Feature Article: Endeavoring to set forth God's purpose and grace according to 2 Timothy 1:8-11 Jan - Mar 2011, Winter Edition, Vo l u m e 60, I s s u e 4
Inside This Issue
Jim Jim Shemaria Shemaria knows knows aa thing thing or or two two about about extremes extremes havhaving ing dealt dealt with with the the Force Force and and writes writes from from the the heart heart in in his his article about unhealthy exarticle about unhealthy extremes. tremes.
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PUBLISHER: Frosty Hansen EDITOR: Philip Cereghino
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COLUMNISTS: Dr. Sam Vinton, Jr. Kenneth B. Kemper, Scott Myers Ed Jeude, Frosty Hansen THEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: Dr. Sam Vinton, Jr.
A Sports Analogy and Church Health by Frosty Hansen
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A Tale of Christian Service by Kenneth B. Kemper
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The Impact of Upbringing by Caleb Befus
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The Grave Is Yet Victorious by Pastor Scott Myers
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FEATURED CARTOONIST: Bill Connolly The publishing of TRUTH, a quarterly magazine emphasizing the doctrines of the dispensation of grace, is to provide individuals and churches with Bible studies, articles of Christian concern and devotion, and news about Grace Gospel Fellowship (GGF), Grace Bible College, Grace Ministries International, Grace Publications, and other Grace organizations and activities. The views and opinions expressed in the ads and articles are those of the authors and organizations. They do not necessarily reflect the view of GGF and/or the editorial staff of TRUTH. PUBLISHED by Grace Gospel Fellowship, a nonprofit religious corporation, incorporated in the State of Michigan. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9432, Grand Rapids, MI 49509 phone: 616-245-0100 email: info@ggfusa.org web site: www.ggfusa.org
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Ed Jeude’s Ed Says
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Bill Connolly’s Leah from Berea
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Regional News
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Cover photo credit: Property of Design Pics Inc., reproduced here by license agreement with the GGF, for their end use only. TRUTH Magazine is the quarterly membership periodical of the GGF. Gift subscriptions can be purchased through the national office. Page 2
by Frosty Hansen, President of Grace Gospel Fellowship
An Analogy from Sports Lou Gehrig (1903-1941), one of the greatest baseball players of all time, had a 17-year playing career with the New York Yankees. Gehrig was a stellar defensive player at first base and batted clean-up for the famed Murderers’ Row, putting up phenomenal statistics at the plate that included a .340 career batting average and 23 career grand slams, a mark that still stands. Gehrig’s most notable achievement was his 2,130 consecutive games played (1925-1939), which earned him the nickname “The Iron Horse.” That record remained unbroken until Cal Ripken Jr. eclipsed it in 1995. The playing streak and career were abruptly halted by an unexplainable weakness in his body, which made it hard to grip a baseball, hold a bat or run without stumbling. A trip to the Mayo Clinic produced the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS is a rare, debilitating disease in which nerve cells that control muscle movement gradually die. Eventually, those who have ALS lose the ability to move their limbs, to swallow, speak and breathe. Doctors don’t know what causes ALS. There is no known cure for this disease that can cause a healthy, strong body like Lou Gehrig’s to quickly waste away and expire – all
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because unseen cells malfunction and cease to operate in conjunction with the rest of the body. In his letters, Paul often uses the imagery of the human body to refer to the Church, calling it the Body of Christ. He states that God has brought believers into an interdependent relationship with one another, so that “in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Rom. 12:5). That last phrase is important: Each member belongs to all the others; every part relies upon all of the other parts. A malfunction of even the minutest cell impacts every member, weakening the entire body and hindering its usefulness. Perhaps you have witnessed the tragedy of spiritual ALS in a church. A congregational decision is made, words are exchanged, and both sides feel they have been wronged. When they gather on Sunday morning they may still share a brief smile and handshake, presenting the façade of a healthy, Christ-honoring body. Yet the internal seething, distrust and self-interest, which lay beneath the surface have weakened the congregation’s effectiveness as a body and its testimony in the community. The difficulty in resolving this real-life conflict is that both sides feel that God is on their side. After all, Page 3
Gehrig’s disease occurs when unseen cells malfunction and cease to operate in conjunction with the rest of the body.
“We prayed about it, so God is leading us. The others must be outside of His will.” The same argument gets repeated in churches, personal relationships and even among Christian leaders. Everyone digs in their heels with the confidence that they are “right” and then holds on until the other side flinches. The result? Churches split; relationships are broken; brothers in Christ are divided. This is so contrary to God’s plan! A body does not function effectively by each part being “right,” but by every part working in harmony with the others. “But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lack it, so that there should be no division in See Fate, continued on page 16
“A Tale of Christian Service” by Kenneth B. Kemper President, Grace Bible College Characters: Dad – Ron Jones, the father of the Christian Family; Mom - Marilyn Jones, the mother and consummate Christian worker; Amanda – the 15-year old daughter committed to performance; Jimmy – the 6-year old little brother doing as told and wanting to serve as well. SCENE I
Mom: Oh, Ron, you haven’t been paying attention, it’s past 4 o’clock. Our final rehearsal for the Christmas Program starts at 4:30. You know it’s been snowing. I’ll call Amanda and get Jimmy bundled up, and... and I’ve got to get all the decorations I picked out into the car too! Amanda! Are you ready to go? Amanda! Amanda: Okay, Mom. I was on the phone with Jen; she’s upset because she didn’t get one of the solo parts in the Christmas program. She’s thinkin’ Melanie just doesn’t have a nice voice, but I think Melanie sings that part in “Little Town of Bethlehem” just fine…what do you think mom?
Sunday afternoon in the Jones home between the front room, kitchen, and entryway. Football game can be heard on T.V.
Mom: I think we need to get out the door…Jimmy put your gloves on, too. It’s so cold out there!
Mom: Ron, will you please turn that off and get the car ready.
Dad: Ah, but no one can sing it like you, Princess! You, Amanda, will probably be on American Idol someday!
Dad: Now? What’s the rush, honey?
Jimmy: I would never want to sing in front of those silly T.V. people and act like they do, dad!
