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Guy Caskey, 83, began his ministry at age 16, and has been preaching the gospel for sixty–seven years. In addition to local work, he spent five years in South Africa, three years in East Africa and five years in Jamaica as a missionary. His experience in the mission field and his love for the lost made him aware of the need for printed gospel literature to aid in teaching the truth. His dream was to help provide needed printed materials to missionaries at no cost to them.
A few years after returning to the United States in 1974 to become the pulpit minister at the Randol Mill Church of Christ in Arlington, Texas, he was instrumental in establishing Mission Printing. At first, the program of writing, printing, and sending the message of salvation to many countries over the world began in two large rooms added on to his house. Soon the facility was outgrown and the work was relocated to a room provided in the new North Davis Church of Christ building, formally Randol Mill Church of Christ. However, in a short time this proved to be far too small and crowed. Soon, a fairly new, large building, divided into fourteen rooms was purchased and Mission Printing has been in this building about thirteen years.
Housed in this facility is all the equipment necessary to print and ship a large volume of gospel literature each year. The facility also provides adequate accommodations for volunteer workers. There are offices for the volunteer secretaries, two large rooms for collating, where thirty or forty men and women work, stapling, packing, and shipping, a dining room for volunteers to eat lunch, and where daily devotionals are held. Excerpts from letters received are read from many countries all over the world, telling what they have accomplished and their additional need for books and booklets to use in teaching the gospel to their fellow countrymen. These letters are always filled with thanksgiving as well as complimentary statements that are uplifting. Several songs are sung during this period, the sick are prayed for, and many encouraging words come to those who are helping do this work.
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The volunteers enjoy working in a pleasant, cordial environment with others whose desire is to help preach the gospel by the printed page all over the world. The enthusiastic support of the volunteer work force who give of their time, talents, energies, knowledge and experience regularly, as well as their money, makes this work possible. Behind this endeavor is the fine Christian spirit of willingness, commitment, and genuine joy on the part of each volunteer. The volunteers come from all occupational backgrounds and ages, and most are retired. Some as old as their early nineties have worked regularly. The volunteer helpers come from many places throughout the Dallas – Fort Worth metropolitan area, and as far away as Tyler and Longview. Mission Printing is deeply grateful for all the unselfish workers who regularly assist in this work.
The book of Revelation provides an exciting and encouraging message for the people of God. It is hoped these sermons will convey that sense of excitement and provide a great encouragement for all who read them. The Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version.
Mission Printing, a work of churches of Christ, is an incorporated, non–profit organization entirely dependent on contributions. Individuals and many congregations support the work through donations. Many make regular monthly donations, and special purpose donations such as memorials. Many are investing in the future of Mission Printing. Some by naming this work in their wills. Some have given paid–up insurance policies, and others have given to an Endowment Fund so that in the future the interest on that money will help pay for necessary operating costs such as paper, postage, and utilities.
Requests for printed materials continue weekly in the many letters received. The workers at Mission Printing strive to keep up with the ever-increasing demand. Production has increased significantly over the years. Shipments total multiple tons of Gospel literature to many different nations each year. Last year, 2000, postage cost alone was almost $70,000. Considering the many millions of pages printed and sent all over the world, the cost of each book is very small. The bulk sent of these materials, ranging in size from eight pages to four hundred pages, are sent primarily to Emerging Nations, although not exclusively. Other material are sent to teachers of Bible correspondence courses, ,and those in this country who are making efforts to convert sinners in their local areas. Some one hundred books are printed on almost one hundred Bible subjects. Some books have been translated into several languages.
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It is the intent of Mission Printing that the gospel in its purity, power, and perfection will continue to be spread, free from any false theories or doctrines. If you can help in this way, or know a friend for brother who is interested in the spread of the Good News of Christ, we would be deeply grateful for the help. After all, the Lord left His church here in this world that we may see to it that it goes to “the uttermost part of the earth.”
If there are questions you wish to ask, address your letters to:
Mission Printing
P.O. Box 2029
Arlington, TX 76004–2029
USA
Mission Printing Building
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BELIEVE — “Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6; John 3:16; 20:30–31). When the Bible speaks of believers being saved, it means obedient believers and not disobedient ones (Acts 16:34; 2:44; Galatians 5:6). Faith alone will not save (James 2:24)
REPENT — “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3; 24:46–47; Acts 17:30–31).To repent means to change one's mind and conduct (Matthew 21:28–29).
