August, 1998

Dearest Christian,

May God our Father richly bless you and yours. We love you and once again count it a privilege to reach out to you in this monthly letter. We hope it touches your heart.

We are very thankful for the response we have received to the Partnership Program that we unveiled last month. We are deeply touched by many people’s desire to unite with us in fulfilling the will of God for our ministry. Please allow us to clarify a few things about the Program.

Some have asked if they are really "giving" when they receive something from us in return. The fact that we are giving our materials in response to our partners is our way of saying "Thank you," which we see as our prerogative. It is not a business transaction, because we are receiving much more than we are giving. And, because of IRS rules, we will have to deduct the wholesale value of the materials we give you from the total amount of your gift to us. You have the option of declining our gifts to maximize your tax benefit.

Also, in order to properly administrate the Partnership Program, we need to allow 60-90 days for processing your commitment before we send out any materials or grant any discounts. We want to be sure that those who have committed to be Partners are able to keep their commitment before we respond with a gift of materials, etc. If you have signed up (or do sign up) to be a Partner, please be patient and allow us this time.

Let us remind you that no one is under any obligation whatsoever to become a Partner in order to receive our monthly newsletter. You simply need to communicate with us and let us know. We understand that you might want to support us financially, but cannot at this time. We just want to know how many on our mailing list really share our vision so we can better serve them, while at the same time not inadvertently offending or alienating anyone who is not yet convinced of what we teach and stand for.

For those who share our vision, we truly are in this together, and we are building something for the glory of God and His Son that can turn the world "upside down." Is there anyone who doesn’t see the need for the world to get turned right-side-up? From a Christian perspective, it is pretty obvious that the world’s value system is corrupt and based upon the worship of self ("lust"—1 John 2:16; 2 Peter 1:3). This belief/value system results in behaviors that contradict God’s will. Let’s look at some examples of popular teachings and how they affect people’s behavior.

• The theory of evolution results in a belief that chance is the guiding force of the universe and that only the strong survive. These beliefs deter acceptance of a loving personal God and justify man’s inhumanity to man, especially through racism and social classism.
• The New Age teaching that every man is his own god results in the belief that each man has a divine right to have his own desires fulfilled to his satisfaction, even if that means mistreating others in the process.
• The teaching that when you die you graduate to a higher realm of consciousness results in the belief that obedience to God in this life is not crucial, because we all advance toward "godness" anyway. It also works against a determination to labor in this life, and in despondent and mentally or physically ill people, it undermines the will to live.
• The teaching that God is in control of everything results in the belief that our destiny is entirely in the hands of God, and therefore what we  do is not nearly as important as what He  does for us. This teaching militates toward apathy, piety and indifference to the plight of those who suffer.
• The teaching that Jesus Christ did his Messianic work by virtue of his status as "God in human flesh" works against the belief that we can do the work that he did and that we can truly identify with him in the way he lived. This teaching breeds discouragement and doubt in times of temptation, tribulation and persecution.
• The teaching that people are valuable in reference to their appearance, their material possessions and their achievements leads to a lessening of belief that a person who doesn’t have those things is worthy of love, acceptance and attention. In terms of Christian doctrine, the teaching that some members in the Body of Christ have a greater connection with God than others, and can therefore interpret the will of God for them, results in unhealthy subordination and submission to spiritual tyranny. Christians then put up with psychological abuse that they would not tolerate in any other context.

We could continue this list almost indefinitely, but you get the point. Words form beliefs  that are seeds that bear fruit, for this is the very nature of God’s design for man. He gave us His Word so that our beliefs would be sound  and bear the right fruit. It is pointless to attempt to change behavior s without addressing the underlying beliefs that support them.

It should be clear even to the casual student of the Bible that God’s Word very much stresses both right belief and  right conduct. Belief and behavior (that is, doctrine and practice) are inextricably intertwined. One’s core beliefs either sabotage or support his sound practice. For example, if you believe you are unworthy of God’s blessing, inept, stupid, unforgiven or inferior, this will affect the way you relate to God and others. Conversely, if you believe yourself to be superior, without sin, a "self-made man," a "god," a "rugged individual," or the human representative of the planet Gorlock, this will profoundly affect your behavior. Your belief will cause you to behave in a way that produces the fruit of your belief. This is not magic, sorcery or metaphysics. It is simply the law of reaping and sowing.

