Sola Scriptura. Truth or Fiction?

2011-11-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

Wow, Texas BBQ is incredible. Our family is adjusting well, and our home is close to being done. Here is the latest update from my Dad with a short but important study on the book of Colossians. More evidence that you cannot lose eternal life.

Partners in International Ministry, September-November 2011

Dear Partners,

For several years I have been working on a commentary on the book of Colossians. I have also taught the entire book as well as sections of it on several occasions. There are many verses that have impacted me greatly. One such verse is 1:13 where speaking of God, Paul states " for He delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son."

“delivered”=rhuomai, to draw to oneself. We were not merely rescued, emancipated, and conveyed from one destiny to another but these things were the result of the Father drawing us to Himself. He did for us that which we were incapable of doing. This is not a gradual deliverance nor a future one. The verb tense shows this was accomplished, completed in the past, which was at the cross when he achieved deliverance for all, and specifically for each one of us at the time of our individual salvation when we responded to the gospel. Like slaves, we were freed, released from the authority and controlling power that was previously over us. We had to have divine intervention to escape from this bondage which held us. To be delivered is to be free of the authority, and power of that domain which once controlled our lives and our destiny. Because of God's action we are presently citizens of a new kingdom and under the authority and power of the rightful king with a completely changed destiny.

“transferred us” methistemi, to change, pervert. Our status and future was dramatically altered, the evil purposes of darkness were perverted so they have no more authority over us. This too refers to an event that happened at salvation. This concept was used in the first century of deposing a king, firing a worker, executing someone or removing a defeated population from their previous location to the victorious nation, which is the specific idea here. Each usage referred to someone’s situation, their life and future being significantly and permanently altered. Our life and destiny were significantly and permanently altered by God from that of a hopeless and helpless slave of the realm of darkness to the glorious future inheritance of the saints in light because God has delivered us from that prior status through the work of His Son.

The end of the Fall semester at Cerritos College is quickly approaching. I have just begun to make some tentative contacts for the May-June 2012 ministry expedition. I already have definite invitations to return to Belgium and to a new city in the Ukraine. I have also contacted ministries in Spain, Portugal, France and Germany. Soon I plan to contact other locations where I have previously been involved. I am also open to God leading me to new situations and locations if that is His plan.

* Please pray with me the I will know which invitations are the essential ones to pursue.

* Pray with me that God will again work out the schedule that s according to his plans.

* Please also pray that Nancy will be up to joining me for part of the mission.

Your gifts are tax deductible as long as you use only the name of the Mission on the check. Please send donations to: Partners in

International Ministry, 1218 E. First St., Tustin, CA 92780

Thanks for continuing to partner with me,

Gerald

Texas?

2011-08-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

News update! I have relocated to Texas and happy to be here! I found a great church that is clear on the Gospel of Grace! Here is my dad's latest letter. If you want information for supporting him, let me know.

Partners in International Ministry August 2011

Dear praying friends,

The United States has been experiencing more tragedies and a lot more trials than usual the last few years. Isaiah wrote that those who choose another God (other than the only true one) multiply their sorrows. Could it be God is attempting to wake us up to the peril we are in as a nation because of replacing Him? We desperately need a Bible based spiritual awakening!

This year my ministries have been limited to the Southern California area. In late July I taught a short module for the California Biblical University on the LDS church, commonly known as Mormons We covered the early history and the beliefs of this cult showing that its several 'holy books' contradict each other, and contradict the reliable text of the Bible. They also contradict Anthropology and history. Contrary to its current claims- it is definitely not Christian. It claims to be the only true church and in fact was intended by its founder to replace Christianity.

Already this month I have taught another module. This one was on the Jehovah's Witnesses. Though this cult is very different in most ways from Mormons there are also similarities. Both diminish the nature of God the Father but in different ways. Both teach the Jesus Christ was a created being instead of one of the Trinity from eternity. JW's teach that the Holy Spirit is merely the moral influence or active force of God. They take verses out of context and frequently mistranslate the Bible in passages that conflict with their false teachings Both cults make salvation dependent upon works. Both falsely claim to be Christian. Both are condemned by the Apostle Paul as "deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ for a different gospel, which is really not another, only there are some who are disturbing and want to distort the gospel of Christ." Galatians 1:6-9.

The third module on the cults is on Islam. It is important to understand this cult because of its false teachings regarding the Father, Jesus and salvation. It also is becoming more prominent, and influential due to extensive immigration to the US and because of support by some misguided national and local political leaders. This class is planned for September 6,8,9. Some of our regular students work on Saturday mornings and therefore have not been able to attend the final sessions. This time the sessions are on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings eliminating the Saturday class. We begin at 6:30 pm. To audit is $25. To take for credit is $50. Contact Dr. Martin Mosier for additional information or to enroll at 714-730-9874.

The rapid growth of all three of these cults and the continuing problems facing our nation are to be seen as serious motivation to prayer and to the proclamation and defense of the Biblical Gospel by all genuine believers.

Nancy still has some pain from the knee replacement surgery though less than prior to it. She has not scheduled the second knee yet. Instead of that surgery she has had carpal-tunnel surgery on her right hand. That has been healing well and has greatly relieved the pain after about six weeks. In mid September she plans to have the left wrist done as well.

