Bert Craft Personal Blog: Recent Comments

Comment on DYING TESTIMONY OF A PRESENT DAY BAPTIST PREACHER

C Spurlock — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:51:15 GMT

I am so sorry to hear of Bro. George's death. I met him years ago, preached for him a few times, as he for me. I love hearing him preach, he was humorus, biblical, and sound in doctrine. He preached two Revivals for me here in West Virginia. I''l never forget the sermon he preached on "Death". He described it in such gory details that some of the members were getting sick. But he spoke the truth. I wish I would have kept up with Bro. George before he took his trip to Heaven. I'll keep his family in my prayers. Another of God's choice servants has laid his burden down.

Comment on FAULTY AND DESTRUCTIVE MISSIONARY PRACTICES

Bert Craft — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:20:19 GMT

Dear Brother,

Thank you so much for taking the time to enter my personal blog and consider some of the issues that are important to me. I hope that I will always be able to manifest the priority of God's glory, Christ's preeminence, and a Spirit-wrought disposition of total commitment and surrender to the will of God. Furthermore, I appreciate you taking the time to write, and by so doing, give me an opportunity to share some things that are dear to my heart. As you know, I do not have many answers for the missionary problems that we face. However, I have been in full time missionary service since I left worldly employment and sold a side business back in July of 1991. In God's providence, I have been involved in mission work in at least 12 different countries. I have studied the Scriptures and read after many men. I have been instructed by several mentors. I have seen the successes and failures of dozens of men. Besides that, I have committed many errors, and by God's grace, enjoyed some success all to the glory of God. Having said that, yes, I do have some perspective on this issue.

The superiority complex exists because there is by nature in men a superiority and/or inferiority complex. This is a part of man's internal corruption that occurred as a consequence of the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden. Though foolish according to the Scriptures, most men judge themselves among themselves, and the inevitable result of such a practice is a superiority and/or inferiority complex (2Corinthians 10:12). Natural men and human races tend to view themselves either as superior or inferior to other men and races, and this for many reasons. We will leave those reasons for another discussion.

The scope of this answer is to show forth how we can avoid giving the idea of personal or racial superiority when being involved in cross-cultural missions. In other words, how can we avoid coming off as superior when entering a culture that is not natively our own? I would like to offer a few suggestions to enhance and improve cross-cultural, incarnational ministry:

Study Thoroughly And Meditate Often On Christ's Incarnational Example. In the truest sense, Christ's pre-incarnate culture was and still is the superior culture over all others...period! If anyone should have had a chip on their shoulder and an attitude on their sleeve about being superior while doing cross-cultural ministry, it should definitely have been Jesus Christ. However, the Bible says that He was made like unto His brethren. He took on our likeness. He humbled Himself and became a man. He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor...just like we are. He subjected Himself to all things related to fallen man (except sin)...hunger, weariness, thirst, fatigue, tribulation, temptation, sorrow, weeping, persecution, and even the cruel, heinous death of the cross. He so identified with us that He could effectually reach and redeem us. Second Corinthians 8:9 and Hebrews 2:9 remind us that He did this by and through the grace of God. Christ entered man's domain through humility---a human birth in obscurity and a manger. He was a King at birth, but incarnationally He entered as a pauper. He should have been subjected unto and ruled all, but instead He subjected Himself to His earthly parents as they ruled over Him. The Lord Jesus Christ, in His condescension, is the true role model for all cross-cultural ministry.
Strive To Clothe Yourself Constantly With True Humility. This is a constant challenge for a spiritual man and an impossibility for a natural man. Pride brings resistance, detestation, and conflict. Humility brings grace, tolerance, and peace. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The Apostle Peter exhorts us to be clothed with humility (1Peter 5:5). The Apostle Paul instructs us to put on humbleness of mind (Colossians 3:12). Humility is one of the most important aspects in human relations. True humility allows us to be easily accessible and entreatable. True humility keeps us from being easily offended. True humility enables us to forgive others. True humility empowers us when despised and rejected by others. It has been said that when another immerses himself in another culture without prior experience, he instantly becomes like a four or five year old, asking questions and demonstrating his complete ignorance of the foreigner's world. Only humility will allow a man to live under such humiliating circumstances for a prolonged period of time. For this reason, it is much easier for a child to learn a new language and adapt to a new culture than a grown adult.
Learn What It Is To Be Poor In Spirit. Since I am still learning, I will refer you to a paraphrased version of A.W. Pink´s definition: Without Christ, I have nothing. Without Christ, I know nothing. Without Christ, I can no nothing. Without Christ, I am nothing. Therefore, I have need of all things, and only God can supply all those needs. The Apostle Paul summed it up with that glorious, Spirit-inspired confession in First Corinthians 15:10: "By the grace of God I am what I am." Poverty of spirit is the realization that all that I am is because of God and all that others are is because of Him. Poverty in spirit makes a poor man wealthy, and a wealthy man even wealthier. Poverty of spirit brings God's richest blessings upon a man (Isaiah 66:2) and it also assures that Christ's kingdom will be his (Matthew 5:3). Poverty of spirit also removes a sense of superiority and inferiority from the heart as it makes me recognize that all that I know, have, do, and am is according to what God has sovereignly determined. Poverty of spirit likewise removes from my heart all negative pity for others for what they do not have, what they do not know, what they cannot do, or what they aren't; God has sovereignly permitted these circumstances according to His will and for His glory. Poverty in spirit puts me on an equal plane to appreciate who others are, what they know, what they can do, and what they have. It is all by God's grace according to His blessed and perfect will. I then can admire the national without communicating a sense of inferiority or superiority. God has been sovereignly good to me, as well as to him.
Leave Your Patriotic And Nationalistic Spirit In Your Native Land, Because First And Foremost We Are Citizens Of Heaven. God´s people through God´s churches are commanded to take Christ´s Word and Gospel to the world (Matthew 28:18-20). They are not commanded to extend their native culture, refinement, customs, holidays, and idiosyncrasies. This is also true regarding spiritual politics and church culture that are not based on the Word of God! There is no place for this in mission work. Nationalism and patriotism create barriers with other foreigners. Abraham did not carry his Mesopotamic, patriotic culture with him to the promised land. Leaving behind his cultural baggage, Abraham went to the land of Canaan to identify with a new culture that God would give him. Biblically, we are pilgrims and strangers on the earth, not nationalistic, foreign-nation despisers (Hebrews 11:13; 1Peter 2:1). We are not here to promote our national sports teams or the political agenda of our native, homeland. We are citizens primarily of the kingdom of God. We are here to identify with Christ and carry out His commission. In mission work, there are no superior nations, just desperately sinful ones that direly need the Gospel of Spirit-induced regeneration, repentance, and reformation.
Go To Dwell Amongst The People. The Scriptures declare that Christ was made flesh and DWELT amongst us (John 1:14). Men beheld Him, His daily life, His teachings, and His dealings with others (1John 1:1-2). Christ intermingled with the common people. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief because He shared in the common, every day lives of the people. He was moved with compassion and called for urgent prayer for laborers as He saw their lives, their waywardness, and their great need. He was a friend of sinners because his life was intertwined in the events of their lives. Jesus did not make a mission compound to cut Himself off from those He came to minister to. He did not isolate Himself or His followers from the influences of society. He did not move into an exclusive part of the city of Jerusalem. He did not isolate Himself from the sufferings and pains of His contemporaries. Yes, He took His followers apart temporarily for spiritual instruction and exhortation, but the vast current of their lives was lived around the people to whom they were to be ministering. Some missionaries, although unknowingly, isolate and create barriers between themselves and the people by refusing to identify and co-habitate with them.
Enter Their Culture As A Learner, Not A Teacher. In other words, learn from them first, so they will learn willingly from you. Earn the right to be their teacher and their instructor by first being taught by them. You must take the humble learning position first, so that you will have modeled to them how to be taught. Learn the language and culture from them and cheerfully, without resentment or disapproval, accept their corrections and criticisms. Once they begin to regularly and confidently correct you, you have gained their trust and respect. This learner relationship prepares their hearts to listen to you one day when you will be able to clearly communicate to them Christ's message of salvation.
Intentionally Avoid The Company and Presence Of Foreigners And Your Own Countrymen So That There Will Heart Bonding With The People. This must be an adamant, unbending principle in the initial years of the mission work. If you do not bond with them in the first couple years, you will never bond with them. You did not begin mission work to be with those who are like you and think like you, but rather you crossed over into another culture and world to minister to those who are culturally different from you. The native or culturally-different person must sense that you value them, not as an object of ministry, but as a human being. You desire to be with them. You enjoy conversing with them. You enjoy their company and friendship. So much so, that you would rather be with them than be with those to whom you are more naturally and culturally acclimated. Do not find your social needs met with family, friends, relatives, and national countrymen, but rather with the native. This may seem like a small point to a cross-culturally, inexperienced person, but it is very important to them.
