Vol. 69 “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” No. 3 March 2011

Philippine Convention For a report, page 17 • For photos, page 21

cover.indd 1 2/1/2011 3:23:22 PM Editorial not dancing as we think of dancing! Why do I say that? Because the priests were walking along, carrying the RELIGIOUS DEMONSTRATIONS ark and moving. They were not standing still. There were various times when the people shouted E READ in I Corinthians 12:4-7, “Now there are and praised the Lord. After the Ark was returned by diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there the Philistines, David decided to bring it to Jerusalem. W are differences of administrations, but the same As they did, the people played their instruments and Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is shouted (I Chronicles 13:7, 8). However, when Uzza the same God which worketh all in all. But the mani- tried to steady the Ark and touched it, God smote him— festation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit Verses 9 and 10. So it was not brought into the city at withal.” that time. Later, as stated above, they did bring it into In this passage of scripture, we are told that the the city. When the foundation of the second temple was gifts, administrations, and operations of the Holy Spirit laid, the people sang, shouted, and praised the Lord— are not given for the profit of any one person, but are Ezra 3:11-13. for the benefit of the entire body of Christ. I remember Before leaving the thought of dancing, nowhere in many years ago, the late F. E. Arch saying, “The Holy the New Testament do you find support for such a Spirit will never embarrass you.” I believe that to be practice in a Divine worship service! When you see true. That is not to say Satan will not try to keep your women swaying their bodies, in what I would say is a mouth shut when you should offer praise to God, but suggestive manner, and you see unsaved women doing let us remember that the Apostle Paul said, “Let all the same, it is not the Spirit of God moving them. It is things be done decently and in order” (I Corinthians not doing all things decently and in order! Neither does 14:40). it meet the standard of modesty. The word “demonstrations” has a variety of mean- In New Testament times, Jesus entered Jerusalem ings. We will confine our thoughts to these two: “show riding on a donkey on what is called today “Palm Sunday.” forth; to exhibit and manifest.” Man possesses a three- We find the multitude that went before and that followed, fold nature: Moral—Intellectual—Emotional. Love is cried, saying, “Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is an emotion. Salvation is a joy producing experience. he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the There are various kinds of demonstrations. An highest” (Matthew 21:9). After Jesus ascended into angry man may curse, revile, fight. A person in deep heaven, the disciples “returned to Jerusalem with great sorrow may weep (Jesus did). A person full of joy may joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and shout, laugh, and even leap. I remember years ago I blessing God” (Luke 24:52, 53). After 3,000 were saved was holding a revival meeting for the late Willie Gordon on the Day of Pentecost, we find that the disciples praised in Chicago. He and his wife ran a little store near a God. Also the lame man at the gate Beautiful, who was grade school. A Pentecostal woman came into the store spoken of earlier, walked and leaped praising God after contending for dancing in the services. Bro. Gordon he was healed (Acts 3:8). pointed out to her that there were no New Testament We also find in the Bible information about false scriptures to support the idea of dancing. In the New demonstrations. I suppose one of the most familiar is Testament it spoke of some leaping, as the man at the the time Elijah contested the false prophets of Baal on gate Beautiful after he was healed. I don’t think Bro. Mount Carmel. For hours they called on their god Baal, Gordon was able to change her mind. But even in that but there was no answer. Finally, they “leaped upon incident of the lame man, I would point out that it was the altar which was made” (I Kings 18:26). You also not in a church service. find demonstrations of false tongues and healings What about God’s people today? among some religions. In Old Testament times, we read that after crossing We need to remember the words of the Lord Jesus the Red Sea, Moses and Israel sang a song unto the when He said to the woman at the well, “Ye worship ye Lord—Exodus 15:1-8. We also read in this chapter that know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation Miriam took some women out by themselves and is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall instructed them to sing unto the Lord, and in verse 20 ABOUT OUR COVER you will find the word dance. I will point out in regard worship the Father in spirit to this word that Adam Clarke says, “Many learned and in truth: for the Father On our cover is the Mayon men suppose that this word means some instruments seeketh such to worship him. Volcano in the Philippines, of wind music.” That is drawn from the meaning of the God is a Spirit: and they that widely regarded as the most word in Hebrew. Clarke says it could be “pipes or hollow worship him must worship perfectly cone-shaped vol- tubes, such as flutes.” He also says, “Both the Arabic him in spirit and in truth” cano, and surrounded by rice and Persian understand it as meaning instruments of (John 4:22-24). fields. It is located in the music.” Spiritual people will natu- region of Bicol, island of Luzon, Philippines. It is only In regard to the word dance as found in Psalm 149:3 rally feel free—if they are one of several volcanoes in and 150:4, Clarke says, “I know of no place in the Bible among other spiritual peo- the Philippines. Mt. Pinatubo where machol and machalath (Hebrew words) mean ple—to let the Spirit use them. erupted in 1991 and was dance of any kind; they constantly signify some kind The manner of demonstra- responsible for damage in the of pipe.” As to II Samuel 6:14 when they were bringing tions is largely governed by area where the Philippine the Ark into Jerusalem and David “danced before the the example and the teaching Convention was hosted. Lord,” it was probably more of a leaping or skipping, they are receiving. Our natu- The Lord blessed us with four children—two boys—two THE WAY OF TRUTH girls. We lived in Frederick County until 1991, and then (Registered Trademark) came back to Washington County. We did not go to church Vol. 69 March 2011 No. 3 until we went to the Church of God. When Vernon Moats Devoted to the gospel of our loving Savior, the Lord got sick in October 1993, we all went to church together and Jesus Christ, who gave freely His life-blood, to save us Vernon got saved. He went to be with the Lord on February from our many sins, to sanctify our fallen nature and to 17, 1994, thank the Lord. My wife and I got saved a few bring into one body all true believers, by whose stripes we weeks later. Thank God for coming into my heart. I thank are healed. God for my loving wife, Bunny. Without her, I am nothing. Published the fifteenth of the month prior to the date of I thank God for all my brothers and sisters in the con- issue by the Church of God which assembles at 12819 Point gregation, and for all that they have done for Bunny and Salem Road in Hagerstown, Maryland. Publishing office: me in the past years. I thank Bro. Ollen and Sis. Stutzie 12811 Point Salem Road, Hagerstown, Maryland, U.S.A. Craig for being a church daddy and mother all through the The Way of Truth is published without any given sub- years to us as well. scription price, and is supported by freewill offerings from I thank my heavenly Father for His beloved Son, the our readers and funds supplied by the local congregation. Lord Jesus, who died and rose again to save me from all my It is sent out free to anyone who is interested enough to ask for it. We shall continue this policy as long as God sees fit sins. I thank and praise Him for His divine healing. He has to make it possible. FOREIGN READERS are requested to healed me many times since I’ve been saved. write us at least once a year if they wish to continue receiv- I thank God for Bro. Greg and Sis. Ellen Tyler for all ing the paper the following year. Address all correspondence the love in their hearts for Bunny and me. I thank them for to: The Way of Truth, P. O. Box 88, Hagerstown, Maryland their prayers, for I know that our son, David, was called 21741, U.S.A. Always when writing, give your name and home to be with Jesus on December 2, 2008. Thank the Lord address clearly, please. for His cleansing blood. I thank Bro. Greg for not giving up —Alvin A. Craig, Editor on David who got saved before he died. Our telephone number is 301-739-2980 Thanks to Bro. Alvin Craig for all the prayers he prayed Our fax number is 301-739-7173 for me. Praise the Lord God! Our e-mail address is [email protected]  Visit our website at www.wayoftruth.org —Bro. Jack Snyder, Hagerstown, Maryland ral disposition and our idea of what is right, will, of IN THIS ISSUE: course, influence our actions. Spiritual people will show holy joy—under control of the Spirit of God; not a fleshly God’s Unchanging Promises Page 2 demonstration just to be seen, void of the Holy Spirit. Full-length sermon by A. A. Craig A holy life should produce holy demonstrations! There For Poetry Lovers Page 6 is a place for Amens! Praise the Lord! Bless the Lord! Celebrating spring’s arrival Hallelujah! in worship services, but should our worship and praises be limited to a worship service in a church The Question Box Page 7 building? “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise Answered by the Editor shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).  What Is Your Ambition My Testimony in Life? Page 8 The Lord Jesus said, ... “I will do it.”—John 14:14. Radio mesage by G. E. Tyler

I was born November The Children’s Corner Page 10 28, 1941, on Fairview “What a Beautiful Baby!” (conclusion) Mountain in Washing- Out of Box 88 Page 12 ton County, Maryland. I am the youngest of four Our readers express themselves brothers and now the The Doctrine of last one living. My Eternal Security Page 13 mother left my father Jack & Bunny Snyder when I was two years Article by the late Isaac Abraham old. I left my father when I was 12 years old. I was on my own until I went into the USMC in 1961. Young People’s Page Page 14 I began to smoke and drink at about eight years old. I Testimony & “Helps for Young Christians” did so until I got saved. Thank the Lord for saving me. E-C-H-O Page 16 I first saw Elva Sue Bunny Moats when she was 15 years Ann Davis tells of Bartholomew old on a farm where she and her family were living. Her mother was Sis. Dorothy Moats, and I knew she loved me 2010 Philippine Convention Page 17 and was praying for me. She went to be with the Lord on A report by G. E. Tyler June 25, 1975. Bunny and I got married on December 19, 1963. Bro. 2010-11 Filipino Memories Page 21 Earl E. Marquiss married us. Bunny was 17 years old. We Photos by Jet Batalla have been happily married now for 47 years, thank God. March 2011 Page 1 GOD’S UNCHANGING PROMISES 2010 Cayman Convention Message by Bro. Alvin Craig

E APPRECIATE the presence world is God’s by the right of Theme: of each one of you who have creation. I said numbers of “God’s Unchanging Promises for W come to be with us in this times, and I say again to you these Challenging Times” service. I’m sure you’ve already been tonight, we got our physical blessed by the singing of the songs body from our parents, but our of Zion. I do thank the Lord for life soul came from God. The spared and for the privilege of being Hebrew writer tells us that with you again. God is the Father of spirits. Our thoughts tonight are entitled, During that notable conversa- “God’s Unchanging Promises.” I will read one part of tion that Jesus and Nicodemus one verse of scripture out of I Kings, chapter 8. Reading had, he said to Jesus, “Well, verse 56, “... there hath not failed one word of all his I’m an old man; can I reenter my mother’s womb and good promise.” be born?” Jesus said to him, “That which is born of the Someone has said that there are more than 30,000 flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is promises in the Bible. Well, if that be true, I can tell spirit.” Beloved, if you are here tonight unsaved, this you one thing, every one of those are true. You can is talking to you as well as to the redeemed. Your soul depend on them. I’m not going to try to preach on 30,000 belongs to God by the right of creation. promises tonight, but I do wish to call your attention Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the LORD’S, and the to a few that deals particularly with our soul and its fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” eternal destiny. But we know, and I just referred to it, Adam and Eve As far as I can see and understand the Scriptures, sinned. I know that God does not hold us accountable the first promise recorded in the Bible was the promise for what we don’t know, but whenever we willingly sin, that God made to Adam and Eve. Whenever God told we sell our soul to sin. One scripture says, “Sold under Eve that the seed of the woman would bruise the head sin,” but we are the ones spoken of. Listen to what I’m of the serpent, we understand that to be a promise of saying, you are responsible and I am responsible. When a Savior. I would also say, since it said “the seed of a we knowingly and willingly transgress the law of God, woman,” rather than “the seed of a man,” God knew we sin and we die, and we sell our soul to sin. There’s then that the Savior would be born of a virgin; and that no way for us to redeem ourselves. “We are not redeemed promise was made thousands of years ago, but that with corruptible things, as silver and gold,” Peter says. doesn’t change the truthfulness of it. “One day is with The oxen, the doves, and the things they sacrificed the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as under the old covenant did not make the comer there one day.” So it was only a few days back that God unto perfect. Once we sell ourselves to sin, there is no promised Adam and Eve a Savior. way we can make ourselves pure and clean again. “The leopard cannot change its spots,” the Bible says. So we THE PROMISE OF A REDEEMER had to be redeemed, and we could not redeem ourselves. First of all, I want to speak on the thought of the Beloved, there were many men crucified on crosses. In promise of a redeemer, which I was just referring to. fact, there was one on each side of Jesus. The blood of This first promise was, as I said, given to Adam and those men who were crucified on those crosses, includ- Eve. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Paul ing the two who were crucified along with Jesus, meant tells us in the book of Titus, chapter two, verse 14, “Who nothing as far as redeeming the souls of men. There’s gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all only One who could redeem mankind, and that One is iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar [separate] Jesus Christ. people, zealous of good works.” We read in Paul’s writ- Pilate said to Jesus, “Don’t You know I have power ings to the Colossian church, in chapter one, verse 14, to crucify or release You?” Jesus said, “You don’t have “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even any power over Me. All the power you have is given to the forgiveness of sins.” So we have here the promise you by heaven.” Jesus Himself said, “No man taketh it of a redeemer. from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to What does it mean by redeemed? Well, the word lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” He even redeem means, in part, “to bring back, or to buy back.” said, when in the process of being crucified, “I could God said through the prophet Ezekiel in chapter 18, ask twelve legions of angels. I don’t have to do this.” I verse 4, “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the know being in the flesh He cried out in the garden, but father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that when it comes down to the bottom line, He didn’t have sinneth, it shall die.” So God said, “All souls [that means to go to the cross. He did it willingly. He gave Himself you] are mine.” Every soul that has ever come into this to redeem us. Page 2 The Way of Truth Now, whenever we are redeemed, we are brought redeemed, and you’re free from sin. You’re no longer back. Whenever we are redeemed, we are resurrected guilty of your sins. You’re free! “If we confess our sins, from the state of death to life. These literal kingdom he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to teachers would have you to think that whenever Christ cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” comes through the sky and the righteous are resur- Now, God’s promises are conditional. I’ve read some rected, that will be the first resurrection. Absolutely scriptures in regard to being redeemed, and also in not! I’ve already had part in the first resurrection. I regard to being pardoned. Both of those are conditional. was resurrected whenever the Lord saved me. “You “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without com- sins.” Quicken means, “to resurrect; make alive.” There mitting iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.” are live and dead people here tonight. If you’re alive, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned if you’re a Christian, you have had part in the first every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on resurrection. “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in him the iniquity of us all.” We are those who went the first resurrection.” No, we don’t have to continue astray, and we are those who must come home. That’s in sin. Redemption wouldn’t have any meaning if we what the hymn says—“Lord, I’m coming home,” because have to continue in sin. I’ve wondered different times, we left home. That’s what the prodigal son did. He left and some of you have heard me say it—if we’re all sin- home, but in that hog pen feeding the swine, he realized ners, how in the world when we get to the judgment is that it wasn’t so bad at home after all. He decided to Jesus going to decide which sinners will go to hell and go home, but he wasn’t like a lot of people. Some people which sinners will go to heaven? Whenever you get the make a decision, “I’m going to do this or that,” and they answer, you give it to me. “I’m redeemed from all sin don’t do it. The one we call “the prodigal son” not only and I’m walking in the light.” made up his mind to return, but he returned. When he THE PROMISE OF PARDON returned, the father forgave him. I tell you tonight, The second promise I want to refer to is, the prom- Beloved, if you will return to the Father, He will forgive ise of pardon. You know, the Lord not only redeems us, you. So I say, God’s promises are conditional. but He pardons us. Isaiah the prophet said, “Seek ye THE PROMISE OF FREEDOM FROM SIN the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him The next one is, the promise of freedom from sin. while he is near.” Sinner Friend, take note of what I’m I’ll go back to Titus 2:14. “[Jesus Christ] gave himself reading, because the time could come even in your life for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity.” That that you would seek the Lord and He wouldn’t be found. means, “all sin.” He doesn’t redeem us from part of The idea that “I’m going to get saved whenever I want them; He redeems us from all of them. I read earlier to,” is a false idea. The only time anyone can get saved I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and is whenever the Lord convicts and draws him. Jesus just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which unrighteousness.” Beloved, we have the promise of hath sent me draw him.” So if you keep putting off your freedom from sin. Again I say, we do not have to live salvation, putting off your salvation, the Spirit of God in sin. may leave and never speak to you again. Regardless of Isaiah the prophet said in the 61st chapter, “The what you might do, you could not be saved. spirit of the Lord GOD [He was prophesying concerning No one went into the ark after God shut Noah in. I the coming Redeemer.] is upon me; because the LORD can picture in my mind of how the people ran up to the hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; ark as it started to rain, pounding on the door, and he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to pro- pleading with Noah to open it; but listen, Noah didn’t claim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the shut the door. God shut the door, and whenever He shut prison to them that are bound.” After Jesus Christ was that door, all that were going to be saved were inside baptized in the river Jordan, he returned to Nazareth. the ark. You better get in the ark now. The door might He went into the synagogue in Nazareth and was be shut and you won’t be able to get in. So Isaiah said, handed the scroll of Isaiah. He looked through it until “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon He came to what we know as the 61st chapter. He read him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, what I just read to you. He sat down and made some and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him comments to them. All eyes were upon Him. The Bible return [You’re the one that went astray. I’m one that says that Jesus said to those people in the synagogue, went astray.] unto the LORD, and he will have mercy “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your [hearing].” upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly par- So Isaiah was prophesying of the coming of the Messiah, don.” God won’t have to be persuaded and begged. He the coming of the Redeemer who would redeem us, will abundantly pardon. pardon us, and the One who would forgive us. Jesus Old Satan comes around and tries to bring up the said, “I am He.” It made the people so mad that they sins of the past. They’re not mine anymore. I don’t have wanted to take Him to the brow of the hill, throw Him to own them as mine. I’ve been pardoned. God said, “I over, and kill Him. People are still fighting the truth. will remove them from you as far as the east is from The Bible says, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Who- the west. I will wipe them out of my remembrance to soever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” The word remember them against you forever no more.” Don’t let servant comes from the word, slave. I know some preach- the devil bring up your sinful past and trouble you over ers will tell you that we’re all sinners; but Jesus said, that. If you’re a child of God, your sins have been wiped “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And out of the mind of God, and you have been pardoned, the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the March 2011 Page 3 Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you to a theater one time during the day, and the Lord was free, ye shall be free indeed.” There are preachers sit- working with me. Right there in that theater the Spirit ting here on this platform who can testify of how God of God was working with me, and the thought came to saved them from liquor, and maybe some from drugs. me, “What would happen to you if the Lord was to come What happened? The Lord set them free. Whenever the while you are in here?” I knew what would have hap- Lord sets you free, you are free indeed. Paul said, “Stand pened to me. I got up and walked out on the street. I fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath said, “I’m not going to the movies any more today.” My made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke brother, Ollen, came home from the navy and he came of bondage.” Thank God tonight for freedom! over to our place. That night I was back in a theater in Years ago when I was growing up, there were signs another little town. Listen to me, “Whosoever com- on barns, etc. One of the signs said, “I’d walk a mile for mitteth sin is the servant of sin.” You’re not free to do a camel,” speaking of a cigarette brand. I suppose there what you want to do. I know people say, “Well, I do were people who did it, because they were bound. They whatever I want to.” There’s not a person in the world were slaves. You know, it’s pitiful that people would that does everything he wants to do. If you’re not a become slaves to that little, white, round thing. I mean servant of God, you are a servant of sin. We’re all ser- slaves to it. We had a man in our congregation in Hag- vants. We’re either serving God or the devil—one or erstown who professed salvation a number of times and the other. He that committeth sin is the servant of sin, backslid. The reason he backslid was because of ciga- and he that is a servant of Jesus Christ is living holy. rettes. I tell you, Beloved, people are bound by that habit. Isaiah the prophet said in Isaiah 35 that an highway Listen, the scripture I just read says, “If the Son there- shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The fore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” way of sin-you-must. No, no, he didn’t say that! He said, We heard today from this pulpit by Bro. Junior that “It shall be called The way of holiness.” Do you know there’s a ball park across the street from his house what else he said about that highway? He said, “The where the high school students play football, etc. He unclean shall not pass over it.” The unclean are not on mentioned about the filthy language he heard from the that highway. It’s for the redeemed. “The redeemed adults and little children. I suppose some of those chil- shall walk there.” Only the redeemed are on the high- dren were so small that they didn’t even realize what way of holiness. If you’re in sin, you’re not on the high- they were saying. They heard someone say it, and they way of holiness; you’re on the broad road that leads to said it because he or she said it. I’m saying that because destruction. Thank God for freedom from sin. “O you people are bound by their filthy tongue and cursing holiness people, you think you’re something.” No! I habit. I’ve said this a number of times, and I’m saying think my Savior is something. I do not boast or brag. I it again, it does not enhance anyone’s vocabulary at all. talk about what the Lord did for me. He gave His life You can tell me what you want to tell me without using and shed His blood to redeem me from all iniquity, and curse words. If you want me to close my ears, then you to purify unto Himself a separate people. The Church start using that kind of talk. I don’t have to use that of God is separate. If you’re not separate from the world, kind of talk to preach to you tonight. Every word or two then you’re a part of it. by some people is a curse word. Bound! bound! bound! THE PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE Do you know what happened to Samson? They put out Another promise is, the promise of eternal life. You his eyes, bound him with fetters of brass, took him to know, that’s what we’re really working for. We read in Gaza, and he did grind in the prison house. That is the Scriptures about a rich young ruler. In fact, we read what sin does to you. It binds you and causes you to about three parables in the book of Luke. One of them grind in the prison house. Thank God for freedom! says that he came running to Jesus. He was really Thank God for redemption! Thank God for pardon and interested in eternal life. That’s what Nicodemus came freedom from sin. to talk to Jesus about—eternal life. The rich young The Apostle Paul said in Romans 6:1, 2, “What shall ruler came running to Jesus. “Good Master, what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said, “Why callest abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. live any longer therein?” He said in Verse 14, “For sin You’re not going to butter Me up. You know the com- shall not have dominion over you.” I don’t mean to be mandments.” Jesus named out a few of them. The rich critical, for I say this in kindness, these preachers who young ruler said, “All these have I kept from my youth tell you that they are sinners are telling you that they up.” Jesus said, “You’re quite a young man, yet lackest have to disobey God, disregard His Word, and have to thou one thing.” One thing can keep you out of heaven. continue a life of sin. They are doing contrary to what “Sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, God said, because God forbids you to live in sin. Later and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, fol- on in this sixth chapter of Romans, there are two times low me.” Jesus stood there. He loved him, but the young it says that God forbids us to live in sin. As long as man went away sorrowful. His earthly riches meant you’re living in sin, you’re breaking God’s command. more to him than his soul did. God said through Ezekiel, That’s what sin is. Sin is the transgression of the law “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he of God. “For sin shall not have dominion over you.” had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without com- When I was a sinner boy, I went to the movies. My mitting iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. daddy was a Church of God preacher. In those days the None of his sins that he hath committed shall be men- Church of God preached against that kind of thing. As tioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and far as I know, the true Church of God still does. I went right; he shall surely live.” Page 4 The Way of Truth You know, what we are talking about are very people know, that it was a bunch of foolishness. I said important things—your soul and eternal life. Listen to in the article that Camping, who is now 88 years old, me, it is appointed unto man once to die. We all are will have to recalculate it again if he lives long enough. going to die. I know the fellow, Camping, on Family That does not change the fact that Christ is coming. Radio, has a date set for next year when Christ is going We’re suppose to be ready. “Be ye also ready: for in such to come. Well, that’s not the first time he set a date. He an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” I don’t set a date back in the 90’s. People had their Bibles and think anyone in this auditorium tonight is going to be were all dressed up like they were going to church. They living