Time's a turning, so is that screwdriver! - From the field and around the WWW

Ever feel like you don’t have enough time in the day? Me TOO!

I have personally begun a lot of new projects in the past few months. Some of these are easier to complete than others. Some seem like a never-ending journey.

When my wife and I moved into our home we purchased in August, we knew there would be a few little kinks to work out. First off was to rip out a vanity in the bathroom…it wasn’t misfunctional, just dysfunctional. The counters were very low because the people that originally built the house in 1998 had them custom built to meet their needs. My wife and I were having to bend over just to brush our teeth! That wasn’t going to work!

Fast forward a few weeks, and with the help of a few friends, the vanity was ripped out, a freestanding replacement, new light fixture, speaker in bathroom to listen to music, and then my wife says…”what about that cheap accordion door on the linen closet?” I replied, “You mean the make ship linen closet that was built when the former owners converted a bath tub to a glass block wall and tile shower and closed in the old shower as a linen closet that is non-standard size, that will be extremely hard to do anything with?” She didn’t get the challenge I was putting forth in my super long explanation to say that I didn’t think that I could do anything about it.

Fast-forward about a month…new linen closet door ordered, framed in, and a huge mess as I tried to match up the existing drywall, framing, flooring, and so on. Job completed! Now time to move on to something else…I chose painting a room or two. I am pretty good at painting…except for these walls.

The walls in this house had been painted over multiple times since inception of the house. The last few times was a not-so-good coverage with a latex full satin or eggshell base. It literally shines…and peels right off (when you don’t want it to). So, fast forward a month or two…bedroom painted…bathroom painted (still need touch up and clean up…the parts my wife complains that I am not so good at). Then….while I am working on another project in the TGOC office, I decide that the color of blue that we are painting some rooms at the office would look exceptionally well in our kitchen….so, paint buckets, brushes, rollers all go home with me for the weekend. Bam! New paint job practically finished in two days….wait…that wall has a ton of blemishes. Get out the spackle…sand…paint again. Oh no! I got trim paint on the wall…no problem, touch up…now I have wall paint on the trim.

Turning to admire the non-professional painting work that I had completed, the backsplash was screaming to have some tile placed on it. Saturday night, 4 o’clock. Lowes is open! Sunday night, amateur tiling work is complete except for grout. Then…clean up.

Fast-forward two weeks. Clean up is still pending, but painting tools are all removed from the kitchen, grout is finished, sealant applied, satisfaction almost for me…not so much for my wife who is still grading my trim, touch up and clean up. Abigail comes home from Freed-Hardeman for the weekend. She brings her roommates sister home so they can work at an event. All is great. Enjoying sitting down not having to worry about paint, bathrooms, closets, and tile. Julie (Abbi’s friend) is staying in the guest room and has a bathroom next to it that she would utilize during her stay.

Sunday morning rolls around. I am drinking my coffee, studying my lessons for the day to preach, look up and in the middle of the kitchen appears this very unusual item coming from the ceiling…WATER! It was just a small drip, but I soon realized that the upstairs bathroom is directly over that area…uh oh! Typically, we do not use that bathroom except when our grandkids or company comes over to stay. So, we had no idea of any problems with it. After running up and down and up and down trying to align where the water was coming from, I discovered that the tub was the culprit. Went to worship, came home, poked a hole in the ceiling to allow about a half-gallon of water to evacuate, then went to assess the damage. It was the drainage pipes. They were dripping at the drain for the tub.

Easy fix! So I thought. I began to disassemble the drain pipes to realize that the plumbing was breaking as I was trying to remove the culprit piece. So….cut open the opposing wall more and start to cut out drain pipes…one thing after another led to me telling Kristie…”well, we wanted to update that bathroom anyway, so I am going to rip out the tub and start all over. One piece shower/tub, fiberglass, had to cut it in about 30 pieces to get it out. No worries…right? Built the plumbing…went to Lowes…no tubs that size. Called a plumbing distributor…no tubs in stock that size. Checked two towns over…no tubs in stock. Finally found one just a few days ago. Installed it! Began tiling the shower around it! Feeling pretty good about this project…

Until…I turned the water on to check my handy work. Water went all over the place! Small piece of the ceiling fell, and cold water line ruptured while I was standing in the tub. I plug the hole with my finger….it was forced out of the shower to complete an unwanted cold shower for the night.

