New Testament have roots deep in the
TANACH, so it is essential to a fuller understanding of these
doctrines that we dig into their Hebraic soil. Their scriptural
background permeated the hearts and mind of Yeshua and the New
Testament writers. Only by building on this foundation could
these men be used by the Spirit of God to explain the true
meaning of, or to "fulfill", the Law of God.


Have you ever read Ephesians 3:4-6 and considered what Paul, the
Jewish believer, must have been thinking? "... understand my
knowledge in the mystery of Messiah ... that the Gentiles should
be fellow heirs (with the Jews], and of the same body [with the
Jews], and partakers [with the Jews] of His promise in Christ
[the Jewish Messiah] by the gospel." Paul was declaring that the
inclusion of the gentiles with the Jewish people in God's plan
of salvation was the mystery revealed to him by the Spirit of
God.

To explore the Tanach roots of gentile participation in God's
promised salvation to the Jewish people, as well as the concept
of a world-wide body of believers, i.e. the church, we must
understand that the word "mystery" used in the New Testament is
" a divine truth, formerly hidden, but now supernaturally
revealed to men, which can be fully understood only by the saved
individual through the illumination of the Holy Spirit."
(Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, p.1164)

The most surprising act of God in the life of the early church
was not Jewish salvation, but that "... God has also granted to
the Gentiles repentance to life", through Yeshua the Jewish
Messiah (Acts 11:18). Can you hear Rabbi Saul's delight and joy
in Colossians 1:25-27, "... the Word of God, the mystery
...which is Christ [Messiah] in you [gentiles!], the hope of
glory."? Jews and gentiles now have equal access to God through
the Messiah promised to the Jewish people! And in Messiah Yeshua
they are one, although different parts of the same Body.


Prophecies of Gentile Salvation

Now that this mystery has been revealed to us, can we find its
root system in the Tanach? The New Testament declares that the
gospel was proclaimed even before the birth of the Messiah. "And
the Scripture [the Old Testament], foreseeing that God would
justify the nations [The Hebrew word, "goyim", can be translated
as "nations", "heathens" or "gentiles".] by faith, preached the
gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, 'In you all the nations
shall be blessed'. " (Gal.3:8) The verse Paul quotes is found
not only in Genesis 12:3, but also in Genesis 18:18 and
22:17,18. The Lord proclaims the same gospel to Isaac (Gen.
26:3,4) and Jacob (Gen. 28:13,14). God is prophesying that
through the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, i.e. the nation of
Israel and the Jewish people, all the nations/gentiles will be
blessed.

Looking back through the filter of the New Testament, we
understand the ultimate Seed to be Yeshua Himself, the perfect
representative of Israel. He was the One who accomplished
Israel's task completely, bringing gentiles to a saving
knowledge of the God of Israel. In fact one of His prophesied
names is Israel (Isa. 49:1-6; note v. 3)!

Are there other verses concerning gentile salvation in the
Tanach? Look up the following. Keep in mind that "nations" or
"heathen" can also be translated "gentiles": Deut. 32:21;1 Chr.
16:31; Psa. 46:10; 65:2,5; 66:4; 68:32; 72:8ff; 86:9; Isa.
2:2-4;11:10; 42:1-12; 45:22-24; 49:1-7; 52:15; 55:4,5; 56:38;
Jer. 3:17;16:19-21; Ezek. 38:23; Dan. 7:13,14; Zech.
8:20-23;14:8,9,16; Mal. 1:11.


Examples of Gentile Salvation

Once we understand what to look for, it is amazing how many
examples of gentile salvation we find in the Tanach. Although
some might object to using the word "salvation" for what occurs
in the Old Testament, Hebrews 11 clearly states that there will
be many Old Testament saints in heaven. Even Yeshua says that
many saints from the Tanach will be found in His kingdom (Matt.
8:11; Luke 13:28). We believe that their salvation was only
through Yeshua (2Tim. 3:14,15; Heb. 11:39,40).

Before Abraham, there were no Jewish people. All the early faith
heroes, Abel, Enoch, Noah, etc. were gentiles. So were Abraham
and Sarah. According to Joshua 24:2, Abraham was the son of an
idol worshipper. God removed Abraham from that situation and
revealed Himself to him.

Gen. 14:18,19 calls Melchizedek, a gentile, "priest of the most
high God". As Kin-Priest of Salem (later, Jerusalem) he blessed
Abraham and accepted a tithe from him. This event shows that God
always had His people who witnessed to His Name before men.

In the story of Moses (Exo. 3:1), Jethro, a Midianite priest,
not only becomes Moses' father-in-law, but also his counselor
(Exo.18:1). Jethro, blessed by blessing Israel, recognized the
LORD God of Israel as the great God, sacrificed to Him and ate a
covenant meal with Moses, Aaron and the elders of Israel,
indicating that he was now a part of the commonwealth of the
house of Israel (Exo.18:11,12). Meals for confirming a covenant
in the days of the Tanach (Gen. 26:26-30: 31:44-47) are the
foundation for Communion being our covenant meal (see Exo.
29:33).

Gentiles Rahab and Ruth joined not only the household of Israel
(Josh. 6:25; Ruth 1:16,17; 2:12 respectively), but the ancestry
of the promised Messiah as well (Matt. 1:5)!

God calls Job, a gentile of the land of Uz and probably a
contemporary of Abraham and Melchizedek (Job 1:1,5), "My servant
Job...a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns
evil?" (Job 2:3)

Balaam, Naaman the Syrian general, and Nebuchadnezzar are a few
others from among the nations who came to a knowledge of the
true and living God. Gentile salvation (in many cases without
circumcision), definitely occurred in the Tanach. The fullness,
of this truth comes to completion after our Lord Yeshua's death
and resurrection.


God Speaks to His Church in the Tanach

Does God talk directly to the gentile part of His Body in the
Tanach? We believe the Tanach contains vital endtime marching
orders to the mostly gentile Church. At times, the Lord speaks
directly to the "nations", i.e. gentiles. But who are the
gentiles to whom He is directing His words? What gentiles are
going to be reading and believing His Word? Those who are part
of the Olive Tree and the Bride, the Church!

All the following commands to God's last days Body are about her
response and responsibility to the end-time nation of Israel
and/or the Jewish people. In Isaiah 40:1,2, the most familiar
verse in this regard, God is speaking to His people, but they
are not Israel. "Comfort, yes, comfort My people [Israel] says
your God. Speak comfort to Jerusalem... "God speaks to a people
and calls Himself "your God". Besides Israel, there has never
been, nor will there be any people God would declare His own
other than the Church.

