What’s Going On?
Dear Friends,
Here we are in December, right after one of the most important holidays we celebrate (and one of the most neglected) – Thanksgiving. The rush to “Black Friday” began on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), so people could join the stampede to buy more stuff. Do you realize that storage units are among the fastest growing businesses in America? Do we need to rush out to buy more stuff so we can rent a storage unit to store our stuff? Turkeys are not the only things getting stuffed in our crazy, materialistic society. When will we ever learn that things (stuff) can never fill the longings and yearnings of the human heart? We are created in the image of God – and He has put eternity in our hearts.
“What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before Him.” Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 (ESV)
As I write this (Cyber Monday), Haiti, Cuba, India, the Middle East, Washington D.C., and many other places on earth are in turmoil, and terrorist attacks are happening in new locations where they hadn’t happened before. I could list a stream of bad news reports I’ve heard over this “long holiday weekend” – but if you are tuned into the most important source, you realize what’s going on! The Word of Truth clues us in! The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world the first time in humility as the servant and sacrifice for our sins; He is coming back again as Conqueror, King and Judge of this rebellious world order. This wicked world is writhing in agony before the dreaded reappearing of the Lord of lords and King of kings, Who will hold every person accountable when he or she stands before the Judgement Bar of Christ!
The pertinent message to those of us who are believers in Christ is made clear to us by the apostle Paul: “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God,” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11a (ESV)
The Most Important Thing
Recently on a broadcast I heard Chuck Swindoll say: “These are the most important words you can consider – what we think about God is the most important thing about us!” He also said that “We need adoring silence!” Amen! Are you ready for the Judgement Day? Are you helping others get ready? If not – why not? His arms are still open, and His grace is still amazing!
“Looking for Loopholes”
I’ve heard that this was the reply W.C. Fields gave when someone asked him why he was reading the Bible. I hope you have a better purpose than that for reading the Bible – or else the loophole you think you’ve found may become a noose around your neck when you stand before our Creator and Judge!
From Our Mailbox
We have received some inspiring input recently which we now pass on to you. The first is from Days of Praise for November 15, by Henry M. Morris III (Used by permission).
“Son of God/Son of Man”
“And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20).
It is significant that although Christ clearly taught that He was the unique Son of God, He most frequently referred to Himself as Son of man, earnestly desiring that people understand His true and representative humanity.
The first use of the phrase is in Psalm 8:4: ‘What is … the son of man, that thou visitest him?’ Although David may have been thinking of all ‘sons of Adam’ in general, the writer of Hebrews applied the passage specifically to Christ (Hebrews 2:6), ‘that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man’ (Hebrews 2:9). In order to save lost men, God in Christ had to become man through supernatural incarnation. Then, as perfect, sinless man, He could represent us before God, finally tasting death for every man.
The vital importance of the incarnation is affirmed by John: ‘Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God’ (1 John 4:2-3). It is noteworthy that Satan and his evil spirits would recognize Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 4:3; 8:28-29) but never as the Son of man! This reluctance seems also to characterize all the occultic philosophies of the so-called ‘New Age’ movement, as well as all ancient and modern pantheistic religions. They speak glibly of ‘the Christ’ as a spirit that might come on many, but bitterly refuse to acknowledge that the man Jesus was actually the Son of man, God incarnate.
Finally, it is thrilling to realize that, although He only became the Son of man through His incarnation, He will always remain the Son of man! John saw Him in His glory—as we shall see Him in eternity—as ‘one like unto the Son of man’ (Revelation 1:13; 14:14). HMM”
Next is from the World English Institute by Bob & Jan Towell.
“Tell My People about Jesus”
“In Luke 10, we read of a Samaritan who, when he saw a man lying by the side of the road, stopped to help because he had pity on him. Others had passed by without helping.
All of us have heard about people who were in desperate need of help, but no one stopped to help. Police call this the ‘bystander effect.’
In Deuteronomy 22, we read, ‘You shall not see your countryman’s ox or his sheep straying away, and pay no attention to them; you shall certainly bring them back to your countryman.’ If a lost ox or sheep is important, how much more is a lost person?
In 1 Peter 2:9, Christians are called a royal priesthood so that we ‘may proclaim the excellences of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.’
When the Samaritan woman in John 4 learned that Jesus was the messiah, she told others ‘who then believed.’
In Mark 5, the demoniac who was freed from unclean spirits went away and ‘began to proclaim what Jesus had done for him.’
When these people realized the blessings they had received, they were eager to share the Source of those blessings with others.
