NOTE FROM LES

Dear Friends, First of all, thank you for your prayers and gifts. Another three months is history, but we're three months nearer to our Lord's return. Those of you who have heard our programs since we began in Genesis probably remember at one time I made the statement that by the time the anti-christ appears most of the world will have socialist governments. We've now seen our own nation take huge steps in that direction over that last few months.

We only had one road trip this last quarter, but it was a rewarding one. At all locations, it was the same scenario - meeting old friends and acquaintances, many from our tours, and many more new ones. At the Whiteland, Indiana and Columbus, Ohio meetings, we had folks from the neighboring states of Illinois, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. At Alpha, Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee, we met old friends and made new ones and there again numerous states were represented. Iris and I never count but from the numbers given to us there were nearly 5,300 in total attendance. How we praise our Lord and Savior. Next Quarter, Lord willing we will be teaching in Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Interesting Comments

For years, I smelled the turkey in the oven, but never got a taste. Since finding your program, I am feasting!

For too many years I read the Bible with my eyes closed and sitting in the dark. Now my eyes are open and the stadium lights are on!

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

Question: Were the 10 Tribes of the Northern Kingdom "lost"?

We still get questions concerning the 10 lost tribes. Tradition may say they were. The Word of God - never. A study of the wars involving the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and Judah, and the numbers of men of wars tell us volumes. At first, Israel could field an army of 800,000 and Judah only a few hundred thousand. 56 years later, Israel's numbers drop considerably, but Judah's increases. By the time Israel is about to succumb to the Syrian invaders, they could only field an army that was likened to a flock of kids, and Judah now has 1,600,000. A complete inversion. So, all the while the nation was divided, there was a great migration of the people of the 10 tribes down into Judah, so that when Nebuchadnezzar takes the Jews captive to Babylon, all the tribes are represented. Note Ezra 1:5, 2:2, 2:59, 10:5 and Neh 2:10, 7:7, 8:17, 12:47. Also, when Peter addresses the Jews in Jerusalem at Pentecost, he says in Acts 2:36, let all the house of Israel (not just Judah) and in Acts 3:12, he says ye men of Israel. And finally, at the sealing of the 144,000 in Rev 7, it is not just Judah and Benjamin, but all 12 tribes except Dan and Ephraim, and that is because they led the way into idolatry, and were guilty of blasphemy as recorded in Lev 24:10-16, Judges 18:2-31, Hosea 4:17.

"The Shack"

Shortly after this little book hit the bookstores, a dear friend sent me a copy as a gift. This was long before it became an object of praise and criticism, so I began reading it with no preconceived notions.

It opened with a great story line and seemed innocent enough, but when I got to the mailbox episode, red flags flew up and I was nearly ready to close the book because I saw Young's perception of God was not Biblical. But I decided to read on. I was noting some ridiculous New Age euphuisms, but then I came to his presentation of the Trinity, and that to me was nothing short of blasphemy. I closed the book but did not throw it in the round file because after all, it was a gift. However, you will never see it on the coffee table. Some may say "but Les, it's at the top of the New York Times Best Seller List" - of course, so are two other books written by avowed atheists who pummel pure Christianity. It's all a good thermometer of the spiritual climate in America today… Below zero!

NOTE FROM LAURA

As I was trying to decide what to write, three subjects came to mind -- patriotism, gratitude, and attitude. I finally decided I would say just a tad on all three :-).

First, I would guess that all of us think about America and what a great country she has been when we come to the Fourth of July. We should thank God every day that we were born in the land of the free and yet pray fervently against the things going on in Washington now. As saved people, we need to stand up for the principles that our heavenly Father would have us to, and stand behind those who mirror those values we know to be in accordance with God's Word. There are so few in political circles anymore who hold conservative and godly standards and God would not have us to have apathy in these matters. If we are to stay on this earth any length of time longer, it is necessary to become very concerned about our country and take whatever actions we can. Of course I realize that most of us feel like the rapture is going to rescue us soon, but, while we are here, I firmly believe that we should be doing what we can to help fight the forces of evil.

Another thing that is so necessary in a believer's life is thanking and praising our heavenly Father for each day we have here. I was reminded the other day that from the time we open our eyes and see the beautiful colors of everything around us until the moment we close our eyes at night, we should have gratitude. If we can see the colors, feel the temperatures or hear the breezes, we should be thankful. As a quadriplegic, I can identify with difficulties and trials and yet the words comes to mind --''this is the day the Lord has made-- rejoice and be glad in it''. I have found that gratitude definitely affects attitude and our attitude should always be that which brings about positive reaction within ourselves and others and glory to our great God. That is definitely a necessity too :-)

NOTE FROM OFFICE

As usual we are all very busy in the office. Even though summer is here, the orders keep coming in. Since the program is now nationwide, we have many new viewers and it is a real blessing to get to talk to some who are just tuning in for the first time and really getting into studying their Bibles. We even had a caller from Africa who had heard the program on the radio which was really exciting for us. It is also fun to hear about all of you who are teaching others and delving into God's word. Hearing your stories of growth and blessing is so rewarding for us here. God bless you all!

Per several requests, here is a list of the salvation verses given on one of the programs: II Peter 3:15, II Peter 3:16, Romans 3:23-27, Romans 1:16, Ephesians 1:13-14, I Corinthians 15:1-4, Ephesians 2:8, I Thessalonians 4:13-18, Romans 4:5, Romans10:8-13, Romans 5:8-11, Romans 6:23, Romans 1:16-19

How to Study the Bible

"It shall greatly help you to understand Scripture if you mark not only what is spoken or written, but ask of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goes before and what comes after."

~ Miles Coverdale ~