2003_02 by Uplook

DOUBLE CONFERENCE SAMPLER

MARCH 2003

Relationships Revival His Return • Christians in the Workplace • Reaching Your Jewish Friends • Comments from Attendees

What were the Christians at Vancouver and Toronto looking for?

• Developing Leadership • Getting Involved in the Assembly • Times of Trial

Plus REPORTS, QUOTES & PHOTOGRAPHS

Founded in 1927 as Look on the Fields, UPLOOK is published ten times a year by Uplook Ministries, 813 North Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Phone: (616) 456-9166 Fax: (616) 456-5522 Website: http://www.uplook.org E-mail: uplook@uplook.org ISSN #1055-2642 Printed in USA. © Copyright 2003 Uplook Ministries

C O N T E N T S

UPLOOK

UPLOOK magazine is intended to encourage the people of God in fidelity to His Word, fervency in intercessory prayer, labors more abundant, and love to the Lord. Believing in the practical Headship of Christ and the local autonomy of each assembly, this is not intended to be an official organ of any group or federation of local churches. The editor and authors take responsibility for materials published. For any blessing which accrues, to God be the glory. UPLOOK is copyrighted solely for the purpose of maintaining the integrity of the material. It is not intended to limit the proper use of articles contained in the magazine. Please include the words: “UPLOOK magazine, by permission” on photocopies made for personal use. For large quantities or other purposes, contact UPLOOK.

M A R C H

CHRISTIANS IN THE WORKPLACE Alan Kember/Elmer Curtis

THE TIMOTHY CONFERENCE Caroline Cairns

RISE UP WEST 2002 Ralph Kirchhoffer

DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP Ross McIntee

JESUS CELEBRATED PURIM Gordon Franz

REACHING YOUR JEWISH FRIENDS Eli Nessim

GETTING INVOLVED IN THE ASSEMBLY Gary McBride

TIMES OF TRIAL Gerry Libby

Postal Information US POSTMASTER: (USPS 620-640) Send address changes to UPLOOK, P. O. Box 2041, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2041 Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI.

D E PA RT M E N TS

CANADIAN POSTMASTER: Send address changes to UPLOOK, P. O. Box 427, St. Catharines, ON L2R 6V9 International Publication Mail Product (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 1064363

EDITORIAL FRONT LINES WHAT’S GOING ON? BOUQUET OF BLESSING 1: Comments from Rise Up West BOUQUET OF BLESSING 2: Timothy Conference Comments

BRITISH POSTMASTER: Send address changes to UPLOOK, P. O. Box 1163, Bristol BS39 4YA

Subscription Information: The Uplook magazine mailing list is maintained on a subscription basis. There is no charge for a subscription, however you must renew your subscription annually in order to continue receiving the magazine. An initial subscription is for six issues. Thereafter any time you renew, your subscription will be extended a further ten issues. There are three ways to renew: 1) by using the reminder envelope sent to facilitate your renewal; 2) by using the form on our website at: http://www.gospelcom.net/uplook/magazine_uplook/subscribe.phtml 3) by contacting our office at any time, by phone, fax, mail or e-mail. Please advise us of any address changes at least six weeks in advance and include your customer number from your mailing label.

2 0 0 3

F E AT U R E S

Submissions Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with all unsolicited material. News items must be submitted at least two months in advance of issue requested. Selected news items will be carried for two issues (if time permits). The editor reserves the right to determine those items best suited for the magazine. Editorial decisions are final. Photos accepted. Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for photos you wish returned.

Volume 70 Number 2

3 7 10 13 14

Donation Information: Uplook Ministries is a tax-exempt corporation looking to the Lord to provide for the needs of this ministry. This magazine is sent freely to those who request it, but evidently is not freely produced. Donations may be made by check or money order denominated in US $, Canadian $ or £ sterling. All checks should be made payable to UPLOOK and sent to one of the above addresses. Donations may also be made by VISA, Mastercard/ACCESS or Discover in US dollars, either by mail or at our website: http://www./uplook.org/home/about_us/contributions.html We do not advise sending credit card numbers by e-mail. Please include your card number, expiry date and the amount in US dollars you wish to donate. Receipts are issued for all donations received and are valid for tax purposes in the US and Canada. Making a donation will automatically renew your Uplook subscription.

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

O N

M Y

H E A R T

♥

CROSS-COUNTRY SEEKING What were Christians at Vancouver and Toronto looking for?

H ♥ ♥ ♥

How well I remember attending conferences in my youth when in my heart there was nothing but an undefined longing, a vague spiritual hunger for something I didn’t have. If you had asked me why I was attending, I would have been hard pressed to tell you. It was more than the crowd of like-minded believers, the good singing, the hope of learning from the Word. I may have been looking for a fresh awakening in my Christian life, a new insight into some Scripture passage (like Rom. 6–8) that would unlock latent power to give me a greater measure of victory in my life. In more wistful moments, I might have told you that I was looking for a cosmic embrace, a divine hug that would tell me His love was unchanged, that there was still hope for me, that I hadn’t failed so miserably that I was permanently on the shelf. Whenever Christians gather under the sound of God’s Word, in some sense—as has often been prayed— “the needs are as varied as the faces.” But obviously there is overlap, many people coming with a few basic needs and hopes. Are these laid out for us somewhere in the Lord’s great Diagnostic Manual? I’ve written before that conferences were God’s idea. He called His ancient people together at least three times a year for the feasts and fasts in Jerusalem. Why? And is there a correlation between the reasons for Israel’s conferences and ours? Note that the first four were Spring conferences; the last three in the Fall. 1. They came together to remember the Passover lamb and that they were a redeemed people. Called “the LORD’S Passover,” it took them back to the “beginning of months” when on the same night they were delivered from wrath, bondage and poverty. And such is the blessed experience today where Christ is “lifted up.” 2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread drove home the point that redeemed people are also to be holy people. It was time to come clean. Paul links these first two reasons as they were historically and as they ought to be experientially: “Purge out, therefore, the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7). Holiness is born in the heart through Calvary love. 3. The Firstfruits Feast not only was a portend of the coming harvest but a reminder that everything they enjoyed came from the Lord. Their token gift sheaf expressed the truth that it all belonged to God. Our conferences should herald the truth of the sovereign rights of “the Lord of the harvest” and we should celebrate the joy of the harvest made possible by “Christ the first fruits” (1 Cor. 15:23). 4. Pentecost would mean something different to the Jews of Canaan than to the early Church, “when the day of Pentecost was FULLY come” (Acts 2:1). It was the one festival prescribed for the first day of the week, following the seventh sabbath. Of course it was the birthday of the Church. And how important at our conferences to reaffirm our commitment to that which “Christ also loved…and gave Himself for” (Eph. 5:25). 5. The trumpet blowing memorial heralded the beginning of the civil New Year (New Year’s conferences are 3500 years old!). And as surely as Israel awaits the call to return, so we wait for Heaven’s trumpet blast. How good it is at our conferences to collectively anticipate the dawning of that Day without a sunset. 6. This calling together by trumpet also introduced the Day of Atonement. While not exactly the same, it answers morally to the Judgment Seat of Christ and the setting right of our affairs at the start of the Long Day. It is a fitting theme for us, our meeting at the Bema, and the need to set things right before then, if possible. 7. Succot, the dwelling in booths, points back to the time when God “tabernacled among us” but also anticipates the time when it will be said, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God” (Rev. 21:3). That is the one conference that will not end with goodbyes. And I’m registered to go.

The TIMOTHY Conference The RISE-UP WEST Conference

Our special thanks to the committees and workers at both conferences! We thank the Lord for you! w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

J. B. Nicholson, Jr. •

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

O N

TA R G E T

➶

CHRISTIANS IN THE WORKPLACE Excerpts from a seminar given by Alan Kember and Elmer Curtis.

➶ ➶ ➶

Most of us spend the greater part of our waking hours at work. Here we interact on a continuous basis with many people from all walks of life. They observe us as we do our daily tasks and form their own impression of who we are and what we stand for. It is perhaps not so much the verbal interaction but the witness of our life that our co-workers see, remember, and reflect upon. Long periods of time spent working together allow others to see us as we truly are. This presents a great opportunity for the Christian. DILIGENCE Your primary responsibility as a Christian is to deliver exactly what you were contracted to do. This is the fundamental starting point that establishes credibility and gives weight to Christian testimony. We are to do our job with sincerity (Eph. 6:5), remembering that we are really serving the Lord, not just our earthly employer. It is very important to do not just an acceptable job, but a good job where your supervisor notices that you are performing well. If the boss does not seem to notice, God does and will reward you (Col. 3:22-25). Ephesians 6 highlights obedience, fear, and sincerity of heart with wholehearted commitment to getting the job done. Service for the Lord is not a valid excuse for not doing your job—in fact, used as an excuse, this undermines your testimony and makes your witness ineffective. INTEGRITY Stand firm on principles and do not compromise under any circumstances. If your company asks you to engage in practices that are dishonest, then leave that employer. Second, be consistent and truthful in your dealings with the company (e.g., are you completely honest on expense reports?). Titus 2:10 instructs us not

•

to steal from our employer and to show that we can be fully trusted. This is tremendously important and is the second building block that should differentiate a Christian employee. Our dealings with fellow employees and customers should be marked by integrity. Our word is good and we don’t play games. Sooner than later dishonest behavior will catch up with you. It is wonderful to have a clear conscience and know that you are not misleading people. ATTITUDE Demonstrate in your daily work the attitude and compassion of a Christian. Your attitude and reactions to circumstances speak far more loudly than words (this applies to your subordinates as well as your superiors). It is a very poor testimony for a Christian to be known as a person who cannot get along with others, and does not treat his own staff well. Treat employees as you would like to be treated and remember that if you want respect you must show it to others. In addition, enthusiasm goes a long way to making work more interesting. Colossians 3:23 indicates that we should serve wholeheartedly. Try and make work enjoyable both for yourself and others. We do have bad days at work, but that does not prevent us from being upbeat, enthusiastic, and respectful of others. If something does go wrong when you have been involved, don’t deflect blame and responsibility. 1 Peter 2:18-21 is tough medicine, but God will honor us if we take criticism patiently, even when we are not at fault. CONFLICT RESOLUTION When the going gets rough, remember this verse: “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1). A person who promotes peace and harmony while at the same time seriously tackling the root problem becomes an invaluable asset to any

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

C H R I S T I A N S

company. This is extremely difficult to do and at times we may have to go back and apologize for saying things in anger that were not right. Often when words are flying and the temperature is rising it is best to use conciliatory statements and diffuse the situation before you say something that you will regret. Sometimes saying very little or nothing is a better strategy during times of intense conflict. The servants of Naaman are an example of using soft rational words to cool down a man’s anger. The result was wonderful blessing for Naaman (2 Ki. 5:12-13). PERSEVERANCE Don’t run away from problems—solving tough issues builds character and enhances experience. Changing jobs every time a challenging situation arises does not build character. It weakens your ability to handle stress and keep calm under pressure. Sometimes a job change is the right answer but if Christians repeatedly change jobs every time they hit some rough water, this demonstrates they have not learned to endure hardship and resolve problems. Let us remember the set of objectives our Lord had when He came to earth. The job was not easy and many obstacles lay in His path. However He steadfastly endured and set His face as a flint to go to Jerusalem, even when He knew that conflict and suffering lay ahead of Him. His great work of redemption on the cross is the culmination of a life of devotion and service to do the Father’s will (Heb. 2:14; Jn. 17:4). Perseverance is enhanced by trials and we should strengthen our resolve to do our jobs even when the going is rough and problems arise. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that

•

I N

T H E

W O R K P L A C E

was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). Nehemiah is a great example of a man that motivated people to keep going when circumstances were really rough. How would you like to be in construction when you have tools in one hand and a weapon for protection in the other (Neh. 4:17-18)? A HUMBLE SPIRIT Remember that you are not indispensible. Sometimes we get an inflated and unhealthy sense of our own importance to the success of the company. There are many others who have equivalent or perhaps even better skills than you have. Furthermore the company will have no difficulty filling the vacancy should you leave. For some people it has been devastating to realize that the projects actually can continue without them and that they are not the kingpins after all. Nebuchadnezzar learned this the hard way (Dan. 4:28-33). He was filled with his own self-importance and his great accomplishments in Babylon. How quickly he had to learn his true position by being brought low like an animal; God had other plans for the kingdom that did not include him. Keep humble and walk softly before the Lord in your work. God is over all and has a long-range succession plan that you can’t see. CONCERN FOR OTHERS Mentoring those in your group with high potential and seeking their well-being has a very dramatic impact on the success of your own career. It enables you to attract top talent into your group because they know you care and will give them recognition where it

