“The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” Mark 1:3

contending for Published Monthly contending for fundamental christianity Free Subscription american freedom August/September 2005 A COWBOY SONG O’ carry me back Empty saddles in the old corral On his dying bed To the Lone Prairie My tears would be dry tonight At the close of day Where the coyotes howl Empty saddles in the old corral *With dreams in head And the wind blows free. *Would he, could he, maybe, might? He began to pray.

And when I die *And as that sun—a lonely set Then bury me not You can bury me *Yet there is a place for me On the Lone Prairie Beneath the western sky *So face to face, I humble met In a narrow grave On the Lone Prairie. *This place, yes now I see? Just six by three.

Empty guns covered with rust *The truth they told Give me back my saddle Where are you tonight? *Though come what may Give me back my gun Empty boots covered in dust *In heart you hold Give me back my bronco *Are you wrong or right? *With love they say. That I used to run.

These words came home *Now he understood And so mournfully *His friends were there Not to be alone *Not those who would Was the cowboy’s plea. *But those that care!

-Compilation of various verses by “Sons of the Pioneers”*- RLW Founder’s Edition

www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org August/September 2005 • Voice in the Wilderness •  Personal Message

My Personal Message To You Dear Friends: finances. In 1974, the first 16 Being independent, traveling all this is “Founder’s Month.” page, two-color The Voice in over the world, and participating In this edition, The Voice in the the Wilderness rolled off the in countless gospel opportunities Wilderness reviews events in the press. With Mark 1:3 as the for over 65 years, James Royce life and ministry of Dr. J. Royce key verse, The Voice in the Thomason has truly enjoyed a Thomason recognizing God’s Wilderness has contended for rich and rewarding lifetime. Yet, hand over the years developing fundamental Christianity and his abrupt halt due to illness was this unique outreach. Praise American freedom for over 52 difficult. It has been a lengthy the Lord for the great things years. transition, but thank the Lord, He hath done and is still doing in September 2001, Bro. the work still continues. Your through this publication and Royce became very ill while prayers, support, partnership missionary endeavor. preaching in Ohio. After hospital and friendship have been so very in 1953, Bro. Royce sent and rehab stays, he returned precious to us all. On behalf of the first newsletter from home. In 2005, the decision some godly board members, Birmingham, England. Over was made by Bro. Royce and missionaries and all of us at the years he wrote about his “power of attorney” to move The Voice in the Wilderness his travels and ministry him to Lawton, OK, where he ministry – God Bless you all! opportunities updating a now resides at the Fort Sill Keep praying as together we growing constituency. From Veterans Center. keep on for Jesus! Amen! the first church construction i still remember Bro. Royce’s in Jamaica to missionary work secretary of many years telling For Christ and Souls, scattered around the globe, me shortly after my arrival in Bro. Ronnie – Isa. 40:31 many began to support various Dallas that Bro. Royce was “Happy Trails” projects with their prayers and indeed living a wonderful life.

The Voice in the Wilderness is a nonprofit, independent incorporation, founded by IS GOD’S WORK IN Rev. Dr. J. Royce Thomason D.P.D. Ph.D., evangelist and medical missionary. The YOUR WILL? organization is dedicated to the spreading of the whole gospel to the world, especially in foreign lands. The program consists of building mission stations, supporting American A bequest in your Will to missionaries and native pastors by partnering with the local church in various areas Voice in the Wilderness can of ministry and preaching Christ to the lost. We are supported by the gifts of those assure that the outreach of this who care. Contributions to The Voice in the Wilderness for projects or to support the ministry of a missionary will be used as indicated by the donor following approved ministry at home and abroad policies and procedures. Gifts are tax deductible and should be made out to The Voice will continue after you have in the Wilderness. The Voice in the Wilderness Magazine is a fundamental publication, gone to your eternal reward. published each month in behalf of the work of the Lord and preservation of the liberties of our United States. Printed material from other sources does not necessarily imply an Prayerfully consider us in your endorsement from this ministry. There is no subscription charge; all interested people of Estate Planning. good will may have a copy sent regularly to their address simply by requesting it. Address thank you! all correspondence to: The Voice in the Wilderness, PO Box 7037, Asheville, NC 28802.