Thanks for your continued prayers for us, for the growth and direction of the ministry and for our nation's need of a Biblical revival!

For spreading the knowledge of Christ,

Gerald Tilley

Literal means in 6 Days God created the earth.

2010-11-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

Currently I am discussing this with a friend, who has been taught by those who believe days in Genesis does not mean days. I think ICR.ORG has some very convincing arguments that it does, and believe it as well, but interested in some discussion in regards to this.

My dad's latest report on his Ministry

2010-08-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

Partners In International Ministry, August 2010

Dear friends, this is the continuing saga of the summer ministry.

While at Leuven , Belgium I mentioned to the missionary family I was staying with that I had two extra days in Donetsk , Ukraine with nothing to do. These missionaries live at the Evangelical Seminary. They told me there was a student from Donetsk living just down the hall from us. We talked with him. He contacted someone at the University in Donetsk who set me up to speak with some of the faculty and administration at the U. From that speaking engagement I was asked to speak at an English class, preach at a Sunday service and speak to another church's youth group. These events along with talking and praying with some of the foreign students at the U. filled in the extra time nicely. God has connections everywhere!

With the Chinese Christian Fellowship in Leuven I shared my testimony and then about my year teaching and spreading the gospel in China. After that I had nearly two hours teaching and nurturing the faith of three new Chinese believers.

Pastor Zhenya had gotten a traffic ticket on the way to Donetsk. In Donestk, attempting to find the University, he made an illegal u-turn and was pulled over again. This time I felt led to pray that he would not be fined again and not have any problem. Soon he got out of the police care and rejoined us. He said they were going to revoke his drivers license for two years and then asked what He did. He said that he was a pastor of a Reformation church. Shortly thereafter they decided to let him keep his license and did not fine him. God is so good to us.

At the Apologetics Summit my topic was "Apologetics and World Religions." I focused upon dealing with the human origins of non-Christian Religions. The Bible indicates that the earliest faith and belief of humanity was Monotheism not animism, pantheism or polytheism. I gave them Anthropological and Historical evidence that validates the biblical presentation. The evidence proves that the so-called primitive religious beliefs were not original but rather degenerated from previously known truth. The other major world religions were human attempts to reform and advance religion over the degenerated earlier beliefs. The various theories of the evolution of religion, and some other non-biblical ideas cannot be sustained by the evidence. These other theories are based upon speculation, unjustifiable assumptions and ignoring the evidence. We also discussed how to deal with those from other religions.

Most people had left the Apologetics Summit in Donetsk several days before I was to fly out to the Republic of Georgia . The plan was to call a cab but the offices were closed at the University. I saw two couples talking and walked up to them. One man said, "I recognize you." He was an administrator at the University. I told him of my need to get to the airport after speaking the next evening. He said their driver would take me. It would cost one-third as much as a cab.. The next day I was told the President of the U. was flying out that evening to Kiev and that I might be able to go to the airport with him. Our schedules worked perfectly and the half hour ride ended up not costing me anything. This was another example of God' working out the timing and conserving the funds He had provided.

To contribute to this Partnership with missionaries and pastors in Eastern & Western Europe, make out your check to Partners in International Ministry and mail to:

1218 E. First St. , Tustin , CA 92780 . Thanks for being partners with me.

In the Father's service,

Missionary letter from my dad.

2010-03-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

Partners in International Ministry March 2010

Dear Friends,

The significance and necessity of believing prayer has been strongly impressed upon me anew in the last few weeks. A long-time friend recently informed me that he prays for me every day. His loyalty and faithfulness really impacted and humbled me. John Wesley said "God does nothing but in answer to prayer." H. Cameron Townsend wrote "The secret of all failure is prayerlessness." Because he let me know of his prayers for me, I emailed him the following quote that had started my renewed focus on prayer:

"Prayer is an act of spiritual defiance of what is, in response to what God has promised. The shape of the future will be determined by those who can survey all its possibilities and by faith grasp one as possible. History belongs to the intercessors, those who believe the future into being." - Sundar Krishnau

Think of it. Through prayer we are creating history! How amazing, how incredibly important believing prayer is. How humbling is the responsibility and privilege of requesting God's intervention. Writing these things to my friend brought tears to my eyes. To think that the awesome Creator deigns to act in this, His world, because you and I ask Him to do so!

Please continue to pray that I and various mission groups and pastors will be led of the Lord as we continue to fill in my schedule and determine what should be taught in each separate location and day. So far my schedule includes the following:

During May, I am to work with Christian Associates church planting ministry In Belgium teaching Apologetics. Also It looks like I’ll be returning to Simferopol, Crimea to teach at the Christian College , a couple of state universities and two of the local churches as I have for the past five years. Then I move on to Kharkov, Ukraine to teach at the School Without Walls and some village churches

The beginning of June I'll be presenting at the Eurasian apologetics Summit in Donetsk, Ukraine. We are finalizing arrangements for me to help train emerging leaders for Christ in Armenia for two weeks. Also in June, I'll be working with a Luis Palau Next Generation Alliance evangelist assisting pastors and young churches In Macedonia.

