Winter 2001 Humbleheart Journal

To those who are the called...

Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.

Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

(Jude 1:1-4)

Most scholars commonly regard Jude as well as James the brothers of Jesus. Jude's letter was written probably about 67 A. D. with its original circulation most likely in Asia Minor. The epistle of Jude gives a descriptive warning about the character of the false teachers and deceiving brethren who are creeping in and seducing the church. Even though it contains only one chapter with twenty-five verses, Jude's letter reflects all the prior warnings from Jesus, Peter, and Paul. Church history confirms Jude's reasoning when he appeals to the "called" to contend earnestly for the faith. We can look back through nearly 2000 years and see the impact from ungodly men who have indeed caused corruption, dissention, and a falling away from the faith, the very things Jude had warned about. In verse three it appears that Jude had planned to write about something else, or at least in a different manner.

Watch out for those recklessly abandoning the faith in the real Jesus Christ and His church! That is the key issue at the center of Jude's letter. Contend! What does that word mean to you? Another way it can be expressed is to "meet the challenge." In other words, don't sit on the sidelines merely observing. Be a contender in the challenge to defend the faith delivered once for all to the saints of "Biblical Christianity." Jude's letter is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. What are the things that go through your mind as Jude describes the character of those whom we must beware of?

"Ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ… also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties… These men are those who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever…"

"…These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage… These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit." (Verses 4, 8, 12, 13, 16, 19.)

At first glance we might think of modern-day cults like Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Unitarians, Christian Science, Unification Church, Unity School of Christianity, or the United Pentecostals. All of which deny the deity of the real Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity. They all have in one way or another had their roots in the teachings of the church, but fell away from the faith and took with them those deceived and willing to follow. Some might think of the corrupt leaders in Roman Catholicism as well as mainline Protestantism at various periods in church history. Obviously these examples would fit Paul's description of wolves coming in among the flock, "ravenous wolves" disguised as sheep like Jesus said in Matthew 7:15, those who "secretly introduce destructive heresies," as Peter wrote (2 Peter 2:1-2), and certainly those characterized by Jude.

The overall theme of Jude's letter can be summed up in two words: "Imminent Apostasy." Credible Christian scholars, theologians, and believers being lead by the Holy Spirit and the infallible Word of God, can with confidence proclaim the apostasy has come. It is alive and well in the church today. Apostate teachers, traitors of our Lord Jesus Christ, have fallen away from the faith and are heading directly for the lake of fire. Those who continue to follow them are destined for the same eternal fires of hell. We need to take heed of the warning signs. Yet, we should also rejoice and be glad that God's Word is true and all Scripture will be fulfilled. 2 Thessalonians (2:1-3a) reads,

"Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first…"

"And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned." (2 Peter 2:2) Peter's words describe the state of our world as well as a multitude of people who say they are believers, but in fact are liberal charlatans. They are inclusive in all things. To them there is no absolute truth, and the Bible should not be taken literally as God's Word. Rather than expounding on Biblical truths, they instead criticize the Bible and the Christians who by faith believe all Scripture is "God-breathed." (2 Timothy 3:16)

Billy Graham and Charles Templeton who were good friends and colleagues parted ways early on in their ministries. It just so happens that their spiritual divide occurred over this very issue of whether or not the Bible is God's inerrant and infallible Word. Templeton could not accept such a belief. After being shaken by his colleague's liberal views, Billy Graham decided to take the Bible at face value and never question or doubt it again. We can see how God went on to bless Billy Graham's decision.

Though they are still friends, Billy Graham prays that Chuck Templeton will have a change of heart and mind. Templeton said that Billy Graham's surrendering any notions of doubt or questioning the Bible was "intellectual suicide." He said, "Billy cheated himself out of part of life by not being free to experience questions or doubts, or to just be you!" (Crusade, Life of Billy Graham, PBS 1996)

Denying God's Holy Word, which is foundational to our faith, leaves the door wide open for Satan to come in. Jude's words say it well, "These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit." If you want to know a teaching that brings apostasy to the church, this is one for sure. When we remove Scripture as our authority, we have turned away from the Lord and rejected the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who always leads us to the Word of God.