when Christ comes. I don’t believe His coming is were expecting the Lord to come. He didn’t come, so that close, but that doesn’t mean He won’t come. I don’t Camping said, “Well, I’ll have to recalculate it again.” want to make a fool out of myself, but I do want eternal Bro. Eddie said to me, “There’s a person who wants you life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only to write something in The Way of Truth paper about begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should this.” Have you ever heard about a Mayan calendar not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not that those people in Central America made that only his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that goes through 2012? The people who made this calendar the world through him might be saved.” were heathens. I think it was an Indian tribe in Gua- John said in First John, “Behold, what manner of temala. So when Camping heard about these people love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should who were going to believe in Christ’s coming in 2012, be called the sons of God.” I know I didn’t go into any he chuckled and said, “They’re wrong.” He gave them detail in regard to the sacrifice Christ made, for that his date. was not the message tonight; but let me just briefly say, There’s a movement in the country, not only Camp- we need to consider from time to time the price Jesus ing’s, where people think there are secret numbers in paid for our redemption. He suffered and He did it for the Bible. That’s what Camping is basing his prediction you and for me. “If that which ye have heard from the on. The world was created some 7,000 years ago, etc. beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in He has a bunch of figures. I wasn’t going to write the the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that article at first, but after I read some of those predic- he hath promised us, even eternal life” (I John 2:24, 25). tions, I said I will do so. I wanted to let, at least some “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting 2010 CAYMAN CONVENTION TAPES life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). We are making available cassette tapes of the wonderful In that beautiful prayer that I call The Lord’s Prayer services of the 2010 Cayman Convention. They may be pur- in John 17:3, Jesus said to the Father, “And this is life chased for $3.00 each. The complete set of all 18 services plus eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, 4 musical tapes are only US$50.00. and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” So the only Please include number and title of individual tapes ordered. way to have eternal life is to know God, and to know Send check or money order to: The Way of Truth, Cassette His Son, Jesus Christ. “He that hath the Son hath life; Tape Ministry, P. O. Box 88, Hagerstown, MD 21741 U. S. A. and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” Convention Messages CONCLUSION C-3945 God’s Promises for Challenging Times James Arch The Lord said through the prophet Isaiah, “Come C-3946 The Bible Secret to Christian Success M. H. Trisler, Jr. now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though C-3947 God’s Unchanging Promises Alvin Craig your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; C-3948 God’s Promises Never Fail Rupert Shippy though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. C-3949 Found at the Feet of Jesus Liston Mann If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of C-3950 All Things that Offend Terry Deville the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured C-3951 Loving Christ in Sincerity Gregory Tyler with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken C-3952 Pay Attention to God’s Word David Shaw it” (Isaiah 1:18-20). “Come now.” Isn’t it something that the Almighty God would ask us, little, mere human C-3953 He Knows You, Wants You, Needs You M. H. Trisler, Jr. beings to come to Him and reason? “Come now, and let C-3954 Our Journey to the Other Side Terry Deville us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins C-3955 Shining for the Glory of God Garry Jeffries be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow [That C-3956 Things God Said Alvin Craig doesn’t sound like sin you must.]; though they be red C-3957 By His Stripes We are Healed Marion Trisler, Jr. like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and C-3958 He that Walketh Uprightly Samuel Barrett obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye C-3959 The Beautiful Way Gregory Tyler refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: C-3960 Love Keeps Us in Tune With God James Arch for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” C-3961 God Is Still Looking for a Few Good Men (Drama) I said earlier that God’s promises are conditional. C-3962 Making Wise Choices Alvin Craig Jesus said twice within five verses, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Do you think those whose CM-241 Cayman Convention Singing #1 blood were mingled with that offering were more wicked CM-242 Cayman Convention Singing #2 than others? Do you think that’s why it happened to CM-243 Cayman Convention Singing #3 them? “Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise CM-244 Cayman Convention Singing #4 perish.” Do you think those people who died when the tower of Siloam fell on them suffered that because they March 2011 Page 5 were so wicked? “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, COUNTRY WILD FLOWERS ye shall all likewise perish.” Gracie B. Allen “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD.” You are either choosing eternal life, or you are Who planted all the wild flowers choosing eternal death. Only you can make the choice That grow beside the road? for yourself. Our prayer and desire is that you will Who caused the buds to open up choose life, but it is a decision that you and only you In such a humble abode? can make.  They flourish among the sage and weeds, No cultivated soil around; Profusely blooming with fragrance sweet, For Poetry Lovers Only God could cause them to abound.

These hardy little special flowers A MOMENT IN THE MORNING Have quaint old-fashioned grace. Author Unknown Wild daisies and honeysuckle thrive A moment in the morning, Among the queen ann’s lace. Ere the cares of the day begin, Lady slippers adorn the path Ere the heart’s wide door is open Along a winding country road. For the world to enter in. Goldenrod and violets bloom Ah, then alone with Jesus, Just like the Master sowed. In the silence of the morn, In heav’nly, sweet communion They decorate the meadow’s view Let your duty day be born. For a weary traveler’s feet; In the quietude that blesses Or, a lonely one that’s passing by, With a prelude of repose, To make his day complete. Let your soul be soothed and softened As the dew revives the rose. If you ever travel down a path Along a countryside one day, A moment in the morning, Thank God for planting the wild flowers Take your Bible in your hand, That bloom along the way. And catch a glimpse of glory From the peaceful promised land. It will linger still before you THE FLOWER GARDEN When you seek the busy mart, And, like flowers of hope, will blossom I passed a garden on my way, Into beauty in your heart. The spot was lonely where it lay; The precious words like jewels But all the flowers were just as sweet Will glisten all the day, As those so near the crowded street. With a rare effulgent glory I thought of lives so hid away That will brighten all the way. And little seen from day to day, And yet they glow with beauties rare, For they are lives of faith and prayer. SPRING Elsie Halsey Lacy I thought of fathers as they work Unselfishly and do not shirk. The ice is gone from pond and lake, So many kindly deeds they do, You cannot see a pure snowflake. All to be seen by such a few. Far fled are days of somber gloom, Long since the jonquils shed their bloom. Not all the public place can fill, No need to keep our house now warm But all can do God’s holy will For tender crops soft-grace the farm. And bloom for Him in some small spot, I feel so glad that spring is here, And give Him praise what’er their lot. And hear the winds like music stir Sometimes the fairest flowers bloom Through petaled flowers, leafy trees, In lonely fields of forest gloom, From chanting birds and busy bees! And oft a life most sweet and clean Of all the year, I love spring best, Blooms where it is but little seen. It fills my soul with hearty zest. —Selected  Page 6 The Way of Truth ANSWER: It seems to me by this question, and your THE first one, you have a wrong conception as to who is a “hireling.” A pastor who is preaching the truth, living QUESTION BOX the truth, is not a hireling because he is supported by the congregation. You seem to be proud of the fact that your congregation is not obeying the teachings of the UESTION: Ministers and pastors in our country Bible! The pastors you speak of are right. A workman are working for their own living, but the Bible is worthy of his hire. A hireling is a minister who Q teaches a good shepherd is not a hireling. My preaches to please the people in whatever they want question is, Is it all right for a local church pastor to him to preach and not the truth. Peter told the people be employed as a guidance counselor in a school which to look out seven men to take care of temporal mat- is being managed by a member of a sectarian group? ters—looking after in seeing that the food, etc., was —A. A., Africa properly divided—while he and the rest of the apostles took care of the spiritual work. “But we will give our- ANSWER: First, the Bible teaches that a congrega- selves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the tion should support their pastor if they are able—being word.”—See Acts 6:1-4. a pastor is work. If your pastor MUST work in temporal work, there QUESTION: I’ve read in one of The Way of Truth is nothing wrong with him being a guidance counselor, issues about financial support for a pastor. You said if he has freedom to teach the students the truth at the that if the congregation has enough to support the pas- school you speak of. tor, they should support their pastor of his needs. In our country, we do not practice such, due to the lack of QUESTION: Is it all right for a minister of God to funds or poverty. The ministers and pastors, most of engage in politics, such as a council member or a the time, are the ones who help the members in their mayor?—A. A., Africa needs, but in case the church has already enough funds ANSWER: As stated above, being a pastor is a job— to support the pastor, who must be the one to propose he should give his time in working in the Lord’s work. it? Should it come from a congregation, from a board A Christian could fill an office as long as he stood for of trustees (if there is one), or from a pastor himself? and lived the truth. If he has to do wrong to get and —A. A., Africa hold such an office, of course, he should not do it. ANSWER: A board of trustees, if you have one, QUESTION: Is it all right for a pastor to engage in should take care of the temporal affairs of the church, a network marketing business? How about being a including how much the pastor is to be given for his manager of his own business?—A. A., Africa living. He should receive what could be called the aver- age of the working people of the congregation—not the ANSWER: Again, a pastor should give his time highest, not the lowest. fulfilling his office. If he has to work to make a living, Let me ask you a question: How is it that the pas- then it is all right for him to do whatever he can do, as tor has such a good job that he can support his family long as he keeps himself free from all wrong. There are and even help the poor when the rest of the members jobs that no Christian should take. can’t? QUESTION: Being employed in a company requires QUESTION: In a congregation with sufficient five or six days of work and sometimes no days off except church funds, is it biblical to suggest to their pastor to Sunday. Is it all right for a Christian, especially for a stop working and not to be employed anymore since minister of God, to continue working in a company they can give him what he needs to support his family’s where he or she is required to work on Sunday, thus needs, and he must just concentrate on his ministry for being unable to attend Sunday’s services? Aren’t they the furtherance of the gospel in order to perform his guilty of disobeying Hebrews 10:25?—A. A., Africa work as pastor?—A. A., Africa ANSWER: How can he be a pastor and work on the ANSWER: What you suggest is correct. If he insists “Lord’s Day”? A Christian should try to find work, if at on keeping a temporal job, he is not fulfilling his all possible, where he would not have to work on Sun- spiritual job and does not need to receive anything from days. He needs to attend the services. the congregation. I would suggest he does not have a QUESTION: I have encountered pastors from dif- clear vision of God’s plan for him. ferent born again Christian groups. Whenever they QUESTION: Does God forgive and forget? Can ask me about our pastor in our local church, I always man also forgive and forget what has been done to mention to them that our pastor is not a hireling. He another?—S. in Lome, Africa receives no salary or allowance, and is not supported financially by church funds, but he is working, and ANSWER: Yes, God forgives and forgets, and man some others are employed in a company. Then, they must forgive to be forgiven. Jesus taught that if we do would ask me, “How can your pastor concentrate on not forgive, the Father will not forgive us. Of course, the work and ministry if he is working and employed?” we still have a mind and we can still remember, but They say the pastor must give fully their time to the we “forget” in the sense that it does not affect our ministry given to them by God. Can you enlighten me attitude or actions toward the person. You forgive! You on this matter?—A. A., Africa do not mention it to him anymore.  