The Sower Magazine - Created unto Good Works

Get in the Game | Created for Good Works | Take Time to Get Dressed | The Missing Piece

THE SOWER The quarterly magazine of Spirit & Truth Fellowship International速

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 | STFonline.org

Created Unto Good Works

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Opening Letter

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Created Unto Good Works Jesus’ words seem pretty clear that whenever we perform an act of charity and good works for those who are less fortunate, he considers it just as if we are doing it for him.

I

t may be hard for some to believe, but at one time in my Christian walk I actually had a mindset that good works were really not that important. My thinking was the result of doctrinal beliefs teaching me that what happened to people was a result of their thinking and “believing.” My wrong thinking actually produced in me a sense of cold-heartedness and callousness towards others, my reasoning being that if people experienced sickness, the loss of a job, money problems or other difficulties, it was their own fault. I believed that if they changed their thinking (believing) then they would have success and abundance. Life and experience has taught me that I was wrong.

Jesus’ words seem pretty clear that whenever we perform an act of charity and good works for those who are less fortunate, he considers it just as if we are doing it for him. He confronted the religious establishment who, despite knowing the Scriptures inside and out, needed to go learn what God meant when he said, “I desire mercy not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6). Mercy, compassion, and kindness were integral parts of Christ’s ministry and their presence often led to the energizing of many miraculous works. As Disciples of Christ we must make these same virtues a part of our lives.

2 The Sower Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Few would disagree that evil is alive and well in this world. Whenever we go about doing “good works” we bring God’s divine light into this darkness. After all, anyone can talk about how much God loves people and that He is good and kind. But when we act with love and do good works we show God’s love to people. It is like preaching a sermon without using words, truly a message that can penetrate the most calloused hearts.

I doubt that you would ever consider buying a car, or making any other major purchase of something, that you know nothing about. Manufacturers set aside huge budgets to make people familiar with their products.

“Good works” is much like God’s advertising campaign.

It is the original “truth in advertising,” in that “what you see is what you get.” When we act with good works we demonstrate the very nature of God and that is many times what opens the door for people to come and taste of His salvation.

We believe this issue of The Sower, “Created Unto Good Works,” will inspire you to become more of a living epistle, spreading the Good News through your good works.

Blessings always through Christ,

Dan Gallagher

7 Live Out Loud 13 Events - Coming Soon!

Contents

Credits Publisher Spirit & Truth Fellowship International

®

17 Free Online Seminars 19 Israel Tour 2012

Volume 13 - Issue 4 - Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

26 Dear Sower 27 Our YouTube Videos on DVD

Executive Editors John W. Schoenheit Dan Gallagher Editors Rachel Darr Renee Speakes

21 Make Your Life Count

28 BiblicalUnitarian.com

Lead Article

The Contender

The ABC’s of God

Get in the Game

Created for Good Works

The Missing Piece

by David Hanson

by John W. Schoenheit

by Cara Hanson

Page 4 God has called us to be intimately involved with Him, but He doesn’t need bench warmers.

Page 10 God intended Christians to go into the world and do good works that will help others, bring unbelievers to salvation, and cause people to praise God.

Page 18 Missing a puzzle piece does not seem like a big deal until you have spent days, nay–weeks, trying to assemble the puzzle.

Partner Profile

Fuel for the Fire

The Vine

The Klug Family

Poem

by Tom & Ellen Klug

by Shelby Hoffman

Take Time to Get Dressed

Page 20 Tom & Ellen Klug explain why they are partners with Spirit & Truth Fellowship.

Page 22 Shelby shared this poem at the Teens & 20s Camp in Bloomington, IN in the Summer of 2011.

Magazine Designer Ryan Maher Staff Writers John W. Schoenheit Dan Gallagher Production Coordinator Rachel Darr

Research Websites TruthOrTradition.com Over one thousand articles pertaining to many biblical issues.

BiblicalUnitarian.com Explore an entire website dedicated to the truth of One God & One Lord.

Home Office 180 Robert Curry Drive Martinsville, IN 46151 888.255.6189 or 765.349.2330 M-F 9 to 5 (ET) Fax: 765.342.8430 STF@STFonline.org STFonline.org You may view the electronic version of this magazine at STFonline.org/sower View back issues at STFonline.org/backissues All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.

NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984

by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. References taken from other translations or versions will be noted, e.g., King James Version=(KJV). In verses or quotations from other authors, the author has emphasized words by placing them in bold print. Words inside [brackets] have been added by the author.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version™. © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

by Dan Gallagher Page 24 When I say that we must “get dressed spiritually,” I mean that we must actively take the time to put on the attitude of Christ in our minds and prepare ourselves spiritually for the day ahead.

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 3

TruthOrTradition.com/inthegame

LEAD ARTICLE

Get in the Game

by David Hanson

W

hen I was young, I was one of those LLBW’s (Little League Bench Warmers). Sure, I was on the team, but I played so rarely that even my baseball glove would atrophy. It was the same in church; I was in the building, but as a spectator rather than an active participant. Now I am honored and humbled to know that God loves us and wants us to be active players on His team.