Some Key Passages on the Topic • Exodus 35:30-35 Deuteronomy 14:29 Deuteronomy 24:19 Deuteronomy 28:12 1 Samuel 2:30 2 Chronicles 15:7 2 Chronicles 34:12

Proverbs 13:4 Proverbs 14:23 Proverbs 18:9 Proverbs 22:29 Proverbs 31:27, 31 Ecclesiastes 5:18 Ecclesiastes 9:10-11

w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

•

M A R C H

Ephesians 6:5-18 Colossians 3:22-25 Colossians 4:1 1 Timothy 6:1-2 Titus 2:9-10 1 Peter 2:18-21 James 5:4

2 0 0 3

C H R I S T I A N S

I N

T H E

W O R K P L A C E

down the computer, and give your time and attention to the family. Watch that the “tyranny of time” does not begin to erode the foundations of family and spiritual life. This is a particular problem in today’s environment when computer productivity has actually increased the load on the humans that interact with them. Now we cannot enter the data fast enough to feed the applications. Our bosses expect us to be “online” and available on cell phones, Blackberrys, pagers, and PCs. It is important to maintain a sense of discipline in time management. As has been said, if we are not careful, we will let the urgent things crowd out the important. Our Lord sets the example for us in this matter as well. Mark 1:35 illustrates that Jesus took time early in the morning, long before daybreak (in spite of incredibly busy days of healing and teaching), to pray and commune alone with His Father. Perhaps if our days were ordered in the quietness of our study we would not be so stressed and anxious about all the demands on our time. If you are married, spend time with your spouse and children. Many families have disintegrated because the working spouse gives all his time to the job and crowds out quality time that should be spent at home understanding and helping with the challenges of the family. It is possible to be too busy and lose our perspective.

counts. This really boils down to concern for others, not using others as doormats and dispensable stepping stones for you to get ahead. Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to esteem others better than ourselves and avoid doing things for vainglory. I have found this principle of looking out for the interests of others to be one of the best accelerators in moving forward in corporate responsibility. If you truly demonstrate this in how you do your job, then the best and brightest will be asking to come and work with you. They in turn produce top notch work for which you give them the credit and recognition. Proper leveraging of the strengths of other people is the secret of good management. How seldom we see this principle put into practice. Pride and ego so often get in the way. If we truly are concerned for others, then leave a “sheaf in the field” for those less fortunate. In other words be generous, not small-minded. Help out a fellow worker, pay that overtime instead of ignoring the extra effort, and don’t forget the little things like saying “thank you” for a job well done. One of the most basic human needs is for recognition and so often we fail to provide it when it costs us nothing. LIFELONG LEARNING Another principle is using our work to enhance skills and develop specific expertise versus just drifting along and learning nothing. You have to apply yourself to learn, and your company is not going to spoonfeed you. You need to apply yourself and surprise them with your development of expertise. Second Timothy 2:15 is a verse that I often think of in relation to acquiring skill. Study of the Scriptures requires skill, just as a workman cutting a straight line requires training and experience. The workman cuts a straight line because he has learned the trade. Paul knew that a good tent required the canvas pieces to be cut out properly. The workmen who built the tabernacle and the temple in the Old testament were skilled craftsmen and were able to use these talents to glorify the Lord (read Ex. 36:1; i Ki. 5:6; 2 Chron. 2:7). Try to develop a particular skill and become known as an expert in that area. A specialist usually progresses farther than a generalist. We can be learning as long as we live, and this learning creates a sense of renewal and excitement.

DISCRETION Choose the time and place carefully to speak to coworkers about spiritual things. My experience is that a word spoken quietly, perhaps to someone over a coffee break, lunch hour, or after regular working hours, is very effective. I have used email to suggest verse of comfort and salvation to those who have lost loved ones and the feedback has been positive. The overriding principle is to use discretion and do not use company resources for evangelism unless you get preauthorization to do it. If our life backs up what we are talking about, then it has tremendous weight; if not, then less talk and more practical Christian living is the key. It is interesting how sometimes a simple statement can cause great searching of soul and further dialogue. Avoid trying to cover all the ground when an opportunity arises to speak to someone. Everyone has a different style based on personality, so use techniques that match your disposition. But keep it simple, casual, friendly, and nonthreatening. Delivered in the right context, it can be an arrow of conviction to someone’s conscience.

TIME MANAGEMENT Balance work and home life priorities, i.e., don’t make yourself available all the time or at any time for the company. There is a time to lay down the tools, shut

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

F R O N T

L I N E S

✒

WORKERS TOGETHER CLOSING We salute more than 50 years of faithful service to the Lord

W ✒ ✒ ✒

We have received notice that the Chicago-based ministry, Workers Together, has decided to cease operations at the end of their fiscal year (March 31). In a letter issued by their board, Thelma Smith writes: “This decision has been made with much prayer and deliberation. It is the unanimous agreement of the board that the Lord has guided at this time to take this action…. “Much has changed in the fifty plus years since Workers Together was incorporated and the work of missions is very different today. We were formed to facilitate the communication between women’s groups in North America and missionaries on the field. Today, missionaries come and go more often than previously. Long terms on the field are the exception rather than the rule. The decrease in the need for goods our groups supply and the cost of shipping has caused us to come to the conclusion that the expense of maintaining an office is not a good use of the Lord’s money…. “We could not send this last newsletter without thanking all of you who have supported W.T. over the past 50 years…We cannot express how much we appreciate each of you and thank you very much….”

FLORIDA CONFERENCE A conference is planned at Boulevard Bible Chapel, 6800 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL, for April 4-6. Speaker is J. B. Nicholson, Jr. Conference begins Friday at 7:00; Saturday afternoon at 4:00 (dinner served at 6 PM); Sunday 11 AM & 6 PM. Malcolm Skelton 954-435-3552 CONF. in ROCKFORD, IL The saints at Believers Bible Chapel (Rockford, IL) invite you to attend their spring conference April 5-6. The invited speaker is Mike Attwood (GA). The sessions begin at 10:30 on Saturday. Contact: Warren Henderson 815-969-9428 warrenahenderson@cs.com 48th DALLAS AREA CONF. The 48th Dallas Area Conference is scheduled for April 11-13, DV. William Yuille and Craig Sutherland will be ministering the Word. The meetings will be held at Wheatland

Bible Chapel (1303 W. Wheatland Road, Duncanville, TX. John Daniels 972-424-9889 jandmdaniels@msn.com. TORONTO EASTER CONF. The Toronto Easter Bible Conference will be held, Lord willing, April 18-19 at Port Credit Secondary School (70 Mineola Rd East, Port Credit, ON). Program begins at 1:30 PM each day. The speakers are Alan Parks (SC) and Alan Gamble (UK). VANCOUVER EASTER CONF. The Vancouver Easter Conference sponsored by seven local assemblies is to be held, DV, April 18-20 at Granville Chapel, 5091 Granville St., Vancouver, BC. Speakers Larry Price (FL) and James Hull (CO). Children’s programs during the main sessions. N. Chandler 604-271-1083 CHICAGO SPRING CONF. The Chicago Area Spring Confer-

w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

•

M A R C H

ence will be held April 25–27, Lord willing, at the Palos Hills Christian Assembly (10600 South 88th Ave., Palos Hills IL). Speakers expected are Doug Kazen (WA), Arnot McIntee (ON), and J. B. Nicholson Jr. (MI). Special sessions for children. Robert Fiebig 708-448-2552 LIMON, COLORADO CONF. Limon Bible Chapel, 385 J Avenue, Limon, CO, will hold its annual Bible conference April 26-27. Invited speakers: Ross Rainey (MI) and Keith Trevolt (KS). Motel accommodations and meals provided. Limon Bible Chapel PO Box 1208 Limon, CO 80828 719-775-9788 or 346-8547 CONFERENCE IN INDIANA The annual spring conference at the Gospel Chapel, 321 Cliff Dr., Logansport IN, will be on April 26. The expected speaker is Mark Wood2 0 0 3

F R O N T

L I N E S

house (IA). Refreshments at 9:30 AM, with the first session at 10. Second session at 11. Lunch provided. Brother Woodhouse will also speak Sun. morning on the 22nd. Contact: Ralph Garver at 574-722-1012 e-mail: Leegar@Lneti.com

ern (NS). A week of intensive Bible study seminars as well as a “How to Study the Bible” course. Email: sandymceachern@hotmail.com 902-420-9489 WORKERS’ & ELDERS’ CONF. The Ontario Workers’ and Elders’ Conference is scheduled to be held May 6 through 8 at Scottlea Bible Chapel in St. Catharines, ON. The invited speakers are Don Norbie (CO) and Steve Hulshizer (PA). All are welcome to attend. You might consider coming as a group from your local assembly. Encourage young men to attend. Contact Patrick Long at: pbl@msc.on.ca

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL The Christians at Hope Bible Chapel in Birmingham, Alabama invite you to their annual spring conference May 1-4. Dr. Steve Price (KS) is the invited speaker. Contact: Peter Rosborough 205-833-2380 prosborough@juno.com. WEEKEND in the WORD Mike Attwood (GA) will be the speaker for a special Weekend in the Word to be held, Lord willing, May 24, 2003 at the Bird-in-Hand Inn in Lancaster, PA. The conference begins on Friday at 7 PM and concludes with a fellowship dinner on the Lord’s Day with the Monterey assembly. In conjunction with the weekend, a Saturday evening “Night of Encouragement” is planned. This inter-assembly event open to all will include dinner, special music from a choral ensemble from Philadelphia-area assemblies, and a gospel message from Mike Attwood. The cost for dinner tickets are $16 per person. The cost for the entire conference (including the Saturday evening banquet) is $155. www.knowtheword.com or e-mail: honeyrock@juno.com To register: Mark Kolchin P.O. Box 305 Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734

ORLANDO AREA CONFERENCE In the Lord’s will, Lake Howell Bible Chapel, Maitland, FL, will hold an Orlando area conference May 1618, 2003. The speaker will be Roy Hill from Bristol, UK. Brother Hill will be speaking on “The Seven Churches in Revelation.” Contact: Dan Burson at 407-695-3098 danburson@juno.com Mark Sherwood at 407-277-0215 sherwood@cfl.rr.com VESSELS OF HONOR 2003 A Young Adults’ Conference convened by East Tulsa (OK) Bible Chapel is scheduled to be held on the

UPSTATE SC CONFERENCE The Piedmont Christian Fellowship (Pendleton, SC) announces a weekend series of special meetings to be held Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. The invited speaker is Jamie Hull (CO) Themes: Worship: the Christian’s Highest Privilege; Cultivating Godly Friendships; and Living a Holy Life in Today’s World. First meeting on Saturday begins at 11. Darryl Jachens at 864-646-9273 djachens@netzero.net POSITION AVAILABLE Assistant Property Manager position at Camp Li-Lo-Li (Western NY). Responsibilities in four key areas: custodial, grounds maintenance, rental hosting, and rental program arrangements. Strong mechanical and

YOUNG ADULT RETREAT The first annual Believers’ Challenge Young Adult Retreat will be held at the Country Lake Christian Retreat Center, 20 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky, April 25-27. The speaker will be Craig Shakarji (MD). The conference begins Friday night and ends Sunday afternoon. Registration closes April 4. Contact: Tim Benson at 502-477-0077

UPWARD BOUND ATLANTIC Upward Bound Atlantic will be held on the campus of Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, May 3-10. Speakers: Jabe Nicholson (MI), Roy Houghton (ON) and Sandy McEach-

campus of Baker University, Baldwin City, KS, May 23-26, 2003. The theme for Vessels of Honor 2003 will be “Broken Vessels.” General session speakers: David Dunlap (FL), Warren Henderson (IL), Harold Summers (BC). Seminar speakers, with general session speakers: Craig Rolinger, Nancy Rolinger, Bill Wortman, Keith Trevolt, and Steve Price. Contact: Jim Lindamood at 918-663-1121 jimlindamood@vesselsofhonor.org Dan Moffitt at 918-744-6484 danmoffit@juno.com

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

F R O N T

maintenance background desired. Salaried position with benefits, including home on property. Contact: Larry Thompson 8811 Sunfish Run Rd. Randolph, New York 14772 716-945-4900 liloli@localnet.com WEBSITE OF INTEREST Aaron Horn of Hilltop Chapel, Redfield, IA, has begun a website: www.assemblysermons.com He is looking for sermons or outlines that can be posted for the benefit of others. Email submissions to: aaron@assemblysermons.com ADDRESS CHANGES David and Grace Croudace The David Croudaces (Zambezi, Zambia) have a new email address: croudace@uuplus.com They are not able to receive attachments and ask that emails be sent in plain text format only. COMMENDATION Harold and Mardie Brohart The saints at Massey (ON) Bible Chapel commend Harold and Mardie Brohart to the Lord’s work. After faithfully serving in the local assembly, they are now involved in administration and management at Light Haven Home in Bruce Mines, Ontario. They are also active in ministry in the local assembly in that town. Bob and Kim Delain The believers meeting in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ at Country Bible Church in Casco, WI, add their commendation of Bob and Kim Delain to the earlier commendation of the believers meeting at Northside Bible Chapel in Kechi, KS. The Delains serve in Guanajuato, Mexico.

