Lord's Day in Tuguegarao

We met with the Metro Tuguegarao congregation this morning for worship. Ryan Thomas who is visiting the Gumpads from Michigan taught the Bible class. He brought an excellent lesson on “Some Things That Destroy” from 2nd Thessalonians 1:6-9. Ron Halbrook preached in the next hour on “New Beginnings in Christ.” He covered the new covenant, new kingdom and new birth that we have in Christ and did his usual good and thorough job. Lordy Salunga went with Rolando Agpoon to preach for the Villa Salud congregation. After lunch, all went out to smaller congregations in the area to preach. There were no baptisms today at Tuguegarao and none that I know about in the area.

This is the first Sunday that I have ever been in the Philippines without preaching anywhere. Though I am feeling better than a few days ago, I am still feeling the effects of the infection. My voice is coming back, but it is not yet strong. So, I decided it was best to rest it today as it will be needed over the next two weeks to finish this training effort. I spent my afternoon resting and preparing for the classes since I have several days coming up with 4 classes each day.

Thank you again for the prayers on our behalf. May the Lord bless all of you as you serve Him on this Lord’s day as well.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Saturday in PTP

Today our classes were on a shortened schedule that we will use on Saturdays. Many of the men need to go home so that they can preach on Sunday. So, we must end the classes by 4pm to allow time for travel.

My Old Testament Prophets class covered Jeremiah and Lamentations this morning – a real challenge to do in 45 minutes. We were able to note the outline of the books and cover some key passages in each as well as talking about Jeremiah as a man and the challenges he faced. The New Testament Survey class that normally meets in the afternoon became the last morning class in the compressed schedule. We covered the gospel of Mark today. We noted the focus of the book on the miracles and how the accounts of the miracles lead the teaching in this book. Our Church History class focused on the effects of the official Roman persecution against Christians from AD 100 to the edict making it legal in AD 313 under Constantine. We saw that the persecution tended to strengthen the church and kept it morally pure. It also caused Christians to have a diligent search for the book that constituted the “canon” since they had to be sure they were truly of God if they were to suffer because of their teaching.

Since our classes ended early, we returned to the hotel early. As I finish this report and try to post it, Lordy, Ron and I are all eating supper together at the hotel café. We will be going to different places to preach tomorrow, the Lord willing.

Several had asked to see a picture of Otey, so I am including it as the last picture on the blog. Please keep him in your prayers.

Thank you again for your concern. May the Lord be with all of you.

Brotherly, Harry O.

A Day of Joy & Sadness

Today, I was able to meet my full schedule of classes. My throat is doing much better and I felt more strength coming through the day. When I spoke, I relied heavily on the microphone and spoke without straining the voice. I am thankful for the prayers offered on my behalf and trust that God continues to help through His providence.

Our classes had to be in a different venue today. There was a scheduled, general blackout in Tuguegarao today that was announced yesterday. (As I understand it, power usage has been unusually high due to hotter than normal temperatures over the past few days, so they had to shut off power today for repairs and regeneration.) Ron arranged to rent a function room in the hotel where we are staying because it has its own generator to continue power in such circumstances. So, we simply took our schedule of classes and taught them here. It was both necessary and ideal, but not cheap.

My first class on Old Testament Prophets covered an overview to the book of Isaiah. We emphasized the pattern of the prophets in making a near term prophecy so that, when it was fulfilled, the people had confidence in the distant future prophecies concerning the Messianic kingdom. The New Testament Survey class covered the book of Matthew in overview form. We emphasized the Sermon on the Mount as teaching the foundational points upon which the remainder of the book is based: the difference between the OT physical kingdom and the spiritual kingdom of the Messiah. My last class was on Church History and covered the period from the end of the first century through about 250 A.D. We noted how apostasy is always the result when we take our focus off of the divine pattern of Scripture and start to focus upon the thoughts, philosophy and writings of man.

Since the classes were in our hotel, I spent a great deal of time in the classes of Lordy and Ron during the day. It was very enjoyable to hear them teach their subjects. At the end of each class, we also took questions from the students and had some excellent discussions that were very spirited at times. All remain very open to hear and discuss the issues seeking the will of God.