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Mom: Ron! I need you to... Dad: I’m out the door and the car will be ready in 60 seconds! Clock’s running! (Dad goes out closing the door behind him) Mom: (Delivers this line to the door) Take some of these decorations please, there’s too much for just me to carry! (Turns to Amanda as she goes to put her coat on as well) Amanda, you can take some out. (Exhales) Jimmy, I think you might be right about those T.V. people. Amanda: (As she puts her coat on) Oh, wouldn’t that be something... me on T.V. someday. You’d like that, wouldn’t you little Jim-Jim, your big sis being famous? Jimmy: I’m not “little” – I’m 6 years old now and go to school. (Turns to Mom). Mom, what’s my part in the Christmas play? Amanda: “Baaaaaaaa!” You’re one of the woolly sheep – along with the other little boys. Except for Brad, he is too big to be a sheep, so he’s a cow. (laughs) Mom: Amanda, you be careful how you talk about Brad, you could hurt his feelings! Jimmy: Yeah, he’s my friend, even if he’s a 3rd grader and big enough to be in Junior High. He’s an awesome football player – he might be on T.V. someday too! Mom: Let’s get out to the car, kids. Jim-Jim, Jimmy, Jim, carry these decorations; Amanda, do you have your dress for rehearsal and the music you’ve been practicing? Amanda: Yeah, got ‘em mom. Oh, it’s freezing, let’s run for it! (She dashes out to the car.) Mom: I’ll lock up, see you in the car kids…Scoot, Jim-JimJimmy-Jim! They all race out the door through the snow to the car and scramble to get inside with their arms full. SCENE II The Jones family seated in the car driving to church to make it for rehearsal. Mom: I hope Elizabeth brought those red ribbons the Decorations Committee decided on, to put on all the wreaths and trees – all the ladies agreed with me that it would look so nice. Oh, and I hope she got the velvety ones, not those shiny plastic ones. I just hate that cheap,
flashy look... but love the soft, subtle look of the velvety ones, don’t you agree Ron? Dad: Ahhhh…yes dear…as I’ve said a hundred times, you have incredible taste, Marilyn – after all, you chose ME, didn’t you? You know, I was really hoping to see the Bears game this afternoon. I forgot we had this practice. Hey, I could just drop you and the kids off and still see the game. You could…ah…tell ‘em I just wasn’t up to it. After all, you “volunteered” me to sing with Bill and Aaron. I know they can do it alone without me! Mom: Ron, you’re singing “We Three Kings!” There must be three of you! Dad: Well, can’t they just change a few words? Amanda: Our Sunday School teacher taught on the wise men and said we really don’t know how many wise men there were, because the Bible doesn’t say – it just says that there were three gifts, so people imagine there were three wise men! I think maybe there were five…or even six! Jimmy: Really? That would mean so many Christmas cards and posters are all lying! Mom, is that true? ‘Cuz I drew some cards with a picture of three kings! Mom: Jimmy, don’t worry – there were three kings and your dad is one of them tonight! Dad: If I were a king, I could decide where I needed to be and when! Mom: Oh, so you want to be “crowned,” your highness? That can be arranged! Amanda: Oooh, zing! Good one mom! Jimmy: If dad is king, that makes me a prince – does a prince get crowned too? ‘Cuz if dad gets one, I want one too! Amanda: Jimmy, you’re a woolly sheep, remember? But we could go to Burger King after the Christmas program tomorrow night and get you a crown if you really need one! Jimmy: Is that where the three kings will be? Dad: Maybe in one of those “misadventure meals” or something! I guess I’ll get home in time to see the football highlights tonight. Will we get to sample the cookies tonight?
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Dad: Hey Jimmy, let’s upload that, too!
Mom: No Ron, those are for tomorrow night on Christmas Eve! You can wait one more day! Jimmy: I need to finish decorating my Christmas ornaments. Mom, do we have time later tonight? I need to give them away to people at the program. Mom: We can finish those up in the morning Jimmy. The glitter and glue will still dry in time. Dad: So, no food tonight? Mom: There will be the sub sandwiches for the youth mission trip at church we can buy for $3 each. We’ll each get one of those. Amanda: Adam, the youth pastor, says we’ve raised over $1000 for the Mexico missions trip over Spring Break. Too bad I can’t go because I’m in the school play and will be rehearsing for my important part in Cinderella – it does sound like a fun trip! Dad: (Sarcastically) Yeah, going to Mexico, living in tents, fighting off cockroaches, building pit toilets in the hot sun for a school sounds like my idea of a great vacation! Mom: Ron, it’s ministry – it’s not supposed to be fun! Like our pastor was saying this morning, we please the Lord by working to help people. That’s why I volunteer to do all of these decorations and make this year’s Christmas program a great production…after last year’s debacle! Jimmy: I liked last year’s, when we went out to sing to the people at the mission and bring food and clothes to them. I was kinda scared at first, but those people were so nice and happy we came. Mom: But only twenty-five people showed up – our worst Christmas program ever! This year, we have over sixty people just practicing and decorating tonight for our big show tomorrow – it will be quite the production and the church will be packed, probably over 200 people! All the parents and grandparents will have cameras and camcorders! Dad: I just love the candles when they turn the lights down low – our church is so pretty! Amanda: Will it be recorded? I mean, when I sing my solo, can I get a copy to put on Facebook and upload to YouTube? That would be so cool!
Jimmy: And get our crowns loaded too at Burger King! Dad: (Laughs) I love it! Here we are kids…. I’ll just drop you all at the door and go park the car because it’s still snowing and I don’t... Mom: And then come in for practice, Mr. Valet! I’m making no excuses for a rogue, runaway wise guy! Dad: Okay, see you in a minute – but I want to check the score first, since I haven’t really seen any football at all today… well, just the Lions. Mom: See you inside! The car doors slam; mom and kids make a run for the church door with their arms full. Dad parks the car; and they participate in rehearsal. SCENE III Next day (Christmas Eve), back in the car after the finish of the Christmas Program en route home. Mom: Oh, my… I am exhausted! But what a crowd and what a production! Amanda: So many people came up to me afterwards during the refreshments and told me that my song was the best part of the whole program! Oh, that was so fun, but I wish the spotlight had been more focused on me when I sang, instead of so broad and dispersed. Dad: You did wonderful, Princess – I wish I could say the same for our “We Three Stooges” – or ah, I mean “Kings,” number. Jimmy: I thought that was funny, Dad, how you guys started and stopped and sang different words! Mom: Oh, it was fine honey; and weren’t the decorations and goodies wonderful? We worked so hard to make it just right – do you think the people noticed how nice it was? Amanda: I heard someone say, “It must have cost a fortune to do all that, where did the money come from this year?” Mom: That’s because we didn’t want some low-budget fiasco this year. I think it was just lovely. Dad: It was beautiful, Marilyn, just beautiful. Where were you after the program, Jimmy? I didn’t see you. Jimmy: I was finding all the people and giving them my handmade Christmas ornaments!
Jimmy: Baaaaaa! Baaaaa!
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Mom: Yes, Jimmy, but many people were at the food tables talking with us and you weren’t there! Jimmy: No, I was only giving them to people who I thought needed some Christmas cheer. Let’s see, I gave ornaments to the Thompsons, the Martins, and one to old Mrs. Galbraith, and Mary Ellen. I see them most weeks and no one ever talks with them. Mom: (Nervous little laugh) I don’t even know who all those people are, Jimmy. Were they all there tonight? Jimmy: Of course they were, and every one of them gave me a big hug and told me they will put my present on their tree and treasure it! It’s fun to give a gift to someone who really needs it and appreciates it! I also gave an ornament to Mrs. Wheeler – her husband is in an old people’s home. And to Mr. Riley, because his wife died last spring and he never looks very happy anymore. That lady you call Shirley wasn’t on my list, but she saw me giving a gift to Mr. Riley, so I went over to her and gave her an ornament, too – did you know that she got divorced last month, Mom?