Bob and JoAnne Brown The saints meeting at Grace Gospel Chapel, Plumsteadville, PA wish to join in commending Robert and JoAnne Brown of Slidell, LA, to the work of the Lord in the Deep South and elsewhere as the Lord leads. The Browns came to know the Lord in their fellowship and have faithfully served Him in a full-time capacity since April of 1985. This commendation is added to the existing commendations from two assemblies in Louisiana. Tim and Lorie DeJong The assembly of Christians that meet at Believers’ Gospel Chapel in Augusta, GA, are glad to commend Tim and Lorie DeJong to the grace of God to serve with Real Life Ministries of San Diego, CA. Tim and Lorie have been in happy fellowship there for twenty years. They, along with their two children, have been a great asset the the assembly. The assembly believes they are qualified spiritually and in other ways. Please pray for them. AT HOME Edwin Ridley On Dec. 12, 2002, our brother Edwin Ridley, age 88, peacefully breathed his last in the night hours, welcomed home to the Place he longed to be, by the Saviour he longed to see. The Saints at Hope Bible Chapel, formerly Mountain Brook Bible Chapel (Birmingham, AL) are thankful to the Lord for the many years of our brother’s protective care of the flock. Please keep his lifetime helpmate Dollye in your prayers, as well as the assembly. Roy Parton William Ronald Godfrey Parton went to be with the Lord on Decem-

w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

•

M A R C H

L I N E S

ber 10, 2002. Born July 7, 1909 in South Wales, where he began work in the coal mines at age 12. After a stint in the Merchant Marine, he became involved in various business ventures. He was saved in 1951 and thereafter was in fellowship with the Lord’s people in various places, latterly at the Joseph Street Gospel Hall, Clinton, ON. He leaves a large family of children, grand- and greatgrandchildren. Helen Jones Helen Jean Jones (nee Robertson) went home to be with the Lord, peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2003, in her 84th year. Saved in her youth, she and her late husband Ken served the Lord faithfully in the McNab Street (later West Fifth) assembly in Hamilton, ON. She was known for her happy spirit and hospitality to the Lord’s people. “She hath done what she could” (Mk. 14:8). BELATEDLY Gwen Brandon Gwen Brandon, wife of evangelist Peter Brandon of England, died suddenly of a massive stroke on May 14, 2002 in her 75th year. Prayer would be appreciated for our brother Peter. Stuart Henrich Stuart Henrich went to be with the Lord on June 25, 2002 after several years of declining health. An artist by profession, he used this talent extensively for the Lord. His public ministry was appreciated not only in his home assembly—South Side Bible Chapel, St. Louis where he served as an elder for more than 50 years—but across the Midwest. He was a brother beloved by many. Our apologies for overlooking this important item. —ed.

2 0 0 3

WGO? W H AT ’ S

G O I N G

O N ?

City Apologizes to Street Preachers

A Wisconsin town agreed to publicly apologize to four Christians who filed a federal lawsuit against the city, claiming police harassed them when they were preaching in a public park. In addition, the city of Portage agreed to pay $2,500 to former city resident Greg Breneman. Portage will purge its records of Breneman’s arrest last fall when a police officer accused him of obstructing police and took him to jail, The Wisconsin State Journal reported. Portage will also pay $14,500 in legal fees to the preachers’ lawyers at the Orlando, FL-based Liberty Counsel (LC). “Police officers cannot intimidate citizens into silence,” LC’s Mat Staver said. “The Constitution limits the power of government when officials try to muzzle its citizens.” Breneman and the others were preaching on a park sidewalk in September when a police officer threatened to arrest them for violating the city’s disorderly law. Breneman, now a missionary in the Ivory Coast, was peacefully questioning police when he was arrested. He was never prosecuted. Last week, Portage officials agreed to resolve the dispute, allowing the men to preach at the park and publishing an apology in The Portage Daily Register. The city agreed to revise its disorderly conduct law. ers with special skills, such as craftsmen, builders, teachers and agriculture experts, also serve on the field. Southern Baptists, the evangelical group with the largest number of missionaries, have 5,480 serving two+ years in 185 countries. —Pulse

LOOK WHO’S BUSY Mormon website <www.lds.org> reports that 60,000 Latter-day Saints are proselytizing ministers in 165 countries. Three-quarters of them are young men ages 19 to 26. Each missionary works 60 to 65 hours per week for 18 months (women and couples) or two years (men). In addition, about 8,300 Mormons serve as health specialists and doctors in developing countries. Oth-

FORCED TO HIRE WHAT? Christian churches, schools and charities in European Union nations could soon face legal action if they

IBLE REW B ociB E H s DITION istry as NEW E hvah, the min adja in Keren A ther Victor Sm e h bro unced th ated wit , recently anno w Bible. re m Jerusale n of a new Heb n punctuaer tio publica s include: mod ation; a e r ntu Its featu implif ied acce eads ritten h d w n a ly n w e tio n are f te set o ns in the New nce comple o re ti e T quota hed with a ref ings; O is o n r e list f nd fu set off a gin; an extensiv nological ro ar in the m prophecies; ch ic n Messia s. nd map tables a

try to require their employees to be Christians. According to the London Daily Telegraph, the new laws, to be implemented in December, ban discrimination in the workplace on the basis of religion, belief, or sexual orientation. That means that Christian organizations cannot refuse to hire atheists or homosexuals. Nor can they fire a current employee who converts to Islam and argues he can still do the job. —CBN News

BEYOND THE BLU E We have re ceived new Husband, c aptain of th s that Rick e recent illfated Colu mbia space mission, w believer w as a ith a clear testimony. had openly He testif ied to , and praye with the re d st of the cre w, all of whom peri shed when the space shuttle dis integrated on its fina approach, l Saturday, F ebruary 1. It was repo rted that at of the astro least three nauts aboa rd (includin Husband) g were believ ers. Please pray for th eir familie s’ witness.

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

C A R O L I N E

C A I R N S

The Timothy Conference A call to respond to the great need of the hour—disciple making.

A vigorous hymn sing

Days were cold and the ground hard, but a seedling of an idea was taking root in the hearts of a few Christians in Southern Ontario. Uplook’s 2001 “Rise Up and Work” conference in Indianapolis had come and gone. While most of the attendees were settling into the new year and their old routines, some couldn’t shake the notion that the Lord was leading to organize a similar type of conference in central Canada. One of the burdens was for the young Christians— teenagers mostly—who had been challenged and encouraged in their faith, stirred to deeper commitment. Many claimed that the ministry would impact their life. Now they would have to wait two years for the next Uplook conference. While twenty-four months doesn’t seem terribly long to most adults, it may bring a whole new world to a young person—going from home to college, or from college to the work world, or from being single to being married. We wondered if the “lifechanging” nourishment would carry them through. And what about the Canadians who had never participated in this type of conference because of financial or other inhibitors? We were convinced that if such a “smorgasbord” of ministry and fellowship were accessible to them, the blessing would be of eternal value.

comfortable and convenient. After visiting a number of possible locations and much negotiation, the Lord directed us to the Holiday Inn Select by the Toronto airport. The prices were reasonable compared to other hotels, and although we had misgivings about the amount of space, it met our desire to have the meetings, seminars, meals, and sleeping rooms contained in one building. The accommodations proved to be exactly right for our needs. There was just enough space for our group of more than five hundred people, and the staff exceeded our expectations in fine service. Inviting general session speakers and selecting seminar topics and leaders is the most important aspect of planning a conference. Spiritual discernment and dependence on the Lord are required to determine spiritual needs on a large scale and who will help to meet those needs. Many hours of thought and discussion finally resulted in a proposed list of speakers. We were thrilled when Dr. John Lennox replied to his e-mail invitation by sharing that he and his wife Sally had just commented that it would be nice to get away to Canada after Christmas. We had high expectations for Dr. Lennox’s ministry and he didn’t let us down. His style and the content of his messages were unique. They provided fuel for daily Christian living and food for the mind. No one seemed to mind—or even notice—the time he borrowed from the daily schedule. Younger believers expressed that his session on “work” was helpful on a practical level and settled struggles that they face. The evening sessions started with a time of hearty singing. The ministry was shared by J. B. Nicholson, Joe Mikhael and Sandy McEachern. The Lord used each of these men to stir greater devotion to the Lord

Photos: Sheryl Brook Ford

One of the keynote speakers, Joe Mikhael with wife Heather

The first step was to gather a committee of individuals who shared the vision and who were willing to invest themselves in planning and organizing. Ideas ranged from having three or four speakers in a school to using the convention center in downtown Toronto. Without any idea of how many people would come, we were concerned about keeping the costs as affordable as possible while making sure the facilities would be w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

T H E

T I M O T H Y

C O N F E R E N C E

which were conducted in the format of a traditional meeting. While the teaching was excellent, some seminar leaders and attendees expressed disappointment that due to large groups and lack of time, there was no opportunity for questions, much less for a real discussion. On the other hand, those who attended seminars that attracted fewer people reported that they were satisfied with the high level of participation offered. Fellowship is a vital part of the Christian life and one of the benefits of any conference is the opportunity to connect with old friends and meet new people. As always, mealtimes and in between/after meetings were enjoyed as a chance to visit. The conference committee has been encouraged by the feedback we’ve received. We thank God for one letter that said, “Our uncle described it as the second-best thing that’s ever happened to him. Another young couple in the area here have described it as life-changing and have decided to devote their whole summers to camp work.” We know there is no way to measure the “success” of a conference, but we believe eternity will reveal that the Lord blessed in ways that we have no idea. We look to the Lord for guidance regarding a future conference.

Jesus Christ. Their messages revealed their passion for living in light of eternity and the need to assess how we are spending our time and energy.

The conference schedule included three sessions during which ten seminars were offered. We aimed to provide a balance of teaching on personal Christian life, New Testament church truth, various ministry involvements and doctrinal issues. Although seminars are theoretically intended to provide a forum for practical discussions, we found that the majority of Timothy Conference attendees chose the doctrinal topics

On December 29th over 500 believers converged on a small hotel near Pearson Airport in Toronto, Canada. They came to participate in The Timothy Conference, a gathering focused on mentorship and discipling in the spirit of 2 Timothy 2:2, “The things that thou has heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” It was encouraging to see both young people and older ones profiting from the same ministry, and taking to heart the vision of the conference, namely, to stir up and equip mentors, and to give immediate practical help to those in need of mentoring. The keynote messages were delivered by John Lennox (England), Joe Mikhael (Ontario), J.B. Nicholson (Michigan) and Sandy McEachern (Nova Scotia). In addition, there were seminars on a variety of topics and an afternoon focused on missions led by MSC Canada. Participants were pleased with the conference overall and feedback was very positive. It was especially encouraging to hear from numerous people concerning the warmth of fellowship that they enjoyed throughout the three days. We trust that the Lord will use this conference to help believers grow in their walk with the Lord. —Rod Joyce

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

B O U Q U E T

o f

B L E S S I N G S

❋

Comments from Rise Up West Attendees “I appreciated finally having the conference in western Canada…”

Regarding the ministry of the Word in the plenary sessions, I especially appreciated the emphasis on the loveliness of Christ and on the body life of the assembly.

❋ ❋ ❋

Very intense schedule but worth it all—didn’t want to leave anything out!

I want to be totally committed to my Lord, who is totally committed to me. What I appreciated most was the challenge to live 100% for the Lord and the impetus to start now.