God’s game plan for Christians begins with our spiritual resume: Ephesians 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, Now there’s something to write home about; we were dead. Not even on the roster, let alone in the game.

Thankfully, the plan didn’t end there.

4 The Sower Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Ephesians 2:4 and 5 (4) But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, (5) made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

God loved us and saved us by grace, but not to sit on the bench.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

We are His workmanship, created with a grand purpose: to do good works. Now admittedly, when I first heard this, I thought, “We are saved so we can WORK? Send me back to the bench!” Thankfully, I’ve matured since then.

We are His workmanship, created with a grand purpose: to do good works.

For many years of my Christian walk, I had this sense that these good works were somewhat optional. They would be nice, but only when my own desires were met.

But the verse says that God “prepared for us to do” them. There are many other verses in the Bible that tell each of us to do various good works to and for “one another.”1 It is not just the job of full-time ministers.

Ephesians 4:11 and 12 (11) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, (12) to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

These ministers are not to do all of the work themselves.

Rather, they are to prepare, or equip, all of us “for works of service,” so we can each help build the Body of Christ. Jesus Christ needs all of us in the game.

Ephesians 4:16 From him (Christ) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Body, of which we are all

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 5

LEAD ARTICLE

Get in the Game

vital members. We all get to be directly involved with him to build up the Body. What a privilege to work with the greatest coach of all time!

And, as if the myriad of commands in the Bible were not enough evidence that God wants us to do good works, look at how He has equipped us to do them:

God equips us to do His will. If He didn’t, we would be out in left field without a glove.

Hebrews 13:20a and 21a (20a) May the God of peace…

(21a) equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…

God equips us to do His will. If He didn’t, we would be out in left field without a glove.

God also equips us through each other.

Hebrews 10:24 and 25a (KJV) (24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25a) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another…

Again, it’s not just the minister’s job to encourage us to love and good works, but we are to help each other to do the same. God wants us to work together as a team.

To further equip us, God inspired His Word, which is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God

may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16 and 17). We should learn and study God’s Word so that we can be equipped to do what God wants us to do: good works.

God has also “clothed us with power from on high” (Luke 24:49) through His gift of holy spirit. He equipped us with spiritual power to love people like our Lord Jesus did.

God has gone to great lengths to call us and to equip us for good works.

Notice that God says “good works,” not vexing labor. What are they? Let’s start with the foundation of all that we do for God. Matthew 22:36-39 (36) “Teacher, which is the greatest

Bible Verses on “Good Works” Ephesians 2:10 - “Created in Christ Jesus to do good works...”

Ephesians 4:12 - “to prepare God’s people for works of service...”

Hebrews 10:24 (KJV) - “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

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commandment in the Law?” (37) Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

(38) This is the first and greatest commandment.

(39) And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

What is important and pleasing to God is not always going to be the “works” themselves, but rather the heart of love behind the works. The Bible addresses doing works without love: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (1) If I speak in the tongues of men

Matthew 5:16 (ESV) - “...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works...”

2 Timothy 3:17 - “so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Hebrews 6:10 - “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 7

LEAD ARTICLE

Get in the Game

What is important and pleasing to God is not always going to be the “works” themselves, but rather the heart of love behind the works. and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

(2) If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

(3) If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

(11) Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

God deserves our whole allegiance and response of love toward Him and others. God so loved the world that He gave His Son (John 3:16); if He loves people that much, so should we.

Ephesians 5:1 and 2a (1) Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children (2a) and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…

The works mentioned in the passage above are good, but they are only pleasing to God if they’re done in love. And love, in this context, is pretty simple: love is thinking and doing what the other needs. God needs His people loved; that’s where we get to play.

Matthew 22:37 says to love “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” And really, doesn’t God deserve this response of love, after the love He has bestowed on us?

We are to imitate God and love our neighbors, which is exactly what Jesus did when he gave himself for us. Love is the hallmark of all that Jesus did toward both God (John 8:28 and 29) and people. Jesus’ good works were varied (teaching, preaching, reproving, healing, etc.), but his love for God and for people was his motivation.

Similarly, our good works will vary, but love should be behind all that we say and do. The Apostle Paul’s love for the Thessalonian believers was displayed through many different works.

1 John 4:9-11 (9) This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

(10) This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 Thessalonians 2:8a and 9, 11 and 12a (8a) We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well...

(9) Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to

8 The Sower Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

TruthOrTradition.com/inthegame

LEAD ARTICLE

God has called us to be intimately involved with Him, but He doesn’t need bench warmers. He has lovingly equipped us to love and help others...

• Sharing not only the good news, but also his life.

• Working “night and day” not to be a burden to them financially.

• Working with “each” of them as a father, with specific, personal attention to each believer.

• “Encouraging, comforting, or urging” them to be their best for God.

The jailer and his whole family got saved and have eternal life because Paul was in the game, and not just keeping the bench warm.

anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.

(11) For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, (12a) encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God...