 • Voice in the Wilderness • August/September 2005 www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org Sermon of the Month Sermon of the Month “…ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” Jude 3 Still Contending... In the 1970’s at a Pastors’ meet Dr. J. Royce Thomason, THE BOOK, THE BLOOD, and Conference, I saw a publication yet The Voice in the Wilderness THE BLESSED HOPE of our Lord on the host churches literature had been a long time friend and and Saviour Jesus Christ. table entitled, The Voice in the help to my ministry. Thank God Wilderness. Mark 1:3 was the key today; this unique ministry is “Still Contending For the Faith Is: verse on the front cover, The voice Contending”! 1. Standing on the Word of God as of one crying in the wilderness, our sole authority for our faith Prepare ye the way of the Lord, Standing on and practice. make His paths straight. Then 2. Submitting to the Holy Spirit the two statements followed: the Word of of God for leadership and to Contending for Fundamental God as our sole guide us in all truth. Christianity and Contending for 3. Surrender to holy living as American Freedom. From that day authority for our a people who believe, love, to this, Ronnie Williamson was a and fear God our Heavenly subscriber. Few weeks went by faith and Father. that I did not use material from The practice. 4. Sweet with our words of truth Voice in the Wilderness publication in love to those in danger or in a Sunday school class, sermon or “…ye should earnestly contend gone astray. church bulletin. It would be years for the faith which was once 5. Steadfast, unmovable, always later when I would personally delivered unto the saints” Jude 3. abound in the work of the Lord for all those who have read even when misunderstood, and supported The Voice in the criticized, and lied about by the Wilderness ministry for many opposition. years, as well as new readers 6. Strengthening those preachers, to The Voice in the Wilderness churches, and brethren who For Personal Correspondence, Contributions, Address Changes, publication--with conviction, faithfully hold forth the Word New Subscriptions, compassion, and commitment, we of Life! Write to us intend to continue to “earnestly 7. Share the gospel of Christ and contend for the faith.” While many the goodness of God toward Dr. Ronnie L. Williamson churches and pastors I know have those within and without the Dr. J. Royce Thomason compromised on standards, music, household of faith. Voice in the Wilderness P.O. Box 7037 associations, and modernistic When my wife, daughter, Asheville, NC 28802 trends, this ministry remains a and I moved to Dallas, Texas, Voice (828) 649-1043 committed and compassionate in 1996, Bro. Royce had seven Fax (828) 649-9784 voice crying out to God’s people www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org (Continued on page 4) for conviction firmly rooted in www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org August/September 2005 • Voice in the Wilderness •  Sermon of the Month (Continued from page 3) is GLORY LED not Purpose it was meant to be a critical, Driven. demeaning letter, but I took it as a automobiles. I suppose most of his HIS CHURCH is to be: compliment. The writer professed life he had enjoyed cars. Three of 1. A “glorious church,” having not to be a Christian, yet with bitterness those vehicles were older models spot, or wrinkle – not Purpose made remarks about my (Ronnie - a Desoto, Keiser, and a Model Driven - Ephesians 5:27. Williamson’s) version of the Bible; “A” or “T” type car that was a 2. Found unto praise and honour and that I must believe in pastoral beauty. He even had a yellow and glory at the appearing authority. Now, I assume this convertible Cadillac. Now each of of Jesus Christ, not Purpose individual must have a problem those seven machines had a motor Driven – I Peter 1:7. with the KJV because I do believe and four wheels providing reliable 3. full of glory, not Purpose and defend the KJV as the preserved transportation for its passenger. Driven – I Peter 1:8. Word of God for English speaking But there was a vast difference people today. I do not endorse the between that antique jewel and New King James, NIV, or the many Bro. Royce’s Lincoln Town Car. Does the other translations. These modern There are many differences in the purpose drive versions are based on revised, churches of America, Mexico, rediscovered, and rejected texts Venezuela, and Asia. However, me, or is my compiled by a list of “scholars/ there are fundamentals that cannot motivation to higher critics” who were German be compromised. In the early rationalists, evolutionists who 1900’s, someone shopping for bring honour and promoted spiritism and racism transportation looked for essential denying biblical inerrancy. I will features critical to the need. From glory to the Lord stand with the Textus Receptus and the Model “A” to the Town Car, Jesus Christ? the Masoretic Text upon which the there are basics that are fundamental KJV is based. And yes, I do believe to the automobile. yes, we are “the called in pastoral authority not pastoral today, it is our responsibility as according to HIS PURPOSE,” dictatorship or committee-run. The believers to “earnestly contend for as stated in Romans 8:28. Then local New Testament church is to the faith which was once delivered notice the last words of Romans be autonomous. The pastor is the unto” us. God’s Word, Will, and 8:30, “...them He also glorified.” leader under the Lord Jesus Christ. Work have not changed! If we In “earnestly contending for the The Bible is the sole authority for mix the contaminants of the world faith,” the question must always our faith and practice. There are into the fuel of faith, there will be asked, Does this glorify the those who desire to dictate, deter, inevitably be a break-down along Lord? divide, even destroy God’s work, the way. We must remain pure and Does the style, beat, and volume but we are committed to “earnestly unspotted from this present age -- of music glorify the Lord or please contend for the faith!” thus the need to, the imperative to and insight the flesh? may God help us. Will you “earnestly contend for the faith.” does the body piercing, tattoo, pray that this ministry, The Voice the world’s music, dress, and tight-revealing sensual dress in the Wilderness, will continue to philosophy have no place in HIS glorify the Lord or appeal to the go forward and be faithful to the church. Maybe the world’s user- flesh? Word of God. Amen! friendly, purpose driven methods does the purpose drive me, or is have a place in some churches, but my motivation to bring honour and -RLW not HIS CHURCH. HIS CHURCH glory to the Lord Jesus Christ?  • Voice in the Wilderness • August/September 2005 www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org Mission Spotlight  mission spotlight Winona Lake, IN – For many in praying for us and the work here 828-649-1043 for more details. years The Voice in the Wilderness among the Sioux Indians. Thank has supported Hephzibah House you also for your generous support Europe – Pray for these countries. directed by Pastor Ronald Williams, that enables us to minister to these Will Norway, Iceland and Switzerland a ministry of Believers Baptist people who so desperately need remain out of the EU to protect their Church. Bro. Royce introduced this Christ. I know the Lord will reward independence and wealth? The work to me about nine years ago. and bless you for your concern and pressure is on to do business with the Here is an excerpt from their recent help in getting the Gospel to them. European Union - a bit of the One newsletter: ...I am constantly struck God Bless You! World push. by the contrast between the students northern Ireland has been a that we now have in residence as Venezuela – So far this year we place of violence between loyalists compared to the students we used have seen 28 professions of faith who want to remain under Britain to have in the 1970’s. It would have during our Sunday services...We and republicans who want a united been a rare thing indeed for a student now have three evangelists working Ireland. Has a hardness gripped this in the ‘70’s to say that she did not in different areas. We are working island’s heart? believe in God nor did she have an to plant a new church this summer.. The terrorist group ETA has interest in learning about salvation. Only God can build His Church killed hundreds in the struggle for However, that is not unusual at all through us His Body. Please pray an independent Basque homeland for our current students. We have as we begin to organize all of these straddling Spain and France. This is a one in particular who adamantly evangelistic efforts, mission teams, difficult mission field. In 2003, Spain refuses to be saved and very clearly and material. received 470,000 immigrants from and purposefully rejects the claims the Americas. Spain wants Gibraltar of the Gospel for her life. This is from Britain who has ruled for 300 very alarming to those of us who years. Spanish authorities link the are working with these youngsters Madrid train bombing to Al Qaeda. to see such a hard hearted response Then France has the largest Muslim to the merciful claims of the sweet, note: Last month we shared and Jewish population in Western old, old story that “Jesus saves.” an opportunity for help in a project Europe. Oh, they that sit in great Please pray. in Venezuela. I have talked with darkness. We surely appreciate your some, but thus far this project still Thousands of illegal immigrants participation and co-laboring efforts needs someone with a burden to help have died trying to cross from with us in this soul rescue work. out. So once again, I will list this North Africa to Europe in the past Working down at the “muddy end of opportunity. decade. Asia is the largest source of the stream” is not always glorious Would anyone be interested in immigrants outside the boundaries of and glamorous, but it does pay helping two Christian businessmen Europe with some 100,000 Chinese wonderful spiritual dividends as in Venezuela establish a bus service? adults living in Italy. Pray for the we see some of these youngsters Under the watch care of their multitudes that need Jesus throughout gloriously saved and later on in their pastor, this would meet two needs Europe. lives, becoming Godly wives and – employment for two faithful church mothers. members, and in addition the bus Uganda, Africa – We have started would be used by the church, free of preaching in a new prison here. Pray Selby, South Dakota – Dear Ronnie charge, to transport people to church. that many men will trust Christ as and All, ...We want to again thank This will require a six to ten thousand you dear people for your faithfulness dollar investment. Call our office (Continued on page 15) www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org August/September 2005 • Voice in the Wilderness •  Reminiscences rEMINISCENCES FROM bRO. ROY

