RECENT FISHING TRIP

Claire and I had some success, together with Del, on a recent fishing trip in the Columbia River. It was the biggest fish Claire has ever caught--about a 20lb Chinook.

THE GREATER PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL

The modern church is enamored with church growth. It seemingly will do anything to get results. Entertaining music, dumbed down sermons, worldly techinques are applied to the ministry of the church--supposedly for the greater progress of the gospel. One author wrote a book and argued that unless churches rid themselves of pews, pulpits, and hymnals they will never reach the lost. Such thinking is pervasive in the church today--as if God is somehow limited by such concerns. Whatever happened to the Holy Spirit's role in saving lost sinners?

The Apostle Paul knew something about what would enhance the greater progress of the gospel. He wrote about it in Philippians 1:12. It didn't involve any kind of new program. It didn't depent on man's ingenuity--indeed I think its safe to say that no man would ever come up with that plan. What was God's plan for enhancing the greater progress of the gospel?--Locking up the Apostle Paul in a prison cell. God did just that, and because He did the gospel was made known to the whole Praetorian guard.

I'm so glad that God knows what He's doing when it comes to His plan and purpose. He's not dependent upon our ingenuity, planning, or scheming when it comes to reaching the lost. All He really needs is humble, obedient, available servants.

PICTURE OF THE CHURCH BELL