The day ended on a note that was both intensely sad, but yet giving a point of hope for the future. Otey Pastor, 33, is a preacher in this area and is a student in our classes. Last night and early this morning, he received text messages from home saying he must return home to fact serious problems. When Otey was 19 years old, a tragedy struck his life. His family had their land seized by some people. The courts ruled in favor of Otey’s family, but the land grabbers would not recognize the authority of the court. A woman whose husband was an NPA leader (communist rebels) went into their house armed with a gun. Otey and his brother followed her in and a struggle took place. The woman was killed and Otey maintained it was in self-defense. That explanation was accepted at that time, but the woman’s family is very influential and has fought to get some revenge. In short, they succeeded in getting Otey convicted through courts where they gained influence. Though his lawyers were trying to appeal the decision to a higher court where he might get a fair hearing, the corrupt officials are now demanding he surrender and go to prison. Though he is clearly innocent, it seems that Otey will have to start serving a 6 to 8 year sentence next week. His lawyer believes that will be reduced to 3 years with good behavior. Even 3 years in the prisons here is an unimaginable horror to anyone in our country. I have preached in and seen the conditions these prisoners are under and it is unspeakable. I do not know about you, but when I consider Otey’s situation, my own problems seem very trivial! Even 3 years in the prisons here is an unimaginable horror to anyone in our country who has not seen the conditions these prisoners are under. I do not know about you, but when I consider Otey’s situation, my own problems seem very trivial! In addition to Otey, his wife and small children will also be sentenced to a period of great suffering and deprivation as well as losing the love and care of their dear husband and father. We told the class of the problem and let Otey address them. There were no dry eyes, but we all joined in prayer about the situation. Otey has a good attitude and is determined to serve God by teaching the gospel in prison and living by faith. The cases of Joseph, Daniel and Paul were cited as examples to emulate. I ask each of you to please pray earnestly for this dear brother that God through His providential care may protect Otey. Our hearts are grieved beyond words, yet we have hope that our God is still in control and will work to bring about whatever is best for His will.

On a brighter note, Jack Jaco sent word tonight that 3 have been baptized as a result of the Bacolod lectures last week. Two women and one man, a denominational preacher, were baptized. The denominational preacher has brought 50 of the members where he has been preaching to hear the gospel as well. Please pray that these 50 will soon understand and obey the truth. Jack Jaco and Jonathan Carino will continue to follow-up in these teaching efforts.

At times like these, I find it impossible to express what is in my heart to those who have made this trip possible. In addition to Otey’s trials noted above, the teaching of those from backgrounds that are not sound and other challenges of teaching much material in a very limited time, we have also been dealing with some very serious situations in families that are at a critical point. With all of my heart, I believe God has made it possible for us to be here at this time by your generosity in so many ways. For my part, I want to thank you for making it possible that I can be here to do work that I believe is essential and more needed than any of us could fully comprehend. There are no words to express my thanks, but I want you to know that I feel you are every bit as much involved in doing this work as I am. Somehow, I just hope you can understand that I am so very thankful for you concern and help in every way. May God bless you all.

Brotherly, Harry O.

First Full Day of Classes

This was the first day for a full schedule of classes, but it did not turn out that way for me. I taught the introductory lesson for two of my classes (Old Testament Prophets and New Testament Survey), but could not teach my Church History class. My sore throat and loss of voice became much worse today to the point that I can hardly talk above a whisper. I think I have a bit of a head cold with the accompanying sinus headache. So, I returned to the hotel where I am remaining totally quiet while studying for tomorrow’s classes and trying to get some rest. My problem with the throat seemed to develop at the hotel in Iloilo which smelled strongly of mold. It may not have been my best move to try and save money by staying there after all. Ron and Lordy are taking up the slack for me by extending their classes and I will make up my time when I am able to talk, the Lord willing. Until then, they are all enjoying the solitude of my silence.

There is some very good news to report among the students. As many of you know, it is not unusual in these classes for someone from a denomination to hear about these classes and approach Rody about attending. This year, one man from the Christian Church, Jess Adolfo, asked to come and was allowed to do so. Though we arrived yesterday, Rody has been having classes with these students since last Monday. Yesterday, Jess made the decision to be baptized into Christ and we rejoice in having a new brother in Christ. We have several additional students from other parts of the Philippines, some only arrived today. Three are from churches that are not sound – two from the “mutual edification” movement and one with the liberals. We will be working on those topics as well. This group of students is a joy to work with as they are very attentive and diligent.

