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Summer 2003

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This being the twenty-fifth year of ministry on the hill, I can state unequivocally that God’s grace is the only explanation as to why we remain a quarter of a century after those first serious Bible students knocked on our door. In other words, His grace started this ministry and His grace continues to sustain it today. We have many wonderful memories, several of which are recorded in a journal that I review from time to time. Thanks for being part of the dream, and thanks for going on with Jesus. There is no way we could express our gratitude for your prayers and support over the years. It has been worth every second of the journey and has resulted in the most exciting adventure we could have imagined. There have been “highs” beyond articulation and “valleys” attempting to overwhelm, but the “Constant” has been Jesus, who alone has been our strength, shield, and comfort.

FAMILY NEWS

Kim, Benjamin and I have enjoyed the summer thus far. We took time to get away for a few days, which was very relaxing. Benjamin also played machine-pitch baseball for the first part of the summer, and we all had fun rubbing elbows with his teammates and their families. We learned some things from this experience that will be needed down the road, just as every situation is an opportunity to teach your child something new about life, people in general, and their Creator. We spend much time doing that, constantly looking for new ways to make learning fun. Kim remains a constant source of encouragement to both Benjamin and me, and faithful friend to the end.

As far as family news goes, one of the most exciting things to report has to do with my dad. As some of you know, he was wounded in World War II and lost the vision in his right eye. His injury occurred some fifty-seven years ago during the Battle of the Bulge—after having landed with the Fourth Division at Normandy (first wave at Utah Beach) and fighting through France to help liberate Paris from German control. Dad recently developed a cataract on each of his eyes, but before operating on dad’s good eye, his doctor elected to “experiment” with his bad eye to see if vision might be restored. The cataract would need to be removed and a new lens inserted. Long story short, dad can see through his right eye for the first time in fifty-seven years. His vision is distorted, but at least we know he has a “spare with potential” should something happen to his good eye. As long as I live, I will never forget the moment the nurse removed his patch and asked if he could see through the eye that had been defective all these years. There was an eye chart located across the room, and true to form, just as dad has done everything else during his eighty-one years on the planet, he very calmly stated, “I can read the letters on that chart”—no emotion whatsoever in his voice. Mother and I added some “zip” with our very verbal “Praise the Lord,” and my gut told me the nurse wanted to do the same—her professionalism not allowing such, however. The climax occurred when his doctor arrived. I could tell he was “tickled pink” and so excited for dad. It reminded me of the story of John 9:1-41, where Jesus healed the man born blind. What a day to remember!

MINISTRY NEWS

Last semester I continued teaching The Gospels from a Jewish Perspective on Tuesday nights (my fourth semester of this study, which will continue at least one more semester). I am very encouraged with what I am learning about Jesus as I research this subject. What a leader He was—in every sense of the word. His flawless character drew the most interesting responses from those exposed to His ministry. They either loved Him or hated Him, for there was no middle ground. Therefore, He received ridicule from the religious community yet reverence from those seeking life. I have also noticed His patience with the apostles, overlooking their temporary shortcomings to see the bigger picture—their potential after His ascension. Those guys “did not” get what He was saying during His earthly ministry. However, the transformation that occurred in Acts 2 was incredible! Therefore, there is much hope for me in 2003.

As some of you know, I have been writing Bible studies for the past several years. We mail them out on a consistent basis and are very encouraged with how God seems to have used them. A few weeks ago I received a letter from a missionary requesting permission to translate the courses into two languages— Russian and Ukrainian. We consented, naturally, for the courses will be taught in Bible schools within those countries once the work is completed. They will also be posted on a website in those languages for anyone interested in accessing them. We look forward to seeing how God uses these materials and hope to someday visit the schools where they are being utilized. We also heard recently that our Romans and Hebrews courses are being used as resource materials in a seminary here in the states, again confirming God’s grace and sovereignty.

We have added Just Thinking to our website, a feature you can access for input from God’s word. It will be updated as often as possible, giving you a variety of things to “think about” as you walk with Christ.

The Gospel study is now available on CD. Also, if you should desire to view our newsletter online rather than receive it through the postal service, just let us know.

We are more thankful every day that God sent Rebekah Edwards and Shae Newsome to live on the hill. They are godly young ladies and a great source of encouragement to all. Brandon Karstetter continues to live here as well. He wears many hats, the main one relating to the servicing of our website (www.lifeonthehill.org). We are thankful for his heart for Jesus and his willingness to do “whatever” when called upon. Rich Jones also lives here, and has done so periodically for the past three years. We look forward to what God has in store for him in the future.

Our retreat schedule for the remainder of the year is filling quickly. A variety of churches and Christian organizations have reserved weekends for the summer, fall and winter months. If you should desire to bring a group to the hill, we would suggest that you call or email us as soon as possible (email address—contact@lifeonthehill.org).

EVENTS IN THE REMAINDER OF 2003 SPONSORED BY B.A.S.I.C. TRAINING

Note: Additional dates will be posted on our website as they are scheduled.
August 19 Tuesday night Bible study begins at 7:00 p.m. We will continue our study of the Gospels.
September 5-6 Bible School—the first eight chapters of the book of Romans—begins Friday (5th) at 6:00 p.m. and ends Saturday (6th) at 5:00 p.m. You can register online.
October 17-19 Annual fall retreat for men and women, both single and married. We have had much fun on this weekend in the past and hope to see several of you this fall. You can register online.

A WORD OF THANKS

God’s faithfulness continues to amaze us. Thank you for your prayers, support and faithfulness in pressing on to know Christ. We consider ourselves blessed because we are allowed to teach people about Jesus on a consistent basis. To have time to pray, study, write and tell others about Christ is our idea of a dream come true. Without you this could not occur, so thanks, and may you be blessed, dear friends, by He who is our life!

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THOUGHTS FROM THE HILL
SUMMER 2003

The following is taken from my notes on The Gospels from a Jewish Perspective. This study will continue at least one more semester. Notes, tapes and CD’s are available if you should desire to dig deeper.
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John 15:1-8

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He take away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. 3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. 8 “By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples (NAS)

Jesus states that He is the vine and His Father is the vinedresser (John 15:1). Every branch in Jesus that does not bear fruit, the Father “takes away” (v.2). Be careful with the phrase “takes away,” for in the Greek it can also be translated “to raise from the ground, to raise upward, elevate, lift up or to draw up.” A branch in the Holy Land could not produce fruit while lying on the ground. This caused the caretaker to “lift up” the branch by placing a rock or similar object underneath it, allowing it to properly produce. Thus, every branch that does not bear fruit the Father “lifts up.” How encouraging! On the other hand, every productive branch is pruned by the Father to enhance its fruit-bearing capability (v.2). This “pruning” in our lives seems painful but results in additional fruit as we yield to Christ’s life within.

The disciples were already clean because of what they had heard from the Savior (v.3), His words cleansing them in that it had begun to rectify their thinking, even though much of what they had heard remained information. Later, however, on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), this information would become revelation and the Christ in the disciples would change the world.

Considering what we discussed in John 14:10 (that Jesus did no works—the Father doing everything through Him), it is easy to comprehend what Jesus means by the word “abiding” (John 15:4). For believers to abide in Jesus basically means to live by His life (Romans 5:10; Colossians 3:4), just as Jesus lived by His Father’s life (John 14:10). In other words, to “abide” means to live by the life of another, the “another” being Jesus, who in turn, is living by the Father’s life. The by-product of abiding in Him is having Him abide in us (John 15:4) by manifesting His presence in and through us. No fruit can be borne otherwise (John 15:4). This means that the only meaningful fruit borne through our lives will result from the activity of the Father through the Son as we yield to the Son’s life within us (John 15:5; Romans 5:10). No self-effort will produce such fruit (John 15:5).

What follows in John 15:6 must be taken through the full counsel of God’s word for proper interpretation. Some, as a result of taking this verse out of context, have concluded that believers who do not abide in Jesus are cast into hell—thus forfeiting their salvation. I disagree with this view for the following reasons. First off, Jesus is addressing the manner in which fruit can be borne through the believer’s life in the first six verses of this chapter. Second, 1Corinthians 3:12-15 speaks of how the “quality” of each believer’s works (fruit) will be judged by God. Although the works which fail the test will burn, the believer will be saved, “yet so as through fire” (1Corinthians 3:15). What works, then, will pass the test? Those done as the believer trusts Christ’s life within to accomplish them. The works that burn are those done in the believer’s strength. Remember, it is the “quality” (how the works were accomplished) that is the issue in 1Corinthians 3:12-15—not quantity.

When all the church is judged at the judgment seat of Christ (2Corinthians 5:10), only those works done by the Father, through the Son, and in turn, through the believer, will withstand the test of fire. Therefore, I view John 15:6 as dealing with the burning of the believer’s bad fruit, not the believer himself, for he is “saved, yet so as through fire” (1Corinthians 3:15). All works of the believer will be judged, not the believer himself, for he will be presented to the Father “blameless with great joy” (Jude 24). However, his works done in his own strength are sinful (Romans 14:23) and are recorded, but no penalty is associated with these works. The penalty for these deeds was dealt with through the cross. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), so the judgment seat of Christ (2Corinthians 5:10) is not for the purpose of condemning the believer, but for judging the “quality” of the believer’s works (1Corinthians 3:13). Followers of Christ will be rewarded for those times they trusted Him to accomplish the work.

So long as believers abide in Jesus and His words abide in them, their prayers will be answered (John 15:7). Why is this so?

“Abiding” enhances the maturing process, and with maturity comes the ability to pray more meaningful prayers and trust God with the results of those prayers—even when His answer is “no.”

As fruit is borne through us, by allowing Christ to do the fruit-bearing, we bring much glory to the Father and thus prove to be Jesus’ disciples (John 15:8). If Jesus lived by the Father’s life, and continues to do so today, His disciples will live their lives in the same manner. They will yield to Christ’s life within, Who, in turn, is yielding to the Father.

When I teach on the subject of living by the life of another, I am normally asked to describe how one experiences such a thing. For me, at least, it begins with practicing Christ’s presence in all that I do. It is, therefore, believing (whether I feel like it or not), that Jesus is working through me as I go about my daily routine. To be honest, much of the little I know about this subject I have learned through failure. However, the failure does little to discourage me. Why? The little I know, and what I have experienced since coming to know it, is one hundred times better than the best of times I experienced while attempting to do the work myself. So,have fun today as you practice living by our Savior’s life. He truly is the victory that always, in every situation, overcomes the world.

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WINTER 2002/2003

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As I look out my office window this cold December morn, seeing what snow remains from our latest winter storm, I am reminded of my childhood when snow days were some of the best days of the year. School was dismissed, so I slept late, sledded with my friends, threw a few snowballs—life seemed so carefree and pure. I could not help but think along those lines last week as Kim, Benjamin and I were sledding here on the hill. We had much fun enjoying the free and simple things that we too often take for granted. My prayer is that we can invest less of our lives in that which requires excessive time and effort so we might enjoy those things manufactured solely by the hand of God. Did not the psalmist state that such exercises were worthwhile, resulting in worship and awe of the God of creation (Psalm 8:1-4)? Yes, it is very spiritual to stop and smell the roses (even the fresh snow) from time to time.