CONFESS — “Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I also confess before My Father who is in heaven, but whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32–33; Romans 10:9–10, Acts 8:37). One is not to confess that he is taking Jesus Christ as his personal savior, or that God for Christ's sake has pardoned his sins, but that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 8:37).
BE BAPTIZED — “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:15–16; I Peter 3:21; Galatians 3:27).
BAPTISM IS A BURIAL IN WATER — “Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4; 6:17, Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:37–39).
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FOLLOW AFTER THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT — “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit“ (Romans 8:1; 8:13; Galatians 5:19, 23; I Corinthians 9:27).
LIVE A GODLY LIFE — “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11–12, Colossians 3:5, 12; Revelation 21:8, 27).FAITHFULLY FOLLOW THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST TO THE END OF LIFE — “Ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22; Revelation 2:10; I Corinthians 10:1, 12). When one departs form the commands of Christ, it is worse that if he had never known them (II Peter 2:20, 22; Hebrews 6:4, 6, 10:26, 29).
ADD THE CHRISTIAN GRACES AND BEAR SPIRITUAL FRUIT — “And besides this giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue and to virtue, knowledge, and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience, and patience, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, charity...for if ye do these things ye shall never fall” (II Peter 1:5, 10; John 15:1–6).
REPENT, CONFESS, AND PRAY — “When we sin we must repent of it. confess it, and pray to God that we may be forgiven. “ Repent therefore of this thy wickedness and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22; I John 1:8, 10; James 5:16, 19).
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NONE — Nowhere in the New Testament can you read of men joining a church. The New Testament church is the spiritual family of God, and men are born into it (I Timothy 3:15; John 3:5).
THE LORD ADDS THE SAVED TO HIS CHURCH — “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47; I Corinthians 12:18). Thus, it is impossible to become a Christian or be saved and stay out of the Lord's Church.
THE LORD HAS BUT ONE CHURCH — “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Nowhere in the New Testament can we read of any church except the Lord's (Ephesians 5:23, 27).
THE CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST — “And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18).
THERE IS BUT ONE BODY — “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4; I Corinthians 12:12; 12:20). This one body is the Lord's one Church which is the one spiritual family of God into which all men are born when they become Christians. No one should ever have any desire to be a member of any other church. Division is condemned in the Bible. (I Corinthians 1:10, 13; John 17:20–21).
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REGULARLY — “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some it; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42). God is not pleased when we let weeks go by without worshipping him.
GIVING GLORY TO GOD IN THE CHURCH THROUGH CHRIST — “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end” (Ephesians 3:21). All worship must be directed to God through Christ and in His name [by His authority] (Ephesians 2:18; Colossians 3:17).
IN SPIRIT — “God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). To worship in spirit means to worship sincerely and earnestly. Our worship must be free from all hypocrisy and pretension. (Matthew 6:1–6; 15:8).
IN TRUTH — “To worship in truth means to worship according to the teaching of God's word (John 17:17; John 4:24; Matthew 15:9).
GOD'S WORD COMMANDS
1. Prayer: I Timothy 2:8; Romans 12:12.
2. Lord's Supper: Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 11:23, 27.
3. Bible Study: II Timothy 2:15; Acts 2:42.
4. Contribution: I Corinthians 16:1–2; II Corinthians 9:7.
5. Singing. Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16.
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Every person is separated from God because of sin.
Romans 3:9–10
Romans 5:12–21
Romans 7:13–25
God has always sought to form a close relationship with people.
Ephesians 1:3–14
I Peter 1:1–11
I John 3:1–10
God has reached out to people in a personal way by sending Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:15–23
Romans 5:1–11
I Peter 2:10–25
John 3:1–21
II Timothy 1:3–11
Ephesians 2:1–10
God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ is available to every person.
I John 1:5–10
Romans 10:5–13
Romans 8:31–39
Romans 3:21–26
New life in Christ calls a person to live in a Christ–like way..
Romans 6:1–14
Matthew 20:20–29
Ephesians 4:17–32
Galatians 5:16–27
I John 4:7–21
Romans 12:1–21
What must I do to obtain forgiveness of my sins?
Hear the word of God (Matthew 7:24).
Believe in Christ as God's Son (John 8:24).
Confess Christ as the Son of God (Romans 10:10).
Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3–5).
Be buried with Him in baptism (Romans 6:3–6).
As a Christian, God commands us:
To pray (I Timothy 2:8).
