Freedom in Christ - January 2007 Issue

Therefore Stand! (Ephesians 6:10-14; 2 Timothy 1:13)

The New Covenant

 Bill Crossman

Part Two

In our first article we presented a problem many brethren face in prison evangelism. At times it seems there is no room for serious study of the Bible or the practice of the New Covenant worship it ordains. But there is room and acceptance for Catholic, Protestant, Jew, Muslim, etc., studies and practices.

However, if the Lord's people are willing to take shelter under the umbrella of Protestanism they would be welcomed. In orther words, if the church of Christ is willing to acquiesce to Protestant theology then we can get along, but to do this one, of necessity, would deny the validity of the New Covenant. A compromise of God's Covenant for the traditions of men would amount to a sin unto death (Matthew 15:8,9).

One Message

Proselytizing is not the issue here. It's a matter of spiritual integrity and biblical accuracy. Remember, the Word as it was delivered by the Apostles is the message of salvation once delivered to all the saints (Jude 3 ; Acts 2:42). We know that saving faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom 10:17), and built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:19, 20). It is in such teaching and practice that the sinner is convicted and converted. The Lord establishes the unity of the church, i.e., His Church, on this truth (John 17:20, 21).

The honest student cannot avoid the significance of the one message. Of this there can be no doubt! Paul so warns the Galatian brethren, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert (distort) the gospel of Christ” (Gal 1:6, 7).

A Divine Pattern

When Paul instructed Timothy to “hold fast the pattern of sound words...” (2 Timothy 1:13), he echoed our Lord's admonition, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31b). Paul also commended the Roman saints for having “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered (entrusted). And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:17).

We note in this reference that:

1. They had been slaves to sin.
2. They were made free from sin by obeying from the heart.
3. What they obeyed was that form of doctrine (teaching) given them.

The word form is from the Greek tupos. Other synonyms are: pattern, ensample, mould. “The Gospel is the mould; those who are obedient to its teachings become conformed to Christ, whom it presents.”^**

The significance of this truth is reinforced by the writer of Hebrews. “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him...” (Hebrews 2:2,3). ^{Emphasis added}
We recognize:

1. The former covenant was exacting!
2. Violations were swiftly censored.
3. The New Covenant is greater than the Old.
4. It has a greater Messenger with a greater message.
5. Therefore the judgment will be greater.

Examining Ourselves

In contrast with world Christianity we see that where there are many doctrines there are many sects. But where there is one doctrine there is one people. This is what the Lord taught (See John 17:20,21). This is what Paul taught (1 Corinthians 1:10). This is what Jude taught (Jude 3). This is what Peter taught (2 Peter 3:14-18). This is what the apostles taught (Acts 2:42).

Now if these things be true, and they are, then does it not behoove us to seek the unity of the Spirit in Christ Jesus by putting away the doctrines and traditions of men? Therefore stand, brethren, in the confidence given us in the scriptures which reveal all things that pertain to life and godliness.

In the next and last of this series, we will consider what it means to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

Salt and Its Savor

Editorial by Bill Crossman

There is a force in love for the Christ of God -- to conquer. The first priority is, “He fights well, who has fought and conquered within!”^* Discipleship demands focus. In addressing the Corinthians brethren, Paul straitly censors them for their factious condition. They had lost their focus.

They were to be of the same mind and judgment, speaking the same thing, “that there be no division among you.” How could they do this except they all focused on the same message of salvation?.

Jesus teaches the necessity of one's complete inward surrender of everything for devotion to Him. The fact that everyone will be seasoned with salt is basic to Christian growth. This is important to spiritual growth and those times of ordeals and trials we all face (vv. 49, 50).

Salt can lose its value and worth. It can spoil beyond its usefulness. In such cases, as in the first century, it is thrown over the road to be trampled on. (It helped to keep down the dust.) The picture is clear. If we as Christians lose our savor, we will be cast out.

In 2 Chron 13:5 we read concerning the covenant of salt. This is the reflection of the Lord's metaphor in the gospel. Figuratively, salt is symbolic of loyalty and friendship. Anyone who joins himself in a covenant of salt with God, and then breaks it, is fit only to be cast out.

We are to have salt in ourselves (Matthew 5:13). The simple lesson of salt is to preserve oneself and hold the flavor of eternal life. One cannot do that with defiled salt.

Mission in Mexico

By William Crossman

One of the mission points the Leavenworth Church supports is it Queretaro, Mexico. I have been going to Queretaro since 2000 to teach at a small preacher training school -- La Escuela de Predicacacion del Centro. It has been rewarding!