If any of you happen to be near on March 21 at 10 am. I will be sharing from the Bible and experiences overseas at a wonderful contemporary church called Sorrano Hills. They meet at the Pioneer Middle School in North Tustin off Tustin Ranch Road. My sharing will be in regard to the Protection and Provision of God.

Let me remind you that if you or someone you know would like to gain some insight on intellectual issues from a University professor simply log into www.meettheprof.com. They share their journey to Christ and are willing to respond to questions about the Christian faith. In addition to your partnership in prayer, those of you who feel led to be financial partners can make out a check to:

Partners In International Ministry and mail it to: 1218 E. First ST. Tustin, CA 92780. Or you can paypal PartnersIntl@aim.com. It is a non profit organization.

Yours for the re-evangelization and spiritual renewal of Europe,

Gerald Tilley

Partners in International Ministry, November, 2009

2009-11-23T07:59:00.001-08:00

"this is a note from my dad who is a missionary."

Dear Praying friends,

Last week I read a book published in 1954, titled “The Bible in World Evangelism.” This little book gave examples from all over the world of many ministries and churches that were launched simply by providing a Gospel or New Testament in the language of the people. Examples were given from the time of the early church up to the early 1950’s. This book indicated that the more prominent the role of scripture has been in evangelism, the more effective and fruitful that evangelism has been. Often the word of God was sold inexpensively to whoever responded to the sales presentation. At other times there was a wide distribution of the scriptures free to all who would take them. Most frequently a Gospel or Testament was handed out to specific individuals who showed interest. The best results were when a word of testimony or some statement was made creating an interest in individuals.

In addition to occasionally giving out Gospels of John to people I interact with here in Southern California, on my mission trips each year, I have given out a few Gospels of John or evangelistic tracts in several languages. Usually this distribution has been accompanied with a brief word of testimony, or explanation of what it is that I have given them. Reading “The Bible in World Evangelism” convinced me that I should be more involved in passing out Gospels this year. Therefore I am going to purchase and distribute more Gospels of John in each language of the different countries I am in. This will require very tight packing! Most of us need to do more to get others reading and listening to the scriptures.

In addition to returning to some places of prior ministry, there are some exciting new opportunities for you to pray about. I am in contact with ministries and churches in new locations including Belgium, Northern France, Germany and the Republic of Georgia. Please join with me in asking the Master Scheduler to map out this mission for me so that I know where, when and how long I am to be in each city.

Plans are already moving ahead to return to Kharkov, Ukraine to work with the pastor I worked with two years ago. This will include some village churches and possibly teaching at the “School Without Walls” in that city. An opportunity to minister in Muenster, Germany is to be decided late this month. Please pray with me that the team making the decision will be lead of God whether to invite me or not. Also I need prayer as to whether I should return to Simferopol, Crimea where I have been involved in teaching at Universities and churches for the past five years.

Perhaps you have wondered about the significance of the name of this ministry. The name means that as you partner with me, so I partner overseas with various ministries. These ministries have included Campus Crusade for Christ, Partners in Evangelism, Christian Associates, Greater European Mission, Commonwealth International University (a Christian school in the Crimea) and pastors in various countries.

Thanks for your prayerful and financial investment in re-evangelizing Europe and equipping believers to live and witness for Christ.

For a tax deductible receipt make your check out to: Partners in International Ministry and mail to 1218 E. First St., Tustin, CA 92780. My God reward you richly for your partnership.

Can you believe in the Son of God for eternal life?.. or must it be God the Son?

2009-09-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

I figured it was time to get some controversy going again.

This is based on a few discussions with pastors, as well as some great brothers in Christ on the internet.

Must a person understand that Christ is God, the trinity and/or other of Christ's attributes to believe in him for eternal life, or is Jn 5/24 enough?

If you argue that you have to understand the Godhead and all that entails, please clarify why that attribute and not others (such as his title as the Son of Man and its meaning) and also, why did the disciples and other early believers not have to understand it.

A quote by Samuel Adams

2009-09-03T13:14:00.001-07:00

"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen." -Sam Adams

Just seemed pertinent for some reason with everything going on in the US.

Charles Bing

2009-09-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

This article was copied from www.FaithAlone.org and is by Charles Bing, and I just love it. He is discussing language to use when sharing Christ with someone.

"Ask Jesus into your heart. Not that the heart is not universally understood as the very essence of our being and person. But the issue of trust in Jesus as the One who died in our place is hardly communicated. And wouldn’t this be confusing to a child who thinks concretely instead of abstractly?

As a mother drove with her young daughter in the car, she was explaining what it meant to have Jesus in her heart. The little girl leaned over and put her ear to her mother’s chest. "I’m listening to Jesus in your heart," said the daughter. "What did you hear?" asked Mom. The little girl replied, "Sounds like He’s making coffee to me!"⁴

Give your heart (or life) to God. A Halloween Gospel tract designed for children to leave at homes when Trick or Treating ends, "Well, thanks again for the treat, but the best treat for me would be for you to give your heart to Jesus."⁵ How appropriate this could be for Halloween! A child might imagine this as a gruesome display for the local haunted house. Again, picture the scene conveyed to a naïve child. When asked to give his heart to God, one child broke into sobs saying, "If I give my heart to God, how am I going to live?"⁶ The issue in salvation is not what we give to Him anyway, but what He gives to us. Eternal life is Christ’s life in us (1 John 5:11).