I believe we need to closely examine our own congregations church by church continuously. The enemy never sleeps, and he knows our spirits may be willing, but our flesh is weak. The challenge of protecting the flock from false teaching is the primary focus of Humbleheart Ministries. We've been involved in serving the Lord and His church in this capacity for more than ten years. I'll be writing articles centered on the theme of "contending for the faith" throughout the year. I plan to include many of them in each quarterly journal.

Our challenges while contending for the faith are many, too many to mention in one Journal. I decided to focus on one particular challenge for our first Journal of 2001. We need to revisit the issue of believers still involved as members of Free Masonry. What will make them understand that by refusing to abandon their lodges, they continue to hinder the ministry of the Christian church? Those who are defiant to the Lord's Word, and to Jesus Christ Himself, resemble what Jude said, "These men are those who are hidden reefs in your love feasts…" Consider the story of Achan in Joshua chapter seven, and what damage an Achan could do to a congregation of Christians. It's evident that Free Masons should not go on unchallenged.

God knows all things. From Him no one can hide. I used the example of Achan in the sense that Joshua's surprised defeat occurred because Achan's secret deceitfulness did much damage. God did not bless Israel as He had been doing before hand. Achan was judged when the Lord revealed it to Joshua. In the same sense God will not bless a ministry or a church if an Achan is at large in the camp. I am certainly not saying we should go out and stone the Masons as was the execution of Achan in the end. I am always concerned about those who are involved in our ministry. I pray that we keep from losing the Lord's blessings because of someone or something is a hidden reef among us.

The purpose of this article is to serve in the overall mission of reaching the lost and teaching the found. It is to uphold the glory and honor of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. With God's Holy Word as our final authority, I put forth this effort to help distinguish between the Spirit of "truth" and the spirit of "error," as is the case when considering a sect, cult, or questionable religious organization.

Free Masonry is filled with double talk as well as deceptive disclaimers. From the outset you need to be advised that most members of Free Masonry would say they belong to a "fraternal order," a "lodge fellowship," or "brotherhood" not associated with any certain religious beliefs or practices. They would use double talk like, "We are not a secret organization! We are an organization with secrets!"

Albert Pike has been referred to as the father of modern-day Free Masonry. His book Morals & Dogma has been coined as the Bible of the "Ancient & Accepted Rite of Free Masonry." From what we know, every 32nd degree Mason receives a copy. Thus Albert Pike without a doubt can be considered a leading author and authority representing Free Masons. It is through his writings along with other various Masonic authorities that we can learn about the teachings, rituals, practices, symbolisms, and structure of Free Masonry.

Albert Pike wrote: "Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion." Morals & Dogma pg. 213

Albert G. Mackey, in the revised "Encyclopedia of Free Masonry" (pg. 269), wrote: "All (Masons) unite in declaring it to be a system of morality, by the practice of which its members may advance their spiritual interest, and mount by the theological ladder from the lodge on earth to the lodge in heaven."

Henry Wilson Coil, in "A Comprehensive View of Free Masonry" (pg. 234), wrote: "…It is a religion without a creed, being of no sect but finding truth in all…"

As the late Walter Martin (Christian Research Institute) used to say, "If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, swims like a duck, and certainly looks like a duck, it's most likely A DUCK!" Free Masonry claims there is one God, the Holy Bible is their great light, they pray, have rituals, and worshipful masters. Why do they insist on denying that they are a "secret religious organization"? I believe the answer to that question will be explained in the following pages.

Obviously this publication is designed for being extremely brief. How does one sum up more than ten years of conflicts and research concerning Free Masonry? Thankfully, having lived through the experience and recorded events along the way, we are able to impart what the Lord has taught us to others. This is how we learn and grow in Christ.

