"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling." Ephesians 4:1-4.

Every Christian experiences the presence and dealings of the Lord, and those who are sanctified feel the workings of His Holy Spirit. Here, Paul is stressing a main purpose and reason for that Spirit-to bring together the body of Christ into Unity-into One.

When many people think of the Holy Spirit today, it sometimes seems they perceive Him in a selfish way. They define Him solely in terms of their own spiritual condition.

The Holy Spirit is the One who fills us when we are sanctified, who deals with our hearts and lives to bring us closer to God and to bring His truth to the world. These are all attributes and essential functions, yet if we leave it at that we are missing the main area of the Spirit's influence. It is not God's will that we walk the road alone, nor does He give us His Spirit solely for our own edification. Too many seem to think that "my salvation is between God and me, and no one else has a say." It is true that anything we are told about our spiritual condition should be weighed according to the discernment and Spirit of God in our hearts, but we do not live our lives as fully for Christ without others of His body.

There are three major occasions in the New Testament which speak of the Holy Spirit's coming into the lives of others. They are:

1. The coming on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts, chapter two.)

2. At Cornelius' house, when Peter came and preached. (Acts, chapter 10.)

3. The giving of the Spirit to the Samaritans by Peter and John (Acts, chapter 8.)

In every one of these instances, God's Spirit was given not just to one person but to a group. One reason for this is that His Church was being established. The other is that God's Spirit does not simply edify you to Him and then leave you unaffected by others-it brings together all those who serve Him. Those who think they can live for Him and ignore the rest of His children are sadly mistaken.

The depths in our hearts that have been touched by God-and there are no deeper depths than those His Spirit has touched-are not just an area that will only be involved between us and Him. As we live for Him, we will find those very same areas being touched by the rest of His people, through the unity of His Spirit. When Christ sent His disciples to minister, they went not by ones, but by twos. When we engage in Holy fellowship we are not simply discussing surface things, nor sharing theories, nor seeking good vibes. We are deliberately opening our hearts to God and letting His Spirit show us His light and letting His Spirit exercise its unifying power to bring us together. It is not something casually indulged in, nor is it something to be taken lightly. It is the key to the real power of God.

MO-Dear saints: I am so thankful to be serving a mighty God-One whom I can go to with my burdens and sicknesses.

At the present time I need help in my body. I have been searching my life to see if there is anything in the way that would prevent God from doing it.

About seven years ago I had a dream in which I was lost in the woods. I was just going in circles. When I woke up I realized I was spiritually lost. I had neglected going to church and come short in many things.

The next day some relatives came by. I knew I needed help and I was also very vulnerable. I went to meeting with them. I am so thankful to be back where I belong. While there I felt a spirit that I can't explain. I was very uncomfortable as I didn't feel the love of God amongst the people.

Please forgive me for thinking I could find what I needed there.

Thank the Lord, I have come back where I belong. In Christian love, -Sis. Nelva Stanley

MO-Dear Sis. Mary and Bro. Wayne: Trust you are all doing fine and keeping encouraged in the dear Lord.

The Lord is dear and precious to me, and I am so thankful that He keeps me able to live alone and care for myself. And we can converse with Him any time, night or day, which is a wonderful privilege....

I would appreciate your prayers in behalf of the pain in my knees. It may be arthritis, I am not sure. It is hard to get up out of a chair and start walking. I feel they may be some better, but I still have pain in them.

May God bless you all! Love and prayers, -Sis. Natalie Allen

KY-Dear family in Christ: May God bless all of you who labor in the Print Shop. The Faith and Victory paper, and all other literature which I have received from you, is a real blessing to my soul. I am so thankful to be a part of God's special family (Deuteronomy 7:6). When I surrendered my heart to God seven years ago, He saved my soul. Then He did a second work. Praise His holy name! He knew we couldn't make it on our own, so He sent the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) to teach us all things (John 14:26). And where would we be without His keeping grace (Jude 24)?

My dear Savior has kept me faithful through many trials and He is my great physician in all my afflictions. What a mighty God we serve! By His grace I will trust Him always. He promised never to leave nor forsake me. My desire is to be worthy of the love, mercy and grace He gives each day. Keep me in your prayers that I will be a faithful servant until He calls me home.

Please pray that the church here at Garrison, KY, will prosper in the Lord-and for all our unsaved family and friends.

Also, I would like to request prayer for an unsaved son-in-law who has quit smoking, that by the mercy of God he will defeat the habit.