Invite Christ into your life. This is certainly a courteous approach, but we must remember that it is the Lord who does the inviting. Another form of this is the admonition to "open the door of your heart," based on Rev 3:20. Though I used to use this verse a lot, I now see that it was written to the Laodicean church as a whole and was more of an invitation for fellowship than salvation. Again, after you get a child to stop wondering where the knob on the door of his heart is, you have really told him nothing about what it means to believe in Christ. Adults are not helped either.

Receive Christ as your Savior. This one I hesitate to criticize, and even find myself using it sometimes, though I try to avoid it. There is some biblical support for the idea of receiving Christ—John 1:11-12 and Col 2:6. Both uses are in the past tense, pointing to the result of faith, however. Receiving Christ is what happens when we believe and He comes to live in us.⁷ Accept Christ is similar, but not used for faith in Christ in the NT.

Make Christ Lord and Savior. No person can do this. The Bible says God the Father "has made this Jesus . . . both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). Of course Jesus is Lord! But He is Lord whether we accept Him as such or not.

Repent of your sins. Sometimes less sensitively stated as "Turn or burn!" If by this it is meant that we must turn from every individual sin in our lives, then salvation and assurance would be impossible. Repentance in the NT speaks of an inner change of attitude and heart, not an outer change in conduct. Changed conduct is the expected result of true repentance, but we should not confuse the root with the fruit. As we come to faith we may change our minds about a number of things, for example, our sinful status before God, our need for salvation, or our opinion of who Christ is.

Pray this prayer. I have a pamphlet entitled "God’s Anointed Soul-Winning Plan" in which the author is explaining how to present the Gospel. The wording he suggests ends like this:

What I’m going to do toward closing our talk is to say a prayer. And as I say this prayer you can repeat it softly and He’ll come into your heart—but you have to REALLY MEAN it or the prayer won’t work.

Before we pray the prayer I want to say this, this prayer we are about to pray is a special prayer. Do you need to pray this prayer EVERY DAY to go to heaven, or just ONCE to go to heaven? (emphasis his).⁹

We should not give someone the impression that they can be saved by a ritual such as prayer. It is better to tell them that they must believe in Christ, and they can tell Him through prayer that they want the gift of eternal life or that they are thankful for what He has done.

Not all of the above conditions are totally void of all truth. The point is that they are often misleading or confusing. Why not be as biblical as possible in our communication of the condition for salvation? In the Gospel of John the verb believe is used ninety-eight times as the condition for salvation. We should take the hint, especially when the Holy Spirit had John tip us off that he wrote his book in order to bring people to faith in Christ (John 20:31). We don’t find any of the above language there.¹⁰

IV. A Clear Invitation

A minister acquaintance told me an almost humorous story of his conversion. When he was a totally pagan, long-haired bartender and bouncer, he attended a revival and went forward at the evangelist’s invitation. When he got to the front, the host pastor met him and asked, "Do you come to make a profession of faith in Christ?" Bill looked confused. The pastor asked several times. Bill finally said, "Look, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just want Jesus." He told me if it had not been for the evangelist’s clarity in the sermon, he would not have found Christ up front with the pastor. As one of my seminary professors, Howard Hendricks, was fond of saying, "A mist in the pulpit is a fog in the pew."

A clear telling of the Gospel can easily become unclear when the invitation is given. Whether it is an invitation in a one-on-one encounter or a public invitation by a preacher, there are certain things that will keep it clear. Let’s look at some of the common invitations and comment on each.

Come forward. The invitation to come down the church aisle is used by many preachers, though criticized by others—sometimes rightly so.¹¹ It has only been around since the 1800’s. Some people will quickly respond to such a public expression, and others would rather go through an IRS audit before they would stand up in front of a crowd. In spite of 18 verses of "Just As I Am," they are singing to themselves, "I Shall Not Be Moved"!

Walking the aisle is not harmful if the person clearly understands the issue. We probably all know someone who came to faith in this way. But people should never be led to believe that they must walk an aisle in order to be saved—even if the preacher’s ego is at stake. They should be encouraged to walk an aisle if they want to talk to someone about their salvation or if they want to make a public statement that they have trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior during the meeting.

Pray a prayer. An invitation involving prayer can be handled correctly. The Gospel teller must be careful to make the issue faith. When inviting people to Christ, I explain how it is that Christ saves us through faith, make sure they understand the issues, then ask, "Do you believe this?" If they say "Yes," I say, "Then why don’t you thank Him right now in prayer for dying for you and for giving you eternal life?"

It may not be possible to validate a public invitation from the Scriptures. But then we could not validate Gospel tracts and evangelism training classes either. Sharing the Good News implies an invitation to believe, and giving a clear invitation may help many to actually do it. The main point in relation to the invitation is that in no way do we want a person to get faith mixed up with works. If we have told someone that salvation is a free gift, then we must be consistent and not demand any action as a condition. In fact, when someone decides to respond to any kind of invitation, it seems logical that he or she is already trusting in Christ and just desires to express it somehow. An invitation gives people an opportunity to tell others about their faith, something they should be doing the rest of their lives. Such an expression can help affirm them in their faith.