I’m sure the influence this conference has had on the Lord’s people will spread much further than you could imagine…I feel so encouraged to go back to my assembly and spend much more time in prayer regarding our struggles and to take a greater role in strengthening it. I can’t wait to share some of this ministry with them all…The schedule was packed with meetings and that’s what we came for! Perfect! We’re quite tired today, but it was well worth it, and we will definitely be here should you plan it again…It was beautiful to hear such a large group singing to the Lord together.

The focus on Christ was especially encouraging.

A BIT OF HEAVEN… I really enjoyed the prayer time in the mornings—it was very good for me to have that time of encouragement.

I especially appreciated the challenge to obey God in everything.

MY THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD SON GOT A LOT OUT OF THE CONFERENCE—HE WAS GREATLY CHALLENGED.

I was Spirit-led. I felt the Lord truly spoke to me, especially in the areas of going on (pressing toward the goal) and the urgency of spreading the Word.

I can’t count the number of times God spoke to me through these sessions.

I especially appreciated meeting with those of “like mind,” being encouraged to keep going on…

We came for blessing—and the Lord showed us HIMSELF.

This should be made an annual event—it was extremely beneficial to my Christian walk.

Through the ministry of the plenary speakers I have been encouraged to love the Lord more.

w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

B O U Q U E T

o f

B L E S S I N G S

❋

Timothy Conference Comments “What a terrific way to begin 2003!”

“Many in my assembly (in Singapore) knew about the Timothy conference and had been praying for the Lord’s blessings. We will surely benefit from the messages by MP3. We are praying about the possibility of organizing a similar Timothy conference here in Singapore in the future.”

❋ ❋ ❋

I felt that the Lord was truly glorified and honored and that the Lord’s people were challenged and blessed. In the end, that is the zenith of what we can strive for. I needed a lengthy period of quiet time to meditate on all the things that the Lord blessed and challenged me with through the ministry of the conference. The preaching I was able to hear was a great blessing to me but I was also helped in so many other ways too, not the least of which was simply enjoying the presence of the Lord and the fellowship of His people. If we can make a difference in one life for the Lord we have done a noble and eternal work and you folks have touched so many through this effort. I am just one of those your efforts blessed. —one of the speakers

“The honesty, openness and love, and the consistent invitation to step up, make a difference, have an impact.” WHAT I APPRECIATED MOST: “The fellowship and interaction with all ages, and the tremendous level of ministry.” “The truths revealed to me, or the renewing of principles I had learned in the past and forgotten.” “Being among the fellowship of the Lord’s people and the sound scriptural teaching.” “The excellent quality and high caliber of the well-prepared and Spirit-led lectures. The approachableness and humility of speakers.” “Fellowship—speakers—singing—seeing young people! The availability of the speakers for personal talk.” “I enjoyed the fellowship very much, but appreciated the convicting messages most.”

•

“It was large enough to get to know new people, small enough to spend time with old friends.” Monday morning when the men met for prayer at 7:30 AM, one brother prayed, “Teach us to love our wives, that our prayers be not hindered.” I had to raise my head to see if anyone else had seen the sword that pierced and was protruding from my heart. I have to say I missed the rest of the conference, but hope to catch up on the ministry when I receive my MP3 CD in the mail. I invested $1000.00 for travel and stay and the lesson the Lord taught me from the prayer meeting that morning was worth every American penny.

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

R A L P H

K I R C H H O F F E R

Rise Up West 2002 Vancouver Airport Ramada, Dec. 30, 2002–Jan. 2, 2003

hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ…Please, Lord, open the heavens and abundantly bless!”

How our great God did “Open the Heavens” for this first type of conference in western North America. The theme from Malachi 3:10 received His abundant blessing. “…prove Me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” The three-part conference focus was Relationships, Revival, and His Return. The Lord’s inspiration in the hearts of nine brethren in BC, following a February 2002 gathering of workers and elders at Harrison Hot Springs, BC led to the conception and reality of Rise Up West 2002. Excerpts from committee members in the conference brochure, stated:

Each of the keynote speakers—Donald Norbie, Daniel Smith, and J. B. Nicholson—was blessed by the Lord in their presentation of the conference focus. With forty-one elective sessions and twenty-six seminar speakers, God’s Word went forth by the power of the Holy Spirit. William MacDonald wrote an encouraging letter addressed to the attendees: “The immensity of our redemption leads to only one reasonable response— namely, total commitment. Let us remember that anything short of that is only polished sin.” He exhorted us to “impress the hotel staff with your example of Christlikeness” and to “pray for all the speakers, for opened heavens, and for blessings beyond capacity to receive.” Brother MacDonald’s concluding charge: “May He find us serving, watching, and waiting, and in a state of Spirit-sent revival.” The blessing of having a children’s program run by well qualified workers, who came with the commendation of the oversight of their respective assemblies, proved to be an outstanding ministry, used by the parents of over 75 children! The main theme was “Heroes of the Faith” using memory verses from Hebrews 12:13, and the “goal to encourage your children to live lives pleasing to the Lord” and “challenging them to love the Lord with all their hearts.” The Conference Chorus under the direction of Paul Forcucci of Waterbury, CT, assembled 40+ volunteer voices. Using Hymns of Worship and Remembrance,

The time is short, the work is great, the laborers are few… the world is chaotic, complex, uncertain…therefore we need to strengthen our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, our devotion to God our Father, and our dependence on the indwelling Holy Spirit. The conference is designed to build us up in our faith, encourage us to live for the Lord, be salt and light in this darkening scene, and bond us together in the hope of His soon coming. …Remember the day of our new birth and our new relationship with the Lord and His people…reflect on the present day and discover the need for revival in our own hearts and in our assemblies…the Lord be our strength as we continue patiently until the Day of His return…

The conference committee produced an all-encompassing syllabus, distributed to each attendee, providing a valuable seminar resource and future study guide. Within the syllabus a letter from the committee encouraged each attendee “to strengthen your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, to increase your devotion to our heavenly Father, and to yield more fully to the Holy Spirit’s leading...This time together could be a ‘spiritual benchmark’…[with] hearts warmed, minds renewed, determination to live for Him strengthened…We will be encouraged and edified by many gifted servants of the Lord who desire to help us along the way…coming before the Lord in prayer, acknowledging our great need of Him in our lives and His wisdom in our pilgrim pathway…looking for that blessed w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

R I S E

U P

W E S T

2 0 0 2

Revival begins in the child of God when we remember our first love, from where we have fallen, and we repent and do the first works. Preach the Word! Do the work of an evangelist! The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. While we watch for His return, we serve the living and true God, waiting for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. The miraculous crowning of the conference took place the last full day, when an unsaved husband and father of three young children, came to visit the family. He had left in September. His wife had been gloriously saved in October. He was coming to see his children and the “cult” his wife had joined. As he entered the lunch room, in a wheel chair due to advanced MS, the power of God gripped his heart. Many at the conference had come to know of his pending visit, there-

instruction in harmony, and a brief practice time, they presented at the first full-day evening meeting a tutorial on enhancing hymnody in our meetings. Gospel Folio Press managed a conference book store with booklets, books, tracts, Bibles, modular

Photos: Ralph Kirchhoffer

Keynote Panel Discussion

Bible lessons and several new titles. Volunteer helpers guided by Sam and Beth Cairns enabled conference attendees to enrich their lives through written ministry. During the break periods attendees were able to visit fourteen different exhibiting ministries, each displaying their programs and having available literature. Exhibitors had personnel at their presentation to respond to questions of interested visitors. Conference audio recordings were done for each general and elective session providing either audio cassettes or a single CD in MP3 format. This CD was available within one hour following the conference. For information regarding these recordings, you can contact Daniel Webster at 250-768-6820. The conference was attended by approximately 600 (75 children under age 12). The attendees came from: Canada, USA, Mexico, Honduras, Peru, Ecuador, Ireland, and Wales. The west coast was represented from Alaska to Mexico, with the majority from BC, Alberta, Washington, and California. Excluding the children, about 41% of attendees were under 35 years old. The conference schedule was designed to redeem the time, to honor our God and Saviour Jesus Christ, by being diligent workers rightly dividing the Word of Truth. We focused on our relationships in the body of Christ, exhorted to be of one mind, having compassion, fervent in our love, tenderhearted, courteous, hospitable, and a blessing to one another, knowing that we were called to this, that we may inherit a blessing.

fore heaven was being showered with prayers by the redeemed. As the children ran to their daddy, tears freely flowed. “For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation” (2 Cor. 7:10). After dinner, this man bowed in prayer, sought God’s forgiveness for his sin, and received the gift of life eternal through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. That evening the speaker, unaware of this new life in Christ, was touched by God to put aside his prepared message, and instead brought forth the clear message of God’s salvation and the forgiven sinner’s new life in the Body of Christ. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5).

Listen to the sessions from Rise Up West over the internet. Visit www.riseupwest.com for more details. 16

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

R O S S

M c I N T E E

Developing Leadership Practical suggestions for this essential work.

Is it important to develop leadership? The world certainly thinks so. America’s corporate giants annually budget millions towards developing leadership. Conferences, seminars, special meetings from the first level of supervision to the upper echelon of executive management, all are subjected to the newest modes of leadership development. But is it really that important? It is vital. Why? Because the organization that fails to provide good, strong leadership whether it be in manufacturing, military or marriage and family is headed for disaster and failure. As far as church life is concerned, there are two areas in which leadership can be developed, matured and strengthened, namely individually and corporately. We must grow in Christ as individuals (Eph. 4:15) so that strength and leadership will also be evidenced in our local assembly. of car tracks heading off the road through the underbrush and trees, straight towards the cliff that dropped 30 feet down to the rocks of the river below. He stopped his car and raced through the brush to the cliff edge and there he saw his brother’s car, upside down, half out of the water with Dan lying limp inside. Immediately he called for help. Soon the police and rescue crews arrived. As the medics were placing the still breathing Dan into Sunnybrook Hospital’s Air Ambulance helicopter, a police officer turned to Gary and warmly commended and complimented him. Gary turned to him and replied, “I’m no hero. I don’t care about that. I’m just concerned about my brother.” This is the kind of leadership needed. It is stimulated by a genuine love for our brothers and sisters. It is seen by actions that express care and concern and it persistently and steadfastly follows through. It is born out of a heart and inner life in which Christ dwells.

INDIVIDUAL LEADERSHIP Paul is very encouraging. Here is the believer in his highest leadership roll. First Timothy 3:1 reads, “If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer he desires a noble task.” How encouraging it is to hear young men say, “I would like to be a shepherd of God’s people some day.” This is a great desire, not to be frowned on for “honor seeking.” The risen Head who controls His Church deeply desires men (especially young men) who will respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit causing them to reach out and take the spiritual rod and staff of the caring shepherd. I’m reminded of Gary’s brother, Dan. He was missing. Gary was deeply concerned. He and Dan had moved into the Toronto area from the east coast a few months back. Dan hadn’t come home the preceding night. He had taken the car to visit a friend just north of Toronto and had not returned. Gary notified the police who soon gave up. But Gary desperately continued his own search along back roads that Dan might have taken, if perchance he was intending to visit his friend in nearby Aurora. Suddenly, as he approached a curve in the road, his eye caught the faintest impression w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

DEVELOPING THE INNER LIFE OF THE ELDER This is all important. On this everything depends. If he builds with an unqualified, undedicated heart, the result of his leadership will be an eternally disappointing structure of wood, hay, and stubble (1 Cor. 3:10•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

D E V E L O P I N G

L E A D E R S H I P

Tips for Developing as Elders/Leaders The following is a list of some simple practical suggestions that have proven helpful in serving as an elder. You can probably add a few of your own. 1. Commit yourself to learning how to listen. Look them in the eyes, not over their shoulders. 2. Make a conscious effort to develop and show an authentic interest in others. Well thought-out, tactful questions always help. 3. Decide to develop friendships, expecting nothing in return. Our Lord was always doing this. 4. Always treat others as equals. You are not greater just because you are in a leadership position. 5. Be generous with legitimate praise and encouragement. No one is beyond sincere praise or a genuine compliment. 6. Emphasize the strengths and virtues of others. Turn responsibility and duties over to other qualified people whenever possible. 7. Discipline yourself. Be an example in reading, prayer, eating, sleeping, family life. 8. Always be reliable and dependable. 9. Do not be spontaneously negative. 10. Make certain that regular times of recreation and fun are spent with your wife and children. What is the very best we can do to develop leadership skills? It is to follow the guidance of our “fellow elder” Peter (1 Pet. 5:1-4). But remember that his final message and parting advice was: “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Pet. 3:10). After all, Christ our Lord is the Chief Shepherd. 15). David recognized this when he said to the leaders of Israel anxious to be involved in the construction of Solomon’s magnificent temple, “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God [or prepare your inner life]; arise, therefore, and build the sanctuary of the Lord…the house that is to be build for the name of the Lord” (1 Chron. 22:19). Inner, spiritual preparation had to come first. Three essential inner qualifications are: 1. “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5). The abiding unoffended presence of the Lord Jesus in the elder’s life is essential. Without it there is “nothing.” 2. Be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). The ungrieved presence of the Holy Spirit is: (a) a must for decisions requiring wisdom and discernment (Acts 13:9; Acts 5:3); (b) for direction in service and ministry (Acts 16:6-7); (c) for wisdom in appointing other elders (Acts 20:28); (d) for power in witnessing (Acts 1:8); (e) for fruit to be evident in our character and ways to make us acceptable, Christ-like, and desirable to follow (Gal. 5:22-25). 3. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17-18). This inner qualification,