Well…I think I have the plumbing right now. I have blue PVC glue all over my hands as I type this. I have built the drain three times now and I hope that I did not miss any rough spots this time…time will tell. But, here’s the thing…

While I have been working on the plumbing, I have also been tiling the shower. I have taken multiple pictures to show off the work that looks great. The fellas at the local hardware store are the only ones who have seen my pictures of my horrible plumbing job that has failed multiple times. What’s my point?

Isn’t life kind of like that? We want to “show-off” the good parts of life, but not so much the bad? You see, when we were born, we were perfect - at least spiritually speaking. But things changed. We grew in age, knowledge, and stature. We sort of outgrew our innocence and may have had to lean over a bit just so see what kind of mess we had. Over time, we may have become brittle much like my plumbing of 23 years. We have probably failed and caused a lot of damage to those around us. And maybe…WE tried to lean on our own understandings on how to fix things…when in reality, we may not have the proper knowledge, or used the true option to “fix it.”

That’s kind of where I have been for the past several months in this “remodel” of a great house. We watch some of those fixer-upper shows and I grab a bit of knowledge here and there and tell Kristie…”I am gonna do that one day.” She always knows that the “one day” may end up being tomorrow with me. But, I take that leap without first weighing the costs, and just spend as I go until I realize I could have hired someone cheaper that knew what they were doing. Or, I break something else that was working great when I was trying to fix the other.

Am I referring to physical projects now…or spiritual? Sometimes the two can get quite close to each other in this aspect. I have to realize that God knows best of how to help me, and that sometimes, instead of just running to a “quick fix,” I need to take out my copy of the word of God and seek answers (1 Tim 2:15). I need to ask for help for spiritual matters (James 5:16). I need to submit my life to God in the “fixing” of all spiritual ailments (Phil 4:6-7).

Remodeling is fun and rewarding…if we know how to do what we are trying to do, and look for expertise in the right place!

~Joey

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We have begun new broadcasts in several local areas! We hope you will check out our newest offerings and remember to tell others. More areas are coming soon and we have opportunities for local congregations to sponsor a broadcast as well in many markets.

On that note, WGN America is now NewsNation. We are still broadcasting at the same time on Sunday mornings, same channel number nationwide.

We would love to visit your area and meet with congregations to tell more about this exciting work. If your leadership would like to discuss having a field rep visit, please let us know!

New Look...new channels...new studio...new graphics....same Gospel!

January was sort of a monumental month for us, and is one reason that the newsletter was a bit delayed this month.

On January 24th, we debuted our brand new studio set on the broadcast with a “relaunch” of the “church of Christ” series. New graphics are being added in this particular series, new edits, and new markets.

We relaunched in OKC and Atlanta and revived some of our guest articles (as you see in this letter - Thanks Celine Sparks for the first of many!)

January also begins our “celebration year” of Taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World for 25 years!

2020 was certainly an interesting year, but we are extremely excited about all of these new opportunities and many more that are coming.

This month’s article space was given to Celine, for our women’s studies section, and we hope, if you are a lady and will peruse the article, that you will enjoy and learn from her wonderful love for Christ.

We hope you will continue to pray for us, financially support the program if possible, and continue to share with others! (1 Cor 3:6-7)

We will keep you posted on more changes in February!

Until next time…

~Joey

Director of Operations
Public Relations and Field Rep coordinator

Have a field rep visit your congregation! Contact joey@thegospelofchrist.com or scott@thegospelofchrist.com(Texoma/OKC)

"Changing an image - for the good or bad" - From the Field and around the WWW

I used to work with a man that would change his image every few years.  

When I first met him, he drove a big ole pickup truck with an air horn and bull horns as a hood ornament.  He wore a big cowboy hat, sometimes a bolo tie, worn cowboy boots, and a huge western belt buckle.