Isaiah 52:7 says that it is beautiful in the eyes of the Lord to
bring good news, proclaim peace, bring glad tidings, proclaim
salvation and say to Zion, "Your God reigns". To whom but the
Church can this verse be directed?

Please note the proclamation to Israel - "Your God reigns". Our
Lord, the God of all born-again believers, is still the God of
Israel. Paul stated this same concept in Romans 11:28. We are
not bringing the Jewish people to some strange god, but to their
God, into whom gentile believers have been grafted. If the
gospel were presented in this way, the response might be
different from the typical Jewish response of, "oh, Jesus is for
the gentiles, but I'm Jewish". Church, proclaim to Israel the
good news that "Your God reigns"!

All of Isaiah 62 is speaking to the Church. In verses 6 and 7,
God wants the watchmen He Himself has placed on the walls of
Jerusalem to "not keep silent, and give [God] no rest till He
establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth".
In verses 10-12, the Church is commanded to "Go through the
gates! Prepare the way for the people Israel; ... Build Up the
highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!
... Say to the daughter of Zion, surely your salvation is
coming...". Church, are we about our Father's business?

What about aliyah, God's end-time plan to return the Jewish
people to the land He swore to give them? (Psa. 105:8-11; Jer.
30:3; 32:41) Please read Isa. 49:22,23; 60:1-16; 61:5; 66:18-23.
Remember that God is speaking to the Church. Is she carrying
Zion's sons in her arms, Zion's daughters on her shoulders? Is
she heeding the warning in 60:12, "For the nation [gentile] and
kingdom which will not serve you [Israel] shall perish ..." We
bless the Lord that He is revealing this to many believers
throughout His kingdom. (For practical ways of fulfilling these
prophecies, write to CFI at the address below.)

In Jeremiah 29:24, God says, "In the latter days you will
consider it." The Hebrew for "latter days" is literally, "last
days". Chapter 30:1 then continues with "At the same time...".
In verse 6, the word in Hebrew for "watchmen" is the same word
modern Hebrew uses for "Christians"! Obviously, it did not mean
"Christians" in Jeremiah's day, but God, who knows the end from
the beginning, used that word here to leave no doubt that He is
speaking to "last days" believers. (There are other Hebrew words
for "watchmen" that could have been used.) And what is God
saying to the Church? "Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout
among the chief of the nations [gentiles]. Proclaim, give
praise, and say, O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of
Israel!" That is an end-time command that God gives to all
Christians throughout His kingdom.

In response to this "shout", the Lord is bringing and will
continue to bring His people back to Israel (30:8,9)! Why?
Because He has stated prophetically many times that the majority
of Jews who will be saved will be saved in the land of Israel.
(See Ezekiel 36:24,25 for one of the clearest examples.)

The Lord continues in Jeremiah 30:10; "Hear the Word of the
LORD, O nations, [gentiles - and which gentiles would even be
listening for His voice except for the Church?] and declare
it... 'He who scattered Israel will gather him and keep him as a
shepherd does his flock." This is God's desire for His Bride's
end-time proclamation to the world. In the midst of the news,
views and confusion of the current situation in Israel, this is
what our Father is doing. He wants the world to wake up to His
mighty acts as He fulfills His word before our eyes. Israel's
final acceptance of Messiah will be life from the dead for the
world (Romans 11:15).

Our prayer is that you have been challenged to live
prophetically according to God's Word, and not pathetically
according to the world. Remember that the ultimate reason for
establishing good roots is to be able to bear fruit for our
heavenly Father.

"The LORD who made heaven and earth, bless you from Zion!"

Columns
Anee M'Amin
Anee M'Amin
ANEE M'AMIN is Hebrew for "I believe." In this month's column
we presenting a wonderful witnessing story by Zvi in Israel, who
writes for ISRAEL MY GLORY magazine.


I recently was in Eilat, in the south of Israel, visiting my
daughter and her family. Because it is located on the Dead Sea,
Eilat is a popular resort area, and many people from Europe go
there for the therapeutic value of the water.

Whenever I visit Eilat, I enjoy walking along the beach and
meeting new people. Among the many I met on my recent visit were
two men who did not seem particularly happy when I tried to
strike up a conversation with them. They looked very disheveled,
and when I tried to speak with them about faith in God they
became upset. "You can see the sorry state of our lives," one of
them said. "How then can you speak to us about faith? You are
nicely dressed and do not appear to have any troubles. We are
worlds apart from someone like you. We have done so many bad
things in our lives that God could never forgive us or forget
our sins."

At that time I took out my small Bible and read one of its most
familiar verses: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life" (Jn. 3:16). I then explained,
"This passage does not say that God will accept people based on
who they are or what they have done in the past. God said
'whosoever,' and the only condition is that you believe on His
Son. If you will accept the Lord Jesus as your Savior, God will
immediately forgive and forget whatever you have done up to that
point in your life, and He will give you the means of receiving
forgiveness of any sins you commit in the future."

The man spoke up again, this time more earnestly. "We are very
insignificant to God, and it will not help us now to come before
Him and ask Him to forgive us." I then asked, "What in the world
have you done? Did you kill someone?" "No," the other man said,
"but we are poor and homeless. We live here on this beach, and
we are so dirty that people hate to even look at us." I then
read to them the comforting words of Psalm 118:22, "The stone
which the builders refused is become the head of the corner."
"Don't say that you are beyond hope, my friends," I told them.
"Believe me, in God's sight you are of as much value as any
other person ever born into this world. God's Son was rejected
by the Jewish leaders, but God the Father did not reject Him.
Rather, through His death and resurrection He became the Messiah
and Savior of the world."

After more conversation they asked, "What do you want us to do?"
I answered, "For me you do not have to do anything. What you
must do is for yourselves. You must come to God, worship Him, be
faithful to Him, and bear fruit for His glory. If you do, I am
sure you will no longer question, 'Who are we?' or say, 'We have
no value before God.' Instead you will be glad to be called
servants of the Lord. Regardless of what you see when you look
in the mirror, you will be children of God and will never again
doubt your worth before Him."

At that time they became more open with me, and, without my
asking, they began to tell me about themselves. They told me
they were alcoholics and that they had lost their families,
their homes, everything they ever had because of that evil
bottle of vodka. They said, "There is no doctor who can cure us
of this chronic disease." I responded, "Quite to the contrary,
it would be very easy for you to stop drinking." They were
surprised and asked, "How?" "You do not have to go to a doctor.
You can stop on your own," I replied. Becoming impatient, they
again asked, "How? Tell us now!" I said, "Open your hearts
before God. He will listen and answer your prayer. He will make
it possible for you to turn from that poison-alcohol."

