Letter From the Editor

Fall 2004

Shalom, Bible Believers,

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (I Cor. 15:22). The simplicity of that verse drives some theologians into confusion. The clear meaning is: the culture of LIFE in the Redeemer – the Son of God – overcomes the culture of death. The word “ALL” cuts across accepted theological doctrine. But none of the modern translations I have checked have had the courage to leave it out. This begs the question: How Great Is God’s Grace?

The subject of this edition of Bible Light on the News is Restoration. Again we must stress that this subject is far beyond the scope of our (or anyone’s) publication. But my hope and purpose is to challenge and stimulate your personal study of the Word of God – one on One with Him. Though we are not a “political organization”, as Bible students, we must give the Bible’s Light on the News, as we have been given to see it. We ask for your prayers that we may be true to our calling – and fulfill it.

Up-date news (BLI & me)

After nine blessed months in Northern Iowa and in the home of my gracious hosts, Ruth and Jay Newman, the Bible Light work required my returning to Ottawa, Kansas. Many set backs regarding BLI’s property required my presence. We have been forced to put it up for sale because of the enormity of the property tax. The State took away this exemption when my husband died.

Proverbs tells us that “Hope deferred makes the heat sick: but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life” (13:12). We’re also told, “Reproofs of instruction are the way of LIFE” (6:23b) so when our “hope is deferred” we need to do heart-searching and get our instructions from His Way of Life. My hope has been to be able to do more in the Land of Israel and to spend more of my personal time there. It seems now this “dream” is closer. Hopefully I can make a pilot trip to Israel soon: (1) to learn how our projects at Ma’ale Michmas are doing, (2) to renew friendships, and (3) to lay some groundwork for a tour in 2005. Want to go with me?

Heartfelt thanks to you who are standing with us in prayer and financial support. YOU are the REAL candleholders for the continuation of the Light of God’s Word to go forth through this publication and the projects you have helped support. Amazing encouragement: we have just received a check from a person on our mailing list who, when paying his own property tax, was impressed to send the same amount toward Bible Light’s! “Thank you” and even those words in Hebrew, “Toddah Rabbah”, do not seem adequate to express appreciation. However, the Lord’s promises are sure, and they include, “I will bless them that bless thee” [Israel]. And in the Redeemer, through whom we have come to know and love the God of Israel, ‘all the promises of God are yea and amen, unto the glory of God by us’ (Gen.12:3; I Cor. 1:20).

May you see and realize these blessings even as you read these words today.

                                                In His Love,

Chris