The school began nine years ago through the efforts of brother Miguel Arroyo. Miguel also preaches for the church of Christ (Iglesia de Cristo) on Corrgiadora Ave. The school will be celebrating its tenth anniversary in November 2007, and they are inviting the Leavenworth brethren to visit the school for the gala event.

I arrived at Queretaro about 8:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 21st. Miguel and a few of the students were there to greet me. As we drove to my hotel Miguel suggested that I do the preaching that Sunday morning and evening. So I did. Our Mexican brethren are very warm and enthusiastic for the gospel of Christ and strive to carry the message across Mexico.

A highlight for the people (jovenes) of the congregation was the many cards and pictures our young people sent to them. They immediately posted them on a bulletin board for everyone to read. Many of the young people wrote cards and asked that I carry them to our young people (perhaps your son or daughter got one of these cards). This is a beautiful gesture of fellowship between our peoples.

Our study over the gospel of John began in earnest on Monday evening. More than fifty brethren arrived for the class. As time pressed on through the week, we were unable to complete the study. But what we did get done was impressive and deserves a further opportunity in the near future. Each member of the class came ready with pencil and paper. It was necessary to slow down the lessons to enable them to keep up with their notations. This is a feature I truly admire.

Several of the students were those I had met on previous visits to the school. Among them was brother Miguel Bocanegra. We became acquainted the first time I went to Queretaro. Miguel is now living in a little town just outside of Queretaro and working as a preacher. He began that labor with just his family. The membership of the church has grown and they are building a fine building for the church with their own money and labor.

It is just such commitment that sets my heart afire for a return to Queretaro and further teaching at the school. In this way I feel much a part of their work in taking the gospel to the people of Mexico.

The school buildings are still under construction. A lot has been done as can be seen in the photo below. Though they are doing much of the work themselves, the biggest obstacle is lack of funds. The window pictured below cost $350. They have one window in. There are seven more to purchase. Here is an opportunity for us to help! Suppose the young people of our church family were to take on a project in raising enough money to purchase one window? It would be a work of love and assist the school in a wonderful way. Let's think about that.

Bathroom facilities are completed for both men and women, with showers. The large room you see below is being used for classes and general assemblies. Yet to be built is a dormitory for students on the second floor.

Apart from school, the congregation is pretty well self-supporting. However, much of Miguel's financial support is from brethren in the States. The Leavenworth congregation has supported Miguel since 2003. Generally, we send $2600.00 each year.

I invite you to join me for the next trip to Queretaro. A beautiful city about to celebrate its 500th anniversary, with over a million in population, Queretaro has significant historical importance in Mexican independence. The Mexicans defeated Emperor Maximillian in 1867. He was executed in Queretaro.

The Prison Ministry at Mount Clemens, MI

By Bill Anderton

There is one thing for certain. The jail ministry will need a lot more teachers, lesson graders, and volunteers in general. So I would appreciate it if the brotherhood would publicize this work in your own bulletins. All those with an interest in helping others to read and study the Bible are welcome as volunteers. It is a chance to see the truth in the saying: “If you would learn something well, try teaching it to others.”

I continue to take the opportunity to speak directly to other congregations and welcome the chance to make more visits. I have been preaching since 1955, and I have a vital message that needs to be heard by Christian brothers and sisters everywhere. Your taxes are being used to expand the prison system in Michigan because there is NOT enough room for the growing prison population.

Brothers, Christ is the answer to this problem, but teachers and helpers are sorely needed. These are men and women hungry for the peace that can only be found in God, but the workers are few.

There are men and women whose hands have never held a Bible, and the workers are few.

There are young people from dysfunctional families. But the workers are few.

Apparently we are the watchmen of a carefully guarded secret - perhaps that is the reason why the workers are few. Or is it that we don't want the riff-raff so close to our comfort zones? Is that why the workers are few?

Christ in His compassion for mankind said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of harvest to send out laborers to His harvest” (Matthew 9:37, 38).

We pray for the Lord to send forth laborers - all the while saying to ourselves, “But not me Lord. Let George do it.” Well, brothers and sisters, the world is running out of Georges. And the workers are few. Brothers! Sisters! Please don't wait for George to do it or it won't get done. Somebody's son or daughter is going to everlasting Hell because YOU said, “Let George do it.”

Be a teacher, lesson grader, whatever. There is opportunity here for all talents. Write letters, be a mentor - the opportunities to help others and make a difference in human lives are endless. I have programs I cannot even begin, because I just don't have enough willing volunteers to implement them.