FAMILY NEWS

Kim, Benjamin and I are doing well. After a very active fall, the month of December is a more relaxed season for us. We spend time both here and in Marion, Illinois (Kim’s hometown) and are very appreciative of the fact that our families are both supportive and flexible. How blessed we are to have parents who are for us and encourage us in so many ways. Because Benjamin is homeschooled, Kim stays very active carrying out her daily responsibilities. By God’s grace she covers all her bases and, at the same time, sees that our home remains a haven. Words cannot express how thankful I am for who she is and what she does for Benjamin and me.

Benjamin, who will soon be seven, continues to be “all boy” with a throttle that knows only one speed—wide open! I say that with a smile, realizing more all along that he is geared as such probably because has dad, at his age, plowed through life at a similar pace. His latest craze is hunting. The other day he and I were hunting (only his dad carries the loaded shotgun, and to this date, all wildlife we have seen remains alive and well) when he happened upon a turkey blind. Time did not permit him to examine it very closely, so I knew what would follow. The next morning he talked his mother into going hunting with him (without a shotgun of course since dad was at his office—his dog Cheyenne was enough, thank you), so here they went. Benjamin not only examined the turkey blind in detail on this cold, wintry day, but had his mother crawl in it with him for an extended season of “fun and fellowship.” What I would give for a home video of that incident! I am certain Kim learned much that day, the major point being to think twice before going hunting with a kid who, at this stage in his life, had rather be Daniel Boone than president of the United States. His desire now is to go coon hunting for the purpose of capturing the goods for a coon-skin cap. I have never been coon hunting in my life, so pray for us! You can ask Kim how this event plays out, for I am sure the next laugh will be on me.

On a more serious note, for anyone who has been privileged to attempt to raise a child, you know that it is a continual process of choosing your battles. We trust that we are choosing the right battles and allowing our son to grow into the man God would have him be in maturity, integrity, and godliness.

MINISTRY NEWS

It has been a fruitful fall here on the hill. I continued teaching The Gospels from a Jewish Perspective on Tuesday nights (my third semester of this study, which will continue at least one more semester). I do not know when I have been more challenged, yet encouraged, while preparing and writing a course of study. It has stretched me greatly, but I am very thankful for the opportunity we have to teach individuals interested in going deeper with our Lord. Our fall retreat schedule was as busy as ever. Several groups visited us here on the hill, some of which come on an annual basis and others who came for the first time.

We also had Rebekah Edwards and Shae Newsome join us on the hill this past semester. They live in the house we moved out of last year. Rebekah, who is from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has been coming to our summer camps and retreats for the past ten years. Shae is from this area and has been part of Tuesday night Bible study as well as our summer camps over the past few years. They cover a variety of bases for us and are such pleasant people to work with. How blessed we are to have them here!

Brandon Karstetter continues to live on the hill and work at WAAJ, a Christian radio station in Hardin. He, along with Bob Fichtinger and Rick Underhill, are presently developing a web site for the ministry. Both Bob and Rick live in Evansville, Indiana and have much experience in graphic design. They have done a wonderful job tailoring the sight to meet our needs. Brandon has done our computer research and is in the process of setting up the equipment that will service the site here on the hill. I am grateful for his expertise and willingness to help whenever called upon. The site (www.lifeonthehill.org) is being created to save time—both yours and ours. As many of you know, I have resisted going this route since day one, but the ministry has grown to where these changes were more than necessary. This site will post an updated list of courses and tapes produced by this ministry with the capability of ordering online. A schedule of annual retreats, summer camps and Bible schools will also be accessible along with information and registration forms. Many additional features will be available as well. Our newsletters will also be posted online, so if you desire to discontinue receiving them through the mail, just let us know. We should be up and running around the first of the year, so you can check us out if you like. If you are not a computer person and are totally confused by this paragraph, just take a deep breath and forget what you have just read. Entrance into the Kingdom is not contingent upon being computer literate. I officially used the web for the first time some three months ago and was several days getting over the experience. I am seeing, however, that it can be beneficial when used wisely.

We have several groups who have already reserved dates for retreats in 2003. If your church or Bible study group would like to visit us, just let us know.

EVENTS IN 2003 SPONSORED BY B.A.S.I.C. TRAINING

Note: Additional dates will be posted on our web site as they are scheduled.

January 14 We will continue our Tuesday night series titled The Gospels from a Jewish Perspective. New students can join at any time. We start at 7:00 p.m. and end around 8:20 p.m. weekly.
March 21-22 Bible school—book of Hebrews—begins Friday (21st) at 6:00 p.m. and ends Saturday (22nd) at 5:00 p.m. I will be teaching an overview of all thirteen chapters of this wonderful epistle.
April 25-26 Annual men's retreat. This retreat is for all men, of all ages and from all locations. The weekend is filled with worship, fellowship, study and laughter. Get in touch if you desire more information.
July 6-12 Summer camp for youth ages 13-18. If you desire to send youth that have not attended previously, you might want to get in touch.
September 5-6 Bible School—the first eight chapters of the book of Romans—begins Friday (5th) at 6:00 p.m. and ends Saturday (6th) at 5:00 p.m.
October 17-19 Annual fall retreat for men and women, both single and married. We have had much fun on this weekend in the past and hope to see several of you next fall.

I am scheduled to speak off the hill in the following locations January-April, 2003. BSU Murray State University (January 23, 30; February 6); Indianapolis, Indiana (February 21-22—Men’s retreat with Keith Tyner and Jim Pinkston); Hattiesburg Mississippi (March 7-9—Grace Community Bible Church); Murray State University (April 2-3—Campus); Lexington, Kentucky (date being scheduled for spring—The Church at Tatesbrook); Evansville, IN—The Vineyard (date being scheduled for spring).

A WORD OF THANKS

As always, we want to thank you for going on with Jesus. Your prayers, financial support and hunger for our Lord speak great things concerning His grace and faithfulness. May He bless you more than you could imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Walk on!

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THOUGHTS FROM THE HILL

The following was taken from my notes on The Gospels from a Jewish Perspective. This study will continue at least one more semester. Notes and tapes are available if you should desire to dig deeper.
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I am often asked why Jesus cursed the fig tree if it was not the season for figs. The answer follows.

The date is Monday, the 11th of Nisan, which converts to April 3, 30 AD, the day after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As He traveled to Jerusalem after His previous day’s visit, He cursed a fig tree bearing nothing but leaves even though it was not the season for figs (Matthew 21:18-19; Mark 11:12-14). We must be careful if we are to properly interpret these events. What we must understand is that fig trees produce leaves some six weeks before they produce figs. Normally, however, fig trees produce edible nodules in conjunction with the bearing of their leaves. Therefore, what Jesus expected to find was not figs, but the small, edible nodules which grew in conjunction with the leaves. It is obvious that the fig tree with leaves but no nodules was making a false proclamation, describing perfectly the generation of Jews in Jesus’ day. Because the fig tree is a symbol of the nation of Israel, this account proves that the Jews were proclaiming something they did not believe. At the triumphal entry they had declared Jesus to be Messiah (Matthew 21:8-9), but the subsequent accounts in the Gospels show that they did not believe their declaration. This confirms that Jesus responded properly to the tree. He stated that no fruit should be borne by the tree forever (Matthew 21:19a; Mark 11:14—Revised Version), the word “forever” meaning “to the age,” or “dispensation,” or until some specified time in the future. God’s word teaches that the Jews will bear abundant fruit in conjunction with the Second Coming, the Messianic Kingdom and the Eternal Order. Note: The fact that Jesus was hungry validated His humanity, while the withering of the fig tree validated His deity.

I am also asked if the account of the rich young ruler teaches that wealth is evil.

A certain ruler (Luke 18:18), meaning he was a member of the Sanhedrin, ran to Jesus (Mark 10:17) to ask what he should do to inherit eternal life (Luke 18:18). Note that the rich young ruler approached Jesus for one purpose only—to discover what was required for eternal life. Jesus asked the ruler why he called Him good and stated that no one is good but God (Luke 18:19). The Lord’s response confirms that the rich man did not believe on Him as God, for had he believed, Jesus would have told him he already possessed the eternal life he was seeking. The rich man viewed Him only as “Good teacher” (v.18), meaning that he had misinterpreted who Jesus was, preventing him from obtaining what he desired. After failing to respond to Jesus’ statement in verse nineteen, Jesus mentioned commandments of the Law that relate to man’s relationship to man (v.20), not the commandments that deal with man’s relationship to God. The ruler stated that he had kept these from his youth (v.21). Clearly, Jesus knew something about this young man that affected the remainder of the conversation. He understood that he had bought into Pharisaic Judaism, which taught that wealth guaranteed entrance into the kingdom—which was his problem in the first place. So what did Jesus do? He proved to him that he was lacking in the area of the Law relating to man’s relationship to God. When Jesus requested that he sell all his possessions and distribute them to the poor (v.22) He was actually asking him to change his theology—to trust Him for salvation rather than his wealth. The man was saddened by Jesus’ request because he was extremely rich (v.23), but he was not saddened enough to walk away from the Pharisaic mindset of his day. Obviously, this account does not teach that wealth is evil and should be avoided. No doubt, context is essential for proper interpretation!

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Winter 2003-2004

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The past twenty-five years on the hill bring to mind so many good memories of our times together. What an honor it is to have you as our friends. Thank you for your hunger and passion for Christ, for pursuing Jesus over the burden of religious activity, for seeking His rest over dead works, and for allowing Him to be your all, even your very life. This life of faith, even in the midst of such global uncertainty, truly is the victory that overcomes the world, capable of taking all that occurs in space and time and defining it through the eyes of the Master.

FAMILY NEWS

Since our last newsletter, Kim, Benjamin, and I have had an eventful summer, fall, and early winter. We have experienced good health and plenty of vigorous activities to keep life interesting. If you have lived on a farm, you know well that there is always something to be done. Kim enjoys tending her flowers, trees, shrubs—and anything else that will grow when planted in God’s soil. Benjamin enjoys those types of things as well, but his heart is in gardening and farming, having grown his first official sweet corn patch this past summer. He, his grandpa, and I enjoyed planting, caring for, and harvesting his crop. It brought back fond memories of my early years when my dad and I did the same, identical thing together.

Speaking of my dad, his right eye, wounded in World War II, continues to progress. He experienced a great deal of discomfort after surgery, but that has improved as of late. The surgeon thinks the discomfort resulted from the adjustments the eye was making after fifty-seven years of inactivity. He has also had successful cataract surgery on his left eye since we last wrote. We are thankful for what the Lord has done on my dad’s behalf, and we want to thank all of you who have prayed for him. Our Lord has gotten much glory from this extraordinary set of events, even a front-page article in one of our regional newspapers. Truly, God is good!