•

preceded by taking the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is essential. The Word of God bathed in a life of consistent prayer will produce a leader that is characterized by watchfulness and wise discernment. No amount of professional training can substitute for this. DEVELOPING THE QUALITIES OF THE ELDER In 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul is viewed as a leader and the Thessalonian believers as followers. In this first chapter there are revealed several qualities he possessed as a leader that they should emulate, and so should we. 1. Thankfulness (1 Thess. 1:2)—a great quality. Paul was thankful for those who followed him. Every believer in our local church has something we should be thankful for. A good elder will look for it, find it and thank God and his brother or sister for it. Thankfulness is encouraging and bonding. Paul used it and so should we. But here it is also evident that prayer is closely partnered with thanksgiving. We don’t really know if Paul prayed for all the Thessalonians individually by name. It could well have been. What a blessing when the elders pray and give thanks daily by name for all in their fellowship. It has

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

D E V E L O P I N G

the desirable effect of sharpening our memory and deepening our love and concern for those we are called on to lead. 2. Remembers (1 Thess. 1:2). To develop as a elder, we must get to know and remember as much as we can about those in our fellowship. We must have an interest in their health, children, schooling, employment, vacation, ministry and above all, trials and problems. This is invaluable. Communication is vital. Conversation flows easily as it is carried along with things we remember about them and their concerns. Paul said, “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope” (1 Thess. 1:3). 3. Knowledge (1 Thess. 1:4). “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election by God.” A conscious knowledge of this truth will have a profound practical effect on our relationship and ministry as elders. Paul put it this way to Timothy: “I endure all things for the sake of God’s elect” (2 Tim. 2:10). It was the appreciation that these people were God’s elect that caused him to

L E A D E R S H I P

say, “I endure all things.” James uses this same reasoning to correct the impartiality of his readers with a very life-like illustration when he states in James 2:5, “Listen, my beloved brethren, has God not chosen (elected) the poor of this world…to be heirs of the kingdom?” A knowledge of the truth of election will always keep before us that each brother and sister is one of God’s elect and will increase our love and respect for the less lovable among them. The result: better elders! 4. Sets an example (1 Thess. 1:6). “You became followers of us, and of the Lord.” The Thessalonians were following the example of Paul as he followed the example of Christ. As a result, they became examples to others. The training of the prospective elder involves becoming an example of the Lord. In the elder, the believers and the world should observe such a display of Christ-like living that it will be said of him, “You became examples to all in Macedonia.” Or better still—your own home town!

Gauging Your Performance as an Elder Please read I Thessalonians 2:1-12 and fill in the blanks. They reveal how Paul performed so effectively among them as a leader. He is a good example for us.

2. (v. 4) What should a leader not do? __________ ___________ 3. (v. 5) What should a leader not use? __________ ___________

1. bold 2. please men 3. flattering words 4. glory from men 5. gentleness 6. a nursing mother 7. devoted, just, blameless 8. exhorted, comforted, charged 9. as a father does his own children 10. walk worthy of God, who has called you unto His own kingdom and glory

1. (v. 2) We were __________ in our God.

4. (v. 6) What should a leader not look for? __________ ___________ ________

6. (v. 7) What example of a leader does Paul give to illustrate the quality in question #5?

ANSWERS:

5. (v. 7) What quality should a leader possess? _____________

___ __________ __________ 7. (v. 10) What are three character traits that a leader should possess? __________ ___________ ____________ 8. (v. 11) State three ways he acted as a leader. __________ ___________ ____________ 9. (v. 11) What example of a good leader does Paul give in this verse? __________________________________________________________________________ 10. (v. 12) What should the goal of every elder/leader be? ___________________________________________________________________________

w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

G O R D O N

F R A N Z

Jesus Celebrated Purim A Middle East scholar stimulates our thinking.

Purim is one of the most festive and joyous holidays in the Jewish calendar. The book of Esther commands that it be celebrated on the 14th and 15th days of Adar (this year on March 18) and was to be a time of “feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor” (Est. 9:22). This holiday commemorates the victory of the Jewish people over their enemies, enemies who tried to slaughter them as a result of the decree by the Persian prime minister, Haman, in the book of Esther. The Jews still celebrate this festival and remember the past anti-Semitic individuals who tried to exterminate them as well as the present ones. THE CELEBRATION OF PURIM On Purim, a Jewish person goes to the synagogue for the reading of the Megillah, the scroll of Esther (Babylonian Talmud, Megillah 1a). The first year I studied in Israel, I had a class in Biblical Hebrew. In the spring semester we were translating the book of Esther. One of our class assignments was to visit a synagogue for the reading of the Megillah at Purim. What an experience! When the cantor came to the name Mordecai, the protagonist in the story, the people shouted, “Blessed be Mordecai.” When the name Haman, the antagonist, was read, everyone stomped their feet, made noise with their noisemakers called groggers, and shouted, “Cursed be Haman.” I did not participate in another Purim custom. The rabbis say that a man should “mellow himself [with wine] on Purim until he cannot tell the difference between ‘cursed be Haman’ and ‘blessed be Mordecai’” (BT Megillah 7b). In other words, this was the only day they were permitted to get drunk! Children, and even adults, get dressed up in costumes and have a Purim party or parade. Usually the costumes are of the biblical characters such as Esther, Mordecai, Ahasuerus or Haman. Today people will

•

dress up or wear masks of modern-day anti-Semitic people who would like to exterminate the Jewish people, such as Yasser Arafat, Osama bin Laden, or Saddam Hussein. This holiday is sort of like a Jewish Halloween and New Year’s all rolled into one, but without the occultic overtones. JESUS AND PURIM Most people are unaware of this, but Jesus celebrated the feast of Purim! In John 5, the Lord Jesus was up in Jerusalem for an unnamed feast. Scholars have debated whether the feast was Passover, Purim, Succoth or even Pentecost (Bowman, 1971). Some have objected to Purim because it is a “minor” feast and not one of the three “major” pilgrimage festivals (Deut. 16:16). That argument is irrelevant because Jesus also celebrated another “minor” holiday, Hanukkah (Jn. 10:22; Franz, 1998:25-26). Chronologically, the only feast that makes sense is Purim in AD 28. The feast of John 5 fell on a sabbath (5:9). The only feast day to fall on a sabbath between AD 25 and AD 35 was Purim of AD 28 (Faulstich, 1986). The Spirit of God intentionally left out the name of the feast because the Lord’s name was deliberately left out of the Book of Esther. In John 5, Jesus healed a man who had an infirmity for 38 years near the Pools of Bethesda (Jn. 5:1-9). It is also the first time in His public ministry that He declared that “God was His Father, making Himself equal with God” (5:18). He also said that He was the “Son of God” (5:25) and the “Son of Man” (5:27). At this time I’m sure the Lord Jesus would attend the reading of the Scroll of Esther in one of the synagogues of Jerusalem and contemplate the message of that book. Its theme is this: “God’s preservation of His unbelieving people, and the celebration of that event in the feast of Purim” (Shepperson, 1975:26). THE THEME OF THE BOOK OF ESTHER This theme is crucial for understanding the book of Esther and why John included this “sign” in his Gospel. This theme explains why the name of God is not mentioned in the book and why prayer is never mentioned. Also why Mordecai is still in Susa on the

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

Photos: Jack Hazut

J E S U S

The reading of the Megillah, the scroll of Esther, during Purim

13th of Nisan when he should have been back in Jerusalem for Passover on the 14th (Est. 3:12; Lev. 23:5; Deut. 16:16). It also addresses why there is a “lack of spiritual awareness in Esther and Mordecai, and the vengeful spirit so apparent at the end of the book” (Shepperson, 1975:25). Esther and Mordecai were out of the will of God and in unbelief. The expression of faith for an Israelite was for them to “Flee the Chaldeans” (Isa. 48:20-21; 52:7-12; Deut. 28:64-67) and return to Zion when Cyrus made the decree for the people to return (Ezra 1:1-4). Yet a large number of Israelites and Judeans chose to remain outside the land of Israel, in Babylon and Susa, rather than return to Zion. When a person is out of God’s will, the last Person they want to talk about is the Lord. Thus the name of God is not mentioned. Sometimes a person in unbelief or out of the will of God will perform religious rituals, just as the Jewish people did in Susa. They fulfilled their religious ritual by fasting for three days, but they did not pray to Him who should have been the Lord their God (Est. 4:16-17; cf. Isa. 58:1-7). They were still part of God’s covenant people, but they were in unbelief. The Lord used Mordecai and Esther, outside the land of Israel in unbelief, in order to preserve the Messianic line that had already returned to Judah in faith during the First Return. The Messianic line returned in the person of Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2; Mt. 1:12-13 or Lk. 3:27). Haman’s decree to annihilate the Jews affected the Jews also living in Judah (Est. 3:12-13; 4:3; 8:5, 9, 13). This was God’s hand of providence at work. JESUS AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA The Lord Jesus took advantage of the Feast of Purim to teach His disciples about Himself and to fulfill the commandment to give gifts to the poor. John tells us that by the Sheep Pools is a place called Bethesda, from two Hebrew words, beit and hesed, meaning “house of mercy.” The two words give the distinct impression that there was a “house” or temple where merciful acts were carried out. Archaeological excavations in the area of St. Anne’s Church north of the Temple Mount have demonstrated that there was w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

C E L E B R AT E D

P U R I M

a healing shrine to the Greek god of healing, Asclepius (Jeremias, 1966; Franz, 1989). In the shadows of this shrine there was a sick man who had been lying there for 38 years. The Lord Jesus approached him and said, “Do you want to be made well?” (Jn. 5:6). The man responded in the affirmative but added that he had nobody to place him into the pool when the water was stirred up (5:7). The Lord Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk” (5:8). The man accepted the gift and was healed instantly. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS “SIGN” John’s two-fold purpose in writing his Gospel was to present the deity of the Lord Jesus and the condition for salvation, faith alone in Christ alone (Jn. 20:30-31). In the account in John 5, there is a confrontation between deities. Who really is God? Is it Asclepius or the Lord Jesus Christ? The Lord won this confrontation “hands down.” He did not need a shrine to heal this man. He did not need an “angel” (perhaps a demonic being—Mt. 25:41; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rev. 19:20) or the “stirring of the water” (Jn. 5:4). All He did was speak the word and the man was healed. This is significant for the Purim story because the Jews of Susa were probably worshipping different Babylonian and Persian deities (cf. Isa. 46:1-7: Deut. 28:64). In Isaiah 46:1, Bel is another name for the god Marduk. Mordecai’s name comes from this pagan deity. Esther, even though she had a Hebrew name—Hadassah—used her Persian name that is the same as the goddess Ishtar (Est. 2:7; Goodman 1980:6). When Mordecai found out about Haman’s decree to annihilate the Jews (Est. 3:12-13; 4:3), he forced Esther to go into the courts of Ahasuerus to plea for her people. Until this point, Esther had not revealed to Ahasuerus that she was Jewish (Est. 7:3-4). Mordecai had instructed her to keep this a secret (Est. 2:10, 20). But now he states: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Est. 4:13-14). Esther suggested a religious ritual, fasting for three days, and then gave her fatalistic statement, “If I per•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

