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 Ministers Section (Front page article from the Gospel Trumpet)
Wisdom and Understanding (Second page article by Ernest Moles)
Thank you Lord (Third page article by unkown author )
Bro Elwell Obituary (Pastor of Guthrie Church of God)
Editorials (From Editor Wayne Murphey)
Letters (Letters to the Editor)
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from the Gospel Trumpet
We are living in a fast age. Every element likely to be prominent, to have preeminence, or become predominant is pushing forward, aiming to be at the front. This is the wisdom that "...descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." Jas. 3:15. This is true both in the secular and spiritual realm of man. It was this element, or spirit, that led to the abuse of ministerial authority among the primitive Christians.
The disposition to desire to be somebody great, or to be recognized as one vested with authority over men, was manifested among the first apostles during Christ's earthly ministry. "Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest." Luke 9:46. John speaks of one who loved to have preeminence. III John 9. These Scriptural references, along with what we behold in sectism as the fruit of this disposition in unsanctified man, should be a continual reminder of the danger of having a desire to be preeminent. In the last ten years I have known of some very useful men, able ministers, who have fallen and become castaways because they admitted into their hearts a desire to be recognized as somebody great. We need not be surprised at this; for, since the early Christians had to guard against the danger of falling into this error, we might expect more danger of the same nature in these days of special peril to our souls. The more prevalent an evil of a particular form and nature, the more necessary it becomes for us to guard against that particular form of evil. This fact is borne out by testimony of Jesus concerning these last days-"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Matt. 24:12. The love of preeminence and the abuse of authority by professed ministers of Christ are one form of iniquity abounding everywhere. Against this we must continually guard.
THE NATURE OF OUR AUTHORITY
First. We are commissioned to preach the gospel to all nations, to teach them to observe all things that Jesus has commanded us to observe. (Matt. 28:19-20.) "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." II Tim. 4:2. We find that among the things which Jesus commanded the apostles to observe were these: to minister healing to the sick, to raise the dead, and to cast out devils. (Matt. 10:8.) Just before His ascension to heaven, He said that similar signs should follow believers.
Second. We are ambassadors. "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." II Cor. 5:20. As ambassadors, we are representatives of Jesus Christ to the people, endeavoring to persuade them to be reconciled to God. When we perform our office work as ambassadors properly, we are backed by all the authority of heaven, and whatever we do will be recognized as binding by the Lord himself.
This is briefly the nature of the authority of ministers of the gospel. They have no authority to forgive sins that have been committed against God. Neither have they any power to formulate doctrines and creeds, or articles of faith for God's people. They have no authority over the faith of the people of God. "Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand." II Cor. 1:24. We have no right to condemn as sinful what cannot be proved sinful by the Scriptures. Again, we have no authority to dictate to our fellow men how far light has been received by those who are conscientiously trusting in God. We have no authority to unsettle their faith nor to destroy it, unless we can prove that they are deceived. The law of Christ is already complete. -J. C. B.
by Ernest Moles
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Prov. 4:7.
We need wisdom to set things in their proper place and get ready for the road of life. "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death." Prov. 14:27. Then when we get understanding it is like fuel for the car. When you turn on the ignition, it will go. We all know that a car won't perform without gas. Neither will we get over the hills of life without understanding to propel us.
"For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it." Prov. 8:11. As we journey, with understanding being our energy, we need to keep wisdom on board to guide us. Wisdom will lead us to heaven. You just can't separate wisdom and understanding and have success. Wisdom will establish your goings and understanding will cause you to press. "And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure." Isa. 33:6.
So let us use wisdom and understanding to press our way into the Kingdom of God. That is what Jesus told us to do. (Luke 16:16.) Once we are in the Kingdom, let us use wisdom and understanding in following all of God's instructions and thus make heaven our home.