Keep your heart [especially  your beliefs] with all diligence, for out of it comes the issues of life.

Understanding this means that we should pay a lot of attention to the way that our behavior reveals our true beliefs. As the saying goes, "Talk is cheap." Our walk tells the real truth. To know what you truly believe, take careful note of your actions. It is all too easy to live in self-deception and divorce ourselves from the reality we have created by our beliefs and consequent behavior. For instance, we deceive ourselves if:

• We say we love God but mistreat people, especially fellow believers.
• We say we love the saints but won’t go out of our way to fellowship with them.
• We say we love the Bible but never read it, study it or think about it, especially in time of temptation.
• We say we have no time but fritter it away in trivial activities.
• We say we value our constitutional liberties but we don’t vote.

Biblically speaking, which comes first—the "chicken" (doctrine), or the "egg" (practice)? The structure of the two major doctrinal epistles for the Church Age (Romans and Ephesians), argues powerfully for the importance of establishing sound doctrine prior to discussing practice. Romans 1-8 and Ephesians 1-3 each handle doctrinal issues in depth before discussing practical ramifications of the doctrine.

Theory must precede and lead practice or we will tend to thoughtlessly do things the way we’ve always done them, without considering whether we are producing the desired results. To be consistent and fruitful, action must be grounded in understanding (Matt. 13:23). We are not called to just act blindly, but wisely and thoughtfully. Furthermore, we need to have sufficient motivation to continue to act even in the face of great opposition, temptation or persecution. Consistently healthy and fruitful Christian life must derive from true teaching. "Toxic faith" that breeds bondage comes from believing toxic doctrine. The following verses communicate this interrelationship of teaching, belief and behavior:

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth [literally, "truthing it"] in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

These verses say that it is by living the truth, that is, expressing the truth in our actions and behavior, that we will grow up into him, that is, be and do like him. To live this way we must be established by sound teaching so we are not blown about by competing beliefs. This process of establishing the saints is supposed to be carried out by "apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers." Unfortunately, many of these ministries do not value sound teaching, and some even devalue it as relatively unimportant compared to "experiencing God."

This interrelationship of theory and practice exists in many areas of human endeavor. For instance, a cook can follow many culinary theories, but, as the saying goes, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." Also, there are many theories [or "doctrines"] among golf professionals as to the proper mechanics and form of the golf swing. These theories, however, must work in conjunction with the laws of physics, in combination with the individual golfer’s body. They must be tested by repeated practice, for no theory or doctrine has ultimate value without someone acting on it.

Golf points up the fact that just because we know the "doctrine" does not mean we will execute this knowledge successfully. No matter how good their instruction, most golfers have trouble getting their body to actually do  what they know to do. Only after they are able to control their feet, hands, arms, hips and legs to faithfully execute the swing, can their theory be truly tested. The final arbiter of the value of one theory over another is how well each enables the golfer to hit the ball.

Likewise, a good architect is not judged just by how good his drawings look, but by how well the finished building is constructed, fulfills its functions and endures in its environment. His designs must be buildable and practical, as well as beautiful, or he will not be successful. A good architect listens to and learns from the general contractors that actually build according to his blueprints. The architect’s theory must be consistent with the builder’s knowledge of the materials and with the engineer’s wisdom as to what is safe. When each party listens to the expertise of the other, the result is a building that pleases the owners and users.

In our Christian life, we each labor in this tension between theory and practice. As CES , we have, up to now, basically concentrated on the doctrinal foundation of our "building." Our books, tapes and materials have for the most part focussed on the major doctrinal and theological issues of Christianity that provide the basis and motivation for sound and fruitful practice. But we are aware that there is also a biblical balance between doctrine and practice that must always be kept in view.

No matter how much we think we have perfected the doctrinal basis of Christianity, it is only the long- term execution of our doctrine in the "laboratory of life" that will determine its quality. A famous example of this principle is Aristotle’s system of philosophy, which seemed beautifully consistent and incredibly logical, but which broke down when it was compared by experimentation to the reality of the physical universe.