Again, there is the continuing problem of funding the growing needs of this ministry. If 20 individuals would commit only $5.00 a month to this jail ministry, it would provide a sorely needed supplement. Postage alone for the increases in registered students for this past year totaled a little over $3,250.

We are grateful to the Utica and Royal Oak churches for their commitment of support. It is only because of the personal commitments and sacrifices of the few, along with some very timely one-time donations by the Roseville and North Broadway (Mount Clemens) congregations earlier last June that this ministry has continued.

Since I was appointed as the New Life Behavior Ministry's regional director for the state of Michigan it was icumbent upon me to attend the conferences. Those of you who know me know that I put in 30 to 40 hours each week at the Jail Ministry office and have never been paid a dime - not even car allowance. I am not complaining. I just want to illustrate the need for funding to keep this important jail ministry an effective entity.

Here is a short list of expenses we must face in the exercise of our ministering to those in prison: travel, purchase of Bibles, Bible courses, tracts and other significant biblical literature for inmates, P.O. Box rental, postage, envelopes, office supplies and bond paper. Multiply this by the enrollment of a 1,000 students in the year 2006.

We have been adding 120 new students each month. Inmates are hungry for the Word of God. We want to supply them with good motivations and study materials. The needs are great! The opportunity to spread the gospel is great! Souls are hanging in the balance and it is up to us to convince, rebuke, and exhort, with all long suffering and teaching that Christ die not in vain for them (2 Timothy 4:2).

The Prison Ministry in Roxie, MS

By Volley Davis

The East Roxie Church of Christ would like to share the following information for our brethren regarding the request from inmates at the Jefferson/Franklin Correctional Facility at Fayette, MS. Our congregation serves 70 - 90 members weekly. We began servicing the city/county jail and the State correctional facilities by providing gospel services and studies in the early 1990s.

This all came about through a request of a mother in the community whose son was incarcerated. She asked a visit with a Bible study. At that time I had no knowledge of what the Lord had in store.

The study turned into a weekly exercise with all the inmates in the county jail willing to attend the class. This gave the congregation the opportunity to provide the first ministry allowed in the State Correctional Facilities when it was built in Fayette.

At the present time the East Roxie Church of Christ provides Sunday services weekly to these Correctional Facilities; the County Jail, State Facility and State Community Work Center. The Lord has blessed this work in sharing the gospel to hundreds of inmates over the years. Hundreds have been baptized into Christ.

The blessings continue as we see this ministry well received. The inmates have not lagged in their interest to hear the gospel of Christ earnestly presented. The services are well attended and souls have been added to the Church.

We appreciate your prayers and continued encouragement. The Lord be thanked for this work and may the gospel find its fruit in the souls of men and women everywhere. It is so very true that those who hunger and thirst for the word of God will be filled.

Ready for Take-Off

 

Thirty-Nine Souls Put on Christ in 2006

Leavenworth, KS: Sometimes one thinks “What a wonderful job we're doing.” How shameful! The reality is that it is God's workmanship. We are only servants. He has blessed us with the sowing of the seed and the watering. It is God who gives the increase.

Prison evangelism is important. Those in prison are there due to crimes and sin (See Psalm 107:10-17). It offers the only alternative to eternal life. Their heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Yes, they are ready for take-off!

Keep this in mind when you pray. Adversity often brings the soul to recognize there are great and eternal things ahead!

2007 Jail/Prison Ministry Workshop

HILTON GARDEN INN, JUNE 13-15
INDEPENDENCE, MO

1. Wed. 13th:
• Registration (9 am - 10 pm): Ballroom Foyer
• General Session (7 pm - 10 pm): Oregan/California Room
2. Thur. 14th
• General Session (9 am - 10 am)
• Workshop Classes (10:15 am to Noon)
• Lunch Break (Noon to 1:30pm)
• Afternoon Claases(1:45 pm - 4:30 pm)
3. Fri. 15th
• 2008 Planning Meeting(8 am - 9am)
• General Session(9 am - 10 am)
• Workshop Session (10:15 am - Noon)
• Lunch Break (Noon - 1:30 pm)
• Workshop Session (1:45 - 4:30)
• Panel Discussion
• Banquet Dinner (7 - 10 pm):With Group Singing and Speakers
4. Sat. 16th
• Social/Lunch & Shopping Tour: Visit Negro League's Baseball & Jazz Museum; Gate's Barbeque Restaurant; Plaza Shopping Mall

For Information Regarding 2007 National Worshop, contact May Holland (916-765-5762) or Renee Clark (816-763-7394).