Articles

Past Editions of the Email Circular

Dr. Neil Chadwick

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March 30, 2002	Epicureanism
March 23, 2002	Donkey
March 16, 2002	Speaking Thanks
March 9, 2002	Joyful Ministry
March 2, 2002	The One Church
February 23, 2002	From Failure to Gratitude
February 16, 2002	True Fellowship
February 9, 2002	Public Reading
February 2, 2002	Pentecost and Fire
January 26, 2002	Woe Is Me
January 19, 2002	Martin Luther King
January 12, 2002	Destination India
December 29, 2001	Socrates
December 22, 2001	'Twas the Week Before X-mas
December 15, 2001	You Are On the Most Wanted List
December 8, 2001	The Family of Jesus
December 1, 2001	Harry Potter
November 24, 2001	A Long Walk
November 17, 2001	Conversion of Millions in India?
November 10, 2001	Persistence
November 3, 2001	Staying Pure - In An Impure World
October 27, 2001	Recognize Your Winners
October 20, 2001	The Impossible
October 13, 2001	Survival Stats
October 6, 2001	Generations
September 29, 2001	The Necessity of Prayer
September 22, 2001	Surviving the 81st Floor
September 15, 2001	Fear Not
September 8, 2001	Holiness in the Congregation
September 1, 2001	A Christian Response to Gambling
August 25, 2001	Strengthen the Brethren
August 18, 2001	Good Morning Sue
August 11, 2001	The World Is Doomed!
August 4, 2001	Monday Moods for the Pastor
July 28, 2001	Assumptions of Repentance
July 21, 2001	Death
July 14, 2001	Your Call is Very Important
July 7, 2001	Simon of Cyrene
June 30, 2001	Declaration of Dependence
June 23, 2001	Sing Unto the Lord
June 16, 2001	Welsh Revival
June 9, 2001	Enduring Marriages
June 2, 2001	Dynamic Faith
May 26, 2001	Survivor Guilt
May 19, 2001	The Prayer of Passion
May 12, 2001	Mom's Book
May 5, 2001	God's Grace and Healing
April 28, 2001	The Church Steeple
April 21, 2001	Watching the Bomber Die
April 14, 2001	Short Testimonial Article by Eric
April 7, 2001	WHO AM I? - Mark 8:27-30
March 31, 2001	Resurrection Unbelief
March 24, 2001	Tips for Taking Control of Stress
March 17, 2001	A Gambling Story
March 10, 2001	Who Was Maewyn Succa?
March 3, 2001	Sepphoris: Jesus and the Forgotten City
February 24, 2001	Overcoming Blind Spots
February 17, 2001	Two Miracles
February 10, 2001	What Did It Mean?
February 3, 2001	Personalizing Promises + Resurrection
January 30, 2001	Two Special Requests
January 27, 2001	Worship of the God Boal
January 20, 2001	The Journey to the East
October 28, 2000	Consistently Hearing the Word
October 21, 2000	Walking
October 14, 2000	RICH FAMILY IN CHURCH
October 7, 2000	The Holy Spirit and Fire
September 30, 2000	Prayer I Timothy 2:1-8
September 23, 2000	Care for Elderly Parents
September 16, 2000	FOUR LESSONS FROM FAMILIAR OBJECTS
September 9, 2000	Discipleship
September 2, 2000	The Three Men
August 26, 2000	God Speaks
August 19, 2000	Control of Desire
August 12 , 2000	LAUGH!
August 5, 2000	The Golden Rule
July 29 , 2000	The Whole Armor
July 22 , 2000	"I Shed Some Blood For Him"
July 15 , 2000	Eat My Flesh
July 8 , 2000	Devoted to Ministry
July 1, 2000	Police Story
June 24 , 2000	Case Studies
June 17, 2000	David's Senseless Sinful Census
June 10 , 2000	Grumbling
June 3 , 2000	You Cannot Judge A Book By Its Cover
May 27 , 2000	"Should I Leave the Church?"
May 20 , 2000	Ten Commandments for the Tongue
May 13 , 2000	"Lectures on Revival"
May 6 , 2000	Under His Wings
April 29 , 2000	Embroidering
April 22 , 2000	Crucifixion of Jesus as Told by a Doctor
April 15 , 2000	The Stones Cry Out
April 8, 2000	Sins of the King
April 1, 2000	It's Not The Clothes
March 25, 2000	Confession
March 18, 2000	ICP Report
March 11, 2000	The Withered Parts
March 4, 2000	Thinking About Thinking
February 26, 2000	Eulogy
February 19, 2000	An Open Letter
February 12, 2000	Victory Midst Injustice
February 5, 2000	Conflict
January 29, 2000	Fear of Persecution
January 22, 2000	Lessons from The Lord's Prayer
January 15, 2000	Psalm 24:3
January 12, 2000	Mid-Week Special
January 8, 2000	Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
January 1, 2000	Who is the king of glory?
December 25, 1999	Eastern Star
December 18, 1999	Spillers of Encouragement
December 11, 1999	Reason for the Season
December 4, 1999	Labor for the Lord
November 27, 1999	Calming Fears About Y2K
November 20, 1999	Giving Thanks
November 13, 1999	Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
November 6, 1999	Jonah's Message
October 30, 1999	HALLOWEEN GODDESS
October 23, 1999	Church Football
October 16, 1999	Pentecost and Fire
October 9, 1999	India Christian Partnership
October 2, 1999	Bow Down
September 25, 1999	The Pursuit of God
September 18, 1999	A Kingdom Divided
September 11, 1999	The Cocoon
September 4, 1999	Endurance
August 28, 1999	Church Unity
August 21, 1999	Same Ole Same Ole
August 14, 1999	Song of the Bird
August 7, 1999	Spiritual Growth
July 31, 1999	The world didn't end in year 1000
July 24, 1999	Chasing the Wind
July 17, 1999	Negative Messages
July 10, 1999	Schubert's Unfinished Symphony
July 3, 1999	Managing Criticism and Complaints
June 25, 1999	Christian Excellence
June 17, 1999	Save a Marriage
June 12, 1999	Persecution
June 8, 1999	Answering the Question
June 5, 1999	Mistaken E-mail
May 29, 1999	The Blessing
May 22, 1999	Did You Waste the Day?
May 15, 1999	Pluralism in Worship
May 8, 1999	Mothers
May 1, 1999	Quotes from a Speech by Rev. David Wilkerson
April 26, 1999	Two More Students
April 24, 1999	One Died, One Wounded, One Spared
April 17, 1999	The Wrath of God
April 12, 1999	A Sense of a Goose
April 3, 1999	The Crucifision of Jesus
March 27, 1999	Church Fights
March 20, 1999	People who don't come to church
March 13, 1999	Pastor's Job Description
March 6, 1999	Are You OK For Y2K?
February 27, 1999	Forgiveness and Friends
February 20, 1999	Trust in the Lord
February 13, 1999	Seeking God
February 6, 1999	What if God Had an Answering Machine?
January 30, 1999	The Perfect Church
January 23, 1999	Culture of Haste
January 16, 1999	He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
January 9, 1999	Humility
January 2, 1999	Two Babes in a Manger
December 26, 1998	Frog in the Kettle
December 19, 1998	Mary's Dream
December 12, 1998	Christmas Prayer
December 5, 1998	Example
November 28, 1998	Nobody Did It
November 21, 1998	Forgiveness
November 14, 1998	Are Christians Colorless?
November 7, 1998	My Utmost For His Highest
October 31, 1998	Revival of Encouragement
October 24, 1998	Gambling
October 17, 1998	Brownsville Revival Analysis
October 10, 1998	God Is Real And Truly Working It Out !
October 3, 1998	The Role of Father
September 26, 1998	What if David Were A Baby Boomer?
September 19, 1998	To Do God's Will
September 12, 1998	Turning
September 5, 1998	Winning Family Members
August 29, 1998	Excuses
August 22, 1998	Worry-
August 15, 1998	The Best Is Yet To Come
August 8, 1998	Ten Commandments for the Tongue
August 1, 1998	What is the "heart matter" that matters?




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Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

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The Greek philosopher Epicurus was born in 341 B.C. and taught his doctrines to a devoted body of followers in Athens beginning in 306. Because instruction took place in the garden of Epicurus' home, his followers were known as "philosophers of the garden." The Inscription at Epicurus' Garden hints at the central teaching of this philosophy:

"Stranger, here you will do well to tarry; here our highest good is pleasure. The caretaker of that abode, a kindly host, will be ready for you; He will welcome you with bread, and serve you water also in abundance, with these words: 'Have you not been well entertained? This garden does not whet your appetite; but quenches it.'"

The essential doctrine of Epicureanism is that pleasure is the supreme good and main goal of life. To their credit, intellectual pleasures are preferred to sensual ones, which tend to disturb peace of mind. True happiness, Epicurus taught, is the serenity resulting from the conquest of fear of the gods, of death, and of the afterlife. The ultimate aim of all Epicurean speculation about nature is to rid people of such fears.