[Editor: I count it an Middle East and other places. The transition has not been without some h o n o r d u r i n g t h i s Founder’s Month issue rest of the year he held meetings in differences of opinion. Throughout to have a long time board small towns from New Mexico to the times of differences, I asked Bro. member and friend of North Carolina to raise funds for Royce if he wanted to continue Bro. Royce to reminisce just a bit ! Thank you, the missionaries he helped support the transition. He told me over Bro. Roy, for sharing a in the various countries. and over again “yes” he did. The few thoughts] I do not remember when he primary differences were between started The Voice in the Wilderness Bro. Norwood and Bro. Ronnie. June 29, 2005 paper. It seems like it has always I often remember God’s Word been there. through Paul in Philippians chapter I am Roy Estes. I have been a In the ‘60’s, Bro. Royce moved 4, “I beseech Euodias, and beseech board member since sometime in his headquarters to Dallas, Texas. Syntyche, that they be of the same the late ‘60’s. My Dad, Jake Estes, By then most of his original board mind in the Lord.” This example in worked with Bro. Royce in several members lived out of state or had the scriptures reminds us that the of his tent revival meetings in the passed away. He asked me to be difference between people serving Weatherford, Texas, area in the a board member. I was honored. the Lord have existed for a long ‘50’s. I remember playing on the Norwood King was the other board time. I look at my own life, and I tent ropes as a child and helping member. Norwood and his wife am grateful that God works with take it down after a meeting. Later carried most of the load of taking imperfect vessels. I like the phrase: on, the meetings were held in a care of the daily mail, sending out the “Please be patient, God is not small church a few miles west of Voice each month and taking care of through with me yet.” I believe that Weatherford. I remember the stories the office while Bro. Royce traveled. phrase applies to all still breathing. about tribes in the jungles of South We had board meetings almost every I believe the most important America; how they lived; how they year. I do not recall Bro. Royce contribution I made to the ministry responded to the gospel. I remember ever suggesting something that I Bro. Royce worked at for so many the slide shows and the crude tools or Bro. Norwood voted against. I years was in the transition period. I and artifacts Bro. Royce brought considered my position primarily was allowed to help in the addition back. Once, he demonstrated the ceremonial. It was a requirement of three new board members that power of a blow gun and stuck a for him to have board members to Bro. Royce had known and trusted dart through the front door of the have a legal organization. He was for many years and that wanted to church. the leader. It was his ministry and work with Bro. Ronnie. All ministries He had a boys’ ranch in we supported him. are ultimately God’s work and his Oklahoma for orphans and troubled In the ‘90’s Bro. Royce brought ministers are temporary. May God young men for many years. I on Bro. Ronnie to continue the bless The Voice in the Wilderness remember him staying at our home ministry after he was gone. The ministry HE started with Bro. Royce several times. Often several of the ministry had grown considerably and is now continuing through Bro. boys traveled with him. He had a during 50 some odd years, and many Ronnie. May it continue to bless heart for the Lord and the Lord’s missionaries were being supported others for generations to come. It work and he worked hard at it. He by The Voice in the Wilderness. is my privilege to continue to stand was the only missionary I knew for Bro. Ronnie, like Bro. Royce, has with Bro. Ronnie and our board as many years. a heart for preaching and missions. we see The Voice in the Wilderness He worked a circuit. Part of the Their styles are very different. Bro. go forward for our Lord’s glory! year he was in India, Venezuela, the Ronnie is more detail oriented. The - Roy Estes  • Voice in the Wilderness • August/September 2005 www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org Back to School BACK TO SCHOOL - Protecting Our Children