Please excuse this short report, but I am not feeling up to writing much. May the Lord be with you in every effort to draw nearer to Him.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Preacher Training Program (PTP) Begins

Today’s report is being written under less pressure than yesterday’s report. Yesterday, I was able to post to the blog at the airport in Iloilo after checking in for the flight to Manila. Then, I started to get the e-mail form ready to send and they called for boarding as I did so. I was the last passenger on the plane as I waited for it to finish sending. Today, I am sitting comfortably in Rody Gumpad’s office as I write. Much better!

After meeting Ron Halbrook in Manila last night, we flew by Cebu Pacific to Tuguegarao this morning. After going to check-in and unpack at the hotel, we came back to the Gumpad house where we ate our lunch. It was another wonderful meal from Tessie as usual.

Lordy Salunga was already teaching this morning, but we all taught in an abbreviated schedule this afternoon. Lordy taught an overview for the book of Galatians. I taught the introductory lesson to Church History dealing with the history of the first century church as we see recording in the New Testament. Ron taught the first of his classes on “Issues That Divided Brethren.”

The students are not mostly younger men as in the classes we have conducted previously. These men are the older preachers in the area who have asked that we allow them to go through the training. So, most are the sound brethren with whom I have worked in numerous trips to this area. They have excellent attitudes and a great desire to learn more. I expect this to be one of our best preacher training efforts to date.

On a personal note, my voice is even worse today than it was yesterday. I am hoping the lighter speaking schedule over the next few days will get it back to normal, but I am hoarse and have a very sore throat at this time. The heat in the Visayas also left me with a very bad heat rash around my neck and shoulders. It is not any fun when this stuff hits me. I would appreciate your prayers that I might improve and allow me to fulfill my responsibility more easily.

Thank you again for your prayers and concern on our behalf. Rody, Lordy, Ron and I are all looking forward to the training effort and working with one another in this effort. Please keep us in your prayers as you are in our prayers.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Iloilo Lectures End

Since of last day of lectures here in Iloilo had to end at 3pm, we got started early. Instead of taking any breaks in the sessions we had one lecture follow another continuously with only one break long enough only to eat lunch. I was able to get in four lessons with two additional lessons given by John and one by Jack. Fortunately, I finished the last lesson just before my voice gave out.

Jack started the morning session with leading several songs. Jonathan followed with a lesson on “The Organization of the Church.” He abbreviated it from the full form, but still covered the main points very well. I followed with the third and final lesson on “The Work of the Holy Spirit” covering the Spirit’s work in the salvation of the sinner. From that lesson, I immediately went into one on “The Rule & Reign of Christ” from Psalm 110. The lesson showed the beginning of Christ reign as King over His kingdom as having taken place at His ascension and that He now rules as King and also Priest while on the throne. We also noted the end of that reign to be when Christ returns at the resurrection. The lesson was added to the lecture series because of the prevalence of Premillennialism among those in attendance. John gave the final lesson of the morning on “The Worship of the NT Church.”

The afternoon session started with my sermon on “Why We Do Not Burn Incense in Worship Today.” As noted before, this is a back door approach to dealing with instrumental music in worship today. The lesson had the same effect as in Bacolod with nodding heads and “amens” until the very end when they understood the application. Jack followed with a lesson on “Bible Baptisms” to show a distinction between the baptism commanded by Christ and other baptisms of the Bible. I gave the last lesson on “Who Is a Christian?” examining the contexts where the term “Christian” is used to identify what characteristics identified one as a Christian.

After the last lecture, Jack Jaco made some comments inviting the obedience of those who saw the need to be baptized in the name of Christ for the remission of sins. No one responded visibly at that time, but John and Jack will follow up in the future with several. Several came to me afterwards and said they were getting very close. Two have invited John and Jack to hold meetings for their denominational group. We hope and pray good things of these efforts. It works best when these lectures open the door and local men follow-up to impress the lessons more fully.