Does evangelism suffer from the bystander effect? Do we see those ‘by the road’ as lost? Do we see them but think someone else will help? Or do we stop and help? The great commission given by Jesus has not expired, and there is no Plan B. If we are motivated by gratitude (John 3:16) and pity for the lost (Luke 10:23), we will not be bystanders.
On the WEI website, you can help! An old man in Africa pushed through the crowd to beg the missionary to come to his village. After looking at his schedule the missionary said he just couldn’t go. The old man replied, ‘If you don’t tell my people about Jesus, I’m going to tell your God on you.’ What will people tell God about us? –Bob and Jan Towell”
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“Really
love the book More Than Conquerors. Have been putting copies out for the
public in front of our Bible Art Museum. If you ever come to Jerome, AZ be sure
to check out our unique ministry through Scripture & Sculpture.
Jeromebibleartmuseum.com.
In Christ alone- Janie & Garrick (Anderson)”
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“…Anyway, thank you for allowing me to look at your books. I love the one ‘More Than Conquerors’. Let me know where I can give them back to you. Hope you have a blessed evening.
– Adam Childress”
Note: Bruce Malone published the first edition of More than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes in 2013 with 448 pages. We are now in the process of having it republished for much wider distribution, both in print and digitally as a trilogy through Larry Carpenter, founder of Carpenter’s Son Publishing. (Larry was formerly CEO of Standard Publishing and he also had an executive position with Thomas Nelson Publishing. He told me that a book of 400 to 500 pages by an unknown author is a killer for sales.) Vol. 1 is now almost ready for publication and we need $2,800 to invest in print copies. If you would like to help with this project to reach souls for Christ and help prepare far more bold witnesses to stand up for Jesus in our confused and conflicted clashes – please let us know! And please pray!
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Gwen Eichel is one of our faithful donors and prayer partners, who often inspires us with her letters, insights and compassionate heart. (Also, we owe it to Zhenya Molodchy for introducing us to Gwen and Gwen to us. Thank you, Zhenya.)
“Dear Rick & Della,
“Again, a newsletter I’ve read and re-read many times. I was touched by Della’s testimony, and I thank God for what He’s done in your lives.” (We thank Him too – very often! R.D.)
“The ‘Fellowship of the Unashamed’ was so powerful. And to think – so many people are having to make that decision yet today. I pray for them daily – that their faith will remain strong. I get the Voice of the Martyrs’ material and it keeps me informed. We are so privileged in our country – and so oblivious to what’s going on in the world.
“I was glad to see Joe Garman’s prison story. He has so many stories – and it’s so encouraging – and amazing to see what God can do. Deep inside prison cells, and deep in hardened hearts. Our God is awesome!
“I could connect with your article on being amazed by the wonders of God’s creation. Since I wasn’t able to do much this summer because of my broken leg, my little dog and I spent a good part of each day sitting on the porch and marveling at the beauty of God’s creation. I live in the country – on 13 acres. I think it’s the most beautiful place in the valley. Sunrises, sunsets, rain, sunshine, beautiful clouds, trees, flowers – we enjoyed it all. Especially, since I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to stay here. But, we’re enjoying each day, as it comes.
“Thank you for all the things you’ve sent me. I really appreciated your booklet the ‘Victorious Life.’ It was so well done. I wish I [could] sit and listen to you preach – or give a seminar, Rick. I know I would learn a lot.
Yours in Christ,
Gwen (Eichel)”
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“Dear Rick,
We would like to congratulate you with your birthday. We thank God for you, that He blessed you through your life and used you to bless so many people. Thank you for being example of walking in faith, trusting God’s providence and care. It is a great privilege for us to know you and Della and blessing to have such a great bond in Christ.
I recently created a video in Russian and would like to bless you with the Scripture that I used for it: ‘For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.’ 1 Cor. 13
Love and hugs to both of you,
Zhenya, Natasha, and kids”
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“Rick,
What a fascinating testimony Della has. What an amazing life! Wow. Her faith has come through some of the toughest challenges life throws at anyone, yet she has come through STRONG!…
You wrote about the Rwandan man in 1980 who wrote ‘Fellowship of the Unashamed.’ We would like to use that! Wonderful! Geri is starting to feel better. Thanks to you and those who prayed for her.
Bob & Geri Boyd”
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“Hi Rick!
“…I recently photocopied your chapter on Baptism from “Ready to Give an Answer” and distributed it to those attending our mid-week Bible study. Most seem to have read it and came back with some very good reviews. So the word is getting out!
