September 2008 #1

ANOTHER ISSUE – In the last “Musings” I shared some issues from the past that has taken up a lot of time and debate. There was another that needs to be added to the list, that of the Charismatic Movement and particularly the gift of tongues. I am not hearing so much about these as in the past, though I know many Christians are still caught up with it. A lady that attended our home Bible studies and the class at Fellowship Baptist Church in Dublin when I was teaching the series on Comparative Religions, brought to our attention a ladies group she had attended that was involved in charismatic issues. So, I know they are still around, though not as strong as they once were. I remember when I was doing the Interim Relief Ministry for the mission and relieving our missionary in Schuler, Nebraska, getting caught up in a debate with some of them. A number of people involved in the movement had visited he mission church and while I was out calling in the community I knocked on a door where a group of charismatic’s were having a Bible study. I was invited in and had a lengthy discussion with them relating to spiritual gifts and the gift of tongues in particular. Shortly after that when I was starting the church plant in Clarinda, Iowa I had a couple visit our V.B.S. program that their children had attended. During the refreshment time the gentleman started questioning me on the subject as he was asking about our church. I made it very clear to him that we taught God’s truth as found in the Bible and if he was interested in attending in order to do that he would be welcome. If, however, he wanted to bring the tongues issue into the work they had better find a church that was so involved. We didn’t need that kind of divisiveness in our small church. They never came back. I have had many run in’s with the movement over the years. Consequently, it was a common practice for me, in my various church plants, to teach what the Bible says about spiritual gifts. I did so in order to prevent the abuse of spiritual gifts and the confusion that is so often created by those who were so involved, endeavoring to prove their salvation based upon having spoken in tongues.

EARLY PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES – God put special people in my life during my early days of spiritual growth that gave me practical experiences in witnessing. Though I was saved as a boy, there wasn’t any encouragement relating to church and spiritual matters from my parents or stepparents and I walked afar off. After I was married, a Baptist pastor helped me get back on track with the Lord and he also led my wife to Christ. The pastor’s teachings and by taking me with him on visitation, gave me experiences in calling and witnessing. Also at that time there was a man by the name of Pat Patterson who took me under wing, an elderly and retired gentleman who taught me much about witnessing and soul winning by taking me out calling with him. I would observe and run interference while he took people through the Scriptures relating to salvation. In time, he would say, “Les, now you do it while I run interference.” Using the term “interference” had to do with keeping any children entertained and avoiding any distractions while the other witnessed and shared the Scriptures. Pat had started out studying to be a doctor but his education was interrupted and he spent the years in real estate, being a police officer and various sales ventures. He knew how to deal with people and I learned much from him. It was a time of tutoring in ministry in that little church where I was given many opportunities to learn and serve. There was another such man in that church by the name of Ted Anderson who also helped me along spiritually and answered many questions that came to mind as I read my Bible. Serving with him as a young deacon he guiding me through many areas of church ministry. I worked for him in a feed store and it was not uncommon for us to witness to the farmers and other customers that came into the store to purchase feed or eggs. Life was simpler in those days and people had more time for one another. Meals and snacks around kitchen tables or occasionally in a restaurant were filled with considering Bible truths or doctrines as we fellowshipped. It is important for Christians to learn their Bibles and how to answer people’s questions from Scripture and to know how to take people through the plan of salvation.

MORE THAN THE PRACTICAL – It did not take me long to learn that there is more to being able to answer peoples questions and taking them through the Biblical plan of salvation. I have had my converts who said “Yes” to get rid of me and then went on their same sinful paths. For all our answers and a clear Biblical plan for salvation, without the working of the Holy Spirit, the results are meaningless. Unless the Holy Spirit works in a life, the rest is just words. We have to learn to let Him guide, open doors and to bring the real results. The work is God’s and not ours and a polished presentation of the Gospel is empty without His workings. Witnessing is more than a sale’s like presentation, it requires patience, being a long process of ministering to needs while loving people and establishing relationships that prepares hearts and opens doors. I fear that street corner witnessing and preaching is often very empty and does not really reach people very effectively. I suppose there will be people who will disagree with me but my years of experience have brought me to this conclusion. Rare are the decisions of people based on first time contacts. They do happen but they are few and far between.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR CHURCH ATTENDANCE – Dedicated Christians realize the importance of regular church attendance as the source of their spiritual development. The collective study of God’s Word prepares us with a good knowledge of the Bible and the various methods of ministry or service. This, along with our own personal Bible study equips us to be faithful witnesses in answering peoples questions and how to deal with them spiritually. Christmas and Easter Christians cannot expect to be able or qualified to lead their families, friends and acquaintances to Christ and to share the glories of eternity with our God and Savior. I know it is sometimes difficult in many areas to find a good church to attend but I’ve always believed it behooves believers to find one or start one so that this need might be fulfilled in their lives to serve the Savior adequately.

SURGERY DATE – The cardiac surgeon’s nurse called today to set the date of September 9th which was alright with me as I want to get this over with as soon as possible before any complications can take place. This still had to be cleared with the hospital to make sure that worked for them as well. I have not heard back so I assume that is okay and they will be pulling my records to see if any additional testing is needed and will let me know. I am so appreciative of your prayers. I dread the thought of a ventilator and tubes, etc. as I am a bit claustrophobic. I understand they keep you well sedated during that period so maybe I won’t know anything about it, hopefully.