graders can read at grade level. of an overly sexualized society. How are • By eighth grade, only one-third of they doing? students are reading at grade level. • Forty-two percent of boys and thirty- • Only one-fourth of eighth graders are three percent of girls between fifteen proficient at math. and seventeen have had intercourse. • Eighth graders rank tenth in science • An estimated eighteen percent of and twenty-first in math when fifteen-year-old girls will have a baby compared with students of equivalent before age twenty. age in twenty-five other industrialized • One in twelve children is no longer a nations. virgin by age thirteen. • Children aged two to seven average • Nineteen million teens are infected nearly twenty-five hours a week with Sexually Transmitted Diseases of mass media input – primarily (STDs) every year in America, yet computer games and TV. That figure sixty-eight percent of teens say grows to nearly forty-eight hours they are unconcerned about STDs. As newlyweds 32 years ago, my per week for children from eight to Compare these STD numbers with wife and I made the commitment to thirteen. statistics from previous generations. never place our children in public • The Internet has also become the In the 1960s, at the start of America's education. That decision was not a favorite entertainment medium for "sexual revolution," one out of every preference but a conviction. No matter children, with fifty-four percent of thirty-two students was infected with the cost, time, or sacrifice, we stood children under eight, and seventy- an STD. By 1983 that number had firm. As bad as public education was three percent of children from eight to jumped to one in eighteen; and by then, with all the kindness possible, I twelve preferring the computer screen 1996, the number was one in four. simply cannot comprehend a Christian to TV or other entertainment media. Today, there are over thirty new STDs parent subjecting their vulnerable, • One in five children between ten and not previously seen, and thirty percent impressionable baby to today’s public seventeen have received a sexual of these new strains are incurable. education system. The Christian solicitation over the Internet. • Sexually active girls are nearly three Law Association recently gave these • Three million children under seventeen times more likely to attempt suicide alarming numbers: visited adult web sites during one than girls who are not sexually active, “Statistically today, only 75% of month. and sexually active boys are eight those Americans who profess to be • Twenty-one percent of teens say they times more likely to attempt suicide Christian attend a local church. Only have looked at something on the than boys who are not sexually eight percent of all American teenagers Internet they would not want their active. attend any church. And statistically, it parents to know about. • Twenty-six percent of teens think it can be shown that eighty percent of all • Sexual content is featured once is embarrassing to admit they are beliefs are set for life between the ages every four minutes on network TV, virgins. of four to sixteen. with ninety-eight percent of all • Calls to the CLA office indicate that more “America’s public schools currently sexual content having no subsequent and more public schools are engaged spend more than $380 billion attempting physical consequences; eighty-five in positive programs to urge school to influence what our school-age young percent of sexual behavior having no children to accept homosexuality as people think and believe about life. lasting emotional impact; and nearly an alternative lifestyle that has no More than half of all three- and four- seventy-five percent of participants moral consequences. Gay clubs are year-olds are already enrolled in school. in sexual activity are portrayed as proliferating to compete with Bible Nearly two-thirds of all five-year-olds unmarried. clubs; and same-sex couples are spend their entire day in Kindergarten. • Sexual content on prime-time TV has going to court to gain the right to • Nearly one-third of all school-aged more than tripled during the past ten attend high school proms. children are at least one grade years. “There are nearly 93,300 public behind in their academic performance “Public education programs claim schools in America. Of that number, level. to play an important role in protecting • Fewer than three out of ten fourth children from the adverse consequences (Continued on page 14) www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org August/September 2005 • Voice in the Wilderness •  Founder’s Edition Timeline

Dr. J. Royce Thomason Born 1917 in Frederick, OK Bro. Royce’s first full revival meeting in Brush Arbor at 1936 Boehler, OK. Camp Wolters, TX, 4½ years in US Army, Service in 1941 WWII. 1950 Funds raised for first church construction in Jamaica. The first mimeographed copy of The Voice in the Wilderness 1953 goes out from Birmingham, England. First professionally printed issue of The Voice in the 1954 Wilderness. 1974 The Voice in the Wilderness has its first 16-page issue.