By now they were very curious about me and asked, "Are you a
pastor or something like that?" I replied, "No, I am not a
pastor, but, as a believer in Christ, it is my obligation to go
to people who are in trouble and try to help them. All I want to
do is help you be weaned from your destructive addiction to
alcohol." Again they asked, "What do we have to do?" I told
them, "Open your hearts to God, and He will do the rest." "Shall
we do it right here or wait until we go to bed?" they asked. I
could not tell if they were being serious or mocking, so I said,
"You must understand that this decision is yours alone to make.
God is full of love and compassion, and He is ready to forgive
you. If you think you would be doing me a personal favor by
asking God for forgiveness, you are making a big mistake. If you
are not serious about this, I'll be glad to leave you alone."
"No, we are very serious," they assured me.

"Good," I responded. "In that case you can go to a quiet spot on
this very beach and pray silently in your hearts, so that only
God Himself can hear. You need not pray in a loud voice because,
as it is written, 'man looketh on the outward appearance, but
the LORD looketh on the heart' [1 Sam. 16:7]. And please
understand that it is not because of me that you should pray to
God but because of your own needs. I will not listen to you.
Just talk freely from your hearts to the Lord. Tell Him of your
sins and ask Him to forgive you and become your Savior." "Will
you wait here for us?" they asked, and I assured them I would.

The two men then walked along the beach until they found a spot
with no people around. I waited and watched for more than a half
hour as they both sat quietly under the hot sun with their heads
slightly bowed and very serious expressions on their faces. Of
course, as I waited I prayed that the Lord would open their eyes
and hearts and draw them to Himself.

Eventually they got up and returned, and, praise God, that which
I would not have believed when I first met them had truly
happened. They had come to the Lord of their own free will.
Whereas before they were without any hope in this life, they
were now full of hope because they had put their trust in God.
These two men, who just a short time before appeared to have
lost the image of God in which they were created and looked no
better than the dust of the earth, now wore happy expressions on
their faces. They were full of joy because the Lord had taken
away their stony hearts and given them hearts of flesh (Ezek.
36:26). The Lord had given them a new heart and a new Spirit,
the Spirit of the living God, and they were rejoicing in Him.
And so, of course, was I!
Testimony
Testimony
MANUEL BAERGA: A LIFE OF MIRACLES


Manuel Baerga is a man of God with a dynamic testimony to the
saving power of Jesus Christ. Before accepting Jesus as his
Savior in 1981, he had to learn the hard way about the dark side
of life.

Manuel was the coordinator of a Miami drug cartel which was
responsible for the distribution of nearly 350,000 pounds of
marijuana per year throughout the United States. He was arrested
for the possession of over a million dollars worth of drugs.
While incarcerated, he had an encounter with God that changed
his life.

Upon his release, he began attending Teen Challenge in Capitol
Heights, Maryland. He became actively involved in the program
and was placed on staff. God's hand was evident on Manuel's life
and he was soon elevated to the position of Head Counselor.

God has placed in Manuel a desire to help people avoid the same
traps that he experienced. While counseling men and women on how
to overcome their problems, he became involved in Turning Point
Ministries. This national out-patient counseling program is
designed to help the church reach out to people with
life-controlling problems. This is accomplished through a model
program for churches which gives training and support to a group
of lay people. Turning Point provides the training and guidance
in cooperation with the minister.

As Director of Turning Point Ministries in the Washington
Metropolitan Area, Manuel has witnessed over 3500 community
leaders being trained. There also are 15 groups that have
established the program to reach out into their communities.

Constantly being aware of ways to lead others to Christ, Manuel
started a Bible study group which grew to become the Iglesia
Neuva Vida, or New Life Church. Iglesia Neuva Vida is active in
the community, to say the least. The church has been on the
streets distributing food to the needy, conducting Outreach
Meetings, preaching the Gospel, and discipling those who respond
to the salvation message. God has honored the outreach. The
first worship service was attended by 12 people. Presently, over
125 attend on Sunday, many of whom were first introduced to
Jesus during one of the Church's street meetings.

God is still actively moving in Manuel's life. Recently he was
appointed by Teen Challenge as Executive Director of the
Washington D.C. area. This position keeps him doing what he
loves best; working with people. One of his immediate goals is
to open another house for Teen Challenge.

Manuel has plenty of help in the ministry. His wife, Laura,
works side-by-side with him. She serves the Lord as Buyer for
Teen Challenge, supervises the Food Service Department, helps
with the production of the Teen Challenge Newsletter plus
contributes to the office work and planning of the various
activities. She is also, as Manuel says, "an excellent mother to
our three daughters." She also holds credentials in the CCNA
(Christian Church of North America) as a Licensed Preacher.

Manuel also leads a group of 10 people in the CCNA School of the
Bible. The group has participated in 2 semesters, taking 4
classes each semester. His future goal is to start 2 more
Schools of the Bible.

Manuel is also working on publishing a book describing life in a
Miami drug cartel. In preparation for the book, Manuel has read
over 300 biographies relating to the drug world. Manuel feels
that the book that he has written is the only true account of
what life is like being involved in a drug cartel. "Modern
depictions really glamorize and make the drug lords appear as
movie stars. It just isn't like that," he says. His vision for
the book is that God will use it to help people.

Helping people is what being a Christian is all about. Manuel
prays that God would use him to carry the message to the
streets. "We have become experts in the business of Religion. We
are able to set up Church Boards and conduct church business,
but sometimes we fail in meeting the people on the streets. What
is really needed is that we all need to move in the power of
God."

From Vista , a Publication of The General Council of the
Christian Church of North America.
Prison Ministry
Prison Ministry
LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IN A CONVICT WORLD
By Ritch Hall


Say what??! Is it really possible to actually live the Christian
life in our convict world of alienation, bitterness, confusion
and con games?

You bet.

What enters your mind when you hear that so-and-so up the
cellwalk has gotten a dose of Jesus? Probably depends on your
last encounter with someone choosing Christianity as his way to
go. Christianity has gotten a really bad rap inside these walls:

Sometimes a convict will hang on to the "Me & Jesus" doctrine.
Christianity to these convicts simply means a daily reading of
the Good Book in the privacy of their cells, praying some
"thee's" and "thou's" to the Dude Upstairs, and remaining a safe
distance from anyone who might disrupt his practice of giving
God some time and attention.

On the other hand, how many times have we spotted the
well-known, Bible-thumpin', tract-passin', non-smokin',
non-julep drinkin', non-cussin', very obnoxious nerd whose
relationship with God is totally based on proving that everyone
else's way to Glory just ain't good enough?

