Saviour of All Fellowship
October 2000
Dear Friends in Faith,
It is with much gratitude to all of you, and to the England brethren, that I write this. As you all know, I went to England, September 5th, in order to attend the Concordant Bible conference there, held at Bawtry Hall in Domcaster. For three days, there was great fellowship and much rejoicing over God's glorious plan for humanity. There were approximately eight speakers, and each one of them brought forth something worthwhile in heralding the Word. I had met Andrew and Barbara Maclarty before in the states, and now enjoyed a stay with them for a couple of days in England. After being with them for even this short period, I saw how much they suffer physically simply to get out their publication, Grace and Truth magazine. I also stayed at the home of David and Sheila Osgood, after the fellowship for a few days. David is the representative of Concordant Publishing in England. I must say that I was completely overwhelmed by the love my hosts extended toward me, besides the love of all the saints there. During my visit, I also went to France, to stay for a week at my brother's and his family's home. As we enjoyed a walk together through the mountains, my brother asked me what we believed, those of my acquaintance and association. I told him that we believe 1 Timothy 2:4-6, how that God wills the salvation of all mankind, based upon there being one God (vs.5) and one Mediator, Christ Himself being the ransom for all mankind (vs.6). Upon hearing this, my brother was saddened, even at hearing such great and happy news; so he had to try to explain away what the apostle Paul says, by claiming that while God wants to save all, since everyone has a “choice” as to whether or not they will accept salvation, many will necessarily be lost. What I find remarkable, is that people such as my brother believe that God invests sinning humanity with the awesome responsibility to make a decision fraught with eternal consequences, while failing to realize that none of us, in ourselves, are so equipped to make such a decision in the first place. Nevertheless, they believe that God invests sinning humanity–of whom “not one is understanding and not one is seeking out God and all avoid Him” (see Rom.3:11,12)–with the ability to make a viable “decision for Christ,” and that this very decision either thwarts God's will and purpose and sacrifice of Christ, or that it somehow works in harmony with it! But is not all humanity soulish until made spiritual? Since mankind is soulish, they are not able to receive those things which are of the spirit of God (see 1 Cor.2:14-16). And, is not the word of the cross stupidity, indeed, to those who are perishing (see 1 Cor.1:18)? And, is not the mass of humanity perishing? So, how can God require “a proper response” from such poor mortals as these these beings until He first of all saves them out of their stubbornness and unbelief? We enjoyed three days of fellowship with like-minded brethren in Baldwin, Michigan on October 6-8. Instead of our usual format of Bible study and discussion, the November Fellowship will be a tour of “The Scriptorium” near Spring Lake, Michigan, starting at 9:00 A.M. on November 4. The Bible Fellowship of Grand Rapids will provide a box lunch. If you plan to attend this tour of ancient manuscripts and Bible editions, please phone us or Orville Hunt ahead of time for further information. Yours in God's grace and peace, Tony Nungesser Copyright © Saviour of All Fellowship P.O. Box 314, Almont, MI 48003, U.S.A. 810-798-3563 This publication may be reproduced for personal use (all other rights reserved by copyright holder). |