March 2011 Page 7 fame among people; but often when this is a person’s ambition, it causes jealousy, conflict, hatred, malice, What Is Your Ambition etc. We find it everywhere. Each time the news comes on, it seems like some famous person is in trouble or dissatisfied. It shows that worldly ambitions do not satisfy the soul. in Life? I want us to think today about holy ambition, or ambition in the spiritual realm. O that people would Radio Message by Bro. Greg Tyler have the ambition to please God! O that people would have the ambition to do the will of God! O that they would make that their goal in life! CONSIDER IT AN HONOR to be able to speak to I think one of our ambitions should be, to be spir- you today on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ. I itually satisfied. There’s a soul in man. We are not I believe the gospel to be “the power of God unto just physical or material. God made man out of the dust salvation to every one that believeth.” of the earth. He breathed into Adam the breath of life, For today’s broadcast, I call your attention to the and he became a living soul. So everyone of us has a book of Philippians, chapter three, the words of the soul, and we should have the ambition to satisfy the Apostle Paul as he wrote, beginning with verse 12. “Not spiritual part of man. as though I had already attained, either were already I’m so glad that I can point you to the Lord Jesus perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that Christ, who always satisfies the spiritual hunger of for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Breth- man. “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus ren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, unto me, and drink” (John 7:37). He has always satis- and reaching forth unto those things which are before, fied each soul that has sought Him for spiritual satis- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling faction. “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the of God in Christ Jesus.” I’d like to entitle my thoughts fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink today, “What Is Your Ambition in Life?” of the river of thy pleasures” (Psalm 36:8). Most people are missing the real value of life. Most people are miss- The Apostle Paul had a goal; an ambition. I believe ing the essence of life, and the reason they’re missing it is profitable for each one of us to have certain ambi- it is, because their ambition is in the wrong area. Their tions in life. In fact, most people have an ambition of focus is on the wrong things. God should be your focus, one kind or another. The word ambition means, “an and to become spiritually satisfied should be one of your earnest desire for some type of achievement and a ambitions in life. If it is, I believe it will lead you to the willingness to strive for its attainment; to seek after truth. If God sees your heart is hungering and thirsting earnestly; aspire to.” What is your ambition in life? after spiritual things, He will bring you to the knowl- Erwin Lutzer wrote long ago— edge and understanding of how that spiritual longing “Whenever we are faced with a crucial decision, our can be satisfied. generation has been taught to ask, What’s in it for me? If you have an ambition to be spiritually satisfied, Will it give me pleasure? Profit? Security? Fulfillment? it is going to lead you to an understanding that you We are not necessarily opposed to God; we just fit Him need to be saved. So you should have the ambition to in whenever He is able to help us. The idea that our be saved from a life of sin. Jesus said in chapter 13 of wills should be subjected to His control, even when our St. Luke, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, personal ambitions are at stake, is not easy to accept. I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be We can assent mentally to God’s control, but in practice, able.” Listen to me today, Beloved Ones, if you make it we might still spend our lives pleasing ourselves.” It is to heaven is not going to be by accident. It’s not going so true. to be by chance. It should be your ambition to make it When we think of ambitions, we think of most to heaven. If you make it to heaven, it is going to be people having the ambition to gain monetary wealth because you had the plan or ambition to do so. The road or having worldly ambition. So often when a person to heaven begins by the experience of salvation. Jesus strives for monetary wealth and makes that their goal told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” So your ambi- or ambition in life, they end up disappointed or dis- tion today should be to be saved, to know your name is heartened, because money cannot bring happiness or written in the Lamb’s book of Life, to have peace with peace to the soul of man. The writer of Ecclesiastes God, and peace with your fellowman that comes said, “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with through salvation. silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this You should have the ambition to be righteous. is also vanity” (5:10). So people who make monetary Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are wealth, or the possession of material things, will find they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: in the end that they do not satisfy. It’s really not worth for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). The reason why their time and effort. I know we have to have money more people are not living a righteous life is that they to live, and the power to gain wealth comes from God, don’t have any ambition to do so. They don’t have any but that should not be our ambition or goal in life. goal or aim to do so. One reason for that is they have Others have the ambition for fame or power. They been told by many false prophets that it’s impossible want to rise in the political realm. They want to gain to live a holy and righteous life in the sight of God; but Page 8 The Way of Truth Jesus Christ said, “Blessed are they which do hunger story of the building. “Father,” said the little boy, “what and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” are those little boys doing up there?” “Those are not little Righteousness is simply doing right; righteousness is boys, Son. They’re grown men.” “But why do they look so simply living without sin. Sin is a known transgression small?” “Because they’re so high,” his father answered. to the Word of God. I’m so glad to tell you today that it After a pause the boy asked, “Then, Father, when they get is possible to live a life free from known transgressions to heaven there won’t be anything left of them, will there?” to the Word of God. If there is something in the Word It’s so true. The nearer we come to Christ, the less others of God that you don’t know about, God is not going to see us and the more they see Christ. hold you responsible for it; but as long as an individual O that we might have the ambition to be like Christ, has the ambition to carry out the Word of God in his and that people might see the beauty of Christ shining life, and does so, he is righteous in the sight of God. out of our lives. Again, as a minister of the gospel, I That leads us to our next thought. tell you on the authority of God’s Word, these kind of An individual should have the ambition to strive things and this kind of life does not happen by accident. against sin. If you have the ambition to be saved, if It is because a person has the ambition, the desire, the you have the ambition to be right in the sight of God, aim, or the goal to do so. As we read from the words of you should also have the ambition or the earnest desire the Apostle Paul in our text, he had a desire to reach to strive against that which is evil and wrong. The out to the things of God, and we ought to have the Hebrew writer said, “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, same. striving against sin” (12:4). We need as a generation, We should have the ambition to be filled with as a people, to strive against sin. We need as an indi- the Spirit of God and led by Him. Paul said in vidual to have the ambition to strive against sin. Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of Someone has written— God, they are the sons of God.” The world needs men [and I might add women] who Dwight Moody wrote— cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put “If we are full of pride and conceit and self-seeking character above wealth; who possess opinions and a and pleasure and the world, there is no room for the will; who are larger than their vocations; who do not Spirit of God, and I believe many a man is praying to hesitate to take chances; who will not lose their indi- God to fill him when he is full already with something viduality in a crowd; who will be as honest in small else.” things as in great things; who will make no compromise To be filled with the Spirit of God, we must be empty with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their of ourselves. Again, those who have an ambition to be own selfish desires; who will not say they do it “because an athlete, for instance, put hours and days and weeks everybody else does it”; who are true to their friends and years into preparing themselves to fulfill their through good report and evil report in adversity as well ambition. If we have an ambition to be filled with the as in prosperity; who do not believe that shrewdness, Spirit of God, what we need to do as an individual is cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for to empty ourselves of the things of the world, and the winning success; who are not ashamed or afraid to stand things of ourselves, and be an empty vessel for God to for the truth when it is unpopular; who can say “no” fill and use. with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says We should have the ambition to work together “yes.” I agree with that statement that was made. with God’s people. No man is an island. Some people The world needs this type of individual. Are you who are endeavoring to serve Christ will live their own that type of individual who is striving to be saved, to kind of lives and have nothing to do with anyone else, be righteous, to keep yourself from the powers of sin? but I think it is proper and right to have the ambition God is greater than the devil. Every man is tempted, to work together with God’s people. We are workers but we have victory over temptation when we are saved together with God and with His people. Romans 15:30 and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Again, we come says, “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus to this place because we have an ambition, or a desire, Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye or a goal to do so. strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” Another ambition that I would like to challenge you Paul said to the Philippian church in 1:27, “Only let to have is, the ambition to follow Christ; to be like your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: Christ, and to pattern your life after the principles of that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I Jesus Christ. The followers (disciples) of Christ were may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, first called Christians at Antioch. The reason they were with one mind striving together for the faith of the called Christians was in mockery because they were gospel.” There is something wonderful to be said about endeavoring to imitate Christ or endeavoring to live fellowship and striving together in the kingdom of God, the teachings of Christ out in their lives. I think that in the Church of God. We need to have the ambition to is a wonderful ambition—to be like the Lord Jesus work together with individuals who are like-minded Christ. So many people want to pattern their lives after and have the right spirit. famous individuals, movie stars, etc. What a mistake When God saves a person in Africa, He adds him to that is! You should have the ambition to be like Christ, the same family that I’m a part of. Wherever an indi- to follow in His footsteps. vidual is saved, we are all part of God’s family. The A father and his small son strolled down the street in redeemed are in the Church of the living God, and we Chicago past the place where a skyscraper was being need to work together for the sake of the gospel and its constructed. Glancing up, they saw men at work on a high furtherance. March 2011 Page 9 We need to have the ambition to keep our tongue under control. Peter said in I Peter 3:10, “For he that THE CHILDREN’S CORNER will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche said in the last century, “WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BABY!” “It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others I Samuel 1-9 (Conclusion) say in a whole book.” So many times people get into A Bible Story by the late Wanda Craig trouble when they don’t control their tongue. We have to have the ambition to keep our tongue under control, HE PHILISTINES took the ark and to say those things which are pleasing and accept- from Ebenezer to Ashdod and put able in the sight of God. T it in the house of their god, I’d like to challenge our listeners today to have the Dagon, the god of agriculture. It had ambition to excel in the things of God. O if we will the head, arms, and hands of a man, put the effort into the Spirit and the things of God that and the rest of it was in the form we put into other things, we could become wonderful of a fish. The people of Ashdod rose and successful Christians. Paul said, “Whereunto I early the next morning, and they also labour, striving according to his working, which saw that Dagon was fallen on his worketh in me mightily.” God has a plan for your life, face in front of the ark of the Lord. and you should have the ambition to allow God to The people all put their strength fulfill His plan in your life. If you do so, God will call together and put Dagon back in his place you, possibly, to a special work. God has a work for all again. The next morning they arose early, and the same of us to do, and we should have the ambition to strive thing had happened again. Dagon had fallen before the to allow the will of God to be done in our lives. ark of the Lord, only this time the head of Dagon and The Apostle Paul said, “Not as though I had already both palms of his hands were broken off and lay on the attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after threshold, and only the stump of the fish was left to [Do you feel the ambition that he had?], if that I may him. Because of what had broken off from Dagon falling apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of on the threshold, the threshold became sacred, so nei- Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have ther the priests nor the worshipers would ever tread apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those on the threshold of Dagon’s house. things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those The hand of the Lord was not yet finished with the things which are before, I press toward the mark for Philistines of Ashdod. He afflicted them with emerods, the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” which today we would call “bloody piles.” The men of Paul had the ambition to stay true to the end. Ashdod said, “Let us take the ark of the Lord of Israel He had the ambition to make it to heaven. Do you have to Gath.” a like ambition in your life? What is your ambition in The hand of the Lord went right along with the ark life? What do you want to be? I challenge you to be all to the city of Gath, and as it was in Ashdod, so it was that God would have you to be! I challenge you to be in Gath. The ark was then sent to Ekron, and the saved, to be filled with the Spirit, to live according to Ekronites cried out saying, “Are you trying to destroy the plan of God, to excel in the things of God, and to us all?” stay true to the end. If you would do so, you would never As it was in Ashdod, so it was in Gath and Ekron. be sorry. The men of Ashdod gathered all the lords of the Philis- May God bless you.  tines and cried unto them, “Send the ark of the Lord of Israel back to its own place. Get it out of here,” and GRACE the cry of the city went up to heaven. But for grace, my soul had perished, The ark of the Lord had been in the country of the Withered as the desert sand; Philistines for seven months. The Philistines called for Gone to shadows, and tormented, the priests and diviners, asking, “What shall we do with But for grace’s perfect plan! the ark of the Lord? Tell us and we shall send it But for God’s unceasing mercy, there.” But for Calvary’s sacrifice; The priests and diviners answered, “If you send it away, let it not go empty; but return a trespass offering, I had wandered, blind and thirsting, then ye shall be healed and know why all this trouble Fell to Satan’s grim device. follows you.” But the blessed blood of Jesus, The Philistines asked, “What shall the trespass Shed upon that cruel tree; offering consist of?” Called me from the ling’ring shadows, Then the priests and diviners answered, “Five Saved my soul, and rescued me! golden emerods, and five golden mice, according to the But for grace, O grace perfected, number of the Philistines’ lords. The emerods have But for love’s undying flame; afflicted your bodies, and the mice have marred your I had never hoped in Jesus, fields. Now give the God of Israel glory, and maybe He Ne’er had even known His name! will lift His heavy hand from off you, your gods, and —Carlos C. Beam your land. Do you remember how the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts, and how God worked