 • Voice in the Wilderness • August/September 2005 www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org Founder’s Edition Timeline

1989 First church built in India. The Williamsons join The Voice in the Wilderness ministry 1996 in Dallas, TX. Banquet, Pigeon Forge, TN, - Bro. Royce’s 65th year in 2001 ministry. Bro. Royce named President Emeritus. Honorary 2002 Fellowship, Cranberry, Beckley, WV. 2003 The Voice in the Wilderness celebrates 50 years of ministry. Praise the Lord for the continued ministry of The Voice in 2005 the Wilderness. Bro. Royce now resides in Lawton, OK.

www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org August/September 2005 • Voice in the Wilderness •  Religious News and Comments religious news & News From Here & There is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. – News from July 2005

A LIFE OR SPECIMEN – National Geographic July 2005 pictured an aborted baby entombed in a glass container of preservative S U P R E M E C O U R T ISRAELI ANTI-TERROR as a museum specimen. The caption VACANCY – Just as we are going EXPERTISE – While the United stated: For those who believe life to print, we have all heard that States leads the world in the fight begins when sperm and egg collide, Justice O’Connor has resigned from against terror, its law-enforcement the image of an aborted fetus may the Supreme Court. This may very agencies have a great deal to learn provoke sadness, pity, or even well be a pivotal time for our nation. from Israel counterterrorism, Steven fiery moral anger. Many abortion The Supreme Court has proven Pomerantz - former assistant director opponents apply the same feelings to repeatedly to enact evil upon this of the FBI - told embryonic stem cells – condemning country. This oligarchy has violated while in Israel: research that causes embryos to the Foundation, the Founders, and Israel is the preeminent expert be destroyed. The only difference the Constitution of this land. Let us on terrorism in the world, Pomerantz between an embryo, a fetus, and a pray that President Bush and those said. Not only is it a country that baby, some argue, is time – and all in positions of leadership will have needs to fight terror but it needs to deserve the same protection. the courage to take a stand in defense fight under democratic principles. then on the opposite page of faith, families, and the sanctity One of the weaknesses in the photographed by an electron of life. Immediately the outcry of U.S. law enforcement system - microscope was the eye of a needle liberals indicates fierce opposition which failed to prevent 9/11 - is the with a tiny five-day old embryo to conserving biblical principles lack of cooperation between the (life) inside the eye of the needle. and values held by the founders, various law-enforcement agencies, Life is richness graciously given by and I believe, by the majority of Pomerantz said. the The Creator; so precious that “grassroots” America. True, a biblical Israel’s ability to fight terrorism the profit of the whole world cannot worldview is diminishing rapidly in is unprecedented. This open, social compare to a man’s loss of his soul. this nation. However, God’s people nation, based on Roman principles And is it no easier for a rich one to continue to speak out and take a and laws, has achieved higher levels navigate the eye of a needle than stand at critical moments. Indeed of security than any other country. enter the Kingdom of Heaven? Yet, the chasm broadens; and therefore, Doubtless this is the beginning with his fancy electron microscope the lines become distinct as to who of the promise recorded in Isaiah and yea powerful telescope, the stands where. YOU do make a 54:17: No weapon that is formed mighty, miraculous signature of the difference, so please let your voice against thee shall prosper; and every Sovereign is so obviously denied by be heard. Pastors must boldly present tongue that shall rise against thee in the brilliant smallness of depraved thus saith the Lord as HE speaks to judgment thou shalt condemn. This minds. (Continued on page 11)