Paul’s love is clear; it is shown by:

Paul’s good works varied according to the person and situation, but his love was the motivation throughout. In Acts 16, Paul heals a woman with a demon, and he gets beaten and thrown in jail for his efforts. I’m guessing that Paul scratched Philippi off his “Coolest Vacation Spots” list.

God delivers him through an earthquake, and the jailer is going to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners have escaped. Had Paul simply shut his mouth and left, the jailer would have died that night. But Paul loved even the jailer who had put him in stocks; he loved him enough to stay at the prison and shout to him not to kill himself. The jailer and his whole family got saved and have eternal life because Paul was in the game, and not just keeping the bench warm.

Now it’s our turn to play. God has called us and fully equipped us unto love and good works. The Bible commands us to do many good works, but our motivation for them all should be our love for God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

God has saved us by giving us eternal life with Him and Jesus Christ. And if that isn’t great enough, He will also reward us for all the good works we do for Him. Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

God has called us to be intimately involved with Him, but He doesn’t need bench warmers. He has lovingly equipped us to love and help others, and then He’ll reward us for all we do for Him. So let’s get in the game!

Note: 1. For more information on one-anothering, please see our article at: http://stfonline.org/network/articles/oneanothering.html

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 9

10 The Sower Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

THE CONTENDER

“...I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3)

Good Works Shine to the World

G

ood works are to be an important part of each Christian’s life; in fact, God says He created us for good works.

Ephesians 2:10a (ESV)

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works...

God intended Christians to go into the world and do good works that will help others, bring unbelievers to salvation, and cause people to praise God. Many verses encourage us to do good works and in that way we will shine the light of God into the world.

Matthew 5:16 (ESV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

The context of the verse above is Jesus’ statement, “You are the light of the world” (Matt.

5:14). There is more to being a light than just telling others about Jesus Christ, although that is certainly part of letting our light shine. Going into the world and giving of our time and talent is an important way we can shine.

Available online at TruthOrTradition.com/goodworks

against harsh conditions, inhuman treatment, and sexual advances.

In contrast to the culture around them, Christians separated themselves from idolatry, brutality, and sexuality.

They refused to participate in the worship of the traditional gods, which they considered idols, and of the emperor.

Furthermore, they avoided the violent games of the Romans as well as the sexual promiscuity of the day. In our modern world, which understands multiculturalism and individuality, that separation would be seen as simply a matter of choice.

But in ancient Rome, national unity was expressed in the common worship of the gods and the emperor, and by participation at the games, festivals, and sacrifices. Romans were suspicious of people who were “different,” and saw

God intended Christians to go into the world and do good works that will help others, bring unbelievers to salvation, and cause people to praise God.

The Universal Language of Good Works

We have to do more than talk about Jesus if we are going to be lights in this dark world, because many of the spiritual things that are important to Christians do not make sense to unsaved people (1 Cor. 2:14). In contrast, good works are a universal language. Unbelievers may not like what Christians believe in or stand for, but they do often pay attention to the good works that Christians do. Doing good works is like advertising, and it brings glory to God. 1 Peter 2:12 (ESV) Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Why would the unbelievers say Christians are “evildoers” if the Christians are doing good works? A major part of the Roman culture was polytheism and worship of the emperor.

Furthermore, brutality and slavery were normal parts of daily life. Dangerous and even deadly events such as the Circus Maximus (where the chariot races occurred) and the coliseum were often the talk of Rome, and every slave was defenseless

non-participation as an insult to their way of life and a threat against the unity of Rome, and thus “evil.”

When we understand the culture of that time, we can see why the Romans considered Christians to be “evil.” In a repeat of history, today there are a number of people who consider Christian beliefs and character to be “evil.” Of course, it is not usually called “evil,” it is called “intolerant,” “ignorant,” “narrow minded,” “phobic,” and even “dangerous.” Today there is an increasing intolerance for a genuine biblical worldview.

Unbelievers usually have no trouble with Christians who just go to church on Sunday, play Christian music and have a fish bumper sticker on their car. But if we publicly express that salvation comes through Christ alone, or that God will judge people for disobedience, or if we try to embed Christian morals into our increasingly selfish and godless society, then we incur the wrath of those who do not believe.

We need to pay attention to the parallel between the first century and today, because God told the first century believers how to let their lights shine, and they will shine now in the same way they shone in the Roman world.

Comparing verses such as Matthew 5:16 and 1 Peter 2:12, which speak about good works, with verses such as 1 Corinthians 2:14, which tells us that unbelievers do not understand spiritual things, helps us understand what good

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 11

THE CONTENDER

“...I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3)

In ancient Rome, national unity was expressed in the common worship of the gods and the emperor, and by participation at the games, festivals, and sacrifices. Romans were suspicious of people who were “different,” and saw non-participation as an insult to their way of life and a threat against the unity of Rome, and thus “evil.” works are: they are works that any unbeliever can see and understand. We must not fall into the trap of thinking that the only “good work” that God wants us to do is preach and teach the Word of God. While that certainly is a good work, and even a great work, it is not the type of good work that is conspicuous to unbelievers. Just as some people’s sins are conspicuous, our good works are to be conspicuous.

