STATE MISSIONS: The Watchmen
“I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence” (Isa. 62:6).
Who were those watchmen? They were believers in God. Why were they needed? Because the enemy was constantly attacking. Do we still need watchmen today?
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom. 16:17-18). Several scriptures follow those to let us know why.
Now that we have answered the question, “Do we still need them,” let us go on to who they are. Surely, it’s God-called ministers who are to rightly divide the Word of God. Yes, and yet the responsibility to contend for the faith that was first delivered through the Apostles Doctrine is every single child of God.
Writer Tim Challies stated:“The Christian’s responsibility is clear — we are to learn God’s truth by searching God’s Word. We must carefully evaluate every teaching according to God’s unfailing standard. What passes the test is sound doctrine, and what fails the test is false doctrine.”
Please remember the warnings below and do as those in Berean: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).
Brothers and sisters, we are living in perilous times. Many churches are being deceived. These wolves in sheep’s clothing can lead God’s sheep astray. Please do not let personality come before sound doctrine. Be sure you love God and His Word more than a false teacher or preacher.
Do you know what those who are teaching your children, teens or you really believe? A church is a family, and we need to protect one another. Asking questions is not rude; it is your responsibility.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (II Tim. 4:3-4).
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (I John 4:1).
“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness” (I Tim. 6:3-5).
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4).
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (II Peter 2:1).
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ” (II Cor. 11:13).
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (II Tim. 3:5).
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (John 4:16).
“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you” (I John 2:26).
“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder” (Deut. 13:1-3).
From Our Missionaries
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “I thank God for the meeting with the Advisory Committee of the Department of Missions and its director on Monday morning. It is always refreshing to have a conversation with a group of faithful men of God who are interested in the work entrusted to us and pray for its success.
“This week, we had the opportunity to serve Karla and her family, who suffered the loss of Cristian, a 17-year-old young man who suffered from cancer since the age of 3. In his fight for his health during those years, Cristian managed to establish a relationship with Christ, who kept him firm in the face of adversity and helped his family, especially Karla, who was by his side all that time. On Saturday afternoon, we held a funeral service in the temple with the participation of the family, hospital staff who cared for Cristian and some families from the church. A week before, we did not know Karla and her family. We hope that, from now on, we can guide them in the path of the Lord.
“Sayra accompanied me to New Orleans because I had to do some paperwork at the Honduran Consulate. We left at 1 a.m. on Thursday and returned at 6 p.m. on Friday, just in time for our prayer meeting. It was a short and exhausting trip that we made protected by the Lord, who helped me stay awake and alert while I was driving.
“We thank God for the progress on the project to change the roof and install fascia and gutters. We still need to install the fascia on the south and north sides of the building, as well as the roof of the storage room. The good thing is that we have all the necessary financial resources. Glory to God!”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “It has been a busy week. Monday morning, it was my turn to meet with the Arkansas Missions Advisory Committee. We meet twice a year to report on what God is doing in Ebenezer. As I told the committee, each time we have met it has been a mix of emotions — it is good to have their support in prayer and encouragement.
“Tuesday night, we visited Mayra Cifuentes at her home. She had been released from the hospital for pancreatic problems. It was a visit to provide encouragement, deepen our friendship and pray for her. The great blessing was to see her on Sunday at Ebenezer with her husband and family.
“Wednesday night, we had our Discovery Bible Study (DBS) at the Hernandez family’s home south of Little Rock. Since we started the DBS, we see how Ebenezer is taking on new energy. We needed to restart the home groups. Amalia arrived on Wednesday. She is Catholic and a faithful attendee to her church. For the first time, she picked up a Bible and studied it. To see her face of amazement and what she was discovering in the Word of God was a great blessing for me. She is the type of individual who would never go to Ebenezer, but she would go to a home group. Let’s pray that God will continue to touch her life and she will surrender to Jesus Christ.
“Thursday night, we had the DBS in our home and, for the first time, Moises Rico led it, and he did very well. Little by little, we are also developing new leadership.
