We began the lectures with singing as always. Since several of the denominational people who attended yesterday were not present at the time to start the first lecture, we decided to change our planned schedule of lessons. We started with me teaching from Luke 9 and Luke 14 on “Counting the Cost.” Several of the attendees came during the lesson and were able to hear the points made. Te lesson was also given for the benefit of several new converts who have attended the lectures and have been very happy to hear things that have helped them to grow more quickly. They have been very expressive of their thanks for the opportunity, demonstrating their joy in learning more of God’s word. Several of them have 4 or more children, but have stayed with them all day to hear for the 8 to 9 hours of lectures each day.
Lordy Salunga preached next on Calvinism, giving special concentration to the teaching of “Total Hereditary Depravity.” It was an excellent lesson! I plan to copy his charts and preach the lesson at home. The lesson was much needed and well received by the denominational visitors whom I noted nodding affirmatively as Lordy made his points. His lesson was the most thorough and powerful sermon I have heard on the subject. It was logical, clear and compelling.We finished the morning session with me preaching on “Salvation & Saul.” The lesson stressed that Saul (or Paul) was NOT saved at the point of (a) faith only, (b) the personal appearance of Jesus, (c) repentance and prayer, or (d) receiving a miracle. Instead, it showed Paul was saved at the point of water baptism for the remission of sins.
During several lectures with denominational people in years past, it has become clear that there is much confusion due to the premillennial doctrine. So, a lesson on the topic was specifically requested for this lectureship. I preached on the subject for a little over 2 hours. At the first, it was obvious the denominational folks were very confident in their belief of Premillennialism, even nodding agreement to the points of the doctrine as I explain what it teaches. However, as the lesson progressed, their expression went from concern to shock to consideration to open agreement
with the point of refutation to the doctrine. By the end of the lesson, several made clear their acceptance of the truth and rejection of Premillennialism.After that lesson, we had another question and answer period. Two denominational preachers took the lead in two different lines of questioning. The first was an attempt to justify the use of instrumental music in worship. That ended fairly quick with an admission that they could not explain why they would accept instrumental music in worship, but not burning incense, though both were commanded in the Old Testament. So, the topic shifted to questioning whether baptism is necessary for the remission of sins or salvation. The first effort was to ask about the man who was sick and dying, but not able to be baptized. When that failed, several other attempts were made. Finally, one of them settled on Romans 10:9-10 mentioning faith and confession, but not baptism. I asked the man to read Luke 13:3 and then asked if that sick man could be saved without repenting. After several attempts to evade, he finally admitted the man could not be saved without repenting. I reminded him that repentance is not mentioned in Romans 10:9-10, so he recognized that all needed for salvation was not found in just those two verses, but all that God says must be accepted and obeyed – including baptism.
Jonathan finished the lectures with a lesson on “Obedience.” It was fantastic! My plan is to copy that one as well. (Lordy and John are both excellent preachers in their own languages and in English as well – I wish all of you could have heard their great lessons!) John then extended the invitation for those in attendance to obey the gospel. I know of no way John could have done a better job in giving the lesson, from start to finish. His content was clear and convincing. His presentation was filled with Scripture and powerful in delivery. I am so blessed to be working with these brethren who are among the best I have ever heard.
When the invitation was extended, seven (2 men and 5 women) came to be baptized. Of that number, three were denominational preachers – the 2 oldest women and the oldest of the men. The local brethren made arrangements to baptize the seven as we had to finish some business with the venue and get on the road.We are now in the lobby of the hotel in Tacloban while they load the van with our bags. I am hurrying to get off this report by e-mail, but will probably have to wait on posting it to the blog with pictures until after we get to Ormoc City – a 2-hour drive from here. God bless!
Brotherly, Harry O.
