Church Weekly for 1 June 2008
My dear readers,
This week we are blessed with an article from the Fundamentalist Evangelical Association, USA.
EIGHTY YEARS OF PREACHING, TEACHING, CONTENDING
April 2008 marks the 80th anniversary of the Fundamental Evangelistic Association (FEA). As we take the time to look back over 80 years of service for Jesus Christ, we can truly shout forth from the depths of our hearts the words of the psalmist, “Praise ye the LORD. 0 give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever" (Psa 106:1 ). Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday and today and forever has not only blessed the FEA throughout its 80-year history but has abundantly provided above all that we could ever ask or think. While Satan has often tried to place stumbling blocks and discouraging situations in the pathway of service for Christ, we know that the answer to such testings is to submit ourselves to God and to resist Satan, remaining steadfast in the faith.
Since its inception in 1928, the FEA has held firm to its commitment to “Preach the Gospel, Teach the Word and Contend for the Faith.” We believe this brief, biblical motto defines the essence of biblical balance that is honoring to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The FEA has always attempted to keep itself at a distance from local church controversies, petty disputes and personality wars that so often engulf many modern day ministries. With God’s help, we have simply endeavored to preach the gospel to the lost, teach the Word to the saved and uncompromisingly address biblical, doctrinal issues that have arisen within professing Christendom.
Preach the Gospel
Jesus Christ commanded His apostles, and He commands all believers today, to preach to the whole world the good news of His death and resurrection. Man can only obtain salvation from the penalty of sin and obtain a right relationship with God by personally believing in Christ's substitutionary sacrifice on Calvary's cross and His subsequent resurrection from the dead.
The FEA firmly believes the Bible teaches that all who either reject this good news or fail to hear it will die in their sins and spend eternity in the lake of fire. Such a reality motivates us to preach the gospel to men, women and children throughout the world. The gospel message is proclaimed over the airwaves via the "What Does the Bible Say?” radio broadcasts and through the printed page via gospel leaflets as well as through the pages of our Foundation Magazine.
Teach the Word
Not only did Jesus Christ command His apostles, and us today, to preach the gospel, but He also commands us to teach the Word of God to those who have believed in Him. Christians need to daily feed on the Word of God and grow closer to Him each day. To simply believe the gospel message but refrain from growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18 ) leads to spiritual malnutrition which, in turn, hinders a right relationship with Jesus Christ and a fruitful testimony before other believers and the unsaved alike.
The FEA believes in a literal, historical-grammatical interpretation of the Word of God within a dispensational context. We teach the Word of God to those who attend Grace Bible Church of Fresno (the local church headquarters from which the ministry of the FEA is carried forward) as well as through the “What Does the Bible Say?" radio broadcasts, the Foundation magazine and the Feature, daily Bible study guide.
Contend for the Faith
While many other churches and Christian ministries consistent1y preach the gospel and even teach the Word, most fail to heed and obey the whole counsel of God by their refusal to contend for the faith. The FEA believes that much harm is being inflicted upon today's church by those who teach error. False teachers and unbiblical programs are leading many believers astray from a right relationship with God that is predicated upon obedience to His Word. While the exposure of error and false teaching is highly unpopular, one must warn of these dangers in order to obey the Word and honor Christ. To possess a biblically balanced ministry, one must be negative at times as well as positive. A faithful minister (and ministry) must “reprove, rebuke [and] exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” from the Word of God which “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16 ; 4:2 ). The FEA contends for the faith through the ministry of the local church, the radio broadcasts, and the printed page.
Through the years, the Lord has brought the FEA into contact with many precious believers who have resolved to stand true to the Lord and likewise endeavor to aid other believers in their spiritual growth. To be in the minority, and often to stand alone apart from the world and even other professing believers, is certainly not easy. However, these faithful brothers and sisters in Christ have supported the ministry and work of the PEA with their regular prayers and financial gifts, knowing that this work is entirely a faith-based ministry that operates from day to day as the Lord provides. We are thankful for those who have stood with us and for those who continue to stand with us as we seek to honor the Lord for many more years to come should the Lord tarry.
Let us always look up and find ourselves ready for the return of the Lord, for He could come at any moment. The apostle John exhorted the early church, and us today, to "abide in [Christ]; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming" (1 Jn 2:28 ). May we find ourselves watching and working until that blessed day. (Reprinted: Foundation 1/2008)
We stand with the FEA
While we are separated by “half a world” in terms of physical distance, yet our Biblical stand and ministry are one in the Lord. I have been in touch with the brethren FEA (Fundamentalist Evangelistic Association) for over twenty years. Their FOUNDATION magazine has good spiritual material. Readers who wish to subscribe, please speak / write to me. It is available at US$18.00 p.a.
Lovingly in the Lord
Dr SH Tow, Sr Pastor