“Sunday, it was a blessing to see people we haven’t seen for a long time because of their work. There are many things happening in Ebenezer, and there is not enough space here to talk about all of them.
“Brothers and sisters, you are making the best investment in the kingdom of God. Thank you for investing in Missions. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel, even though sickness, travel and a good old fashioned thunderstorm dampened our attendance quite a bit, not to mention a broken water main outside our rented building when we got there. But it all worked out, we had a good service and the Lord was glorified! Praise God!
“We also got word this week that the Jonesboro Association voted at their semi-annual meeting to help support us. We praise and thank God for them and all the others who are supporting us as well! God is determined to plant this church in Flippin, and we are determined to help Him do it.
“We are working on painting this week. Some of it did not come in, but it should be by the time we need it. The Master’s Builders should start coming in by the end of this week as well, and God willing and these storms pass, we will start framing the classrooms on Monday.
“What an amazing time we are having up here in Flippin, and we thank you and thank God for you, that you want to be a part of it! We thank you for your support and for giving to God for us. We couldn’t do this without you and Him. Most of all, we thank you for your faithful prayers! They mean everything to us because God is answering them in a mighty way.”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “We started the week by meeting with the BMA Advisory Committee for their semi-annual review of what God has been doing through Faith Journey Mission and what we have upcoming in our ministry. It is always a pleasure to spend time gleaning wisdom from these godly men to help learn what it takes to continue to grow a new mission.
“We set a record in attendance in our Thursday small group Bible studies this week with a total of 51 people that came out to fellowship and spend time in the Scripture. It is such a blessing to see others seeking God and loving on one another. God is working in the lives of these groups, and it is such a great time being able to be a part of this ministry.
“This week, we spent time preparing for what activities we would like to implement for the summer to gain more interest in Faith Journey from the community. Some ideas we discussed will be to continue with the Third Thursday in downtown and adding a few things like kid’s games to reach young families that are looking for a church home. We will also be working on some ideas for advertising with flyers, magnets, etc., to get our information into the hands of people who are looking for a place to worship and let them know who we are. God has big plans for the mission, and we strive to continue following His will.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ, from the Northwest of the state. Patty and I had an especially busy week.
“Monday, I traveled to Little Rock to the Spring Advisory Committee. I was able to talk with my beloved brothers about how the mission is doing and what the projects and our struggles are. The brothers listened attentively and prayed for me and for the work we are developing.
“Wednesday and Thursday, we had our discipleship groups in the cities of Rogers and Springdale. Although the number of people attending has remained stable (15 in these groups), there is accountability and instruction in the Word.
“Friday, we traveled to Mississippi, where we went to a conference called ‘Before His Gospel.’ The reason is that we will get involved and work together next year.
“In our Sunday service, we had Diego from Colombia. He accepted Christ last week on his first visit to the church.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “Last week, I had the chance to meet with the Advisory Committee, and I greatly appreciate their support and understanding that this is still in the early stages. Bro. Paul reminded the group that we’d only been at this just over 20 months.
I was excited about the numbers I was able to share. Of course, the stories of real lives and transformation behind these numbers are the true tale of what’s going on, but I thought I’d pass these on:
• Seven Connection Groups have been launched in total. This past Thursday, I met with the two leaders who are about to launch Epic Life Brunswick in Bella Vista.
• Four Connection Groups are sustaining and continuing to meet regularly.
• Eight households have committed to be coaches. A coach is a missionary in their neighborhood or network who is willing to lead or host a group.
• We have 43 individuals who are committed to meeting weekly in a Connection Group. That number was 26 last year.
• There have been 135 unique individuals who have come to our Connection Groups so far!
• We had eight professions of faith through our Connection Groups.
• We have five baptisms total, with two pending!”
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Paul White
Arkansas State Missions Director Paul White pens a weekly column to inform the BMA of Arkansas concerning Arkansas Missions’ activity and includes individual reports from each church planter.
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