Your sister in Christ, -Kay Griffith

OK-Dear saints: I want to thank the Lord for salvation and His tender mercies unto me. He has been so good to me all through my life, and especially the past two months. He has answered prayer many times when I would be suffering with pain in my head and ear, from an apparent ear infection. I surely do thank the Lord for helping me to feel better.

I want to thank the saints for their prayers in my behalf.

With Christian love, -Bro. Edwin Eck

VA-Dear Bro. Wayne: I have been thinking of all of you for some time. I read the Faith and Victory paper and love to hear how things are going on the new building.

I am having pain in my leg, and don't get out much.

May God bless all there, and pray for me and my family. It seems hard even to write anymore.

With love to all, -Sis. L. W. Dunman

Zambia-Dear Brothers: I greet you in the name of our Lord, Christ Jesus. I trust you are well in body and spirit. I am well here, together with the whole family in Jesus Christ's name.

May the good Lord richly bless you and protect you each hour of every day is my sincere prayer. I further ask of you to remember us here in your prayers, until God calls us from labor to reward.

Brethren, let us work for the Master more than ever before as we see His coming nearing. Here in Zambia many people are not saved. I have sought the Lord Jesus Christ, to stretch forth His saving hand and save His people here. Help us brethren by praying for us.

Your brother in Christ, -Chitushi Brian

OK-Greetings of love to all at the Print Shop, and to all who get the Faith and Victory paper.

I trust everyone enjoys the Faith and Victory as much as I do, and all the other material printed there.

Let us follow the one and only true Shepherd to the end of our short journey. -Sis. Doris Bowers

OK-Dear saints: I have been reading the Faith and Victory for many years. I will be 88 years old on February 10.

I recently fell and broke a small bone in my ankle. Praise the Lord, I have no pain with this broken ankle.

Please pray for my healing. I have problems with retaining fluid in my lungs, high blood pressure and arthritis. I know the Lord is able and willing to heal His children.

May God continue to bless the work you are doing for Him.

Christian love, -Moslette Kern

OR-Dear Bro. Wayne and all at the Print Shop: Greetings in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. We trust this will find all there well and happy in your service to the Lord.

We pray that this new year will reward your labors with many souls won to Jesus. Every day we ask God's blessings on all there and the work you are doing for Him. We look forward to receiving the Faith and Victory each month, and ask the Lord to supply every need expressed in each issue....

God is good to us and supplies all of our needs abundantly. Fern is having some health problems that we would like to ask you to pray for.

With Christian love and prayers, -Bro. Bill and Sis. Ruby Busch

KS-Dear Bro. Wayne: Happy New Year to all the Print Shop workers, and may God reward each one for your labors and sacrifice. It is so important that people get the right information to read about God, His plan and our souls. In fact, it is a matter of life and death to each person, because we need to know how to get right with God and then live right so we can escape the second death and go to heaven.

I am determined to be faithful to our wonderful God, and live with Him forever. "Just one glimpse of Him in glory will all the toils of life repay." I truly believe that.

I urge all who are saved from their sins to keep saved and walk as close as they possibly can to the Lord. I implore those who aren't to get in touch with God and acquire this wonderful salvation so they can learn to really live. It is all so wonderful and I am enjoying my journey to heaven!

Christian love, -Sis. Shirley Knight

MO-Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings to you once again in Jesus' precious and mighty name-the One who gives us hope of eternal life.

I am glad for the good I received while at the Guthrie Assembly meeting. I have also heard other good reports of the meeting from those who attended after I left. Surely the Lord met with His people. I also appreciate the kindness that was shown to me while I was there-both by His saints and the touch He gave me in my body, helping me to be able to rest the last night I was there.

I trust God to continue to bless in every phase of His work. It will be a wonderful time when all our work is done and we meet on that beautiful shore to enjoy the beautiful home He has prepared for those who love Him.

Your brother in Christ, -T. V. McMillian

WV-Dear Bro. Wayne: The Lord is still taking care of me and my children. I can't thank Him enough for the things that He has done for us. He truly has been a very present help in time of need. When you think of us, please pray for me and my children. My health is not good right now, and I am not able to work, but I know God knows what is best....

QUESTION: Because there are so many dishonest people all through our government "cheating the people," does this mean it's all right for us to claim "just a little" of our income? Many people are being paid in such a way as to avoid paying taxes. Will God "nit pick" when it comes to Hebrews 13:17?

ANSWER: The answer is "No." Absolutely not. The scriptural code that saints live by demands absolute honesty with God, with ourselves and our own souls, and with our fellow men. The Scriptures nowhere give us a right to "cheat" the "cheaters." If we cheat the "cheaters," we are "cheaters," too. The amount is not important whether it be large or small. To be dishonest in small matters or amounts indicates just as faulty a character as to be dishonest in large matters or amounts. It can be pretty accurately adjudged that one who is dishonest in small amounts would also be dishonest in large amounts if he were just in a position to do so. Let us be assured that "...God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Ecclesiastes 12:14.