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Dramatic pause. Dad, Mom, Amanda have looks of astonishment. Jimmy has put on a Burger King crown as he amuses himself and begins quietly humming, “We Three Kings.” Dad: (With profound amazement) Jimmy, you are something else. I’m so glad you gave something to those folks! Mom: (Slightly defensive) You know what? we all did (searching for a word) something tonight... didn’t we? (With new awareness) Jimmy, I’m also glad…showing us all how we can serve. Amanda: (Confused) We served, didn’t we? Isn’t God pleased with us? Dad: Well... the Bible says... (after a few attempted starts) God looks at the heart, and He is the one who knows for sure. (Jimmy has been amusing himself this whole time and is still humming, Dad looks at crown) Let’s get home and remember God’s gift to us – the baby Jesus who came and served in the supreme way! With that, the Jones Family breaks into singing “We Three Kings.”
Fin
1011 Aldon St. SW, P.O. Box 9405, Grand Rapids, MI 49509; Phone: 616-241-5666, Fax: 616-538-0599; E-mail: gmi@gracem.org
Camron and Caleb, sons of missionaries Chuck and Joy Befus, who serve under GMI in Costa Rica.
by Caleb Befus
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of [narrative/identity/ character], because you know those from whom you learned it [community], and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures [centrality of Scripture], which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus [centrality of Jesus Christ]. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness [work of Scripture], so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good by Pastor Scott Myers work [virtues/practices]. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
learned of Jesus’ life, teachings and work on the Cross is worked out in community through my ability to claim my actions (past and present) as my own as I continue to work out a coherent sense of myself (character), which directs me toward full-time ministry for God and society.
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This encouragement, which the Apostle Paul relays to Timothy, depicts various elements that form the basis for my desire to enter full-time ministry. The complete narrative of the Bible has informed and continues to guide my desire to enter full-time service to God. What I have
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I was blessed to be raised in a Christian missionary family in Costa Rica, Central America. Throughout my upbringing I have been taught directly from the Word of God from my parents, Chuck and Joy Befus, and my church family. Therefore, the Scriptures, with a special emphasis on a mid-Acts dispensational understanding of this present time of grace, has become central to my personal worldview and desire to continue in ministry. The complete narrative of the Bible is foundational in my desire to follow God’s will in my life, which I feel will only be fulfilled in serving Him through serving others. As I grew up, I became convinced that Scripture not only reveals God’s will for my life, but also informs my identity – my identity found in Christ in accordance with Galatians 2:20. Within the narrative of the Bible one comes across the
“The experiences in ministry have led me to see that there is no greater purpose in my life than to bring glory to God through doing ministry as was modeled for me in my youth.”
most influential person in my biblical worldview – Jesus Christ. Jesus set the example that all His followers are to imitate: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45). This verse has been my family’s key verse and motto since my earliest memories. The heart and attitude of service are overarching themes that inform and guide my everyday practices and actions. As the Apostle Paul sought to imitate Jesus in every way (1 Cor.11:1), so also is Jesus the ultimate example for me to follow and pattern my life after. My story (narrative) and community also inform and hold sway over my desire to go into full-time ministry. Paul’s direction to Timothy echoes this importance from the Scriptures: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it...” (2 Tim. 3:14). The process of learning and becoming convinced in order to take a certain stance requires time and living within a community. The family and community in which I was raised has encouraged and guided me in becoming the person I am today. The experiences in ministry have led me to see that there is no greater purpose in my life than to bring glory to God through doing ministry as was modeled for me in my youth. The process of life, which has unfolded before me, gives me a unique opportunity to establish practices and come up with patterns that truly function in my life. They establish a precedent of experiences that has enabled me to make better decisions that honor God. My upbringing has formed my character into the person that I am today. Character is essentially claiming one’s actions as one’s own. Well known ethicist, Stanley Hauerwas, defines character as, “Our ability to claim our actions as our own – that is, to claim them as crucial to our history – even those we regret, turns out to be a necessary condition for having a coherent sense of self – that is, our character.” I have become who I am as I “return” to my past, claim it as mine, and put it under the authority of
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Scripture so that I can claim my current actions as my own. Presently, I am seeking to develop my relationship with Christ as I further my education in the pastoral program at Grace Bible College. My desire is to use my experiences throughout my upbringing for a lifetime of ministry. The hope that I have in Christ is what I live for and have placed my faith upon; my future life with Christ (Phil. 3:20-21). It is the bright hope of a citizenship in heaven with a transformed body. This by no means requires that I “drop out” of life, rather it gives me something to strive for as I press hard (Phil. 3:14) to bring this same hope to those around me. I am well aware that I have not arrived, yet I press on as God shapes and molds me more and more each day. All that I have lived and become convinced of has guided me to strive to imitate Christ and live in accordance with Scripture. The complete narrative of the Bible, with a special emphasis on the revelation of the mystery (Eph. 3) given to the Apostle Paul, informs and guides my Christian values. Jesus’ life, teachings and work on the cross remain the foundational relationship in my life. The family and community God has graced me to grow up in have developed my life and worldview as I live constantly developing my personal narrative. My education at Grace Bible College has allowed me to develop as an individual and has increased my desire to serve God and society. My ability to claim my actions (past and present) as my own has given me a coherent sense of myself and my character. I recognize that I have not arrived at a complete and perfect worldview, yet I am desirous to continue in maturity as I press on to imitate Christ more and more each day (Phil. 3:12-17).
Caleb Befus is a Bachelor of Theology student at Grace Bible College. At the end of the spring semester 2011, he will do a six-month internship before returning to GBC to finish his studies and graduate in May 2012.
“Yes, we have hope, and yes, there is a glorious reunion when we graduate from this life to the next to be with the Lord or when He comes to take us home to be with Him forever… but you do no one a favor by minimizing the pain of the parting... or when you deny the sting of death.”
by Pastor Scott Myers
Wreaths Across America at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Littleton, Co.
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Every winter brings the festive Holiday Season and New Year’s celebrations, and while there is much joy to be shared there is also much loneliness and misery as well. Within the celebrations of Thanksgiving, Christmas and each New Year is the reminder of loved ones lost the previous year or years. And as sure as the ticking of the clock, that is a reality that many will face this year.
Part of the role a pastor must fill is that of a fellow traveler through the “valley of the shadow of death.” This fall has been no different. Two months ago I was invited into that “valley” by a family I had just become acquainted with. I knew this young couple from a distance; meaning that we attended the same “Boot Camp Fitness” program together, we had friends in common and they had brought their three sons to our VBS program last summer. But I really didn’t know them personally… that is, until I got a callMark from the wife asking if I would be willing to come and by Sooy visit her father-in-law who was dying of lung cancer.