Page 10 The Way of Truth and they let the people go? Therefore make a new cart, The Philistines heard that the children of Israel and take two milk cows, tie them to the cart and bring were all gathered together in Mispeh, so the lords of their calves home from them. Take the ark of the Lord the Philistines went to do battle with them. When the and lay it upon the cart. Put the jewels of gold, which children of Israel heard this, they were sore afraid of is your trespass offering, in a small box, send it away the Philistines. They said Samuel, “Cry unto the Lord and see if it goes up by the way of his own coast to for us, that we may be saved out of the hand the Phi- Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil, and listines.” if they go not that way, then we will know it was not Samuel took a baby lamb, which could not be less God that afflicted us, but it was by chance.” Now the than eight days old, and offered it as a burnt offering Lord shows His hand! unto the Lord. He cried unto the Lord for Israel, and The men fixed up the cart with two milk cows and the Lord heard him. shut up their calves at home. They put the ark of the As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Lord on the cart with the small box of trespass offering, Philistines drew near to do battle against Israel, but and the cows took the straightway to Bethshemesh, the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day turning neither to the right nor to the left, but straight- upon the Philistines, and they were beat before Israel. way, lowing for their calves as they went, with the lords The army of Israel went out from Mispeh and chased of the Philistines following them to the border of Beth- the Philistines, and smote them unto Bethcar. shemesh. So the Philistines were subdued, and they never The men of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat bothered or came to Israel, and the hand of the Lord harvest in the valley when they heard the cows lowing was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. All and then saw the ark of the covenant. There was great the cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel rejoicing among the people to see the ark of the Lord. were returned, and there was peace between Israel and The cart came into the fields of Joshua, a Bethshemite, the Amorites. and stopped at a great stone. Samuel returned to his home in Ramah and built The cart was broken up to build a fire to consume an altar unto the Lord, which was the only altar of God the sacrifice of a burnt offering of the cattle to the Lord. in the land of Israel. From there he judged Israel. The Levites took the ark of the Lord and the small box Samuel was about sixty years old when he made and put them on the great stone, then they offered his two sons judges in Israel, but they were never judges sacrifices that same day. The five lords of the Philistines in the proper sense of the word. His sons walked not had watched all this, they then returned to Ekron the in the ways of the Lord as Samuel had. All the elders same day. of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at The five emerods which the Philistines’ lords had Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old, and thy sent was a trespass offering; one for Ashdod, one for sons do not walk with God after you; so now, make us Gaza, one for Askelon, one for Gath, and one for a king to judge us like all the nations,” and the thing Ekron. displeased him very much. While the ark was on the stone, God smote fifty Samuel prayed to the Lord, and the Lord said, thousand and seventy among the men of Bethshemesh, “Hearken unto the people, and give them what they because they had looked into the ark of the Lord. And want; they have not rejected you, but have rejected Me. the people mourned the ones who had died. The men They have not listened to Me since I have brought them of Bethshemesh said, “Who is able to stand before this out of Egypt till now, but hath forsaken Me and served holy Lord God? And to whom shall he go from here?” other gods. So give them what they want. But tell them They sent messages to the people of Kirjathjearim say- what they are getting into, thus you will clear your- ing, “The Philistines have brought again the ark of the self.” LORD; come ye down, and take it home with you.” So Samuel told the people what having a king rule The men of Kirjathjearim came and took the ark of them would be like. But this solemn warning they had the Lord to the house of Abinadad in the hill, and sanc- received made no difference. “We want a king, so give tified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lord. It us a king! that we may be like all the nations, and let abode there twenty years, and all this time the house the king judge us, and go out before us and fight our of Israel mourned after the Lord. battles.” Samuel was now grown up and established for a Samuel cried unto the Lord. Again the Lord told prophet in the land of Israel. Samuel told the house of Samuel, “Give them a king.” Israel, “Return unto the Lord with all your hearts, put Samuel told all the men of Israel, “Go ye every man away the strange gods that you worship, and serve the into his city.” Lord God and Him only. God will then deliver you out Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name of the hand of the Philistines.” They did as Samuel told was Kish, who had a son named Saul, a choice man, them. They put away their gods and served the Lord. who stood head and shoulders over the other men of Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mispeh, and I Israel. The asses of Kish were lost, so he said to Saul, will pray for you unto the Lord.” “Take a servant with you and go find my lost asses.” They all assembled together in Mispeh. They fasted Saul and the servant went up through Mount on that day and drew water and poured it out before Ephraim, passed through the land of Shalisha, on the Lord as an offering, saying, “We have sinned against through the land of Shalim, on through the land of the the Lord,” and Samuel judged the children of Israel in Benjamites, and on to the land of Zaph. When they Mispeh that day. reached the land of Zaph, Saul said to his servant, March 2011 Page 11 “Come, let us return home, for fear father may be wor- Saul went to the high place, and his uncle Ner said to rying about us.” him and to his servant, “Where did you go?” The servant said to Saul, “We are close to the prophet Saul answered him saying, “To seek the asses, and Samuel’s house, and he is a man of God. Come, let us when we saw that they were not there, we came to go and talk to him, for he may be able to tell us the Samuel.” way to go.” Saul’s uncle Ner said to him, “Tell me, I pray thee, Saul said, “But what will we take this honorable what Samuel said to you.” man? We have no bread.” Saul said, “He told us plainly that the asses were The servant answered Saul saying, “Behold I have found.” here a fourth part of a shekel of silver. I will give that to Samuel called all the tribes of Israel together. “You the man of God for telling us our way. Come, let us go.” wanted a king, and you shall have a king.” He took the As Saul and the servant went up the hill to the city, tribes, tribe by tribe, then family by family, till the they passed young maidens going out to draw water, family of Matri was taken, then Saul the son of Kish and they said unto them, “Is there a seer here?” was taken, and he was no place to be found. They The young maidens answered, “He is; make haste inquired of the Lord about Saul. The Lord answered, for he comes to the city to make sacrifices today. As “Behold, he hid himself among the stuff.” soon as you come to the city, ye shall find him before They ran and fetched Saul. He stood before the he goes up to the high place to eat, for the people will people. Samuel said to them, one and all, “See ye him not eat till he gets there to bless the sacrifice.” There whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like they found Samuel as the maidens said. him among all the people?” The people all shouted and The Lord had told Samuel a day before Saul came, said, “God save the king.” “Tomorrow I will send thee a man out of the land of “Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over own house. And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and my people Israel, that he may save them from the there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God ”  Philistines, for I have looked upon my people, because had touched. I heard their cry.” When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, OUT OF BOX 88 “Behold the man whom I spoke of ! this man shall reign Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, over my people.” Saul drew near to Samuel and said, “Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer’s house is.” We want to help you to put The Way of Truth out for people to read. We love to read every page and God speaks Samuel answered Saul, “I am the seer. Come, go to us. along with me to eat today, and tomorrow I shall let May God bless you all. thee go, and will tell thee what is in my heart. Fear not for your father’s asses, for they are found.” Then —E. & O. S., Michigan Samuel said something odd, “And on whom is all the Bro. Craig, desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on thy father’s Greetings in the name of our wonderful Lord. I can’t house?” Samuel was implying that he was chosen to praise Him enough for all He’s done for me. Bless His holy be king. name! I love Him so much. Samuel took Saul and his servant into the parlor, I am sending $— for the work of the Lord. I look forward and made them sit in the chiefest place among the to The Way of Truth magazine each month. I can hardly wait thirty persons. Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the till I get it. It’s food for my soul. It’s like sitting down to a portion which I gave thee, and told you to set it by thee.” good meal. I love the truth. The cook set the shoulder and that which was upon it The Lord bless you all for what you are doing for Him, before Saul. Samuel said to Saul, “This has been kept and give you good health and much happiness in this new for thee,” and Saul did eat with Samuel that day. year of 2011. When they were come down from the high place into May the Lord bless and keep you all. the city, Samuel talked with Saul on top of the house. —W. Mc., West Virginia They arose early, and Samuel said to Saul, “Up, that I E-MAIL might send thee away.” I want to thank you for sending me The Way of Truth Saul arose, and they both went out, he and Samuel, magazine. This magazine has built, equipped me in the ways abroad. As they neared the end of the city, Samuel said of God, and is useful in learning more about the will of God. to Saul, “Let your servant go on before us,” and he went. ... I want to learn more about the truth. “But you stand still, I want to talk to you privately that —P. A., Nigeria I may show you the word of God.” In an open field, Samuel took a vial of oil, poured Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, it upon Saul’s head, and kissed him, and said, “Is it not My special greetings to all the workers in the gospel. I because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain really enjoy reading The Way of Truth. I am glad I know what over his inheritance?” the truth is. Samuel said, “When you depart from me, two men I look forward to receiving The Way of Truth every month. will say to you, The asses which you went to seek are I give God the glory for the wonderful work you all are doing. found. Your father has left the care of the asses, and —P. I., Nigeria sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?” Page 12 The Way of Truth the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the THE pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but DOCTRINE he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (I John 2:15-17). OF The first sermon on eternal security was preached nearly six thousand years ago by the devil in the Gar- den of Eden. God told Adam and Eve: “Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: By the late for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17). “And the serpent said unto the ETERNAL SECURITY Isaac Abraham woman, Ye shall not surely die” (3:4). The devil tried to make Adam and Eve believe that God was not telling them the truth. As soon as they obeyed the devil, they died spiritually. God did not say, “If ye eat of the fruit OES THE BIBLE teach unconditional security of the tree, maybe ye shall die.” He said, “Ye shall surely for the believer? Does it teach that if a person is die”—die spiritually. God, speaking through Paul, says, D once saved he cannot backslide? “If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die” (Romans 8:13). Those who believe in eternal security for the believer God did not discount sin in the past; He sent His base their belief very strongly on John 10:28: “I give Son to die so man could be delivered from sin. God will unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, not discount sin now. Do not say to yourself, “I am neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” Of secure. I can never be lost.” “If God spared not the whom was Jesus speaking when he said, “I give unto natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. them eternal life”? He was not speaking of the Phari- Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on sees, of people of the world, nor of the unbelieving Jews them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if because they were not followers of His. Who were those thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also shalt who were to have “eternal life” and “never perish”? be cut off ” (Romans 11:21, 22). Christ said in His beau- Verse 27 of this chapter answers the question: “My tiful parable of the vine and the branches: “If a man sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is me.” Those who follow the Savior in every condition as withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the they abide in Jesus, in the truth, spiritual nourishment fire, and they are burned” (John 15:6). will keep them alive. Let us not lean