And we've all known the convict who temporarily sets aside his
syringe or shank, replacing it with a Bible. He jives his way
through the system, convincing all those who'll listen that his
life is truly transformed. Unfortunately, the parole board has
heard it all before, and when they delay this particular convict
a year or more, he grows disillusioned and returns to his
slightly-used syringe and now-sharpened shank.


Beyond the basics

Many of us reluctantly turn to religious programs provided by
the prison chaplain. Frequently, religious services are
conducted by free world volunteers, each with a well-intentioned
mission to save as many souls inside prison as possible. Sermons
are constantly geared toward the unbeliever still neck-deep in
sin.

The truth is that many of have already taken that first step of
accepting Christ our Savior. Nevertheless, the sermon remains
the same. Our Christian lives stagnate at the starting gate
because we continually answer the altar all and accept Christ as
our Redeemer over and over.

No one takes the time to explain how convicts can nurture and
develop positive Christian characteristics inside the madhouse
of prison. How do we hold our tongues when a guard tells us to
get back to our #%&#@ cages? How do we develop the forgiveness
it takes to understand why a child-molester- sleeping in the
bunk above-chose to commit his crime?

I'm a Tennessee convict. Since I'm presently serving a life
sentence that reaches well into the next century, I figure this
convict world is the only one in which I might learn true,
genuine Christian characteristics. I'm a convict. I'm a
Christian. I'm learning to be both.

Each of us discovers his own reason for picking up the Bible and
gettin' religion. Some folks are scared into it by the fires of
hell. Others are driven by guilt. Some need something besides
Prozac to maintain sanity in today's wacky world. Others just
want a piece of the Rock when we get to Gloryland.

Some convicts see it as a miraculous way to leave the convict
world. Whether Freedomsville awaits the Christian convict is
unimportant. What's important is learning to be a true, solid
Christian convict within a prison environment that may well be
our final home here on earth.


Convicts and con men

There was a time when parole board members might've felt a
flicker of hope toward the convict who toted a Bible to the
parole hearing and demonstrated a serene, peaceful face. But
that flicker has all but fluttered out. Talk about Jesus
nowadays, and it's an automatic invitation to being perceived a
true "con man."

A "con man" and a "solid convict" are different characters. Only
by being a solid convict can any Christian truly shine the light
of Jesus within this darkness ... and co-exist with both
believers and non-believers.

What is a "solid convict?" According to an unwritten, "unspoken"
ageless convict code of ethics, a true convict is one who does
his or her own time without allowing the pressure cooker of
prison to turn him against his fellow convict. Many times for
the first time in a person's life; a newcomer to prison feels
part of a "community" ... a brotherhood or sisterhood of
convicts. We depend upon each other more than within any other
community.

Under no circumstances does the solid convict ever run to The
Man against his brother. If a problem arises between convicts,
one goes to the other and communicates. Communication means
listening as well as talking. The true convict doesn't talk
behind another convict's back and spread rumors. He pays his
bills to those convicts he owes, and doesn't charge an arm and a
leg to those who might depend upon him for a "convict-world"
favor; whether it be a soft drink, snack, or clean and folded
laundry.

In other words, to be a solid convict simply means to respect
those we are forced to live and work with, many times crammed
inside living quarters the size of bathrooms. Respect is the key
word here. No matter what our criminal charges are, no matter
how much abuse we might have received in our upbringin', no
matter how "criminally-tough" we want to appear to our fellow
convicts ... the fact remains that we are all in this together.

At one time, prison was full of true, solid convicts. We worked
together, respected one another, and prison served as an
alternative community by which we learned to interact and get
along with each other. Prison was more or less our final school
to "get it together." If we got along sociably in here, then it
was a good indication we could get along with a lot more others
in Freedomsville.

Nevermore.

Prison is now filled with the same disrespectful folks as are
out in the streets of Freedomsville. We have all been nurtured
into looking out for #1, just to scrap and scrape to get a piece
of the action ... or whatever's left of the pie.


The greatest commandment


Jesus Christ entered this world nearly 2,000 years ago when
Freedomsville was experiencing the very same problems. Folks
tend desperately to follow the Ten Commandments-the legal system
at that time. But it was impossible simply because without
respect for ourselves or our brothers and sisters, laws are
worthless.

Fear of punishment just doesn't make any of us want to respect
others. It comes from a much more powerful influence. Jesus
demonstrated it beautifully. It's known as love.

Jesus demonstrated love in some radical ways. His lifestyle is
based on what's known as the Greatest Commandment. Short.
Simple. But very effective. Look it up in Matthew 22:36-40.
Paraphrasing, "Love the Lord as much as much as we can ... and
love each other as if it were God in our neighbor's shoes."

Love and respect are pretty much the same. But love comes from
the heart. Love generates a willingness to respect others not
because of some law, but because we acknowledge our need and
respect for each other.

Convicts can indeed live the Christian life behind prison walls.
It begins by getting to know God in a very personal and honest
way.


From INSIDE JOURNAL
A publication of PRISON FELLOWSHIP
PO Box 16429
Washington, DC
20041-6429
Missions
Missions
ROMANIAN MISSIONS TRIP
By Joseph A. Nigro


Standing on top of a hill overlooking the city of Sibiu,
Romania, my head, heart and spirit were in awe of what I had
just experienced over the past fifteen days. God had used a
unique series of circumstances, while also speaking to my
spirit, to show me that He wanted me to go to Romania to feed
His sheep and to tell the Romanians that God loves them. The
furthest thing from my mind was going to Romania, but God told
me to go, and in obedience, I went by invitation of Calvary
Commission, to help minister the Word of God to the people of
Romania. I must confess, I feared the unknown, and the thought
of the twelve hour flight. Yet God calmed my spirit with Psalm
46:10 ... "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted
among the nations, I will be exalted among the earth."

The trip to Romania was extremely exhausting. The fellowship
with the other pastors was great, but the total time of the
trip, including lay-overs in the airports, from my door to the
house in Sibiu, was twenty-eight hours! One of my mistakes was
not sleeping on the plane, and as a result I was dragging. I
arrived in Bucharest, Romania at night and endured the bumpy
four hour drive with the other dead tired pastors on the team.
The Calvary Commission team of Milton Fauss, and his wife Dia,
along with Daniel Guerrero and Melissa Cornelius, all godly
servants for the kingdom, graciously made soup for us when we
arrived at Milton's house.

God's Word tells us that joy comes in the morning, and Sibiu,
Romania in the morning light proved that to be true. The beauty
of the country was extraordinary! Mountains that dwarfed the
Rockies, and country landscaping that made me feel like I was
constantly in a movie setting. But the best was yet to come, for
I discovered the Romanian people to be of exceptional warmth and
hospitality. I not only fell in love with the beauty of the
country, but God showed me the hearts of the Romanian
Christians, and I wept as I saw their pure devotion to Christ.