Conclusion

Clear communication is an art. When it comes to telling the Gospel it is an art worth refining. We must work to tell the Gospel as clearly as possible. Not always will we succeed. But isn’t it a wonderful fact of life that God can still use us in spite of the misplaced approaches and methods that we use? We know, however, that He can accomplish more through us according to how clear and biblical our message and our methods are. And that means that we are clear in our motives, in our Gospel content, in our statement of the condition for salvation, and in our invitation to believe. Given all that is at stake, we want to share the Good News as clearly as possible in a way that is pleasing to God, not just convenient to men."

Jesus Christ said, "He who believes in Me has everlasting life" (John 6:47). He also said, "He who lives and believes in Me will never die." Eternal life is eternal.

Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the whole world (John 1:29). He has removed the sin barrier which separated us from God. However, we still lack spiritual life, eternal life. To get that life, we must simply believe in Jesus for it. There are no strings attached. Our eternal salvation is "not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph 2:9).

Simply believe in Jesus and He guarantees you will never die spiritually. You will go to heaven when you die, and spend eternity in God's kingdom. It really is that simple. That's why it's called Good News.

Wow! Its been to long, I know.

2009-06-12T17:40:00.001-07:00

First a quote that I think is very relative based on whats going on in our country today...

Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress.... But then I repeat myself.
-Mark Twain

I just have to love his wit.

Next a brief update!

My youngest daughter has graduated kindergarten as the top readerin the class. Kianna my soon to be 5th grader was on the A honor roll, and my soon to be sophmore daughter got all A's and B's and is now training with me at the Team Quest Fight Club and having a blast. :)

I plan to do a post on tithing soon so stay tuned!

Happy New Year!

2009-02-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

I pray that everyone has a prosperous New Year the way that God measures Prosperity and that you are blessed. I look forward to hopefully having increased time for my blog again. I am reviewing and hopefully catching up with the ones I have let slide and am considering a new topic in the coming weeks. Anyone have anything that they think would be fun and educational, let me know!

Zane Hodges has gone to be with the Lord

2008-12-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

A great scholar and someone who I had a lot of respect for their research has beaten me to be with Christ. The FG movement will miss him.

I still plan on catching up in the coming weeks on my posts, and I appreciate your patience.

gospel means good news.

2008-07-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

I am going to suggest that people everywhere may be using a word in greek as a subject, that normally should be descriptive of the subject under discussion, not as another way of stating the subject.

If I tell you my wife just had a baby, that is gospel.

If I tell you my father just had his cancer miraculously cured, that is gospel.

If I tell you that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and rose again, that is gospel.

If I tell you that simply by believing in him for eternal life, he grants it to you, that also is gospel.

If I tell you Christ is coming again, that is gospel

There are many other things that are gospel and even described as gospel in the New Testament but only ONE thing grants eternal life and that is Belief in Jesus Christ for Eternal life. That is gospel or good news!

The New Testament is "gospel" because it is good news, however thankfully it is not what we must believe to have eternal life. Jesus Christ was clear on that in John thankfully.

Thoughts?

My Fathers monthly missionary report

2008-04-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Partners in International Ministry: in France , April 2008

Dear praying friends,

The March Mission was quite a trip! In the shuttle to the airport I shared extensively with a Hispanic couple. They both were interested and eager to read the Gospel of John I left them. The driver also heard our conversation. Please pray for Jess & Edna to trust Christ for their salvation.

On one leg of the flight I discussed the Gospel with a Turkish man who is a German citizen temporarily working in the US . He is of no religion but thinks Jesus is a prophet. I encouraged him to study the words of Jesus since the words of a genuine prophet are true. Pray that he will read the Gospels and also trust Jesus.

My French connection was at the wrong terminal. We finally got together and had a great time of fellowship en route to his home and often throughout the week. Staying with Vincent, Nicole and Etienne, their baby, was a joy. We had valuable times of prayer and fellowship. I taught four sessions on the book of Colossians during the week, plus Psalm1 at Sunday worship.

One afternoon we experienced a special Divine appointment. We left to do a prayer walk and arriving in town immediately ran into a Muslim widow these believers have been helping and witnessing to. She, a friend and their two young boys had just been dropped off with a lot of donated furniture. The street was blocked off to cars so they needed to carry the furniture two block and then up three floors to her apartment. She was wondering how to get all this stuff to her place and at the moment the four of us arrived. The timing and help from Christians is beginning to convince her that Christ loves her. Pray that they will all be drawn to the Savior.

One night we travelled back to Nice and had a Bible study with a small group of young adult believers there. I led a discussion on Romans 4 that seemed quite productive. Pray that they will be courageous in witnessing and inviting others to join this group.

In Europe , few people will listen to a presentation of the Gospel unless you have first built a relationship of mutual trust and friendship. This means new ministries and churches tend to grow slowly. The church planters, whether foreigners or nationals, tend to be viewed with suspicion. These missionaries need and deserve our prayer and support.