Hope your Thanksgiving was blessed!
In Christ, John (Murphy)”
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for our gracious Lord to heal and strengthen Stan Lutz’s heart. Stan is our friend and creation science co-worker, who has had four heart attacks. Recently Stan has had more chest pains, and on Monday, December 2, his wife, Bonnie, called me to let me know that Stan was back in the hospital. This time it was not a heart attack, but the doctor told him that his heart is getting weaker and that he is to avoid stress.
- On November 29, Zhenya Molodchy sent us this request: “Yesterday our very close and dear pastor of the church “Church of strong God”, Alexander Dmitriyevich, passed into eternity. Our family has known him for over 20 years. We have always maintained a very close and good relationship. The Beit El Gibor community has always been our second family. These relationships continue today. We share sadness and tears with the family and relatives of Alexander Dmitriyevich, and also live to the hope of resurrection in the future in Christ Jesus. Please, lift up his family in your prayers, Zhenya.”
- Please pray for God to supply the funds for Ready to Give an Answer to be printed in German and translated into Arabic. Werner Gitt sponsored and paid for this book to be translated into Turkish by his convert to Christ, Jasmin Yildiz, and now Werner and his wife are together polishing the German translation to flow smoothly for German speakers. Praise God! Offerings of any amount will be gladly received and used to the glory of God!
- Please pray that the constitutional republic that our founding father designed and committed their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to establish on Biblical principles will survive this uncivil war.
- Ukraine is still experiencing bloody warfare.
- Recently, Della has been experiencing some severe pains in her one kidney, besides the neuropathy pains and headaches. Please pray.
- Please pray for God to cast down the strongholds of evil in our country: pornography, sex trafficking, LBGTQ agenda, fake news, abortion, gambling, addictions, etc. (By the way – who would you consider to be the biggest mass murderers of the 21st century? ISIS? Iran? North Korea? – or the promoters of abortion worldwide? Think about it!
- “I think we also need to pray for Christian Churches and Christians in America to be able to raise up a new generation of strong believers and the faith of believers to be strong. The problem is not only with growing Islam sentiment, the problem is with the decline of Christian faith in society, and we need to pray for people’s spiritual growth and maturity.” Zhenya Molodchy
Thank you for praying with us! We are grateful for each one of you!
Yours & His, Rick
“Christian Truth”
“The baby whose birth is celebrated around the world on Christmas day…the baby whose birth marks the central focus of all history, as dates count from this event in both directions…the baby whose birth and life were foretold hundreds of years in advance by over 300 prophetic statements…is the same person that the New Testament declares as the Creator of the universe.
“The real Christmas is special – not because of the glitz, gifts, and gatherings – but because it is a celebration of the day in which the Creator of the entire universe entered into His creation and became a human being. This historical event loses its ability to give our lives purpose if evolution, rather than Jesus Christ, is responsible for creation. The only physical evidence for God’s existence is from His creation and testing the accuracy of His Word. This is why it is absolutely vital for us to study creation and the Bible in order to see for ourselves that God is revealed through both. Christmas will become a ‘holiday season’ – completely devoid of its intended meaning – in direct proportion to the belief in evolution being accepted as a fact. If Jesus is not our literal Creator, then why make Him the center of Christmas by celebrating His birthday?
“Truly accepting what God has done for us by becoming human (celebrated at Christmas) and dying for our sins (celebrated at Easter) changes our focus, priorities, and lives. This, in turn, inspires us to reach out to others with the Good News of who Jesus is and what He has done.”
“ALL THINGS WERE MADE THROUGH HIM…” John 1:3 NKJV
“FOR BY HIM ALL THINGS WERE CREATED THAT ARE IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH…” Colossians 1:16 NKJV
| From “A Closer Look at the Evidence” by Richard & Tina Kleiss. Used by permission. |
“[GOD HAS] SPOKEN UNTO US BY HIS SON…THROUGH WHOM ALSO HE MADE THE WORLDS…” Hebrews 1:2 NKJV
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A Thought from Della
I think that God gives us “commands” which are for our own good, don’t you? One of those commands is: “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Ps. 46:10a). Especially during the Christmas season, it is so easy to get caught up in the frenzy of decorating, planning and preparing special foods, scheduling for attending Christmas programs, etc. that we forget to be still and remember that He is God, and that He sent Jesus, His Only Son, to give us peace, forgiveness, and joy. I read another quote a few days ago that made me smile: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for few minutes, including you!” – Anne Lamott.
Let’s smile, sparkle and shine for Jesus!