*Volume 103 *No. 07 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *SEPTEMBER 2008
Contents: The Bride We Welcome You Back The Music of the Fields Eradicating Roots Three Graduates A Word from Jo & Poetry by Byrum Lee A Look at the Book of Matthew Letters…and more
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The W edding
“I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb…the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down…it shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal…” Rev. 21 The Bride in the Wedding is the Church – each born-again person whose heart is washed white as snow, and The Bridegroom in the Wedding is the Lamb – Jesus Christ Who shed His blood to wash away the darkness of sin. The angel told John to not seal up these words because the time of the Bridegroom’s return is near. Jesus’ words remain genuine in 2008: “Behold, I am coming soon!...I am the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End…I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches...Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the City.” Rev.22
“…as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will God rejoice over you.” Isa. 62:5 “For the wedding of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” Rev. 19 In the book of Revelation, John, the writer, tells about seeing the Holy City coming out of heaven - from God - as a bride “beautifully dressed for her husband.” Rev.21 In fact, one of seven angels said to John: ↑
The church recalls that once it knelt without hope, dead in sin; yet, Jesus forgave completely. And before the Bridegroom comes, the Church urges others to be liberated from bondage and to become the chosen of God, holy and dearly loved. Colossians 2, 3 YOU are invited to the Wedding! YOU can be one of the chosen. “… Jesus said again, ‘I tell you the truth, I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved.’” John 10. Jesus was slain and with His blood, He “purchased” every person “for God from every tribe and language and people……”
The Music of the Fields
September is here, and we welcome You back! In continuing to edit this special periodical, I sincerely offer the following scripture as my only credential: “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power. Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me…” (to share the) …“unsearchable riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3) Christian Triumph joyfully looks forward to sharing many more stories of Jesus, God’s words from the Bible, songs, articles of inspiration, and missionary news! Please feel free to send your personal comments, original articles or poems to Christian Triumph, PO Box 5187, 905 Bluntzer, Corpus Christi, Texas 78465-5187. Your participation is valued, and we truly appreciate you! –editor (Nancy) _________________________________________ Song to Live By
Have you ever listened closely To the music of the fields? A concert is in session— Tune your heart so you can feel The intense, unique distinctions Of each song that’s being sung, And the instrumental playing That includes the insect drums. The wind is whistling gently In its orbital routine, The frog croaks very deeply In his bass voice by the stream. The birds declare a contest As each manifest his song And all the insects gather For their song fest all day long. (Continued on Page 3)
Faith Messenger Permit #695 Periodical Paid at Corpus Christi, Texas Published monthly, except July and August. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
Tell Me the Story of Jesus
Christian Triumph Company P.O. Box 5187 905-909 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, Texas 78405
Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious. Sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels, in chorus, Sang as they welcome his birth, Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth. (chorus) Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious. Sweetest that ever was heard.
L.Y. Janes, Founder (deceased); Steve Beletic, President; Israel Hernandez, Vice-President; William Anderson, 2nd Vice-President; Diana Beletic, Secretary/Treasurer; Una Collins, Asst. Sec./Treas. This periodical is issued without charge in the name of the Lord Jesus to help inspire child-like faith and maintain Christ-like simplicity among the people of God. To send donations or for your FREE SUBSCRIPTION, write to the address above or contact Christian Triumph Co. at christiantriumph@yahoo.com. Or see us on the web at christiantriumphcompany.com
Fanny J. Crosby 1820-1915 (With Refrain John R. Sweeney 1837-1899)
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Eradicating Roots
The Music of the Fields Continued from Pg. 2
The trumpet is exacting – And the cello notes are clear. The guitar is often strumming With the banjo playing near. All you have to do is listen And they’ll entertain for free. No where else is there such pleasure And such natural artistry!