on the doctrine of men, but examine Let us see what the Scriptures say about this mat- the precious Word of the living God to see what it teaches ter. Do they teach that it is possible for one to backslide? about this matter. It urges us to examine ourselves Paul wrote to Timothy: “Give none occasion to the whether we be in the faith, to prove our own selves, adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already know ourselves and whether or not Christ is living in turned aside after Satan” (I Timothy 5:14, 15). What us (II Corinthians 13:5). did these persons turn from, if they were eternally Paul realized that it was possible for even him to secure? They stopped following Christ and turned aside become a reprobate. He said regarding himself: “I keep after Satan. under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that Notice what Peter says about backsliders: “If after by any means, when I have preached to others I myself they have escaped the pollutions of the world through should be a castaway” (I Corinthians 9:27). If the the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Apostle Paul was careful of his life, realizing that he they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the might lose his experience of salvation, how much more latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For careful we need to be in these days of many false doc- it had been better for them not to have known the way trines! Truly, we need to do as Paul exhorted: “Work of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to out your own salvation” (Philippians 2:12). turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. How can we be protected against the enemy of our But it is happened unto them according to the true soul? “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and against principalities, against powers, against the rul- the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” ers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual (II Peter 2:20-22). This is the condition of a backslider wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you who has gone back to the old former life of sin after the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to with- being saved. Is the backslider who forsakes God eter- stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. nally secure? Indeed not. Jesus spoke of the last of such Stand therefore, having your lions girt about with truth, a one being worse than the first (Luke 11:26). and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And Demas forsook Paul because he loved this present your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of world (II Timothy 4:10). Demas was secure as long as peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith the love of the world was not in his heart, but when he ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the yielded to the enticements of the world he lost his wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword security. “Love not the world, neither the things that of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of 6:12-17). If we do all this, we will be secure.  the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, —Published October 2, 1943 March 2011 Page 13 Dear Young People, of God, the Church of God. I will never forget that Greetings again in the day—December 30, 1997—my spiritual birthday, the name of Jesus. Another happiest day of my life! Salvation truly is the sweetest month has passed by very thing. I am so glad to say that I have found a friend in quickly and again I pen you Jesus, and He is everything to me. He truly satisfies. a few words of encourage- I know that His grace is sufficient to keep me through ment. We are all the cre- to the end. So, Dear Friends, to be born into a Christian ation of the same God family does not mean you are a Christian, unless you Almighty, He who has a will are born again as it is written in John 3:3. for us all. But in order for I encourage the young people who have given their Him to perform His will in whole life to Christ to never think of going back to the us, we must yield our will old world again. It is good to realize and acknowledge to His. God does not force us to serve Him; it is a that “Christ died for our sins” (I Corinthians 15:3). privilege and an honor to do so! I am sharing the next Jesus Christ paid the entire price on the cross for our chapter of C. E. Orr’s book subtitled, “Helps for Young sins. I would also advise all young girls and boys to Christians,” which you will find below. He enlarges on accept Jesus before the time is too late. Accept Him as this very thought. You will find it enlightening. your personal Savior and ask Him to take full control Before that though is a testimony from the Philip- of your life. Determine to live a God-pleasing, decent pines. I have known Sis. Anna Luisa for many years. life as from today and God will fill your mouth with She has an infectious smile. I recently returned home laughter, your heart with peace, satisfaction, content- from a mission trip to the Philippines where the Lord ment, and your life with rich blessings. To serve the blessed so mightily. (For a report, turn to page 17.) I Lord is a very beautiful thing indeed! am inspired to see God work in the same manner in Bro. Greg, I am thankful for the Young People’s Page my home nation. I know America has turned far from which has been a great help to the young people. I thank God and she is in a downward plunge morally, but God for the grace He has given you to bear the burden. surely there are some who will respond to the gospel May the Lord bless and direct your efforts, and grant of Christ! you His grace more abundantly is my prayer. Please Also, Sis. Ann Davis has another E-C-H-O on page pray for the precious souls who yielded to the Lord this 16. These are especially good for young people. past convention and that all the Filipino Christian Write and send your testimony to: The Way of Truth, young people will always be true. Young People’s Editor, P. O. Box 88, Hagerstown, MD Mahal po namin Kayo sa Panginoon. (We love you 21741 U.S.A. You may email me at [email protected]. with the love of the Lord). May the Lord inspire you through the pages of this In Christian love, magazine. Pray for me as I pray for you. Sis. Anna Luisa delos Reyes, Yours in His service, Age 22, Philippines Bro. Greg Tyler My Testimony Helps for Young Christians By the late C. E. Orr Dear Bro. Greg, Greetings to you in the precious name of our dear The Will Lord and Savior. I am happy for this opportunity the MONG THE different faculties which God gave Lord has given me to write to you once again. I appre- to man in His creation is one called the will. It is ciate highly the sacrifice you and Bro. Doug made to A because you have this faculty that you become a be with us. The Lord used you in a marvelous way to responsible being. Before the first man and woman in bring forth the Word. It was a glorious, Spirit-filled the Garden of Eden, God placed two laws—one was the convention. My soul was so blessed. What a wonderful law of obedience, and the other, the law of disobedience. privilege to be a part of the pure Church of God! There These were subject to their choice. They could will to is rejoicing, unity, and love. Purihin ang Panginoon! obey God and live forever, or will to disobey and die. (Praise the Lord!). Before all men are placed two ways—one is called the I was born into a Christian family and both my way of life, and the other, the way of death. These are father and my mother were born again Christians. So subject to their choice. Therefore, the will is called that they trained me in the way of the Lord. When I grew faculty of the soul by which we choose or refuse up, I began to follow in their steps. Then there came a things. time that I started to follow the things of the world and The will is capable of cultivation. By the exercise of did things which I should not have done, but praise the your will you can refuse to do wrong things, and thus Lord for His mercy upon me. When I was seven years strengthen your willpower. Men have attained extra- old, I repented of my sins and received Jesus Christ as ordinary heights of morality by the exercise of the will my personal Savior. The Lord has picked me up out of in right-doing and refusing to do wrong. This is noble a horrible pit, and placed me in this wonderful light of and beautiful, but there is something more noble still salvation in which I am rejoicing. Jesus is so real, so and more beautiful. The moral man wills to do right true, so pure. I have proven Him many times. I thank because it is right, while the Christian wills to do right God that He is living in me. I was born into the family because it is the will of God and pleases Him. Page 14 The Way of Truth Although man cannot by the exercise of his will- The blessings and joys the Lord bestows upon us power in right-doing evolve into a Christian, the will are the rewards of willing service, for which things you plays an important part in the formation of Christian should be very thankful; but never let them influence character. It is true, the will is most usually led by the you in your conduct toward God. There have been those, affections of the heart; therefore the writer of Proverbs who, in the hour of seeming desertion, refusing to use said, “Out of [the heart] are the issues of life” (Proverbs their willpower, have turned back to the world. This 4:23). The heart must, however, get consent of the will is faintheartedness and cowardice, ignobleness and before its desires are fulfilled. Here is a truth of vast unmanliness. importance to the Christian. Every faculty of the body or soul that is unused or Many people’s wills have become so in bondage to unexercised will weaken and die. The muscles if unused the impure affections and desires of their depraved will weaken, the mind if unused will grow lax, and the hearts that they have no will to do right and shun the will if unexercised will lose its power. Should God always wrong. The desires of the heart sway their scepter of keep us soaring aloft on the wings of peace and joy and power over the will, and it acts to the granting the heart blessings, without the exercise of the will, this important its wishes. This is a sad picture. A human being created faculty would degenerate into weakness and slavery. to be free, but now a wretched slave. When he wills to Oh, may my young readers arise in the strength of their do good evil is present with him; the good he would do, manhood and womanhood and use, in choosing and he does not do; and the evil he would not do, that is doing the right, the will God has given them. The tempter what he does (Romans 7:15, 21). O miserable man! A may come, yea, will come, and endeavor to get some of person who has rejected the mercy of God and has the affections of the heart set upon the world; but you yielded to the inclinations of an unholy heart until he must reject all such temptations, and by the force of has no power to accept the offers of mercy and shun your will set your affections on things above. God does the ways of sin, is an object of the greatest pity. To him never will for us, but He gives us power to will if we there is no hope of escaping the damnation of hell. will but use the power He gives us. There is a time in the life of every rational young You are exhorted by the Scriptures to “work out man and woman when they can accept the blessed offers your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philip- of salvation which God extends through His Son, if they pians 2:12). The “crown of life” (James 1:12; Revelation will. God gives the Holy Spirit to operate upon the 2:10) lies at the end of the Christian race. When we depraved heart, making it to feel something of the step over the boundary between time and eternity our realities of a Savior’s love and goodness, and something salvation is then eternally secured. Praises be to God! of the awfulness of sin. The Holy Spirit does not take It is for this crown of amaranthine glory, or blessed hold upon the will and compel it to serve God or force eternal salvation, that we are to watch and labor with it into right action. He just takes hold upon the heart, fear and trembling. Oh, may you be very careful! Be suppressing its love for sin, and awakening desires for watchful, lest something should hinder you in your a better life, thus removing the unrighteous scepter the Christian race, and you miss at last the blessedness of heart swayed over the will, giving the will freedom and heaven. Guard the affections of your heart with the power to accept or reject the mercies of God. … Now is strictest vigilance. the time for whosoever will to come and “take of the I said above that God would always give us power to water of life freely,” (Revelation 22:17) and whosoever will, if we would but make use of that power. For proof will now “call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” of this I shall refer you to Philippians 2:13, which in our (Romans 10:13). common version is rendered thus: “For it is God which Not only does the will act an important part in worketh in you both to will and to do of his good plea- securing the salvation of the soul through the offered sure.” … Upon examination of the different translations mercies of God, but it is the purpose of God that the we find the meaning of this text to be this: “It is God will act an important part all along the Christian way. that gives us power to will and to do His good pleasure.” After the Christian enters through the “strait gate” and In the verse preceding this one the apostle tells us to steps out upon the “narrow way” (Matthew 7:13, 14) “work out our salvation with fear and trembling,” and that leads to eternal golden glories, he is not carried then he adds for our encouragement, “God will work in forward in a “chariot of fire” (II Kings 2:11) through you the power to will and to do that which will secure the journey of life and crowned at the end with eternal your eternal salvation.” Never say, “I can’t.” blessedness irrespective of his will. Often it is true that Here is something which will prove very valuable the soul is carried blessedly onward in the way of life to you in your Christian life if you can only get to fully on the wings of joy, without any apparent exercise of comprehend it: You can do nothing; your will is power- the will; but how often Good seems to have deserted or less without God and his grace, and God can do nothing forsaken us, Joy has hid her smiling face, and Good in you without the consent of your will. God does every- Feelings have departed, and we are left to serve God thing, and we do everything: we are to purify our hearts, and attend to our Christian duties from choice of will. and yet it is God who purifies our hearts; we are to God wants our life service to be a willing service. It is make us a new heart, and yet it is God who gives us a necessary, therefore, that He apparently forsake us and new heart; we are commanded to work out our salva- permit dark powers to engage us. It is that our wills tion, and God gives us power to do it. God furnishes may be exercised. The Psalmist says, “I will run the the power; we are to do. Do not think that God will act way of thy commandments … I shall keep thy testimo- for you. He will give you power to act, but He will not nies,” (Psalm 119:32, 146) and let us all say amen. do the act for you. Do not, therefore, say, “I can’t.” You March 2011 Page 15 can do “all things” (Philippians 4:13) through Christ, chapter 12 of First Corinthians. Read it carefully and who strengthens you. You can serve God in a way prayerfully. I will mention a few verses, but if you feel acceptable to Him; you can keep your mind stayed on like a Bartholomew, this chapter is good for you. Him; you can pray; you can resist the devil and temp- Verse 14 says, “The body is not one member, but tation and be an overcomer; you can endure unto the many.” As the disciples traveled about, they did not go end—you can do “all things” by the grace and power of alone; they went at least in pairs, and often several God, and He will always give you power to do His plea- together. One may have been the speaker, and that is sure. Do not serve and praise God only when He gives the one who was mentioned in the Bible; or if there was you blessings and joy, but serve Him and praise Him a confrontation or conversation, the person at the fore- when the way is dark. Have a fixed decision of the will front would be quoted in scripture. So every person in to serve God no matter what the feelings may be. Be a given situation was not mentioned in the Bible thankful to God for the willpower He has given you, account. It is the same in our everyday life. A church and use it manfully, nobly in His service. Do not cower has many activities. Bro. and Sis. So-and-So may be and tremble before temptation. You are to fear and mentioned as having done a good job with a certain tremble before God, but never before trials, tempta- activity, but how many Bartholomew’s worked, prayed, tions, sin, nor the devil (Deuteronomy 20:3). God will made phone calls, and did errands to help them? It is cause you to triumph by giving you power to will. Be not how many times your name is mentioned. God does steadfast, be faithful, fix your will unswervingly to serve not count that alone. God, and “in due season [you] shall reap if [you] faint Verses 15-17—Do you ever feel, “I don’t teach a class not” (Galatians 6:9).  