1 Timothy 5:24 and 25 (ESV) (24) The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later.

(25) So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

they are seen and appreciated.

Eventually, our good works speak so loudly that even people who think we are “evil,” have to acknowledge the good that Christians do, and our prayer is that our good works, combined with our testimony of Christ, will lead them to salvation.

Good works and Christian testimony can lead people to Christ in a way that “just words” cannot. Of course there are people who get saved only by hearing the message of Christ without really knowing any Christians. That is why Christians are to preach the Word whether it is convenient or not (2 Tim. 4:2). Nevertheless, we know that words without deeds often bring the cry of “Hypocrites!” upon us, and even turn some people from the faith. The last thing we want as Christians is for the same judgment God leveled against the Jews to be leveled against us: “…The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” (Rom. 2:24, ESV).

Zealous for Good Works

A major way to get unbelievers to see the value of the Gospel is to do good works, so it makes sense that the Bible says Christians are to be zealous to do good works.

Titus 2:14 (ESV) [Jesus Christ] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Good works are an expression of God’s love and help bring people to Christ.

We should pay special attention to the last half of verse 25, about good works that do not seem to be noticed. It is very frustrating and demoralizing to do good things and have nobody notice.

Likely each one of us has said to ourselves, “No one cares what I do; no one ever notices.” Although it is human to feel that way, the promise of God is that even those good works that seem to go unnoticed “cannot remain hidden.” Eventually

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Being zealous to do good works is in contrast to the way worldly people act: they are usually zealous to “have fun” and get absorbed in activities that take all their time but that do not help mankind. Good works are an expression of God’s love and help bring people to Christ.

When I was taking classes at a theological school in Charlotte, NC, I had a classmate who had been part of a

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Date: October 20 - 23, 2011

Date: October 26 - 30, 2011

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Register online at STFonline.org/register Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 13

THE CONTENDER

“...I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3)

Zealous: Marked by fervent partisanship for a person, a cause, or an ideal : filled with or characterized by zeal.

2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 (ESV) (16) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

We need to pay attention to the fact that one of the clearest verses in the Bible that says the Scripture comes directly from God is in the context of the man or woman of God - Merriam-Webster Dictionary (merriam-webster.com) being “equipped for every good work.” The message is clear: there are many “works” that any person can do to fill his life, but not all of them are “good,” in the sense that they benefit God and His purposes.

Having a solid foundation in the Word of God will help keep us from being misled about what are considered good works that are profitable major missionary work in the country of Chile. He told about for the Kingdom of God, and what works are part of the how his denomination had gone to an area they thought “unfruitful works of darkness.” Some works are ungodly, and needed the Gospel and set up a radio station to preach we are called to avoid them and expose them for what they the Word. Then to support the radio station, they built a are. hospital that they staffed with doctors and nurses from their denomination. The system worked great and brought many Ephesians 5:11 (ESV) people to Christ—but not as they planned. The indigenous Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but people felt such love and care in the hospital that many instead expose them. of them came to Christ. The radio station hardly won any converts at all, but it greatly supported the new Christians, Although we must determine what works are good and who faithfully listened to it. It was the conspicuous love what works are unfruitful, we must also remember that of the doctors and nurses, combined with their personal each of us sees the world through the lens of our own life witnessing, that changed many lives. experience and the ministry that God gave us. Therefore, we Doing good works is not a “man thing,” or a “woman must be cautious in evaluating the works of others. Everyone thing,” but a “Christian thing.” God admonishes both men and is called to a unique way of serving God. What is a “good women to get involved in doing good works. Women are told work” for one person might not be a good work for another. to clothe themselves “…with what is proper for women who The Bible provides an example of that in the record of the profess godliness—with good works…” (1 Tim. 2:10, ESV). In woman who poured ointment on Jesus’ head shortly before a similar manner, Paul admonished Titus to “Show yourself in his crucifixion. The disciples, who were ordinarily quite good all respects to be a model of good works” (Titus 2:7, ESV). at separating good from evil, said, “Why this waste?” They

Zeal: Eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something.

Doing good works is not a “man thing,” or a “woman thing,” but a “Christian thing.”

Instruction in Good Works

What are the good works that we should be doing? Are there any guidelines? Certainly. It is the Word of God that makes us competent and equipped for every good work so that we are not deceived into doing things that are contrary to God.

14 The Sower Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

rebuked the woman and suggested her ointment should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus disagreed, and said the woman had done a “good work” (Matt. 26:8-13, ESV).1 The good works of an evangelist, a pastor, a person with a ministry of mercy, a person with a ministry in administration and government, and a person whose ministry is service, will often look totally different.

Available online at TruthOrTradition.com/goodworks

An engraving by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld (March 26, 1794 - May 24, 1872). The Bible provides an example of a “good work” in the record of the woman who poured ointment on Jesus’ head shortly before his crucifixion. The disciples, who were ordinarily quite good at separating good from evil, said, “Why this waste?” They rebuked the woman and suggested her ointment should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus disagreed, and said the woman had done a “good work” (Matt. 26:8-13, ESV).