The "Principal Doctrines" are a collection of forty quotes from the writings of Epicurus that serve as a handy summary of his ethical theory. Here's a sampling:

Number 2: "Death is nothing to us; for the body, when it has been resolved into its elements, has no feeling, and that which has no feeling is nothing to us."

Number 8 provides some insight into the doctrine concerning pleasure: "No pleasure is in itself evil, but the things which produce certain pleasures entail annoyances many times greater than the pleasures themselves."

Number 12 suggests the preference of "science" over "religion": "It is impossible for someone to dispel his fears about the most important matters if he doesn't know the nature of the universe but still gives some credence to myths. So without the study of nature there is no enjoyment of pure pleasure."

On the other hand, some of these "Doctrines" make good sense:

Number 5. "It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and well and justly, and it is impossible to live wisely and well and justly without living pleasantly. Whenever any one of these is lacking, when, for instance, the person is not able to live wisely, though he lives well and justly, it is impossible for him to live a pleasant life."

Number 17. "The just person enjoys the greatest peace of mind, while the unjust is full of the utmost disquietude."

Number 27. "Of all the means which are procured by wisdom to ensure happiness throughout the whole of life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friends."

The idea of indulging in pleasure as a response to hopelessness and despair can already be seen in the Old Testament. (Isaiah 22:12, 13) Paul in his teaching on the importance and meaning of the resurrection of Christ points out that the Epicureans are right, if indeed the dead are not raised. (1 Corinthians 15:32)

If the Epicureans are right, and there is no resurrection, then the philosophy of pleasure is appropriate. But if Jesus Christ rose from the grave, and makes good on His promise to do the same for all who believe, then it is far better to live in the "Joy of the Lord" rather than in the pleasures of this world. For "In His presence is fullness of joy for evermore." (Psalms 16:11)

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Taken from "The Doctrine of Pleasure"

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Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

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Notice that some of the great events of the Bible, took place in the presence of a "donkey":

The "donkey" was there when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. (Genesis 22:3)

The "donkey" was part of the pilgrimage made by the brothers of Joseph to request food from Egypt. (Genesis 42:27)

A "donkey" was with Moses and his small family during their trip back to Egypt to deliver the people from bondage. (Exodus 4:20)

"Donkeys" witnessed the collapse of Jericho's walls. (Joshua 6:21)

But the greatest story of all is the one we commemorate on Palm Sunday - Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem on a "donkey." (Matthew 21:1-5) Why did he call for a "donkey"? He was the "King of King and Lord of Lords", didn't he deserve the best? Didn't He deserve royal treatment? Yes, but Jesus rather chose to identify with the common person. Horses may be for those who take pride in their positions, Jesus, if anything, took pride in being a servant.

The lowly donkey had the greatest privilege of all - to bear on his back the Son of God. Why was the donkey so honored? Of course, because he was available, but also because the donkey was a picture of humility, and the willingness to perform hard work.

When we see Jesus coming into the city, and praise Him as the King, let us also think kindly toward the "donkey" he rode upon, and seek to be as ready to serve, and work hard for our Master, even while under the oppression that this world often lays on us.

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Taken from "The Donkey"

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Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

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While we are thankful to God, we also need to express appreciation toward each other. What a tragedy it is that we so easily take each other for granted, and instead of being grateful for what others do for us, we begin to expect it, demand it, and then get angry when the people around us don't deliver.

There's a parable told of a man by the name of Carl who stood looking out of his picture window. It was a Saturday afternoon, and he noticed a stranger walking along the sidewalk approaching his house.

Carl became a little nervous when the stranger turned, came up his walk and rang the door bell. Then to his utter surprise, when he opened the door, the stranger reached into his pocket and pulled out some money, and handed Carl a one hundred dollar bill. Then, without saying a word, he turned around, went back down the walk and continued up the street.

The next Saturday, Carl again happened to be standing by his window when the same stranger came down the street, turned up his walk, rang the bell and gave him another one hundred dollar bill. After this happened for the third time, Carl made sure he was always home on Saturday afternoon, and every week for thirteen weeks, the stranger came and gave him one hundred dollars.

On the fourteenth Saturday, Carl was at his usual look-out post when he again saw the stranger walking down the street toward his house. But then something unusual happened. Instead of turning to come up the walk of Carl's house, the stranger walked right past, and instead, turned to go up the walk toward the house next door.

Quick as a flash Carl was out on his porch yelling at the stranger, "That's the wrong house! You can't go to that house, you're supposed to come to my house." In just thirteen weeks, Carl had become ungrateful, and what previously was offered as a gift, he now felt he deserved as a right.

Who are the people in our lives who bless us, who help us, who provide for us, who do nice things for us, who serve us? Have we become so accustomed to these gifts that we now assume we have the right to receive them? Or are we still as grateful as the first time this person offered assistance?

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Taken from Speaking Thanks to One Another

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Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

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With this edition of the Email Circular comes a special announcement of a name change. From now on, the web-site, along with the weekly Email Circular, will be known as "Joyful Ministry."

In the midst of this transition we're taking a moment to look over the shoulder, giving thanks to the Lord for the many who have been benefited by this site. Here are a few testimonials which have been registered. Additional comments can be read by clicking on the link at the close of this letter. What visitors have said about "Joyful Ministry"

Thank you for your web site! I am a young Pastor, and feel myself drying out at times. Looking for ideas for sermons only led to frustration, as people want to charge for everything on the Web! Thank you for free materials, your inspiration has helped me several times.


Joe

Thanks for the information provided; You have given me a broader view of my duties and responsibilities as an usher. You have also allowed me to receive information to set goals and accomplishments as well. I ask that you pray for me as I take on the responsibility as president of the young adult usher's board at my church. I know that it's a big responsibilities, but I feel that after many days of prayer, this is where the Lord wants me to be, and I want to do my best.


Shirley

I would just like to say that I have really enjoyed your web page. I've shared it with co-workers and church members. Thank you for having a site that so many Christians can go to, relate to and can really make a difference in their life. May God bless and keep you always.


Teresa

Thank you, your site is inspiring and wonderfully done. It has helped me many times in preparing services. I especially enjoy and pass on stories suited to children's story time. God bless all who work at, write for and make possible these resources.


Mona

I pastor a very small church and work another job for financial support. Time often is short for sermon preparation and your site is great for ideas. I trust the Holy Spirit to lead me to the right one and to guide me in the changes I make to meet the needs of God's people in this particular ministry. Thank you for this site. Please pray for growth within our congregation and guidance for this Pastor.


Jim

Hello Dr. Chadwick. Just a note to tell you how inspiring your messages from the Bible are to me. I have quoted you many times from the pulpit. I love to read and I always read your email circular that I get. Thank you for your web-site and the sermons. I am encouraged by them.


Larry

Dr. Chadwick, Thanks for sharing your pastoral experience and Bible knowledge with others. I Pastor a small church and cannot afford to purchase books, tapes, videos nor can I always find the time to develop all the "organizational structure" for the church or prepare four sermons/lessons per week and remain creative, refresh, and uplifting. Your web makes this a lighter "burden". While I am an independent Baptist we share much of the same outlooks on ministry and church procedures. Thanks for not selling the Gospel as so many are doing today!


David

Appreciate that you share the various sermon illustration on the web. It will be a great help to someone like me who is just starting out in the ministry.


Magdalene

This is one of my favorite web sites. Please continue to keep it. It's a blessing to us. Also pray for my husband who has terminal cancer and has been given by his doctors less than six months to live. I pray God blessings on your writers of these wonderful articles.


Mary

I enjoy the fact that you do not charge for your sermons. I have enjoyed your ministry greatly and I thank the Lord for you sharing your ministry on the internet with out charge, for this God will richly bless you!


Sam

I enjoyed reading this sermon on gold, frankincense and myrrh. It helped to educate me about the significance of these three gifts, something I had been unsure of since first hearing the birth story. In two days I'm delivering a sermon to our youth group about Jesus birth and early life until baptism, and so this information has proven valuable to me in writing my own sermon. Thank you immensely.


John

Your sermons have been very helpful to me. I am blessed to see that there are God ordained and anointed Doctors out there, who are concerned about other ministries and who give freely their time and knowledge to lay peoples and other Pastors. Thank you so much brother.


Dominic

I have found Dr. Chadwick’s to be one of the best sources for Pastors. I especially like the articles on leadership, pastoral helps, etc. Do you offer any of this on a CD? There is so much information for a church (especially smaller ones) and I would love to have it on a disk or CD to ensure we would always have it. It would also facilitate printing forms, etc. We would be glad to pay for anything you might have.


Thomas

Thank you for your site because it is a great blessing for me and for many others. I am a theology student in Croatia and I am working as a preacher in one church near by. Please pray for me and my country that God may use us for His glory. God bless you in Jesus name.


Marin

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Additional Short Comments.