So in early November, with fear and trepidation, I drove over to the home of a man I had never met, to talk with him and his family about the prognosis he had been given by his doctor: “At best, you have two months.” What do you say to someone who has been given that kind of information? How do you even begin a conversation? My father used to say, “When you don’t know what to say, say nothing… simply listen!” So that’s what I did. I introduced myself, thanked them for allowing me to share their pain, and then I listened to their stories. If you are willing to listen, you can learn a lot about a person, a lot about their hurts, their doubts, their mistakes, their fears… if you will actively listen, people will invite you into their hearts and they will tell you things that have been hidden for a long time. Steve (not his real name), told me that he was not a “church man” (his words), that he had attended Catholic Church but was turned off by all the ritual that seemed so empty. “I’m not very religious…” (also his words), to which I replied, “Well that’s good Steve,
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because neither am I.” That always gets me a few inquisitive looks. “I don’t have much use for church ritual or politics either,” I added, “or for the lists of dos and don’ts that seem to differ from church tradition to church tradition.” It was at that point that Steve looked at me and smiled, and everyone in the room relaxed. This man and his wife have two sons, two very loving daughters-in-law (he actually considered them his daughters), and six grandchildren that are the love of their lives. As we sat there they told story after story, and we laughed as each person shared memories of meaningful days they had spent together. But as time wore on it was obvious that Steve was uncomfortable for the pain he was dealing with made even sitting up very difficult. It seemed that it was time for me to leave, so I decided to go for it… to take the leap of faith and ask him about his future. “Steve, I told you I’m not religious, and I actually think religion has created a myriad of problems for us. So I don’t care if you don’t go to church; I don’t care if you ever did any of the things religion says you need to do. But I do care if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ!” And from there I shared the gospel with this stranger, who would become a very good friend. I would love to tell you that all is well and that Steve is still fighting the cancer that ravaged his body… but you know too well that fairy tales aren’t real and “happily ever after” doesn’t exist. Our God can and at times does heal, no question about it, but that was not to be my friend’s story. As we continued to visit over the weeks, we were able to share more of our lives together, and I was able to share more of the Truth with him and his dear wife. But on December 2, I got a call from his daughter-in-law that the end was near and could I come to the home as soon as possible. When I got there the family had all arrived… they were saying their good-byes, and then I began to pray. During our time in prayer Steve passed from the pain and misery of this life into the presence of his Lord, freed from his body of death. While Steve experienced the holidays in a new way, enjoying experientially what we can only imagine, his dear wife, sons and their wives, and all his grandchildren grieved like never before. The holidays are hard for those who
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have lost loved ones, even those who grieve in hope (1 Thes. 4:13). It does not matter how well you think you have prepared, you are never really ready when death comes… none of us are, even though we all know intrinsically that this is a path we will all travel. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, refers to the “sting of death, to the victory of the grave” (1 Cor. 15:55)… and every time you attend a funeral, memorial, or a graveside service, you are witness to the reality of that sting; your presence is testimony to that pain. Death has not been swallowed up in victory yet… one day it will be… but for now we still feel the sting of death. Yes, we have hope, and yes, there is a glorious reunion when we graduate from this life to the next to be with the Lord or when He comes to take us home to be with Him forever… but you do no one a favor by minimizing the pain of the parting, or by telling someone who grieves that they should “get over it,” or when you deny the sting of death. This past month I was honored to be invited by Steve into his journey, to witness the dignity of a man who loved his woman well, who loved and respected his sons and his daughters, and whose greatest joy was being “Papa” to his six grandbabies, but who lost his battle with cancer. One more family stung by death, one more victory for the grave. So when you hear of a family who has suffered the sting, go “weep with those who weep.” Leave the clichés at home; simply go and grieve with them. Listen well, speak little, pray often, and let the presence of the Spirit of God within you minister to them as you share in their sorrow. By the way, as I am finishing this article I got news that another acquaintance just lost their fourteen-year-old daughter… she was diagnosed with a heart condition just two years ago, and now she is gone! Thankfully her whole family believes in Jesus Christ, and they have a wonderful church family… but man this really stinks!
Scott Myers pastors Northwest Bible Church in Enumclaw, WA and is a regular columnist for Truth.
by Pastor J. M. Shemaria
“Like many boys, I discovered Star Wars at a young age. But unlike most, who would keep a healthy distance, I enveloped myself.... I took it to the extreme. During my “phase” all I would think, talk, draw, play, etc. was Star Wars.”
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Growing up, I was always the type of person who would dive in head first. When I was young, I would go on these kicks where my interest, passion and attention would be completely focused on a certain thing for a few months at a time. Now, I’m not talking about important, deep things like love or Bible study, but trifle hobbies and interests. Like many boys, I discovered Star Wars at a young age. But unlike most, who would keep a healthy distance, I enveloped myself. I had action figures, playing cards, posters, all of the films on VHS (original and special editions), soundtracks and yes, even an inflatable Jar-Jar Binks chair. I took it to the extreme. During my “phase” all I would think, talk, draw, play, etc. was Star Wars. To me, it was the ultimate movie experience, so why bother with anything else? However, my interest in Star Wars eventually began to fade and I began to focus my attention (all of my attention) on something else. Now, the problem with this personality “quirk” was not that I was passionate about something, but that I became so focused on it that I lost sight of all else. I’m sure that during my Star Wars phase there were plenty of fantastic films that brought with them fantastic action figures and inflatable chairs, but I couldn’t care less because I was Star Wars to the extreme.
Giving in to the Force In many forms that they take, extremes can be unhealthy. Not because they are a target for our passion and energy, but because they can easily act as blinders. This happens in all areas of life, including our theology. A clear
example of this can be seen in our view of how we as followers of Christ should share the gospel with those around us. There are often two forceful extremes in this discussion. One says that the gospel should only be shared through an unobtrusive, non-confrontational, friendshipdriven style, while the other believes that the only way to effectively present the salvation story is through direct and blunt terms (as to ensure biblical truth is heard in a timesensitive manner). But there are potential problems here. Both of these methods are successful. Both of these methods have biblical support. Both methods can become extremes if held to exclusively. And that can be unhealthy. As with much methodology in the church, there are criticisms from multiple perspectives. Those opposed to the more direct approach will often claim that this method can lead to ‘empty’ conversions – if God stirs someone’s heart, they may make a verbal commitment, but that person will often be left without the needed support system to help them grow into their new faith. On the other hand, critics of “friendship evangelism” (perhaps better termed, “relationship evangelism”) see the potential to come up short, simply getting to know someone without ever taking the critical step of presenting a clear and understandable message of the gospel. Falling too far to either side misses the point: Our God is a diverse creator who has displayed this in His creation of humans. Some of us seem to have been “wired” visually - needing to physically see with our eyes before it connects to our brains. Others of us need
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instead to hear something several times. Still, there are others who will understand after having a stimulating discussion. As followers of Jesus, we need to be constantly asking ourselves if we are doing all we can to share the hope of salvation, but we also need to be asking ourselves how we can best share that hope in each specific situation we encounter. No two people are exactly alike, and because of this, no two people will respond to the same method of presenting the gospel. Not too long ago I was in downtown Grand Rapids, MI for a public festival when I came across a group of Christians preaching publicly to the festival attendees about the need for repentance. As we walked by, I overheard some people saying that these loud, obnoxious types were obviously doing more harm than good. That method didn’t connect with them. A relative of mine, however, did come to know and accept the gospel through the ministry of a street evangelist. You know, those “loud, obnoxious types” who obviously are doing more harm than good by preaching to a passing audience. For her, it was just what she needed to hear. Both of these methods have been successful. Both of these methods have biblical support. Both of these methods are used by God. As Christians, entrusted with the message of reconciliation, we need to come to a place where we can accept that both are valid ways of sharing the gospel – depending on the situation.