Author unkown
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings every morning, thank You, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes tightly closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank You, Lord, that I can see. There are many who are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off getting up, thank You, Lord, that I have strength to rise. There are many who are bedfast.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic-socks are lost and toast is burned, thank You, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like those in the ladies' magazine and the menu is sometimes unbalanced, thank You, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though school is often monotonous, thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to learn. There are many who are uneducated.
Even though from day to day I wish my circumstances were not quite so modest, thank You, Lord, for the gift of life!
Bro. Charles Elwell
Charles Richard Elwell, age 57, was the third child of ten children born to the late William Roy and Virginia Mae Elwell. He was born on November 13, 1938, in Los Angeles, CA. He lived in Tillamook, OR for a short time in early childhood, then the family moved to Pomona, CA, where he lived to adulthood.
As a young person, Chuck loved sports. He was very involved in baseball and dreamed of paying professionally. He played in an all-star game in which, if the team won, they were to go on to the regionals which would be out of state and also to be played during the Pacoima Camp Meeting. The team lost, and in answer to his mother's prayers, Chuck went to the Pacoima, CA Camp Meeting and gave his heart to God at the age of fifteen.
His love for God and His work became the center of his life. He enjoyed camp meetings and had special memories of Brother and Sister Stover who took him with them in some outreach revival meetings while he was in his teens.
His father died when he was seventeen. It was then that he and his older brother, Bill, assumed the financial responsibilities of the family. It was Chuck who was the spiritual rock for the family down through the years. He loved his family and carried a burden for all their needs.
His first real job was stocking shelves at night in a large supermarket. He would sometimes work all night and then go on to school the next day. He later worked for J. J. Newberry Co. for 22 years and for A. Lyell Textile Co. in Portland, OR for several years. He was very ambitious and loved to work. He was a merchant at heart, but God called him to the ministry at the age of twenty-one. He was always trying to figure out a way to make a living and still fill his ministry.
It was on November 14, 1963, that he married the love of his life, Coquetta Sorrell. Their home was blessed with three children. Sarah Jane, the firstborn, lived only four hours. When a baby is taken away so quickly it adds to your sense of values about children. When Nancy Joan arrived they were overjoyed, and their dreams of having a son came true with the arrival of Rex Andrew. Their goal was to raise their children to be loving and respectful, yet be their best friends. In 1984, rather than losing a daughter in marriage, they gained a wonderful son, Ron Doolittle.
Loved ones left behind are his wife, Coquetta of Guthrie; one son, Rex Elwell of Nashville, TN; one daughter and son-in-law, Ron and Nancy Doolittle of Guthrie, OK; three grandchildren, Roger, Cindy and Brenda Doolittle of Guthrie, OK; four sisters, Carolyn Shirrell of Portland, OR, Jeanne Culpepper, also of Portland, OR, Middy McMorran of Neuvo, CA and Marlene Zinzer of Edmond, OK; six brothers, Bill Elwell of AZ, David Elwell of Coos Bay, OR, Stephen Elwell of Gladstone, OR, Wesley Elwell of Portland, OR, Don Elwell, also of Portland, OR and the "other brother" Clifford Smith of Salem, OR; a host of nieces and nephews, 14 of whose weedings were performed by Chuck.
He will be sadly missed not only by his family, but many friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Funeral services were conducted by Bros. Michael Smith, Wayne Murphey and Calvin Hobbs, Sr. Burial was in the Summit View Cemetery, Guthrie, OK.
Bro. Charles Elwell received the call from God on Oct. 15 to join the ranks of those who have finished their earthly walk. His memory will always be treasured in the hearts of those who knew him.
It was said of Abraham, that he was a friend of God. (James 2:23.) So it was of Bro. Charles, also. Friendship is earned, and the things which earned Abraham this title were also evident in the life of Bro. Elwell.
Abraham believed God, a quality which drew him close to God's heart. When called upon to sojourn in a strange land, Abraham's faith was such that he did not question. When God asked for Isaac, Abraham prepared to offer up his only son, believing God could raise Isaac even from the dead.