This question reminds me of the story I heard about a preacher who, in going back and forth from his home to his place of worship, passed by where a chicken pen was close by the side of the road. He had noticed a real fine rooster that roosted on the fence and how easy it would be for someone to just pick him off and take him away. On one of his trips past this place when the rooster was perched on the fence as usual, he stopped and said "Mr. Rooster, some old thief is going to come by here and get you some of these nights and I think I had better just take you home with me before some old thief does come by and get you." So he lifted the rooster and took it home with him to be cooked in his pot. But in the "rescuing" the rooster from "some old thief" he became the thief himself. So with those who "cheat" the "cheaters" on income tax or in any other way become cheaters themselves.

Also every person who files an income tax return must sign an oath or affirmation that the statements contained therein are true and correct to the best of his knowledge. It also says that the penalty for signing any false statement is a fine and/or imprisonment or both. How could a Christian sign this statement knowing he had held back something and had not properly reported all of his income? My judgment is that he would suffer a worse penalty for perjuring his conscience before God than he would from the government for perjuring himself before them. God's Word says in I Peter 2:12, "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." "The Gentiles" in our case would include all unsaved people, which would include the "cheaters," too. We are instructed to have our conversation honest before them also. Let us realize that two wrongs never make a right.

Again Romans 12:17 says, "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men." Also II Corinthians 8:21 says, "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

I Corinthians 4:5 says, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God." I do not hesitate to say, in that day we will all want to receive praise from God and not condemnation. We can be assured, in that day, all the hidden things of darkness will be brought to light and the counsels of all hearts will be revealed. I Corinthians 3:13 says, "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." Also II Corinthians 5:10 says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

Finally, let us conclude that we, as well as the writer of the Hebrew epistle, are "...In all things willing to live honestly." Hebrews 13:18. Let us realize that any thing gained through fraud or dishonesty is not worth it in the end when every man will be rewarded according to his works. (Revelation 22:12.)

In regard to God "nit picking" in reference to Hebrews 13:17, let me say that the answer is again "No." It is not God who "nit picks," but it is we who do the "nit picking" with ourselves, with our fellow Christians and fellow men and even with God Himself, sometimes trying to pick out the fine points to either justify or condemn as the case may be. God never "nit picks" but He searches the heart and tries the reins of every individual (I Chronicles 28:9; I Kings 8:39; Jeremiah 11:20; I Samuel 16:7). Therefore God sees and knows the true condition of all hearts. We only see the outcroppings of things but He sees the roots of everything and the true condition of everyone's heart. Therefore He is in a position to judge everyone clearly, straight according to what He sees in the heart.

However, Hebrews 13:17 does not refer to government authorities but to spiritual authorities in the church. After instructing us to obey those who have the rule over us and submit ourselves, it goes on to say, "For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." Surely this could not apply to politicians in government because many times they could not care less about our souls and the things pertaining unto our spiritual lives. It is the God-called, God-sent, God-appointed pastors, overseers, and ministers who care for our souls and watch out for our spiritual welfare.

However, there are several other Scriptures which teach us to be subject to the governmental authorities. I Peter 2:13-14 says, "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well." In Romans 13:1-7 we read, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.... Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake (verse 5)...." Let us realize that God has ordained governments, both political and spiritual, and for us to fail to be subject to either the governmental powers or the spiritual authorities in the church indicates a disposition of rebellion in the heart, and God denounces rebellion as being equal to the sin of witchcraft. (I Samuel 15:23.)

Titus 3:1 says, "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work." In the 8th verse of his epistle, Jude speaks of a degenerate class of people who "despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities." Then he continues in verse 19 to say, "These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit." Let us realize that the Spirit of God in men's hearts makes them different from that and makes them humble, submissive and obedient to authority whether it be in the government or in the church.

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17-18.

This is a beautiful testimony by the prophet Habakkuk of God's blessings upon His children. It verifies that the Christian's inner joy is not dependent upon the circumstances of life, but the presence of God in the heart.

It is still current in our time, and we see it played out in the lives of those who know the love of our Lord.

This wonderful grace will cause the young person who has been rejected and spurned by his peers to smile with confidence because he knows what his self-worth is in the eyes of a gracious God.

This marvelous salvation will cause the farmer to survey his wheat crop recently destroyed by hail, take his family to church and lift up his voice in praise to a just and faithful Lord.