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Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

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The Holy Spirit and the One Church
From A Sermon Preached by Rev. C. H. Spurgeon
December 13, 1857

Hark! I hear a gentle man saying, "I am persuaded, sir, there are a great many people in the church that ought not to be there; and so I, because there is such a corrupt mixture in the church, have determined not to join anywhere at all. I do not think that the Church of Christ now a days is at all clean and pure enough to allow of my joining with it. At least, sir, I did join a church once, but I made such a deal of noise in it they were very glad when I went away. And now I am just like David's men; I am one that is in debt and discontented, and I go round to hear all new preachers that arise. I have heard you now these three months; I mean to go and hear some one else in a very little time if you do not say something to flatter me. But I am quite sure I am one of God's special elect. I don't join any church because a church is not good enough for me; I don't become a member of any denomination, because they are all wrong, every one of them."

Hark ye brother, I have something to tell you, that will not please you. "'These be they that separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.' (Jude 1:19) I hope you enjoy the text: it certainly belongs to you, above every man in the world."

There is not a Christian beneath the scope of God's heaven from whom I am separated. At the Lord's table I always invite all Churches to come and sit down and commune with us. If any man were to tell me that I am separate from the Episcopalian, the Presbyterian, or the Methodist, I would tell him he did not know me, for I love them with a pure heart fervently, and I am not separate from them. I may hold different views from them, and in that point truly I may be said to be separate; but I am not separate in heart, I will work with them.

Oh, how my heart loves the doctrine of the one church. The nearer I get to my Master in prayer and communion, the closer am I knit to all his disciples. The more I see of my own errors and failings, the more ready am I to deal gently with them that I believe to be erring. The pulse of Christ's body is communion; and woe to the church that seeks to cure the ills of Christ's body by stopping its pulse. I think it sin to refuse to commune with anyone who is a member of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. God grant the day may come when every wall of separation shall be beaten down!

My hearer, dost thou belong to the church? For out of the church there is no salvation. But mark what the church is. It is not the Episcopalian, Baptist, or Presbyterian: the church is a company of men who have received the Spirit. If thou canst not say thou hast the Spirit, go thy way and tremble; go thy way and think of thy lost condition; and may Jesus by his Spirit so bless thee, that thou mayest be led to renounce thy works and ways with grief, and fly to him who died upon the cross, and find a shelter there from the wrath of God.

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To read the entire sermon by C. H. Spurgeon, Click Here

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Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

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From Failure to Gratitude

At the age of seven, a young boy and his family were forced out of their home, and the boy was forced to go to work. When the boy was nine, his mother passed away. He had a job as a store clerk, but lost it when he was twenty. The young man wanted to go to law school, but had no education. He went into debt when he was twenty-three, to become a partner in a small store. It was only three years later that his business partner died, and left him with a debt that took years for him to repay.

He dated a girl for four years and, at the age of twenty-eight, decided to ask her to marry him. She t urned him down. Thirty-seven years into his life, he was elected to Congress...on his THIRD try. He then failed to be re-elected. This man's son died when he was only four years old. At age forty-five, he ran for the Senate...and failed to be elected. He persisted at politics and ran for the vice-presidency at age forty-seven, and again lost. Finally, at the age of fifty-one, this man was elected President of the United States. His name was Abraham Lincoln.

And then, President Lincoln did a very unusual thing. In the midst of the darkest day in American history, in the midst of the Civil War which claimed more American lives than any other war, in the midst of great trial and tragedy, President Lincoln issued the following proclamation: "It has seemed to me fit and proper that [the gifts of God] should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens . . . to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."

Abraham Lincoln had a grateful heart. He knew, that even in the midst of great tribulation and hardship, there was much to be thankful for. And he took the time to express his gratitude to God, and invited the American people to join him in giving thanks to the Holy One.

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Last week's edition of the Email Circular included a letter from a reader concerning the subject "Fellowship. " You can read the responses at:

Fellowship Between Pastor and Pew

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Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

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Every once in a while we like to hear from Email Circular readers on a particular topic of interest. Earlier this week Don wrote, asking a good question. He had read a sermon titled "Fellowship", and wanted to know,

"Where and how do church leaders have direct fellowship with 'ordinary' church members? How do they know how their teaching is being received, understood, perceived? We get so much information given 'down' to us from the pulpit, written word etc., but no pastor I know of wants to know how I feel about what they have said. I don't want power or to upset leadership or existing fellowship, I just want two-way communication, TRUE FELLOWSHIP in which the obvious meaning of the word that implies equality in Christ is actually realised.

"I get upset when things are said in church and nobody wants to know how I feel. I may be right or I may be wrong in my reaction. If wrong I want to learn more, if right I can surely help others to learn from God just as I have.

"I go to a home group every week and that's good, but it doesn't address this specific need. For me, such sharing should be a natural part of most church activities, not just an add-on program.

"What are your thoughts on this?"

If you would like to respond to Don's question, please do so by writing to this alternative email address:
circular@37.com

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Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

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Public Reading

A number of years ago while teaching at the Bible College, it hit me. The contents of two senior level courses converged - Ministerial Practices and Pastoral Epistles. The message was clear: too many churches have abandoned the public reading of the Scriptures. Except for a preaching text, very little reading of the Bible was taking place in church services.

The result? A wholesale departure from an age-old practice stretching at least from Nehemiah to Paul. ("So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading" [Neh.8:8]; "Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." [I Tim. 4:13]) While many have concluded that the advice given to Timothy was for his personal reading, the language and interpretation is obviously otherwise. Public reading goes with public exhortation and doctrine. Besides, it's very clear that the early church inherited its patterns from the Synagogue.

In agreement with the interpretation that Paul refers to "public reading" are commentators such as Clarke, Henry, Robertson, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, Pulpit Commentary, People's NT Commentary, most Greek Lexicons and Kittel's Theological Dictionary.

Underscoring the value of public Scripture reading is a story told by the prince of preachers, Charles H. Spurgeon. This was found in a sermon he preached on January 17, 1858; a message he titled "Search the Scriptures." Here's an excerpt:

"Yea, the truth is so great, that God has blessed every word of Scripture, that I remember a striking anecdote of the conversion of a man by a passage of Scripture that did not seem adapted for any such purpose. You know that chapter in Genesis, that very dull chapter, where we read, "and Methuselah lived 969 years, and he died," and such a one lived so many years and he died? We have heard of its being read once in public; and a man who stood there, when he heard the words often repeated, "and he died," thought, "Ah! and I shall die!" And it was the first note of warning that had ever struck his seared conscience, and was the means under God of bringing him to Jesus."

Back to the Trinity Bible College scene - I decided then and there that not only would I stive to be faithful to this directive of Paul, but I would also encourage others to do the same. One way I choise was to award scholarships to winners of a public Scripture reading contest. During the past six years over a dozen students have been recipients of this scholarship.

Now, for the first time, I'm asking for partners in this effort. First, you can join your voice, in your church, to encourage the reading of Scripture in public worship services. In addition, if you would like to participate by helping me increase the Scripture Reading Scholarship, let me know by return email.

Thank you.

Neil Chadwick

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"When the day of Pentecost came. . . ." (Acts 2:1-4)

Most of the time we read these verses and right away focus on the "tongues", a spectacular miracle that takes place when a person, under the control of the Holy Spirit, speaks in a language they never learned. Pentecostals are distinguished by their belief in "Speaking in Tongues".

But here's something else happening here which links us to some very important truths concerning the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We're talking about the "fire". Yes, Speaking in Tongues" is the oft repeated evidence that true Spirit baptism has taken place. But there was also "fire".

There are at least five important ways that fire is related with the Holy Spirit:

Fire For Devotion;

Fire For Cleansing;

Fire For Power;

Fire For Direction;

Fire For Judgment.

May we remember both the negative and positive admonition of the Apostle: "Don't quench the Spirit's fire" (I Thess. 5:19), but "Fan into flame the gift" (II Timothy 1:6).

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Taken from Pentecost and Fire

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - January 26, 2002 - - - ++++++++

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Woe Is Me

Perhaps we have become too concerned with the problems inside the church that we have forgotten that there's a world dying outside the church. Perhaps we're more interested in having the kind of church that meets our needs than we are in meeting the needs of a hurting society. And while we're focusing on what we think is important, we're neglecting what He has already told us is important, preaching the Gospel to every one of God's creation.

The message in Paul's language would be, "Woe to us if we preach not the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Great calamity is awaiting the church that fails to bring the Gospel to all the people within its sphere of influence. But this is not to just say that we will become a miserable church, and lose the joy of our fellowship in Christ, but worse yet, we would "stand under divine judgment" if we were to fail to fulfill this divine destiny of preaching the Gospel.

Do you remember the story of Jesus, seeing a fig tree and expecting fruit but finding none? He cursed that tree, and it dried up and became barren. This was a picture of Israel, having failed in its role as "Light to the Gentiles".

So, what must we do in order to avoid God's judgment on the tree that bears no fruit?

First, we must confess that we have failed the Lord;

Second, seek forgiveness, knowing full well He always is ready to forgive;

Third, we must repent, that is, change our ways, and begin to do things very differently;

Fourth, seek to be filled with the Spirit; and

Fifth, we must allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit in creating a strategy for presenting to every member of our community, young and old, a meaningful message of the Gospel.

