NOTE FROM LES

Dear Friends, Another three months have passed and they sure have been full ones. First was the cruise to Alaska with fellow believers. We had a great time of fellowship and Bible study. Then we had three days at home before we loaded up our Yukon with materials and headed out to Sydney, Montana. It is fairly sparsely populated but we had an exuberant group for the all-day Saturday seminar. One lady who had never heard of us before came up at break time and said '' I've never heard any of this before.'' How we pray she will be another Lydia. After Sunday morning breakfast with our hostess, we drove down to Lander, Wyoming, where our hosts operate a bed and breakfast but let Iris and I and our son Todd and his wife Kim and their six children occupy it for the whole week. We even had a couple of days to trout fish. During the week, we had several Bible studies and picnics and ended with an all-day Saturday seminar. Twenty-one ex-Mormons drove over from Utah to share their enthusiasm and that alone made the trip worthwhile. After a breakfast with our hosts on Sunday morning we once again hit the road and arrived at our next destination in Loveland, Colorado,[which is in the Denver area] in time for a delicious bowl of soup from our host -- which we always request before a speaking engagement-- and then on to a large church where we opened the Word to nearly 300. Monday morning our hosts drove us up to the top of Estes Park and then back to their home in Loveland for another bowl of her delicious soup. [Yes, Iris and I love soup!] We left by 3 p.m. and arrived back home Tuesday afternoon. What a glorious trip! The weather had been perfect and all of that Western area has had more than normal rainfall so everything was so green and beautiful.

After that we were home nine days which included a taping session in Tulsa and then once again we loaded the Yukon for the trip to Minnesota and Wisconsin. As always, Bethesda Church was so rewarding. We had nearly 400 at all three sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then we were at the Wisconsin retreat on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and it was the largest group ever in the nine years that we have been holding it. There were 185 on the riverboat ride!

From there we had the opportunity to go to Todd and Kim's for a few days which included a tremendous potluck supper and nearly 2 hours of Bible study one day at a friend's lakeside home. Next came the trip back home where we made preparation for our Labor Day picnic on September 7, which was held in McAlester, and then taping once again on the 9th. But extra blessings were in store because about 25 people who developed friendships on our Israel tours decided to have a reunion of sorts. Some came to Oklahoma in time for the Labor Day picnic and others arrived by Tuesday and they all gathered here for a day at the ranch. On Wednesday, everybody attended the taping in Tulsa, helping to make it one of the largest, most state diversified attendance ever. It was quite appropriate because Iris and I have decided to take a total sabbatical for three or four months and then decide on how much to take on. But the ministry will continue and we'll take as many phone calls as possible and I'll keep answering letters. For all of you who have written letters with questions since July 10th, please be patient and realize that I have been traveling and have a backlog of 150 letters and it will take time to catch up. As always, we thank everyone for your prayers.

What in the World?

We want to thank all of you who wrote that you were in full agreement regarding my comments in the last newsletter on "The Shack". However we had one person who wrote in that claimed a friend came to salvation by reading the book and I will not scorn that because of what Philippians 1: 15-18 tells us-- but that is not the norm. Also, I was sent another good book that exposes the new age teachings that are found not only in ''The Shack'' but also in books written by Eugene Peterson, Rick Warren, Robert Schuller, and many others who have adulterated our precious Bible. I highly recommend it and the name of it is ''A Wonderful Deception'' written by an ex-new-ager, Warren Smith.

Above table (page 161 "A Wonderful Deception") used by permission from Lighthouse Trails Publishing

Questions and Answers

Another subject on which we get a lot of questions concerns loved ones who have died. Let's go back to the beginning. The moment a person recognizes that they are lost [Romans 3:23] and embraces by faith that Jesus, the creator God, took on human flesh, died the death of the cross, shed his divine, sinless blood as full payment for our salvation, was resurrected in power after being in the grave three days and three nights, they are saved. They recognize that this has defeated the enemies-- death, Satan, and our old nature. At the moment of true faith, the holy spirit places us by an invisible, unfelt act into the body of Christ. Immediately we are in a living relationship with Christ, totally forgiven of all past, present, and future sin. The indwelling Holy Spirit is not only God's mark of ownership [Ephesians 1:13-14] but He becomes our constant guide. [I Corinthians 3:16, 6:19-20, Romans 7:14]. At physical death, the body goes into the grave, but the soul and spirit which are invisible entities redeemed by the blood of Christ, go instantly up to God's presence in glory where-- I think-- the spirit and soul remains conscious and will immediately recognize fellow believers. Naturally, they are anxiously awaiting the rapture and resurrection when their soul and spirit will reunite with a new body fit for all of eternity [I Corinthians 15:51-53, I Thessalonians 4:13-17]. Those who are lost will go immediately in their soul/spirit to torment.