MINISTRY NEWS

As some of you know, I have been teaching a series titled The Gospels From A Jewish Perspective on Tuesday nights here on the hill. I have enjoyed every second of it. Nothing has stretched me more, yet nothing has confirmed to me the importance of studying every word, of every phrase, of every verse, of every chapter, of every book based on the full counsel of God’s word—as well as the historical setting. As of three weeks ago, I finished this series and am in the process of editing and publishing the written materials. Rebekah Edwards (our secretary), Brandon Karstetter (our computer—audio assistant), and I are working diligently on the tapes and CD’s as well. We are grateful for the wonderful support from those who have attended locally, as well as those who have followed from a distance by means of the tape ministry. I am not the same person (in the way I think) that started this series over two and a half years ago, for as a result of looking at Jesus for long, extended periods of time in the Gospels, I have come to realize how very little I knew of Him when I embarked on this journey. What a great God, friend, and provider He is. I cannot imagine attempting to live life void of His presence and companionship.

The ministry had the most active year to date, and we so enjoyed those who traveled to the hill for Bible studies and conferences. We are considering a variety of things for the future, one of which is to expand our sleeping quarters. The expansion will be relatively easy since we built a log structure (2400 square feet) a few years ago with the idea of converting it to dorm space if the need presented itself. It will be a matter of adding bathrooms and interior walls, resulting in four large apartments that can be used in a variety of ways. This will greatly expand our sleeping capacity and give us additional flexibility with the groups who visit. Some of you have already volunteered your time to assist in this expansion. For this we are grateful.

The Lord continues to show all involved here that discipleship is where it is. The courses I have written, in conjunction with the physical labor done outside the classroom, have seemed to create a workable discipleship environment. The more I correspond with those who have lived on the hill and moved on to different areas of ministry, the deeper I realize the truth of Proverbs 29:19—that it takes more than words to instruct students in the truth. It takes getting dirty with them, allowing them to see your own frailties, and in turn, you seeing theirs—and loving each other enough to embrace the pain of it all as the Lord does His work. Did not Jesus involve Himself in such activities, looking past the disciples’ weaknesses for the purpose of beholding what they could become? There is no greater ministry, yet it is becoming a lost art in the midst of Christendom’s ill-founded pursuits of bigness, notoriety, and religiosity. Not that I have arrived in the area of knowing how discipleship works, but this I do know. It most definitely is not for the fragile or indifferent, nor for those who pursue passivity, pragmatism, political correctness, or mediocrity. Clearly, discipleship is for those who want to live as the Savior lived, without need for public recognition or the accolades of man. It is for the courageous, those secure enough to desire to teach others to lead, realizing all along that their position of leadership has been ordained by the God of heaven, never once overstepping the boundaries or parameters prescribed by the Creator. For you who are actively involved in the lives of others, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and at the same time, realizing that it is Christ Himself who must do the work, I am so very grateful for your heart, life, wisdom, and insight into what is eternally significant. May God bless you dear comrade.

I just heard from the ministry that is translating the Romans and Hebrews courses, and they will soon be ready for use in discipleship schools in Russia and the Ukraine.

It would be impossible to explain how much our website has helped in the area of time management. The fact that the materials distributed by this ministry can be ordered by email, and that our staff responds to those orders, has freed up much time here on the hill. Rebekah and Brandon have done a wonderful job supervising this aspect of the ministry. They truly are a godsend. Note: This newsletter, and all future newsletters, will be posted on our website. If you desire to discontinue receiving them through the postal service, just let us know. Thanks.

A variety of churches and Christian organizations have reserved weekends for the winter, spring, and summer months. If you should desire to bring a group to the hill, we would suggest that you call or email us as soon as possible (email address—contact@lifeonthehill.org).

SOME EVENTS SPONSORED BY B.A.S.I.C. TRAINING IN 2004

Note: The following is only a partial listing of dates. You can register by writing, calling, or by means of our website. If you are interested in obtaining a full schedule of events, just check out our website or call for more information.

January 13 Tuesday night Bible study begins at 7:00 p.m. A survey of the Old Testament is the course of study this next semester.
January 30-February 1 Annual youth retreat (ages 13-18).
April 23-24 Annual Men’s Retreat.
July 4-10 Summer Camp for youth ages 13-18. Bryan and Jonell McKenzie, who could not be with us last summer, will return this summer to assist in the area of leadership and supervision. What a blessing they are to us.
September 3-4 Bible School—the first eight chapters of the book of Romans—begins Friday (3rd) at 6:00 p.m. and ends Saturday (4th) at 5:00 p.m.
October 15-17 Annual fall retreat for all ages, gender, and backgrounds. We have had much fun on this weekend in the past and hope to see several of you this next fall.

Our travel dates will be posted on our website, but in the short term we will be at Highland Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi (January 9-11, 2004). Hope to see some of you there.

A WORD OF THANKS

Your generosity allows us to continue to pursue the dream that God placed in our hearts well before the first students visited this ministry. Thank you, dear friends. Thank you! May our Lord greatly bless you in the coming year with His joy, peace, rest, and all the other benefits that accompany His “life” in us.

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B.A.S.I.C. Training
P.O. Box 13
989 Hardin Wadesboro Rd.
Hardin, Ky. 42048
Phone (270) 437-4172
contact@lifeonthehill.org

WINTER 2004 - 2005 _________________________________________________________________________________

As always, we trust that Christ remains the love of your life and the passion of your existence. The following is written to encourage you, to let you know more concerning the “variables” facing those who carry His name to such a needy world. What an adventure, this life of faith!

Based on a recent survey, only 9 % of evangelical college students believe in such a thing as absolute truth. Why is this so? It is so because mom and dad, our public institutions of learning, even the church (in more cases than we would like to admit), have failed to properly emphasize the importance of absolutes. In our day, “truth” has become anything one wants it to be so long as it doesn’t inconvenience or hinder one’s lifestyle. Consequently, when I teach the Scriptures, I no longer assume that those listening believe what they are hearing—regardless of the setting. As Jeremiah said in his day, “Behold, the word of the Lord has become a reproach to them; They have no delight in it” (Jeremiah 6:10).

We are living in an interesting age, bringing me to an even greater appreciation for the Person of Jesus. For the believer, Christ remains the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19) that grants hope regardless of the “circumstance.” Therefore, in case you need to hear it today, the God who made heaven and earth is very much in charge of His creation. He is not worried nor pacing the floor; He is not weary nor downcast, but is the eternal One who—every second of His existence—sees all that has transpired, is transpiring, and will transpire—from beginning to end (1 John 3:20). Therefore, He is never caught off guard, shocked, nor surprised by any event that occurs in space and time. Yet, through it all, He remains the God of love (1 John 4:8), joy (Nehemiah 8:10), peace (John 14:27), grace (John 1:14), and truth (John 14:6).

This truth is the foundation of my soul, all of which has been revealed by means of the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures. To know that absolute truth exists (and was personified in Jesus) is what the world is looking for, yet has failed to embrace. We have the privilege of taking this truth, which the unredeemed resist, and watch in amazement as God transforms lives that were directionless, aimless, and grossly misguided. Again, this adventure of faith is truly amazing!

Family News

Since our last correspondence, Kim, Benjamin, and I have experienced several things that have deepened our appreciation for those who stand for the truth. We have been challenged through favorable circumstances as well as those not so favorable. We are learning, to a much greater degree, the part that pain and adversity play in teaching us the deeper things of the cross. My home is my haven, and I am so grateful for a wife and son who love Jesus, and as a result, love me. The gal I married some fifteen years ago is as solid as a rock. I am very thankful that our son is being exposed to a mom that loves God and family. So much of what goes on around here would be impossible if it were not for a wife that possesses a passion for Christ, and along with it, wisdom and discernment.

We continue to enjoy home schooling Benjamin. To watch him experience the different stages of childhood is most interesting (as all of you know who have raised, or are in the process of raising, children). He just turned nine and is 95 pounds (and in the 90th percentile height-wise), which means I have to be careful when wrestling with him. He is now strong enough and big enough to break my arm or leg (and no telling what else) in the midst of his many gyrations during our wrestling escapades. We are watching as our Lord works in Him but remain aware that his rough edges are God’s responsibility to remove—not ours. Our responsibility is to love him and see to it that he is raised in an environment that exposes him to Jesus (not monotonous religious activities). We are very thankful for his heart and zeal for life, but as I have stated in earlier letters, we are believing that very active little boys, with strong wills, grow up to be godly men who desire to lead. He loves being with people—the more the merrier. In fact, Kim and I refer to him as “our social butterfly.” He also loves working with his hands, so he and I get much time together driving nails and measuring boards. It is great to teach him the importance of math (his least favorite subject) as we build things together.

We, as a family, so enjoy the wonderful people the Lord sends across our path. We take pleasure in living here on the hill and experiencing all that rural life has to offer. The Lord is good!

Ministry News

This past semester on the hill was very encouraging. I taught the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy) on Tuesday nights, and the number of young people who joined us, along with the adults in attendance, made for a wonderful time together (what a great mix age-wise we now have). I will teach the “History” portion of the Old Testament next semester (Joshua through Esther) and begin the major and minor prophets the fall semester of 2005. The Pentateuch course and tapes (and CDs) are now available as well as the course on the History books of the Old Testament (Joshua through Esther). The tapes and CDs on the History books of the Old Testament will be available as I teach them next semester.

I can honestly say that I am more encouraged with where the ministry is today than at any time previous to now. New doors seem to be opening, and as things progress we will fill you in on the details. Please pray that God would grant us the wisdom needed to choose the excellent over the good. Thanks!

Some have requested more information relating to our summer camp (July 10-16, 2005). This camp is designed for youth, ages 13-18, who desire to go deeper with our Lord. The youth are here for one week, and we normally have four to five hours of Bible study per day. They are also involved in work projects both here on the hill as well as the neighboring communities. Kids from all walks of life and a variety of geographical locations attend—what wonderful kids we have been privileged to associate with in the past. To see them grow up to be men and women of God has served to greatly encourage us.

Some Events to Consider Attending in 2005

January 18 Tuesday night Bible Study begins—the History books of the Old Testament.

February 4-6 Our annual youth retreat (for those who attend our summer camp as well as new-timers).

April 15-17 Our annual men’s retreat.

July 10-16 Summer camp for youth ages 13-18.

September 2-3 A study of Romans 1-8.

October 14-16 Our annual fall retreat for men and women, both single and married.

For more details concerning ministry information, you can go to our website at www.lifeonthehill.org. You can register for any of these events online or by just giving us a call (270)-437-4172.