or preach or sing specials”? Read these scriptures: “If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? …” BARTHOLOMEW Verse 18, “But now hath God set the members every By Sis. Ann Davis one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” Those members (the Bartholomew’s) which seem to be more F YOU randomly asked one feeble are necessary, and those members of the body hundred people to name one which we think to be less honorable, upon these we I of the disciples, I doubt that bestow more abundant honor. his name would come up even Every good teacher has had someone who taught once. them, who helped them, who did the little jobs to help If a group of Bible scholars them prepare. You could volunteer to do this. Every were asked to name all of the seed that is planted by that teacher is credited to the disciples, Bartholomew would helper as well. most likely be the one some would Every great minister has a host of people praying forget. for him, encouraging him, supporting him. He is mentioned by name Everyone who climbs has someone who holds the only in the lists of the twelve disciples in Matthew 10:3, ladder. Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, and Acts 1:13. The enemy will bring this thought: “Even when I do Many historians believe that Bartholomew and something that is worth writing about, it would prob- Nathanael, whom Philip witnessed to in John1:48, were ably be recorded under some other name, like Bartho- the same person. Nathanael is also mentioned in John lomew or Nathanael.” It doesn’t matter. We don’t have a scorecard! God keeps the record and He is fair. 21:2 as being a disciple, or at least with the disciples, on the Sea of Tiberias when Jesus appeared to them. There are no unimportant people in the kingdom of God. God Himself sets you in place just where He wants For my study purposes, we do not have to know; in you to be. However, your own personality and desires fact, it is best to leave it that some still question whether and how much you apply yourself does determine how they were one and the same. active you are in the kingdom. When Jesus called His disciples and sent them out, If you want to be more involved, pray and ask God as recorded in Matthew 10:3, He gave them all the same to use you in a greater way. There is no shortage of calling and the same commission, knowing that each openings for workers in God’s church. had different personalities and abilities with which to If you are unable to perform a more visible role, God perform His calling. As I have tried to emphasize in knows that and He has placed you in the place that you this series of lessons on the disciples, Jesus saved each can work the best. Do it with all your heart. Pray, help, of us, and we, with our many personalities and talents, encourage. or lack thereof, have our individual place in the king- Be sure you are ready and willing to work to your dom of God. full aptitude and ability. Do everything you are capable Bartholomew was not John, but did that make him of doing in the time that God asks you to do it. Be will- less important in the work that Jesus was doing? Would ing to do all that you do to the glory of God, whether Jesus have called someone who was not of benefit to seen or unseen. the work? We do not know how much Bartholomew did. We There may be some in the body of Christ who are only know that it was not recorded in the Bible. Are very important members, yet they feel that they are you willing to work unrecognized? God will reward not as important as others. I challenge you to read you.  Page 16 The Way of Truth RADIOLOG 2010 Philippine The Way of Truth Broadcast Alvin A. Craig, Radio Minister Convention Report All programs aired on Sundays unless other­wise noted Arkansas, No. Little Rock, KMTL 760, 10:30 A.M. By Bro. Gregory E. Tyler 10,000 Watts—Heard in part of AR, MO, TN, MS and LA Listen live—Go to www.kmtl760am.com Illinois, Carmi, WROY 1460, 9:00 A.M. 1,000 Watts—Heard in part of IL and IN Kentucky, Cannonsburg, WOKT 1040, 1:30 P.M. 2,500 Watts—Heard in part of KY, WV and OH Kentucky, Lancaster, WKYY 1280, 7:00 A.M. Sat. 1,000 Watts—Heard in part of KY Kentucky, Prestonsburg, WDOC 1310, 7:30 A.M. 5,000 Watts—Heard in part of KY, WV and VA Louisiana, Ball, KWDF 840, 9:00 A.M. 10,000 Watts—Heard in part of TX, AR, MS and LA Maryland, Denton, WKDI 840, 2:00 P.M. Sat. Heard in part of MD, DE, NJ and VA North Carolina, Mooresville, WHIP 1350, 7:00 A.M. Sat. NCE AGAIN it was my happy 1,000 Watts—Heard in part of NC privilege to attend the Philip- Oklahoma, Marlow, KFXI-FM 92.1, 7:00 A.M. O pine Convention of the Church 100,000 Watts—Heard in part of OK and TX of God. This year the dates were Pennsylvania, Altoona, WFBG 1290, 9:00 A.M. December 26-30, 2010. As usual the 5,000 Watts—Heard in part of PA and MD Paniqui congregation hosted the meet- Pennsylvania, Martinsburg, WJSM 1110, 11:03 A.M. ing. This was my tenth trip to the Far 1,000 Watts—Heard in part of PA East, and each time I go, I fall deeper in love with the Pennsylvania, Martinsburg, WJSM-FM 92.7, 11:03 A.M. & 7:30 P.M. Filipino saints. They are a precious and unique people; 1460 Watts—Heard in part of PA tenderhearted, and very serious in their service to the Virginia, Blacksburg, WKNV 890, 8:00 A.M. Lord. I think anyone who has visited or ever will visit 10,000 Watts—Heard in part of VA, WV and NC them will undoubtedly agree. Traveling with me on this Virginia, Lynchburg, WKPA 1390, 5:30 P.M. Sat. & 6:00 A.M. Sun. trip was my faithful brother and co-worker in Christ, Doug Shenberger. We have made several trips together 4,700 Watts—Heard in part of VA internationally. I appreciate his willingness to travel Virginia, Norfolk, WYRM 1110, 11:30 A.M. and the help he was to me personally on this particular 50,000 Watts—Heard in part of VA and NC mission. Virginia, Roanoke, WKBA 1550, 5:30 P.M. Sat. & 6:00 A.M. Sun. The blessed fellowship we have enjoyed with the 10,000 Watts—Heard in part of VA and WV Filipino Church of God began in earnest in 1989 when Listen live—Go to www.wkbaradio.com Bro. Ollen Craig made a mission trip circling the globe, Virginia, Smithfield, WKGM 940, 6:30 A.M. first visiting contacts in Kenya, East Africa, then east- 10,000 Watts—Heard in part of VA and NC ward to the Philippines, before returning home to West Virginia, Hurricane, WOKU 1080, 1:30 P.M. Maryland. Correspondence with readers of The Way of 1,000 Watts—Heard in part of WV, KY and OH Truth magazine had continued for decades, but never West Virginia, Summersville, WCWV 92.9, 8:30 A.M. was there the personal contact with some until Bro. 50,000 Watts—Heard in part of VA and WV Ollen dedicated his money and time in 1989. When he INTERNATIONAL called home from the Philippines, he reported, “I have PHILIPPINES, Malaybalay, Valencia, Bukidnon, Mindanao found the people of God.” We had contact with the late DXWS-105.3 FM, Saturdays at 1:30 P.M. & Sundays at 2:30 P.M. Victoriano Luzong from Paniqui, Tarlac, Philippines, PHILIPPINES, Baguio, Luzon, DZBS-1368 AM, Sunday 7:00 A.M. who received a vision of the Church of God, in large Heard throughout central Luzon part through the pages of The Way of Truth. He took JAMAICA, MELLO-FM, 88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 7:00 A.M. Sundays his stand and welcomed a visit, thus began a long and Heard throughout Jamaica sweet relationship. Someone from the U.S. has sup- HONDURAS, Roatan, MAR-FM, 106.5, 7:30 A.M. ported the annual Philippine Convention ever since Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday—Heard throughout Roatan 1991. Bro. Ollen attended for 16 consecutive years until SHORTWAVE his health denied him the pleasure. At 87 years old, he still holds a special place in his heart for the Filipinos. WWCR, Nashville, Tennessee 4.840 on SW band My first visit was in 1994, and since then I have been Sunday, 7:30 A.M. Eastern Time—12:30 G.M.T. honored to attend biannually. An additional visit was Listen live. Go to www.wwcr.com and click on transmitter #3 made by Bro. Ollen and me to attend the memorial WINB, Red Lion, Pennsylvania 9.320 on SW band service of Bro. Luzong in September, 2007. We shared Friday, 9:30 P.M. Eastern Time, Saturday, 9:30 P.M. Eastern Time in the grief of the loss of that special man of God, to March 2011 Page 17 whom all the Filipino brethren affectionately referred since we awoke. The Philippines are 13 hours ahead of to as, “Pastor.” Surely he was a shepherd of the Filipino Eastern Standard Time. Surprisingly, neither of us was church. Having established sound doctrine and orga- all that exhausted. We slept only about two hours and nized leadership throughout the church, Bro. Luzong we were ready to go for a little while. However, it would left the church in the Philippines on solid ground. take us upwards of three days to recover from jet lag. This year’s convention was one of the best attended The convention in the Philippines is packed with ever. There were more than 400 attendees and each activities. The first day was Sunday, December 26. It service saw the chapel virtually full. The Lord gave us started with Sunday school at 8:00 a.m. The teacher was a wonderful convention! Before I give a full report, I Bro. Arnold Chichioco. The lesson was, “God’s Unspeak- would like to give glory to God for safety and health able Gift.” This was immediately followed by the morn- during our visit. Also, I would express appreciation to ing service conducted by Sis. Judith Batalla. The speaker our wives in supporting us in the work of the Lord. My for this first preaching service was her brother in the wife, Ellen, has always given me encouragement in my flesh, Jet Batalla. His message was on the theme for the work through the years though she would prefer me to convention, “Continue Faithfully in Christ’s Works, in remain at home with her. I’ve often told her that I Prayer and in Fellowship,” based on Acts 2:42, “And they believe she has an equal part in any of my rewards for continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellow- the souls saved under my ministry. Bro. Doug’s wife, ship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” He spoke Sis. Julie, is expecting their fourth child, and though in his native language tagalog, mixing in some English left at home to care for the family, she has encouraged from time to time. Bro. Jet is pastor at Baguio (La her husband in his spiritual burdens. Of course, having Trinidad). He also does much traveling in supporting much communication with Bro. Doug through the mar- other congregations throughout the Philippines. vel of the cell phone, eased the loneliness of her soul Lunch was served afterwards in an open field next mate being halfway around the world. to the chapel. Each day certain congregations were in Before going, I had quite a struggle. I have had some charge of the meals. The working together of everyone health issues and really didn’t feel up to making the was a thing of beauty. Feeding the 400 three times a arduous journey physically. I felt it my duty to go, for day was no small task. The Filipinos were very orga- the Filipino church is worthy of support. But some nized, singing as they served. Sis. Wilma Batalla (Bro. people questioned my wisdom in going because they Jet’s wife) was our chef for the convention and fed Bro. were worried about me. Then on Saturday morning Doug and me very well. before we were to leave on Friday, in my devotions I The afternoon session began at 3:00 p.m. Most ser- read a verse of scripture that pricked my heart. “For vices began with singing of choruses. The Filipinos love though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: to sing! The speaker was Bro. Antonio Domrique, pas- for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I tor at Barang. His text was Philippians 1:27, “Only let preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I of the gospel is committed unto me” (I Corinthians 9:16, may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, 17). I needed to change my attitude! I was not doing with one mind striving together for the faith of the this thing against my will; I was not being compelled gospel.” to go; I must do this thing willingly lest I lose my reward. I said that this was one of the best attended con- I began from that point to view this trip with anticipa- ventions; also, one of harmony and fellowship. It tion, knowing the Lord would take care of me. And He seemed that half the attendees were young people did! I took the hard trip there and back especially well under the age of 30. I truly don’t know where they and felt good the whole time I was gone. kept them all. When Bro. Ollen first visited Bro. Luzong Our journey began December 24th when Bro. Doug in 1989, there were only two established congregations and I left Dulles International Airport at 10:30 a.m. on with chapels: Paniqui and Nipaco. Now, there are over Continental Airlines. Our next flight was from Newark 40 congregations scattered throughout several International to Hong Kong, a sixteen-hour mega flight. islands. Some traveled hundreds of miles to be here. To our surprise we traveled northeasterly, rather than A partial list of attendees includes