10 • Voice in the Wilderness • August/September 2005 www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org Religious News and Comments (Continued from page 10) country (Palestine). figure has approximately doubled the issues of our day. our response must be to redouble since the wave of immigration from our efforts to reach out with the the former Soviet Union began in the Gospel to both Jewish and Arab late 1980s. hearts in Israel. Jesus the Messiah -Via CJF Ministries 5/2005 is the only One who can bring true, lasting peace to this troubled region—and ultimately, that will only happen when He returns to rule and reign. ...For the past several years a group called the Monarchists has conducted extensive research into the lineage of several families in an effort to discover who has the closest ISRAEL AND JEWISH NEWS bloodline to the biblical King David – When elections were held in the – a requirement for any future Jewish West Bank and Gaza, Fatah, Yasser king. Arafat’s old party was challenged by Yosef Dayan from Psagot, HAMAS, the militant Islamic terrorist known for his recent threats to place group that has been responsible for a death curse on Prime Minister most of the terrorist attacks and , is said to be a leading suicide bombings in Israel in recent candidate to become the King of years. The fact that HAMAS make Israel. Dayan is said to have two Fatah look moderate in comparison documented ancient sources which FIREARM RIGHTS – In a speaks volumes. Yet in these recent draw a direct line between him and recent interview Secretary of elections, HAMAS won in the largest the males in his family to King David State Condoleezza Rice said the jurisdictions where voting took some 3,000 years ago. constitutional right of Americans place: namely, Qalqilyah in the West ...Canadian archaeologist Russell to own guns is as important as their Bank, and Rafah and Beit Lahia in Adams and his team of colleagues rights to free speech and religion. the Gaza Strip. The HAMAS flag have found information that points to Rice said she came to that view from now flies over these towns. the existence of the biblical kingdom personal experience. Her father, a there are too many Palestinians of Edom existing at precisely the black minister, and his friends armed who are not interested in coexisting time Scripture claims it existed. themselves to defend the black with a Jewish state. On the contrary, The evidence flies in the face of a community in Birmingham, Ala., they want to destroy Israel, and that, common belief that Edom actually came against the White Knight Riders in in fact, is the official position of into existence at least 200 years later. 1962 and 1963. She said if local HAMAS. Now the fact that HAMAS ...Messianic Jews have been authorities had had lists of registered has won control of three of the most considerably reinforced by recent firearms, she did not think her father populous Palestinian townships immigration waves and now comprise and other blacks would have been shows that their constituency is some 10,000 Israelis, according to able to defend themselves. She growing and that they now have messianic leaders and their Jewish continued by saying that Americans the support of the majority in those opponents. must be “very careful when we start areas. eitan Shishkoff, who heads the abridging rights that the Founding the United Nations, the European messianic community in Kiryat Yam Fathers thought very important.” Union, and the U.S. State Department outside Haifa, said there are 10,000 “I don’t think we get to pick and are going to continue pushing Israel members in roughly 80 messianic choose from the Constitution. The to let these thugs have their own congregations across the country. This (Continued on page 14) www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org August/September 2005 • Voice in the Wilderness • 11 Secular/Sacred Money Connection SECULAR/SACRED MONEY CONNECTION World Magazine recently printed grocery stores, and Wal-Marts.” price of theological integrity?” an article entitled Out of the Ghetto [The money-driven/what sells [What about the “price of theological with the caption: BOOKS: Christian secular publishing industry is very integrity?” Are the lines so blurred publishers reach for a share of interested in the big-bucks market that this secular/sacred market has the secular market, mainstream of religious books and particularly become one and the same?] publishers jostle for Christian market evangelical books. Must there not be “Moody has a division called share—and readers win from the an end-time blurring of the lines for Northfield Press, which publishes competition. the One-World Union to occur? Note self-help, business, and family- [Do we detect the biblical this statement in World:] “Christian relationship books. NavPress has root of all evil here? Obviously publishers are taking advantage of Piñon Press, which publishes self- money connects some dots as World their newfound respectability in the help, family and adoption, and even states:] publishing industry by opening new medical books on Attention Deficit “Since Bruce Wilkinson’s The lines specifically designed to attract Disorder and dealing with stress. Prayer of Jabez (Multnomah) was readers who are not necessarily While NavPress titles assume that published in 2000, it has sold 9.3 Christians.” [Do we not want non- the reader is a believer, explains the million copies. The 12 Left Behind Christians reading Christian books? website, the goal of Piñon Press is to books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry We note the continuation.] present a biblical worldview to those Jenkins (Tyndale House) have sold “And the reverse is also true: Secular outside the kingdom of God. 62 million copies over the last publishers are opening new lines “Thomas Nelson is experimenting decade. Rick Warren’s The Purpose specifically designed to cross over with tying in to another once-neglected Driven Life (Zondervan) has sold into the evangelical market. but huge field: conservative politics. a million copies a month since it “Not too many years ago, Nelson president and COO Mike was published in 2002, making it, Christian titles were excluded from Hyatt had long pushed for more sales according to Publishers Weekly, the the mainstream publishing world. in the broader market, a vision that bestselling hardback in American No matter how many copies a bore fruit in the form of a partnership history. title from a Christian publisher with WND Books, the book- “Such numbers have caught the might sell, it would never make publishing arm of WorldNetDaily, attention of even secular publishers the New York Times bestseller list. a conservative online news site. The and booksellers. Evangelical That influential cultural index imprint published edgy, politically publishers have managed to turn only surveyed a carefully selected conservative books that reflected, out a steady stream of blockbusters sampling of mainline bookstores, or at least didn’t conflict with, a in recent years, observes Business never deigning to include Christian Christian worldview.” [Yes, definitely Week, making religion the hottest bookstores, and the mainline stores do not conflict or ruffle any feathers. category in books. seldom deigned to carry books from It must be acceptable, user friendly, “No longer are Christian Christian publishers. Market Driven. What about this line bookstores the sole outlet for “Now, Christian books enjoy of thought?] evangelical books. Now evangelical a presence in the marketplace. But “Because they often report titles—from inspirational meditations are they having an impact in the controversial history and current to Christian fiction—can be found at marketplace of ideas? Or does this Barnes & Nobles, airport bookstands, commercial success come at the (Continued on page 13) 12 • Voice in the Wilderness • August/September 2005 www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org Secular/Sacred Money Connection (Continued from page 12) Rolf Zettersten, a senior executive “Indeed, it is hard to accuse events, Nelson Current books also at Thomas Nelson, to start Warner secular publishers of watering down sometimes include coarse language. Faith. With his contacts, he signed Christian theology when Christian Because the books are intended for best-selling Christian author Joyce publishers have been churning out the mainstream market, we have a Meyer, and with the Time-Warner de-gendered Bible translations, little more latitude there, Mr. Miller distribution clout doubled her sales to Christless moralism, “have faith in said. We don’t want the language 2 million. This success story attracted yourself” tracts, and sentimental to become gratuitous, but the story other