LEARN, LEARN, And RELEARN Their Language Without Obligating Them To Learn Yours. Nothing will show forth a non-superior spirit like that of learning their beloved, mother tongue. Every culture thinks highly of their language and their unique expression. As you labor, sweat, sacrifice and wholeheartedly give yourself to the study and learning of their language, they will naturally respect and appreciate you. The first number of years, they will be very patient with you and your errors. But after the passing of time, they will resent it if you have not heartily tried to learn their language. It is very meaningful to a native person to have someone think so highly of them and their way of life, that they would give themselves to learn their language. Imagine a foreigner trying to convert us to the true religion of Christ as he butchered our language or spoke continually through a translator without any concern to improve and better his communication skills for the sake of our spiritual and eternal well-being. Many Americans have the attitude that if someone wants to talk with me, he will have to learn English. "You learn MY language, because it is better." That is very typical manifestation of superior-minded persons. Christ's love says I will humble myself and sacrifice so that I can communicate with you and do you good!
Though Reference To Your Culture May Be Appropriate At Times, Never Compare Your Culture To Theirs Or Infer That Theirs Is Inferior, Lacking, Or Backwards. All cultures are based on human thought, tradition, and custom. Humanly speaking, there does not exist a perfect culture. One man said that culture is religion externalized. If that is so, there are no naturally superior cultures. All men by nature are depraved sinners which results in depraved cultures. We must avoid the comparing of our culture with other cultures. Rather, all cultures must be compared to the Word of God to determine what is good and what is not. A culture is only good as it conforms to the precepts and principles of Scripture. Cultural bias and perceived superiority must be set aside. Cultures must not be judged according to national prejudice or preference, but according to its conformity to the Word of God. As a missionary, I speak moderately to nationals of our culture, and when I do, I manifest that our American way of life is different, but never superior, more advanced, more reasonable, more sensible, or more civilized....and yes, I verbalize that to the national.
Eat Joyfully All Things That Are Placed Before You Without Degrading Looks, Doubtful Questions, Or Damaging Attitudes. The Bible teaches us this principle. "Whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake" (1Corinthians 10:25,27). All things are sanctified by the Word of God and prayer and not to be refused (1Timothy 4:4-5). To refuse or disdain the native food is a sure offense that sends a very negative message. In the native mind it is interpreted to mean, "Our food is inferior and so are we." It leaves a big wound in their souls. It should not be that way, but in reality it is, and that throughout the whole world. We must not offend in things relating to our daily eating...that is only foolish, immature, and self-centered (1Corinthians 8:13). Obviously, there is complete understanding by the natives if there is a medical condition or viable reason why certain foods cannot be consumed.
Suffer Along With The Native Peoples In Their Daily Life Without Using Your Race, Money, Or Other Foreign Advantage To Deliver You. In His betrayal, Jesus said that He could have called more than twelve legions of angels to rescue Him (Matthew 26:53). Truthfully, Jesus could have called down manna when He was hungry. He could have drawn out water from many a stone when He was thirsty. He could have resorted to "foreign" advantages in His earthly ministry as a man. But He willfully was subject to our earthly suffering, our earthly trials, and to our earthly sorrows so that He could be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15) . He was compassed about with our infirmities that He might have compassion on us (Hebrews 5:2). He was tempted in all points like as we are so that He would become a merciful and faithful High Priest and be able to succor those in need (Hebrews 2:17-18). So must the cross-cultural, Gospel worker yield himself humbly to the daily sufferings of the people, so that he can identify, feel, empathize, and truly help those to whom he is called to minister. He must not look for the easy way out in the flesh. He must submit himself to the cruel aspects of the native culture. As the native people see his humble and joyful resignation to these injustices and unfair cruelties for the their spiritual well-being, they will then respect the servant of God as an equal and not a superior.
Never Do For The National What He Can Do For Himself, Even Though He May Do It At A Different Speed Or On A Different Timetable. The old proverb asks: "Is it better to provide fish for a man for one day or to teach him how to fish for the rest of his life?" The obvious answer is to teach him to fish. The native is a very capable learner, especially once he has been regenerated and indwelt by the Spirit of the living God (Philippians 4:13) . The missionary should not do for the people what he can teach the native to do for himself. One day, a national pastor asked my wife if she would be willing to play the piano for their public services (this was immediately after our arrival to Oaxaca and before we began a work on our own). Upon asking me, I told my wife that she was not going to play for their public services, but that she would be willing to start giving piano lessons without charge to every one who desired to play the piano. Needless to say, the young pastor was shocked with her seeming refusal to play the piano, but he publicly announced the opportunity to take piano lessons with the intent to one day play in the public services. My wife began to teach five young people and within two years, that same congregation had three piano players to share the responsibility. They were the first nationals to play that church piano since its inception over 15 years ago because previously the missionary's wife did all the piano playing, instead of teaching the nationals how to do it for themselves. The nationals are great learners and are able with God's help to do all that we do, and sometimes more. They can pastor churches. They can preach. They can assume all kinds of spiritual responsibilities. They can build their own buildings. They can evangelize. They can and will with Christ's effectual and promised strength, if we will just teach them and entrust them to God (Acts 20:32) . Missionary, get out of the way!
Without Entering Into Pagan Practices, Enter Profoundly Into Their Joy Of Birth And Their Sorrow Of Death. There are two common experiences in every culture and land: birth and death. Birth brings great joy and hope. Death brings great sorrow and hopelessness. One who truly wants to integrate and bond heartily with a people will enter profoundly in their joy of birth and sorrow of death. No, we may not participate in any pagan practices, but we must wisely find a way to rejoice and bless, and sorrow and minister in these opportune times in the life of native people. This will open many a door and cause people to look at us as equal human beings with the same passions, joys, and sorrows that they carry.