Abraham feared God-not with a tormenting fear, but with respect and reverence. This healthy fear led him to do all God required of him. (Gen. 22:12.) It is no wonder God loved Abraham. Their friendship was one in which mutual respect prevailed.
Abraham carried a concern for the lost. (Gen. 18:16-33.) God also deeply cares for those in sin, insomuch that He gave His only Son to redeem them. This mutual interest in souls brought Abraham and God into close fellowship.
Those who were acquainted with Bro. Charles' life will testify that he also believed God, feared God and had a deep concern for the lost.
Bro. Charles was also a friend to man. He gave talent, time and finances to help those around him. He fit the description of friendship one author expressed this way: "Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away." This is what it was like to be associated with Bro. Charles. And we will sorely miss him....
During this time of sorrow the Lord has sustained Bro. Charles' wife, Sis. Coquetta. However, I am sure she would appreciate your continued prayers. Those who wish to offer condolences may contact her at: 5308 Meadow Lake Dr., Guthrie, OK 73044.
by the editor
On October 11th, my nephew, Bro. Michael Smith, who has operated the book press here since May 10, 1993, left the Print Shop to prepare to serve as pastor to the congregation at Shawnee, OK. Plans are for him to take this post the first of November.
Two other congregations have also recently been supplied with pastors. Bro. James Bell felt called to minister to the Sapulpa, OK congregation, and Bro. Bob Wilson plans to move to Jefferson, OR by the first of November. We appreciate those who choose to labor in the interest of God's people.
Bro. Michael's departure from the Print Shop leaves us with the need for a full-time pressman. We hope to hear from a dedicated brother with a heart to fill this position. We cannot offer commercial wages, but God always seems to supply the needs of those who work here, and blesses those who labor with a burden. Opportunity for reaping souls shortens with each passing day, and there is an urgency to print and distribute more of the gospel before Christ returns.
Soon we hope to have 1997 wall calendars in stock and ready for sale. The calendars measure 7 1/4" X 13 1/2". Featuring a colorful nature scene with a Bible verse for each month, they make nice Christmas gifts. The cost is $3.00 each, which includes the postage and handling.
New Print Shop Building Report
Because of the goodness and provision of our Lord, progress is still being made on the new Print Shop.
Over the months since construction began, a number of saints have inquired about the financial status of the project. We shared what information we could as the work progressed, but now we have been able to arrive at a projected finishing cost.
In early June of 1995, Faith Publishing House received a check of $166,451.10 from the estate of Sis. Effie Clark, of Lakeland, FL. Having felt for some time the need to relocate, we put the check in an interest bearing account with the purpose of relocation specifically in mind. Then on June 9, 1995, the Cottonwood Creek flooded, filling the Print Shop with an unprecedented 13 inches of muddy water. This caused much damage and loss. On July 20, 1995, the trustees of Faith Publishing House voted unanimously to build a new Print Shop. This vote was made with the knowledge that it was a vote of faith, since the money received from the Clark estate was insufficient for completing a project of this magnitude. However, since the daily operation of this work is already on a basis of faith, and having seen the Lord provide in the past, with confidence we looked to the future.
The project was pursued and up to this time, God has blessed us to be able to accomplish the work at a very reasonable cost.
For $35,000.00, Bro. Tim Huskey sold us land on which to build. This was well below the appraised value. Bros. John Madden, and his son, John, of Bristow, OK, gave us a low bid to bring their dirt-moving equipment to the property and prepare the building site.
After the completion of that phase, we accepted bids for the foundation and erection of the metal structure. Bros. John Gibson and Dwane Sorrell bid substantially below others we received, and as of this writing, have finished the erection of the building with only the porch to complete.