Inherent within God’s will that we "be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth," (1 Timothy 2:4) is His desire that we consistently live and act upon that truth. This is why we are commanded in Ephesians 4:15 to "truth it" in love. We are to have both sound beliefs and sound practice. We in CES  are striving not just to be united in common belief, but also in a common commitment to sound practice. Having spent ten years laboring over and establishing a "Statement of Beliefs" that we can live with and promote (ask us for a copy if you need one), we now present for your consideration and feedback, "A Christian’s Code of Conduct."

Our behavior, or practice, is "where the rubber meets the road." George Barna’s research shows that Christians are not having as relevant and influential a role in American culture as would be expected, and the same is no doubt true in other countries less "Christianized." We believe this is in large part due to a lack of right teaching, without which Christians cannot effectually influence their culture.

We must bring our behavior into harmony with what we say we believe, and have the integrity to live that way. We tell the truth even if it will get us in trouble. We don’t steal, even paper clips or ten minutes of our boss’ time. We honor God’s design for sexuality to be expressed in marriage even if Christy Brinkley or George Clooney is hitting on us. We handle money honestly and refuse to participate in dishonest gain, even if it means we lose a job. We let our lifestyle salt our words, and when people note that we live differently than they do, we can explain why. Some will see the light and want to know the source of our moral strength.

On April 30, 1789, on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, George Washington was inaugurated as our first president under the Constitution. In his inaugural address, he said, "The foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality." It is time for us as Christians to make a collective commitment to godly behavior, believing that God will bless our communities and country and allow us time and resources to further the Gospel world-wide.

In setting forth "A Christian’s Code of Conduct," our intent is to make personal commitments in line with God’s commandments, bringing home to our hearts the urgency of acting in consort with the written Word of God. Ultimately, this is between each of us and God, but if we can agree that we are mutually committed to this "Code," then we can specifically help one another "walk in the light." WE LOVE YOU!!!

Your brethren in Christ,

1. I will love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, seeking to make the most of the talents and abilities He has given me. I will acknowledge that what He has given me is His gift to me, and what I do with it is my gift to Him. I will seek His Word for guidance as to His will for my life, and consider worshipping and obeying Him my first priority. I will shun all idols, or false "gods," that would appear able to supply my needs if I agree to compromise my commitment to the One True God and my Lord Jesus Christ.
2. I will love my neighbor as myself, considering the effect of my words and my actions on my neighbor’s wellbeing. I will acknowledge that my "neighbor" is the one near me, at various times geographical, familial or preferential. I will avoid the human tendency to stereotype and be prejudiced toward others of different faiths, races, nationalities, genders, etc., and relate to individuals on the basis of their own words and deeds. I will follow God’s example, loving every individual and seeking to bring them to a saving knowledge of the truth. I will live in such a way that if everyone followed my example there would be peace and good will among men.
3. I will acknowledge the spiritual battle raging between God and the Devil, and never knowingly give the Enemy an opportunity to lure me into sin against God, self or neighbor. I will stand against Satan’s wiles with the written Word of God and the power of holy spirit." If I find myself "held captive by him at his will," I will exert every effort to "escape" and help others to do likewise. I will shun addictive and dependent behaviors that would enslave me and render me self-centered and unproductive, especially those associated with destructive chemical substances.
4. I will actively work to manifest the fruit of the spirit as the basic godly attitudes and character traits that ought to govern my life, and give particular attention to those traits that are most difficult for me to evidence. I will not follow my "nature" into sin, making excuses and rationalizing my inappropriate behavior, but will live by the power of the spirit to obey the Word of God.
5. I will recognize the authority of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and responsibly submit to all godly authority as defined by God’s Word, while not allowing myself to be tyrannized by any misuse of authority. I will submit to such authority in accordance with the limits of my conscience as it is educated by the Word of God. I will renounce envy, rebellion and self-will, and seek to serve and not to rule. When I am in authority, I will use that power to serve and not to dominate. In all my relationships I will choose behaviors that encourage godliness, peace and reconciliation.
6. I will maintain holiness in my sexual life, whether in or out of marriage, acknowledging that sex and one’s attitude toward it is profoundly spiritual and will strengthen the bonds of either matrimony or iniquity. I will shun pornography and all illicit sexual activities as demeaning of God’s design for sex within marriage, which testifies to His goodness and love for mankind.
7. I will not gossip (passing on destructive rumors), but will lovingly speak the truth as I have personally experienced it, with a goal of edifying others. I will speak words that minister grace and a good reputation for others to live up to. I will not be party to character assassination or the ungodly judgment of another’s heart. If I believe that I have been trespassed against, I will follow the pattern of Matthew 18:15-17, and go first to the one I believe wronged me before discussing the offense with others (pastoral counseling excepted).
8. I will not covet nor steal that which belongs to another, but will work diligently so that I have to give to others. I will make every effort to return lost items to their rightful owners, and seek to be a lender more than a borrower. Anything I do borrow, I will return in better shape than I found it, or replace it. I will not be a slave to the acquisition and preservation of money, but will use it as a means to bless and provide for those I love.
9. I will not seek vengeance against those who wrong me, but will forgive them and seek reconciliation according to the principles of God’s Word. I will reject small-minded and petty attitudes that demand of others what I am unwilling to give. I will acknowledge the evils of misjudgment and recognize that what I detest in others lives in me as well. I will recognize that identifying the root of sin in my own life is a more compelling project than presuming to correct others without first correcting myself.
10. I will do good to all men, seeking opportunities to be of service and show the love of God that dwells in me. But I will be especially good to my fellow Christians, recognizing that they are God’s people whom He has graced as my equals. I will do my personal best to be united with them against our common foe, in accordance with the standard of God’s Word and the one spirit that empowers us all.