One of my main goals is to come alongside these servants of the Lord and be a blessing in whatever way they need. So I offer to teach Biblical Studies, Apologetics or conversational English as an outreach, do prayer walks together, pray and fellowship or do whatever they want.

In mid-May I am planning to return to the Ukraine for the third time. Three of the ministries will be repeats of the last two years; to teach as a volunteer at the Crimea-American College , speak and teach at two churches and work again with the International School Project, training Public School teachers in a biblical curriculum of Christian Ethics and Morals to teach to their students. New this year will be a training conference for Romanian pastors. I will be leading them in a biblical studies each morning and then presenting materials on church ministry & growth.

Please pray for the Lord to raise my support and to continue to use me to encourage those to whom He sends me. If you are led to help financially please send a check to Partners in International Ministry, 12 18 E. First St. , Tustin , CA 92780 . Thanks for your prayers & gifts they are greatly needed and appreciated.
In the Father’s service,
Gerald Tilley

(I am trying to get him set up on paypal in the next few days and let me know if you would like his email)

Where is Trent?

2008-04-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

My apologies for my recent activity... or lack there of. Business in the mortgage industry has been slow for the past 8 months or so, and has finally started picking back up. I have some catching up to do on my families finances and have also started a water machine business that I believe is amazing. (If you want information, follow the links on the side) My time has gotten a bit tighter, but I hope in the next month or so for things to calm back down. I know I am behind on some responses, and plead for some grace. Thank you for being patient.

Grace and Truth

Trent

Is Belief in Christ for eternal life the same as Belief in Christ and (insert item here) for eternal life?

2008-01-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

Romans 11:6 says "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

Grace and Works are incompatible. If you try to work grace is no longer grace. Works are incompatible with grace. It is a statement of fact. If you are saved by works, then you are not saved by grace.. and if we are not saved by grace, we are not saved. I think this is pretty clear and hard to argue against. We are saved by one or the other.

Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

I submit to you, that these people believed that Christ would save them after he saw all the works they were doing for him. They seem to expect it, so they had faith in him, but relied on their works to be worthy.

If you are trusting in 2 people to accomplish something for you, you are not trusting one. That to me is clear. If you think it takes 2 people or 2 things to do something, you are not trusting one to do it. Thus someone who is believes that works and Christ will save them, does NOT believe that Christ will save them.

If you think you can lose eternal life, then you can't be trusting in Christ for it alone. You are trusting in Christ and yourself, and since Christ won't fail, ultimately its up to you to save yourself. Does that make sense?

Faith in 2 things is NOT faith in one thing

I challenge anyone to please give me an example where trusting in 1 thing and 2 things for the samething is the same? I think its impossible but I know there are many smarter then me.

Grace and Truth

Trent

Will people be in Hell because of Sin?

2007-12-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

I ask in this way, because I believe it has 2 answers. Yes and No. Yes, because of Sin generally. If not for sin, there would not have been a fall, and thus, people will go to Hell because of sin. However, they will not be in Hell because of their sin. Christ died for the sins of the world and thus, they will specifically be in Hell because of their unbelief.

I want to quote "Grace" by Lewis Chafer for a moment (breaking or bending my own rules, but I hope it triggers some biblical discussion).

"....through the substitutinary death of Christ for all men as Sin-Bearer (John 1:29; 2 Cor. 5:14,19) the ground of universal divine condemntation is now beause of the personal rejection of the Savior who bore the sin. This is set forth in His Word: "He that believeth on him is not condemnted: bue he that believeth not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18); "But he that believeth not shall be damnted" Mark 16:16."

"In confirmation of the fact that men are now condemned because of unbelief, it should be note that when the Spirit of God approaches the unsaved to convince them of sin, he does not same themk or blame them conerning the sins they have committed, instead he convicts them of the one sin only." Of sin, becuase they believe not on me" (John 16:9). So also, Christians are said to be free from all condemtnaion on the sole ground that they have believed on the Savior. (John 3:18. Cf 5:24; Rom 8:1; 1 Cor 11:32; 2 Cor 5:19)"

"At this point God offers but one remedy. That remedy is Grace."

"Men are either utterly condemned under the universal decree of the Judge of all the earth, or they are perfectly saved and safe in the grace of God as it is in Jesus Christ" Quotes are from pages 41-43.

I do not agree with everything Chafer says, but he puts this well in my opinion.

I submit that Christ died for all sin, and that people will only be in Hell if they do not believe in him. But, they will be in Hell because of sin, because with out the fall, we would not need a savior. All sin was put on Christ at the Cross. If we believe in Christ, we have life in his name or "eternal life."

Christ even died for the sin of unbelief. If he had not, we would all be going to Hell. But eternal life is gained by belief in Christ.

Thus, repentance cannot be a condition of eternal life, becuase the sin is already paid for. If we had to turn from it, then it was not paid for. If I must do something to have eternal life, then it is not unmerited, nor is it grace.

Eternal Security and Assurance: True or False?