Thank you again for your prayers and support. I must go quickly as the flight to Manila is about to be called. I will try to send this before leaving. May the Lord bless you as you do His will.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Lectures Begin in Iloilo

The lectures in Bacolod started this morning with a registered attendance of 67. We are at the same venue used last November, but on the second floor. The interest again seems very high and the crowd almost exclusively made up of denominational people, mostly preachers.

Jack Jaco started the morning session with some comments and then led several songs. I began the preaching with the lesson on “The Principles of Restoration” from 2nd Kings 22-23. Emphasis was placed on the fact that Judah’s disobedience was due to an ignorance of God’s word and that restoration could only take place by returning obediently to God’s law. We saw such obedience required a whole-hearted and humble person such as Josiah. We made particular application to the need for leaders to do the same thing with the same attitude whenever it is found that we have drifted away from the standard of truth.

Jonathan Carino followed with a short lesson on “The Sum of Thy Word Is Truth” just as he did in Bacolod. His lesson emphasized the need to hear all that God says on any subject, not just part of it.

Before the lunch break, I taught the first of the three part series on “The Work of the Holy Spirit.” I dealt in some detail with the background principles learned from the Old Testament about the work of the Holy Spirit. We repeatedly noted that the Spirit’s work can be summed up as involving two aspects: (1) instructing and (2) blessing. We noted His work with Israel in both aspects and laid the groundwork for points to be applied later regarding the indwelling of the Spirit, the temporary nature of miracles that confirm a truth, the Spirit working through the agency of the word and other principles.

After lunch, we again started with a period of singing hymns. John then gave his lesson on “The Identity, Nature, Work & Worship of the Church.” He spent a good period of time showing that the NT “church of Christ” and the “kingdom of Christ” are two descriptions of the same group of people under the guidance of Christ who are saved by Him. It was again an excellent lesson much needed by the denominational audience. Several demonstrated obvious agreement with the principles even though they had not previously believed the points taught. Several made comments attesting to that fact after the lecture.

My second part on “The Work of the Holy Spirit” dealt with the purpose and duration of miraculous action. The attention during the lesson was excellent and very well-mannered, unlike the situation in Bacolod. We started by defining the term “miracle” and showing the nature of miracles so termed by Scripture, OT and NT. Several examples of miracles were examined in some detail to show application of the principles stated. We then contrasted Bible miracles with the so-called “miracles” claimed today. The crowd was very quiet, respectful and interested as we spent an extended time on 1st Corinthians 13 showing the intended cessation of miraculous action with the completed and confirmed revelation of the gospel.

Since the lectures went fairly long today, we had only 10 to 15 minutes for questions and answers. One man ask about whether we could be sure the church and kingdom of Christ were the same people. I reaffirmed some of the same points John had already made plus showing that Colossians 1 clearly identifies the same people “translated into the kingdom” (v 13) and those “redeemed” by Christ and identified a the “body” or “church” in verse 18. It is obvious that the audience is steeped in Premillennialism and we will probably need to plow that ground again tomorrow.

Thank you again for your help and interest in this work. You are in our prayers daily because of your love for lost souls and your concern that they have the opportunity to hear and obey God’s will. Please continue to pray that we will so proclaim that truth that these souls may have it clearly presented to their minds so that they may respond as they have prepared their hearts. May God bless and keep you all as you serve Him.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Victorias and Travel to Iloilo

We had originally intended to help a new work in Bacolod begin meeting today, but the one providing the meeting place and one of the main helpers both had serious medical problems causing a cancelation of those plans. So, we traveled an hour from Bacolod to Victorias City where Jack Jaco preaches. Jack taught the class and I preached on “God Satisfies the Longing Soul” from Psalm 107:8-9. We worshipped our Lord in spirit and truth here just as you also do today back in the States. At the close of the service, two people (one man and one woman.) came to be baptized.

After services, we drove back to Bacolod, ate and packed quickly for our trip to Iloilo. We boarded the Super-Cat (a hydro-foil type ship) to make the short sea passage from Negros to Panay Island. The trip took about one hour over very rough seas. It was pitch and roll the entire time with very large, breaking swells visible out the windows with intermittent splashes against them. It was not one of my better sea-going experiences.