A close relationship with the Chief Shepherd will enable the just person whose companion has forsaken holy vows and broken the sacred trust of marriage, to pick up the pieces of life and thank God to be a part of the bride of Christ.

Salvation will cause those who have lost a companion in death, though grieving through empty hours of day and lonely hours of night, to lift their hearts and thank God for the hope of a city in which there is no parting.

Because of this grace, aged believers, though buffeted by affliction, will carry the glint of hope within their dim eyes, for they know it hastens them toward the harbor where Christ awaits.

This sustaining grace is accessible to all who avail themselves of the plan of redemption for which Christ died.

Every Christian is constantly evolving in his or her experience with the Lord. Situations in which we find ourselves affect our thinking, attitudes and beliefs. During this process, it is Satan's delight to rob us of inner peace. Perhaps we feel deeply about the circumstances which surround us, but as we respond to them, we should examine ourselves to make sure that what we are evolving toward is a deeper experience with Christ-an experience which will sustain us when the storm clouds of personal disaster darken our skies. At that time, what others believe or have done to us will seem insignificant. What we should seek, at all times, is a relationship with God that gives us a sweetness and serenity of spirit-one that reflects we are becoming more like Jesus.

Bro. Efrain Huerte, of the Guthrie congregation, has joined the Print Shop work force. At this time he is learning the operation of the Harris press on which we print book sections. We are glad to welcome him to assist in promoting the gospel.

Work is continuing on the new Print Shop. Ceiling tile and insulation have been ordered. Bro. Earl Benson is in the process of using his dirt moving equipment to prepare the ground behind the Print Shop for a concrete loading dock.

Ever since our visit with Bro. Matias Tangunan and the saints in the Philippines last April, we have had a burden to help them build a centrally located tabernacle among the barrios, where the potential for ministry is great. We ask for your prayers that this needed advancement can be made.

Some of our readers are already planning their vacations to coincide with different camp meetings. Therefore we plan to print as complete a list of meeting dates as possible in the March Faith and Victory.

If you would like your camp meeting to be on this list, please send the necessary information to this office by the 20th of February.

From Mexico...

January 20, 1999-Faith and Victory readers: A four-day meeting held in Culiacan, Sinaloa, November 19-22 was well attended and blessed of the Lord. The congregation under the leadership of Bro. Adelfo Gonzalez worked hard preparing for this meeting. The backless benches, chairs and the walls were newly painted. Scraps of carpet were placed in front of the altar bench, visitations were made and the young people and children had learned new songs which they sang as specials. As I sat listening to the children singing, I noticed there were eight couples sitting together with their families. Strong family relationships are very important for the progress of any church. I met women whose husbands have either left them or just do not come to service, several elderly sisters and three single young men who take an active part in the congregation. Bro. Adelfo encourages leadership-each service was led by one of the brothers. Three of these feel called to the ministry. Bro. Adelfo feels two are ready to lead a group in another part of the city. They need to rent or buy a building at that location.

We are glad that Bro. Joe Fine flew down to Culiacan. His preaching was effectual and after his testimony Saturday night many sought help at the altar. Pastor Adelfo had requested that we find an evangelist for the meeting. Bro. Joe filled that need and his presence was much appreciated by all. Sunday morning I taught the junior children's group. I had only twelve students. The two Sunday school classes meet behind the church in a space 20 by 6 feet. We carried benches out and placed them back to back, so my group faced me and the other group faced their teacher. When the classes were finished, we carried the benches back to be used for service. They hope to build stairs to the flat roof and construct Sunday school rooms up there before their spring meeting. The chapel door and window openings have not yet been fitted with steel security frames.

It is very evident that this pastor and wife are consistently working, building up this congregation through regular services and much visitation. Monday after the meeting we helped the brethren wash down and clean the fire-damaged home of a young woman who has come to services a few times. Her husband, a drug addict, had set fire to the house. On Tuesday we visited a school teacher brother who would like services in his area of the city. It is difficult for him to come as he is confined to a wheel chair.

After this meeting, Pastor Adelfo and Sis. Minerva traveled with us 1,500 miles to their home state of Chiapas. There we visited Bro. Adelfo and Sis. Minerva's people in several towns and in a village in the mountains, where they are harvesting the berries of the coffee tree. Bananas are abundant and many flowering trees are in bloom. For breakfast, we were served the blossom of the pitalla plant dipped in egg and fried. In Motozintla we stayed at Carlos and Reina Gonzales' home. Carlos is the director of a school that was greatly damaged by the flood on Sept. 8, 1998. Their three-bedroom house is now a home for 20 relatives who lost their homes in the tropical storm. The word of God was received there and several are interested in being saved. Carlos said, "We are seriously considering and want to know more."