Taming the Force But there is something that these methods have in common. Whether it is a friend or coworker with whom you have established a relationship, or with a complete stranger you may never see again, what will come across strongly is not the method or words that are used but the person who is using them. A life that is full of grace, peace and humility speaks with an authority that is far greater than any “evangelism strategy.” For me, it seems the question should not be which of these methods is the right way to share the gospel, but instead, am I living the type of life that earns me credibility to share the gospel whether or not the other person knows me? Page 13
Recently, some of the young adults at my church finished an in-depth study of Paul’s teachings at the end of Romans chapter 12. This section is full of inspiring wisdom and active instruction for living a Christ-filled life. During my study of these verses, something continued to jump out at me. In verse 14, Paul talks about blessing those who are trying to harm you. In verse 16 he writes about associating with all people, regardless of class or status. Verse 17 is a command to “give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all” (ESV, italics mine). Verse 18 continues this idea with a call to live peaceably with everyone. Verse after verse, Paul is reminding believers in Rome that the Christian lifestyle is not simply an “in house” issue. Being forgiving, caring and humble is a great way to live with other members of the Body of Christ, but it can’t stop there! Treating all people, regardless of religion, gender or social status with respect, dignity and love is an essential part of following God. Paul understands that our credibility with people outside of the church community is just as important as our credibility inside. Why does Paul care so much? So the church can receive more public funding? so we can be known as “nice people?” so that we can avoid any form of confrontation? He unpacks this question brilliantly in his letter to Titus. In chapter 2, Paul is urging Titus to be faithful in correctly teaching the word of God and truth of salvation. He gives instruction on how following God should play out in the lives of various people in his congregation. Older men are to be sound in faith, love and steadfastness. Older women are not to be slanderers. Younger women are to be faithful and pure, while younger men need to be self-controlled. Paul even gives Titus advice on how he, as the leader in the church should live as “a model of good works” (2:7, ESV). Then (and here’s where it get’s good), at the end of this section, Paul tells Titus how slaves should interact with their masters. They are to live lives of honesty and good faith “so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (2:10, ESV). The word “adorn” in this verse is the Greek word “cosmeo,” which literally means “to put in order” or “decorate.” This is the same word Paul uses 1 Timothy 2:9 when he teaches the importance of dressing modestly. Paul, through the inspiration of God, is teaching Titus something that is about more than slaves being good See Extremes, continued on page 18
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Fate, continued from page 3
the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other” (1 Cor. 12:24b-25, emphasis mine). God’s desire is for the Church to be a healthy Body, not divided but glorifying Christ through its unity.
Unity in the Bond of Peace: Key to Healthy Body We recognize that the unity of all believers in Christ during this dispensation is foundational to the theological position of the Grace Gospel Fellowship. In Ephesians 2:14-18, Paul describes an unprecedented act of unity as through Jesus Christ, the dividing wall of hostility that separated Jew and Gentile was broken down. Previously, Israel was near to God as His chosen covenant people (Rom. 9:4,5); Gentiles were far away from God, hopelessly excluded from His covenant blessings (Eph. 2:12). These two groups have now been brought together into “one new man,” the Body of Christ (2:15). How has this happened? “For [Christ] Himself is our peace,” Paul writes (2:14). That word “peace” is important. It refers to joining together that which was once separated; to make whole. Two nations at war are separated in some very critical ways, and the hostilities cease when they reach a stage of peace, thus being joined together. Paul says that
Christ Himself has reconciled us to God through the cross and, in doing so, has killed the hostility between Jew and Gentile, reconciling us to each other. This uniting of Jew and Gentile into “one new man” is central to what Paul describes as the mystery, God’s previously unrevealed secret. He describes it in Ephesians 3:6, “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (ESV). In other letters, Paul declares that racial and ethnic divisions, social classes, and gender distinctions are dissolved as we are all one in Christ, who is all and in all (Gal. 3:26-28; Col. 3:11; 1 Cor. 12:12-13). We are one in Christ! We thank God for this great theological truth; we rejoice in our positional unity in which God actually sees us as one, equal in Christ. But what do we do with the practical application? Enter spiritual ALS, that crippling disease that destroys us. We watch it destroy us with a fatalistic shrug of the shoulders, instead of becoming alarmed when the body malfunctions. Perhaps we have become so accustomed to a lack of unity that the only response we can think of is, “Oh, well, here we go again. There’s nothing we can do about it anyway.” Continued top of page 17 Phone: 1-360-876-0918 E-mail: pma@pmabcf.org www.pmabcf.org PO Box 2300 Port Orchard, WA 98366
A group of volunteers from Prison Mission Association and the Berean Bible Church in Spokane, WA had the opportunity to share the Good News of Christ and introduce our Bible lessons to a couple of groups of inmates at the Airway Heights Correction Center. On October 23-24 six volunteers went into the medium and minimum security units of that prison to provide musical entertainment, challenge them with a testimony from one of our team and lead small group Bible
studies that focused on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We were warmly received by the inmates and they showed tremendous interest in learning more about God’s word through enrolling in the Bible Correspondence Fellowship lessons. On Sunday morning our musical team, Steve and Erin Moore, also performed a special song for the church in Spokane. It was a blessed weekend.
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Part of the Team that shared the good news with inmates at the Airway Heights Correctional Center.
Continued from page 16
Christ” (10:31-11:1, emphasis mine). It wasn’t about Paul; it was about Christ and His glory.