We have received a lot of letters from our listeners concerned about response to our two gospels versus one. One editor went so far as to say that Paul preached the gospel of the Kingdom the same as Jesus and the twelve. Maybe someone should write to these brethren and ask if they have ever read Acts 20:24, Romans 16:25, Ephesians 3:1-9, Colossians 1:24-28, or Galatians 2:7. But then one of our listeners sent us this little article below written by Dr. Louis Sperry Chafer Founder and President of Dallas Theological Seminary.

KINGDOM GOSPEL VS. GRACE GOSPEL

Strong objection is offered by Covenant theologians to a distinction between the Gospel of the Kingdom as preached by John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Disciples, and the Pauline Gospel of the Grace of God. One Covenant theologian states that to make such a distinction is "unfortunate," and "dangerous." He with others contends that the Kingdom Gospel is identical with the Gospel of divine Grace. Here nevertheless will arise an absurdity which does not deter this type of theologian, namely, that men could preach the Pauline Grace Gospel based as it is on the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ when they did not believe Christ would die or be raised again (Luke 18:31-34) (VII:176).

Note from Laura

Back in July I had an awesome opportunity to go on a vacation. It was a privilege that I never dreamed possible and I was able to enjoy the beauty of God's creation while also having the honor of talking with other believers. While we were talking, we discussed witnessing tools and verses that would be handy to have available in order to back up our understanding of Jesus/disciples as compared to Paul.

When I got home I-- along with a couple of friends-- came up with a compiling of verses. We put them under 5 headings. The headings were: 1) what Jesus and the disciples taught 2) to whom their message was to 3) versus showing the disciples did not know anything about the message of grace 4) what Paul taught 5) to whom Paul's message was to.

Good examples under the heading of what Jesus taught are these four:

Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the repentance of baptism for the remission of sins; Acts 8:12 But when they heard Philip preaching these things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts 8:36-37 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and a eunuch said, see, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thine heart, now mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God.

Verses supporting to whom Jesus and the disciples taught are the following:

Matthew 10:5-6 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them saying, go not into the way of the Gentile, and into city of the Samaritan enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 15:24 But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a prince and a savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ.

Scripture telling us that the disciples did not even know that Jesus was going to die include:

Mark 9:31 For He taught His disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men and they shall kill Him; and after that He is killed, He shall rise the third day. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask Him. Luke 18:33-34 And they shall scourge Him, and put Him to death; and the third day He shall rise again. And they understood none of these things and this saying was hid from them, neither knew the things that were spoken. John20:9 For as yet they knew not the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.

References to use in proving Paul was the apostle to the Gentile:

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. II Timothy 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

Some verses showing what Paul teaches:

Romans 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. I Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6. Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7. That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

These are just a few but they might be a handy help sometime for someone. Amazingly, we compiled 40 references regarding the kingdom message, 10 references supporting that the message taught by Jesus and the disciples was primarily to the Jew, 20 verses supporting that Paul was the messenger to the Gentiles, and 21 places that teaches the message of grace-- which is the gospel Paul taught. And of course the reference to top it all off is:

Galatians 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8. (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles :) 9. And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

These verses were found from only Matthew through Philemon. [Click here for a the complete listing of all of the verses.]

NOTE FROM OFFICE

The September taping brought several out of state friends, most of whom also visited here at the ministry office and the Feldick home. Of course Les and Iris have met many of them in their travels, but this time the office staff had the privilege of meeting many of the people we so often talk to on the phone. It was fun to put faces with names and voices, and we really enjoyed the visit.

We continually praise the Lord that He is sustaining Les Feldick Ministries through these difficult economic times. Whenever we worry that finances are a little tight, and we may have to look at dropping a station, The Lord provides for another month. "Thank you" is an overused phrase, that does not seem adequate to express our deep appreciation to those of you who still give, even though times are hard. We want you to know how important you are to the ministry, and what a vital role you play in keeping Les on the air.

Also in light of tough times, we are even more conscious of the Lord's money, and look to cut costs wherever possible. In the past, we have asked that you not use a credit card for orders under $50 because of the charges associated with processing them. We have, however, been flexible on this because we were afraid that people may get the idea that this was an attempt to persuade them to spend more. In the current economic climate, credit card companies are now charging more than ever, so we respectfully ask that you please not use your credit card for orders under $50. This is an important request because every other aspect associated with mailing products (postage, boxes, padded envelopes) is considerably more expensive now than it was 14 or 15 years ago, yet the price for materials has not increased. On that same note, if you use our web site www.lesfeldick.org, and read the newsletter there, please call or write and let us know to take you off the mailing list. Keep in mind that it may be the next newsletter cycle before this goes in to effect, depending on when we hear from you.

Iris' Recipe Corner

Macaroni Casserole

2-boxes macaroni & chese (follow box instructions)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Approximately 4-6 hot dogs sliced
Directions: Mix cooked noodles, soup and sliced hot dogs, season to taste and eat!

THINGS MENTIONED ON THE PROGRAM LATELY

"Which Gospel When?" by Paul R Van Gorder (FREE)

Question & Answer Book ($11)

Matt McGee’s website www.matthewmcgee.org ("Seven Churches of Revelation" article)