When our faith is challenged while choosing the harder road, and we are forced to make tough and often unpopular decisions to honor the name of Jesus Christ, it is good for the strength of the church. It is right before the Lord, but never easy going through it.

I have chosen to give an account from two different perspectives. One is from dealing with Free Masonry as the Senior Evangelist of Humbleheart Ministries. The other is the testimony as a member of my home Church that took a Biblical stand by denying future church membership to those belonging to Free Masonry or any other organizations in conflict with God's Word. Though it may be brief, the following information is accurate, and may serve as an encouragement to all Christians to continually contend earnestly for the faith. So we seek the answer to the question, "Are Christianity and Free Masonry compatible?"

World War II and the atomic bomb changed the world. On a smaller scale a bomb was dropped on our church September 10, 1989. It was a Sunday evening service with Ed Decker as our guest speaker. Ed Decker is the founder of the ministry "Saints Alive In Jesus." He is also the author of the book and movie "The God Makers." As an ex-Mormon Priest Ed Decker described Mormon temple rituals and other unbiblical teachings and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

During the question and answer time, a lady attending the service stood up and took issue with Ed's comment on how the Mormons had taken their temple rituals from the rituals of Scottish Rite Free Masonry. He described them as demonic and occult practices. She talked about how she was offended because of her family's history of relatives involved in Free Masonry.

She more or less told Ed Decker he might be an expert on the Mormons but not on Free Masonry. With that, Ed Decker expounded in depth on the issue of Free Masonry and detonated the bomb. In closing he gave a challenge to the leadership of the church and then handed the situation over to our Senior Pastor.

Pastor Randy Elliott suggested that we search the Scriptures as church leaders and a congregation. He asked that we be devoted to prayer. The members of our church at that time who were involved with Free Masonry either directly or indirectly were naturally disturbed. We all were concerned about what we should do, so we followed Pastor Elliott's challenge to devote ourselves to prayer and God's Word. The following is a brief description of the things we learned about Free Masonry, and the events that would finally lead us to a congregational vote.

In the Blue lodge the candidate becoming a Master Mason swears blood oaths to secrecy, is blindfolded, and made to kiss a Bible as he bows down to a man called the "Worshipful Master." Ed Decker and John Ankerberg's videos show how the Mormon temple rituals match the rituals practiced in Free Masonry.

"If your wife, or child, or friend, should ask you anything about your initiation - as for instance, if your clothes were taken off, if you were blindfolded, if you had a rope around your neck, etc, you must conceal…hence of course, you must deliberately lie about it. It is part of your obligation…"

(Ronayne, "Handbook of Free Masonry" p.74)

"You must conceal all the crimes of your brother Mason… and should you be summoned as a witness against a brother Mason be always sure to shield him… It may be perjury to do this, it is true, but you're keeping your obligations."

(Ronayne, "Handbook of Free Masonry" p.183)

"All truly dogmatic religions have issued from the Kabalah and return to it; everything scientific and grand in the religious dreams of the Illuminati, Jacob Boeheme, Swedenborg, Saint Martin, and others is borrowed from the Kabalah: all Masonic associations owe to it their secrets and their symbols." (Albert Pike, "Morals & Dogma," 28th Degree, p. 744)

"The removal of the name of Jesus and references to Him in the Bible verses used in the ritual are `slight but necessary modification." (Albert Mackey, "Masonic Ritualist" p.272)

"…the literal meaning (of the Bible) is for the vulgar only." (Albert Pike, "Morals & Dogma," 14th Degree, p. 224)

"Masonry makes no profession of Christianity… but looks forward to the time when the labor of our ancient brethren shall be symbolized by the erection of a spiritual temple… in which there shall be but one altar and one worship; one common altar of Masonry on which the Veda, Shastra, Sade, Zend-Avesta, Koran and Holy Bible shall lie… and at whose shrine the Hindoo, the Persian, the Assyrian, the Chaldean, the Egypttian, the Chinese, the Mohammedan, the Jew and the Christian may kneel…" ("The Kentucky Monitor," Fellowcraft Degree, p.95)