There were some weeds growing in our yard and what an unsightly mess! Just think of the seeds that might eventually grow or spread from this patch. When I began to clear the weeds out, there seemed to be several leaves, branches and stems but yet only one main root. It took some effort but finally the ugly mess was cleared. Just like those weeds, we sometimes discover unfavorable roots of bad attitudes in our lives, maybe even envy, anger or other things that sadden us. And from those unfavorables, grow branches that shoot out with tiny bits of bitterness and unrest resulting in sorrow and sadness. Since the natural person experiences these hurtful roots, it takes our Heavenly Father’s love to cleanse and heal them. He is very able to do so as we call upon Him in prayer, yielding to His deliverance. 1st John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” What a wonderful promise! As we responsibly pray to God in faith, believing that He will cleanse our hearts, then we can be free from those things that cause discord and turmoil. It is so Great to be Free! --Anita
The pretty floral back-ground Is creatively designed— Adds perfection to the setting Makes the music more sublime. So if you are ever hungry To be richly entertained— God’s great outdoor amphitheater Is the place your heart can claim! -Maxine Trigleth
“You are God’s field” “The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:8-9
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? … See how the lilies of the field grow. … If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown in the fire, will he not much more clothe you … But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, For tomorrow will worry about itself.” Matt.6 GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
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so is to help us spread the word about Walking Man. Here are our top 10 suggestions to what to do after you read the book. Each effort will ultimately benefit missions work in Latin America – the point of which is leading the lost to Christ. May God bless your every effort!
Dear Faith Messenger Friend, Have you received your book, Walking Man, By Narciso Zamora? The books were mailed the first week in August, 2008. The books were sent to individuals; however, if a church would like one also, please write us.
1. Tell your friends about Walking Man 2. Post a review about Walking Man on www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com 3. Give your copy of Walking Man to a friend and ask that they do the same after reading it 4. Mention Walking Man on a blog site 5. Recommend Walking Man to a church or community reading group 6. Tell a local Spanish ministry about the free ebook of Walking Man in Spanish, Caminante Con Dios, available for download at www.walkingman.ws 7. Send e-mails to your friends with your favorite Walking Man excerpts and quotes 8. Donate your copy of Walking Man to your church library 9. Recommend Walking Man on your social networking site (Facebook, Shelfari, Booknolia.com) 10. Ask your local library and Christian bookstore to carry Walking Man
These books were paid for by an anonymous donor at no cost to our missionary partners. The books are an expression of our appreciation. Thank you + 10 Things You Can Do to Support Missions in Latin America without Spending a Dime by Donna Schillinger Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, Christian Triumph was able to send a copy of Walking Man: A Modern Missions Experience in Latin America by Narciso Zamora to each of our individual subscribers. By now you should have received your copy and we hope that you are enjoying it as much as we did. We were so pleased at the repeated mention of the role of Christian Triumph and Evelyn Anderson in the ministry of Pastor Zamora and the growth of the Church of God in Peru, Ecuador and Chile.
Three Graduates Christian Triumph (local) Bible Institute
Walking Man is such an inspiring story that the book in itself can be used as a tool to inspire Christians to a greater commitment, expose people to the ministries of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) and Christian Triumph Company, and even to lead the lost to Christ. We hope that you will use it for one of these purposes. Additionally, the author’s and part of the publisher’s proceeds from the sale of Walking Man go directly back into the mission work in Latin America. If you want to support missions in Latin American, an easy and expense-free way of doing
Congratulations! God Bless You! 4
POETRY by Byrum Lee
We are Given a Seed of Faith by Jo
OF SUNSHINE AND RAIN Romans 8:28
In Matthew 9: 29, Jesus says, “According to your faith be it unto you.” Jesus talks about faith as a grain of mustard seed. Try thinking of yourself as a farmer; we plant the seed by faith, hoping a plant will grow. We do not actually see the roots growing, but we know that if we water and fertilize the plant, there will be results. This is called “faith to believe,” and when this seed comes forth, it will produce fruit. The following is a poem that I would like to include so that it might encourage you.