representatives the normal northwesterly direction of my previous from, Aurora, 15; Quirino/Isabella, 60; Dagupan, 25; experiences. So we flew over Greenland, near the North Sta. Maria/Norzagaray, 18; Candoni, 3; Recuerdo, 18; Pole, then over Russia and China, and on to Hong Kong. Barang, 15; La Trinidad, 15; Nipaco, 17; Balaoang, 26; Landing late, we rushed to the Philippine Airlines Guimba, 7; Bingangonan, 20; Gerona, 12; Ilocos Norte, counter and made our two-hour flight to Manila, arriv- 15; Paniqui, 27; Signal, 11; Samar, 11; Bicutan, 20; ing just about midnight on the 25th local time. Unfor- Davao/Sarangani, 4; Bukidnon, 4; Bongabon, 6; Sari- tunately, our luggage did not make the transfer, so after aya, 1; Labney, 2; Bicol, 2; Marinduque, 1; Bayambang, filling out the paperwork, we exited the airport to find 1; plus many local visitors. Saints from Dubai and our beloved Bro. Jet Batalla and Sis. Judith Batalla others attended. waiting for us. It was so good to see them again! The responsibility of the night evangelistic services Our travel day wasn’t over yet, not by any means. was given to me. I love to preach to the Filipino people. Our trustworthy driver, Bro. Francisco Trinidad, weaved I spoke in English and needed no interpreter. They our way through Manila and up the 100 miles or so to listen intently, and though they don’t shout in support Paniqui. We finally laid our heads on our pillows at as some cultures do, their tears and shining faces are 4:30 a.m. local time which meant it had been 35 hours inspirational. And they are not altar shy; they respond. Page 18 The Way of Truth This first night I preached about the Cross of Calvary. based on I Timothy 6:17, “Charge them that are rich Throughout the meeting more than 40 claimed salva- in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust tion. As the Filipinos would say, Purihin ang Panginoon in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth (Praise the Lord)! us richly all things to enjoy.” Kalilangan is the place Day Two began at 6:00 a.m. with the morning devo- where I preached in 1999 with armed military guards tional service. After songs and prayer, Bro. Rogelio outside the chapel because of Moslem unrest. Eupenia spoke. He is pastor at Dagupan. His text was The afternoon service began at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Rudy Jeremiah 6:16, “The Old Paths.” There are altar calls delos Reyes was the speaker of the hour. He is pastor even in the early morning. This was followed by break- at Nipaco. His native dialect is Ilocano. His message fast. was, “Seven Great Things from John 3:16.” Some were At 9:00 a.m. they began their annual Christian saved. Knowing who speaks Tagalog, and who speaks Festival which is a combination of Bible activities Ilocano, or Cebuano, can be tricky. I like to greet the wherein congregations participate in Quizzes, Drills, people in their native tongue. Generally, “Good Eve- and Hunts to exercise their Bible knowledge. The mod- ning,” is simply, “Magandang Gabi” (Tagalog). But to erator was Bro. Manny Yangco who always made the Bro. Rudy and many others, it should be, “Naimbag activities interesting. nga Rabii” (Ilocano), while to Bro. Bernie Neri and those At 10:00 a.m. was the worship service. Sis. Rose from Mindanao, it is properly, “Maayong Gabii” Marzan was chairperson. Bro. Doug Shenberger was (Cebuano). the speaker. He spoke on the theme, drawing from the After this service, from 4:00-5:30 p.m., were some entire second chapter of Acts. An outstanding message. literary presentations. These are stories or events which Many responded. the young people present by memory with such depth The afternoon session began at 2:00 p.m. Sis. Love- of feeling that it often brings tears to your eyes. lyn Hoga chaired the service. The preacher was Bro. The evangelistic service was preceded by choruses Greg Escullar, pastor at Condoni, Negros Occidental. as usual. Many choruses the Filipinos sing have hand His text was Acts 2:37-47. From 3:30-5:00 p.m., there motions, which I sometimes entered into and it seemed were more Bible activities. The young people seem to to bring the people such joy to see an American par- be especially excited about this part of convention. ticipate. In my introductory remarks before I began the Thank God our luggage finally arrived at 5:00 p.m. message, I expressed that I have received so much on Monday. I could finally get into some clean clothes. through my contact with the Filipino Church of God. I Oh, the material felt so good! feel I am a better person and Christian because of their influence on my life. I couldn’t help weeping as I After choruses, Sis. Judith again chaired the 7:00 expressed, “Mahal ko kayong lahat” (I love you all). My p.m. service. Though small in stature, her words carry message was, “How Can an Individiual Lose His Own great weight. My message was entitled, “Sorrowing Soul?” This was based on Mark 8:36, “For what shall After a Godly Sort,” based on II Corinthians 7:10, 11, it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not lose his own soul?” Many responded and were saved, to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh thank the Lord! death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed Day Four began as the others with the 6:00 a.m. after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, devotional service. This morning, Bro. Frank Palencia yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, made the remarks on the theme, emphasizing, “Continue yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what Faithfully in the Work of the Lord.” After breakfast, zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved there were more Bible activities from 9:00-10:00 a.m. yourselves to be clear in this matter.” Another soul was The preacher for the morning service at 10:00 a.m. born again during the altar call. The Philippine church was Bro. Ed Coraraton, pastor at Davao City, Mindanao. basically uses one altar song. It is an effective chorus He read Mark 13:31-37. His message was, “Be Ye Watch- they repeat over and over again, first in Tagalog, then ful.” Mixing in a good bit of English helped me to English— understand and appreciate the thought. Again, altar “Christ is the answer to all my longings; work was done. Christ is the answer to all my needs. At 2:00 p.m. Bro. Arnold Ordonio was the speaker. Savior, Baptizer—the great Physician; His text was I Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen genera- O Hallelujah! He’s all I need.” tion, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar Tuesday morning, services began again with the people; that ye should show forth the praises of him multiple crows of the slew of roosters inhabiting the who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous Philippines. “Cock-a-doodle-do” was the chorus as the light.” This was immediately followed by a Divine heal- sun rose. The 6:00 a.m. devotional service began with ing service. I was asked to bring a short message of choruses by Sis. Julie Yangco. The speaker was her inspiration. Then the ministry anointed and prayed for husband, Bro. Manny. He asked the question, “Have the sick. Immediately following that was the closing you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?” His session of Bible activities and awards were given out. comments were based on Acts 19:1, 2. In the evening evangelistic service, I used Romans After breakfast, there were more Bible activities. 14:17, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; Then we went directly into the 10:00 a.m. service. The but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” preacher was Bro. Bernie Neri, pastor at Kalilangan, The message was, “Treasures in the Kingdom of God.” Bukidnon, in the island of Mindanao. His message was I tried to outline what the kingdom of God is and what March 2011 Page 19 it means to be a subject therein. Nine precious souls least we were all in the same year. On Saturday, Bro. were added to the kingdom during altar call. Doug traveled to Baguio with a group of saints for The last day of the feast was Thursday, December services on Sunday. Baguio is renowned for its cooler 30. We began with morning devotion at 6:00 a.m. Bro. climate and vacationing. It is located in the mountains. Rey Fabian, pastor at Paniqui, spoke. After breakfast Bro. Jet pastors there at La Trinidad. time there was a special CYF service (Christian Youth On Sunday, January 2, 2011, I arose at 3:00 a.m. Fellowship). for an arduous four hour trip to Aurora. The experience Bro. Doug Shenberger was scheduled to speak in is indescribable. We passed over a huge mountain range the 10:00 a.m. service. However, he had fallen ill on and the road was washed out in several places. Bro. Wednesday evening and was not yet recovered. I was Antonio, our driver, did a great job. Descending the compelled to speak instead. I enlarged on the thought mountains, we came to a beautiful plain. Then, travel- of the Holy Spirit and His work in the earth. Several ing along the Pacific Ocean we came to the chapel. Bro. were sanctified and five claimed salvation. Elmer Rigor and his wife, Sis. Myla, minister there. There was a baptism after lunch wherein more than After service we made the long trek back. At 7:00 p.m. 30 candidates followed Jesus’ example and were we attended the Paniqui service, where again I spoke. immersed. Afterwards, I was exhausted. The 2:00 p.m. service had Sis. Meldy Santiago speak- On Monday, Bro. Doug, Bro. Jet and Sis. Wilma ing. She is pastor at Santa Maria, a congregation built traveled to Quirino, in Isabela for service. Bro. Francisco through her burden. Her text was I Chronicles 28:20, drove. There are three congregations established there. “And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of God is really working in that area through Sis. Josie good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for Valdez. Five were saved after Bro. Doug’s message. the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will They traveled back after service arriving at 3:00 a.m. not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished Meanwhile, I preached in Barang where Bro. Antonio all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.” Domrique is pastor. The title was, “Essential Things We Must Do to Accom- Tuesday evening found us at Baloaong, where Bro. plish God’s Work.” She spoke with such depth of spirit Arnold Ordonio pastors. This is but a short distance that nearly everyone was moved. When altar call was from Paniqui. Bro. Doug spoke. Four young men claimed given more than 100 souls came forward for a closer salvation. walk with God. I am sure some were saved also. On Wednesday we had an afternoon service at The annual ministerial meeting was held from 3:30- Dagupan, a two-hour drive, where Bro. Rogelio Eupenia 5:30 p.m. is pastor. By 2:00 p.m. neighbors and saints gathered Before the last service, there was an ordination in the small chapel. Bro. Arthur Martin led the service. service. After I made a few comments about ordination, After I spoke, five gathered at the altar and salvation we (the ordained Filipino ministry) laid our hands on work was done. 13 workers who were dedicating their lives to the work Thursday was our last day of labor in the Philip- of God. Then one by one we ordained nine faithful men pines. We traveled to Metro Manila where we had a and women to the ministry of the Church of God. After service at Signal. Bro. Frank Palencia pastors there. some songs, I was introduced to bring the evangelistic Many saints traveled there to send us off and say our message. The title of the sermon was, “Loving Christ good-byes. Bro. Doug spoke. Another soul was saved. in Sincerity.” Three were saved. Friday, January 7, was our day to travel home. We Thus ended a wonderful, victorious convention. Of traveled our normal route home over the northern course, there was sadness as we had to say, “Pa-alim” Pacific, which means Bro. Doug and I completely (Good-bye) to so many we have grown to love. encircled the globe, going and coming. It was my first Friday, December 31, was a rest day. Bro. Doug was trip literally round the world. feeling much better and a van load of us went to see Our wives were there to meet us at Dulles Interna- Mt. Pinatubo, which erupted in June 1991, after more tional Airport, arriving home about 8:30 p.m. After a than four centuries of slumber. It caused much destruc- good night’s sleep, I woke up feeling better than before tion in the areas surrounding it. Unfortunately, we were I left on this journey. To me this was nothing short of too late for a tour because the sky lift was broken. We miracle! Thanks to all who remembered us in prayer. also stopped at the memorial of Capas Concentration I would like to express my appreciation to all the Camp at the end of the line of the infamous Bataan dear saints in the Philippines for their gracious hospi- Death March of WWII. Around 40,000 Filipinos and tality and wonderful fellowship. May God richly bless 9,000 Americans died on route. It was very sobering. them and keep those who were saved in His care. Also, Traveling is always interesting in the Philippines with thank the Lord for His tender mercy in caring for us, their tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) and jeepneys protecting us, and helping us to be fruitful in His vine- everywhere. yard. Salamat sa Dios (Thank God)!  This being New Year’s Eve, firecrackers and such like were going off all evening with the culmination at (For pictures and clips, check out The Church of midnight which woke me up. I entered into 2011, leav- God in the Philippines on Facebook.) ing Ellen and our loved ones at home remaining in Keep praying for the work of God in the 2010. Not only 9,000 miles separated us, but now time had sharply divided us. I felt better at 1:00 p.m. Sat- Philippines that the Spirit of God will continue urday when they caught up with me time wise, and at to add souls to the kingdom! Page 20 The Way of Truth 2010-11 FILIPINO MEMORIES

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March 2011 Page 21 Church of God (Universal), Inc. Non-Profit Organization The Way of Truth U. S. POSTAGE PAID P. O. Box 88 Mercersburg, PA Hagerstown, MD 21741–0088 U.S.A. Permit No. 15

COMING MEETINGS REVIVAL SERVICES Deville, Louisiana March 27-30, 2011, Lord willing 2011 JAMAICA CONVENTION Bro. Gregory E. Tyler, Evangelist Cornwall Mountain, Westmoreland Bro. Terry Deville, Pastor March 8-13, 2011, Lord willing  Sis. Ruth Cummings, Host Pastor Jonesville, Louisiana  March 31-April 3, 2011, Lord willing Bro. Gregory E. Tyler, Evangelist 2011 INTERNATIONAL Bro. M. H. Trisler, Jr., Pastor CHURCH OF GOD CONVENTION  12819 Point Salem Rd. Weekend Meeting Hagerstown, Maryland U.S.A. Hagerstown, Maryland June 28-July 3, 2011, Lord willing April 8-10, 2011, Lord willing Bro. Alvin A. Craig, Host Pastor Friday 7:00 P.M., Saturday 10:00 A.M., 2:30 & 7:00 P.M.  Sunday 10:40 A.M. & 6:00 P.M. 2011 CAYMAN CONVENTION Bro. Alvin A. Craig, Pastor  83-A Walkers Road Essex, Maryland George Town, Grand Cayman April 12-17, 2011, Lord willing November 22-27, 2011, Lord willing Bro. Eric Jones, Evangelist Bro. James Arch, Host Pastor For information call: (410) 686-8253

Pacific Ocean Off the coast of Aurora, Philippines

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