I will be teaching in Benton, Kentucky (First Missionary Baptist Church---January 7-8, 2005) and
Meridian, Mississippi (Highland Baptist Church—January 21-23, 2005) and Lexington, Kentucky (The Church at Tatesbrook—January 28-30, 2005).

We could never thank you enough for your support and all you do to encourage us. Walk on!
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Thoughts From The Hill

The following relates to an event that I experienced with my son. It has served me well in my walk with Christ.

It is hard to believe that I have lived in western Kentucky without developing a passion for “coon hunting.” Several of my friends have hunted these critters for years, but I have struggled with the idea of staying up half the night just to hear a dog bark up a tree at a creature whose hide served to cover the head of a man named Boone—Daniel Boone, that is. A friend of mine named Grant Black, who is considered one of the foremost coon hunters in the area, invited Benjamin and me to a hunt a few weeks back. Once in the woods, Grant gave each of us a metal hat with a light attached to its front (much like a coalminer’s hat). He then issued us a battery to strap to our waist for the purpose of powering the light—and here we went. It wasn’t fifteen minutes until Grant’s dog, as well as another dog in the group of hunters, picked up the scent of a coon. Grant told us to listen closely to the tone of his dog’s bark, for a certain type of bark meant the coon had been “treed” and the dog had fulfilled its mission. I was intrigued as I watched Grant listen, ever so closely, to the different tones of his dog’s barks. Suddenly, he told us to move out (he had “heard” what he had been listening for), and after walking through briars, mud—you name it—we finally came to the dogs, tree, and coon. The hunters then shined their flashlights up the tree and told us to look for two small reflections of light (the eyes of the coon), which I never saw! Everyone else saw them, even Benjamin, but all I saw were limbs and a few leftover leaves from summer. After the dogs were shown much affection and encouraged by their owners, they were turned loose to repeat the process. About fifteen minutes later, Grant heard that special bark, so here we went a second time to look for two eyes amongst the limbs and leaves. I never saw those eyes either, everyone else having the excitement of picking them out with ease. The dogs were again shown affection and turned loose to do what they do best, so about thirty minutes later they had treed their third coon of the evening. This went on for over two hours, and all I am thinking is, “These men truly love what they are doing, but what could possibly motivate them to love it so?” One thing was certain; I had to have that question answered before retiring for the evening.

Finally, during a pause in the hunt, I asked Grant the big question. His response stunned me—in fact, preached a sermon that even the most fundamental pulpit in America would applaud. He said, “I don’t hunt because I dislike coons and want to make their lives miserable. I hunt because I enjoy being with my dog and listening to him bark.” Do you see the spiritual significance of his statement? He hunted because he enjoyed being with his dog and listening to him bark—of all things! I then had to ask myself a question. Do I walk with Jesus just to be with Him and to listen to His voice, or do I have some other agenda in mind that takes away my passion for the journey? Think about it. I have been thinking much about it since my son and I, on a cool winter night a few weeks ago, learned much from a coon hunter who invests more time knowing and listening to his dog than most of us who know Christ invest in knowing and listing to our Savior.

I was also intrigued that same evening by another hunter’s statement. After asking him how often he hunted, he said, “Every night I can. This week I will hunt seven nights since it is close to the holidays.” Did you catch that? Every night that week he would hunt for the purpose of being with his dog and listening to him bark! I spoke to his wife later that night back at the coon hunters’ club (yes, they have a club made up of hunters from the area). She had come to see her husband at the conclusion of the hunt, so I asked her about their “relationship” with their dog. She, with much compassion in her eyes, stated that their “hound” was part of their family and that they loved it as though it were a child. This added a new piece to the puzzle. They loved their dog; therefore, the husband took as much time out of his week as he could to be with him and listen to him bark. Isn’t it interesting that not one of those hunters was forced to hunt? They did it because they loved their coon hound and enjoyed being with him! This was Galatians 5:6 personified— “…faith working through love.”

I observed other things that night that intrigued me to no end. I couldn’t help but notice the camaraderie that existed among the hunters. It was obvious that these guys cared for one another and greatly enjoyed their time together. Therefore, each man’s love for his dog and passion to hear him bark generated a desire to be with those who enjoyed the same. The spiritual application is obvious. Those who love Jesus and take pleasure in His presence greatly enjoy their time with others who desire the same. Just as the “fellowship” among the hunters was not a result of a program or an emphasis on “fellowship,” fellowship among believers never has to be programmed or emphasized when the common denominator is a passion to spend time with the Creator and enjoy His words. It just happens automatically! (By the way, He has said much for the believer to enjoy in the sixty-six books known as the Scriptures.)

On top of all that has been stated, I also discovered (through a comment made by one of the hunters) that their club had donated over $100,000 dollars to people in need. The parallel was obvious. Giving to the poor, which Jesus addressed on several occasions in New Testament Scripture, will be the natural response among those who love Him and enjoy listening to His words.

Enjoy your “hunt” today. It should be most exciting as you enjoy His presence and hear what He has to say to you through His word.

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B.A.S.I.C. Training (The Hill)
P.O. Box 13
989 Hardin Wadesboro Rd.
Hardin, Ky. 42048
Phone (270) 437-4172
contact@lifeonthehill.org

Summer 2005 _________________________________________________________________________________

Next summer I will celebrate my 60th year on the earth, and, therefore, am realizing more than ever what is essential and what is not. When I look back in retrospect and consider what has served to sustain me, it has not been any particular event or accomplishment, but the ever-present Person of the Creator who has guided me, protected me, and “covered my backside.” What has amazed me most is the fact that He has remained faithful to finish what He has started in me (Philippians 1:6) in spite of my many blunders, mistakes, and misjudgments.

I also better understand the struggle that many face when it comes to keeping Jesus as the central issue in the midst of their “activity.” It has always been about Jesus, will always be about Jesus, and will never, throughout eternity, be about anything but Jesus. It is not about organizations that have to do with Jesus, nor movements “about” Jesus—it is His Person that is the issue—nothing more. I guess what I am seeing above all else, after having taught God’s word for some thirty years, is how difficult it is for those who have been steeped in tradition, religion, and a performance based acceptance mindset, to come to appreciate the freedom (and rest—Hebrews 4:9) that is available to the redeemed. In fact, nothing is more mind-boggling to me than what has occurred (in some circles) with the truth of the gospel—the greatest, most liberating truth ever communicated to man. Because of how it has been dispensed, instead of bearing fruit that causes the unredeemed to thirst after what is available to the believer, it is fast becoming the laughingstock of the 21st century. Postmodernism, a warped mindset that scoffs at the idea of absolutes, is taking our universities (and, therefore, many of our young people) by storm. And what has allowed it to do so? I believe, to a great degree, it is the manner in which the body of Christ has handled the gospel. Many involved in Christendom believe they are saved by grace and kept by works. They believe (and teach with much exuberance—though misguided) that their personal righteousness before God is enhanced as they behave more righteously. In other words, they teach that through their good deeds they can improve their righteous standing before God. There was a group of people who believed and taught this in Paul’s day, and he made reference to them as “bewitched” (Galatians 3:1-3). Also read what Paul wrote in Colossians 2:20-23. Has the body of Christ of the 21st century bought into this same lie? Could this be why so many youth, after leaving home, choose to no longer darken the door of any church of any flavor, but listen attentively to those who bash the gospel with no evidence to support their accusations? When a person is raised in an environment that never allows them to measure up (which is what a legalistic environment produces), they will, many times, opt out for anything that will “free them” from their bondage, regardless of the degree of error it contains. Have we done this to our kids? Judge for yourself, but before doing so, do your homework by checking out the latest statistics relating to what is happening to our kids once they leave home.

A friend once asked me what safeguard he should use to assure himself that his theology remained sound and unflawed. My answer, which in my mind, at least, is the safeguard of safeguards, is a statement that I have made for years—“Regardless of what my mind is exposed to, no matter who says or writes it, if it communicates the cross plus anything, it is error.” It is not the cross plus works, nor the cross plus trying harder, nor the cross plus my church attendance (although the redeemed should involve themselves in fellowship with other believers), not even the cross plus my Bible knowledge (although those who know Jesus will, and should, desire to passionately pursue the truth contained in the Scriptures). Jesus did it all in 30 A.D. on a cross, as Paul states so forcefully in Galatians 6:14. It is a finished work which allows the believer to rest and enjoy what the Creator has done to make life the greatest adventure known to man—and at the same time, allow the believer to possess something other than just a big smile and sad eyes. Big smiles and happy eyes result only when we appropriate the cross on a daily basis and live by the life of the being who subjected Himself to such brutality. Trying to imitate Him will not suffice—that is the purest form of legalism and religious nonsense known to man. The goal is living by His very life every second of every day. Such living will cause even the unredeemed to sit up and take notice.

Family News

When Benjamin was born, we were told by friends to enjoy every second, knowing that time passes very quickly between the birth of a child and his departure from home. They were right, for he is now nine years old and over one hundred pounds. In fact, he recently attended a football camp and was the biggest nine-year-old there. We can’t understand where he got his “thickness,” but he got it somewhere, and along with it enough strength to make his dad fear at times during our frequent wrestling matches. We continue to home school and enjoy watching him learn.

Need I explain how Kim spends her time? Between home schooling Benjamin, caring for our family, and serving as a part-time secretary, she has a fulltime job. I don’t know how she does it, especially with such calmness and peace. She remains a great friend and companion.

We have all had a very busy summer, as the section titled “Ministry News” will validate. I have had as much to do here physically in the last three months as I can remember. It has been enjoyable in that I have been writing for the past several years, and the transition to a more physical lifestyle was therapeutic and very enjoyable. I am now ready to begin writing again, something I greatly enjoy.

Using our time wisely is one of the greatest challenges we face as a family. There are so many things that seek to sidetrack us, but hopefully we are choosing the excellent over the good at least part of the time. Most people we know face this same struggle. My prayer is that God might grant us the grace and discernment to make choices so as to present to Him a heart filled with wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

Ministry News

Tuesday night Bible study has begun and we are in 1 Samuel. I am teaching through the history portion of the Old Testament and greatly enjoying my time in preparation. The Lord continues to send hungry believers to the hill to join us in these studies, and we are blessed beyond measure.

As I stated earlier, I have been working a great deal more with my hands this summer. The Lord has allowed us to convert the log workshop on the front of the property into a lodge, and we are excited about the new avenues of ministry this opens to all involved here. The building was originally designed for such a transition, and using our sawmill to manufacture the additional logs, beams, shiplap, and molding was not only fun, but a very economical way to produce what otherwise would have been cost prohibitive. There were a number of miraculous things the Lord did during the time of construction that allowed us to meet our deadline—I wish I had the space in this letter to relate them to you. With the addition of the lodge, the hill has the capability of housing approxiamtely 150 people, giving us a great deal of flexibility in what we can offer groups of all ages. It is all part of the dream that God gave us some thirty years ago, and we are humbled that He would allow us to be a part of such a wonderful adventure. We hope you can visit soon and see what the Lord has done.