In fact, the ministries of God on earth are so diverse that, as we saw with the disciples of Christ, we must be careful not to wrongly defame work that someone else is doing, thinking it is not God’s work when it really is.

Our Time and Money

come to the conclusion that he should do more for the Lord. He prayed about what to do, and the thought came to him that he lived in a university town in which he knew there was a

answered if they needed help. Within a couple years he was on the board of directors, helping to raise money and allocate the resources that came into the center. This man did not have lots of

We must be careful not to wrongly defame work that someone else is doing, thinking it is not God’s work when it really is.

It usually takes a diligent effort to do good works, which is why God says we have to be “zealous” for them. But doing good works is like giving money to the church: if we wait until we have “extra” it will never happen.

We have to pray and make wise decisions as to how we can give of our time and talents, then follow through and act.

A couple years ago I went to a charity dinner for unwed mothers. One of the speakers was a man who had

lot of sexual activity and quite a few scared and unprepared girls who had gotten pregnant. So he went to the local crisis pregnancy center, knocked on the door, and asked the lady who

extra time in his life, but because of his desire to help others, he made time for something he thought was important.

Similarly, most of us will have to make the time in our lives if we are going to

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 15

THE CONTENDER

“...I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3)

systematically do good works.

Supporting One Another

Christians need to become good at supporting one another. The world is an unholy, dirty place, and people who choose to help it be a better place get dirty in the process.

In fact, it seems that one of the reasons that more Christians do not get involved in doing volunteer work is that it can deeply affect one’s attitude. It can be deeply discouraging to try to make the world a better place and daily be faced with “the system,” that includes: unjust and counterproductive laws; greed and financial mismanagement; many promises but little action; insensitivity to sin and obliviousness to the value of Christian morals; not to mention the human weakness, failures, and often unthankfulness toward the very people we are trying to help. To keep going under those circumstances, Christians need the support of other Christians, which is why the Bible says we are to be especially good to the household of faith (Gal. 6:10).

Sadly, some of the harshest criticism Christians get often comes from other Christians who do not agree that the work being done is the “best” or even “God’s work.” We have to judge the situations around us by the Word of God and not our own personal opinion. We all need to heed God’s command:

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We believe that everyone has time for a 10-minute Bible teaching, no matter how busy life gets. These videos are great for early morning quiet times to start the day off right.

TruthOrTradition.com/itunes 16 The Sower Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Romans 14:13 (HCSB) Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another, but instead decide not to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way.

If each of us would put on our shoulders the good works God has created us to do, and not criticize others about the work they are doing, Christian work, which is difficult enough on its own, would be easier.

Get Out of the Shaker This article started with Matthew 5:16, about being a light and shining out to others by doing good works. In the same context, Jesus said we are the salt of the earth (Matt.

5:13). Just as a light shines to no one if it is under a basket, salt does not work if it is in the salt shaker. Salt can cleanse, heal, preserve, add flavor, and “kill slugs,” but it does not do any of those things in the shaker. The world desperately needs salting.

Let us become zealous for good works by prayerfully searching for ways to help, and then act accordingly by helping when and where we can.

Note: 1. Although some versions do not say “good work,” it is a very good translation of the Greek text.

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 17

Featured Article

The ABC’s of God Lessons from my children

“The Missing Piece”

by Cara Hanson

I

remember reading Curious George Goes to the Hospital1 when I was a child. The man in the yellow hat is unable to finish his puzzle because the impish monkey, who of course represents children everywhere, has accidentally swallowed the missing piece. Being a single man who is just a little bit too invested in his monkey (and not enough in his wardrobe), he rushes George to the hospital. At the taxpayers’ expense, mind you. Not to mention violations of the hospital health codes.

Apparently no one on the hospital staff even notices the difference between a monkey and a child, which is somewhat alarming.

At this point it becomes obvious that the man does not have many children.

When you have your first child (or you are a single man living with a monkey), every mishap scares you into thinking you must call 9-1-1. A swallowed puzzle piece leads to a trip to the hospital. By the time other children come along, you would just tell the child to be thankful for the extra fiber and go on your merry way. As I once heard, when the firstborn swallows a dime you rush to the emergency room. When the third child swallows a dime, you deduct it from his allowance.

My children own many puzzles, but when they were very little they decided it would be a good idea to mix all of the pieces together. By the time they were done playing with all of these pieces, half of them were gone forever, either swallowed by the chasm of darkness under their beds or perhaps even swallowed by the kids themselves, à la

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Missing a puzzle piece does not seem like a big deal until you have spent days, nay–weeks, trying to assemble the puzzle. It’s like reading hundreds of pages of a crime novel and discovering at the end that the last page is missing.

Curious George.

Now that they are old enough to be interested in actually doing puzzles, they wanted to sort out all of the pieces and match them to the appropriate puzzles.

This activity was a valuable learning experience. The kids learned sorting and cooperation skills, and I learned that it really has been a long time since I have had a decent vacation. By the time we were done, we had ten incomplete puzzles spread out across the floor.