Not long ago I spoke with a Pastor friend who serves an Assembly of God church in a small city of 40,000 people. He told me that his church was in the midst of a campaign to reach every household with the Gospel, by going to each home with a gospel tract. Already part of the city had been covered by four teams which were going out each week. Now that may not be the strategy for the next city, or for ours, but we can believe that the Lord will guide His church if they sincerely seek His will.

Our calling is to preach the Gospel, this is our duty, this is our divine destiny. "Woe to us if we preach not the Gospel."

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Taken from Woe Is Me If I Preach Not The Gospel

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - January 19, 2002 - - - ++++++++

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Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. He died, aged less than forty, assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968

In December 1955, at the age of twenty-six, on hearing that Rosa Parks, had been arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white, he leapt into the fray, armed by the memory of the Martin Luther who wrote these words which must have been familiar to Martin Luther King: "Would it not be against Nature if, a fire being declared, each citizen were to remain still and let the fire wreak its havoc, solely because he is not Mayor of the city?"

He was to be spared no form of attack. But nothing was able to break his resolve to build a new America, the land of the famous "dream" which he described on August 28, 1963. Martin Luther King's words on that day will remain forever etched in the memory of people in all corners of the world.

"I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.'<

"I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at the table of true brotherhood

"I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character

"I have a dream today.

"I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers

"I have a dream today.

"I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together."

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - January 12, 2002 - - - ++++++++

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Destination India

A collection of letters and reflections from the most recent India Christian Partnership Mission have been put in book form. Here are a few sample paragraphs from that book:

Now this is India. New Delhi could be described as fine - Chennai is coarse. The constant moving of people, wheeled things, and hoofed things - with rarely ever a traffic light, it hums. Passing each other with only an inch to spare, there are: cars, huge, double-length busses, peddled bikes, peddled trucks with oversized loads, three-wheeled motor rickshaws with six people packed in, smoke spewing trucks, pedestrians with no fear, dogs, bullocks, water buffalo, goats, and of course, sacred cows - they all harmonize in the flow of city life. Then there are the roads. The drivers constantly weave to miss huge ruts, stop for speed bumps, and splash through water from unattended broken water mains and unfinished road construction.

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Today is a Hindu holiday. I can't remember the name of the god - something about vegetables - the streets are lined with them. Oh, they also worship a Small-Pox god here - it inspired me to start a new religion in the US in honor of the Anthrax god. The faithful will be spared - you can send your donation to - - -

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This evening we drove to a village where we had an out-door service. What a trip! Although it was a distance of only 25 km (about 16 miles), it took us two hours, due to the traffic, roads, and intersections. There were large trucks and buses; small cars; smaller motorized rickshaws; motor bikes and scooters of all sizes; mopeds and bicycles; ox drawn carts; dogs, goats, buffalo and cows; along with people - hordes of people, few of whom used the sidewalks even if there were such. It was a mesmerizing scene, impossible to understand how it all kept working. The roads were so bad, every moving vehicle was constantly weaving and stopping, trying to avoid holes - even entire sections of the roads had been broken up. And this was in the city! In my thinking, a strong 4-wheel drive vehicle would be the only way to manage.

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There has been unseasonable rain recently, good to bring down the temperatures, but it caused lots of mud, which in turn mixed with the ever present garbage and animal droppings, etc. It's truly mind-boggling to see a beautiful woman, dressed in a pretty, flowing sari, walking along the roadway in all this wet filth - barefooted!

Anyway, we're not here to merely comment on a way of life so different from our own. We're here to encourage and strengthen the Church by investing time in its leaders; and that we are doing with diligence.

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During the last hour, I took a walk on the street which passes by the hotel. Along the way I observed worshippers at a small Hindu temple. Not being able to read Hindi, I didn't know which god was being featured at this particular temple. Neither was I able to make much sense of what was happening. Hindus don't have worship gatherings - they do it singly. In this temple, the image of the god(dess) was out of reach. Only the priests, well proportioned, bare chested, young men dressed in white beach towels - only they came near the image. Actions of worshippers involved such things as kneeling, folding hands while gazing at the image, touching their foreheads after putting their finger in a red liquid, passing their hand over fire and then touching their face and the back of their neck, giving money and other things which they handed over to the priest, and doing something with flowers - I couldn't quite see what it was.

Of course shoes (sandals, mostly) were removed, and guarded by a man at the doorway. He hoped to receive a tip, an expectation not often rewarded.

It is difficult to describe the feeling one gets while watching the faithful implore their god. There was no speaking. What were they thinking? Were they praying? Thanking? Certainly not listening. There were no visible expressions on their faces. There was neither eagerness nor reluctance. The priests served as ushers - handing out flower tops, receiving offerings or extending a metal dish with a flame on one side and some kind of liquid in the center. Perhaps worshippers knew why they were there. But if I could understand their language, could they tell me? I walked away from this store-front temple in the same way they did, with sadness and heaviness of heart.

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The full eBook "Destination India" can be downloaded from:

http://www.joyfulministry.com/eBooks/index.htm

A free paper copy can also be requested by sending an email to i_c_p@india.com

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - December 29, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Socrates

There once was an eager student who wanted to gain wisdom and insight. He went to the wisest of the town, Socrates, to seek his counsel. Socrates was an old soul and had great knowledge of many things. The boy asked the town sage how he too could acquire such mastery. Being a man of few words, Socrates chose not to speak, but to illustrate.

He took the child to the beach and, with all of his clothes still on, walked straight out into the water. He loved to do curious things like that, especially when he was trying to prove a point. The pupil gingerly followed his instruction and walked into the sea, joining Socrates where the water was just below their chins. Without saying a word, Socrates reached out and put his hands on the boy's shoulders. Looking deep into his student's eyes, Socrates pushed the student's head under the water with all his might.

A struggle ensued, and just before a life was taken away, Socrates released his captive. The boy raced to the surface and, gasping for air and choking from the salt water, looked around for Socrates in order to seek his retaliation on the sage. To the student's bewilderment, the old man was already patiently waiting on the beach. When the student arrived on the sand, he angrily shouted, "Why did you try to kill me?" The wise man calmly retorted with a question of his own: "Boy, when you were underneath the water, not sure if you would live to see another day, what did you want more than anything in the world?"

The student took a few moments to reflect, then went with his intuition. Softly he said, "I wanted to breathe." Socrates, now illuminated by his own huge smile, looked at the boy comfortingly and said, "Ah! When you want wisdom and insight as badly as you wanted to breathe, it is then that you shall have it." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - December 22, 2001 - - - ++++++++

'Twas the Week Before X-mas

'Twas the week before X-mas and all through the school,
Not a student was learning whose birthday was due.
No carols were sung on this day of all days,
In order to keep what's offensive away.

The windows were filled with bright snowflakes and trees,
But no manger scene with some shepherds on knees.
My students were nestled all snug in each seat,
With dreams of vacation the following week.

And I at my desk with my Bible at home,
In fear that my faith would be visibly shown.
When out in the hallway there came such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.

A group of adults from the ACLU
Were fussing and fuming on just what to do.
It seemed a young lass in Miss Simpson's fifth grade,
Had caused the commotion with something she'd made.

The head of our school with his hands in the air,
Was seeking to calm the small group gathered there.
As I walked down the hall and heard somebody cuss,
I looked up at the painting which had prompted the fuss.

And there on the wall to each one's dismay
Was the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - December 15, 2001 - - - ++++++++

You Are On the Most Wanted List

When you walk into a Post Office or other public building, you may notice the "Most Wanted" posters hanging on the bulletin board. The names and pictures there represent people who are being sought by the law enforcement agencies of our land. Hopefully your name and mug shot isn't to be found there, but I want you to know that you are on a "Wanted" list.

God is Looking for You - to worship Him.

"A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." (John 4:23)

These words were spoken by Jesus to the woman He met at Jacob's Well as He passed through Samara on His way from Jerusalem back to Galilee. In this encounter we learn a few important things concerning worship.

Worship is not restricted by Race, Culture, or Religious Background. Nor is worship something to be practiced only at a specific location; and there needs to be a balance between "spirit" and "truth".

While there is a need for "spirited" worship, "enthusiastic" and "inspired" worship, it must never take place outside the revealed truth about who God is. That's why teaching and worship must always walk together.

One day a Pastor friend of mine was asked the question, "Which is more important, reading the Bible or praying?" His answer was this, "Reading Scripture and Praying is much like the two oars in a row boat. You need them both to travel in a straight direction."

Yes, we want to experience "feeling" in our relationship with the Lord. However, I remember sitting and talking with a member of the Sun Myung Moon cult. She described the wonderful feeling she had while worshipping the "lord". For a moment, I was taken in, until I realized that Mr. Moon was her "lord". When I asked to borrow a copy of the "Divine Principle", and read it, I went back to her to ask some questions. She admitted that she didn't understand it either, but that was simply because Mr. Moon was so far beyond other humans in his spiritual awareness.