Upon arrival in Iloilo, the noise level was noticeably increased to anything I had experienced before. As we went toward the hotel, it kept increasing all of the way. When we got to the hotel, the reason became very apparent. Though I hate to admit it, I went to several rock concerts in my youth. None of them prepared me for what I heard upon arrival to the hotel and continue to hear despite having earplugs in with Bose noise-cancelation headphones over that. This is the final day of the main fiesta in Iloilo. People are dressed in native costumes (and NO you do not want to see them) and are dancing in the streets – kind of a native Mardi Gras. There are 6 massive towers of speakers on the street in front of the hotel by a built-up stage with “musical” performances and recordings blaring non-stop (mostly drums and bass). Our taxi literally shook and I had to grab my ears on passing one of the speaker towers. I was painful at that decibel level! The bass is turned up so high that I can feel every note 3 floors up as I am writing this in my bed. It is now 5:30pm and it is to continue until 10:30pm. We are about to go to the mall to eat and escape the worst of the noise. (Upon getting back from the mall we just heard the bad news that there will be a very loud fireworks display from 10 to 10:30pm. Thrills!

I had booked a room at the hotel where we normally stay, but canceled it this morning when I learned the rates would be almost triple what I paid in November. (They said that it was a “special fiesta rate.”) Those of you who know me can imagine how well that set with me. So, I arranged to stay at the cheaper hotel being used as the venue for the lectures. I will let you know how it looks when it stops shaking enough that I can see it clearly. It would be even more miserable if I was paying three prices to endure it.

The Lord willing, we will begin with the lectures here in the morning. Hope your day of worship with other saints goes well as you together lift up praise and devotion to our Lord. May God be with you and His name be glorified.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Open Door in Sagay City

It was an early start to the morning when my alarm went off, but I was able to finish all preparations and we were on the road at 7am. The trip to Sagay City does not cover a very long distance, but it takes a full two hours. Like most highways in the Philippines, it is very rough and has sections that are not paved. Every conceivable kind of transportation is seen as one travels on these roads – car, tractor, motorbike, buses with massive black clouds of exhaust, trucks of unbelievable variety and antiquity, various peddle-power vehicles, carabao (water buffalo) and even people on foot in the middle of the road. It never ceases to amaze me!

When we got to the venue, we had to change the set-up of room to use the projector. It was a large room on the second floor with windows fully taking up two of the four walls. By rearranging the room, we were able to make the projection of the charts visible. The audience numbered over 100 people. This was a larger crowd than expected, so the cost was again greater than anticipated, but well worth it. About 80% of the people were denominational, the far greater part being denominational preachers and their families. Pentecostals made up at least 75% of that denominational crowd.

Jack Jaco started the lectures by leading several songs. I followed with a lesson on “The Inspiration of Scripture” noting that God chose the very words given in Scripture and did so exactly as He intended. Since God gave it exactly as He intended, man may not change anything about it – it is our pattern for acceptable faith and practice. This started us out on common ground as well as laying the groundwork with principles to be applied later.

Jonathan then preached on “The Church in the New Testament” showing that God had it in mind from eternity and gave it exactly as He chose. He dealt with its nature and identity in an overview fashion.

After lunch, I preached all afternoon with Jack leading two songs between the lessons. My first lesson was on “Holy Living in Christ,” a basic lesson on the moral conduct commanded for Christians. The principles were shown from the Scripture and then specific application was made to show the condemnation of using intoxicants, dancing as well as other forms of lasciviousness, immodest dress, sexual immorality and ungodly speech. The lesson had the dual purpose of exhorting the Christians to be careful in maintain godly lives and showing the denominational crowd that we take seriously our profession of faith beyond the point of initial salvation. During the lessons, many “amens” and other expressions of agreement were abundantly heard from the denominational folks. Jonathan had asked me to preach that lesson and I could quickly see his wisdom in the choice. You could almost see an instant credibility with the crowd as they saw we were interested in true spirituality and they were obviously more ready to hear the rest that we had to teach.

