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

Literal means in 6 Days God created the earth.

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

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.

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

"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?

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.