J E S U S

C E L E B R AT E D

P U R I M

ish, I perish” (4:16)! There is no expression of trust in the Lord in either Mordecai or Esther’s statements. The sick man that was lying at the “House of Mercy” was hoping for a cure, but not from the Lord. Likewise, Mordecai and Esther were relying on other means for deliverance, but not the Lord. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 38 YEARS The Lord selected this man because He was using him as an object lesson. Several times in John’s Gospel the Lord refers to events in the wilderness wanderings: the serpent in the wilderness (3:14-16; cf. Num. 21:9), and the manna in the wilderness (6:31-40; cf. Ex. 16:15; Num. 11:7; 1 Cor. 10:3). At the end of His discussion with the religious leaders, the Lord Jesus said that Moses wrote of Him (Jn. 5:45-47). I would like to think that Jesus explained the significance of this miracle in this fashion. The number thirty-eight is used only one other place, by implication, in the Scriptures. After the incident of the bad report by the ten spies, the children of Israel wandered for thirtyeight more years from Kadesh-barnea to the Promised Land because of unbelief (Num. 12 and 13; 14:29-34). Hebrews 4:19 says that that generation did not enter into the Land because of unbelief! In the account in John 5, the sick man was a picture of the nation of Israel. They had a decision to make. Would they trust Jesus as their Messiah, or reject Him? This man trusted the Lord Jesus, was healed, and his sins were forgiven (Jn. 5:14). The religious leaders, on the other hand, rebuked the man for carrying his bed on the sabbath (Jn. 5:10). They were so caught up in the ritual of sabbath keeping that they could not rejoice with this man when the Lord healed him. Remember Mordecai and Esther’s ritual of fasting? The Lord Jesus pointed out to the man that he had the infirmity because of sin in his life, and warned him that a worse thing would come upon him if he continued in his ways (5:14). So Judah had gone into Babylonian captivity because of sins (2 Chron. 36:14-21; Lev. 26:33-35). In the conversation the Lord Jesus had with the religious leaders after He healed the infirmed man, He says, “I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me” (5:43a). Mordecai and Esther did not receive the Father so they did not mention His name in the book of Esther. Like Mordecai and Esther, the religious leaders did not accept the Father’s name.

•

GOD’S PURIM GIFT TO US On Purim, Jewish people are commanded to give gifts to the poor. The Lord Jesus gave this sick man the gift of physical health and presumably eternal life. What great Purim presents to receive! Several months earlier, He had a conversation with a Samaritan woman by a well near Sychar. In this conversation He describes the “gift of God” as “everlasting life” (Jn. 4:10, 14). The Lord offered the man at Bethesda’s healing shrine more than the gift of physical health; He also offered him eternal life. Each individual who has ever lived, or will ever live, is a poor sinner before a holy God. The Bible says that the “wages of sin is death [separation from God for all eternity in hell], but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). The only thing a person has to do—in fact, the only thing a person can do—is to trust the Lord Jesus Christ as the One who died for their sins and rose again from the dead. There are no righteous deeds, good works, or rituals that we can do to please a holy God; the only thing that does is faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus (Isa. 64:6; Hab. 2:4; Rom. 5:15-18; Eph. 2:8-9). God in love sent His Son to die on the cross to pay for all our sins and offers us His righteousness, by faith in His Son, so we can stand before a holy God forgiven of all our sins (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:6-8; Phil. 3:9; 2 Cor. 8:9; 9:15). Have you accepted God’s Purim gift to you, His Beloved Son? It is the most important decision you will ever make. Trust Him today. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bowman, J., 1971, Identity and Date of the Unnamed Feast of John 5:1. Pp. 43-56 in Near Eastern Studies in Honor of William Foxwell Albright. Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins University. Faulstich, E. W., 1986 Computer Calendar: IBM Software. Spencer, IA: Chronology Books. Franz, G., 1989 Divine Healer: Jesus vs. Eshmun. Archaeology and Biblical Research 2/1:24-28. —1998, Jesus Celebrated Hanukkah. Uplook 65/9:25-26. Goodman, P., 1980, The Purim Anthology. Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society of America. Jeremias, J., 1966, The Rediscovery of Bethesda, Louisville, KY: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Shepperson, G. E., 1975, The Role of the Book of Esther in Salvation History. Unpublished ThM thesis, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX.

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

E L I

N E S S I M

Reaching Your Jewish Friends You must be winsome to win some.

JEWISH DIFFICULTIES: These include terms that are offensive to them, because of their historical connotations. The words “cross,” “convert,” and “missionary,” for example, remind them of forced conversions by wolves in sheep’s clothing, who compelled them to submit to a false religion. Such examples as the Crusaders, the Inquisition, and the Pogroms come to their minds. It is wise to use equivalent terms, such as “tree‚” “believer‚” and “evangelist.” There are also some objections that are more frequent than others. A sample of these is as follows: Question: “If Jesus is our Messiah, why didn’t our leaders believe in him?” Answer: Some of our leaders did believe in Him, though not many. But what is more to the point, the less they believed in Him, the more authentic His claims are! It was the false prophets who were favored by their leaders; over and again in Israel’s history this was so. For example, Ahab had 400 false prophets but only one true (1 Ki. 22:6-8). Similar examples abound in Scripture. Far from being a count against Jesus, it ranks Him with all true prophets. Question: “If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why is there no peace in this world?” Answer: Because men rejected His offers of peace. Even God complains of this, in Isaiah 48:18, “O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! Then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” Peace is a two-way response. Question: “How can God be our Messiah?” or “How can Messiah be God?” Answer: Because God declared it. In Jeremiah 23:5-6, Isaiah 9:6, and other places, Messiah is called “the Lord our Righteousness‚” “Mighty God‚” “Everlasting Father,” etc. Question: “How dare you say I am hell-bound if I don’t believe in Jesus!” Answer: The truth is, we are all—Jews and Gentiles— sinners and therefore hell-deserving. Psalm14:2-3 states: “The Lord looked down from the heavens upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. They have all gone aside, they are together become corrupt; there is none

There are approximately 15 million Jewish people in the world; nearly 6 million live in the US, and well over 5 million live in Israel. They are found in every kind of occupation, and they serve in those occupations with distinction. Among their institutions there are synagogues, schools, community centers. You may meet them in every place of public concourse.

Photo: Wolf Schubach

THE JEWISH CALENDAR: Each new moon is a new month in the Jewish calendar; that means the year is only 355 days long, with twelve months. In order to catch up with the solar year, there are seven leap years every 19 years; the twelfth month is doubled (repeated) each leap year. The main festivals are found in the five Books of Moses, as are the dietary laws; the new moon or the full moon signal the time to celebrate the festivals: Passover, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles. The Sabbath is a weekly festival.

CATEGORIES AND BELIEFS: There are three main denominations in modern Judaism: the Orthodox, or modern Pharisees; the Reform, or modern Sadducees; and the Conservative, which steer a middle road between the other two. Judaism does not teach the Tri-Unity of God, the Incarnation of the Son of God, or Original Sin. Instead, it teaches that man can save himself through a combination of Works and Grace, which makes it unnecessary (in their view) for Messiah to give his life for sinners. The most famous and best known prayer is a recital of Deuteronomy 6:4, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One.” The nearest approach to a creed is Orthodox Jew, The Thirteen Principles of Faith, a Jerusalem series of thirteen assertions regarding God, the Law, Messiah and Resurrection. It goes without saying that Jewish people disregard the New Testament’s claim to be Scripture. What is less known is that they do not study the Old Testament either. w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

Photo: Jack Hazut

R E A C H I N G

RECOMMENDED BOOKS: Moishe & Ceil Rosen, Share the New Life with a Jew‚ (Moody) Louis Goldberg, Our Jewish Friends (Loizeaux) Barry Rubin, You Bring the Bagels, I’ll Bring the Gospel (Chosen Books)

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES: God’s servants used various methods to reach His people. These included testimony (Ps. 66:16), stories (1 Sam. 12:1-4), parables (Ezek. 17), riddles (Mt. 22:41-45), songs (Isa. 5:1-5), even drama (Ezek. 4:1-3). It is also important to study the Gospel of Matthew and the Epistle to the Hebrews to learn how to apply the Old Testament teachings to the Messiah. Matthew says repeatedly, “that it might be fulfilled.” Hebrews draws from prophecy, history and Scripture in affirming Messiah’s identity and ministry as High Priest over mankind. In addition, the Book of Acts records the way the apostles spoke to their people—not a facile and fallacious system of four or five easy propositions, but an appeal to sacred history, prophecy, promise and fulfillment. For example in Acts 17:1-3, Paul, “as his manner was,” used Scripture to define the Messiah, what P

F R I E N D S

SOME KEY PROPHECIES: • Genesis 3:15, The Seed of the woman, who would defeat Satan (Gal. 4:4) • Genesis 22:18, The Seed of Abraham, who would bless all nations (Gal. 3:16) • Deuteronomy 18:15-18, A Prophet like Moses (Heb. 3:1-6) • Psalm 22, The Righteous Sufferer (Lk. 23:39-47) • Psalm 89:29, The Seed of David (Acts 13:23) • Isaiah 7:14, Messiah: human and divine, virgin-born (Mt. 1:22-23) • Isaiah 52:13–53:12), Messiah our Substitute (Rom. 5:6-11) • Daniel 9:24, Date of Messiah’s atoning death (Lk. 18:31-34) • Zechariah 12:10, The pierced divine Messiah (Jn. 19:34) • Malachi 3:1-3, The Divine Angel of the Covenant (Mt. 3:11-12)

APPROACHING JEWISH PEOPLE: Follow the principles of friendship evangelism in general. More specifically: • Pray much before initiating contact (Gen. 24:27). • Demonstrate true love, patience, compassion (Prov. 19:22). Take a genuine interest in your friend, even though the response is disappointing (Ps. 109:4). • Be a good listener! (Prov. 18:13; Jas. 1:19). • Give tracts one at a time, and only those you appreciate yourself (Isa. 28:10). • Familiarize yourself with their sayings, songs, synagogues, etc. This will enable you to approach them on their own wavelength (Ezek. 3:15). • Know your Bible! (Mt. 13:52). For your encouragement, most saved Jews are won through prayer and Christian love. Arguments have limited value, however skilful, when your hearer is not disposed to listen.

J E W I S H

He would do, etc. And having established the Person and Work of Messiah, he then proceeded to identify Him: “this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” This was much the same method as our Lord used, when He opened up the Scriptures to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (see Lk. 24:25-32).

that doeth good, not even one.” Messiah came to save us from the just consequences of our own sins. See Isaiah 9:2, 6; John 3:18; 12:46-47. Other difficulties include the fear of assimilation, the fear of losing one’s Jewishness, the priority of Tradition over Scripture; anti-Semitism by so-called “Christians;” and the stigma of association with Christians, or heeding the gospel.

Y O U R

RECOMMENDED TRACT SUPPLIERS: Messianic Literature Outreach, #205 6161 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229 Chosen People Ministries (Canada) B0X 897, Station B, North York ON, M2K 2R1 Chosen People Ministries (USA), 241 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022 Jews for Jesus, 527A Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto ON M4S 2M4 OUR OWN OUTREACH: Radio KARI, AM 550, Sundays at 4 PM (Western BC) Web Page: www.zionmessianic.org http://www.zionmessianic.org Publications: Miscellaneous pamphlets •

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

G A R Y

M c B R I D E

Getting Involved in the Assembly Should we really lay down our lives for the brethren?

will also have conviction about their involvement in the local assembly. In our recent seminar three areas of concern and relevancy were addressed. We concentrated on the principles outlined in Scripture; the problems that hinder the involvement of people in the local assembly; and finally, practical ways in which spiritual gift can be determined and participation in assembly life can take place.

