The Sower is the bi-monthly newsletter of Christian Educational Services, Inc., 
a non-profit organization, and is published in Indianapolis, IN.

***********************
A New Beginning

Happy New Year, and welcome to the first issue of The Sower , our new bi-monthly newsletter. This publication is going out to every household on our mailing list, and replaces the monthly newsletter we were calling "Network News." It will continue to keep you informed about the activities of Christian Educational Services  and those saints with whom we are associated. We will also be passing along anything that we think will edify and encourage your Christian faith. If you have anything you think would bless the body of Christ, please send it along.

Our hearts are full of thanksgiving for the privilege of knowing and serving such loving and committed people as you. We believe each name on our mailing list represents a loving stand for God and His Son, a willingness to serve and be inconvenienced, a heart to love the unlovable and needy. Thanks for all you do to transform your world by renewing your mind and working together with God to bring His will to pass in your life and the lives of those you reach.

There’s no question that there is a built in excitement in the year 1999, so let’s make it a year of "running to the tape." Let’s run with the zeal of those who are thoroughly prepared and equipped, cut ourselves loose from the mental fetters of past failures, and be energized by the possibilities of a glorious future reserved for us in Jesus’ name.

We love you and stand together with you to continue the commission given to Jesus Christ: to preach good news to the poor; to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind; to release the oppressed; to proclaim the era of the Lord’s favor.

Standing together with you for him,

We chose the name "The Sower" for this publication because of the profound parable of the same name, and in this inaugural issue we thought it appropriate to expound upon the many truths it contains. It seems to us that this parable provides the proper context for understanding the ministry of Christian Educational Services . We would ask you to reread the two instances of Jesus giving this parable, one in Matthew 13:3-9 and the other in Luke 8:4-8.

The disciples did not understand the parable, and wisely asked Jesus for an explanation of both the meaning of the parable itself and why he even taught in parables at all. The disciples lived in those dark and primitive times when people were deluded by the notion that there is actually a right way to interpret a parable (or any other literary form), and that one should consult the author to determine his meaning. They had not yet learned the "truth" that all literature and verbal communication is subjective and open to a multiplicity of interpretations depending upon a person’s culture, experience and needs. Pardon our sarcasm, but we cannot help but notice the difference between how Jesus and the disciples operated and how the postmodernists of the present day operate.

His answer to the question of why he taught in parables indicated that it was a strategic move to separate the sheep from the goats, those who were spiritually hungry from those who weren’t (cp. Matt. 25:32, 33). Jesus’ appeal was not to the masses but to those who cared about "the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God" (Luke 8:9). Note that he was happy to give a further explanation to those who asked, but he didn’t chase after those who had only a casual interest and beg them to listen. He then explains the parable itself, which addresses the condition of the human heart in relation to receiving the Word of God. The seed is the Word of God. It is not your or my interpretation of the Word of God. It is not your  truth or my  truth, but the  truth. How can we know that it is the truth? In the context of this parable, the same way that we can tell if a tomato seed is a tomato seed, by receiving it as the Word of God and letting it grow to see what fruit it produces (Matt. 7:15-20; John 7:17; Col. 1:6; 2 Thess. 2:13).

Why is it likened to a seed? First, because the Word of God has life in itself  and produces fruit after its kind. Second, it does not do so automatically, but in relation to how it is received. As a seed must find favorable conditions to germinate and grow, so even the powerful Word of God must find a receptive heart in which to grow.

As followers of Christ, we are the sowers. The sower is not held responsible for the way the seed is received, but he is  responsible to see that he sows the right seed. If he labors diligently in sowing, but sows mixed seed, he will get a mixed crop. It behooves the sower to be diligent in determining the quality of the seed he sows.  

There are those along the path who hear, but do not understand to the point that the Word germinates in their hearts. The Devil comes and steals the Word (John 10:10) before it can do its work of engendering for salvation (Rom. 10:17). There are others who do not even consider the implications of rejecting what they hear; assuming that they can do without it. These are indifferent.