"I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18-19)

"For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God… `BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ABIDES FOREVER.' And this is the word which was preached to you." (1 Peter 1:23,25)

"For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty… But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." (Read: 1 Peter 1:16-21)

"…Since every man's conception of God must be proportioned to his mental cultivation, and intellectual powers, and moral excellence. God is, as man conceives Him, the reflected image of man himself." (Albert Pike, "Morals & Dogma," 14th Degree, p. 223)

"The only personal God Free Masonry accepts is humanity in toto… Humanity thereof is the only personal God that there is." (J.D. Buck, "Mystic Masonry," p.216)

"Though Masonry is identical with the ancient Mysteries, it is so only in this qualified sense: that it presents but an imperfect image of their brilliancy, the ruins of their grander…" (Albert Pike, "Morals & Dogma," Fellowcraft Degree, p. 23)

"In his private petitions a man may petition God or Jehovah, Allah, or Buddha, Mohammed or Jesus: he may call upon the God of Israel or the First Great Cause. In the Masonic Lodge he hears petitions to the Great Architect of the Universe, finding his own deity under that name. A hundred paths may wind upward around a mountain; at the top they meet." (Carl H. Claudy, "Introduction to Free Masonry," p. 38)

"We meet this day to commemorate the death (of Jesus), not as inspired or divine, for this is not for us to decide." (Maundy Thursday Ritual, Chapter of Rose Croix)

"It has been found that every act in the drama of the life of Jesus, and every quality assigned to Christ, is to be found in the life of Krishna." [Sun god of India] (J.D. Buck, "Mystic Masonry," pp. 119,138)

"Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also." (1 John 2:22-23)

"Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

"The dunces who led primitive Christianity astray, by submitting faith for science… have succeeded in shrouding in darkness the ancient discoveries of the human mind; so that now we grope in the dark to find again the key…" (Albert Pike, "Morals & Dogma," 28th Degree, p. 732)

"But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no'; and anything beyond these is of evil." (Matthew 5:34-37)

"Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops." (Matthew 10:26-27)

These are only a handful of examples that show the truth about why Free Masonry is not compatible with Biblical Christianity. All these things were discussed at length, and presented to our congregation over a period of about ten months. Learning about these things as a congregation, and coming together on a decision of how we should respond, was a process of spiritual growth in and of itself. These are the events that followed September 10,1989, after Ed Decker's challenge.

October 23rd, 1989: The Pastors met with a member of our Church who was a 33rd degree Mason and a former Grand Master of Free Masons of Pennsylvania. Having viewed the Ankerberg video before hand, the Pastors asked him questions about it. He told them the video was an accurate account of Free Masonry and its rituals. (They were referring to the secret things that go on in Masonic lodges)

July 15th, 1990: Held a congregational meeting. Several days prior to this meeting, Pastor Elliott met with the "Worshipful Master" of the local lodge. The Pastor informed him of what we had discovered and asked if any of what we had asserted could be refuted from the Masonic writings. He could not dispute our conclusions. At the congregational meeting, the Pastor emphasized that our church took no issue with the excellent social work (Children's Hospitals, etc) that the Masons perform. Rather our concern was with the distortion of Biblical Christianity by Free Masonry and the commitment that Christian men were giving to it, often because they were poorly informed as to the facts. Our congregation voted, and a resolution for an amendment regarding new membership was passed. The resolution was not an amendment to our church constitution. It is intended as a guideline for the Pastors and Deacons. It reads as follows:

"As of July, 1990, church membership shall not be open to those who are members of the Masons or other organizations that support teachings and encourage practices that are inconsistent with clear Biblical doctrine and practice. Present members may retain membership. However, they are encouraged to prayerfully consider their allegiance to the masons and then renounce their further support in light of Biblical teaching."

About 35 members left the church because of the adopted resolution and our position as a church on Free Masonry. Average attendance for Sunday morning worship service in 1990 was around 280. Shortly after they left a surge of more than 50 new members came in.