The second lesson was “Salvation and Saul” showing the truth in contrast to many false ideas of when and how Saul was saved. It refuted many of the common errors concerning salvation like the faith only doctrine, the “altar call religion” concepts of repenting and praying through, the so-called “sinner’s prayer” for salvation, miraculous confirmation of salvation and so forth. The crowd was extremely attentive and following in their Bibles with every passage cited. It was obvious that they were shocked to see some of their most basic beliefs challenged, but they were not offended or repulsed. Instead, they became very sober in their expressions and were seriously considering the points because the Scriptures were so clear in their teaching – especially concerning the essentiality of water baptism in salvation as the point at which our sins are forgiven through the blood of Christ. Toward the end of the lesson, the oldest and most respected of the Pentecostal preachers raised his hand to ask if I would allow him to say a few things and seek some clarification. It was obvious that he did not agree, but I sensed that he was honestly seeking and not just trying to divert attention from the impact of the truth. We then began an exchange which lasted for almost an hour. Of all the exchanges I have ever had with denominational preachers, this was by far the most fruitful and promising! Yes, the man is confused about the purpose and effect of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but I believe he is honestly searching for the truth and he saw that the Scripture does not support some of his previous concepts. I am as excited about the prospects for future work with this man as I have ever been with anyone!!! He is very influential among the Pentecostals in that whole region and he has opened the door for future discussion with us. His attitude and openness were truly refreshing! I do not believe he is far from the kingdom. Please pray for this man, Richard.

Thank you again for reading this report and having concern for the work being done. The Lord willing, we will be with the brethren in Victorias City tomorrow morning for the Lord’s Day worship and then travel to Iloilo. May God bless and keep you in His care.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Bacolod Lectures End

The lectures resumed this morning with 108 registered attendees. We started again with a few songs led by Jack Jaco. I preached first with the third part of “The Work of the Holy Spirit” series, the one dealing with the Spirit’s work in the salvation of the sinner. The lesson detailed the NT teaching showing the Spirit works by persuading the individual of truth through His revelation and calls for a free-will response of obedience in order to come to the promise of salvation. This was contrasted with the error taught in the denominations wherein they affirm the Spirit overwhelms an individual to act without his free will having been persuaded to do so. There was very good attention even from the Pentecostal preachers who talked less during the lesson than they did the previous day. The larger number of Baptist preachers were also very attentive, though obviously unconvinced.

Jonathan Carino followed with a lesson on “True Worship versus Vain Worship.” It was a very thorough lesson that made specific application to the varying practices called “worship” in the denominational world and comparing them to the worship of the NT church as we read in the Scripture. After his lesson, I preached a lesson on “Why We Do Not Burn Incense in Worship Today.” As you will see in the outline of the lesson which follows this report, the point of the lesson is not really burning incense, but instrumental music. The denominational preachers were nodding in agreement as I made each point in showing why we should not burn incense in worship, as the Catholics do, and they agreed with the answering of arguments to justify the practice. There were even a number of “amens” heard from the various preachers, both Baptist and Pentecostal. However, when we showed that the arguments to justify instruments of music in worship are just as fallacious, you could have heard a pin drop and the heads stopped nodding.

At the break for lunch, a number of the denominational preachers, both Pentecostal and Baptist, had a gathering and it became obvious as to their decision. When we began the afternoon session, about 50 less were in attendance. (There were 58 present at the end of the afternoon session.)

So, we continued with Jack Jaco preaching a lesson on “Calvinism.” I followed with a sermon on “Who Is a Christian?” that examined the contexts in which the term “Christian” appears in Scripture to see their characteristics. Towards the end of the lesson, I had an extended addition on the need to count the cost before deciding to become a Christian by obeying the gospel. We noted the fact that, if one leaves a denomination to obey the truth, that one will suffer persecution, rejection and opposition of various kinds. There was no attempt to “sugar-coat” anything, but every attempt to have each one recognize the full effects of coming to salvation in Christ. For the final lesson, Jonathan preached on “Why People Are Lost.” I asked John to take time to develop and apply his lesson appealing to the audience by showing the factors that lead many to reject the gospel in this culture and contrast that with what is necessary to truly follow Christ. It was a great and compelling lesson – it clearly caused the audience to think soberly. At the end, he extended the invitation of the Lord. No one responded to be baptized. It was disappointing, but not entirely unexpected after what had been seen earlier in the day.