I experienced the book of Acts as I saw how the Christians of
Romania lived to worship God, going to church four times a week
for services that were two to three hours long, and intently
listened as the Word of God was preached. The whole church would
pray for one hour before Sunday service. Then they would have
their regular worship service, sitting on hard wooden benches,
crushed together for another several hours. They opened up their
hearts and homes to us, and welcomed us by giving us meals that
they couldn't afford to give ... meals that would deprive them
of meat for the next several weeks! These people were giving to
us out of their poverty and would not accept anything in
exchange.

I had gone to the country of Romania to minister the Word of
God, and by God's grace the Word went forth, yet the one who was
being ministered to was me. I experienced the love of Christians
who endured the communist regime, and knew what it truly meant
to rely totally on Christ. These believers were following
Paul's example in 2 Corinthians 6:10, "As sorrowful, yet always
rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing, yet
possessing all things."

The Romanian believers had just experienced years of painful
suffering and great sorrow under the communist regime and yet
they continued to rejoice. They were extremely generous, even in
their poverty, as they gave to us out of their need. According
to American standards, they are poor. Yet, I realized we are the
ones who are poor and needy, and they are truly rich. For they
found their total riches in Christ alone, setting their minds on
the things above and not on things down here on earth.

Let us observe the example of the Romanian believers and take
heed to the words of the apostle Paul: "... I consider
everything a loss compared to surpassing greatness of knowing
Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I
consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in
him." [Phil. 3:7-8]


Joe Nigro is Director of Straight Path Ministries and can be
reached at [e-mail].
Education
Education
THINGS YOUR CHILDREN LEARN FROM YOU

By Dr. Paul A. Kienel, President
Association of Christian Schools International


I will celebrate my 61st birthday in a few days. I am not sure
"celebrate" is the correct word, but I do know I have lived long
enough to have a more balanced perspective on a number of
things. Parenting is one of them. Time has a way of filling in
the blanks. Understandably, I know more now than when I started
out as a young, amateur father 36 years ago.

My wife, Annie, and I are blessed with three daughters, three
sons-in-law and four remarkable grandchildren. I am pleased to
tell you they all know and serve Christ our Lord.

Permit me to share a few things in this brief article I wish
someone had shared with me when I was a much younger dad:

1) CHILDREN LEARN MORE THAN WE TEACH THEM. As a conscientious
young father I focused my child-training program on such
practical things as, "how to walk on two feet," "how to speak
the English language" and, in a spirit of generosity, "to
graciously share one's toys with others." Later, in Advanced
Parenting, I taught "bicycle riding," "water skiing" and "how
to drive the family automobile." Things did not always go well.
I could take you to a decorative stone at the edge of our
driveway, three homes back, and show you deeply etched marks
shaped exactly like the undercarriage of our car - clear
evidence that my training program was not perfect. But more
important, I now know that my children were learning far more
from me than my practical list of "do's" and "don'ts" on how to
do things. To my amazement, they were literally absorbing my
life patterns. They were learning to live by the way I lived.
How do I know this? When I look at the life patterns of my three
daughters today, I see an amazing resemblance to the life
patterns of my wife and me. Quite frankly, it is scary when you
realize that what you teach formally to your children is but a
fraction of what they really learn from you. That is consistent
with that valuable parenting lesson in the Old Testament book of
Deuteronomy where the writer talks about the principles of
loving God. He wrote, "You shall teach them diligently to your
children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise
up" (Deuteronomy 6:7 NKJV). There is just no question about it
- the lessons of informal learning in your household will have a
greater life-long impact than your formal school of "do's" and
"don'ts". Please don't misunderstand. Your family school of
"do's" and "don'ts" is necessary. My point is that there is a
powerful informal family training program in every home that
most parents simply are not aware of.

All of this, of course, applies to the school your children
attend. The character and the lifestyle of your children's
teachers becomes "living curriculum" to your children.
Unsettling as it is, your youngsters will retain more from the
life patterns of their teachers than they will from the academic
content of what their teachers teach. Amazing, isn't it? The
Bible says, "A student, when fully trained, will be like his
teacher" (Luke 6:40). It frightens me, when I read those words,
when I think of the multiplied thousands of Christian parents
who place their children under the training of non-Christian
teachers in non-Christian schools. I know it is not popular to
say so, but I believe they have no scriptural foundation for
doing so.

2) PARENTS ARE THEIR CHILDREN'S NUMBER ONE EDUCATOR. I thank God
for the quality Christian school teachers who taught my
children. Children benefit greatly from inspired, inspiring,
professional teachers who accelerate their learning process.
They broaden and balance a child's education. But life's major
lessons are taught by parents. Chuck Swindoll said, "Home is
where life makes up its mind." You might think of it this way:
Your "mom and dad school" is an "attitude factory". You have
positive and negative attitudes about many things. Like it or
not, your children are learning your full repertoire of
attitudes; your attitudes about God, family, government, church
relationships, money, leisure, work, authority, education,
health and life in general. The number one molder and shaper of
attitudes is your very own "mom and dad school of attitudes."
Your children are "reading you" on every issue, and they are
formulating their own set of values and attitudes by what they
see lived out before them on a daily basis.

I close with words written to me on my birthday card last year
from my youngest daughter, Cheryl:

Dad-
I think you really do live, to the fullest, every minute of
EVERY day. I cherish some very vivid memories of our vacations
when I was a kid. We always had our dad modeling for us what it
meant to be happy and content... even when our boat or camper
broke down. And when it was time to swim or ski none of us could
enjoy the play any more than you. You truly make the most of
every situation. Thanks for passing on those wonderful Godly
blessings. I'll do my best to pass on the legacy of faith and
joy as you have.

I love you,
Cheryl

Every parent cherishes "payday" letters like the one above. With
God's gracious help, raising your children to honor Christ and
to honor you is possible, even in the anti-Christian culture of
today. My prayers are with you!
Music
Music
WE GATHER TOGETHER IN THANKSGIVING

By Teresa Giordanengo


The Thanksgiving Day gathering of my family is not complete
without the singing of the traditional Dutch hymn "We Gather
Together". I heard this hymn for the first time when I was a
child in grade school. I learned to play it on the piano and
from then on, each year, our family gathers around the piano for
the hymn sing. We sing this hymn and many others as our
expression of thanks to God for all the blessings He has
bestowed upon us each day. We thank Him for His love and for
protecting us and guiding us throughout the year. Even though
each one of us thanks the Lord in our prayers each day, it is
wonderful to come together on Thanksgiving Day to express our
gratitude together as a family unit.