About fifty years ago, there was a book published entitled, "The Ugly American." It was an attempt to bring to light the disdain of the world for the perceived pride, arrogance, and superiority of the average American, particularly those who labored internationally and interacted regularly with foreign languages, peoples, and cultures. The title, "The Ugly American," was not arbitarily placed upon the Yankee with undue cause, but was justly earned through his attitudes and actions toward foreigners. Today, the perception of Americans by other countries is mainly through the movies and programs of Holywood. Much of the world believes that EVERYONE in America lives just like those in the Holywood movies: rich, egotistical, pampered, spoiled, arrogant, self-indulgent, etc. Therefore the cross-cultural worker never starts off working with an unbiased people, but with a people who have already come to the conclusion that Americans are culturally superior even as has been communicated through their movies, magazines, and other propaganda. As a missionary, I must admit, it is never easy to overcome all of this "prejudice." The God-called, church-sent missionary must be very careful to present a Biblical image of Christ in His humble servanthood, and not a self-indulgent, arrogant, condescending image of mainstream Hollywood, so that we can finally through God's enablement, bring the message of salvation to other ethnic groups that reside in cultures that are so geographically close, but yet so foreign to us. May God grant us grace to humble ourselves, to make ourselves of no reputation, and to incarnationally enter into cross-cultural ministry with greater effectivity without causing so many human offenses. Lord, please do it for the glory of your holy name and for the salvation of your elect!