Those who receive the Word on rocky ground are those who hear and understand to the point of joy, but are not rooted to the extent that they can endure the harsh glare of disapproval. In the time of tribulation or persecution they fall away, because they do not want to be disliked or be unpopular. These are afraid.

The seed that fell among thorns represents those who hear and understand and receive the Word in their hearts, even to the point they become rooted and able to endure disapproval and persecution. But, before they can mature, they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures. These are distracted, having other things they value more.

Those who receive the seed into good soil are those who hear and understand the Word, become rooted in it, walk past all worldly distractions and bear the good fruit intrinsic to the good seed. They harvest a crop a hundred times more than they sowed. Their heart is set on the good, avoiding even the appearance of evil. Their heart is honest, admitting their need and looking outside themselves for assistance. They are patient, willing to forego getting the things they want within the time frame they want them, and instead trust God to provide for them as they seek to obey His Word.

Our commitment in CES  is to bring you the very best seed we can, holding to the injunction of 2 Timothy 2:15 to "rightly divide the word of truth." We are committed to what Scripture says the fruit should be. We are also committed to getting and keeping our hearts in the "good, honest and patient" category, and helping those who are stuck in the thorns or who find themselves uprooted. The godly goal is to exclude no one, and judge no one to be permanently stuck. Because it is not apparent what kind of ground a person’s heart is, we sow generously among all people, and water where there is growth. Our Father, God, has made it known that His desire is for everyone  to know Him, and therefore we make our desire God’s desire, "who wants all  men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4). Paul stated the universality of his commitment in this way:

27. "…Christ in you, the hope of glory:
0. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching every one with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
1. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."

Paul united himself with faithful fellow workers who shared his vision for the Gospel that he preached, believing it to be of God. To reach everyone, he focused on the few who responded with the "good, honest, and patient" hearts, and entrusted to them the responsibility of reaching others. We have no thought that we can be successful in faithfully discharging our calling via any other methodology. Therefore, as God opens doors of utterance for us, we will keep sowing generously through every avenue available to us, and follow up by teaching those who will teach others. We are grateful for the privilege to work for and with the Supreme Sower, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Greetings and God bless you. One of the greatest visions we can have for the Church is that of international outreach. My wife and I are so very blessed to have been called to help with international outreach projects in the Philippines. If international outreach is on your heart, please consider helping make a dream become a reality with your love and giving.

As CES’  world outreach ministry expands to other countries, we have found that our hearts are constantly drawn to the Philippines. Experiencing the Philippines firsthand last year has completed our heart’s cry for missionary work. Many of the brethren associated with CES  prayed for me as, at my own expense, I took my first trip out of the country alone, over to Mindanao Island, Philippines last April to the 1st Annual CES  Mindanao Youth Conference.

Since then we have undertaken many missionary projects that are too big to be kept as just local projects between a few fellowships here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. We have listed them below, and our prayer is that God will touch the hearts of those He wants us to help. Please prayerfully consider the gesture of a gift of any kind. We need prayer and financial support for may projects to be completed, a few of which are:

• Purchase Bibles in their own language. Our goal is to raise money for 500 Bibles at a cost of $9 each.
• Biblical Research Books. Several ministers have asked for Concordances, Bible Dictionaries and Commentaries.
• Purchasing of cassette tape players. This is to open the door for Biblical teachings and Christian music cassette tapes. These players will be suitable for small groups and Bible Studies. Each costs about $50 and our goal is to have funds for 25.

What we are involved with is pretty much in one part of one island in the Philippines. CES  is affiliated with many other men and women teaching the truth in many other locations throughout the Philippines. People are getting born again, growing up in Christ and stepping out in faith to be servants who reach, teach and win others to Christ.