After the lectures, I again went to the mall where we could eat more cheaply as I needed to discuss with five Filipino brethren the work yet ahead. The Lord willing, our Saturday will have an early start as we must be on the road by 7am to make the 2-hour drive and be ready to start in Sagay City at 9am. Since last night was a very short one without much sleep, I am going to try to get to sleep early tonight and be ready for a 5am wake-up time. Thank you again for your support and interest in this work. Please keep us in your prayers for safe travels and open door. May God’s great blessing be upon you as you serve Him in sincerity and truth.

Brotherly, Harry O.

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Why We Do Not Burn Incense in Worship Today
Exodus 30:1-8

Some Try Justifying Incense Burned in Worship Today by Saying…

I. They Used It In O.T. Worship
A. The use of incense was commanded in Old Testament worship
(1) Exod. 30:1-8
(2) Lev. 16:11-14
(3) So were animal sacrifice, Sabbath keeping, etc.
B. We are not under O.T. law because it was done away in Christ & replaced by gospel
(1) 2 Cor. 3:12-14 Old law “done away in Christ”
(2) Gal. 3:23-25 Tutor to bring us to Christ
(3) Eph. 2:14-15 Broke down dividing wall (law)
(4) Col. 2:13-14 Law nailed to cross = taken away
(5) Heb. 7:11-12 Priesthood changed, law changed

II. David Used It In Worship

A. David worshipped in the temple which involved burning incense
(1) 1 Chron. 23:12-13
(2) 1 Chron. 28:11, 18-19
(3) Psa. 141:2
B. David under different law & did things we cannot do under the law of Christ
(1)Animal sacrifice
(2)Polygamy
(3)Sabbath keeping
C. We are under the law of gospel & must find authority for all actions by that law

III. Greek Word for “Smell” (eudia) Refers to Incense
A. Used of acceptable service in Phil. 4:18
(1) Thayer’s lexicon says Greek word eudia means “a fragrant or sweet smelling thing; incense”
B. Does use of the word eudia authorized burning incense in N.T. worship?
(1) The “smell” or incense was the service “acceptable and well-pleasing to God”
(2) Not speaking of literal use of incense, but of figurative reference to acceptable service
(3) Acceptable service to God requires positive, divine authority for the action (Col. 3:17)

IV. It Is Used In Heaven
A. Revelation speaks of incense used in heaven
(1)Rev. 5:8
(2) Rev. 8:1-4
B. Do these references to incense in heaven prove that we can use incense in worship?
(1) References to incense are not literal, but figurative as the book is full of figures
(2) Incense is figurative of prayers
(3) Absurdity is result if context is taken literally
(4) Heaven is spiritual realm & not pattern for our worship in this physical realm
C. Must abide in Bible authorized practice (2 John 9)

V. These Arguments Do Not Justify the Action
A. For Burning Incense in Worship Today
(1) Used incense in Old Testament worship
(2) David used incense in worship
(3) Greek word for “smell” (eudia) means “incense”
(4)Book of Revelation refers to incense used in heaven
B. For Instrumental Music in Worship Today
(1) Used instrumental music in O.T. worship
(2) David worshipped with instruments
(3) Greek word for “make melody” (psallo) means “to pluck”
(4) Book of Revelation refers to musical instruments used in heaven

Lectures in Bacolod - First Day

Our lectures in Bacolod started this morning with about 100 in attendance at the same venue used last November. Though the number in attendance is down from our last lectures, the interest seemed to be very high. The composition of the crowd seemed to be about 25% of Christians and 75% denominational members, mostly preachers.

Jack Jaco led the audience in several songs to begin the morning session. I then preached on “The Principles of Restoration” from the time of Josiah (2 Kings 22-23). We saw that Judah had fallen into disobedience because of their ignorance of God’s word and that restoration could only take place by returning to God’s law and obeying all of it. We made applications about the need to do the same thing today. Jonathan Carino followed with a short lesson on “The Sum of Thy Word Is Truth” showing the need to hear all that God says on any subject, not just part of it. Afterwards, I began the series of lessons on “The Work of the Holy Spirit” by preaching the first of three parts. That lesson examined background principles learned about the work of the Holy Spirit as shown in the Old Testament.