Are You Ready for some Unity? The Word of God does not accept inaction. The clarion call to the Church is to give our all to protect the day-to-day unity of the Body: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3); “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Phil. 2:2); “If it is possible, as far as it depends upon you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). The Corinthian church was torn apart by at least four cliques that had formed in their congregation. Most certainly, each group felt a smug justification that they were in tune with the will of God while the others were not. Unity seemed impossible. Yet Paul would not give up hope: “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Cor. 1:10). What impresses me most about Paul’s appeal to the Corinthians was his lack of self-promotion. One of the cliques was actually saying, “I follow Paul.” The natural inclination would be to get behind his team, seeking to heal the division by bringing everyone into the “Paul” camp. Isn’t that how leaders usually respond? The way to bring unity is for everyone to see things from their point of view. It’s a model that has been seen in the history of many broken churches, divided families, and even during a dark era in the history of the GGF. Paul was not interested in building a following for himself, however. His sole interest was the glory of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. So he responds to “Team Paul” in Corinth by writing, “Was Paul crucified for you? What, after all, is Paul but a servant through whom you believed? Your division is worldly and you are acting as if you were unregenerate people, not those who have been brought together into one Body in Christ” (1 Cor. 1:10-13; 3:1-5). Later in the book, when he presents his life choices as a pattern for Christian living, Paul is careful to say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of
A Cure for Spiritual ALS Paul affirms for us that spiritual ALS, unlike Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is curable. Unity is possible, which keeps the church and our personal relationships healthy. Following his great theological treatise on the Body of Christ in the early chapters of Ephesians, Paul lays out the “prescription” for a healthy Church in urging us to live worthy of the calling which we have received – that of “one new man” in Christ: I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph. 4:1-3, ESV Notice the four character traits which are essential for unity, beginning with humility, the attitude demonstrated by Christ when He laid aside what greatly benefitted Him to become a man and endure the cross for our sakes (Phil. 2:5-8). We see pride destroy unity in a marriage – when one seeks to control the other – and in society where pride leads to social elitism, racism and many other “isms.” Healing begins when we consider others to be more significant than ourselves, seeking not our own interests by being genuinely more concerned for the welfare of others (Phil. 2:3-4, 20-21). A Body free of spiritual ALS also requires us to have tender, gentle spirits. When disagreements arise our tendency is to become feisty and we want to have the last word. Everyone attempts to prove their point, emotions surge and destructive words are exchanged that rupture relationships and grieve the Holy Spirit of God (Eph. 4:2931). On the other hand, when gentleness and kindness replace quarreling and resentment, we leave room for God to work in our hearts (2 Tim. 2:24-26). See Fate, continued on page 18
“Perhaps we have become so accustomed to a lack of unity that the only response we can think of is,‘Oh, well, here we go again. There’s nothing we can do about it anyway.’” Page 17
Fate, continued from page 17
The word “patience” is translated “longsuffering” in some versions. If we want to preserve the unity of the Church, it is essential that we are also willing to “suffer long” with those who are ornery or hurtful. It’s natural to lose patience when we or someone we love are the targets of injurious words or actions. But unity depends on this supernatural response; the fruit of the Spirit is patience. A good example is God’s longsuffering spirit toward rebellious Israel, but perhaps even a more powerful demonstration is His patience toward each of His children. Make it a personal question: Who has offended me more than I have offended God? And yet, He patiently forgives all my sin (Eph. 4:32). The fourth essential for unity and a healthy Church is love. Paul says we are to put up with one another in love (agape, Gk.). He is not referring to brotherly love, because that can’t always endure the abuse. Rather, Paul is speaking of self-sacrificing, forgiving love like that poured out for us on Calvary. It is the love that is part of God’s eternal character; the love that the Holy Spirit produces in the heart of the yielding believer. This powerful love of God enables us to put up with misunderstandings, cutting words and unkind actions that lead to division. When members of the Body of Christ are eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit, spiritual ALS is healed. I praise the Lord for what God is doing in many churches when self-interests are replaced with a concern for others. My preferences are suddenly not as important as our unity. As a result, God is glorified and the testimony of Christ’s reconciling work is known in the church and community. In recent years God has also been at work in the broader Grace circle. Where division and suspicion once existed between various ministries, there is a growing unity of spirit and purpose. God in His goodness has given us humble men with gentle spirits in places of leadership, such as Paul Sadler at the Berean Bible Society; Sam Vinton of Grace Ministries International and Ben Anderson of Things to Come Mission; Ken Kemper at Grace Bible College and Ed Bedore at Berean Bible Institute. Space does not allow me to list others who share the same commitment. In all my years of ministry, the level of respect and cooperation among us today is unprecedented and is a testimony to God’s grace!
What about your church? Your family? Your circle of friends? God has brought believers into an interdependent relationship with one another, so that each member belongs to all the others. The slightest malfunction of one member weakens us all, destroying the health of the entire Body. You and I must be eager to maintain the unity that is ours in Christ. May the Lord grant us the spiritual insight, courage and commitment to be obedient to walk worthy of our calling. Extremes, continued from page 13
slaves. He’s teaching what it means to be a living, breathing, talking, serving, loving method of evangelism. In this simple command, Paul uncovers a profound truth: We are called to show off the natural beauty of the gospel, so that others will want to know more. We are called to interact with the world around us in a way that shows the redeeming hope, forgiving grace, and powerful love of Christ. And we are to do this in order to bring others the reality of the Cross. Paul’s command is to bring Christ into relationships with those in your environment - whether they are coworkers, schoolmates, friends, neighbors, baristas, postal workers, etc. – so that the hope that is in you becomes something they realize they need to have too. This doesn’t mean hiding parts of the Bible that make you uncomfortable. This doesn’t mean pretending that you are a walking encyclopedia of Bible trivia. This simply means doing all you can to embody the gospel by serving, listening, caring – and sharing (in your own words). We are called to adorn the Gospel in a world that so desperately needs it. Extremes can be unhealthy. We like to cut things up and put them where we think they belong. We like to hold on to our methods and keep away from what we think is different. But our God is much bigger than our methods. Our God will not be put where we think He belongs. Our God will use direct and up front preaching to bring people to salvation just as He will use relationships. It is not our job to decide which is or is not the proper way to be effective messengers. It is our job to imitate Christ and pray for insight as to how we can best adorn his gospel so that the world can know of his love.
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Jim is Associate Pastor for Celebration Bible Church, Grandville, MI.
by Ed Jeude
be seen and let the person live” to 1 John 4:20 where “God cannot be loved by anyone who still hates his brother.”
A
A good tool in communicating and connecting with people is human curiosity. God didn’t say, “Come here Moses,” but instead, aroused Moses’ curiosity with a burning bush which was not consumed. Only after Moses “…turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush...” (Ex. 3:4, ESV). Christian pamphlets, when they arouse curiosity about God rather than just “preach,” are great for connecting with people. Depending on how pamphlets are distributed can also encourage or discourage a potential reader. They can be left with a gratuity at a restaurant, enclosed in USPS mailings, or presented in person when the situation warrants.