Christians worship in truth, verifiable, understandable truth. In fact, when we come to know the truth, the excitement begins to rise. For these are not at war with each other - the Spirit is what brings truth to us.

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Taken from "You Are On the Most Wanted List "

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Sincere apology is offered for the inclusion of an unecceptable link within the sermon referenced in last week's Email Circular. However, this should not diminish the truthfulness and importance of the message.

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - December 8, 2001 - - - ++++++++

The Family of Jesus

In Mark 3, Jesus changes the meaning of family; reminiscent of Psalms 27:10 "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up." It seems opposite to: "blood thicker than water".

Another time Jesus said, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26) This of course is not an excuse for neglect, for we know that Jesus cared deeply for His mother, and before His death on the cross, made provision for her.

Note: when people have disagreements in church, they too quickly see the other person as enemy, but let's never forget, we are brothers and sisters in the family of God.

Terrible things happen when there are disagreements: there's gossip, judging, carrying others' offenses, false accusations, rumoring, even Christian workers quitting their God ordained ministries because they're upset because someone else is upset. I want to call out, "Wait, I'm your brother, don't punish me. And these are your brothers and your sisters. Do they always treat you well? No. But that's what forgiveness is all about."

Of greater concern about how we handle differences is the known affect it has on the children. A child asks, "Where's my teacher?" "He got mad about something and quit." It's not unlike the abandonment of a parent. Do you want that on your spiritual resume? In the judgement day, do you want a crown or a "mill stone"?

The reality about family is that you don't get to choose who your brothers or sisters will be. We are born into His family.

Jesus' emphasis was on the "doing" of the will of God, not merely believing, or mere mental assent. I once met a drunken man on the street who said, "I've accepted Jesus as my personal Saviour". It certainly didn't appear like he was "doing" it, just parroting the words. "Doing the will of God" starts and continues with believing, but it involves more. It involves adopting such things as: a set of attitudes, behaviors, thought patterns; it involves righteous living, compassionate living, an open witness, gifts utilized for the good of others .

Where is the "family" of Jesus today - are you a member?

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Taken from "The Family of Jesus"

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - December 1, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Harry Potter

Within less than four years, more than 40 million copies of the books have been sold. Children have forsaken their mind numbing video games to return to what we had thought was gone forever - the reading of books. Who would dare criticize something so beneficial and popular? Besides, who wants to be charged with narrow- mindedness? Who wants to be known as approving censorship? Or worse yet, who wants to be one of the "muggles?"

In case you don't know what we're talking about; if you haven't yet learned the meaning of this recent addition to our language ("muggles"), let me fill you in. It's the humorous story about a young orphan boy who lives with a cruel uncle and aunt. However, on his 11th birthday, he learns that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He is then invited to attend "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry", and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.

Written by an unemployed school teacher in England, J. K. Rowling, the "Harry Potter" books are being hailed as companions of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Not only is opposition almost silent, some Christians are running to the defense of these books, going so far as to declare that Harry Potter is a "Jesus-image"!

Say what you will about the literary genius of the Harry Potter books; the problem with them is simply this, they promote the very things God forbids. (Deut. 18:9-12; Lev. 20:6,7; Gal. 5:19-21) We must not turn away from the fact that the obvious evil practices listed in these Scriptures are encouraged in the Potter series, such practices as witchcraft, sorcery, spellcasting, divination, calling up the dead, etc.

So what is our response? Simple: Harry Potter glorifies the occult. God condemns the occult. Which side do we want to be on? Should we take a book lightly that endorses what God has so seriously forbidden?

Of course this presents a huge challenge for Christian parents. The temptation is to simply turn a deaf ear to these criticisms. After all, it would be psychologically damaging to our children to expect them to stand out and be different from their classmates. But if we're to determine our actions by the Word of God rather than popular opinion, we can do nothing other than "Train up a child in the way he should go. . . ." (Proverbs 22:6) Do we train up our children in God's way, or the way of the occult?

Does this mean we should ban the Potter books, movies, toys and trinkets? Perhaps, depending on the age and awareness of the child. At least, it means that we won't let them read the Harry Potter books on their own, nor let them go to see the movie alone. It means we will sit with them and show them from the Bible where the ideas promoted in these books are in clear opposition to God's Word, and give them answers they can pass on to their friends. If we're not willing to do this, then banning may be the only alternative.

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Taken from "Harry Potter and the Occult"

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - November 24, 2001 - - - ++++++++

A Long Walk

In a remote village in Central America the word got out among the peoples of the region that one of the American missionaries that had served this country for many years was about to return to the US to live out the remaining years of her life.

The nationals desired to honor her for her years of service with a public time of appreciation. News of the event went to all parts of the country in which the missionary was known to the people. One very old and very poor man walked to the ceremony over mountainous terrain for 4 days to bring his gift to the missionary.

The gift consisted of 2 coconuts, but it was all the man had. The missionary recognized the man as coming from the remote village in the mountains.

"Brother, I cannot believe that you would walk so far to present me with this gift," said the missionary to the man.

His response? "Long walk part of gift."

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - November 17, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Conversion of Millions in India?

Just prior to our recent trip to India, and even during our time there, we received numerous emails informing us of what was termed an unprecented event taking place in India. In part, this is what was being reported:

"Three hundred million Outcast Hindus, tired of being outcasts, have decided to change religions.

"One of their key leaders, Ram Raj, [has said] that he and the other leaders have been investigating the Muslim and Buddhist religions, as well as Christianity.

"On October 14, Outcast Hindu leaders will meet in India to decide which religion to adopt. [An American Christian leader] has been invited to make a presentation on Christianity.

"It is the plan of the Hindu leaders that all 1 million leaders will make the same decision to follow a different god or God. Within one month they expect 5 million to be followers, and 50 million in one year."

Unfortunately, the U.S. Christian community was only too willing to believe such reports, and pass them on without any attempt to check their veracity. Neither did there seem to be any thought given to whether or not "mass conversions" were even possible given the Christian teaching that salvation and discipleship are individual decisions. Do we think that when a leader makes a decision for his group, all members are therefore automatically recipients of salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection?

It just so happened that our first Pastors' Seminar was held in New Delhi where this mass rally was rescheduled for November 4. So we asked our partner there about this matter. He quickly pointed out that religion had little or nothing to do with this, that it was merely a socio/political issue. This was confirmed by news articles we read the next day ("The Hindu", Visakhapatnam, Nov. 5, 2001) as well as subsequent reports. Quotes from these articles follow, as well as from one published by "4th Watch".

"Thousands of Dalits today gathered at the Ambkar Bhawan here for 'en masse conversion' to Buddism. The conversion ceremony was lead by Mr. Ram Raj [who] alleged the Vajpayee Government, in association with organizations such as the RSS and the VHP, had violated the Constitution . . . 'The Government does not want the Dalits to walk out of the age-old caste system and this is the main reason for their opposition to conversion of Dalits to Buddhism,' he said.

"Giving reasons for embracing Buddism, Mr. Raj reiterated that there were evils in the caste system. Dwelling at length on what he alleged as Dalits’ sufferings due to the caste system, Mr. Raj thanked the Christian leaders and their organizations for seriously raising issues of Dalits at the recently concluded Durban conference.

"Since 1997, Ram Raj, leader of India’s Dalit government workers, has been . . . calling on Dalits to 'quit Hinduism'.

"In June, 2001 AICSSO leaders announced that 1 million Dalits would quit Hinduism for Buddhism with a rally to be held on Oct. 14th, 2001. When that date for New Delhi’s Ram Lila grounds was unavailable, the rally was rescheduled for Nov. 4th.

"Emails multiplied calling for prayer. However, headlines were sensationalized to '1 million to convert to Christianity on Nov. 4th', and '300 million on the verge of converting to Christianity' with other false statements. Rumors grew that some 30 to 40 million would come to New Delhi etc.

"The threat of an avalanche of Dalits defections undermining their privileged status galvanized the radical Hindus to a frantic effort to cancel the event.

"To salvage the rally and keep his core constituency, Ram Raj said publicly that [Christian leaders] would not be speaking and refused to let any Christian literature be distributed.

"Just three days before the rally, R.S. Krishnaia, District Commissioner of Police, revoked the rally permit granted to the AIOCC. He claimed that 'Material downloaded from the internet clearly indicates that there is an organized attempt to use this rally for mass scale of conversion.'

"Ram Raj fought back [and] confirmed that the rally was a Buddhist diksha ceremony and no Christian conversions would take place.

"The Buddhist rally honored and thanked senior Christian leaders for their solidarity.

"On Nov. 5th, Vishal Mangalwadi threw down the gauntlet, launching “The Quest for Freedom and Dignity: Caste, Conversion and Cultural Revolution” in New Delhi - a manifesto for the Dalit conversion movement. The single minded efforts of Udit Raj (formerly Ram Raj) and AICSSO to pull off this rally and see the Dalits set free from the bondage of caste are indicators of the pent up explosive feelings against the upper castes.