Not all churches have been as fortunate as my home church when they tried to address the issue of Free Masonry and its incompatibility with Christianity. Pastors and Evangelists have been driven out of churches after bringing the issue up for discussion.

Through the efforts of Cult Evangelists like Ed Decker and Walter Martin, as well as the ministries of John Ankerberg, D. James Kennedy, David Reagan, etc, the Masons were being exposed nationwide. Masonic billboard signs began to appear rapidly in many areas. Here in Pennsylvania the Masons must have spent millions on advertisements and extended goodwill programs in order to overshadow their "secrets" being revealed. An entire newspaper was published uniquely district by district.

I have heard more about the Masons and their activities in local newspapers over the past few years than I have all my life. The local Masonic temple which seemed vacant since I was a child, suddenly showed signs of movement, and their storefront window display has been redecorated. Though the dust seems to have settled these days, the occasional confrontation with a member of Free Masonry lets me know they're still around.

I have come to a conclusion over my years of study: There is an inescapable link between most non-Christian cults, the occult, and Free Masonry. There is the obvious link already explained between the Masons and Mormonism. Joseph Smith the founder of Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) was himself a 32nd degree Mason. The founder and first president of the Jehovah's Witnesses, Charles Taze Russell, was not a Mason, but he liked to speak as though he was on occasion. He knew a great deal about the Lodge and used Masonic symbolism in his publications. Records show that Russell held his first meetings in a Masonic Temple Building. Wicca, Rosicrucianism, Unitarianism, Theosophy, and other groups are associated with, and/or resemble Free Masonry in their beliefs, rituals, structure and influence.

While these things are true about Free Masonry and the overall spiritual dilemma they face in light of Biblical truth, no one wants to discredit their good works and deeds they accomplish in communities. Children's hospitals and other great charities sponsored by the Shriners help many people. When confronted by Masons, they are quick to remind me of their good deeds. I once had a Mason tell me that he hopes none of my children ever need care from a Shriners hospital or burn center. He said, "I might think twice before I say anything about Free Masonry."

Time has shown me that we need to encourage Masons to return to Jesus on an individual basis. Reasoning with them in a public forum will usually only lead to anger and mob-like behavior. I have also learned never to assume that every Mason I meet has taken part in the secret rituals mentioned. There are some men whose fathers have simply signed them into membership years ago, and all they do is pay their dues. These in some cases have never even entered a Masonic Temple or attended a Masonic Lodge meeting. Others I have learned have no ties to a church or any formal religion at all. In fact, they are more concerned about who is buying the beer for the next lodge meeting. For the most part men join Free Masonry for business purposes and don't want to hear or get involved with the religious aspect. However, there are enough church going Masons who take Free Masonry seriously. To them their church and the lodge is one and the same. Remember that they know how to keep secrets. They believe it is their obligation to hide the truth and trust in their "Great Architect of the Universe" rather than surrender all to Jesus Christ alone.

So where does that leave us? We cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. We cannot sit at the table of the Lord and the table of demons. We must choose. That is God's will. Regardless of all the consequences that may follow, we need to focus on Jesus and do what is right in the sight of the Lord. Why should the Lord want to bless a church, ministry, or even one single family that refuses to quit associating with demons, and those held captive by Satan to do his work.

Charles G. Finney, the greatest of the 19th century evangelists, left Free Masonry when he acknowledged Christ as Savior and Lord of his life. He wrote a book about Free Masonry entitled, "The Antichrist of the Masonic Society." On page 139 he wrote the following words:

"While Masonry was a secret, the church had no light, and no responsibility respecting it… Hence God did not require the church to bear any testimony on the subject as long as Free Masonry was secret. Free Masonry is now revealed. It is no longer a secret from any who wish to be informed."

"Since these revelations (the rituals) have been made, and both the church and the world can know what Masonry really is, God demands, and the world has a right to expect, that the church will take due action and bear a truthful testimony in respect to this institution. She (the church) cannot now innocently hold her peace.

