Dear Pastor and Brethren:
Health Recovery Activities
The Lord enabled me to return to the pulpit on August 10 to continue preaching a series of messages on Hamartiology, the doctrine of sin. I am now preaching on, “Erroneous Views of Sin,” including Pelagianism, Roman Catholicism, and Arminianism. Pelagianism is to be found in all modem religions in one form or another, a variation upon a theme. The only religious school of thought that does not have an erroneous view of sin is Calvinism, which follows the biblical definition of sin as, “… for sin is the transgression of the law,” IJn.3:4. It is turning out to be an interesting study to identify the Pelagianism or modifications thereof in the soteriology of other denominations. Pelagianism teaches among other things that “.. . sin gradually redeems the sinner by relieving them of their responsibility.” A popular refrain in society today goes as follows: “It’s your imperfections that make you perfect.” If sin is just an imperfection then we can correct each and every problem ourselves – we don’t need a Savior. That concept is an erroneous view of sin and the cause of all the self-help preaching we find in the “church,” today. We do need the Savior!
Low Attendance
In addition to my own health problems, both Sis. Connie Gaches and Sis. Elaine Maginnis have been absent due to health problems. Bro. Gaches has been filling the pulpit in my absence, and we thank the Lord for his service. Roxanne has good news, the biopsy on the tumor in her thyroid has proved benign – thank the Lord, and thank you for your prayers. I had to stop cardio rehab because I was too weak to ride the stepper machine and bicycle. They sent me home, and I have been using my stationary bicycle to exercise. I am up to five minutes twice daily at resistance one. Hopefully the Lord will continue to strengthen me as I add minutes and eventually resistance to my workout. Thank you for your prayers!
Latino Outreach
In spite of our health hindrances, we had contact with six Latino men throughout this month via the court system. One especially who did his community service with us is Jesus Hernandez Roman. He is the father of a newborn son. We had nice conversations with him and gave him literature to read, including a Spanish Bible. May the Lord see fit to use our testimony and the literature to bring him to Christ.
By His grace and in loving gratitude,
Tim and Roxanne Parrow
II Tim. 1:7