Missing a puzzle piece does not seem like a big deal until you have spent days, nay–weeks, trying to assemble the puzzle. It’s like reading hundreds of pages of a crime novel and discovering at the end that the last page is missing. It’s not as bad when you start out with a child’s wooden puzzle. The pieces all have raised

red pegs, as if to say, Here, let me help you find me when you step on me in the dark.

Plus, the puzzles only have six pieces, so if you lose one you have only invested five minutes of your life.

As we scoured the house for missing pieces, I was reminded of The Parable of The Lost Coin. Jesus taught about a woman who had ten silver coins and lost one.

Luke 15:8 “Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?”

Yes, in the same way you would search for a missing puzzle piece.

Jesus described how such a woman would then gather her friends and

TruthOrTradition.com/abc celebrate in the same way that there is rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents. When the kids and I found missing pieces and set them in their proper places, we skipped the neighborhood party, but we rejoiced over the sense of completion.

Jesus has an ability to look into someone’s heart and find the missing puzzle piece. When a rich young man approached him and asked him what he needed to do to inherit eternal life, Jesus was able to look at him and tell him the “one thing,” the missing piece, that he lacked: Mark 10:17-24 (17) As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

(18) “Why do you call me good?”

Jesus answered. “No one is good— except God alone.

(19) You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

(20) “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

(21) Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

(22) At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

(23) Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (24) The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!

our hearts, and seek the Lord diligently for those missing pieces in our lives which are preventing us from perfection.

For some of us it might be one huge wooden piece with a red peg. For others it might be many smaller, complicated pieces. Whatever it is, The Master is waiting and willing to help us find the missing pieces. If we choose inaction, our puzzle will remain dusty and incomplete on the shelf of life. But if we choose to complete the puzzle, what a day of rejoicing that would be!

Note: 1. Rey, Margret, H.A. Rey. Curious George Goes to the Hospital. New York, New York, Scholastic Inc., ©1966.

The heavenly realm rejoices when we care enough to light a lamp, sweep out

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 19

Partner Profile Tom & Ellen Klug

“We can thank Spirit and Truth Fellowship for helping instill a godly compass in our children that will serve them their whole lives through.”

A

s our family walked past the armed Israeli soldiers, Tom wondered if his idea to tour the Holy Lands was such a good idea. The year was 1995 and we had our 10-yearold twins with us as we went through the airport in Tel Aviv. Tom’s doubts evaporated as our family went on to experience a life-changing visit to Israel with a group led by John Schoenheit. This was our family’s first close and personal contact with Spirit and Truth Fellowship. This was when our faith became living and real. More importantly, our children started developing their own faith and relationships with the Lord Jesus.

During the next sixteen years our family participated in many of the functions Spirit and Truth had to offer: local fellowships, Teens and Twenties camps as campers and volunteers, conferences, and seminars. We always came away with greater knowledge and purpose in our lives. We have learned that words have meaning and should be used properly.

As Hebrews 4:12 informs us, the most powerful words are those of God’s Word.

Since our first contact with Spirit and Truth our family has grown in many areas. Ellen has acted out on the biblical principle of The Good Samaritan: that the neighbors we minister to are those who come across our paths, especially in the work place. Tom has earned a masters degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling and is licensed in the State of Ohio as a professional counselor. He works on a part time basis at a local Christian

PARTNER Sign up online at STFonline.org/partnership Go to STFonline.org/partnership or call 888.255.6189 M-F 9 to 5 (ET).

20 The Sower Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

center, The Oaks Family Care Center, which serves families in various stages of need. In addition, Tom and Ellen run their own business where they have learned prayer and perseverance are vital.

As for our twins, they are now grown up and married. John Schoenheit had become such an important man in our lives that it was only natural that he should perform the ceremonies. Our son, Matt, and his wife, Summer, are recipients of fellowships that allow them to work toward their PhD’s. Our daughter, Kate, is married to Ben, who practices law, while she is a senior financial analyst. We can thank Spirit and Truth Fellowship for helping instill a godly compass in our children that will serve them their whole lives through.

This a snapshot of what Spirit and Truth Fellowship International has meant to us. It has supported us in being a positive family in a negative world. It has fed us individually with biblical truths that have gone unnoticed by much of the Christian community. This has allowed us to give to Spirit and Truth Fellowship International as partners, gratefully and freely. We have learned to be free indeed.

Tom and Ellen Klug Rocky River, Ohio

with Spirit & Truth Fellowship International

Make Your Life Count Would you like to know that your life counts? Most people have an inner desire to know that their life matters—that it means something to someone.

One way to determine the worth of an object is to see what someone is willing to pay for it. Do you think someone would be willing to pay a very high price as a ransom for your life?

The fact is, God values you so much that He has paid the highest price that ever could be paid for you: the life of His son Jesus.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

By accepting God’s Son you receive the free gift of everlasting life, which means you will now have forever to really make your life count.

calendar of events

2011

Men’s Camp October 20 - 23, 2011 Bloomington, IN Silent Retreat October 26 - 30, 2011 Bloomington, IN Live Out Loud Dec. 29 - Jan. 1, 2012 Martinsville, IN

Register online at STFonline.org/register

Video: Becoming a Christian Watch a quick 10-minute video on how and why to get saved.