2007-12-03T22:20:00.000-08:00

My experience in India, as well as speaking to missionaries and pastors has convinced me that most who consider themselves Christians in the world, (especially in countries with severe persecution) either believe that you can lose eternal life, or believe in a faith that does not saved. (By that I mean they believe that a person can think they believe in Christ for eternal life, but they decieve themselves or did not believe strong enough, or long enough, etc. They prove they did not believe either because of a life of sin, a particular sin, or not enough good works depending on the flavor)

I would like to discuss the Biblical proof of Eternal Security, or Eternal Insecurity depending on your belief's. Please do not just quote a verse, but give your understanding of it, and please consider the context.

A secondary topic which would only apply to those who believe in Eternal Security is, can a believer know he has eternal life and will be with God for eternity.

My India Mission Trip Photos

2007-11-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=2nuchw81.3pxox9pd&Uy=-page0s&Ux=0

For more information about my trip you can go to http://sola-scriptura-truth.blogspot.com/2007/10/glory-to-god-in-highest.html

I hope you enjoy and feedback is welcome!

The 3 wise men who came to the Birth of Christ

2007-11-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

A Traditional belief of most Christians and Catholics are that 3 wise men showed up at the manger, and awed the sheperds with expensive gifts that they brought to Jesus. This has always been a fun trivia question I like to ask people, and I thought since the celebration of Christ's birth is on the horizon, it would be a good one to start with and will hopefully get everyones wits sharpened.

How many wise men came, and when did they show up? Back it up with why you believe it, and with scripture references if applicable.

Glory to God in the Highest! India Trip Overview

2007-10-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

God is good. The Holy Spirit was extremely active. Over 1200 people professed faith in Christ over 4 days, and we also were able to hand out tracts and talk to people about Christ coming and going and at the hotel etc. I preached for my first time regarding the difference between faith in Christ and faithfulness to Christ and what the results of each are at a small orphanage where I was probably more blessed then my audience. The childrens singing was heavenly. Rev. Nilbir who was the person who ran the orphanage also ended up being my interpreter. He was wonderful, and God used him so that we could share with those who did not understand Manipuree as he also spoke Hindi. Also, Antonio's seminar (http://indiacampaign.blogspot.com/ ) was just outstanding! He could have easily spread the information over 12 hours or more, but the people were hungry and excited!.

I will go into how I presented the Bible to allow for some feedback and describe some of the responses I got personally. Most of those we witnessed to were Hindu's and Animists, some of whom had never heard of Jesus. This was my first Mission, and truly the first time I had ever focused on evangelism. I did use an evangicube (http://www.e3resources.org/evangecube.aspx). I prayed as I approached each house for God to use me as his tool, and remove any motives I had that were not good. To take away any pride or arrogance and for me to share with humility. Me and my interpreter prayed a lot. We did spent close to an hour with most people, and I always shared my food with them. There is a saying. People do not care what you know until they know you care. They knew we came from America to tell them of this and knew we cared!

I told them I was there to tell them of the God who created the universe. He created the Spirits as well. I briefly describe the rebellion of the angels and their fall to allow for questions about other gods etc. I covered the garden of Eden, Gods love and fellowship with man there, and Eves temptation by the head of the evil spirits, Satan. I explain that a Holy God because of mans rebellion also could no longer have fellowship with man and cast them from the garden.

I discussed how man multiplied upon the earth and that God because of his love for man let them know that he would provide a sacrifice so that man again could have fellowship with God. I usually quoted Hebrews 9:8 here. (at times the Holy Spirit seemed to lead me to add or use different ways to explain things though my overall presentation stayed the same.) I then explained that about 2000 years ago, God sent his son Jesus Christ came to earth. He claimed to be the Son of God and did many miracles to show that he was who he claimed. He spoke the words of God. He said (I quote John 3:16, and John 14:6) I discuss (dramatically) the story of him quieting of the Storm from Mark ( I got goose bumps every time I described this) and one of the signs given in the book of John so that unbelievers believe, raising of Lazarus. I talked about how people followed him and even wanted to make him King, but he refused because they did not know the purpose he came. He told his followers that he came to die but that he would raise again but they too did not understand.

The Religious and political leaders were not happy with the attention Christ received and because they did not believe that he was the Son of God they plotted against him. They sent soldiers to arrest him. I describe the defense of Peter, the healing of the soldiers, (dramatic again) and the fleeing of his followers. I again reiterate that this was why he came. I go into detail of what he went through with the crown of thorns, beatings and whipping the skin off of his back. Some of the people began to cry even before I described the crucifixion. Others did not until they saw and heard him described on the cross.(evangicube picture) I told them that he was mocked. "You saved others, now save yourself." They did not understand that it was for this purpose that he came. To be our sacrifice so that we could be with God forever. I told them that the evil spirits rejoiced thinking that they had a victory.