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The full text of these articles can be found at: "Conversion of Millions in India?"

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - November 10, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Persistence

Consider Thomas Edison, whose difficulties were great. When he was nine his teachers sent him home from school with a note to his mother that his mind was "addled."

Later a beating by a train guard caused him to become deaf. This deaf man, considered a moron, averaged one new patent every two weeks during his adult life.

We owe to him the electric light bulb. It may very well be said that he revolutionized industry.

Also, remember Lincoln's road to the White House: he was bankrupt in l83l, defeated for the legislature in l832, bankrupt a second time in l833; he suffered a nervous breakdown in l836 and was defeated in seven other elections.

Finally, in l860, he became a most illustrious president. You too can overcome your handicaps.

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - November 3, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Staying Pure - In An Impure World

We unpacked our suitcases and looked longingly at the motel pool. It would be pleasant after a long day's drive.

Later that evening we prepared for a sound sleep. Before turning off the light, I flicked on the television to catch the late news. On that channel were naked bodies in an orgy.

I turned the television off promptly; but I was left with such disgust, such anger at sin, that I was in no mood to rest. I was ready for battle.

How can a Christian stay pure in an impure world?

Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8, KJV). If He said it, it must be possible.

In our own strength we cannot be holy. Therefore, His Spirit must empower us with such righteousness.

Jesus accented the heart. He went to the heart of the matter of holiness when He focused on the center of our longings. Our core of commitment must be so aligned with Jesus so that the impurity encircling us does not lodge in us.

We must furnish the heart's desires with Bible reading and prayer. We must fellowship with those who likewise hunger for more of Jesus.

Determining to know more of the Spirit of Jesus in practical holiness is to "see God," Jesus promised. That means seeing God now.

When we separate ourselves consciously from the evil in the world, we must likewise separate ourselves to the purity of Jesus. The more we walk and talk with Jesus, the more we see Him with the vision of our hearts.

Paul wrote: "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit" (Romans 8:5, NKVJ).

Wickedness never takes a vacation; it was loose in the first century. It was necessary for Paul to preach about separation from evil to righteousness, the flesh warring against the spirit. Paul pointed to the victory one could gain by setting one's mind on things above. He joined the accent on the head with Jesus' accent on the heart.

Jesus calls us to live holy lives, even in an impure world. Believers must crucify the flesh with its passions and desires.

As we look about us at the decaying world, we give God thanks that we have hope in Jesus. Our ties are not here. But in the meantime, we have work to do. It is the work of purity.

What a privilege to live today. We have the glorious opportunity to be God's salt in the earth, His lights of the world.

Place your heart in the Bible. Pray. Fellowship with the saints. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

With all that going for you, you need never fall.

Reprinted from the October 22, l989 issue of PENTECOSTAL EVANGEL, Assemblies of God Publishing House, l445 Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802-l894).

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - October 27, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Recognize Your Winners
Written by Don Martin

Fran Tarkenton, former Minnesota Vikings quarterback, once called a play that required him to block onrushing tacklers.

NFL quarterbacks almost never block. They're usually vastly outweighed by defenders, so blocking exposes them to the risk of severe injury.

But the team was behind, and a surprise play was needed. Tarkenton went in to block, and the runner scored a touchdown. The Vikings won the game.

Watching the game films with the team the next day, Tarkenton expected a big pat on the back for what he'd done.

It never came.

After the meeting, Tarkenton approached coach Bud Grant and asked, "You saw my block, didn't you, Coach? How come you didn't say anything about it?"

Grant replied, "Sure, I saw the block. It was great. But you're always working hard out there, Fran. I figured I didn't have to tell you."

"Well," Tarkenton replied, "if you ever want me to block again, you do!"

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - October 20, 2001 - - - ++++++++

The Impossible

How well I remember the sign posted over my father's work bench. Because he was involved in machines, I too had become interested in such things. Although it was very unusual for a high school student in the college prep course to take the machine shop class, that's where I began working on building a miniature steam engine. So when my father invited me to go with him to his second, part time machine shop job, I was delighted. I bagged up the little steam engine parts I had been working on, and went with him into his world for a few hours. It was a very special day, perhaps that's why I remember the sign so well. It said, "The hard things we do first, the impossible takes a little longer."

"Impossible" simply means "not possible" - it can't be done. It has to do with limitations. In the world we live in there is a constant challenge to take on whatever is thought to be impossible. There was a time when hiking to the top of Mt. Everest was thought to be an impossibility. Scores of men and women have now experienced the feeling of standing on "top of the world". Some have sacrificed their lives trying. Walking on the moon is no longer an impossibility, and men right now are challenging the impossibility of flying around the earth in a hot air balloon. Not long ago the cloning of human beings would have been in the "impossible" column; now the reality is fast upon us.

However, on the other hand, it's curious to me that we seem too ready to admit to the impossibility of change when it comes to matters of the heart or soul. Going north on I-91, heading for a personal retreat in the north Massachusetts woods, I tuned in to a talk show. The man at the station was relating how he had gone to his high school reunion party. To him it came as no surprise that his fellow students really hadn't changed. Yes, they were older, grayer, and bigger; but to him they all seemed to be the same. He said, "The class jerk was still the class jerk." The pop psychologists of our day have convinced us all that we are who we are, and the way we are is because of determining factors which took place during our formative years, added to the genetic code handed to us by our parents. And don't expect that to change. It's highly unlikely, if not impossible for us to do so.

Thinking about these things, I wondered what the Bible had to say about this matter of "impossibilities". I learned that the one, most important impossibility has to do with our relationship with God: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

How do we obtain the rewards of faith?

It is simple, but doesn't come without effort. Notice that this Faith is connected with the expression, "earnestly seek". This simply means "to seek or search diligently". The word is "ekdzateo", taken from "dzateo", which means to "seek to find", with the prefix, "ek", which intensifies the meaning, denoting completion and perfection. So what this suggests is that we must seek "utterly" or "entirely" - the English equivalent would be "out and out".

What is the nature of this faith?

Simply accepting the reality of God, and building one's life on that awareness. In today's world, this is not a particularly easy task. All around us is the message, what is real is what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Most of the time, none of these five senses apply to our experience with God. Jesus called "wise" the person "who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice". (Matthew 7:24) He used the analogy of the foundation, which is something that is underneath, not seen. It is the foundation of faith. Let me ask, what are we doing to strengthen that foundation?

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Taken from The Impossible

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - October 13, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Survival Stats

These comments, passed on to me from Chris, reflect a different perspective, although stats alone can never alleviate the sorrow and anguish of the thousands of victims families.

By now everyone has been hearing the death toll rise and reports of the destruction from the terrorist attacks on the US. These were deplorable acts that we will never forget. But now is a time to look at the other side of the numbers coming out of New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

The sad but somewhat uplifting side that the mainstream media has not reported yet - the SURVIVAL rates and some positive news about the attacks.

The World Trade Center -

The twin towers of the World Trade Center were places of employment for some 50,000 people. With the missing list of just over 5,000 people, that means 90% of the people targeted survived the attack. A 90% on a test is an 'A'.

The Pentagon -

Some 23,000 people were the target of a third plane aimed at the Pentagon. A recent count shows that only 123 lost their lives. That is an amazing 99.5% survival rate. In addition, the plane seems to have come in too low, too early to affect a large portion of the building.

On top of that, the section that was hit was the first of five sections to undergo renovations that would help protect the Pentagon from terrorist attacks. It had recently completed straightening and blastproofing saving untold lives. This attack was sad, but a statistical failure.

American Airlines Flight 77

This Boeing 757 that was flown into the outside of the Pentagon could have carried up to 289 people, yet only 64 were aboard. Luckily 78% of the seats were empty.

American Airlines Flight 11

This Boeing 767 could have had up to 351 people aboard, but only carried 92. Thankfully 74% of the seats were unfilled.

United Airlines Flight 175

Another Boeing 767 that could have sat 351 people only had 65 people on board. Fortunately it was 81% empty

United Airlines Flight 93

This Boeing 757 was one of the most uplifting stories yet. The smallest flight to be hijacked with only 45 people aboard out of a possible 289 had 84% of its capacity unused. Yet these people stood up to the attackers and thwarted a fourth attempted destruction of a national landmark, saving untold numbers of lives in the process.

In Summary

Out of potentially 74,280 Americans directly targeted by these inept cowards, 93% survived or avoided the attacks. That's a higher surviva rate than heart attacks, breast cancer, kidney transplants and liver transplants - all common, survivable illnesses.

The Hijacked planes were mostly empty, the Pentagon was hit at it's strongest point, the overwhelming majority of people in the World Trade Center buildings escaped, and a handful of passengers gave the ultimate sacrifice to save even more lives.

Don't fear these terrorists. The odds are against them.

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - October 6, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Generations

In today's world there are different generational needs represented in the church. Today's church can be called "The Multiplex Congregation". Here's the break-down by generation:

1. OLDER ADULTS: the "Need me and show me" generation.

They are 50 and up; possess skills and money; and want to do something worthwhile.