This life is a mixture of sunshine and rain, With sorrows and joys more than I can explain. But God has been with me through everything, And I'll trust Him, whatever the future may bring. When storm-clouds are thick, and the sky's overcast, I have the assurance that it will not last. As the clouds break apart, and the rainbow I view, I'm reminded again that God's promise is true. So, when I experience sorrow and pain, Since this too will pass, I refuse to complain. God promised that always He will with me stay, And He'll see me through it, or take it away.
THIS I KNOW I know not why some days are sad And filled with grief and pain; But this I know: Tho skies be gray The sun will shine again.
Chorus: Whether sunshine or rain, God is always the same. My constant Companion He promised to be, And that's more than sufficient for me. --Byrum C. Lee 04/2008 ----------
For after winter follows spring When flowers bloom anew; And God, in love, is working now His purposes for you. Your trials will pass in His own time; Friend, you will see the sun, For there awaits a shining dawn When clouds their work have done.
THOSE OLD CAMP MEETING DAYS I remember those old camp meeting days When saints came together, their God to praise. It didn't seem to matter a whole lot That the benches were hard and the air was hot.
By Beverly J. Anderson
Faith is knowing that God is true to His Word! With love in Christ Jesus One of God’s Grandmas_________________
I can still hear those voices raised in song. The preaching was usually quite long, But with God speaking through His servant The congregation was quite observant.
God sees our tears!
It was as though God was speaking from heaven. And when the altar-call was given Sinners, to the mourners' bench came down. The saints also came, them with prayer to surround.
“Those who sow in tears Will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, Carrying seed to sow, Will return with songs of joy, Carrying sheaves with him.” Psa. 126
Those were the days of Holy Ghost revival; There was no T.V. to be our rival. (See Page 6) 5
POETRY by Byrum Lee
previous verses: “So, then, if you bring your gift to the altar, and if you there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go, and first be reconciled…”so he repeats in this scenario. Here, a picture is portrayed of two adversaries on their way to court. Jesus advises them to settle the matter before they reach the Judge where only worse trouble awaits. It was not unusual in ancient times for a plaintiff to arrest the defendant if caught in the act of a crime. In fact, he could grab the defendant by his robe at the throat, almost strangling him. Specific crimes justifying this treatment were stealing clothes, picking pockets, kidnapping slaves, and breaking into homes. When found guilty, the defendant was handed over to the court officer who made sure the required penalty was paid. Jesus’ advice was sensible for often a misunderstanding or quarrel, if not healed immediately, will intensify, making things worse as time goes on. The more a pot stews, the hotter it becomes. Bitterness leads to more bitterness. The Words of Jesus “get on good terms again with your opponent” may indeed be a practical bit of advice but those Divine words also may have an eternal meaning as Jesus’ desire was to prepare us for Heaven. His Words indicate that to be right with God (in Heaven), we must also be right with our fellow-man. At times, a simple misunderstanding divides persons and is difficult to resolve, especially if one feels sincerely innocent of wrong behavior. Even so, it is still prudent to resolve the matter. Through the merciful grace of God, one can take the first step towards healing the break and sorting out the confusion. That “first step” is not always easy, but prayer and faith in God will make all the difference. Making things right with our families or fellowmen is in itself an action with limitations, because one’s appointed time to depart this world is often quick and unexpected. The opportunity to resolve issues suddenly ends as we take our place before our Savior and Judge. Jesus advised his listeners to get things settled before they reached the courts; as well, he may have been advising us to never leave a misunderstanding or quarrel unresolved. OCT. ISSUE: Matthew 5: 27, 28
Continued from Page 5
THOSE OLD CAMP MEETING DAYS And although we worked hard, there still was time To spend in prayer; a time most sublime! In my mind's eye I once again can gaze On those hands, which to God were upraised. Yes, since then we've come a very long way, But I still recall those old camp meeting days. If we can't go back to those “good ol' days,” And what seems today like “old fashioned ways,” Holy Spirit, somehow reawaken These hearts of ours with your mighty power. Zechariah said that in the evening Light again we would be receiving; That Living Water will once again flow, And the whole world, our Lord will come to know. Byrum C.Lee 06/2008