The text to "We Gather Together" was written by an anonymous
author. It was to celebrate the Dutch freedom from the Spanish
overlords, who had been driven from their land, and the freedom
that was theirs, both politically and religiously.

References to these historical events are throughout the hymn's
text: "The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing: Sing
praises to His name - He forgets not His own."

The prayer in the final stanza is: We all do extol Thee, Thou
Leader triumphant, and pray that Thou still our defender will
be; let Thy congregation escape tribulation: Thy name be ever
praised! O Lord, make us free!

At this time of year I can't help but think of the pilgrims who
came here for religious freedom years ago. They were the first
to celebrate Thanksgiving day, and how happy and thankful they
were!

If we would just pause for a moment, we could find so many
reasons to be thankful. Where would we be if the Lord had not
saved our soul? How comforting it is to know that He is always
with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. We have nothing
to fear. Since He is for us, who can be against us?

He is our ever-present help in time of need! He listens to our
prayers ... even a child's prayer. He is Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end and has everything under control! Our
list could go on and on.

It is certainly a pleasure to think of all the succulent food
that is prepared to our liking on this special day. God has
provided all this for us. He provides the bountiful harvest
each and every year, even every day, for our pleasure and
nourishment.

We are so truly thankful for all these blessings. Thanksgiving
is not merely a day to be observed once each year; for the
Christian it must be a way of daily living.

"I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall
continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1).
Chef's Corner
Chef's Corner
TASTY DISHES TO COMPLEMENT YOUR THANKSGIVING TURKEY


BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH WALNUTS - 2 pints brussels sprouts, 2
slices bacon, diced, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup
finely chopped walnuts, salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste.

Remove the outer leaves from the brussels sprouts. Cut a shallow
X in the base of each sprout with a paring knife. Boil the
brussels sprouts in lightly salted water until tender, about 8
to 10 minutes. Drain and refresh in cold water.

Cut the brussels sprouts into quarters and reserve.
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions
and saute until golden. Add the walnuts and brussels sprouts.
Heat thoroughly and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Yield:
10 servings.


BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH CARROTS - 4 pounds butternut squash, 2
tablespoons softened butter, 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup packed brown
sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 can (1 pound) whole baby carrots,
drained well, and 1 tablespoon sugar.

Wash squash, cut lengthwise, core. Cook uncovered in boiling
water until tender (20 minutes). Drain on paper towels. Scoop
out pulp, mash thoroughly. Add butter, egg, brown sugar, salt.
Spoon into a 1-1/2 qt. baking dish. Toss carrots and sugar.
Arrange on top of squash. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at
350-degrees for 30-45 minutes. Yield: 6-8 servings.


CARAMEL SWEET POTATOES - 4 cups sweet potatoes cooked and
mashed, 1/2 cup milk or half & half, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup
pecans, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

After creaming potatoes, add sugar, vanilla and cream. Put in
greased baking dish; make a "well" in the center and sprinkle
with pecans. Bake at 350-degrees until hot and just before
serving, our sauce over, filling the "well".

SAUCE ... Melt one cup butter and one cup sugar together in
skillet until golden. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup cream and cook
about 2 minutes, adding pinch of salt and one teaspoon vanilla.


MARMALADE BEETS - 1 can (2-1/2 cups) whole beets, 1/3 cup orange
marmalade, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons butter or
margarine, 2 tablespoons beet liquid, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8
teaspoon pepper, 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger.

Drain beets; reserve 2 tablespoons liquid. Melt marmalade with
lemon juice, butter and beet liquid over low heat, stirring
constantly. Add seasonings and blend. Add beets; cover. Simmer 5
minutes, stirring occasionally to glaze all beets. Yield: 6
servings.


CORN PUDDING - 2 cups corn, cream style, 6 tablespoons melted
butter, 4 beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, 2
tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar.

Preheat oven to 325-degrees. Blend butter, flour, salt and
sugar. Add beaten eggs. Stir in corn and then milk. Pour in
casserole and bake 40 minutes.


HONEY MUFFINS - 4 tablespoons melted shortening, 2 tablespoons
honey, 1 egg, well beaten, 2 cups flour, 4 teaspoons baking
powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup milk.

Mix together shortening and honey. Add well beaten egg. Add to
first mixture alternately with milk. Beat well. Half fill
greased muffin pans and bake in moderate oven (400-degrees)
about 25 minutes.


RAISIN BREAD - 2-1/2 pounds flour, 10 ounces whole wheat flour,
1 ounce yeast, 1-1/2 ounce salt, 1 ounce cinnamon, 1 pound
raisins, and 3-1/2 cups water.

Mix until smooth. Add raisins at end. Then let dough rest 45
minutes. Punch it down and divide into 5 loaves. Let rest
another 45 minutes. Mold into loaf and then let it rise for
approximately 2 to 2-1/2 hours. Bake in 380-degree oven for
about 40 minutes. Yield: 5 loaves.


CRANBERRY SALAD - 2 (3 oz.) boxes strawberry jello, 2 cups hot
water, 1-1/2 cups cold water, 1 can jellied (whole) cranberries,
1 can fruit cocktail, 1 apple, pared and chopped nuts.
Mix jello, hot water and cold water together. Add remaining
ingredients and mold.


TWENTY-FOUR HOUR COLESLAW - 1 small head cabbage, grated fine, 1
green pepper, chopped, 1 small jar pimentos (can use red
peppers), 1 teaspoon mustard seed, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup celery,
chopped, 1 small onion, cut fine, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup
vinegar.

Let stand overnight - tightly covered. Stir the next morning.
Will keep in the refrigerator a week to 10 days.


CRANBERRY AND NUT PIE - 1-1/4 cups fresh cranberries, 1/4 cup
brown sugar, packed, 1/4 cup chopped nuts, 1 egg, 1/2 cup sugar,
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup butter, melted and vanilla
ice cream.

Preheat oven to 325-degrees. Butter a 9-inch pie plate and layer
cranberries on bottom. Sprinkle with brown sugar and nuts. In a
bowl, beat egg until thick; gradually add sugar, beating until
thoroughly blended. Stir in flour and melted butter; blend well.
Pour over cranberries. Bake 45 minutes. Cut in wedges and serve
warm with ice cream. Yield: 6 servings.


PEANUT BUTTER PIE

CRUST ... 1-1/2 cups crushed graham crackers, 3 tablespoons
sugar, 4 ounces melted butter.