Seriously. We have been overwhelmed with other responsibilities, and we ask for your patience and understanding. We plan to produce the remaining teachings we need to by September 1, and those who have ordered them should receive them by the end of the month. We want to do them right, and we believe they will be worth the wait.

We have been most blessed by the response to the seminar we released last year, titled Teaching and Activation in the Manifestations of the Gift of Holy Spirit.  In conjunction with our policy of updating, revising and clarifying when we learn more and are able to do so, we have produced a new teaching on the manifestation of prophecy for that series. The 60-minute tape will replace the teaching currently in the seminar.

Utilizing the manifestations of holy spirit is indispensable for powerful Christian living. If you have not  already purchased the seminar, but would like this teaching by itself, the cost is $4. If you have not already purchased a copy of the seminar, we encourage you to do so. If you have already purchased a copy of the seminar, you can get the replacement tape for $3.

The July/August 1998 CES  Bi-monthly teaching is titled What Is Christian Leadership?  You can see by its title that it addresses an issue of indescribable importance to every Christian. We feel this is especially true for any believers who have been abused by Christian leaders and who are now suspicious of or even negative toward the whole idea of leadership in the Church. It seems that many people feel that it is probably not even possible for anyone to do it right. The Christian community is not served by inordinate suspicion directed at would-be leaders, because it negates the mutual benefit and blessing God wants for all in the Church.

We are very enthused about what this teaching can do for your relationship with God, the Lord Jesus and your Christian brethren. If you want to buy it, the cost is $4. If you want all six 1998 teachings (Take My Word For It; A Matter Of Life And Death; Why The New Birth Is The Miracles Of Miracles  and two more yet to come), the cost is $25.

This teaching suggests a biblical and practical definition of fear and shows that not all fear is it to be feared, nor is it a force that inexorably brings upon what you fear. It categorizes fear as healthy or unhealthy and shows that the "fear" of God is very healthy because it results in obedience to Him, which is beneficial to you. It also shows how fear plays a large part in keeping people in religious bondage.

Looking ahead at our tentative travel plans for 1999, beginning about mid-January, we are considering the possibility of using a motor home, RV, etc. One arrangement could be that someone who owns such a vehicle could allow us to use it and receive a tax deduction for whatever weekly rate he would normally rent it for. If you have such a vehicle and would be interested in discussing this with us, or if you know a place where we could get a good deal on something, please contact us. Depending upon what is available, it is possible that we would want to use it pretty much throughout the year until about the end of October. Thank you so much.

We finally have our own domain name for our web site!! No more long address to remember! Pass the word, and remember to be sure to bookmark our site in your web browser for easy access. Plus, check out the site for new & improved layout and graphics, regularly updated information on our home page with CES  News and events, free document downloads & much more.