To eat the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7).
Study the Bible (II Timothy 2:15).
Give of our money (I Corinthians 16:1–2).
Sing praises to God (Ephesians 5:19).
Share the gospel with all men (Mark 16:15–16).
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APOSTASY – A child of God can “die”–Romans 8:12–13, Revelation 3:1–5, Also can be “Disinherited” Numbers 14:11–12. See also James 5:19–20, I Timothy 4:1–3, Galatians 5:4, I Corinthians 10:12 & 9:27, II Timothy 2:17–18, Hebrews 3:12, I John 1:7–10, II Peter 3:17, Revelation 2:4–5, II Peter 2:20–21, Hebrews 10:26–30, Matthew 13:40–42, Galatians 6:7–8, Ezekiel 18:24.
ATTENDANCE – Hebrews 10:25–26 (and Isaiah 54:7), Matthew 6:33, Titus 3:1, Psalm 122:1, 4:2, Numbers 24:12–13, Luke 16:15, Proverbs 14:12.
AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE – II Timothy 3:16, Deuteronomy 18:20, Revelation 22:18–19, Deuteronomy 4:2, Numbers 24:12–13, Luke 16:15, Proverbs 14:12. The final revelation – Galatians 1:8–9, John 16:13, II Peter 1:3.
BAPTISM
Purpose: Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15–16, I Peter 3:20–21, Acts 10:48, John 3:5, Luke 7:30, Read II Corinthians 5:17 with Galatians 3:27.
Action: Romans 6:3–5, Acts 8:36–38, Mark 1:9–10, John 3:23.
Candidates: Those taught – Matthew 28:19 (See also Isaiah 28:9), Believers – Mark 16:15–16, Acts 8:36–37, Must repent – Acts 2:38, Must confess faith – Acts 8:36–38, Matthew 10:32–33.
Infants not need: Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:13–15, Ezekiel 18:20, Romans 14:12
Holy Spirit baptism: See “Holy Spirit” (Separate listing).
BEING SAVED
Hear: Romans 10:17, Matthew 7:24–27
Believe: Hebrews 11:6, Mark 16:15–16, (Not faith only – James 2:24, John 12:42).
Repent: Acts 2:38, 17:20, Luke 13:3
Confess: Matthew 10:32–33, Acts 8:36–37
Be baptized: See “Baptism”
Remain faithful: Revelation 2:10 (see also –Obedience” & “Conversion”)
CHURCH – Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 5:23–27, Acts 20:28. The Church is the “Body of Christ,” Ephesians 1:22–23, Colossians 1:18 & 24. There is one body – Ephesians 4:4–6, I Corinthians 12:12–13, Colossians 3:15, “Churches of Christ” – Romans 16:16, Saved “Added by the Lord” – not “Voted In,” Acts 2:47, II John 1:9–10, Religious division is sinful – see “Division,” Name – see “Name.”
CONVERSION, EXAMPLES OF
1. Pentecost – Acts 2:22 & 2:36–47, 2. Samaria – Acts 8:4–13, 3. Ethiopian eunuch – Acts 8:26–39, 4. Paul (Saul) – Acts 9:1–20 & Acts 22:6–16, 5. Cornelius – Acts 10:1–48 & Acts 11:1-18, 6. Lydia – Acts 16:13–15, 7. Philipian jailer – Acts 16:23–34, 8. Corinthians - Acts 18:8.
DIVISION – Sinful – I Corinthians 1:10–13, John 17:20–21. Only one body – Ephesians 4:4 & 1:22–23, I Corinthians 12:13. See “Church.” To support false teacher is sinful – II John 1:10–11, Isaiah 5:20, Proverbs 17:15.
DIVORCE – Matthew 19:8–9 & Matthew 5:31–32, I Corinthians 7:10–11, Luke 16:18, Romans 7:1–3, Mark 6:16–18, Ezra 10:1–3.
ELDERS & DEACONS – Titus 1:5–9, I Timothy 3:1–13 & 5:17, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 14:17/
ETERNAL PUNISHMENT – Matthew 25:41–46, Mark 9:43–48, Matthew 10:28, Luke 16:19–31, Matthew 13:40–42, Revelation 14:9–11 & 21:8, Punishment worse than death: Matthew 18:6 &26:24, Hebrews 10:28–29, Wicked raised for this – John 5:28–29, Acts 24:14–15, Daniel 12:2. Wicked at future judgment: Matthew 10:15, Luke 11:31–32.