We had one of the best summer camps ever (youth ages 13-18)! The youth came ready to learn and were such an encouragement. We had three to four hours of Bible instruction per day, plus, they helped build the new lodge. The counselors were amazed at their character and diligence—and our counselors, by the way, were terrific. Much thanks to all whom the Lord used to make it work.

Some Events to Consider Attending on the Hill

October 14-16, 2005 Annual fall retreat for men and women, both single and married.

April 7-9, 2006 Annual men’s retreat for fathers, their sons, and single men of all ages.

Summer Camp for ages 13-18 will be in July 2006, the particular date to be announced later.

September 1-2, 2006 Two-day school. Topic: Romans 1-8. .

Speaking Engagements off the Hill in the Short Term

I will be teaching at a men’s retreat in Baltimore, Md. September 9-11
I will also be at Cherry Hills Baptist Church’s men’s retreat, Springfield, Ill. October 28-29.

For more details concerning ministry information, you can go to our website at www.lifeonthehill.org.

A Word of Thanks

We could never express the degree to which your friendship, prayers, and support encourage us. Our prayer is that God will reveal His Person to you in a powerful way as we learn what it means to live by His life.

Walk on—in His strength, of course!

THOUGHTS FROM THE HILL

The following is taken from a commentary that I wrote on the book of Ephesians. What a wonderful book Paul penned, filled with a wealth of truth concerning what the cross accomplished for the redeemed. I hope you enjoy reading what follows as much as I enjoyed the research and writing of it.
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who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3b)

Did you realize that God's idea of a good time is blessing His people? As early as the days of Abraham, God was preparing to bless mankind through Abraham's offspring (Genesis 12:3). The seed of Genesis 3:15, who would bruise the serpent's head, was also Abraham's seed (Galatians 3:16) through which the world would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Therefore, Christ was sent to bless man, that is, those who would accept Him as Savior (John 3:16-17).

Paul blesses “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:3a) because He “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (1:3b). Wow! Can you comprehend this? God the Father not only sent His Son to redeem fallen man, but has already blessed believers with every spiritual blessing. This means that the moment we were saved (justified—Romans 5:1), God gave us everything needed to live life to the fullest. In fact, all we will be doing until the Lord takes us home is digging through that huge treasure chest of spiritual blessings we received the moment we accepted Christ. It is for this reason (and many others as well) that we should go on to spiritual maturity, for only then can we begin to comprehend all that is already ours. Many in the body of Christ, due to their immaturity, are “doing” to try to attain what is already theirs. This brings defeat and despair—a big smile and very sad eyes.

The next thing to notice is “where” God blessed us with these spiritual blessings. He has done so “in the heavenly places in Christ” (1:3b). Because Christ is now at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 8:1-2; 9:24), to be placed into Christ means that we were taken into the realm of the heavenlies. Thus, Paul’s words are “who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (italics mine—Ephesians 1:3b). This means that when a person repents of his sin and accepts Christ through faith, he, through the avenue of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13), is placed into Christ. I don’t even pretend to understand all the positive ramifications here, but one thing is certain: All who believe are in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and all who are in Christ have been blessed with every spiritual blessing needed to live life abundantly (1:3b). So if you are God’s child, give up on trying to perform well enough to obtain more spiritual blessings. They are already yours. So rest dear friend (Hebrews 4:9-10) and enjoy the journey from the view above as we look at just a few of these blessings!

As we continue, key in on the phrases "in Christ" and "in Him." Take these phrases out of this epistle and you have a different epistle; in fact, take them out of the New Testament and you have utter chaos. But begin to view your walk from this perspective and you realize that whatever you are or possess is "in Christ." Your battles are His battles, for we fight in the strength of His might (Ephesians 6:10). We also wear His armor (Ephesians 6:11 and 13). "In Christ" we—have redemption (Romans 3:24), are alive to God (Romans 6:11), have eternal life (Romans 6:23), are sanctified (1 Corinthians 1:2), receive the grace of God (1 Corinthians 1:4), are made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22), are led to triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14), are made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), have liberty (Galatians 2:4), have received the blessing of Abraham (Galatians 3:14), have been seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6), have been created for good works prepared by God (Ephesians 2:10), are brought near to God by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13), have received God's forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32), have all our needs supplied (Philippians 4:19), and are complete (Colossians 1:28). "In Him" we—are enriched in everything (1 Corinthians 1:5), become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21), are chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), have redemption and forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), were sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), have been made complete (Colossians 2:10), and were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands (Colossians 2:11). And this is only a partial listing of the blessings received as a result of being "in Christ" or "in Him." Wow!

Scripture also speaks of Christ living in the believer. Passages like Galatians 2:20 and Colossians 1:27 confirm that Jesus lives in all who have accepted Him as Savior. But Scripture speaks much more about the believer being in Christ than it speaks of Christ dwelling in the believer. Therefore, the heavenly vantage point is the most important as we pursue the victorious life.

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B.A.S.I.C. Training
P.O. Box 13
989 Hardin Wadesboro Rd.
Hardin, Ky. 42048
Phone (270) 437-4172
Email—contact@lifeonthehill.org

Winter 2005—2006
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We trust that things are well with you—and, by the way, God’s word confirms that things can be well, even in the midst of unpleasant circumstances. What brought such thinking to mind is a verse I read just today: “For when the earth experiences Thy judgments, the inhabitants of the earth learn righteousness” (Isaiah 26:9). This ties in well with, "Moab has been at ease since his youth; he has also been undisturbed on his lees, neither has he been emptied from vessel to vessel, nor has he gone into exile. Therefore he retains his flavor, and his aroma has not changed” (Jeremiah 48:11). Obviously, we pretty much look the same and “smell” the same so long as our lives are pain-free and undisturbed. However, let pain rear its head and we are in for an adventure—an adventure that takes us from the drudgery and fantasy of self-centeredness to a Christ-centered reality of meaning and fulfillment. If Jesus learned obedience through the things which He suffered (Hebrews 5:8), so can we who have received His mind (1Corinthians 2:16). What great news it is that pain can become our friend, for ultimately it changes us as nothing else can.

Our problem is that many times we prematurely remove our unpleasant circumstances through unwise decisions. Under such conditions, God sees to it (due to His love for us) that we are allowed to repeat the class. And why would He do such a thing? So we might learn to say with Paul, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2Corinthians 4:17), a perspective that allows us to be less concerned with the variables of life and more concerned with bringing glory to the Creator. After all, it is through the hard times that Christ is most glorified through us (read 2Corinthians 4:7-11).

If such a perspective had not crossed my path some thirty-two years ago (and yet I continue to know so little about it), the ministry on this hill would have been nonexistent. I would have gone my merry way with one goal in mind—to alleviate, in my own strength, every bump, annoyance, nuisance, bother, irritation, frustration, or anything else that “inconvenienced” me—a goal that would have ended in failure, isolation, and ruin. There is no doubt that God not only saved me from my sin, but also saved me from myself when I came to know Him. For sure no man is an island, and for sure no man (or woman) finds peace living by the mindset, “I did it my way.” God’s way is the only way to a life of fulfillment, for it allows us to give our lives away solely for the betterment of others—not for the benefit of ourselves. What a deal!

Family News

We are doing well, even with the bumps and bruises that have crossed our paths in 2005. But this year served to reconfirm that Jesus is the only true constant in life, and that if peace exists in our home and hearts, we can withstand anything that might come from without. Kim and I are different (in a good way) as a result of the “variables” of this year, for they have served to make us more appreciative than ever of this one reality—that the truth, when presented without contradiction, always prevails. What a warrior my wife has become, and I am so blessed to have her at my side.

Kim, Benjamin, and I continue to enjoy life in rural America. Benjamin remains a farmer and outdoorsman at heart, for his love for the soil and watching things grow is unwavering. He also passionately hunts, with his Daisy BB gun, such things as squirrel, turkey, rabbit, deer, raccoon, opossum, and anything else that moves in the woods. (Note: We were unable to make this year’s coon hunting trip with Grant Black, but maybe next year.) Benjamin truly is a kid that can sing with authority, “Thank God I’m a country boy.” He should be big enough physically to do whatever he desires—outside of maybe sumo wrestling (ha). He, unlike me, is a big boned kid with football thickness, a fact that has been obvious to all who have seen him in the past few months. He and I are “considering” taking Tae Kwon Do together; an adventure that I am sure will stretch my physical limits to the max (that is, if we follow through with our plans). There is method to my madness, since Kim and I have one objective in mind as we raise our son. Our goal is to win his heart, and we have found that to do so we must, without compromising the truth, enter into his world by involving ourselves in his interests. We are reminded over and over that a child spells love “TIME.” If we can but win his heart, he will take his concerns to us, and ultimately to his heavenly Father, rather than to those who might steer him in the less than excellent direction. All parents who desire to “do it right” agree that properly raising a child in today’s world is tremendously challenging. The fact that we have one shot with our kids (Psalm 127:4) should keep all of us on our knees, seeking to make our homes a haven that our offspring will try to emulate once they have families of their own.

Ministry News

I will continue teaching through the history portion of the Old Testament this next semester. Last semester we covered the first sixteen chapters of 1Samuel, contrasting Saul and David’s lives. The difference in character, integrity, and leadership abilities of the two is mind boggling! A great group of people attended these Tuesday night sessions, making us most blessed to have such wonderful friends.

We have a very encouraging winter and spring on the horizon as we prepare for weekend conferences and retreats. From all indications, we will have an abundance of believers, of all ages, visiting us from different areas of the country. Our expanded facilities have opened new doors of opportunity, and we look forward to making new friends as well as spending time with so many who have previously visited. To see the young people we have hung out with grow up to be used of the Lord truly makes for a fun time while they are here. In fact, if the Lord should close the doors of this ministry today, we could say from the bottom of our hearts that it has been the most wonderful adventure imaginable. It would be impossible to express the joy we have as we think of all who have blessed our lives by going on with Jesus (1Thessalonians 2:19-20).

As I stated in our last newsletter, we had one of the best summer camps ever (youth ages 13-18)! The youth came ready to learn and were such an encouragement. We had three to four hours of Bible instruction per day, plus they helped build the new lodge. The counselors were amazed at their character and diligence—and our counselors, by the way, were terrific. We, due to our expanded facilities, are asking God to send additional youth who desire to know Christ’s heart and, in turn, stand for the truth in their homes and communities. If you know young men and women who fit this description, we would be delighted to talk with you about their spending a week with us. We can house up to 100, which is twice the number of previous years. We are aggressively pursuing the youth of America, for they are the hope of tomorrow. It is absolutely amazing what they can absorb in a week’s time in the truth. Would you commit to asking the Lord to show you the youth in your community who might benefit from joining us? Thanks.