big name authors, including uplift—oblivious to sin, grace, and is the story. He added that Nelson Joel Osteen, whose Lakewood salvation—and all presented as Current uses salty or provocative Church in Houston is America’s Christian inspiration. language only when it’s relevant and largest.” [Is there any Bible that “The secular giant Random appropriate to the truth of the subject. warns about this “yoking up?” But House is owned by Bertelsmann AG, It’s not in your face all the time, he of course there must be a reason a German media mega-conglomerate said.” “Purpose” in all this. Certainly there that got its start in 1835 as a publisher [The sacred takes on the secular is. Listen to this:] of Bibles, hymnbooks, and revival and then what?] “Just as Christian “You want Christian writers resources. The King James Bible publishers are trying to reach the to be writing on the level as in the - including the dispensationalist secular audience, secular publishers regular market. Mr. Arnold agrees: Scofield Reference edition - was are trying to reach the Christian Most traditional Christian fiction published by Oxford University audience—sometimes simply by was less focused on the art of story Press. And most of the great buying a Christian publisher. That and more focused on an agenda- Christian authors published their is what happened to Zondervan. driven approach, he said. The goal works through secular presses. This Acquired by HarperCollins, it of many authors was to ‘teach’ the was true well into the 1960s, from became part of the even bigger media reader a doctrine through an often Catherine Marshall’s A Man Called empire of the international media one-dimensional story. Ironically, Peter and Christy (McGraw Hill) to tycoon Rupert Murdoch, whose it often wasn’t a prejudice against C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity and holdings range from Fox News to Christian content that caused most Screwtape Letters (Macmillan). the Los Angeles Lakers. Secular of these novels to be rejected in the “Having our novels sell well in publishers also form partnerships general market—the stories simply the general market is a way for us with Christian publishers, as did not pass the test of great fiction. to salt and light through the power Penguin/Putnam is doing with Strang [“Teach the reader a doctrine.” of story.... The great news is we’re Communications. Fancy that. Certainly Doctrine must succeeding beyond our wildest “And secular presses start not precede dollars! Listen to the dreams, said Mr. Arnold. religious divisions of their own, following observation made in the [Will the “wildest dreams” as with Time-Warner’s two new article:] become a nightmare and a part of the divisions. Random House, in another “I am nowhere near as concerned confusion and blur lead to none other example, started WaterBrook. These about the effect of fewer Christian than prophetic fulfillment? Maybe if ventures were not a case of a big books being sold in Christian we stuck with THE BOOK, God’s company venturing into a market bookstores as I am about the BOOK instead of the publishing that it did not understand. Lee poor theology being taught in the proliferation, the devilish dangers Hough, a Christian literary agent, bestselling Christian books, said would be obvious.] said that these secular publishers Brett Venable, a Christian bookstore brought in editors and staff with manager. It appears to me that the World Magazine, July 2/9, 2005, experience from Christian publishing worst thing to happen is not the By: Gene Edward Veith and Lynn companies. But the greater financial closing of Christian stores as a Vincent resources and industry clout from result of unfair business practices by the parent companies give them an publishers, but rather the propagation [Brackets are this editor’s comments advantage. of loose theology making Christians only.] “Time-Warner in 2001 hired more ‘spiritual’ but less godly. www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org August/September 2005 • Voice in the Wilderness • 13 Religious News Back to School Nuggets of Gold (Continued from page 11) (Continued from page 7) committed sins. Second Amendment is as important only 700 use abstinence-only sex • The Bible does not specifically as the First Amendment.”.....The education programs. condemn homosexuality. hooded armed robber likely thought • Despite what they are learning in “Studies show that less than fifteen the older, female clerk would be an school and hearing in the media, percent of the average church ministry easy mark as he entered a Tampa eighty-four percent of teens still budget is allocated to ministries for convenience store, brandishing his instinctively know what's right and children and youth. If it is correct that the checkbook is an accurate indicator gun and demanding money. He wrong and say pregnancy-prevention programs should teach young people of priorities, young people appear to be wasn’t counting on confronting to be married before they have a a secondary concern for many churches. someone like Janet Grammer. The child. Trends have long indicated that, by the 64-year-old mother of 10, a former • Two-thirds of U.S. teenagers who time they reach the age of thirteen, most security guard, pulled her own gun have had sexual relations wish they children have already set the course from under the cash register and fired, had waited longer, while twenty- for the rest of their lives with regard to hitting the criminal in the chest. “I eight percent say their personal spirituality and faith. think he thought I was an old woman experiences have made them more “The local church is this generation’s and would just give him the money,” opposed to early sex. only hope. Pray that we reach this generation for Christ before it is too Grammer said after the incident. "Our children desperately need parents and churches to fill this role in late!” “My life was at stake.” Grammer, their lives and teach them to be faithful - The Legal Alert, March 2005 who also has 32 grandchildren, to the Biblical message. three great-grandchildren and three "A survey of today's thirteen-year- great-great-grandchildren, later said olds showed that only three percent had she worried that she had killed the a Biblical worldview as the foundation Nuggets hospitalized assailant.”- America’s for their decision making. The same 1st Freedom July 2005 survey showed that three-fourths of of Gold these thirteen-year-olds believe the 1. to some, you are self-righteous PROGRESSIVECHURCHES following: if you believe something more – Determined not to let conservative • The devil does not exist – Satan is just strongly than they do. a symbol of evil. 2. People who wear their feelings Christians dominate the faith, 14 area • A good person earns entry into Heaven on their sleeves need to be careful churches in the Raleigh, NC, area by doing enough good works. how they dress. have banded together to convince • All of the sacred books from different 3. the law of gravity may seem to wavering believers there is more religious traditions (the Bible, Koran, be intolerant, but it is still the law than one way to be a Christian. Book of Mormon, etc.) are merely of gravity. Progressivechurches is the name of different expressions of the same 4. A gossiper dumps his garbage on the new coalition, and it has taken spiritual truths and principles. the listener. out a catchy ad running in several “Two-thirds of these thirteen-year-olds 5. A person who has a lot of friends area newspapers. Almost given up believe the following: either has a lot of money or is a • Praying to deceased saints can have good listener. on Christianity? We understand, it a positive effect on your life. 6. he is your friend who pushes you reads. Pastor Doug Long of North • The Bible discourages sin, but never nearer to God. Raleigh United, a United Church describes it as an innate behavior. 7. When you put the two words of Christ congregation, said, We “Half or more of these thirteen-year- “THE” and “IRS” together, it feel the primary understanding of olds also believe: spells “THEIRS”? Christianity in mainstream America • Life either has no meaning or the 8. When it comes to taking a stand, is that of the evangelical right. meaning is realized through hard we have found that most people We want people to know there are work leading to the production of had rather be sitting down. Christians who think of things in a resources to enjoy comfort and 9. Beware of the half truth - you may security. different way. You can check it out have gotten the wrong half. • There are no absolute standards for 10. Long tongues will mean short for yourself at progressivechurches. morality and ethics. friends. org. TBC 6/28/05 • When Jesus Christ lived on earth, He