Comment on FAULTY AND DESTRUCTIVE MISSIONARY PRACTICES

Jeff Short — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 03:17:00 GMT

Good article with many points to ponder. One thing stood out right away. Could you comment on treating the people more equally and avoiding creating a superiority complex?

Comment on HAVE MODERN CHURCHES BECOME A DEN OF THIEVES: Robbing Christ's Headship

T H Parrow — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 03:15:56 GMT

To call a church a democracy is to be humanistic, for a democracy is man-centered. Many churches are man-centered today, sad to say, being places of religious entertainment.

A true church is a theocracy where God reigns through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ as Head of His church and is the center and life of all; Christ centered, not man-centered.

Comment on HAVE MODERN CHURCHES BECOME A DEN OF THIEVES: Robbing God's Glory

Timothy H. Parrow — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:43:17 GMT

This is a graciously written, much needed article, succinct and true. Who can doubt the invasion of human aggrandizement, entertainment, religious politicking and influencing occurring within the Lord's churches? Need not we to judge ourselves that we be not judged, condemned, and chastised by the Lord? Can we not see ourselves as others see us, as the Lord sees us? May this article be greatly used of the Lord to foster spiritual conditions of much needed repentance and revival within our churches.

Comment on THE BAPTISM OF THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH & CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Bert Craft — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:51:17 GMT

Hello, Brother Van Nunen,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write and express your sentiment on this issue. I will try to answer your questions and concerns the mostly sincerely and honestly that I am capable.

First of all, concerning the author of this article, I must confess unashamedly that I am the author of everything on my blog unless I specify differently in the post. I am not interested in plagiarizing someone else's work and calling it my own. Though I write forthrightly, it is only because that I heartily believe and, by God's grace, try to practice what I preach. I hope that you understand that I am still growing in the knowledge of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. That means that I have not arrived, I am still learning, and at times, I have to correct my deviations or misunderstandings of Scripture.

Regarding your question on baptism, I can surely identify with one who has not come to a Spirit-taught, Spirit-convinced conviction in a certain area, subject, or practice. I have had a number of these kinds of struggles throughout my Christian pilgrimage on different Bible teachings. However, regarding the issue of whether baptism places or does not place one in the membership of a New Testament church, I feel like the Lord has illuminated my heart and understanding to see that the Lord is the one who adds to His churches. First Corinthians 12:28 tells us that "God hath set some in the church." Acts 2:47 states, "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." The context teaches that they were not added to the church because of their salvation experience, but having been converted, they were then baptized and added to the church. Their conversion experience through the supernatural new birth made them members of the family of God, but through their Scriptural baptism, they were added unto the Lord's church.

One of the strongest Bible proof texts for this issue, strictly understood in its proper context, is 1Corinthians 12:13: "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." I trust that you have not been duped by the modern, non-contextual, Protestant interpretation of this verse to mean that the Spirit of God baptizes us into some mystical, universal, and invisible church. I completely reject the idea of a universal, invisible church. I completely reject the idea of Spirit baptism. The Holy Spirit of God has never baptized anyone. There is a baptism with the Spirit, but the one who did the baptizing was Jesus Christ. I believe that the baptism by Christ with the Holy Spirit was an authenticating, validating, empowering historical event in the primitive, apostolic church that is NOT repeated today (Acts 1:5).

Having made that clarification, I believe that 1Corinthians 12:13 teaches us how it is that God adds to His church. He adds to His church through the effectual working and leadership of the Holy Spirit. First Corinthians 12:3 teaches that the Spirit of God effectually works in a human heart and life whereby a sinner is regenerated and professes that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is not lip service to the Lordship of Christ, but rather a heart surrender to the Lordship of Christ and to all of the implications of living under the reign of King Jesus. In verses 4 through 12 of the same chapter, we see that men are spiritually gifted and made fit for body service and edification by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit as He reparts spiritual gifts to each regenerate person according to His will. In verse 13 of the same chapter, we see how the Spirit effectually moves, motivates, constrains the regenerate to unite with the Lord's church and/or body, by way of Scriptural baptism. By the leadership of the Spirit, by the motivation of the Spirit, by the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit upon the mind, heart, and will, one is led to unite with a church body by baptism. Our text says that this Spirit-directed and Spirit-motivated person is baptized INTO one body....not a universal, nebulous, invisible body, but a local, assembled, New Testament body that is built and sustained by the head, Christ Jesus the Lord.

We speak confidently that everyone Scripturally baptized has completed the only two prerequisites for church membership; namely, a sound conversion to Christ, and a proper, orderly water baptism according to the strict dictates of the Word of God. A formal church vote after the baptism is not necessary for one to become a church member. In actuality, prior to their baptism, every professing believer is required to bring forth fruits meet for repentance before they are accepted as legitimate candidates for baptism (Matthew 3:1-12). Every candidate that presents himself for baptism without palpable, spiritual fruits meet for repentance should be turned away until the time the church is convinced that he has been soundly converted and has evidenced his conversion with unmistakable, spiritual fruits. Upon proper baptism, one is immediately recognized as a member of the church body in good standing and with every due right to participate in all the privileges of membership.