Brandon Karstetter, who has lived on the hill for some time now, works for us on a more consistent basis. He is responsible for many things, one of which is the book, tape, and CD orders directed our way by means of our website. In fact, he does almost everything relating to the assembly and distribution of ministry materials, which saves a big chunk of my time. Patrick Johnson, a student at Murray State, lives with Brandon and also helps in a variety of ways. He and Brandon do a wonderful job, regardless of what they are asked to do, and we are so thankful for their hearts and friendship.

Kim and I sense, in the deepest part of our souls, that the potential for ministry here on the hill is greater now than at any time in the past. We are not yet free to express the specific direction the Lord is leading us, but we believe that the coming year will result in a wider range of ministry for believers from a variety of geographical locations. God has confirmed our vision through several avenues, and we are excited to see what lies ahead. Please pray for us, for a wider door of service normally brings a greater degree of adversity (1Corinthians 16:9). Thanks.

Some Events to Consider Attending on the Hill

January 17, 2006 Tuesday night Bible study begins at 7:00 p.m.
February 3-5, 2006 Winter youth retreat
April 7-9, 2006 Annual men’s retreat for fathers, their sons, and single men of all ages.
July 9-15, 2006 Summer Camp for ages 13-18
September 1-2, 2006 Two-day school. Topic: Romans 1-8.
October 14-16, 2006 Annual fall retreat for men and women, both single and married.

Speaking Engagements Off the Hill in January and February

January 20-22 Highland Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi
January 26, February 2 and 9 Murray State University BSU
For more details concerning ministry information, you can go to our website at www.lifeonthehill.org.

A Word of Thanks

The Father continues to meet our needs through the generosity of the saints. In 2006 I plan to write a detail description of the miraculous ways the Lord has provided for this ministry over the last twenty-eight years. We will make this information available to the general public once it is published. Thank you for your prayers and support. We are so grateful for your friendship.

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THOUGHTS FROM THE HILL

I have been reading through the book of Isaiah of late and sense that the Lord would have me describe some of the things that I am seeing this time through. I have always had a passion for the Old Testament books of the writing prophets; in fact, the foundation of the faith that exists within me has as its cornerstone the portion of Scripture beginning with Isaiah and ending with the book of Malachi. One of the reasons I have been so drawn to this section of God’s word is the fact that one misstatement, one word spoken in error, cost the prophet his life (Deut 18:20—But the prophet who shall speak a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die). There is not a man I know who, at some point in his life, hasn’t stated something he would say differently if given another opportunity to say it. But a prophet had to get it right the first time. I don’t think any of us can relate to such a scenario, especially living in our society today. We, overall, are so uncommitted to what comes out of our mouths that it is almost a joke to try to hold someone accountable for what he or she has verbalized. In other words, our word is no longer our bond, and there is a price to be paid when a society lives as such. The book of Isaiah proves what I have just stated, so I will allow the Scriptures to validate my words rather than try to justify them myself.

Isaiah addresses a future problem within the Jewish culture that comes extremely close to describing 2005. To begin with, men will no longer desired to lead (Isaiah 3:6-7).

When a man lays hold of his brother in his father's house, saying, "You have a cloak, you shall be our ruler, And these ruins will be under your charge," on that day will he protest, saying, "I will not be your healer, for in my house there is neither bread nor cloak; You should not appoint me ruler of the people."

And what will bring about such complacency? They will trade their pursuit of the truth for a life of compromise, resulting in both speech and actions against the Lord (Isaiah 3:8).

For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their actions are against the LORD, to rebel against His glorious presence.

To state it differently, their word will no longer be their bond. They will say what they say, and do what they do, with no desire whatsoever for someone to hold them accountable for their words or deeds. In fact, the men will be so little concerned about the repercussions from their misdeeds that they will begin to flaunt their sin in the public arena (Isaiah 3:9), bringing shame to themselves, along with a loss of respect in their homes.

The expression of their faces bears witness against them. And they display their sin like Sodom; They do not even conceal it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves (Isaiah 3:9).

There is a price to be paid when men, due to sin and complacency, won’t lead. The women, as well as the children, due to their lack of respect for the male sector of society, will begin to lead themselves (Isaiah 3:12a), bringing confusion to all (Isaiah 3:12b).

My people! Their oppressors are children, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray, and confuse the direction of your paths (Isaiah 3:12).

The women, in turn, will become prideful and unwise:

Moreover, the LORD said, "Because the daughters of Zion are proud, and walk with heads held high and seductive eyes, and go along with mincing steps, and tinkle the bangles on their feet—Isaiah 3:16),

Also, the children will not only rebel against authority, but oppress those around them (Isaiah 3:12a):

O My people! Their oppressors are children,

God will not stand for such things, so judgment will follow (Isaiah 3:17-26):

Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare." In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes, amulets, finger rings, nose rings, festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses, hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans, and veils. Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; Instead of a belt, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp; Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty. Your men will fall by the sword, and your mighty ones in battle. And her gates will lament and mourn; And deserted she will sit on the ground.

Now, before you label me a male chauvinist, remember that it was not I who penned these words, but a righteous God, the Creator, who knows man better that man could possibly know himself. Also, it is unfair for you to deem Isaiah’s words irrelevant due to his living during Old Testament times, for a similar scenario is described by Paul in Romans 1. The downward spiral there began with the people suppressing the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18) and exchanging the truth of God for a lie (Romans 1:25). When events similar to these transpire, integrity vanishes, words become meaningless, and man says whatever he desires with no fear of reprisal. Could it be that we are fast approaching such a time?

Obviously, man needs to be held accountable for his words and deeds. This can only occur as godly leaders allow themselves to be held accountable for the same. As a society, we will never experience our potential until such conditions are met.

Walk on!

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The Hill (B.A.S.I.C. Training)
P.O. Box 13
989 Hardin Wadesboro Rd.
Hardin, Ky. 42048
Phone (270) 437-4172
Email: contact@lifeonthehill.org

Summer 2006
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It is truly a privilege to write this newsletter. It is a privilege because of the hearts of its readers, many of which I have know for years and have come to love and appreciate beyond words. Some of you I have never met, but the joy of knowing that we will someday meet (either here or there) adds a hop to my step that can only be explained in terms of Jesus. Thank you for pursuing truth, rejecting mediocrity, and loving Jesus enough to live by His life. Kim, Benjamin, and I stand amazed that God would give us such an army of folks to love us, pray for us, and stand with us in such interesting times.

I often scan over our mailing list, asking our Lord to bless every person or family included there. I do so because I understand the pressures of our day, the constant onslaught of darkness against light, error against truth, and good against the excellent. We are not alone in the struggle, for the saints who proceeded us experienced the same to varying degrees. Therefore, I have concluded that the life of faith, the greatest adventure known to man, the supreme privilege presented to the human race, is experienced to the fullest by a very interesting group of individuals—those who have come to love and enjoy “war.” Consequently, if you are uncomfortable in a fox hole with bullets flying over your head, you are in for a very long and arduous ride as a follower of Jesus Christ. Why? Truth is a sword, an infinitely energized weapon capable of revealing reality while unmasking superficiality. Nothing is hidden from it—never has been and never will be. And guess what? It is a weapon that belongs to the redeemed (Ephesians 6:17), a weapon used of the Lord to accomplish the impossible while the believer rests in His promises (Hebrews 4:9-10). What an adventure!

Kim and I have had a very interesting year. It has been one of the best ever, one in which we have observed the value of truth from an entirely new perspective (Thoughts From the Hill will give more detail concerning the subject a little later). The result is that we appreciate to a much greater degree those who have stood in past for that which cannot be compromised. It has caused me personally to dig deeper into the lives of those who have paid the ultimate price (intense persecution and sometimes personal death) for that which they deemed essential. In fact, I was recently stopped dead in my tracks by a verse relating to Jeremiah’s call as a prophet—“And if you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become My spokesman” (Jeremiah 15:19). Have you considered that the prerequisite for Jeremiah’s calling was the ability to extract that which is precious from the abundance of foolishness and worthless having its way in his day? Am I capable of living as such? Only if I have the truth as a grid through which everything entering my mind is scrutinized and tested.

We have been blessed to teach the truth to many wonderful people. Please pray that we can better extract the precious from the worthless as we pursue His calling upon our lives.

Family News

Kim, Benjamin, and I have had an “eventful” year. First off, Kim experienced chest pains last spring, and after an arteriogram, was told they were not heart related. We are not yet sure what happened, but she is much better and back to here regular routine. She remains my confidant and faithful friend, and for that I will be eternally grateful. It would be impossible to articulate what she means to Benjamin and me. She is probably the most selfless person I have ever known, low maintenance, and always for the underdog. And she is married to me, a man hoping to be more like her in the years ahead.

Benjamin, who is now 10 years old, is doing well and enjoying the summer. In the past few months he has hunted turkey, played as much as he can in our creek, played Upward Basketball, worked with me here on the farm, mowed the ministry grounds as well as Grandma and Grandpa Warren’s yard, played baseball, played with the kids of the families who have visited the ministry, and played and swam with his friends who live locally. He so enjoys living here on the farm and hopes someday to farm on a fulltime basis. He is a very big boy and a load of fun. He also greatly enjoys getting time with his grandparents on both sides of the family.

I turned 60 this month, and my Birthday party was much fun. In fact, I on purpose got up early that morning and ran three miles to see if anything had changed. Since I lived to tell about it, I guess things are pretty much the same. I have been blessed beyond measure, and look forward to what lies ahead. To be able to do what I enjoy most, and do it with my family and so many wonderful friends, is a gracious gift from God. No doubt about it!
Ministry News

In our last newsletter I mentioned that the potential for ministry here is greater now than at any time in the past. Since then we have watched the Lord open new doors while solidifying some of what has been occurring here for years. I will try to describe what He has done, and I trust you will hear me doing this strictly to His glory.

First off, we will have a variety of groups visiting for retreats and camps over the next few months, all of which have heard of the ministry through word of mouth. How humbling it is to see the Lord bring them down our gravel road with a hunger for truth. We have church groups, par church organizations, people off the streets—of all ages, all of which have the same need, the need to know what it means to live by Christ’s life. In fact, we just completed our summer camp (13 to 18 year olds) and it was one of the most encouraging weeks ever. In case you are wondering, there remains a large number of youth in America who have a passion for Jesus. They came from New York, North and South Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. You would have been greatly encouraged had you been a fly on the wall and heard what flowed from their hearts during their stay here.

Another encouraging thing that has transpired is that Grace Walk Radio (www.gracewalk.org), with Steve McVey (author of the book titled Grace Walk), called and asked if they could air our Romans, Hebrews, and The Gospels From a Jewish Perspective series on their website. The Gospels From a Jewish Perspective is presently being aired three times daily, at 2:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 11 pm CST, for the purpose of reaching an international community. Their emphasis is the “life” message, so check them out.

