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?

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