On July 15th of this year, $54,890.05 was received from Sis. Gladys Piper's estate and placed in the building fund. Over and above the money received from these two estates, the saints have contributed $22,290.26. We feel that the good to be accomplished through printing the gospel in this new and efficient building will serve as a living memorial to Sis. Effie Clark, Sis. Gladys Piper, and every other contributor, however small the donation.
We have now entered into the phase of erecting metal studs for the inside walls, running electrical wiring, sheet rocking the walls and installing a hanging ceiling. The funds on hand are not quite adequate to cover these costs, and additionally, a projected $90,000.00 will still be needed before the building is ready for occupancy.
We will keep you informed on this building project, and from our hearts we thank each of you who have supported what we are doing.
by the readers
CA-Bro. and Sis. Wayne Murphey: Greetings in the name of Jesus.
I feel led to give you an update on our trip to the petrified remains of Noah's Ark. My wife, Elke, son Glenn, and I went to visit my daughter, Sarina, who was stationed in Germany. She arranged a cruise of the Mediterranean Sea with a stop in Turkey. That triggered an impulse to go to eastern Turkey and visit the site of Noah's ark. Glenn said, "Let's go for it."
We jumped ship in Greece and flew to Istanbul, Turkey. We found we could not fly east as the Gulf war machine was building up.
We called a list of car rentals. They all said their cars and drivers were rented. The last one asked why we wanted to go to eastern Turkey and I replied, "I wanted to see Noah's Ark." I explained that it had been uncovered by the 1948 earthquake and had been proven to be the remains of a ship by ground penetrating radar. I also explained that the Turkish government in 1989 proclaimed the area to be Noah's Ark National monument, constructing a road above the site and an observation building overlooking the ship's remains. The man then said he was getting a delivery that morning of a new car and would drive us. That was the first of many manifestations of God's will.
We were able to walk down to the ship, over and around it, and take photos and videos of it.
I now feel it is my calling to witness about it every chance I get. I have shown the video and photos to various churches, schools, clubs and anyone who wished to have their faith renewed.
Last year, I approached the prison in Gulfport, MS. I talked to the sheriff twice and got no results. Someone referred me to a minister that had a pass. I left a message on his answering machine. Weeks later, on a Saturday, I received a call, and was asked if I could be at the prison at 6:00 a.m. the following morning. I accepted. The minister selected to serve the prison that day had canceled late that Saturday night, and a minister was called to take his place. He said, "I have been given a sermon and I am burning to deliver it."
I met the minister the next morning and he told me of his last minute request to come. His sermon was about Noah! We, together, were blessed with the opportunity to witness to three groups of prisoners.
The remains of this ship are 515 feet long. Since Moses went to school in Egypt, the cubit used then when measured in inches, was a length of 20.6. When 515 feet divided by 20.6 inches it equals 300 cubits. Modern day Bible translators have converted the ark length to 450 feet, using the cubit length adopted many years after Noah, which was the length of a king's arm, standardized at 18.6 inches. Modern translators also change other truths to their own reasoning.
The Turks have never recognized any other pretended discovery of Noah's ark. They found no brass plaque stating, "Constructed by Noah and sons," but they believe it to be the true remains.
I believe it is the remains of Noah's Ark. Non-believers say it is not located on Mt. Ararat. If they rightly read their Bible, it says "After 150 days the ship came to rest on the mountains of Ararat." Genesis 8:4. Not "Mt. Ararat."
May God bless you, -Ivan Forbes
OH-Dear Bro. Murphey: I really appreciate and thank the Lord for the workers there at the Lord's Print Shop. The Faith and Victory, Beautiful Way papers and other literature are a real blessing to me, and I am sure to all those who receive it. I am also learning how to lean more and more on Jesus. I love God's Word and it is my desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of my dear Savior.
We had a wonderful Revelation Bible Study last week. It was very enlightening and I am encouraged to study my Bible even more. I really thank the Lord for true preachers who feed us healthy food.
Please continue to pray for me, all of my loved ones and for the congregation in Akron.
I am still praying for all of us and that more souls will be born into the kingdom of God.