We are very excited about Dr. Norm Geisler and Dr. Frank Turek’s visit to western Kentucky. These men are two of the leading apologists of our day. Dr. Geisler discipled Ravi Zacharias and is presently teaching apologetics at his school in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Turek is an author, in fact, he and Dr. Geisler coauthored I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist, an interesting read indeed. They will be staying with us and leading a study here on Friday evening, September 8. They will follow with a seminar at the Murray State University campus, September 9. You are welcome to join us and stay here free of charge. Just let us know if you are interested. You can secure a room here on the hill by emailing us at contact@lifeonthehilll.org. or calling 270-437-4172.

We have for years had men’s retreats, women’s retreats, singles retreats, couples retreats, but never family retreats. However, Kim and I, for some time now, have desired that entire families visit during specified times of the year. Rick and Donna Underhill have agreed to organize our first family retreat which will take place the weekend of August 4-5, 2006. They have invited a few families to “test the waters,” so after this pilot retreat we will open our facilities to other families as well. Please do not feel left out if you were not contacted. Rick and Donna have organized everything concerning the weekend and I am sure they will be contacting you in the future if you should desire to attend.

We need to announce that we are officially changing the name of the ministry to The Hill. It should be an easy transition since I have made reference to it as such since we began.

Some Events to Consider Attending on the Hill

August 22, 2006 Tuesday night Bible study begins at 7:00 p.m. The book of Isaiah. Babysitting available.
September 1-2, 2006 Two-day school. Topic: Romans 1-8.
October 20-22, 2006 Annual fall retreat for men and women, both single and married.

For more details concerning ministry information, you can go to our website at www.lifeonthehill.org. As always, this newsletter is posted there as well.

A Word of Thanks

Jesus said that if we seek the kingdom first that all things would be added to us. As to whether or not we are seeking the kingdom first, only God knows, but the fact that all things are being added to us is a certainty. I cannot emphasize enough the miracle we have lived here on this hill. When you have figured it all out, please write us and full us in. We haven’t a clue as to how it has been done and why we have been so privileged to watch it being done for so many years. Your friendship is not only priceless, but eternal. Therefore, we of all people are most blessed!

THOUGHTS FROM THE HILL

No event has issued a personal wakeup call like the event which I will “attempt” to describe. It was the ultimate litmus test, the result of which rocked me at the core as I consider how far we have strayed as a nation. If after reading the following you can conclude that we remain a nation which heralds the truth, you might need to rethink your position.

A few months ago I received a call from a local high school principal asking if I would agree to speak at his school’s graduation ceremonies. I was honored that he would call, especially sense several of the students graduating would be either children or grandchildren of many of my friends. I was also honored because of the man I knew the principal to be, a man well respected in the community and a fellow believer. I asked if there were parameters to the subject matter I might address, to which he replied, “no.” He said I had twenty minutes and a free reign to say whatever I deemed necessary.

The thing I knew going in was that I needed to be sensitive to the environment and honor the students who were graduating. They did not need a sermon (chapter and verse), but they needed to hear something that would encourage them as they faced the world of their day. In the next paragraph I will begin writing as though I were presenting the speech to you, but understand that it was addressed to a student body of over two hundred and an audience of approximately four thousand. Because I very seldom write my speeches, what follows is not an exact replica of what I stated, but a partial reproduction. Here we go!

It am honored be with you tonight. You have paid the price to be here, having completed the requirements necessary to graduate and pursue your dreams. In fact, sitting where you are confirms that you can process information and draw conclusions, validating that you are thinkers. Don’t you love to think? Isn’t thinking fun? It should be, for your generation has accessible to itself the largest information bank of any previous generation. As a result, each of you has developed a world view—a grid through which you run everything that stimulates your senses and penetrates your mind. This world view is what you use to define for yourself what you deem to be truth and what you deem to be error. In 1964, when I graduated from high school, we called this “perspective,” or “what made a person tick,” but your generation has labeled it “world view.”

However, as you “think” and continue to develop your “world view,” your world view cannot violate the following principle—“the fundamental law of thought is the law of noncontradiction.” In other words, if what you believe contains contradiction, it is non truth, it is error. Therefore, if A=B, and B=C, then A=C. We also know that 2+2=4, not 5, because 2+2=5 is a contradiction. Therefore, no matter how sincerely or passionately someone teaches that 2+2=5, he or she is sincerely and passionately wrong. There is little doubt that none of us would have darkened the doors of this building had the architect who designed it began with the presupposition that 2+2=5. For sure, he may have designed one building based upon that mindset, but I dare say that anyone would have hired him to design a second.

I say all of this to make a point. When you leave this high school there will be those who say to you, “There is no such thing as an absolute.” However, in making this statement they have stated an absolute, creating a contradiction and validating their error. Postmodernism is running rampant in our society, a mindset that deems absolutes as taboo and nonexistent. However, we have just proven that postmodernism is taboo in itself and has no foundation on which to stand.

When I graduated from high school I owned a world view (perspective) much different than I possess today. It was different because I lacked wisdom, wisdom being the correct use of knowledge. Let me explain.

There are four terms that I defined in 1964 as follows: (1) Wealth—The ability to do anything I wanted to do whenever I wanted to do it; (2) Notoriety—Doing something well enough that everyone in the country knows who you are; (3) Power—Putting my thumb on others for the purpose of having them accomplish my desires; (4) Success—This was a term that I had difficulty defining because success is basically a synonym for fulfillment, and the people who were labeled as successful were in many cases grossly unfulfilled.

However, some thirty-two years ago, and ten years after high school, I began pursuing truth—“absolutes” in other words. I desired to know truth above anything else in life. The reason I possessed such a passion was because I saw the majority of the world as ill-equipped to give adequate answers to the tough questions of life. As a result of my journey, my world view has changed and I define the previous four terms as follows: (1) Wealth—Being content with what you have; (2) Notoriety—Living your life without fanfare or public acclaim, never promoting yourself or your agenda, only to have society realize after you are gone that everyone should have known what you were about; (3) Power—Serving others; (4) Success—Basically a synonym for fulfillment, is realized only after properly defining the first three terms.

In my pursuit of truth, I have discovered that it is found only in a Person, a Person who is invisible, a Person who claimed to be the way and the truth, and His name is Jesus Christ. I have studied the major religions of the world and found Him to be without equal—the only one capable of answering the tough questions of life void of contradiction. And just think, He is my best friend and confidant, in fact, my very life.

I have an old ABA basketball with me for the purpose of illustration. I was offered $1,800.00 for this ball only a year ago. Obviously, it has lost its color, is flat, and is basically worthless in most circles. However, the man who offered me such an inflated price knew something. He understood that it possessed worth because of the individuals who had touched it—people who knew more truth about the game of basketball and how to apply that truth than anyone alive. They were men like Julius Erving, George Gervin, George McGennis, and others who were the best of the best. My point is this. If we will but allow possessors of truth to speak into our lives (touch our lives), in the end we will possess worth, and at the same time, be an example of what truth can do in the heart of its possessors. I would encourage you to enter into the pursuit of truth and the corresponding adventure of faith. Again, thank you for your time and willingness to make me a part of you special celebration.

After I finished my speech, I had no idea that a local TV station had filmed it. When I returned home, I began receiving calls from individuals who stated that they had seen me on the 10:00 pm News. What I had not realized was that the same TV station had interviewed both the principal and a portion of the senior class beforehand about my coming as a “religious speaker.” I did not personally see the broadcast, but was told that the only portion of my twenty minute speech aired was as follows: “In my pursuit of truth, I have discovered that it is found only in a Person, a Person who is invisible, a Person who claimed to be the way and the truth, and His name is Jesus Christ.” I found it interesting that the only segment aired was my statement containing the name “Jesus.”

What I took away from this experience was priceless. First off, I saw a principal walk out on a limb, put his name and neck on the line in having a “religious speaker” address his senior class. He is to be commended. God is already honoring that decision and will continue to do so in the future. I also saw the local interest this generated, even resulting in a newspaper writing a very solid story about what had transpired. One of the greatest things I have learned, however, is that many who saw the broadcast viewed my speech (and the fact that I would use the name “Jesus”) as an act of bravery. Please don’t misunderstand what I say in response. I have been very encouraged by all who have given me positive input and greatly appreciate their hearts and concern. But this, more than anything else, has shown me where we now live in America. Since when does using “the name” in a public setting indicate that an act of bravery has been witnessed? Would Paul would classified it as such or would he have laughed at the thought (2Corinthians 11:24-33)? Think about it, and as you do, walk on!

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B.A.S.I.C. Training
P.O. Box 13
989 Hardin Wadesboro Rd.
Hardin, Ky. 42048
Phone (270) 437-4172
Email—contact@lifeonthehill.org

Winter 2006 - 2007
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As I write, I am more thankful than ever for the Jesus I know and the truth that He represents. In fact, as much as I am loved and blessed by my family and friends, it is His Person that remains the anchor of my soul. His life sustains me (Romans 5:10), His rest comforts me (Hebrews 4:9-10), and His sovereignty truly rules over any and every circumstance of life (Psalm 103:19). This doesn’t mean that I understand what He is up to in all aspects of my life, because, frankly, I understand less today concerning the subject than at any time in the past. Of late, in fact, God has allowed an assortment of events to cross my path that have challenged me at the very core of my being. I am convinced, however, that regardless of how much His divine will confuses my understanding, He remains the only true constant in life. I am convinced as well that faith is never to rest upon expectations that demand an answer to all the inconsistencies of life, but rather upon an unwavering trust in His unchanging faithfulness. I have never been more certain that Jesus is all that His word proclaims Him to be—that He will take care of us, that He truly is the way, the truth, and the life, and that He wins. But meanwhile, I am tested daily concerning the validity of these truths—as to whether I will give in to the enemy’s lies or lean in to the Holy One addressed so profoundly in the Scriptures. What a journey, this life of faith! Thank God for the truth, the one constant that allows us to trust Him even when our feelings (and they don’t count) tell us that we have been totally forsaken and hung out to dry!

Kim and I have been confronted recently with a number of challenging issues as we consider the wisest use of our time. In the midst of the smokescreen, a friend sent us the following quote which helped restore perspective: “I don’t fear failure, I do fear being successful at the things which don’t matter.” I guess the most difficult, and to be blatantly honest, the most disheartening thing that Kim and I face, is the degree of apathy within the overall body of Christ. The busyness of God’s people in their everyday lives, and the resulting lack of discernment concerning the things which matter, perplexes us beyond words. Not that Kim and I have arrived and always make the wisest of choices, but at least there is an awareness of our need to live above the albatross of constant activity and the resulting emptiness. So many busy themselves, even in the realm of spiritual activity, to the point that there is no time for the nurturing of the soul. If the highest positions are for those who have qualified in secret, we, as the body of Christ, must overcome our fear of silence and learn to view the alone times in life as the most necessary. It is during times of silence that we learn to discern, as well as properly define, the noise generated by the busied culture in which we live (Luke 5:16; Hebrews 5:14; Jeremiah 15:19). It is as though many who bear the name of Christ have become afraid of having seconds, minutes, hours, and, on rare occasions, even days with no agenda other than contemplating the invisible, yet most important aspect of life—Jesus Himself. Our prayer is that God will raise up individuals who don’t care about political correctness within the world system nor within Christendom, and do the right thing regardless of the cost. This can be done only when God’s people stop trying to do God’s work for Him, cease measuring their worth based upon the number of listeners, enjoy His Person in an environment of silence, and trust His indwelling presence as the bedrock and sustenance of their very being. To Him be the glory!

