Cynthia and I will be leaving tomorrow--actually later today--for the conference in Pigeon Forge, TN. We have been working overtime to get ready to leave. Today I had to get radio done for two weeks for the Chicago station. The school network--15 stations for The Riches of Grace and 3 for Daily Bible Time--is already done through the first week in April. Cynthia got the Tape of the Month tapes in the mail this week--a daunting job of making hundreds of DVDs, Cd's, VHS and cassette tapes, packaging them and getting them to the Post Office. Right now she is finishing up letters I wrote today--she also functions as secretary. If she got paid she would deserve a raise!!
A close friend's dad died last weekend, so we attended the visitation Monday evening. Sad time. The funeral the next day was even worse. Her family is Roman Catholic. A "Deacon" came to the visitation to do his thing. No Bible; no hope; just empty words with no meaning. The funeral mass was very traditional, probably because it was an Italian family. Even less hope there. It was amazing, as a grace believer who is used to funerals being a time of rejoicing and celebration, to witness again first hand the emptiness of external religion.
This was my second Roman Catholic funeral in the last month. The former was for the sister of a good friend who died far too young of cancer. Her fourth grade son's school class made up the choir for the service. The most interesting thing that day was watching the fourth grade boys lining up get their drink of the communion wine! It was humorous to watch several try to get in line more than once. The idea struck me that it would be illegal to give alcohol to minors. But then, this was a Roman Catholic church and Rome has never recognized the authority of the government over its activities. They consider their churches to be equal to foreign embassies, since the Pope claims both spiritual and political authority. At the second, more traditional mass only the priest and deacon got the wine. But they did make sure it was all consumed!
To witness people talking about the things of the Bible and yet being so blind to the truth of the gospel is astounding. It demonstrates the truth of II Cor. 4:3,4. The few folks I was able to engage in conversation were totally uninterested in pursuing the crunch questions: Do you know for sure where you will spend eternity? If you could know, would you like to know? Would you like to see what the Bible says about having all your sins forgiven, eternal life as a present possession and heaven as your home? I personally asked four different people those questions at the second funeral. Not one person was interested or thought it was something they wanted to pursue! Romans 10:3 was in evidence; Roman 10:4 was greatly needed!
I hope to blog a bit from Pigeon Forge. I'm still trying to strike a balance and get in the habit of posting regularly. Most of my time there will be spent either in the meetings or putting the finishing touches on the workbook for our upcoming Marriage Matters workshop scheduled for March 31. I have a new gaget to keep me in touch with the office via the internet. Just what I need--now I can't get away from work no matter where I go. Pray for the meetings. I'll be preaching each evening, Saturday through Thursday, then driving home Friday.
Maranatha!
Arjay
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday, March 8, 2007
I'm A Great Grandpa!
Spiritually, that is. It happened last week.
Several year's ago our assembly gave birth to a daughter, Shorewood Bible Church--South, under the leadership of Pastor Arthur Johnson. In 2005 they sent out Brother Michael McDaniel to establish Westside Grace Ministries in Oak Park. We jointly ordained Pastor McDaniel and rejoice in WGM as our spiritual grandchild.
Now WGM has given birth to child of its own--our great grandchild! Kelley Temple Bible Church has been established under the leadership of Pastor James Kelley. James can be heard over radio on WYLL (1160AM) on Sunday at 11:45 a.m. and over Big Gospel Express (1570AM) on Wednesdays and Fridays at 4:00 p.m. As he wrote to me, "Our ministries are focused on giving people hope for the future and help for today. Our emphasis is on Bible study. We want to help folks understand and enjoy the Bible!" He can be contacted at (773) 512-3495 or jkgrace123@yahoo.com.
When we started Grace School of the Bible, back in 1983, our hearts cry was, "Lord, give us some preachers!" That prayer has been answered. Over these past years we have not only graduated scores of fine men equipped to do the work of the ministry, these men have established over 100 grace churches across the United States. We also have students and graduates on every continent who are busy establishing grace works worldwide. We have seen a movement develop without the presence of any type of organization beyond that of the local church. No religious politics or professional church operators. Just grace believers committed to "the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery" (Rom. 16:25) from the King James Bible and doing the work of the ministry according to the Pauline model (Acts 14:21-23). We seek to preach the right message from the right Bible in the right spirit. It has been, and continues to be, a wonderfully "wild" ride!
After almost 25 years, we are moving into the "great grandchild" era. II Timothy 2:2 has been our ministry motto and we are humbled to see such wonderful fruit abounding to our Savior's glory. I'm a happy Great Grandpa, indeed!!
Maranatha!
Arjay
Phil. 1:21
Several year's ago our assembly gave birth to a daughter, Shorewood Bible Church--South, under the leadership of Pastor Arthur Johnson. In 2005 they sent out Brother Michael McDaniel to establish Westside Grace Ministries in Oak Park. We jointly ordained Pastor McDaniel and rejoice in WGM as our spiritual grandchild.