The Lord designed the local church to have each member of the body actively involved. How do we know which area of service is right for us? How do we get started in this area of service once we do know? Local churches in North America face particular challenges because of the character of the age. Because of technology and the media, people are more and more used to being entertained. Increasingly the trend is for people to be spectators paying others to perform. There is an increase in leisure activity and the desire and ability to take advantage of sports, travel and hobbies. On the job front, there is a decreasing sense of loyalty, demonstrated by both employees and employers, resulting in a growing level of transience. There is also an alarming focus on individual rights and prerogatives demonstrated by an attitude that continually asks the question, “What’s in it for me?” These characteristics are seen in church life and can be observed in our assemblies. Such people, if they are teachable, can be taught through the exposition of Scripture and by the example and encouragement of other believers to recognize the pitfalls of some of the characteristics of the age. Another problem has to do with the reason why people are in a particular local church. They may be there for any number of reasons concerning which they may or may not be conscious. They may attend because of custom—it is their habit to attend a particular assembly. It may be a matter of comfort—they like the people or the programs in a certain assembly. It may even be a matter of convenience—they attend the nearest gathering place or one that offers the most or best amenities when compared to other local churches. Fortunately, there will be those in nearly every gathering who are there because of conviction, those who believe in the truths displayed by the local church and who want to serve the Lord and demonstrate a love for His people. It is these people who have convictions about New Testament truths regarding church life who w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

PRINCIPLES The principles discussed were drawn from two passages: Romans 12:1-10 and Luke 16:10-12. In Romans 12, Paul starts with a challenge based on all that the Lord has done for us. In turn, we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice which he says is our “reasonable service.” The believer also needs to have a transformed mind which would allow him to determine God’s will. This act and attitude of devotion is the answer to all the self-centeredness seen in the world and also often seen in the local church. These verses do not stand alone, but are the threshold for all that follows concerning service and submission, through to the end of Romans. When a believer’s body is presented as a living sacrifice, his view of the Lord and of life will be altered. There will be an increased desire for consecration and commitment to the things of the Lord. Instead of dwelling on ourselves and selfish motives, we begin to ask ourselves how we could better regard those around us and indeed what we can do to help them? This change in our attitude affects not only our actions, but spreads by example to those around us. In this passage, there are biblical imperatives. We are told to minister, to give, to show love and to be hospitable in accordance with the measure of our gift, with diligence and cheerfulness. These precepts give us God’s will for our lives. The Lord Jesus tells us clearly that if we love Him, we will keep His commands. Within Romans 12 there is also a biblical metaphor presented. We are a body, but a body made up of many •

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

G E T T I N G

I N V O LV E D

I N

T H E

A S S E M B LY

individual parts. There is mutual dependence and care that is demanded. We are part of the whole, but the body can only function properly as each part contributes to the well-being of the body. The teaching of the New Testament is clear that every believer possesses a spiritual gift. This gift has been given so that we can use it to the glory of God and for the good of His people. It is imperative that each believer get involved in the life of the assembly so that needs are met and others are equipped for service. Luke 16:10-12 tells us there is a connection between how we function in the world, at work, in our home and in our spiritual responsibilities. These areas of trust become a proving ground for responsibility in spiritual matters. The principle is that faithfulness in little things will lead to greater responsibility and a greater sphere of service. It also follows that a lack of faithfulness in these everyday areas would disqualify one from a larger role in the assembly. In any group made up of volunteers, there is work to be done and shared among the individuals in the group. This is true in assembly life whether the saints meet in a home, school, chapel or hall. Where there are meetings and programs, there is of necessity work that must be done before, during, and after the events. Those who have a heart for the Lord and desire to serve in the local assembly will always find work. There are seats to arrange, hymn books to pick up, facilities to clean, individuals with needs to be helped and a whole lot more. If one is serious about being involved, it is in these simple areas where faithfulness and commitment can be demonstrated.

PROBLEMS Why do more people not get involved in the local assembly? What holds some people back from ever getting involved? There are collective issues that some assemblies need to address in order to facilitate involvement. It may be in some cases, where there is a lack of involvement, that the fault may lie within the structure of the local assembly. There may be poor communication, lack of leadership, or little thought given to equipping the saints for service. People may feel unwanted or unneeded. These are issues the elders must look at in the context of their own assembly and that can only be addressed by them. There may indeed be willing workers in an assembly that only need to be asked. A survey of a local assembly and also of those present at the seminar revealed some of the potential problems that limit the individual’s involvement. For some it may be a matter of worldliness or carnality, and thus they have little interest beyond Sunday morning attendance. This will show itself in a lack of love for the Lord and His people. Their goals in life may not take the local church into account. Others have perceived time constraints. They think they are too busy with job, family or other activities. Others do have serious time limitations due to extraordinary circumstances such as being single parents or caring for someone with special needs. Some may just lack desire and need to be challenged, motivated and encouraged. For those with lack of conviction, the problem may be their view of church life in that they would rather give financially than give time and effort. Others perhaps do not see the needs

IRELAND 2003 Teach and Testify (TnT) Teams Ireland is an authentic cross-cultural missions opportunity that doesn’t require knowing another language to be effective. After three days of cross-cultural orientation and evangelism training, the team members are hosted by Irish assemblies, led by local missionaries and involved in a concentrated 17-day program of evangelism and ministering to Irish assemblies. The teams use various methods of evangelism including door-to-door, open air, children’s and friendship evangelism. The teams serve the local assemblies through many means, including special singing, testimonies, speaking, teaching children, and working with the Irish young people. The 24-day program concludes with a 3-day team sightseeing tour. If someone is 18 years or older, in good health, believes that the Lord would have them get involved with TnT Teams this summer, and is someone whom their home assembly would recommend for this type of service, they should contact Ron Hampton requesting more information and an application: Mailing Address: TnT Teams, 874 London St, Winnipeg, MB, CANADA R2K 3P7 Email: TnTTeams@mts.net Phone: (204) 669-6026

•

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

G E T T I N G

and have a poor awareness of what could be done. Most problems to do with lack of involvement can be accounted for in attitude and in the lack of desire to serve others. One’s attitude toward the assembly and one’s place in it will determine the effort extended. If one has a desire to serve the Lord, all obstacles can and will be overcome. The author recently heard of a young couple who, upon introducing themselves the first time they visited a particular assembly (which happened to be at a prayer and Bible study), said, “We are looking for a place where we can serve the Lord.” That attitude stands in stark contrast to the often expressed desire, “What’s in it for me?” PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS The biblical principles are clear and in the majority of cases the problems of lack of involvement in the local assembly are spiritual issues concerning love and devotion. If our walk with the Lord improves, so will our conviction and the resulting level of involvement. For some, the desire and conviction to help is there, but there is a lack of knowledge as to how to start. For others there may currently be a level of involvement but a desire to be more involved. For many, however, there may be no sense of what their spiritual gift is or of how to discern it. Practically speaking, the prerequisite to involvement and or determining and using our gift is prayer and our walk with the Lord. We need to ask the Lord for discernment to determine our gift and then for the opportunity to use it for Him. We should include a prayerful search of the relevant verses that speak of gifts. These references can be found in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4. Part of the process of determining our gift should involve trying different activities. The Lord will make it clear, through the counsel of mature believers and by a degree of blessing on your ministry. There is a need as well, according to Romans 12:3, for a proper estimation of self and our gift. We are not to be puffed up and self-centered as a result of a perceived gift. Some believers struggle with this concept and have ambitions for a larger role than others would deem appropriate. It is important to have an opportunity to prove ourselves. Are we doing what we can? Are we showing an interest? Are we exhibiting dependability, zeal and faithfulness? In every assembly there are always obvious jobs to do and help that can be given. All provide w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

I N V O LV E D

I N

T H E

A S S E M B LY

opportunities to prove oneself, to show a willingness to help and receive training for further responsibilities. Above all, we need to examine our motives as to why we want to be involved and why we may want a larger sphere of responsibility. Our purpose must be to build up other believers. Our personal objective must not be for us to be seen and praised by others. Our motivation must also include a desire to serve the Lord who died for us and, as a result of our efforts, bring glory to His name. If we are not involved in our assembly, let’s get busy. If we don’t know what our spiritual gift is, now is the time to start the search. Look around your meeting place this week and see if there is some physical work you could do. See if there are people who need help in their home or need encouragement; get involved in their lives. Talk to the elders in your assembly and let them know you are willing to be trained and willing to work. Display a servant’s heart and be faithful in the use of your money and in responsibilities around your home. If these things characterize you, the Lord will enlarge your coasts and His hand will be upon you.

HAVE TENT, WILL TRAVEL N orth Carolina has seen a new work blossom. Six brethren who are involved in street festivals with Seed Sowers and gospel preaching had a desire for a gospel tent. They now have a 30x50 ft. tent and are praying for, looking for, and making opportunities as the Lord opens doors. The tent ministry goes by the name The Two Roads and Two Destinies Tent Ministries. Their earnest desire is to strengthen existing meetings, no matter the size, by seeing souls saved and brought in, giving those who are already established the opportunity to disciple these young ones in the faith. They had an outreach in Asheboro, NC, last year and are still having Bible studies in that area. This year a tent outreach is planned April 5-12 in Goldsboro, NC. Please pray! If you are interested in helping in this outreach, contact: Jeff Buckles 336-879-5695 Mike Moody 336-824-5525 or write: Two Roads and Two Destinies Tent Ministries P.O. Box 183 Julian, NC 27283 •

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

G E R R Y

L I B B Y

Times of Trial Lessons from the life of Job.

question: what kind of people suffer? It is not always the evil who suffer. Often, it seems that the evil prosper (see Ps. 73). In Job we see that the righteous may suffer. Today, in our self-centered culture, much of evangelicalism has embraced a theology that teaches the opposite. If we learn nothing else from Job, we must learn this: the choicest of God’s people may be entrusted with great suffering.

The book of Job opens with the presentation of a man. The writer’s name is not given, the precise location is debatable and the historical time is unmentioned. But the story of this man and his trial has clear and relevant lessons for the Lord’s people of all times and places. THE MAN AT THE CENTER OF THE CRISIS

Job is called simply, “a man” (1:1), a fact with practical implications. Job was not superhuman; he was as human as we are. Too often we view the men and women of the Bible as living above our existence. We must remember that they were ordinary people that the Lord used in extraordinary ways. But Job was an impressive man. His CHARACTER is described in 1:1 as being “blameless...upright...feared God...shunned evil.” His FAMILY consisted of “seven sons and three daughters” (1:2). The feasting of 1:4 may be seen in a negative light, but could it not also reflect that this was a close, happy family? Conscious that his children “may” sin, Job interceded before God on their behalf, “early in the morning...regularly” (1:5). He was a dedicated, loving father. As a public figure, his status was “the greatest of...the East” (1:3). He had an honorable reputation. But it is his ESTIMATION by God that speaks louder than any praise of men, “There is none like him on the earth...” (1:8). What higher credibility can be given than that which comes from the mouth of God? In view of the character of this “servant” of the Lord, his trial is illogical to human wisdom. Two devastating days befell Job. The first is described in 1:1319. He lost everything, including his family. The second brought a disfiguring skin disease (2:7-8) which reduced him to a loathsome figure. Many have suffered losses, but which of us ever lost so much so quickly? Think of all we have read of Job and consider this

w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

A CONVERSATION IN THE SPIRITUAL WORLD A peculiar council is convened at which appear the “sons of God” (1:6). They “present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.” We are allowed to listen in as the Lord opens a dialogue and Satan talks with God. We learn that Satan’s domain is the earth, “going to and fro...walking back and forth in it” (1:7). One Hebrew word, shuwt, is translated, “going to and fro.” It means “to lash (as with oars).” An oar lashing the smooth surface of the water disturbs it, churns it and sends a wake out from its center, an apt picture of the relentless Destroyer. “Have you considered My servant, Job?” (1:8). Why did the Lord lift up Job? It was out of love! In all the wreckage of humanity strewn along Satan’s path, here was a man of God, “My servant.” Job shone like a jewel in the darkness. Job’s obedience was a rebuke to Satan. Defeated, Satan accused the Lord’s servant, “Does Job fear God for nothing?” (1:9). He question’s Job’s faith. Take the blessings away and he will “curse You to Your face” (1:11). The stage is set to prove Job. The trial shows that Satan has massive power. He stirs men to evil (1:15, 17), calls fire from the sky (1:16), causes a windstorm (1:19), and afflicts with disease (2:7). In a day when many are carelessly rebuking the devil, we do well to heed the solemn lesson from this scene. •