What do they need? In preaching, they need positive examples of other adults; and they need appreciation.

2. BOOMERS: the "Entertain me and earn me" generation.

They are 35 to 50 years old; faddish, intellectually and lazy. They are looking for spiritual definition.

What do they need? In preaching they want talk about meaning, self-definition, and worth. They are interested in new church models and the media.

3. BUSTERS: the "Why me?" generation

They are 25 to 35 years old; don't like crowds or mingling with other generations; and are skeptical of guarantees.

What do they need? Relationships; a challenge to create a better world; and opportunity to talk things over with their peers.

4. GENERATION X: the "Feed me" generation.

They are 16 to 25 years old, and suffer from low self-esteem.

What do they need? Unconditional acceptance; they have a very short list of what's really important; and are aided by a written reinforcement of key concepts.

While we are aware of this diversity, the multiple generations represented in the church, it is our conviction that what is needed is the simple, clear preaching and teaching of the Bible, with full confidence that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. Furthermore, the preaching of the Bible always has something to do with Jesus.

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Taken from The Beginning of the Public Life of Jesus

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - September 29, 2001 - - - ++++++++

The Necessity of Prayer

How wonderful are these statements of what God will do in answer to prayer! Of how great importance these ringing words, prefaced, as they are, with the most solemn verity! Faith in Christ is the basis of all working, and of all praying. All wonderful works depend on wonderful praying, and all praying is done in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amazing lesson, of wondrous simplicity, is this praying in the name of the Lord Jesus! All other conditions are depreciated, everything else is renounced, save Jesus only.

The name of Christ -- the Person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ -- must be supremely sovereign, in the hour and article of prayer.

If Jesus dwell at the fountain of my life; if the currents of His life have displaced and superseded all self-currents; if implicit obedience to Him be the inspiration and force of every movement of my life, then He can safely commit the praying to my will, and pledge Himself, by an obligation as profound as His own nature, that whatsoever is asked shall be granted. Nothing can be clearer, more distinct, more unlimited both in application and extent, than the exhortation and urgency of Christ, "Have faith in God." Faith covers temporal as well as spiritual needs. Faith dispels all undue anxiety and needless care about what shall be eaten, what shall he drunk, what shall be worn. Faith lives in the present, and regards the day as being sufficient unto the evil thereof. It lives day by day, and dispels all fears for the morrow. Faith brings great ease of mind and perfect peace of heart.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusted in Thee." When we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread," we are, in a measure, shutting tomorrow out of our prayer. We do not live in tomorrow but in today. We do not seek tomorrow's grace or tomorrow's bread. They thrive best, and get most out of life, who live in the living present. They pray best who pray for today's needs, not for tomorrow's, which may render our prayers unnecessary and redundant by not existing at all!

True prayers are born of present trials and present needs. Bread, for today, is bread enough. Bread given for today is the strongest sort of pledge that there will be bread tomorrow. Victory today, is the assurance of victory tomorrow. Our prayers need to be focussed upon the present, We must trust God today, and leave the morrow entirely with Him. The present is ours; the future belongs to God. Prayer is the task and duty of each recurring day -- daily prayer for daily needs.

As every day demands its bread, so every day demands its prayer. No amount of praying, done today, will suffice for tomorrow's praying. On the other hand, no praying for tomorrow is of any great value to us today. To-day's manna is what we need; tomorrow God will see that our needs are supplied. This is the faith which God seeks to inspire. So leave tomorrow, with its cares, its needs, its troubles, in God's hands. There is no storing tomorrow's grace or tomorrow's praying; neither is there any laying-up of today's grace, to meet tomorrow's necessities. We cannot have tomorrow's grace, we cannot eat tomorrow's bread, we cannot do tomorrow's praying. "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof;" and, most assuredly, if we possess faith, sufficient also, will be the good.

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Taken from "The Necessity of Prayer" by E.M.Bounds.

Download the complete eBook

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - September 22, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Surviving the 81st Floor of World Trade Tower Two by Dan Van Veen

Tuesday, September 11, 2001, began like any other day for Bethel Assembly of God deacon and Sunday school superintendent Stanley Praimnath of Elmont, Long Island.

He got up early, took a shower, prayed, got ready and headed for work. As Stanley was talking [on the phone], he looked up and saw American Airlines Flight 11 heading straight for him.

"All I can see is this big gray plane, with red letters on the wing and on the tail, bearing down on me," said Stanley. "But this thing is happening in slow motion. The plane appeared to be like 100 yards away, I said 'Lord, you take control, I can't help myself here.' "

Stanley then dove under his desk. "My Testament [Bible] was on top of my desk," explained Stanley. "I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the Lord was going to take care of me once I got there." As he curled into a fetal position under his desk, the plane tore into the side of the building and exploded.

Miraculously, Stanley was unhurt. However, he could see a flaming wing of the plane in the doorway of his department. He knew he needed to get out of his office and the building fast. But, he was trapped under debris up to his shoulders. "Lord, you take control, this is your problem now," he recalled praying. "I don't know where I got this power from, but the good Lord, He gave me so much power and strength in my body that I was able to shake everything off. I felt like I was the strongest man alive."

But after clawing his way through the debris, he realized that he couldn't get out. "I don't know if it was sulfur or what [burning jet fuel, perhaps], but I can smell this thing. I got down on my knees and said, "Lord, you've got to help me. You've brought me this far, help me to get to the staircase."

But then Stanley did something surprising. While praying on his knees, Stanley called out to the man behind the wall, "There's one thing I got to know, do you know Jesus?" The man replied he went to church every Sunday. Then they prayed together to enable them to break through the wall.

"I got up, and I felt as if a power came over me," said Stanley. "I felt goose bumps all over my body and I'm trembling, and I said to the wall, 'You're going to be no match for me and my Lord.' " Moments later, he punched his way through the wall and, with the help of the man on the other side, was able to squirm his way through the hole in the wall. "The guy held me and embraced me and he gave me a kiss and he said, 'From today, you're my brother for life.' "

But the danger wasn't over. The man on the other side of the wall, who introduced himself as Brian, was an older gentleman and they still had 81 floors to walk down, with the building on fire and, unknown to them, in danger of collapse. When they finally made it down to the concourse, only firefighters were there. "They were saying, 'Run! Run! Run!', they were telling us to run out, but they were not concerned about themselves," he said.

Stanley and Brian made their way safely out of the danger area. Before they parted, Stanley gave his business card to Brian in hopes of contact at a later time, and said, "If I don't see you, I'll see you in heaven."

Cut and bloodied, with clothes tattered and wearing a borrowed shirt, Stanley finally made it home hours later to his wife Jennifer and his two girls, Stephanie (age 8) and Caitlin (age 4). "I held my wife and my two children and we cried," said Stanley. After thanking God for sparing his life, Stanley told God whatever he did, it will always be for His glory. "I'm so sore, but every waking moment, I say 'Lord, had you not been in control, I would not have made it.'

This story was first reported by an e-mail from the National Headquarters of the Assemblies of God on September 14, 2001.

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Read the full story atSurviving the 81st Floor

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Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - September 15, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Fear Not

One of the negative commands of Scripture that is appropriate at this time is, "FEAR NOT".

You may be surprised to know that the word "fear" occurs 385 times in the Bible, and the companion word, "afraid" can be found 189 times. Furthermore, our phrase "fear not" is given some 60 times.

Let me give you a few examples:

God Himself spoke these very words to Abraham: in Genesis 15, to Hagar in Genesis 21, to Isaac in Genesis 26, to Joshua (Joshua 8:1), and to Gideon. (Judges 6:23)

Joseph, when he was being reconciled with his brothers, spoke these words, "Fear Not" to his brothers. (Genesis 43:23)

Moses spoke these words to the people of Israel several times: first as they were preparing to cross the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13); when he gave them the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:20); when he was trying to prepare the people to go into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 1:21); and to fortify them for battle against their enemies. (Deuteronomy 20:3)

Boaz spoke these words to Ruth (Ruth 3:11), and Samuel used them to comfort the people when they had sinned. (1 Samuel 12:20)

Jonathan included "Fear Not" in his final conversation with David when they were preparing to separate because of Saul's threat on David's life. (1 Samuel 23:16,17)

Elijah said "Fear Not" to the widow woman who was preparing to eat her last meal (1 Kings 17:13), and Elisha said the same thing to his servant who was aware that the city they were in had become surrounded by enemy troops: "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." (2 Kings 6:16)

They were used by David, giving instructions to his heir, Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:20), and by Isaiah when addressing the king Ahaz. (Isaiah 7:4)

Many times, through Isaiah, God relayed messages for His people while in captivity. Listen to these words: "Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you." (Isaiah 35:3-5) And one of my favorites, "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine." (Isaiah 43:1)

The angel spoke these words to Daniel when he was seeking understanding (Daniel 10:12)

And the prophet Joel wrote these words of great encouragement, "Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things." (Joel 2:21)

During the time of Jesus' birth, these words, "Fear Not" were given to Zacharias, John's father (Luke 1:13), to Joseph (Matthew 1:20), to Mary (Luke 1:30) and to the shepherds. (Luke 2:10)

Jesus spoke them to Peter when so many fish had been caught, and he realized what a great sinner he was. He said, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." (Luke 5:10)

He also spoke them to the troubled disciples in the midst of the storm (Mark 6:50), and to Jairus, the father of the 12 year old daughter who had become deathly sick. (Luke 8)

And He speaks these same words to all of His disciples, giving us comfort in the protective love of the Father: (Luke 12:7 and Matthew 10:28)

Angels spoke these words to the women who first came to the empty tomb. (Matthew 28:5)

And to Paul during the great storm that destroyed the ship he was on. (Acts 27:24)

The writer to the Hebrews encouraged the Christians of his day with these words, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:6),

And last of all, the Lord spoke this "Fear Not" to his beloved disciple John on the Isle of Patmos. (Revelation 1:17)

Believe me, it is still very necessary for us to hear these words "Fear Not" again today. The Scripture says, "God has not given us the spirit of to fear."