After lunch, we again started with a period of singing hymns. My second part on “The Work of the Holy Spirit” dealt with the purpose and duration of miraculous action. The attention during the lesson was very good, but shown in varying ways. During most of the lesson the crowd studied the points and compared them to the Scripture very carefully. The vast majority of the crowd continued to do the same throughout the lesson. However, a few Pentecostal preachers became very agitated as the lesson made application by contrasting the so-called “miracles” of the Pentecostal world with the true miracles of the Bible. They were also very upset as we spent some time on 1 Corinthians 13 showing the intended cessation of miraculous action with the completed and confirmed revelation of the gospel. After some rather rude displays, a few of those Pentecostals left, but the rest continued to study with great interest. John gave the last lesson of the afternoon on “The Identity, Nature, Work & Worship of the Church.” It was a very full and extensive lesson that was excellent in its clarity and simplicity.

We ended our time with an hour long question and answer session. The questions mostly centered on the church. Several questioned why Jesus would purchase the church with His blood if that church did not yet exist. Some tried to suggest the church was merely a re-purchased church that existed in the Old Testament. A number of other questions dealt with whether one needed to be “baptized again” if already “baptized” into a denomination. Each one was given a Bible answer and allowed follow-up until the questioner was either satisfied or unable to refute the passages given. The session ended with one man (evidently a city official of some kind) who gladly expressed his thanks for finally finding the truth for which he had been searching over 25 years. All in all – a great day!

When I checked my e-mail at lunch, Ron Halbrook had sent a post saying his problems with getting his visa are continuing and now he is unable to arrive in the Philippines until Monday night. Ron had intended to be teaching on Calvinism during this lectureship, but had to delay his departure because his passport with the visa was still at the Philippine consulate. If that were not enough of a problem, our State Department stepped in to further complicate and delay the process. We thought he could join us on Saturday and help preach in the afternoon of our Saturday schedule. Now, he will be unable to join us for the entire schedule in Bacolod, which lasts through Sunday, and also prevented from taking part in the lectures at Iloilo. So, we have had to change our plans for the remaining schedule here in Bacolod and Iloilo. Today, I preached or answered questions for a total of about 5 hours. The schedule tomorrow may require that I preach for over 6 hours since we will start earlier. Please pray that my voice will hold up for this schedule followed immediately by the preacher training program in Tuguegarao with its grueling schedule.

Another problem is raised by Ron’s inability to come to Bacolod or Iloilo. My original cost estimate for the trip was based on splitting the costs of our scheduled lectures and other work at these places. Now, those costs have doubled. Ron has expressed his desire to help with some of it, but I know he is out a great deal of expense in having to change travel reservations twice and other unexpected cost. I was short by about $300 of receiving the amount I initially requested. It will be necessary to put some of my unanticipated expenses on a credit card, as those expenses must be paid at time or service, and hope for some help to meet them on my return.

Thank you again for your help and interest in this work. I wish each of you could be present and see for yourself the work being done. You are giving these people the opportunity to do (some for the first time and others only a few more times) what many of us take for granted. As the gospel is proclaimed and these people’s questions are answered with simple Bible references, they are being faced with the question of what they will do. I do not know what their answer will be or if any will obey the word. What I do know is that we are fulfilling our responsibility to spread the seed. That is our duty regardless of whether all or none respond in obedience. I trust God will give increase in His time. From the bottom of my heart, I want each of you to know how much I appreciate your help in making it possible for the truth to be taught in this place. In the words of the song, you have taken part in mentioning Him to those in this far place. Though they are far away with many different customs, they have souls as valuable and precious as any other. May God bless and keep you all as you serve Him.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Arrived Safely in Bacolod

Having safely completed my travels, I am now in Bacolod on the island of Negros ready to start the first lecture series for denominational preachers. My flights from Minneapolis to Tokyo and then Tokyo to Manila both arrived early at the destinations which has never happened, but was great. Lordy Salunga came this morning to the hotel in Manila and I got the things I brought for him. In the early afternoon, I took the flight from Manila to Bacolod and was met by Jonathan Carino, Jack Jaco and Roy Mata. After navigating our way through the usual heavy traffic, we made in to my hotel for check-in and then to the mall. We ate an early supper and discussed topics for tomorrow’s session. John and Roy took the outlines to the printer so that we could have them ready to go for the scheduled 9am start. Please keep us and this effort in your prayers that God will open doors of opportunity and we will preach as we ought in view of eternity.