James, the youth: If a person shows all the outward signs of being a Christian, should we assume the person is truly a Christian?

The elderly but wiser Mr. Brockton: Not at all. The evidence for being a Christian will undoubtedly be seen in every true Christian, but the appearance of the evidence may deceive you. You must start at the starting place in your observations and be careful not to mistake the effect for the means.

James: But suppose the lifestyle is commendable and perhaps remarkable? And, in addition, suppose the person claims to be a Christian?

Brockton: My story will explain.

At one end of New York City was a rescue mission. In the mission came all the usual people, mostly men. As part of this rescue mission a clinic was set up for the medical care of these indigents. Several churches participated in caring for these men in a variety of ways.

One notable church member, Mrs. Ludlow, considered the mission, and particularly the medical clinic of the mission, her domain. She was service-minded as few were in the Church. It was Leona Ludlow's job to garner support for the work, as well as to supervise the others who would participate from the church.

Leona was an imposing personality, to say the least. Refusing Leona was like refusing the Pope—almost unattainable. Every few weeks she made an announcement in the Martha class about the needs of the down and out. At times there was a tear in her eye and a quiver in her voice. She genuinely wanted to see these pitiable folks at the clinic have adequate medical care. And the more she helped people, the more robustly she spoke up for them. "She's a Mother Teresa," they would say.

The opposite sex—like any high school or university student, I had dreams of finding just the right one of that variety to spend my life with. In my dreams the standards were reasonable enough—brains, wit, stunning beauty, winning personality, the blindness to think I was great, and an exciting walk with God.

But for many of my friends, the dreams turned to nightmares. Sex prior to marriage took them on a helicopter ride that eventually smashed them on the hard pavement, seriously diminishing their chances of having a marriage that was pure and exciting—not to mention, lasting.

What happens after sex? Do earlier actions decimate a good future?

• May 3-5 Grace Bible Church, Paragould, AR.
  
  
• May 6 Cane Creek/Stoddard Association Pastor's conference, Donavan, MO.
  
  
• May 10-12 Grace Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI.
  
  
• May 13-15 Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals, Grand Rapids, MI.
  
  
• May 19 Platte Woods Methodist, Seeker's Class, Kansas City, MO
  
  

1. The next few weeks will take Jim to Grace Bible Church in Paragould, Arkansas, The F.I.R.E. conference in Grand Rapids, The Glory of Christ Conference in Kansas City, the East Valley Bible Church in Phoenix, Mt. Gilead Camp in Santa Rosa, CA. and Grace Bible Church in Escondido, CA. Details about Jim's speaking engagements can be found on the schedule page of www.CCWonline.org. Please pray, and please come and hear Jim when you can.
2. The new book Jim has written, Pursuing God—A Seeker's Guide will be out this summer. Joshua Press/Canada is the publisher. We'll make copies available through our site when it is out.
3. Jim has one or two chapters in the following books, also to come out this summer: A Theological Primer, also with Joshua Press; The Glory of Christ, Crossway Books; and, a book of sermons from the Founder's Press (title not yet given).
4. Jim is currently working on an introduction for the new reprint of the 700 page autobiography of George Muller, A Million and a Half in Answer to Prayer.
5. We're adding a new section on our www.CCWonline.org site—My Book List. This will be a growing list of books that have spoken deeply to Jim, or have been helpful to understanding the truths of Christianity. Choosing books off this list will be a way for you guide you to read only the best of books. We are planning to make it possible for you to order books through the site directly with Amazon.com. We're so excited about this. We might send you a brief notice soon to let you take a peek.
6. Now a little personal from the Elliffs: Bryan (12) is the first baseman and a relief pitcher this year. The boys both devour Royals baseball, but aren't at all happy about their won/lost record. Benjamin (15) made it to the finals in a piano competition at Fayetteville's University of Arkansas recently. Laura surrounds herself with friends and is always whistling and singing. All the kids are ready for a break from school. Pam is ready also. She is digging deep into the rubble of the basement these days in order to rid us of junk, the number one blight on the face of the earth! A big garage sale is around the corner. Witty, the cat, remains faithful in her watch at the front window.
7. The Elliff's remain amazed at how God provides everything that is needed for the ministry and for their own livelihood just in time, without asking anyone for a cent. Jim says, "I have long ago realized that people are not so much interested in what you can do for God; but they are longing to see what God will do for you."