My dear brother, these minor, technical points are definitely not worth creating division and bringing separation to otherwise sound, Historic Baptists. Should we not find absolute heart agreement in this point, I believe as Historic Baptists, we both can agree on the much more important, principle points: that all men must be born of the Spirit before they can be properly baptized, and that only truly regenerate, Scripturally-baptized persons can be members of the Lord's church. If you would like to add a technical step of voting the baptized into the church, I do not have a problem with that. I do not practice that way, and though I may see it as an unnecessary formality, I would not under esteem one for holding to that practice.

Recently, I listened to a Bible Conference on audio cassette wherein a young Baptist preacher tried to distinguish between "mountain-top" Baptists and "sea-side" Baptists. He stated that some believe that Jesus Christ started His church during His earthly ministry in the mountain top while others believe that Christ started His church on the sea side. He then asked the potentially dividing and separating question: "Are you a mountain-top or sea-side Baptist? In his youthful zeal, he raised the idea that perhaps Baptists should separate over this trivial issue. Thankfully, in the very next message, a seasoned and matured Baptist stood behind the pulpit and gracefully declared that it does not matter if you are a mountain-top or sea-side Baptist. He continued that the important issue was that one believed that Christ actually did start His church during His earthly ministry, no matter where He physically organized it.

Brother, that is the way that I feel toward others on this issue. The important matter is a regenerate and Scripturally baptized membership. May the Lord give us grace to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. And may Christ's richest blessing rest upon you and yours during this new year.

Yours sincerely without offense, and in brotherly love,

Bert

Comment on DYING TESTIMONY OF A PRESENT DAY BAPTIST PREACHER

Bob Scheuerman Sr — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:24:47 GMT

FINDING THIS HAS TRULY BEEN CHRIST LET. I HAD JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE TALKING TO MY FRIEND IN OHIO WHO WAS A MEMBER OF OUR CHURCH....MY FRIEND AND I WERE TALKING ABOUT OUR UP COMING SURGERIES. I HAD A BRAIN TUMOR BUT THEY GOT ALL OF IT OUT. I HAVE HAD 9 BACK SURGERIES, 3 NECK(4 COMING UP),BOTH KNEES REPLACED, APART FROMTHAT I AM IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE. I AM 65 I ATTENDED (Church...editor) REGULARLY WITH MY WIFE UNTIL RECENTLY. MY (wife....editor) MARY TEACHES SUNDAY SCHOOL AND HAS THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR FOR THE PAST 13 YEARS. I AM SORRY BUT MY BACK IS GETTING TO ME AND I'LL HAVE TO LAY DOWN FOR A WHILE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR MINISTRY MR BERT. I LOOK FORWARD TO COMMUNICATING WITH YOU.

Comment on THE BAPTISM OF THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH & CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Bill Van Nunen — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:27:40 GMT

Bro. Craft,
I was wondering who wrote this article. I'm not so sure that baptism automatically places one into the church. We often combine the two in one vote, but I was taught that technically they are two separate things.
Sincerely,
Bro. Bill

Comment on TRUE, EFFECTUAL PRAYER IN THE LIFE OF DANIEL--Motivation To Prayer

Hugh Rials — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:00:35 GMT

This is very good and so needful.
May the Lord God Bless you and yours

Comment on THE FREENESS OF THE GOSPEL: "Why The Gospel Must Be Free," Part 2

Kelley Hinson — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:39:50 GMT

The Gospel is God, through His Son, bringing a people to Himself so they can enjoy Him, love Him, worship Him, glorify Him, and serve Him!
Brother Craft, Enjoyed this article very much. Sometime in the future would you enlarge on the above quote from the article, especially would like your comments on "enjoying God" It seems that we are sometimes caught up in doctrinal squabbles that we have forgotten that we are to enjoy our gracious heavenly Father and His Son and the Holy Spirit. Do we really enjoy God in our praying? How can that be fixed? In our worship services? In our singing of hymns? In our studying of His word? Is it as easy to overlook these things or is it just me? Keep up the good work. We love you in Christ. Greetings to your beautiful family from the Hinsons.