A LOOK AT THE BOOK OF MATTHEW SERMON ON THE MOUNT Chapter 5 (Reference for this study comes from the Holy Bible as well as the book, The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1 By William Barclay) Matthew 5: 25-26 “Get on to good terms again with your opponent, while you are still on the road with him. In case your opponent hands you over to the judge, and the judge hands you over to the court officer and you be cast into prison. This is the truth I tell you – if that happens, you certainly will not come out until you have paid the last farthing.” – Jesus In the June Faith Messenger, we learned that “humble pie” can be delicious as I told the story of praying and receiving the strength to apologize and end the hurt between myself and a family member. In this section of Matthew, Jesus is again speaking about relationships. Just as he said in the 6
first child, and she was so kind and thoughtful. I will never forget her. We have received the Faith Messenger for many years. May God bless you and increase your ministry. In Christian Love, Linda and Karl
OKLAHOMA “It has been some time I have written to you. As soon as I receive the Faith Messenger, I sit down and read it. We have a lot of wind here at Shattuck no rain which we need so badly. May God bless each one of you. Alice
PENNSYVANIA I am writing to ask all you good people to please pray for me to be healed. I have arthritis in my knees and it hurts me so much that it interferes with my work…I will myself keep on praying and you all pray for me too. I want to be healed soon. M.Y.
WASHINGTON I have much to be thankful. I remember my visit with my granddaughter to Corpus Christi. Fond memories. Think of you with fondness. Love in Christ, Vesta
TEXAS Thank you for using such an appropriate picture with my poem, “Twilight.” My childhood setting was a farm with a tall silo and barn combination. This picture brought back many pleasant memories. I am honored that you have found some of my materials useful for your paper. Thank you! We look forward to your paper in Sept. Warmly, Maxine__________________________ ______________________________ From the Editor to You: We appreciate each and every letter which is received. The requests are prayed for earnestly, and we trust our Father to meet the needs. We do not forget you as the days pass and the work continues. You are a special part of our lives as well as a part of this ministry. We are concerned about any problems or needs that you have. Please feel free to write us for prayer. If you do not wish your letter to be used in the Faith Messenger, please just tell us, and we will keep it confidential. We never wish to offend but only to bring encouragement and inspiration.
NEW JERSEY God bless you all. Please send me some Bible tracts. 1000 in Spanish 1000 in English Rosa INDIANA Ref: Time and the Stranger – March 2008 issue of the Faith Messenger regarding article on T.V... Satan can transform himself into “an angel of light” (II Cor 11:14). He can make sinfulness look so innocent, even needful. He will woo the unsuspecting person into danger, while blinding them of the harm. What do we get out of what we watch? The Psalm 101:3, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.” Anita (More of this article in the OCT. Faith Messenger) TEXAS We enjoyed our visit to Christian Triumph. It was a blessing to see and hear what is in the future for the Triumph. Mother was thrilled to see Evelyn and my son-inlaw was impressed and is talking to others about the Mission and their needs. Love in Christ, Jo
COMING IN OCTOBER The October issue of the Faith Messenger will be detailed for your interest. It will include pictures of the Christian Triumph grounds, the Hernandez family & staff, the church and its members, including boys and girls, Evelyn Anderson, documents such as the certificates for the Spanish Bible Correspondence Course, and even a photograph of the Gulf. It will be our plan to “bring you” to Christian Triumph through pictures and descriptive information. Many thanks for all that you do!
OHIO Dear Friends, I met Sister Anderson in l967 when my husband and I pastored the church in McAllen, Texas. It was a difficult time for us; we were young and had our 7
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“Then the angel said to me, ‘Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’” Rev. 19
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