Don’t misunderstand. Kim and I are greatly blessed by the faithful friends we have been privileged to know, teach, learn from, and fellowship with over the years. But our hearts hurt, as hopefully your heart hurts, due to the general apathy within many who label themselves as believers. Even Jesus, who lived in a continual state of rest, had times when the spiritual condition of the Jewish nation troubled Him beyond anything we could imagine (Matthew 23:23-39). So how did the overall body of Christ arrive at the place she is today? Why has she, in some (better “many”) circles, strayed from interpreting the Scriptures literally and chosen to interpret them allegorically? That is the subject of “Thoughts From the Hill” included in this publication. I hope you enjoy what you read there, knowing that much time and research has been invested in those few words.

Family News

Life on the farm has never been better. We absolutely love living in a rural setting and waking up to the sound of chirping birds, barking dogs, and mooing cows from across the way. The city of Hardin, population approximately 500, remains the sleepy little town that I have always called home—a treasure chest of some of my fondest memories. Kim, Benjamin, and I speak often of how much we enjoy the slower lifestyle and the benefits of rural America. My parents, who live a mile and a half from us, along with Kim’s parents and family (who live in Marion, Illinois), enjoy their time here on the hill. I am very thankful for the unity that exists among all of us. It makes for a great time, especially during this special time of the year.

Benjamin’s passion for farming and the outdoors is obvious to all who know him. He will be eleven in a few days, and the 150 acres we live on serve him well in his pursuit of everything from snakes, to turkey, to deer—whatever he can find. He greatly enjoys riding tractors and combines with our friend, Keith Harris (and his son Jake), who plants and harvests our cropland. His room is filled with pictures of John Deere equipment, everything from tractors, to combines, to disks and plows—whatever is green and yellow. We are thankful for the friends the Lord has sent into his life, for he has a community of people who love Jesus, and who also love him, who are priceless. He is growing up to be quite a little man with a very sensitive heart (he got it from his momma). Not that he doesn’t have some rough edges, but overall he is a continual blessing that Kim and I wouldn’t swap for the world.

We have found a wonderful church (Heritage Bible Church) with a pastor (Kevin Gaunce) who possesses a heart of gold. My family greatly appreciates all whom we have come to know and love there. God is good.

Ministry News

The ministry here has been very encouraging over the years, basically due to one reason: We have had opportunity to invest our lives into people with passion. Therefore, the most important ministry news is what has taken place in the lives of those whom we have been privileged to teach, fellowship with, and enjoy. The most of you who will be receiving this newsletter have either been here to visit or have studied materials produced by this ministry. We are blessed beyond words to have known you and, at the same time, witness your love and compassion for the things of the Lord. We hear great things concerning how the Lord is using you, and as a result, “rejoice before our God on your account” (1Thessalonians 3:9). You truly do “appear as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). We could never thank you enough for the stand you have made and can hardly wait to see how God uses you in the future.

The ministry is in a good place in that we now have the facilities to accommodate a variety of groups due to our increased capacity. This gives us flexibility, even to the point to where different groups can visit at the same time without interfering with one another. The majority of our time is invested in the production of materials for the training of the body of Christ, as well as teaching these materials to anyone and everyone who will listen. I am presently teaching through the book of Isaiah on Tuesday nights, and my notes from this study will be bound into a commentary as soon we are finished. The study will take at least three more semesters and is very encouraging. Brandon Karstetter continues to work here on the hill and does a wonderful job filling orders for courses, tapes, CD’s and MP3’s. He does a variety of other things as well and we are blessed to have him with us.

A young man from Florence Alabama, Tom Berryman, attended our summer camp last summer as a graduating high school senior. He is presently a freshman at the University of Alabama, and he and some of his college buddies are coming up for a three day retreat the first part of January. It is situations of this sort that we greatly enjoy, investing time in young men with leadership qualities who truly have a heart for the truth coupled with a passion for the Person. The remainder of my life I plan on doing nothing other than train men and teach women who possess zeal for the things which matter. In other words, I have eliminated the word “retirement” from my vocabulary and have signed up for the duration.

Some Events to Consider Attending on the Hill

January 16, 2007 Tuesday night Bible study begins at 7:00 p.m. The book of Isaiah continued.
January 12-14, 2007 Winter youth retreat
April 13-15, 2007 Annual men’s retreat for fathers, their sons, and single men of all ages.
July 8-14, 2007 Summer Camp for ages 13-18
August 31-September 1, 2007 Two-day school. Topic: Romans 1-8.
October 19-21, 2007 Annual fall retreat for men and women, both single and married.

Speaking Engagements Off the Hill in the Near Future

February 9-11 Highland Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi
March or April (TBA) The Church at Tatesbrook, Lexington, Ky.
For more details concerning ministry information, you can go to our website at www.lifeonthehill.org.

A Word of Thanks

Thanks for your prayers and generous support over the years. We still view the ministry as being explained only in terms of Jesus, our original vision when we started this most interesting journey. Our prayer for you is that you can somehow comprehend what your faith and friendship mean to us.

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Thoughts From The Hill

I recently told a group of believers that truth is my most important possession—and I meant it. Truth reveals much about my best friend, who is invisible, His name being Jesus Christ. He is addressed in the Scriptures as Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14), “Immanuel” meaning, “God with us.” Did you hear that? Immanuel! Jesus, in other words, was the very presence of God on earth during His first coming. Therefore, He was, and is, God! Can you believe that as early as the fourth through the sixth centuries AD the church was filled with debate as to who Jesus was—was He, or was He not, God? Strange.

What then did Jesus, who is God, believe concerning the Scriptures? The only Scriptures available at that time were those of the Old Testament, so what did He train His disciples to believe concerning these books? Did He view them literally, to be interpreted literally by all, or did He view them as nothing more than an allegory, a series of stories where the literal text is required to submit to a hidden meaning revealed to the select few? Let’s go to the New Testament to answer our questions.

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus states, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.” Obviously, He viewed His coming as a literal fulfillment of the Old Testament Law and Prophets.

Jesus’ words of Matthew 26:56 confirm the same: "But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled."

Also consider Luke 18:31: “And He took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.’” No argument here as well. All literal.

It is impossible to deny what Jesus believed from Luke 24:27: “And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” Would it not have been interesting to have heard this sermon, a sermon that may very well have contained every reference to Jesus’ Person in the entire Old Testament? No allegorical interpretation here—all literal, and Luke 4:16-22 is yet another example of the same.

Let’s next consider how Jesus’ disciples and other New Testament believers viewed and interpreted the Old Testament. Philip in John 1:45: Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

Paul in Acts 28:23: “And when they had set a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God, and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.”

Peter’s words of 1 Peter 1:10-11: “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.”

One cannot read Zacharias’ words of Luke 1:67-73, Stephen’s words of Acts 7:2-53, the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch of Acts 8:26-35, Peter’s messages of Acts 3:11-26 and Acts 10:34-43, and Paul’s words of Acts 13:13-27 and Acts 26:22-29 without concluding that they all viewed the Scriptures from a literal vantage point.

How then did we get off the beaten path and begin to view the Scriptures otherwise? If you have never heard the story, you will be shocked as to how we arrived at where we are today.

There was a Jewish philosopher named Philo who lived from 20 BC to 40 AD. His goal was to harmonize Greek philosophy with the Hebrew Scriptures by teaching that Greek philosophy was the same as the philosophy of Moses. In other words, acceptance of his ideas by the Greeks was the force behind his methodology rather than loyalty to the text. The only way he could do so was to allegorize, or spiritualize away, the letter of the Scriptures. Origin (185 to 254 AD), the greatest scholar and author of the early church, adopted Philo’s ideology. As a result, the church began interpreting the Scriptures from a totally different frame of reference, one which viewed the literal wording as nothing more than a veil covering the deeper, hidden, more spiritual ideal. This means that many within the body of Christ abandoned the manner in which Jesus and the disciples interpreted God’s word and exchanged it for a philosophy which allowed only the “spiritually elite” to understand the true meaning of the text. This served as fertile soil for the leadership (quote, “clergy”) of the church to eventually have the final say in all matters, leaving the, quote, “laymen,” who were suddenly viewed as inadequate to understand God’s word, at the mercy of the teacher. Even Augustine (354-430 AD) fell into this same trap, and consequently, those influenced by his teaching through the centuries have walked in his erroneous footsteps.

So how do you know if an individual interprets God’s word literally or allegorically? The main indication, from my perspective at least, is how they view the church versus the nation of Israel. If they view Israel’s presence in the holy land as irrelevant and unrelated to Biblical prophecy, and if they view the church as fulfilling all of God’s unconditional promises made to the physical Jewish nation, they view the Scriptures allegorically. However, when viewing the Scriptures from a literal vantage point, there is a wealth of prophecy confirming the present Jewish state as one of the foundational truths of the Old Testament cannon. Obviously, objective proof trumps subjective presumption.

One parting thought. If one decides to cast away the literal meaning of the Scriptures and adopt the allegorical mindset, where does one draw a line in the sand. Was the virgin birth prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 to be interpreted literally or allegorically? It better be literally or we have no hope!

Walk on.

SUMMER 2007

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Although I would never want to be God (why would the created ever desire to be worshipped?), I do have an unrelenting appetite to know intimately the God who created all things. What a great journey this pursuit has been! I have learned that believers have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) but that we are the created (Genesis 1:27)—God alone is Creator (Colossians 1:16). We now see through a glass dimly and know in part (1 Corinthians 13:12), meaning that we don’t know what He knows about all things (Deuteronomy 29:29). If we did, we would be God—and we certainly don’t want any part of that. Can you imagine attempting to be God for a day? Can you even begin to comprehend all the plates you would have to keep spinning, none of which could be ignored long enough for even a brief walk in the park? Maybe at Disneyworld one could pretend to live as such, but that is make-believe, and make-believe is an infinite distance from reality. God is God, and no one (or no thing) can take His place. However, if God is dead, someone must take His place. But who could possibly fill His shoes? I have never met nor heard of anyone or anything capable of pulling it off. He has always been God and will always be God (Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:18). There are no substitutes.

I start this letter as such because of a verse that forever transformed my perspective of the awesomeness of God. The verse is Isaiah 40:12: “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, And marked off the heavens by the span, And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, And weighed the mountains in a balance, And the hills in a pair of scales?&#