Combine all and press on sides and bottom of a 10-inch pan. Bake
5 minutes at 350-degrees. Let cool.

FILLING ... 4-1/2 ounces cream cheese, 6 ounces powdered sugar,
6 ounces peanut butter, 12 ounces whipped cream.
With electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar
together until free of lumps. Add peanut butter and blend in
gently. Add whipped cream and beat on high speed. Scrape sides
of bowl and beat until all combined. (Do not overbeat.) Pour
into crust. Smooth sides and top with whipped cream or plain.
Chill.


APPLE CRISP - 5 cups peeled and sliced apples, 1 cup uncooked
oatmeal, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter or
margarine, 1/3 cup flour.

Preheat oven to 375-degrees. Put apples in an 8-inch square pan.
Combine the remaining ingredients, mixing until crumbly.
Sprinkle on top of apples. Bake 30 to 45 minutes until apples
are tender. Yield: 6 servings.


ICED PUMPKIN COOKIES - 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1
teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1
cup sugar or 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup
shortening, 1 cup canned or fresh pumpkin, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon
vanilla, 1/2 cup nuts, chopped and/or 1/2 cup raisins or dates.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon
and salt. Cream together the sugar, shortening, pumpkin, egg and
vanilla. Combine dry and moist ingredients. Add nuts, stir to
distribute evenly.

Drop cookies from teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10
to 12 minutes in a 350-degree oven.

ICING ... 1/2 cup butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted, 1
teaspoon vanilla, 2 to 4 tablespoons milk.

Heat butter over low heat until golden brown. Remove from heat,
blend in sugar and vanilla. Add milk until of spreading
consistency.


PUMPKIN LOG - Grease 10 x 15-1/2 inch cookie sheet.
3 eggs, 2/3 cup pumpkin, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 3/4
cup flour.

Mix above ingredients together. Pour in prepared cookie sheet
and sprinkle with nuts. Bake at 375-degrees for 15 minutes. Turn
on well-powder-sugared towel or pastry cloth immediately. Roll
like jelly roll (towel and all). Let cool 1-1/2 hours on a rack.
Unroll and spread with filling. Reroll and refrigerate.

FILLING ... 1 tablespoon butter, 8 ounce cream cheese, 3/4
teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup powdered sugar. Blend together.

A large can of pumpkin makes 4 logs. These freeze well!
CFI Reports
CFI Reports
CFI REPORTS is our monthly column dedicated to the ministries of
CHRISTIAN FRIENDS OF ISRAEL in Jerusalem. Our October, 1993
issue of MORNING STAR (Volume 3.1) presented a summary of the
various CFI ministries and explained the foundational principles
and objectives of CFI. In this month's column we present the
monthly WATCHMAN'S PRAYER LETTER from Sharon Sanders in
Jerusalem.


WATCHMAN'S PRAYER LETTER - November 1994

"I will take my stand to watch, and station myself on the
tower..." Habakkuk 2:1


1994/1995 - The Peace Year? In Israel there have never been so
many peace advertisements such as "peace tourism year," "peace
logos," "peace vacations," "peace statements," "peace
negotiates" and it goes on and on. Voices say: "Peace is on the
horizon here in Israel." We all need peace! There are sources of
peace which are common to all men, the peace of a happy home, an
increasing business and enlarging influence, and the respect and
love of our fellows. We can all understand peace for those
situations, but there is a "peace that passeth understanding."
"It is too deep for just words. It is like the pillowed depths
of the ocean, which are undisturbed by the passing storm ...
here is a peace that passes understanding which comes from the
God of Peace." (F. B. Meyer) As we concentrate on the issues of
peace in this part of the earth, let us remember at all times
who our real source of peace is, Yeshua, the Prince of Shalom!


The people of Israel are in a decisive battle for the Golan. The
"Rabin" plan which proposes to make a compromise regarding a
withdrawal over three years-and not eight or ten, as Israel had
proposed up until now-has undoubtedly been influenced by
considerations related to the referendum with the Syrians,"
wrote Yosef Harif, in MAARIV. Syrian President Hafez Assad wants
the entire Golan withdrawal completed before the next Israeli
election in 1996.

* INTERCEDE for the 13,000 Jewish residents in the Golan who
represent the real pioneers of the state. There are many
settlers who believe in the Hebrew Scriptures and that the Land
of Israel was given to them by Almighty God. Pray that they will
teach others the Word of God throughout Israel and instruct them
to stand for and retain what God has given them. "And they
taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with
them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and
taught the people." (II Chronicles 17:9)

* FERVENTLY PRAY for the courageous settlers living on the Golan
Heights who are helping to guard the northern border. While they
are not actually engaged in a physical battle at this point in
time, they are engaged in a spiritual battle. Pray that they
will put their hope in the Almighty. "For they cried to God in
the battle, and he was entreated of them; because they put their
trust in Him (I Chronicles 5:20)

"Religion has proven to be an unhelpful influence in the Middle
East peace process, therefore it is incumbent upon religious
leaders around the world to come to grips with that and promote
political moderation," Deputy Foreign Minister Yossi Beilin
recently told an annual inter-religious conference in Assisi,
Italy. It seems as if Israel has forgotten the words of one of
its most beloved Prime Ministers, David Ben Gurion, who said:
"The Bible is our mandate."

* TRAVAIL IN PRAYER for the present government leadership to
realize before it is too late) the danger in its anti-biblical
policies. God is looking for men with united hearts who will be
upright before Him and return to Him. While religion may not be
the answer, seeking a merciful God is. For if ye turn again unto
the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion
before them that lead them captive ... for the Lord your God is
gracious and merciful, and will not turn away His face from you,
if ye return unto Him ... Also in Judah the hand of God was to
give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the
princes by the word of the Lord. (II Chronicles 30:9,12)

Syrian President Hafez Assad reiterated demands recently for a
full Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights prior to the next
election in Israel. Yet, he still expressed his willingness to
work for peace. "Syria realizes the importance of a peace which
ensures full withdrawal ... we want a just peace ... but the
peace we want should restore our land, "Assad stated.

* CRY OUT TO GOD that Israel's leaders will have discernment
when they hear Syrian statements stating that there will be no
peace if Jerusalem does not go to the Arabs. May Israel not be
deceived into believing that the concept of peace Assad refers
to is the same peace Israel desires. How desperately
discernment, understanding and insight are needed here. "Give
therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy
people, that I may discern between good and bad ..." (I Kings
3:9) Pray for humanistic hearts to be turned toward the Lord God
of Israel so that they will cry out for discernment instead of
forsaking Him. (Jer 2:13)

* INTERCEDE for Tsomet leader Rafael Eitan who argued recently
that "No peace agreement with any Arab state, including Egypt
can be trusted." This is the beginning of a breakthrough in the
delusion of true "peace" with Israel's Arab neighbors. Pray that
leaders such as this one will continue to speak up with the
voice of courage.