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - September 8, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Holiness in the Congregation

God has called us to a life of holiness. Yet in an age condoning impurity, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the spiritual leader to guide his flock into the Lord's way of righteousness.

Nevertheless, our call remains the same. We are commissioned by Christ to remain faithful to our divine mandate. In judgment we will answer as to our sensitivity to the biblical challenge. How, then, can we as pastors see this obligation through successfully?

1) We can start by no longer shying away from biblical holiness. We must revive a conscientiousness about holiness--practical purity--in order to truly remain loyal to Christ's expectation of us.

2) We must enrich our own souls with the biblical material concerning holiness. Devotionally meditating on passages related to holiness.

3) We must pray for our own holiness. We must seek the Lord's holy face increasingly in order to assure our own right relationship with the Savior.

4) We need to preach holiness more frequently through our weekly sermons. In a spirit of repentance before God we should return to the clear expectations of Scripture, announcing them unashamedly to our congregations.

5) Let us teach God's call to holiness in basic terms. Spiritual teachers must then set forth the holy life in its fundamental, stark simplicity rather than priding ourselves on complications.

6) Let us return time and again to the biblical definition of holiness. God calls us to be more like Jesus. That is scriptural holiness in a nutshell.

7) Use numerous illustrations from real life to support preaching on holiness. Gleaned from our reading concerning the saints, we can gather material for bringing to life the practice of holiness lifestyles.

8) Accent holiness more and more in pastoral prayers. Let us take advantage of public prayers to remind our congregations of the highway of holiness.

9) We can refer congregational life to God's expectations of holiness. Planning and work sessions will provide the workshops for carving out a holiness doctrine which is related to life.

10) We must humble ourselves as a congregation--pastor and people--in beseeching heaven's continued blessing confessing that we have "never arrived" fully.

The holiness quest is ongoing. It Is a willingness to admit that we are still but mortals in search of more from God. With such a position of the heart, the Lord will lavish upon us His presence to teach us how to become like our Savior.

This article appeared in PULPIT HELPS, August l997

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - September 1, 2001 - - - ++++++++

A Christian Response to Gambling

Life is filled with uncertainties; we daily walk in the realm of the unknown. We seldom know what will happen next, what will be the consequences of our own actions, and we certainly don't know what will be the results of other people's actions on our lives. Daily we take incalculable risks. Walking across the street; investing in the stock market; purchasing a gift when we're not sure it will be liked; climbing into an airplane - all of these contain an element of risk.

Today, those who advocate the practice of gambling often will be heard saying, "All of life is a gamble," as though playing the lottery, pulling handles on the slot machines, engaging in card games or Bingo for prizes, or betting on the score spread is nothing different from walking out of the house in the morning. And the tragedy is that they seem to be winning the widespread acceptance of the American public.

Consider these notes:

1. Each day, 88 million dollars are spent on lotteries alone, more money than is spent on food.

2. Ten million Americans have a gambling addiction.

3. When legalized gambling enters a new area, there is a 100%-500% rise of compulsive gamblers. At least 2/3 of compulsive gamblers turn to crime to finance their addiction.

4. Gambling causes a wide range of social problems such as increases in divorces, child protection cases, crime rates, domestic violence and child abuse. For every $1.00 the state receives from gambling revenue, it costs that state at least $3.00 in increased services such as criminal-justice, and welfare.

So, let's make this clear, when we're talking about gambling, we're not talking about a "game", this is serious business; gambling is a crime, not a game. It's a crime against the family, it's a crime against society, often it's a crime against the very person who engages in it, and it's also a crime against God.

So what is our response to the practice of gambling?

RESPONSE #1 - It is not acceptable for Christians to be involved in any form of gambling.

1) Gambling is wrong because it is a disregard of responsible stewardship. (Psalm 24:1; I Cor 6:19, 20; Matt 25:14-30)

2) Gambling is wrong because it involves a chance to gain at the expense and suffering of others. The reality is, gain only happens when others lose. This is a contradiction to the commandments reiterated by Jesus. (Mark 12:29-31)

3) Gambling is wrong because it is inconsistent with the work ethic of Scripture. (Prov 12:11; 13:11; 28:20; II Thess 3:10)

4) Gambling is wrong because it tends to be habit forming and controlling. (I Cor 6:12)

"But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore will I number you to the sword. . . ." (Is. 65:11,12 - KJV)

The Hebrew word for "troop" is a name of a pagan deity named "Gad", worshipped as a "giver of good luck"; and the word for "number" is the name for "Meni", the "deity who apportions men's fortunes to them."

RESPONSE #2 - Living in this world, we have a responsibility to do something about this vice which is bringing much harm to our society.

1) If friends are involved, we certainly can warn them of the dangers, and if there is an opportunity, share with them the Biblical perspective.

2) We must be careful not to encourage gamblers in any way by our own participation.

3) We will refuse to enable others by giving them money which could be used for gambling purposes.

4) We should exercise our legal responsibility and let our government leaders know that gambling is not to be tolerated. They are believing a lie when they accept the notion that gambling benefits our communities and our schools.

5) And we should also demonstrate deep concern and love for those who have been caught in this web, as well as for those who have been victimized.

The ultimate answer to the sin of gambling is found in these two verses:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Prov 3:5,6)

"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." (Gal 6:4,5)

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Taken from Gambling

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++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++

Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.

++++++++ - - - August 25, 2001 - - - ++++++++

Strengthen the Brethren

"For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth." (Amos 9:9 - KJV)

God's love for His people is demonstrated in that He disciplines them like a good father disciplines his children. This can be seen over and over in the case of Israel. Whenever they would begin to grow cold in their devotion to Jehovah, He allowed them to come under oppression, even taken into captivity by foreign armies. Amos is making reference to this kind of treatment when he likens it to the process called "winnowing".

Even today in more simple and primitive agricultural societies, this method can still be seen in operation. While traveling through the countryside of India, whether on train or by car, workers can be seen out in the fields, using hand tools to cut the stalks of rice, carrying them in large bundles on their heads, bringing them in for winnowing.

Smith's Dictionary describes this process: "In Bible days, the sheaves or heaps were brought to the floor--a circular spot of hard ground, any where from 50 to 100 feet in diameter. On these the oxen, trampled out the grain. At a later time the Jews used a threshing sledge called morag, a stage with three rollers ridged with iron, which, aided by the driver's weight crushed out, often injuring, the grain, as well as cut or tore the straw, which thus became fit for fodder. Lighter grains were beaten out with a stick."

I recall one road trip in India when as we were driving along I noticed piles of rice stalks laid out in the middle of the road. What few vehicles there were had to drive right over them. This was the process they used to crush the rice stalks so the kernels would be loosened - the road had become the "threshing floor". When I wrote home that night, my question to my wife was, "Would you rather cook with rice which was trampled by the bullox or the rice run over by the trucks?"

But it was the last step in this process which Amos makes reference to here, the "sifting". This was when the kernels would be shaken in the sieve to separate out the dirt and other refuse.

So the idea is that God provides for a violent shaking for a purpose - to clean out those areas which are not acceptable to Him.

In one New Testament passage, we have the same idea alluded to by Jesus. It was right at the time when He predicted that Peter would deny Him. He said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat." (Luke 22:31) Jesus was saying that Peter would be sorely tested, violently shaken, or as Barnes writes, "Christ says that Satan desired to try Peter; to place trials and temptations before him; to agitate him; to see whether anything of faith would remain, or whether all would not be found to be chaff - mere natural ardor and false professions."

But remember what God said to Israel? "...not a pebble will reach the ground."

In a similar manner, Jesus comforts Peter when He quickly adds, "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

Take heart, Brothers and Sisters. No matter how hard the shaking, God's plan is for the sifting to effect a cleansing purpose. And in the midst of it all, Jesus ". . . ever liveth to make intercession. . . " (Hebrews 7:25)

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Taken from