As a Launch Operations Engineer during the Gemini space program, I wrote a pamphlet entitled, “God Can’t,” which I handed out to everyone I worked with – including astronauts. About half of the astronauts I worked with were professing Christians and that pamphlet generated some real interest and discussions. It is still in print and lists four examples of God Can’t as a lead-in to a salvation message: God cannot lie (Titus 1:2); God cannot change (Mal. 3:6); God cannot be darkness (1 Jn. 1:5); and God cannot deny Himself (2 Tim. 2:13). That tract was published in this column in the Autumn 2001 edition of Truth. God’s only limitations are those He places upon Himself always consistent with His inherent essence and being. I’ve found twenty-four Bible verses that can be phrased using the words, God cannot, or God can’t, all the way from Exodus 33:20 where “God cannot permit His face to Page 19
Another pamphlet that arouses curiosity is, “Do all Roads Lead to God?” The answer is yes, all roads do lead to God... as JUDGE. Only one, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is “...the way...” (Jn. 14:6), leads to God as SAVIOR. Paul charges us to “preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2). He also writes, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col. 4:6 ESV). Salt is an amazing substance. It’s not just for seasoning food. Picture an opportunity for presenting the gospel to a person, like driving an automobile on an icy road. If the road has had an application of salt you won’t lose traction. When discussing a Bible truth, don’t speak ill of others – you’ll lose traction fast. My favorite format for pamphlets is two per page on 8.5"x11" paper, printed both sides in portrait, folded in thirds with the outer center blank. Before folding, each pamphlet is 8.5"x5.5". After folding, they are 2.8"x5.5". These fit nicely in a shirt pocket, a check envelope when mailing, and are handy for notes (see example upper left). With home computers and printers, why not try writing one? You might be surprised how God will bless your efforts. The process alone will leave you better prepared to discuss the gospel with somebody. Print a few and elicit comments from your friends. Let’s stir up some curiosity and interest while we still have the opportunity. “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord (1 Cor. 12:4,5).
Region I: Pacific Northwest Scott Myers
None reported
Region II: Southwest Rob Warmouth & Chuck Williams
Pastor Phillip duPlessis writes: 2010 was a good year for us as a family and also Grace Bible Church, Anaheim, CA. We are so blessed to serve such a loving, caring congregation. Apart from minister-
ing God’s word, I have enjoyed working on two successful building projects this year: The patio that serves as a welcome center for the church and also the painting of the church facility after taking care of termite damage. It was amazing to see the church respond financially and also physically to help with these projects. My wife Antoinette is still working at Chase Bank and also helping with the music, children’s church and hospitality ministries. Daughter Charnè is a senior at Cypress High School and is cruising along with her school work. She teaches Sunday School and is a great help in the praise and worship team and always available to help in ministry. My son Ruan continues his studies at Rochester Institute of Technology in upstate New York. He will graduate in March and then go and work on a sixth film as direc-
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tor of photography with ASL Films, which received an award at Deaf World Film Festival in Washington D.C. for one of their films called, “Gerald.” Our family also attended a Red Carpet event in Hollywood with Ruan for their latest movie, “Black Sand,” filmed in Costa Rica. Brandon and Marizka blessed us with a beautiful granddaughter, Alivia, who has already crept deep into our hearts. We are grateful for God’s many blessings that He bestowed upon us in 2010 and are looking forward to 2011 in anticipation of what God is going to do here at Grace Bible Church and also in our family.
Pastor duPlessis, Ruan, Charnè and Antoinette at awards ceremony.
Region III: West Steve Blackwell
Bethel Union Church (Akron, CO, Pastor Peter Tel): We had a wonderful year of growth. Our children’s program was bursting at the seams and our volunteer base was forced to grow along with it. Kat and I took twelve of our area youth to a Dare2Share conference in Denver and stayed at Harvest Fellowship Friday night for this 2-day conference – Thank you, Harvest Fellowship! Sunday attendance was also up almost 25 percent! The outside community has been responding with curiosity and interest as our little church became more and more visible. Pray for us as we grow and make important decisions and that we base them on our true mission to God.
Grace Bible Church of Lakewood (Lakewood, CO, Pastors Harl Hargett; Mark Smith; David Thunselle): Grace Bible Church has a brand new sign, offering to our surrounding community a wonderful opportunity to find out about our congregation. Very shortly, we hope to update our website and aggressively pursue the ways and means to advertise via this medium. We continue to grow our membership, maintain our sound doctrine and explore outreach to those that are “down and out.” We want to make a difference in the lives of the lost, one another and within our spheres of influence. The new year offers exciting hope as we look forward to the soon coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the clarion call to this nation for a return to values and morals.
Harvest Fellowship (Brighton, CO, Pastors Steve Blackwell & Clyde Roy): We were hitting the ground running as Christmas came and went. It’s been a year and a half since we moved into our new building. As pastor, I have had to let go of many of my responsibilities (and even joys) to allow others to take up the reins of leading Harvest Fellowship. I observed the change in direction and leadership and enjoyed watching people come alive and
serve, who at one point just attended. We are hosting another church as they use our building on Tuesdays, attempting to establish another church in our area. We have learned a lot watching them struggle and as I have had many open talks with their teaching pastor about dispensationalism. We have gone through many changes since our move, with some moving on, changing ministries and others coming aboard. Two highlights: We have a men’s ministry leader who is doing a great job with our 50 men in his men’s group and is learning his faith and theology with me on a weekly basis. Our Awana on Wednesday nights starts with a meal for 100 plus people and continues to be a great success with ministry for all ages, including people from several other churches.
Peace Church (Lawton, OK, Pastor James Roberts, Associate Pastor Jim Roberts): Our schedule will remain the same as last year. Youth group meets at 5:00 on Sunday evening with special activities scheduled as needed. If you’re relocating or passing through, we’re located 8 miles south and 1/2 mile west of Indiahoma, where James has been the pastor since 1961. Thank you, James, for your faithfulness. Find us on the radio at KYBE 95.9 FM and KTAT 1570 AM each Sunday Morning at 8:30 am. Audio files of sermons are available at www.ok-peacechurch.org.
Region VI: Southeast Phil Cereghino
For the past two years, Grace Bible Church (Fairhope, AL, Pastor Dan Lippincott) has conducted a unique international ministry right here in the US. Students who have come to America to work at Wendy’s or McDonald’s have become friends of the congregation, worshipping with the congregation and visiting in the pastor’s home. The church has been able to work with more than 70 students from Peru, Chile, and Columbia; from the Ukraine, Page 21
Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Moldova; from India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Egypt and Jamaica. Pastor Dan leads question and answer sessions about their families, countries, or religions and exposes them to the gospel message. The church provides Bibles, helping them to follow along as the Scriptures are read. Several are Christians before they arrive. Others have started to read the Bible on their own and have begun to ask questions. Church members provide rides to church, shopping trips, bus stations or airports, as well as providing bicycles, furniture and Christmas presents at the holidays. One of the first visitors from Peru has already come back to visit and many keep in touch through Facebook. “OATH Ministries” of GBC of Fairhope played a big part in bringing the movie Like Dandelion Dust, by Karen Kingsbury, to the big screen in Daphne, Alabama. “Orphans Awaiting their Homes” took this opportunity to share its passion for families to adopt or provide foster care for those in need. A grassroots effort on Facebook built the support needed to bring the movie to the area. Opening night brought a packed out theater and a great response. The church used this opportunity to promote the film and the ministry of “OATH” by sponsoring several spot ads and an interview with the movie producers on Christian radio. Because of the family’s connection to the Haitian adoption process, the Lippincott adoption story was featured on the movie website. Kingsbury has adopted three sons from the orphanage where the Lippincotts’ adopted daughter, Estania, lived eight years ago, and producer Kevin Downs adopted from “God’s Littlest Angels,” where Titus Lippincott lived for two years. The church has been viewing and discussing The Truth Project on Sunday evenings and assistant pastor Nathan Lippincott leads the midweek Bible study on Wednesdays. During October, the ladies joined other local ladies for a fellowship entitled “What is in Your Purse?” In November, the church participated in the Women’s Medical Center fundraiser with Cal Thomas as speaker.