With much love, -Sis. Janice Shaw
From Nigeria....
September 25, 1996-Dear Bro. Wayne Murphey and saints of God everywhere: Greetings in the royal name of the Lord Jesus, whose love for us brought Him down to earth from His throne of majesty, to the depth of shame, to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10.)
We are wholeheartedly in His service, bravely pointing out to people the disastrous consequences of failing to choose Him as one's personal Savior. We have not labored in vain. Our achievement is not by energy of the flesh, but Divine. We have many a battle. We do not always come out a victor, but in each fight we gain strength and at the end we do conquer in His name. There can be no failure or hopelessness if we enlist the help of God who makes losers winners. None of our prayers go unheard. We are expecting that before this year is over for a new work to be started at Ashaka, a town in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the Delta State. Offerings are being taken in preparation for this new work. The congregations around us are admirably living for Jesus.
Pray for this writer to have the funds to repair his car before the arrival of the dry season. Traveling to outstation congregations to strengthen them demands personal attention at increased frequency. No money should be sent directly to us. Whoever is burdened by the spirit of God to cooperate, should mail their offerings to Bro. Wayne Murphey for transmission to us. We have resolved never to look back, economic problems notwithstanding.
May God save us in the church today from Laodicean indifference.
Yours in His army, -Titus U. E. Enu
The following is taken from the November Lamp of Youth. Subscription to this publication is free. If you are interested in having it mailed to you on a by monthly basis please send you postal adress to our email accoun t at faithpub@wildstar.net.
Just For Today
There are three days-yesterday, today and tomorrow. Each person in the world lives in one of these three days. Some are living in the present, some in the past, and some in the future. Where we are living with respect to time has a great influence upon our lives. Perhaps we do not know just where we are living. It might pay us to make a careful examination and see whether the past, the present or the future is bulking most largely in our thoughts and conversation.
Those who live in yesterday are living on memories. Yesterday is gone forever. We can never recall it. I once knew a home where the wife had died. It was a gloomy place. The husband was a gloomy man. He had tired to leave everything in the home as nearly as possible as his wife had left it. The musical instrument had been untouched. This man was living in the pat. All his brightness, joy, love and happiness were in the past. The present meant nothing to him. The future held no hope. On the journey of life he was walking backward. His gaze was ever behind him.
Many are like this man. Their circumstances may be different, but they are facing the past. Their only joys are the memory of past joys. Their sorrow over past troubles, mistreatments, losses, failures and sins shrouds their lives in gloom. Why should we keep these memories ever present with us? Bring not the cares of the past, its regrets, sorrows, or anything from it that can cast a gloom upon our today, into the lives we are now living. Yesterday is only a memory. Let us carefully cover its scars. Let us not exhibit them to the world. Let us not be ever looking upon them and thinking over them. Paul's example is a good one to follow, "Forgetting that which is behind I press forward." We should let yesterday be yesterday. Someone has said, "The tears of yesterday are like passing showers." After the shower should come sunshine. After yesterday's troubles should come forgetting. Yesterday's joys should be succeeded by the joys of today. let us not live in yesterday. Today is too full of opportunity. It is heavily laden with good things. Let us dry the tears of yesterday. Let us turn to today.
Other people live in tomorrow. Their joys are the joys of anticipation, not of realization. True, anticipation has its real joys, but we should not picture a tomorrow so bright that it obscures today. We should not exalt tomorrow so much that today loses its meaning. The hopes of tomorrow, the bright pictures we paint, are not reality. We know not whether they ever will be. Sometimes people cannot enjoy today because of their foreboding for tomorrow. Instead of filling the future with bright anticipations, they fill it with a thousand ghostly fears. They cross their bridges before they get to them and because they are ever looking at the bridges which their imagination pictures before them they cannot see the beauties inside the roadway they are traveling.
