Trying to Finish

My morning got off to a very bad start. I awoke feeling something creeping up my leg, only to find out it was a roach-like creature. Having dispatched its smashed carcass to the trash, I went to my table and discovered that I had an ant invasion. With those two wonderful experiences, I needed things to improve and they did as I turned on the TV and found that the Super Bowl was being carried live on TV in our hotel. It came on early this morning, our time, so I watched it as I got ready and ate breakfast. The game was carried by the Asian ESPN channel. It was unique to be watching a football game and then, during the commercial breaks, have soccer and cricket updates. The game helped ease a little of my homesickness, though I definitely remain ready to be home!

The Prophets class went well as we studied Obadiah and Haggai. God judgment against Edom for their un-brotherly conduct towards Israel and Judah was shown from Obadiah. We also noted the false security that Edom had in its geographical location as a fortress of natural defense and how they were brought to full destruction. Haggai presented a picture of a people returned from captivity who finished their own houses, but left God’s house (the temple) in ruins. God both cursed them and challenged them. He cursed them for their lack of spiritual concern and challenged them to change their ways and watch the blessing He would pour out on them as they repented.

The New Testament Survey class was on the subject of spiritual gifts as presented 1st Corinthians. We covered the purpose of the spiritual gifts as well as noting the instructions given to Corinth about the use of the spiritual gifts. The Lord willing, we will cover the issue of their duration in the first part of tomorrow’s class.

The Church History class dealt with the Swiss Reformation and the spread of the Reformation teaching throughout mainland Europe. We focused on the teaching of Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin. We noted that Zwingli came much closer to the truth than the other major reformers. He affirmed that our faith and practice must be limited to those things expressly authorized in the Bible. However, he continued to hold on to the state church concept that ultimately led to his death as he went with an army in battle for defense of his religion. John Calvin was far more radical in his reform because of his mistaken ideas of God’s sovereignty. Most of you are very aware of the systematic theology of Calvinism that came from these mistaken concepts. I took some time discussing free will as it is taught in the Scripture. Calvin also evidenced an arrogant use of power in bringing the force of the state to execute or banish all who opposed him.

The next hour was spent in beginning the study of Premillennialism. Each student was given a full outline that thoroughly examines and refutes the major tenets of Premillennialism. We discussed the land promise given to Abraham and noted numerous Bible passages showing that it was fulfilled in OT times. Tomorrow, we will cover the remainder of the subject. I ended the class early to give Ron Halbrook time to work with the students on the reference books provided to the students (Strong’s Concordance, Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible Dictionary, a reference Bible, etc.). After a totally ridiculous set of delays by officials openly seeking bribes, the books were finally released from Customs in Manila on Friday and delivered today. This leaves very little time for Ron to help them in 3 days with what normally takes 2 weeks to accomplish. We are all trying to adjust our schedules to give Ron as much time as possible to use in helping the students with the books.

Only a few students are left to introduce, so these men will complete the group. Jhunie Samontina, 20 from Cabarruguis, Quirino, is a late addition to the students. He attended the PTP in 2008 and has been working with Otey Pastor. When Otey had to leave the classes, Jhunie asked to take his place in order to learn more by a second exposure to the material. He is now the youngest and the only unmarried student in this group. Fred Banao, 58, is from Salcedo, Ilocos Sur. He was a former Pentecostal preacher and a classmate of Rody and Tessie Gumpad in the Pentecostal seminary. Fred was converted in the early 1990’s. He has been a very attentive and hard working student in these classes. Mark Bayado, 41, is from Baguio City. He is a member of the Botbot tribe, formerly the “headhunter” tribe of the indigenous people of the islands. We are certainly glad he does not retain that ancestral practice. He was a Baptist before his conversion, but obeyed the Lord about 20 years ago. Mariano Datul, 63, also of Baguio City, is a co-laborer of Mark Bayado as they work together in the same congregation in Baguio City. Mariano is a former Catholic, but I do not know when he was converted. Jaime Battung, 68, is from Metro Manila. He only arrived at the classes on Friday.

Tessie is now calling us to supper, so I will end this post. Tessie and her helpers have provided wonderful meals each day and have done all humanly possible to make us feel comfortable. They have asked us what we want to eat and have fixed anything requested. Just as in years past, Tessie’s kitchen remains our 4-star restaurant in the Philippines!

May the Lord bless you as you honor and serve Him.

Brotherly, Harry O.