"18 Arab States Ready for PEACE Deals Once Israel, Syria Sign
Pact!" blared the headline of the Jerusalem Post recently. One
week later, headlines ran: "Time is Running out for a Deal with
Syria." Diplomatic relations could be established with Israel,
but only upon the conclusion of full withdrawal from the Golan
Heights.

Ñ BESEECH THE LORD that Israel will have wisdom and knowledge
from the Almighty if she is forced back to her 1967 borders.
Even Abba Eban termed them "The Auschwitz borders." May Israel's
leaders accept the fact that the very Arab nations promising
peace if Israel agrees to shrink back to its 1967 borders are
the same countries that could easily unite in one heart to war
against Israel. Pray that the words of the Psalmist be brought
to Israel's mind, "For they have consulted together with one
consent: they are united against thee." (Psalm 83:5)

Ñ PROCLAIM that the Word of the Lord stands! Recently, 22 Arab
League countries said: "Based on the fact that Holy Jerusalem is
a Palestinian, Arab city that has a sublime status to the Arab
and Islamic worlds, the League Council stresses the extreme
significance of Jerusalem and the need to restore its Arab and
Palestinian sovereignty as the capital of the independent
Palestinian state." However, God's word says: "In Jerusalem
shall My name be forever!" (II Chronicles 33:4) There is no city
like Jerusalem! It is the city of Almighty God and not Islam.

* PRAY that as David recognized the Godly significance of the
City of Jerusalem, we will be challenged today to "Pray for the
peace of Jerusalem: they will prosper that love thee.'' (Psalms
l22:6) Ask God for lsrael to have the courage (in the Lord) not
to discuss Jerusalem at all! The battle of words is on, as in l
Samuel 17 between the Philistines and Israel.

May all who are faithful Watchmen on the Wall for Israel, move
into the front lines of prayer, as each day, this tiny nation
faces more intense spiritual warfare against her. We need prayer
warriors to mount up, increase in number and pray that the Lord
will shield lsrael from unseen dangers.

Waiting for His Return,

Sharon Sanders, Jerusalem

Please copy and disseminate this prayer material as far and wide
as possible to the Body of Christ

Christian Friends of Israel
PO Box 1813, Jerusalem, 91015, ISRAEL
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Christian Friends of Israel - USA
PO Box 19227
Charlotte, NC 28219-9227
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
INTERNET: 74111.552@cis
A Crash Victim's Faith
A Crash Victim's Faith
A CRASH VICTIM'S FAITH
By Teresa Giordanengo


Everyone was shocked to hear of the USAir Flight 427 plane crash
near The Pittsburgh International Airport on September 8, 1994.
All 132 aboard perished.

One of the passengers, Kirk D. Lynn, 26, was a senior
programmer/analyst in Management Information Systems for a local
bank. He exemplified the life of a Christian at work, as well
as in his leisure times. He was a devout Christian and never
turned anyone away who needed help.

He was a soloist at the First Evangelical Church in McKeesport,
Pennsylvania. In the months before he died, he felt compelled to
share his faith with others. Lynn was planning to devote more
time to a sacred music ministry at the time he died in the
crash. But death, it seems, has not stopped his calling.

A tape recording of "As We Sail To Heaven's Shore", a ballad Mr.
Lynn sang in church eleven days before the crash, is touching
the hearts of many today. It's ironic that his faith and
testimony in that song are reaching more people in his death
than he ever could have imagined. His church is giving away
copies of the tape to more than 1,000 people who have called and
written from far and near.

The hymn tells of a journey to heaven on stormy seas, with
God's hand guiding the way. It opens, "Storms may rise on seas
unknown, while we journey toward our home. Surely we'll learn
what grace is for, as we sail to heaven's shore."

Mr. Lynn's singing and the lyrics by Phill McHugh have moved
many to tears, including dozens at a small service for several
of the passengers from southwestern Pennsylvania. His father
said that he ministered wherever he went and wanted us to think
about the song as a prayer.
Following in His Footprints
Following in His Footprints
FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTPRINTS

By Gwen Lawan Johnson


"Heavenly Father, please help me get to the top of this steep
road," I prayed. It was beginning to get dark and I knew my
parents must be worried about me.

My brother had needed someone to carry his paper route. It was
the longest route in St. Joseph, Missouri, but I'd volunteered
to take over for him while he was recuperating from a bad case
of the mumps. I hadn't expected to be carrying papers when the
ground was slick as glass.

First it had snowed, and then it had rained and frozen over. In
order to reach a few isolated houses I'd had to go down a steep
country road. Going down had been easy.

By sitting down it had become a block long slide. Getting back
up the steep incline was another matter. I tried time after
time, but even crawling on my hands and knees I'd slip
backwards. I'd tried grabbing hold of the tops of small shrubs
buried in the snow at the side of the road, but they crumbled in
my mittens.

I could get out another way by hiking out over the railroad
tracks but I wouldn't be able to make it home before dark.

"Gwennie, is that you?", My father shouted to me from the top of
the road.

"It's me, daddy" I yelled back, happy that he'd come.

As the familiar figure of my father drew closer I felt a deep
sense of relief. I know he'd be able to help me. "I was
beginning to think I'd never get home tonight. I just couldn't
seem to get to the top of this road no matter what I did," I
told my father.

"When it became so late your mother and I figured you were stuck
somewhere. Grab hold of me, Gwennie. I'll get you to the top."

I felt secure with my father's arms around me, pulling me toward
the top. My daddy's size thirteen shoes were able to dig into
the snow. So I could follow in his footprints. About a third of
the way up the steep incline, we were doing so well I stepped
out ahead of my father. As I did, I slipped and my father and I
went shooting back down the road toward the bottom laughing all
the way.

Once again we started up the steep road. This time we made it
further up. Once more I grew confident enough to pull out ahead
of my father. My feet slipped out from under me and I fell,
pulling my father down with me. He landed with a thud. When we
could stop laughing my father sat grinning at me. "She's sure a
slick one. Gwennie, if you want to get home tonight I think
you'd better let me do the leading. Why don't you just follow in
my footprints?"

Many years later while reading my Bible I thought about that
night. That's exactly what we need to do with Jesus... let Him
do the leading while we follow in His footprints. That way we
don't slip and fail. It's when we pull out ahead and try to do
things in our own strength that we're sure to stumble and slide
into temptation.