For them the flowers bloom in vain. The songs of the birds are not heard. The beautiful prospects on each side of their way are lost. The bridge ahead is what they see. Their attention is so focused on it that they have no eyes or ears for today. A writer said, "I am the champion bridge crosser. I not only cross them but I help build them." He has many relatives today scattered all over the world. They are in the same business. There fears of tomorrow are a blight of many todays.
Jesus, who understood life better than anyone else, said, "Take therefore no thought for tomorrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself." His meaning is-do not live in tomorrow, do not borrow trouble. Live tomorrow when you get to it. Live in today. We know not what tomorrow will bring forth. When it comes it will take thought for itself. There will be time enough to meet its problems, to overcome its difficulties, to fight its battles, and to rejoice in its victories when we have reached them. Let us not neglect today for tomorrow.
Whittier says, "No longer forward or behind, I look in hope or fear, But grateful take the good I find, The best of now and here."
Our lives are wholly made of todays. Let us live in the time that is ours; make the best of it while we may. Let us enjoy its joys and do its work. Let us live to the full today, giving to the past and to the future only what is justly theirs and only what will profit us in the giving.
It is important that we properly meet things as they come. Someone has said, "Tomorrow we shall smile over today's worries; so why not begin today?" This is an excellent philosophy and well worth consideration. If adopted it will be a profitable rule of life.
If we are given now the strength and grace we shall need tomorrow we could not use it. It would profit us nothing. if we are strong enough for today, tomorrow need give us no concern. We shall be strong enough for it when it comes. Sufficient for today is God's way of giving. Suppose you try using today the strength and grace you had yesterday. Does it avail you anything? Then do not look for tomorrow's grace today, for if you had it today you could not use it either tomorrow or today.
We should not attempt to solve all the future's problems now or to see our way entirely clear before us. Face whatever is right a hand. Sometimes the difficulties of today have a way of projecting themselves into the future so that when we look forward we feel we never can bear what will be.
Perhaps a little more of my own experience may be helpful. When I was forced to remain bedfast my sufferings were very great. These continued month after month. The future loomed before me so dark, so discouraging, so hopeless, that I felt I never could face it. I asked myself, "How can I endure it?" I was appalled by the prospect. While I was in this melancholy state it seemed the Spirit of God drew near and whispered to me, "You do not have to live tomorrow now. You do not need to bear tomorrow's pain or suffering now. God knows what you can bear. He will not let more come upon you than you can bear. Live today, not the days that are before you."
I said within myself, "Yes, God knows what I can bear. He will not let that come which is too great for me. I will live today. I can bear this today. I will not think of tomorrow." And so again and again I said to myself, "I can bear it today." This attitude was a great help to me, and the sense of God watching over my life became much more real.
Yes, you can bear it today. Whatever your troubles, whatever your sorrow, whatever your perplexity, you will find a way of getting through today. When tomorrow comes there will be a way for tomorrow. Not long ago I was reading they hymn, "Lead, Kindly Light," and was deeply impressed by some of its ideas. The author says, "I do not ask to see the distant scene, one step enough for me." He had come to live in today. But was this a natural characteristic? By no means. He continues, "I was not ever thus.... I loved to choose and see my path." How human he was. How like the rest of us! But he learned the wisdom of living in today, until he could say, "One step enough for me." In confidence he close: "So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on, O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till the night is gone."
Today has enough for us to bear, enough for us to conquer, enough work for us to do. But we shall be sufficient for it. Many of our troubles of today will pass with today. We need not carry them into the future. We can meet our troubles of today as Abraham Lincoln met his. "Lincoln even when assailed by such anxieties and griefs as you never will know used to say, 'And this too will pass.'"
Yes, today will pass and tomorrow will come, and when tomorrow comes we shall have tomorrow's strength for its needs. Let us live today, in the strength that God gives, and not permit the shadows of yesterday or forebodings for tomorrow to hide the sunshine and beauty and gladness that come from trust and obedience today.
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