This video goes in-depth to answer common questions.

TruthOrTradition.com/becoming Check out our booklet, Becoming a Christian: Why? What? How? TruthOrTradition.com/salvation

Call us toll free at 888.255.6189 or 765.349.2330 Fax: 765.342.8430 M-F 9 to 5 (ET)

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 21

Fuel for the Fire is written by the Teens and Twenties of Spirit & Truth Fellowship International.

Poem

by Shelby Hoffman Shelby shared this poem at the Teens & 20s Camp in Bloomington, IN in the Summer of 2011.

I am telling you a story Of someone else’s glory.

But before, I did not know The greatness my journey would show.

He was crazy, or so it seemed But when he spoke, his face beamed!

Beamed with power, beyond strong Yet somehow never doing wrong.

I was made into a fine leather strap Sewn with a wooden sole in someone’s lap.

I was a sandal made better than the rest Royalty would wear me because I was the best.

After awhile, I figured him out.

His gentleness was beyond a doubt.

The root of his attraction Was love taken into action.

But some common man came in the shop one day And he picked me up and bought me, to my dismay Clothing plain, with no robe of purple and red?

Well I would rather be no shoe at all instead!

It doesn’t always matter where we start But what makes us great is what’s in the heart.

And what’s in the heart will spread to the mind And the mind makes the choices we leave behind.

I always imagined to be viewed from a throne And the king would be proud he had me to own.

But now I was strapped to this man’s feet And would only see the people he would meet.

So when I saw my Owner, hanging to die I was struck with fear and wondered why.

Countless people should be grateful to him Instead they took his life in an angry whim.

This simple man did not deserve me I was made for more than anything he could ever be.

But what else was I to do?

I was now a poor man’s shoe!

A day or so passed when a soldier came Put me on his feet as I hoped he felt shame.

But I realized my Owner said something so true He said “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”

So time had passed as this man traveled And wherever he went, people marveled.

Thousands listened to his talk He even got the lame to walk!

I saw this in astonishment And wondered what all this meant.

He brought the sick out of their beds And raised a girl up from the dead!

22 The Sower Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

When I heard the soldiers talking one day How this man rose from the dead and went his way They questioned his power as the “King of the Jews” And that’s when I realized: I was the King’s shoes.

Back Issues of The Sower magazine To view these valuable resources, visit STFonline.org/backissues

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 23

The Vine

The Fellowship Network STFonline.org/network

Take Time to Get Dressed

BY DAN GALLAGHER

I

’ve been tempted to do lots of things—but one thing I have never been tempted to do is leave the house naked. I am sure that this comes as a great relief to many people, especially those I work with, but if we were to conduct a poll I have a strong suspicion that I am not alone when it comes to my penchant for dressing every day. Unless you were raised in the deep Amazon rain forest, the odds are that you did not grow up in a household where there was an “optional clothing” rule. But getting dressed is optional in the sense that this is not our “natural” state of being. God made both Adam and Eve naked and every human being after them has come from the womb “au naturale.”

In spite of nakedness being our “natural” state, everyone I know prefers to wear clothes. One of Adam and Eve’s first acts after their fall from grace was a very pathetic attempt to sew some leaves together to cover themselves.

Thankfully, their attempt at attire never caught on. God took one look at those gaudy green garments and intervened with some very stylish new leather and fur outfits. The “Fall” fashions soon became a hit and animals have never felt safe since.

So, why all this talk about clothing?

Well, the other day as I was going through my morning grooming ritual I pondered how much effort we humans put into our daily dressing routines. The question it led me to was, “Do I devote more time to getting dressed physically or spiritually?” Later that day my informal survey of co-workers and close friends indicated that they take about 30 to 45 minutes daily between the bathroom and getting dressed. So I pondered further, “Am I spending more attention to how I look physically than spiritually?”

24 The Sower Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

When I say that we must “get dressed spiritually,” I mean that we must actively take the time to put on the attitude of Christ in our minds and prepare ourselves spiritually for the day ahead.

In order to answer that question for yourself, take a moment and think about the various steps you go through to get yourself ready for the day. Clearly we are creatures of habit, which becomes very apparent when we consider the primping and preening patterns we follow each day. After rolling out of bed I stumble into a grooming groove.

My mind goes into autopilot—lay out clothes, shave, shower, deodorant, comb hair, brush teeth, dress, etc. Shortly, I am dressed and heading towards the kitchen for my next set of semi-brainless tasks.

Thankfully by the time I put my key in the car and pull out of the garage my mind begins to engage, but I do have to be on guard for the ever-present possibility that I might be mesmerized as I drive my familiar route to work.

Most Christians would never consider not attending to their physical attire, and yet they give little or no attention to getting spiritually ready for the day ahead. It is almost as if they walk out of the house spiritually naked. I understand that with the “new birth” a person permanently receives the gift

of holy spirit. When I say that we must “get dressed spiritually,” I mean that we must actively take the time to put on the attitude of Christ in our minds and prepare ourselves spiritually for the day ahead.