Dear John [Lynn],

Happy greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ Thank you for sharing more and more knowledge unto us since past two years. The church here in Haiti is happy to hear from you and from other brothers from CES . Now the believers here are able to share the truth of God’s Holy Word. I cannot find words to express my joy in the Lord for your love and for what the Lord is doing in Haiti through the CES  teachings.

May the year 1999 be a blessing year, a year of joy, peace and prosperity for you and for all CES  staff and members all around the world. Thank you for your supports. We love you.

Lesly Bertrand

Wonderful greetings from Kyela District Southern Tanzania. I started conducting seminars here on 16th Dec. I am going to finish on 22nd Dec. This is a fourth seminar since I left I left you. The money you gave me are doing a wonderful job here. I am using is properly.

Some few brothers and sisters have crossed the border from Malawi and are very curious and eager to know the truth. I love these Malawians. Weather permitting I can arrange to visit Malawi, but now I don’t have enough money for the trip.

We shall have a wonderful Conference on 22nd Dec. 1998 - Jan. 2nd 1999 when about 1,800 people will be listening to me at Mbozi. My chief concern is that all my fellow Africans should be open to the glory of God.

Brother Mac  

by Mark Graeser

Patch Adams , starring Robin Williams, is based upon the true story of a man who wanted to be both a clown and a physician, and managed to combine these disparate elements of his personality into a remarkable and wonderful whole. The story has a biblically metaphorical quality, as Patch faces the same institutional prejudices that Jesus faced in dealing with the Pharisees.

The Pharisaical mindset, it turns out, is not limited to the religious domain, but is found in any cultural context where there are traditions based on some pattern of success and "the pride of life" (1 John 2:16). It is found wherever there is a commitment to a form or particular methods rather than to love, compassion and whatever will truly bring deliverance and benefit to those being served.

The Pharisees believed that a holy man should have no contact with sinners, publicans or lepers, and became obsessed with the Sabbath day. Jesus broke with tradition that he might save the lost. Similarly, the Administration of the Medical College of Virginia believed that medical students should have no contact with patients for the first two years of their training, and that their school’s methods were the only proper way to train future physicians. They had a commitment to excellence and scientific methods, but without due consideration of the human needs of patients. Patch Adams broke with their traditions that he might save the sick and minister to their needs as people, not just their medical needs.

Breaking with the safety of tradition is a risk, however, and Patch must learn through tragedy that his methods are no more absolutely right than those of his stodgy instructors. He has to learn flexibility and humility within the context of his own unorthodoxy.

This movie is worth seeing both for entertainment value and its inspirational quality, because it reminds us that truth  is what heals and liberates, not traditions and "the teachings and commandments of men."

Renewed what? Your CES  bi-monthly teaching tape subscription. If you had a 1998 subscription, you received a reminder notice with your November/December tape. 1999 bi-monthly tapes will be given to those who sign up for the Plan at anytime in 1999. If you do not have a subscription, why not join the hundreds of people who have benefited greatly from these wonderful teachings?

This is also a good time to stock up your tape library with our "oldies, but goodies" (past bi-monthly tapes). We have complete sets of tapes for 1993-1998 and individual tapes from 1990-1998. The first teaching for 1999 is called Prayer and Fasting . The subscription price is still only $25 per year.

As stated in our December newsletter, in February of this year, we will publish the first issue of The Contender.  The November/December 1998 issue of Dialogue  was the last one. Former Dialogue  subscriptions will continue to be honored, and will be fulfilled with issues of The Contender.  

We find ourselves sharing more and more of Jude’s concern: "I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once and for all entrusted to the saints." Never has there been a time like this when the fundamentals of the Christian faith are under such assault. We pray that with the Lord’s direction The Contender  will be at least a small force to stem the tide. We encourage you to contribute to this publication whatever you like, including testimonies of how the Lord is at work in your life, book reviews or permissible reprints of other articles.

All our Partners will receive The Contender.  If you are not a Partner, we encourage you to subscribe to The Contender , which, like Dialogue was , is only $12 per year.