FAITH ONLY – James 2:24 & 2:26, John 12:42. Se “Works” and “Obedience.”
FALSE TEACHERS – II Corinthians 11:13–15, II Timothy 4:2–4, I Timothy 4:1–3, Matthew 24:24, Acts 20:28–30, Galatians 1:7–9, Deuteronomy 18:21–22. To support is sinful – II John 1:10–11.
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GRACE – Justified by grace – Romans 3:23–24, but not by grace only – Titus 2:11 and Matthew 7:13–14. See “Obedience.”
HOLY SPIRIT – Member of Godhead – Matthew 28:18, I John 5:7–8, “He” – John 13 & 14:16–17, acts 8:29, Gave us God's word – II Peter 1:21, “Sword of Spirit” is “Word” &ndash Ephesians 6:17.
HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM – Ocurred twice
1. On Pentecost—To give power to the apostles—Acts 1:8 & 2:1–4
2. At Cornelius' house—To show that gentiles accepted—Acts 11:15–18 & 15:7–8.
Paul later wrote that there is now only “One Baptism” – Ephesians 4:4.
Baptism in the name of Christ is water baptism – Acts 10:47–48 and Acts 2:38. It is commanded of everyone – Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16.
INSPIRATION – II Timothy 3:16, II Peter 1:21, I Corinthians 14:37, I Thessalonians 2:13, Galatians 1:11–12, Matthew 10:19–20, Luke 1:68–70, Galatians 1:8–9.
JUDGMENT – Hebrews 9:27, Acts 17:30–31, Matthew 25:31–46, Luke 11:31–32, II Peter 2:9, II Corinthians 5:10–11. See “Eternal Punishment.”
KINGDOM – “At hand” – Matthew 3:2, To come in first century with “Power” – Mark 9:1, but “Power” to come with Holy Ghost – Acts 1:8. This happened on the day of Pentecost – Acts 2:1–4. The kingdom was in existence in Paul's day – Colossians 1:13. It is the church – Matthew 16:18–19.
LORD'S SUPPER – Matthew 27:26–28, I Corinthians 11:23-29, “Upon first day of the week” – Acts 20:7, Note: This is the same wording used for the weekly contribution – 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 and for the Sabbath – Exodus 20:8.
MUSIC – New Testament Church used only vocal music – Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Matthew 26:30. It is sinful to add to or take from God's word – Revelation 22:18–19, Deuteronomy 4:2. See “Authority.” Vain worship – Matthew 15:9.
NAME – Romans 16:16, Acts 4:12, Matthew 16:18, Philippians 2:9–10, Isaiah 62:2, Colossians 3:17.
OBEDIENCE – Matthew 7:21, Acts 10:34–35, II Thessalonians 1:7–9, John 14:15 & 14:23, I Peter 1:22–23, Hebrews 5:8–9, I John 2:4–5, I John 3, Romans 6:16, James 2:24. See “Works.”
OLD TESTAMENT (LAW) – For our learning – Romans 15:4. Changed – Hebrews 7:12 & 8:7–8, 13 &10:9, Ephesians 2:13–15, Colossians 2:14. Ended at the death of Christ – Hebrews 9:15–17, Galatians 3:16, 19, 24–25, Galatians 5:4, 18. Sabbath to Jews – Deuteronomy 5:2–3, 15. Made known at Sinai – Nehemiah 9:13–14.
ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED – See “Apostasy” and “Obedience.”
SIN – What is sin? – I John 3:4, James 4:17. “ All have sinned” – Romans 3:23. Sin is not inherited – Ezekiel 18:20, Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:13–15, Romans 14:12.
SINCERITY NOT ENOUGH – Paul was – Acts 23:1 & 26:9–11, I Timothy 1:12–16, Acts 7:58–60 & 8:1. Cornelius was – Acts 10:1–2 & 11:13–14. See also Proverbs 14:12, Luke 16:15, Isaiah 55:8–9.
WORKS – James 2:14–17, 19, 24, 26, John 12:42, Galatians 5:6, Acts 10:34–35, Matthew 7:21, Hebrews 5:9.
KINDS OF WORKS
1. Works of the flesh – Galatians 5:19–21
2. Our own works – Acts 7:41, II Timothy 1:9
3. Works of the law of Moses – Galatians 2:16
4. Works of obedience – Acts 10:34–35, Luke 6:46, John 6:29.
See “Obedience”
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