Christ. Even my eight-year-old grandson wore the pin and a woman at Wal-Mart asked him the question, to which he gave his prepared response.
Region IV: Upper Midwest Mark Matychuk & Les Takkinen
Grace Bible Church (West Allis, WI,
It is now 2011 and we have another year to be challenged to reach out to the lost people of this world that some might be saved. May God use all of us to be a blessing to a needy world.
Delphi, IN, in connection with TBS Ministries. They report, “taking the Word of God to future generations” has been a major source of joy and that seeds planted in years past are now beginning to grow, God giving the increase. For more information on their ministry see their website www.tbsministries.com.
Pastor Les Takkinen) With 2010 behind us as a nation and as a church, we are very thankful for God’s provisions for us in so many ways. It has been wonderful to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas in America where we enjoy so many freedoms. It is only by God’s grace that we can continue to worship and serve our Savior freely in the USA. The “Ask Me” challenge was exhilarating and exciting, yet somewhat disappointing. It was a thrill to see 20 people get involved by wearing the pin and allow others to ask the question, “What am I supposed to ask you?” There were over 100 inquiries and responses of the simple gospel message. There were opportunities to share Christ with a few of those who listened and were curious about the answer. Some gave tracts away and others shared the gospel. The disappointment for me as a pastor was to see people’s anxiety over putting the button on and having a deep concern about what they were going to say. It was a blessing to hear the stories that came from those who were involved and had experiences of sharing the good news with the unsaved. God did use it, yet not to the extent that we envisioned. But had we never done this, those who heard the gospel and had the follow-up that came from the contacts might never have had an opportunity without the “Ask Me” challenge. So, we are thankful for what God did do through the 60 days of this outreach. Some of those inquiries came in the state of Florida, on an airplane, and in places where one would least expect it. We give it all to God and thank Him for what He did through those who were willing to step out of their comfort zone for Jesus
Region VII: East Cal Lowder
None reported
Trent Boedicker Region VIII: Ohio
Grace Community Church, Grafton, Region V: Lower Midwest Ed Jeude
Marge Richtermeyer, a founding member of St Louis Bible Fellowship was recognized for her 70 years of faithful service as she relinquished the job of organist to Jill Calkins. The choir performed a Christmas Cantata, “O Holy Night,” in conjunction with Parker Road Baptist. This joint choir performed on two separate evenings, once at Parker Road and once at Bible Fellowship. Pastor Rick started a series called “Christ in the Book,” based on Hebrews 10:7, “...in the volume of the book it is written of me....” The study will depict the Lord Jesus in all 66 books of the Bible. It will conclude sometime next year. St. Louis Theological Seminary continues to attract new students. TBS ministries reports that Tony Sistelos continues to fill the pulpit at Grace Gospel Church Linton, IN. Over several weekends, he and Barb visited several churches such as Valley Bible Church, Stephens City, VA: Community Bible Church Rootstown, OH; and Day of Grace Ministries
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OH, Pastor Ed Wishart writes: Like many smaller churches, we can use prayer about financial situations our church is facing. And, we can use prayer about worship needs we have. The January Council meeting will discuss new ideas for moving our church forward. One topic will consider council members visiting similar churches, that have seen growth, to study what they did to grow. March 18-20, Missions and Outreach Ministry will host a conference: “It’s not about Programs, Methods, or Laws; Rather It’s a Matter of the Heart.” There are many programs and methods for growing churches, but many do not succeed. Why? We continue to cooperate with other churches in holding joint prayer “concerts.” We believe in fellowshipping with other churches in prayer. We desire to show that believers in Christ can and should meet in unity. We will also be doing some pulpit exchanges with other churches. One is a sister grace church, and one a nearby African-American congregation.
Region IX: Western Michigan Kathy Molenkamp by Leslie Brookhouse
3-year, 2 million dollar capital campaign. The church looks forward to new ministry challenges on the horizon. Region X: Central Michigan John Lowder
Greetings from Region 10 in cold, but not too snowy Michigan. At Rush Creek Bible Church a few key ministries have begun or grown recently. A steering committee with the leadership of Dan & Karen Neymeiyer started an after school ministry called “Drop Zone.” In cooperation with public, Christian, and charter schools in the Byron Center area, more than 40 students find a safe place to “land” after school. With volunteer staff from Rush Creek, Frontline, and Grace Bible College the students get help with homework, play, and hear a biblical lesson each Tuesday and Thursday. Also, Pastor Gene Pearson, pastor of Care and Counseling at RCBC, is helping families and individuals through professional Christian counseling for the church family and the community. Finally, they celebrated the conclusion of a blessed Page 23
Frontline Bible Church is part of a community-wide effort to get people to read their Bibles every day and to unite churches in Byron Center. The “One Book One Body” campaign is designed to have people from participating churches read one chapter every day of the year to cover highlights of the Bible. By having everyone reading the same chapter, it fosters a sense of community inside the church and within the community. Pastor John will also be choosing from one of the previous week’s chapters for his sermon on Sunday, which will hopefully keep people doing their reading. There is also a group of community pastors from the OBOB churches meeting monthly to brainstorm sermon ideas to coincide with the readings. For more information or to get the reading schedule for yourself, go to www.onebookonebody.com. Getting every believer into their Bible on a daily basis would be huge for any community and beyond!
PO Box 9432 Grand Rapids, MI 49509
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID Grand Rapids, MI Permit No 139
We are pleased to offer the Bible Instruction Course written by Pastor S. Craig MacDonald. This two-year course is designed to give students a thorough knowledge of the Bible. The first year focuses on the Old Testament and teaches them the flow of OT history from creation to the return from exile. It also places each of the prophets in their proper historical context and explores the dynamics of Hebrew poetry. The first year’s curriculum contains 25 lessons plus three unit exams and a final for a total of 29 sessions. The second year covers the New Testament and essential Christian doctrine. In addition to being a survey of the Bible, this course also covers the dispensations of Scripture so students see God’s unfolding plan.
Order online at www.ggfusa.org, or call the GGF office at: 616-245-0100