14 • Voice in the Wilderness • August/September 2005 www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org Mission Spotlight Founder’s Month Envelope (Continued from page 5) conservative Bible standards. One Aquila and Priscilla Ministry, never wants to be deemed as “old Asheville, NC – Steve and Rebekah their Savior. The other prison has fashioned,” or “out of touch with Lilly have temporarily rented an borne much fruit and we are looking society” – hence it may seem easier apartment in the Asheville area. We have for God to work in this prison as to go along with the tide instead of already completed a week of training in well. The other prison ministry bucking it. The Voice in the Wilderness office. The has produced a village pastor and Some have lowered the standards Lilly’s were able to have a meeting two translators. We have also been to be more attractive to the lost! They to discuss and obtain information in charge of soul winning for a disregard proper Biblical standards concerning their new soul-winning number of weeks now and have had to get them in and then – “wham” outreach teaching English as a second a good number of church members – hit them with the Gospel. It would language. Materials were purchased attending. Pray for direction from be hard to believe that this kind of and they are now eagerly studying. As God in leading this ministry and for church is building a strong spiritual mentioned earlier, an opportunity to Christians to continue to be faithful foundation. The ideal Christian work with a pastor in Venezuela has to witness to others...Thank you so should be one that the world looks been extended to the Lilly’s. Please pray much for your faithful support and up to and admires and would want for wisdom and the Lord’s direction. especially for your prayers! Your to say, “I would like to have what Over the next several months, the support allows us to be here and they have.” If they are using the Lilly’s will be doing some traveling for your prayers enable us to do God’s same music, going to the same The Voice in the Wilderness. They will work. entertainment and doing the same need to raise some support for their first things, what need is there for them project. Again this is an item of prayer. Corpus Christi, Texas – The Roloff to change anything? We will keep you informed as this new Evangelistic Enterprises letter stated: -Gene L. Price, Director of ministry develops! It seems that the Christian church Communications today is being found in a struggle over the right doctrines to preach, the proper modes of worship and FOUNDER’S MONTH methods to reach out to the lost. I doubt it has ever faced the multitude Each August an envelope is included for those of ideas presently before us that who can and would contribute to The Voice contradicts what the founding fathers believed when they landed on the in the Wilderness publication and missionary East Coast. efforts. Summer is a lean period financially, but Some churches are flourishing while others are closing their doors. expenses and missionary commitments remain Both believe basically the same the same. An extra gift on the part of a few will fundamentals of the Christian faith or at least did at one time. Compromise make all the difference. Many of you are already is certainly active today! It may be so very faithful to this ministry on a monthly in the methods of worship practiced, the style of music used or of which basis. We do send our deepest thanks. However, translation of the Bible to use. there might be others who read The Voice in We see pastors coming and going from the church for one reason or the Wilderness each month that could take this another. It may be felt that they are envelope and send a special gift at this time to “not relevant to the youth,” others downloading the dress code to help out too. Please consider giving during our attract those outside of the church, Founder’s Month. God Bless! while others struggle in maintaining www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org August/September 2005 • Voice in the Wilderness • 15 Parting Thoughts SACRIFICE? Here is David Livingstone’s testimony “For my own part, I have never ceased to rejoice that God has appointed me to the missionary office. People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life inAfrica. “Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paying back a small part, a great debt owing to God, which we can never repay? “Away with such a word, with such a view, and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say, rather, it is a privilege. “Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger now and then, may make us pause and cause the spirit to waver and sink. But let this be only for a moment. “All of these are nothing when compared with the glory which will hereafter be revealed in and for us. “I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great sacrifice made by Him who left the throne on high to give Himself for us.”

A great without has been written on heathenism. Men and women toiling without a Bible, without a Sunday to worship, without prayer, without songs of praise. They have rulers without justice and without righteousness; homes without peace; marriage without sanctity; young men and girls without ideals and enthusiasm: little children without purity, without innocence; mothers without wisdom or self-control; poverty without relief or sympathy; sickness without skillful help or tender care; sorrow and crime without a remedy; and, worst of all death without hope. -Church Bulletin

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