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

T I M E S

But Satan is completely subject to the Lord. It is only as the Lord permits, “All that he has is in your power, only do not lay a hand on his person” (1:12). The Lord sets the limits and Satan can go no further. The same is seen in 2:6. The Lord knew what His servant could bear. He knows what you and I can bear also: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13). WITH FRIENDS LIKE THIS, WHO NEEDS ENEMIES? The majority of the book (35 chapters) consists of a dialogue between Job and four individuals, of which three are described as friends (2:11). Initially, the friends did everything right. THEY WERE SINCERE. When they “heard” they “came” to “mourn with him and…comfort him” (2:11). That’s genuine friendship. Seeing Job, they “lifted up their voices, and wept” (2:12). This was no act; they were truly sympathetic. In remarkable compassion, “they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights” (2:13). They were sensitive to Job’s grief: “no one spoke a word to him.” Here is a lesson for us all. Words at a time like this would have been so empty, even offensive. There are times where nothing need be said; being there is enough. Eventually, Job speaks. Now, unfortunately, their tongues are loosed. In Eliphaz’s first communication it is evident that they thought they knew why he was suffering. One phrase in 4:7 says it all, “Who ever perished, being innocent?” The implication is obvious: Job was suffering because of sin in his life. In 11:5, Zophar rebukes Job with, “Oh, that God would speak, and open His lips against you, that He would show you”—as if they knew what God was doing. They thought they knew the solution as well. Elihu, a younger brother, put it this way, “If (you) obey and serve Him...(you) shall spend (your) days in prosperity” (36:11), implying that Job was to blame. Before we condemn these “friends,” do we do the same? How easy it is accuse and judge. Worse than Job’s friends, some do it behind the sufferer’s back. We can be so malicious against a brother or sister in a time of trial. Like Job’s friends, we conclude that they must have sinned. The Lord’s people do suffer because of sin (1 Cor. 11). Known sin must be confronted (1 Cor. 5), w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

O F

T R I A L

yet even then it is to be handled with humility on our part (Gal. 6:1). But Job’s suffering was not due to sin, neither is it always the case with His saints today. Let us be fearful of misjudging. The words of the Lord in 42:7 ought to tighten wagging tongues, “My wrath is aroused against you...for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.” A TOUGH QUESTION WITH NO PRESENT ANSWER Job’s response was to accept what the Lord allowed. “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away” (1:21). “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (2:10). I am staggered by his faith. What would my response be? In far less difficulty, is my faith as real? Many close their Bibles here, concluding that Job grinned at the storm and never complained. Read the dialog! In tells of Job’s frustration: with his friends, “You forgers of lies, you are all worthless physicians” (13:4); with his misery, “I have become one in whose face men spit” (17:6); frustrated, above all, that the Lord will not tell him why this is happening, “Show me why You contend with me” (10:2). In Job’s experience, a full range of emotions is evident: anger, bitterness, sorrow, depression. Indeed, Job despaired of living (7:16; 10:1). Whether we view Job’s words as legitimate or as insolent, even a man as great as Job would be deeply hurt in trial. Remember this when meeting God’s people in trial. The expression of grief does not equal faithlessness. Job’s faith remained in God, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (13:15). Passages like 19:25-27 and 23:10-12 show that Job had not abandoned hope in the Lord. But a trial takes us to the brink, challenging the reality of what we say we believe. Job’s faith, at the brink, proved to be more than words. In times of trial, doubts, fears, and frustrations may arise. In the end, faith is proven real. Job was wonderfully restored (42:10-15). As far as we know, he never got an answer to the question “Why?” So it often is with us. The Lord seldom shares with us the immediate reason. May the Lord give us grace so that we, like Job, trust Him when there are no short-term answers. But may we find our rest in God’s ultimate answer: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose…to be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Rom. 8:28-29). •

M A R C H

2 0 0 3

Conference Resources • MP3 CD contains the entire conference’s keynote messages & helpful seminars in audio format for listening on your computer or MP3 player! Note that it will NOT work on regular CD players. $13.50US / $20.00CDN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

KEYNOTE # 1 Monday Dec. 30 PM Donald Norbie KEYNOTE # 2 Tuesday Dec. 31 AM Daniel Smith KEYNOTE # 3 Tuesday Dec. 31 PM J. B. Nicholson KEYNOTE # 4 Wednesday Jan. 1 AM Daniel Smith KEYNOTE # 5 Wednesday Jan. 1 PM J. B. Nicholson KEYNOTE # 6 Thursday Jan. 2 AM Daniel Smith KEYNOTE # 7 Thursday Jan. 2 AM J. B. Nicholson A Call for Christian Writers Donald Norbie A Construct for Biblical Counselling Daniel H Smith Apostasy: Sign of the End Times Jim McCarthy Missions Involvement- Past, Present, Future Eric Kalmbach Assembly Planting: Lessons I Have Learned Warren Henderson Biblical Principles of Stewardship with Integrity (1 of 2) Allen Rae Character is Destiny Rick DeVaul Christian Camp Ministry: Opportunities Galore Panel discussion Christians in the Work Place Kember / Curtis Counselling that is Christian Daniel H Smith Dangers Ahead! Prepare Now! Harold Summers Evaluating our Personal Prayer Life and Improving it! Joe Reese Evangelism: At the Doors-In the Parks-On the streets Tim Hood Finding Opportunities to Reach Children for Christ Norma Stevens Friendship: Cultivating Godly Relationships James Hull Give a Reason for your Hope: Christian Apologetics John Bjorlie Get Involved in the Assembly as a Young Person Harold Summers

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

How to Make your Gospel Meetings Winsome Steve Kember How to Reach your Jewish Friends for Christ Elie Nessim Preparing for Eldership Jim McCarthy Principles for Finding a Partner for Life Rick & Gail DeVaul Raising Children for the Lord Joe Reese Reach Friends/Neighbours with Home Bible Studies W. Henderson Applications of Stewardship with Generosity (2 of 2) Allen Rae Re-thinking retirement in the light of the Scriptures Donald Norbie Short-Term Missions for Long-Term Results Ron Hampton Short-Term Opportunities in Relief/Development Eric Kalmbach Spiritual Nursery: Discipling Young Converts Warren Henderson Techniques in Biblical Counselling Daniel H Smith Revival: Marks of God-Sent Awakenings John Bjorlie The Home as an Outpost of Heaven Ann Reese The Importance of the Old Testament Elie Nessim Rest in the Midst of the Pressure-Cooker of Life Norma Stevens What are the Older Women Teaching Younger Women? Ann Reese Live a Holy Life in an Unholy World? James Hull Why I Plan to Stay in Fellowship with the Assemblies Joe Reese Worship/Lord's Supper: A Christian's Highest Privilege James Hull You Can Get a Grip on the Word (Part 1 of 3) J. B. Nicholson You Can Get a Grip on the Word (Part 2 of 3) J. B. Nicholson You Can Get a Grip on the Word (Part 3 of 3) J. B. Nicholson Youth Ministry Panel discussion

• Conference Syllabus which contains all the seminar notes to accompany the CD. 8.5”x11” Paperback 184 Pgs. $6.75US / $10.00CDN • Audio Cassettes $3.00US / $4.00CDN (per tape)

• MP3 CD contains the conference’s keynote messages & seminars in audible MP3 format for listening on your computer or MP3 player! Please note that it will NOT work on regular CD players. $25.00US / $38.00CDN • Audio Cassettes $3.00US / $4.00CDN (per tape) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

KEYNOTE # 1 Sunday Evening J. B. Nicholson KEYNOTE # 2 Monday Morning John Lennox KEYNOTE # 3 Monday Evening Joe Mikhael KEYNOTE # 4 Tuesday Morning John Lennox KEYNOTE # 5 Tuesday Evening Sandy McEachern KEYNOTE # 6 Wednesday Morning John Lennox Glories of the Cross J. B. Nicholson The Christ Centred Home Charlie Tempest Times of Trial: Lessons from Job Gerry Libby Personal & Public Prayer Jim Paul Planting an Assembly Rex Trogdon One on One Mentoring & Discipling Jeff Johnson and Bob Brown Daniel: An Overview Wm. Burnett Getting Involved in My Local Assembly Gary McBride Reaching Children: Camp, Sun. School/Youth Work Craig Beattie Pass It On Nancy Trogdon The Importance of Genesis: Part I John Lennox Dangerous Trends in Evangelical Thinking: Part I Randy Amos Preparing for the Lord's Supper Sandy McEachern Working with a New Assembly Rex Trogdon Practical Lessons from Daniel Wm. Burnett

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Preparation for Leadership Ross McIntee Tending the Hurting Soul Jim Rennie In Fellowship: What Does It Mean? Ed Plett Hearts and Hands for Him Sylvia Amos Discipling Girls Through Their Teen Years Caroline Cairns The Importance of Genesis: Part 2 John Lennox Dangerous Trends in Evangelical Thinking: Part 2 Randy Amos Preparing for Marriage Gerry Libby Reaching the Lost Jim Paul Discovering and Exercising Spiritual Gift One on One Mentoring & Discipling Jeff Johnson and Bob Brown In Her Tongue is the Law of Kindness Vivienne Joyce Preparing a Gospel Message Charlie Tempest

• Video Cassettes $10.00US / $15.00CDN (per tape) Sunday Evening - J.B. Nicholson Monday Morning - John Lennox Monday Evening - Joe Mikhael. Tuesday Morning - John Lennox Tuesday Evening - Sandy McEachem Wednesday Morning - John Lennox Glories of the Cross (J.B.Nicholson) The Importance of Genesis: Part I (John Lennox) The Importance of Genesis: Part 2 (John Lennox)

g GOSPEL FOLIO PRESS By Mail: 304 Killaly St. West, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A6 Canada

Excellent Books & Gospel Tools Matthew’s Messiah

The Person of Christ

J-4086

by A. W. Wilson Here is an excellent guide to Matthew’s Gospel of the King, which explores the grand themes of this literary masterpiece chapter by chapter, arranged to the perfect, divine plan. Paperback 112 Pgs.

Retail $13.99US $21.99CDN Sale $12.97US $19.97CDN

Sin, the Savior, and Salvation

X-7137 (*PB) X-7129 (*HC)

by Robert P. Lightner

*Paperback Retail $9.99US $15.99CDN Sale $8.97US $13.97CDN *Hardcover Retail $12.99US $19.99CDN Sale $11.97US $17.97CDN X-2171

A popular book that explains Bible themes clearly and leaves the decision to the reader. Ask about the similar book “All that the Prophets Have Spoken”, which explains the Bible to Muslims. Paperback 304 Pgs.

Retail $14.99US $22.99CDN Sale $12.97US $19.97CDN

G-7839

Retail $14.99US $19.99CDN Sale $13.97US $18.97CDN

The Goodness of God

X-RDO

J.G. Hutchinson, Compiler

A history of people who were saved and became part of assemblies gathered in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in local churches in New Brunswick, Maritime Canada. Paperback 230 Pgs.

Retail $24.99US $38.99CDN Sale $19.97US $30.97CDN

This tract tells of the greatest love story of all time. It is the story of God's love for us, and it is told as an object lesson using a heart pin with five color jewels.

Remember the Days of Old Compiled and written by Betty McMullen

This record of 109 Irish evangelists (with photos) will serve as a stirring testimony of the zeal and witness these men had when sharing the blessed truths of God’s grace. Hardcover 448 Pgs.

Five Secrets of the Heart

The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus by John R. Cross

Clearly explained are both the concepts of salvation and answers to current issues like the influence of New Age ideas on the deity of Jesus Christ and "Lordship salvation". Paperback 318 Pgs.

Whose Praise is in the Gospel

Essays by eight authors Considered are 13 aspects of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Person— from the pre-existance to the Millenial reign. 214 Pgs.

The Good News

X-1530

The Person of Christ

Good Gospel Tracts FRENCH

ENGLISH

T-FSHF

T-FSH

Retail $6.99US $9.99CDN Sale $5.97US $8.97CDN

T-FSHS

(Sold in packs of 100)

♥ Pins: Various styles of Now $1.00US heart pins with 5 color stones.

Words of Peace Gospel Papers

$1.69CDN

(In packs of 100)

These are back in production and ready to be used at your assembly or door-to-door. L-WOP1 L-WOP2

SPANISH

Retail $10.99US $16.99CDN Sale $7.97US $11.97CDN

Harvest Time The Best Gift: How Much is it Worth?

L-WOP3 Time is Running Out L-WOP4 2 Roads & 2 Destinies L-WOP5 Richest Man in the Dale Now $5.99US $8.99CDN

By Phone: 905-835-9166 Toll-Free: 800-952-2382 Fax: 905-834-0012 Email: orders@gospelfolio.com (Applicable taxes, shipping and handling are additional. Sale prices good until April 30, 2003)

UPLOOK

“The Fruit of the Spirit is Love...” Galatians 5:22

Joy is love exulting; Peace is love at rest; Patience, love enduring In every trial and test; Gentleness, love yielding— To all that is not sin; Goodness, love in actions That flow from Christ within. Faith is love’s eyes opened The living Christ to see; Meekness, love not fighting But bowed at Calvary; Temperance, love in harness And under Christ’s control; For CHRIST is LOVE in Person, And LOVE, CHRIST in the soul. —Dr. K. D. Moynagh