The light has come. Fidelity to God, and to the souls of men, require that the church, which is the light of the world, should speak out, and should take such actions as will plainly reveal her views of the compatibility or incompatibility of Free Masonry with the Christian Religion."

"I do not see how any Christian, most of all a Christian minister, can go into these secret lodges with unbelievers. They say they can do more influence for good: but I say they can have more influence for good by staying out of them, and reproving their evil deeds. Abraham had more influence for good in Sodom than Lot had."

To this the bold Pastor proclaimed, "But what if I did? Better men will take their places. Give them the truth anyway, and if they would rather leave their churches than their lodges, the sooner they get out of the churches, the better. I would rather have ten members who are separated from the world than a thousand such members. Better one with God than a thousand without Him."

Some final thoughts: I have intentionally left out several details and examples of my personal conflicts with Free Masons. I've purposely held back on some of the darker and more demonic secrets within Free Masonry -- some things of which wives and children should never hear or read. I believe the information already provided in this article serves adequately without risking the chance of writing like a sensationalist. God's Word is the best example since all things can be measured against it, and judged by it as well. It is my hope and prayerful concern that church members involved in Free Masonry will read this article and choose to examine themselves more accurately according to Scripture, rather than according to fear of men, loss of business, loss of pride, or the attitude of refusing to be humbled before God. The testimony of my home church is one of great love, patience, prayer, encouragement, Biblical leadership, the knowledge of the real Jesus Christ, and making Him known to others.

For more information you can contact our ministry. Please be praying for our ministry and the following Humbleheart Journals where I'll be featuring other challenges the church is facing as we continue to contend earnestly for the faith. q MARANATHA!

The first six months of 2000 were primarily dedicated to the recording, manufacturing, and release of my latest album entitled, "Sail On." It was during that time that we also worked on the development of our new quarterly journals. During the last six months I was still able to perform 12 major concerts, 6 seminars, and a handful of various special programs. During 2000 I held a total of 44 Bible studies. We published, mailed, and distributed about 4500 monthly newsletters, 1600 Quarterly Humbleheart Journals, and several new tracts. We developed two new Bible study workbooks as well. The Lord has blessed and we have been able to reach out to thousands of people throughout the year. We developed a new web site during the summer months of 2000. (www.humbleheart.org)

We are still considerably a small ministry compared to some when it comes to our operating budget, abilities, and staff. I concentrate on the depth of our ministry, while the Lord takes care of the breadth. I am both humbled and blessed by the steady increase of our growth during the past ten years, truly grateful for those who continue to support us.

In my presentation at our annual meeting of the Board of Directors of Humbleheart Ministries (1/12/01) I shared my goals for 2001, and the new projects already in motion. I haven't the space in this journal to mention all that I presented, but I plan to create a Humbleheart resource section in our next journal. For now I'll just share a few highlights. If the Lord wills, my producer John Mclane in Atlanta, GA, and myself are currently working on an entire album of instrumentals. He is also the creator of our new web site and currently maintains the updates for our ministry. We need to purchase new recording equipment. The area I call the music & graphics room will one day become a recording studio. Please keep that in your prayers.

I have designed by request what we are calling "Humbleheart Doctrine cards." They are business cards that you can keep handy when challenged on such doctrines as the "Trinity," the deity of Christ," the "Holy Spirit," "salvation," the "Bible," "resurrection of the dead," etc. Ministering postcards to send to Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons are also being developed.

"Jehovah's Witnesses & Biblical Christianity ~ Is there a difference?"

at the First Baptist Church, 16 South Street, Union City, PA, February 25th 6:30 PM. I'll be doing a similar program at the Methodist Church in Pleasantville, PA, March 18th, (5:00 PM Youth & 7:00 PM Church)

I'd like to invite any readers in our area (not previously committed in their own churches) to come to my home church where I'll be leading Wednesday evening Bible studies. March 7th we will begin a journey through the entire Bible with R.C. Sproul's series called, "Dust to Glory." Let me know if you're interested.