As God’s holy people, we are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Col. 3:12). I picture this as pulling on my pants of patience, my shirt of compassion, and my hat of humility. In other words, it is our responsibility to dress ourselves with this heavenly garb each day. God tells us that, although I have this new spiritual man of “Christ in me,” I must “put on” this new man.

Colossians 3:10 “…and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

Ephesians 4:24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Read the lastest Network News at STFonline.org/news

Am I spending more attention to how I look physically than spiritually?

September 2011 Audio Teaching

I love the imagery of getting spiritually dressed. Even in the Old Testament Job visualized clothing himself spiritually.

Romans 9

Job 29:14 I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban.

This is something that I can remember every day as I connect it with grooming and putting on my clothes. This is a perfect time of day to reflect on the promises of God and to praise Him for all He has done.

When I make a mistake or sin in some way, like yesterday’s soiled garments, I can shed them and toss them into the hamper.

Say out loud as you prepare for the day, “Praise God! Today is a new day! God’s mercy towards me is renewed and I am putting on my fresh garments of grace.

Today I am putting on the new man; I am clothing myself with the Lord Jesus Christ.” That means that if I have “dressed” properly then when I leave my home, the world should see Jesus in me wherever I go.

Romans 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

When we encounter another person, the most predominant thing we see is their clothing! Think about this for a second—when you remember a friend you see them in your mind, but you don’t see them without clothes on. Clothing becomes an integral part of who we are and how people see us. In a similar way, what we “put on” spiritually is what people will see. And the most important thing we need to clothe ourselves in every day is love.

Colossians 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Little children love to run around naked. Up until about the age of two my little ones would love to race through the house naked after bath time. We would eventually capture them and then wrestle with them like little wiggly worms as we got them into their pajamas. They love being naked and they have no sense of shame because they have no real sense of “self.” In much the same way, Adam and Eve were naked in the Garden of Eden and they had no shame…that is, until they sinned. Then they became aware of “good and evil” and they took on a nature of self-centeredness instead of being Godcentered. This body that we now have has been so corrupted as a result of their sin that the only solution is that God is going to have to give us a “new body.” Our inner man longs for that day: 2 Corinthians 5:2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 2 Corinthians 5:4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

That future heavenly dwelling will be our new body. WOW! Talk about a new and improved model! Many of us wait with great anticipation whenever we hear of a new and improved model being released, like a new phone or computer program.

The new body and mind “upgrade” that God has in store goes even beyond our imagination (1 Cor. 2:9).

When this future day comes, we will no longer have to actively put on the mind of Christ, because we will not have the sin nature to resist. The “mind of Christ” will be our new mind and God’s Word will be written upon our hearts. But until that day comes, let’s make sure that every day we “take time to get dressed.”

by John Schoenheit

In this 90 minute, two-disc teaching, John Schoenheit employs his more than forty years of researching the Bible to interpret Romans 9.

He shows that if we properly understand the Old Testament examples and quotations, and the use of Semitic idioms, and if we translate the Greek text correctly, Romans 9 really teaches that God is loving, merciful, and patient in accomplishing His purposes.

We can also see that God works with people according to the freewill choices they make, responding and adjusting as people choose to obey or disobey Him.

Listen to this audio teaching for free at STFonline.org/podcast or TruthOrTradition.com/audio

Looking for Fellowship?

If you are looking for fellowship, wanting to start a fellowship, or want to list your fellowship with us, please contact us at: STF@STFonline.org

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 25

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Hi Guys, really liked the latest issue of The Sower and John’s teaching on the Exchanged Life!

Keep up the great work! Love in Christ,

I really like your material, it’s great to have a YouTube channel that helps to spread the word of God and tackles some very important issues within Christianity today! Keep up the great work, and God Bless!

Stephanie Virginia Editor’s Note: Visit STFonline.org/backissues to check out all of our Sower back issues.

Don’t Blame God! Hello! I have given away 11 of the Don’t Blame God books, so I’m ordering another 6. Some of them are already spoken for, and as I run out each time I’ll keep ordering more. It’s a wonderfully enlightening read and I’m also looking forward to The Gift of Holy Spirit. God bless all of you.

Daniel R. Manassas Park, VA Editor’s Note: To see our book Don’t Blame God, visit TruthOrTradition.com/dbg

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26 The Sower Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Our Books & Booklets May God bless you in all that you say and do in His name. I have been invited to be the Bible teacher at a small charismatic church.

The two books, The Bible: You Can Believe It and 22 Principals of Biblical Intrepretation, will be the groundwork for all the rest of our classes.

Tonight will be our first meeting.

There will be four or five there besides myself. I am truly blessed to be able to hold forth the Word in a Bible study fellowship. All the books that I have will be there for them to see and browse so that they can order their own if they choose. I thank Spirit & Truth Fellowship for all the books that will be in our truth-brary.

I will assign the Bible study group “The Bereans” because that is what I will them to be like.

Thank you for all that you do for all the saints. God bless you!

In Christian love, David Leeds, UT Editor’s Note: You can view all of our books at TruthOrTradition.com/books

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Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 The Sower 27

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