Usually around this point I would go back to in the garden before the soldiers arrived and describe the prayer of Christ to his Father. "Father, if there is any other way, please take this cup from me" but because of his love for you, ( I would point at each of them) he said "but your will be done" They had no concept of a loving God so this was very emotional for many. I describe the burial, the guards and the Resurrection. How the religious leaders posted the guards, because they knew he had said he would die and raise again, but not because they believed he was the Son of God. Instead, the guards were to prevent his followers from stealing the body. But his followers were afraid and hiding. When he arose, he showed himself to many witness's including over 500 at one time. He told his followers that he had conquered death, and was the sacrifice for our sins. Because he had died for us, we could again have fellowship with God and spend eternity with him. I go over John 3:16 again and explain that by simply believing in Jesus Christ, they receive the free gift of eternal life. I then went over Hell, and explain that God the Father created Hell for the evil spirits, and that we would have gone there because of our sin if he had not sent his Son. That this was the only way he could satisfy his righteousness. A few times I did use Rom 3:23 as well as the verse in the old testament that talks about our righteousness being as filthy rags. I explain that God knows them. Their name, their thoughts and their hurts. I told them that if they believe in Jesus Christ, that God will give them the free gift of eternal life and they will be with him forever.

I then asked. "Do you believe this?" The vast majority would nod or say yes. I could not believe how the Holy Spirit worked! At least one lady started to cry when I told her I was here to tell her about the God who created the universe. Their hearts were prepared.

I would then tell them that I asked them because although God knew their heart and that they had believe I did not and I wanted to rejoice because of my new brothers and sisters in Christ. I explained that at the moment they believed in Christ, God had given them the free gift of eternal life, and that when they died they would go straight to heaven to be with God. That I would see them again. I explained how as children of God they did not have to fear his creations, and that includes spirits. I then would ask them if they wanted to Pray and thank God for his Love and his gift he had given them.

I explained to them that prayer was talking to God and that it could be done with the mouth or in the mind. With the eyes open or closed (though closed helped you focus) and that there were no magic words. I asked them if they would like to to lead them in their first prayer anyway, and all said yes. My prayer followed this guideline.

Dear Father, Thank you for sending Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for my sins, so that be believing in him, I receive the free gift of eternal life. Thank you for your love for me that I cannot understand. Thank you that you let me talk to you when ever I want. Please teach me more about you. In the name of God's Son Jesus Christ, Amen.

When we were done, they were always grinning. Many thanked me for the good news. at least twice people mentioned that they had seen Jesus on TV but that because of what I shared they could believe. I grew so much on this trip. We always left them with some New Testaments, and I highlighted John 3:16. I told them they could read more of what Jesus Christ had done as well as more of the words of God. Many could not wait but began to read even as we were leaving. Some asked us to teach them songs to praise God with.

Before giving them the Bible I would tell them that many people in America paid for me to come to India and tell them about Jesus. When I got back they would rejoice knowing they had new brothers & sisters that they would see in heaven someday, but that I would like to take pictures of them so they would not have to wait. They always laughed or grinned and nodded. We also got their names so that Indian believers could follow up and hopefully plant a church in these unreached area's.

Anyway, I hope this was enjoyable for you to read, and I look forward to what ever discussion or comments this leads to. :) I will post a link to pictures soon in the comments when they are posted. I am sure the comments will remind me of things I forgot, and I will share a few special moments in the comments as well.

Love in Christ,

Trent

India.

2007-10-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

I will be heading to India on my first mission trip on Oct 11th 2007. I have already raised my support, however I would appreciate prayers as we endeavor to bring the gospel to an unreached people. Here is the schedule as we understand it currently. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Team Members

Jon, Kathy, and Jonathan C., Michael C., Beverly C, Antonio Da Rosa., Paige E., Illa F., Tony G., Kathy J., Michell K., Pierre L., Russ M., Carol M., Robert S., Dan W., and myself. (I used initials because I did not ask permission to post their names. Be assured God knows who we are. :) )

Indian time is 12.5 hours ahead of PST

10/10/-10/12 travel from LAX to Calcutta. over 27 hours of actual flight time including a refuel in Tokyo where we have one hour to go through customs and get back on the plane... why ? I don't know. Also a lay over in Singapore. Please pray for safety and that we will not have any major hurdles to overcome as well as the well being of my family left behind.

10/13 Travel to Manipur and in-country orientation. Please pray for our continued Health and Safety as well as team unity.

10/14 Worship with Local Believers as well as being introduced to our interpreters. Antonio will be giving a cram course on Eternal Security to approximately 100 Indian pastors! Please keep this important time in prayer!

10/15-10/19 home to home evangelism and outreach. It will be just me with an Indian interpreter and perhaps another Indian believer who does not speak english. We will be dropped off 10-120 miles away from Imphal and perhaps be the first white person some people have ever seen. Please pray for my safety, and that I will clearly share the gospel with those who have never heard of Jesus. Especially pray for the Holy Spirit to convince them of the Truth of the Gospel. To take away the blinds Satan has over their eyes. There are many animists and idol worshippers there, and spiritual warfare will be present. Pray for God's will to be done.

10/19 Celebration day. Baptisms? New believers will be invited to join us. Please pray for them to persevere in their new Faith as well as their safety, as they can face harassment, beatings, being disowned by their families, and even death.

10/20 begin our trip home.

10/21 arrive back to LAX

Please keep us in prayer!!! I will give an update upon my return.

Love in Christ

Trent

P.S. Please be patient at first as this is my first blog, and it will take me a bit of time to get the hang of it. :)