Sis. Minerva's parents, Bro. Romelo and Sis. Seria Escobar, have a little congregation where they stay with a son who has a little farm. He plants and harvests corn by hand. We were there for several days and for two Sunday services. These old people are faithful in ministering the Word to some Guatemalan families, and to some of their own families that have strayed from the Lord.

After returning to Culiacan we visited a family of believers 15 miles away in a rural town. They cried when they saw Bro. Adelfo and begged him to come and have services with them, for no preacher comes to their little chapel anymore.

Please keep praying for these congregations, and that workers may be trained and sent out to the fields, ready to harvest and ask the Lord, "What will you have me to do?"

We are thankful to have our son, Tim, and his family here with us. They are a great help and encouragement, and we get to enjoy the children. They stayed in Pacoima, CA, after the Pacoima winter meeting, to help remodel the kitchen of the dining hall. Now he is here and hard at work finishing the house he is building for a needy family. This morning he found that someone broke into this house and took some of his and a helper's tools last night. As soon as this house is finished he wants to build a second story over our crowded office. He would appreciate any help on these projects.

In Christian love, -Charlotte Huskey

From India

December 17, 1998-Dear Bro. Wayne Murphey: Greetings to you and the dear saints in America, in the glorious name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.

We are getting prepared for our 34th General convention which starts on January 6, 1999, and lasts for five days....

May God open the way to get the new Print Shop building completed very soon.

Yours in Him, -Bro. John Varghese

From Nigeria...

November 12, 1998-Dear Bro. Wayne Murphey and the saved ones: Greetings in the glorious name of the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, the Word of God, the Self-Existing God and the Amen. We are indebted with gratitude unto Him for overshadowing us with defense, reservation and deliverance. Praise Him forever! All that He planted will never droop nor whither, being watered of Him to grow luxuriously.

Unavoidably we have to draw the attention of the saints to the sad plight into which we have been plunged. The largest flood ever seen in twenty years, indescribably huge, suddenly descended with great rapidity upon our farm-land on October 13th and all of our crops of both the old and the new farms were inundated in a pool of waters of fearful depth. All of our food crops have been destroyed. The loss is lamentably huge and heart rending. Hunger is a sure confrontation in our midst. It cannot be ignored. Our eyes shall see its torture with effect from December 1998 to November 1999.

The Ubah congregation is partially cut off from communication by the flood. This writer will make it to Ubah to console the flood victims when the flood goes down and the road becomes accessible. Bro. Samuel Obit, of the Ubah congregation, not only lost the crops of his farms, but also his home and his entire belongings to the flood.

With a view to reducing our sufferings which the flood disaster has caused, we call upon the saints to enlist to us their sympathy. We need food, or means to buy food items, for distribution from time to time. No one can make a good man in a hungry body. Your cooperation should be channeled through Bro. Wayne Murphey, Faith Publishing House, P. O. Box 518, Guthrie, OK 73044.

Yours in His service, -Bro. Titus U. E. Enu

(Editor's note: A contribution of $450.00 which the saints have donated to help in the Nigerian relief effort will be transmitted to Bro. Enu the first of February. As stated in the above report, consistent monetary help is needed throughout this year. If you have the means to help relieve this need, it would surely be a blessing.)

From the Philippines...

January 4, 1999-Dear Brother and Sister Murphey: New Year's greetings to every one of you from your brothers and sisters in the Philippines. We thank the Lord for His living and mighty hands which protected, guided and cared for us, and provided our needs throughout the year of 1998. We are so thankful for our lives and health, especially our salvation which gives us peace, hope and joy in the midst of hardships, trials and persecutions. We thank the Lord for the privilege of leading souls to the Lord.

There were four precious people baptized on December 27, 1998. We also had fellowship and thanksgiving services on December 28-29, 1998. Oh, how precious and pleasant it is to be with brothers and sisters, to sing together, share our experiences with the Lord and pray together. Our souls were filled with spiritual food, and we gained energy to face the New Year of 1999....

Please accept our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your loving concern for us and for the needs of the gospel work in the Philippines. May the loving heavenly Father bless you abundantly so that you can continue your good work for the cause of Christ and for the salvation of precious souls in the world. We do not know how long we shall be given the opportunity to preach the gospel, but we know that it will not be very long. Next year will be the close of 2000 years. May the loving heavenly Father give us a plentiful harvest of souls in this New Year of 1999. Thank you so much for your unending love to us!

Your brother in the gospel field,

-Bro. Matias S. Tangunan and family