Now WGM has given birth to child of its own--our great grandchild! Kelley Temple Bible Church has been established under the leadership of Pastor James Kelley. James can be heard over radio on WYLL (1160AM) on Sunday at 11:45 a.m. and over Big Gospel Express (1570AM) on Wednesdays and Fridays at 4:00 p.m. As he wrote to me, "Our ministries are focused on giving people hope for the future and help for today. Our emphasis is on Bible study. We want to help folks understand and enjoy the Bible!" He can be contacted at (773) 512-3495 or jkgrace123@yahoo.com.
When we started Grace School of the Bible, back in 1983, our hearts cry was, "Lord, give us some preachers!" That prayer has been answered. Over these past years we have not only graduated scores of fine men equipped to do the work of the ministry, these men have established over 100 grace churches across the United States. We also have students and graduates on every continent who are busy establishing grace works worldwide. We have seen a movement develop without the presence of any type of organization beyond that of the local church. No religious politics or professional church operators. Just grace believers committed to "the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery" (Rom. 16:25) from the King James Bible and doing the work of the ministry according to the Pauline model (Acts 14:21-23). We seek to preach the right message from the right Bible in the right spirit. It has been, and continues to be, a wonderfully "wild" ride!
After almost 25 years, we are moving into the "great grandchild" era. II Timothy 2:2 has been our ministry motto and we are humbled to see such wonderful fruit abounding to our Savior's glory. I'm a happy Great Grandpa, indeed!!
Maranatha!
Arjay
Phil. 1:21
"Yet Not I, but...."
Twice the Apostle Paul uses this phrase. In Galatians 2:20 he wrote:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”
Once more Paul used “Yet not I, but…” when he wrote to the Corinthians:
“But by the grace of God I am what I am; and the grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (I Cor. 15:10).
These two expressions, “yet not I, but Christ” and “yet not I, but the grace of God,” describe the entire ministry of Paul. He magnified and exalted two things: Christ and the grace of God.
"In all things, in all his messages and personal testimony, an exaltation of Christ and complete effacement of self are the great leading marks. He made his boast in Christ. He magnified Christ and the grace of God, which had been bestowed upon him.
How little of this self-effacement we see today. How many exalt themselves, boast of their attainments, their service, their ministry, their converts, instead of glorying in an all-sufficient Savior and the all-sufficient grace of God. The “soli deo gloria,” to God alone be the glory, is often forgotten. In all our service for Him, of whatever nature it may be, may we magnify Christ and the grace of God and to seek His glory only."
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”
Once more Paul used “Yet not I, but…” when he wrote to the Corinthians:
“But by the grace of God I am what I am; and the grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (I Cor. 15:10).
These two expressions, “yet not I, but Christ” and “yet not I, but the grace of God,” describe the entire ministry of Paul. He magnified and exalted two things: Christ and the grace of God.
"In all things, in all his messages and personal testimony, an exaltation of Christ and complete effacement of self are the great leading marks. He made his boast in Christ. He magnified Christ and the grace of God, which had been bestowed upon him.
How little of this self-effacement we see today. How many exalt themselves, boast of their attainments, their service, their ministry, their converts, instead of glorying in an all-sufficient Savior and the all-sufficient grace of God. The “soli deo gloria,” to God alone be the glory, is often forgotten. In all our service for Him, of whatever nature it may be, may we magnify Christ and the grace of God and to seek His glory only."
My Cardinal Blogger Sin
I know that I have committed the cardinal blogger sin—failing to file regular, frequent posts. You come to see what is new and find things haven’t been updated in over a week. In this case, several weeks. Inexcusable! Even worse: you don’t have a reason to come back so often.
Ok. I have been busy. I’ve had numerous thoughts that would have made outstanding nuggets to share with you, I've even put some thoughts on papaer; but my schedule—and a bit of a computer problem along the way—kept me from getting things posted. I will try to do better. Can’t promise anything beyond that; but I will make a regular effort.
One thing I’ve done is acquire a Verizon Wireless internet connection. Now I can be online with my laptop anywhere I go. Since traveling seems to be my middle name, this should help.
So, ya’ll come back, ya hear! And do it regularly.
Maranatha!
Arjay
Phil. 1:21
Ok. I have been busy. I’ve had numerous thoughts that would have made outstanding nuggets to share with you, I've even put some thoughts on papaer; but my schedule—and a bit of a computer problem along the way—kept me from getting things posted. I will try to do better. Can’t promise anything beyond that; but I will make a regular effort.
One thing I’ve done is acquire a Verizon Wireless internet connection. Now I can be online with my laptop anywhere I go. Since traveling seems to be my middle name, this should help.
So, ya’ll come back, ya hear! And do it regularly.
Maranatha!
Arjay
Phil. 1:21
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