It's Hot Here!

The temperature here in Tuguegarao continues to increase. It has been from the high 90’s to about 100 degrees, far above the normal for this time of year. The tropical sun was out in full force today, unimpeded by any clouds. Though the humidity has not been as bad as in April, temperatures of near 100 are still very uncomfortable. The reason we moved these classes to this time of year was to escape the heat and then cost of greater electrical use, but it has not worked.

The Old Testament Prophets class surveyed Amos and Hosea showing the sins of Israel and the reasons for their destruction. We spent some time on the emphasis made in Amos of God’s rebuke of the materialism in that society. The book depicts a people so corrupt and self-indulgent that even the women (“cows of Bashan”) were depicted as being given to immorality, laziness and luxury rather than having concern for God or others. We also noted Israel’s foolish reliance on political alliances, rather than upon God for their protection. In Hosea, we discussed the tender picture of God’s grace presented by the parallel with the family life of the prophet. Though he took a woman to wife from a surrounding of whoredom and loved her as his wife, she rejected his love and turned to harlotry. Despite such ungodliness, Hosea was told to take her back and love her again. Though he did so, she rejected his love again and returned to harlotry. This is the picture of God’s love and mercy for Israel and her rejection of Him. Much the same picture is presented of God’s love for us and our rejection of Him when we turn to sin.

The New Testament Survey class started the book of Romans today and we will continue it tomorrow. We introduced the book and gave an outline of it. We then started to discuss Paul’s basic argument by breaking down the theme statement of Romans 1:16-17 and showing the full concept and meaning of “faith” as Paul uses it in Romans. When people say Romans teaches salvation by “faith only” (meaning a mental acceptance of certain truths) before and without any action of obedience, they have never read the book of Romans. One cannot read the book with any reflection or thought as to the overall teaching and come to that conclusion. The book of Romans clearly presents saving faith as not only something we receive from the gospel, but also a life guided by that trust (obedience – Rom. 1:17; 6:15-23; 12:1-2; 16:25-26; etc.). A brownout during the class made me revert to the whiteboard and markers to teach most of the period, but I think they were able to decipher my hieroglyphics enough to get the point J.

The Church History class covered the Crusades, persecution of groups opposing the papacy, the Inquisition and introduced the early reformers. We looked in some detail at what happened in each of the Crusades so as to emphasize that nothing really was gained by the tremendous loss of life. It was a result of the foolish quest for power sought by kings and popes that brought horrible tragedy and loss to the masses. Maybe the saddest point of the whole thing was seen in the Children’s Crusade where two young boys were convinced by pious sounding hypocrites that their purity might cause them to victorious in the carnal battles With the encouragement of the Catholic hierarchy, these boys gathered children throughout Germany and France to go ill-equipped into battle, leading only to the massive slaughter of most and slavery of the rest. In the end, the Crusades helped bring an end to feudalism and spark nationalism which combined to decrease the hold of Catholicism. A pattern of thirst for blood can be traced from efforts to kill the Moslem enemy in the Crusades, to killing the enemy groups (Catherists, Paulicans, Abigenses, Waldenses, etc.) opposing the papacy, to torturing and killing of individuals suspected as heretics in the Inquisition. In short, the Catholic Church has more blood on its hands than any organization in history. It is history’s greatest mass murderer and we should recognize it as such!

As in previous days, I want to continue giving you an introduction to the students. Lorenzo Lazaro, 72, is our second oldest student and comes from San Agustin, Isabela. He was formerly a Pentecostal preacher. He is very accomplished in playing the piano and organ, so was used as lead man to some of the American Pentecostal missionary crusades. Bernardo Quibina, Sr., 58, is from Sison,Pangasinan which is near the place Lordy lives. He came from an institutional background, but came out from them long ago. Rosendo Gumpad, Jr., 41, is from Baguio City and is Rody’s youngest brother. I have worked with him several times in Baguio City as he strives to build a strong congregation in that vital city. Many young Christians from across the Philippines go to that city for college and other business purposes. It has been a hard area in which to work, but Rosendo is committed to continue in that effort. Rodel Baagin, 40, is from Abra De Ilog on the island of Mindoro. He at one time worked with the “one cup” (binding the use of one container in the Lord’s Supper) groups and also the mutual edification faction. He has begun to see their errors and has invited us to come teach in his area to help teach others. We will be looking into that possibility in the near future. We have also had contact from others in the same general area that were under the influence of other teachers of error and some denominations. They have expressed a desire to hear further teaching as well. We hope and pray that there will be doors opened to the truth in this area as well for a number to hear the purity and simplicity of the true gospel message.

Tessie is calling for supper, so I will close. Please keep us in your prayers that we will speak as we ought and God will be glorified. May the Lord help and strengthen you each day as you serve Him.

Brotherly, Harry O.