Over the course of a few years, I witnessed this man, who became one of my best friends, change from the "rodeo supporting" Texas cowboy to a "new age" Birkenstock wearing yuppy sort of guy.

His son, who also worked with me for a few years, told me that he had "worn" several images over the years.  From business suit professional to leather wearing motorcycle rider, to western rodeo promoter to Reiki instructor.  He wasn't trying to be someone that he wasn't.  He was living the image that he was.

My friend passed away a dozen or so years ago, but his image is in my memory for as long as I will remember.  He was a joy to know, and a true friend.  He taught me a lot about life, and I enjoyed every day that I spent around him.

You know, I don't think I have ever met anyone that truly lived out the image that they took on as much as my friend.

Moses wrote these words from God in Genesis 1:26-27 -

"Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

God made us in His image.  To be like Him - not physically, but spiritually. You see, the image of our lives, and how we live should reflect the image of God every day.  While our lives are not perfect, and sometimes our image changes for the not so good, we will always have an image.  The choice of whether our image is reflecting a spiritual picture of God is what should make a difference.

Much like when my friend "changed his image," when we "change our image" in becoming a Christian, we remove any recognition of the old image (of a sinful being) and replace it with something that is completely different.  Paul writes in Ephesians 4...

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

It has been said that "image is everything."  While the statement may not be completely accurate that image is everything, we should realize that the image that we profess is the image that we are living.  Is your image what you really want it to be?  If not, there is opportunity that exists to make that change...please consider this opportunity with all your heart.

"Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—" Colossians 3:9-10

*All scripture quoted from New American Standard Bible

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As you may recall seeing last month’s newsletter, or maybe you have followed our move on social media and seen that we certainly have “changed our image” at The Gospel of Christ. Our image change was a physical one. It has been such a blessing to complete this move and to build a new studio along with offices that are so roomy and practical for us to work with every day.

Nearly every part of this work was performed by volunteers, friends and staff of The Gospel of Christ, helping to keep expenses to a bare minimum. We also had several donations to help cover some of the expenses; however, as you can imagine, we did have some expenses that we had to incur for materials, technology, and so on. We are so thankful to those that have already asked how they can help with that…or just sent financial support knowing that we needed it!

Our goal and focus isn’t to spend money on fancy buildings and offices. We do feel that this was a very beneficial move and with a lot of prayer, sweat, and even a lot of fun…we transformed the image of this building into our new home.

I cannot take the time to name everyone that has helped in one way or another, but I am especially thankful to those that put in so much effort - and still do. I do want to personally thank a few people specifically that not only were very supportive, but also became an encouragement to me more than they were before. The board of trustees and overseeing eldership of TGOC allowed us to make most of the decisions on how to renovate and the pace in which it was done.

First off, I want to thank those men - Chuck Taylor, Dale Philpott, William Ramsey, Steve McGregor, & Larry Smith. Secondly, I want to show my thankfulness and love for Ben Bailey who I consider one of my greatest friends and encouragers in the faith. He was here every chance he could be and we did some amazing things with construction that neither one of us knew (and maybe we still don’t!) we could do. William Ramsey and Steve Stubblefield were some great carpenters. William and Beverly Ramsey have been so incredible during the renovation and move as well. Lynn Turner from East End church of Christ and WSOJ came and helped run wiring for the studio, taking a vacation day from work to do so. Rebecca Averitte (and her boys), Helen Underwood, Treva Moss, my wife Kristie Ferrell and several others all had part in helping to clean at times before, during, and after the move. Eldie and Janice Ferrell worked for hours and days on cleaning out the space before we began working on it as well. There were several others that helped in many ways, and we at The Gospel of Christ are so very thankful to God’s people who want to see this program do all that it can.

Excitingly, we have recorded a few things in the studio, including a session for virtual PTP with Celine Sparks. We hope to begin recording fully in the studio very soon.

Since this is the final newsletter of the year, we also want to take the time to thank all of our supporting congregations, as well as individuals that do so much for us and with us to Take the Whole Gospel to the Whole World. We certainly could not do it without you.

What does 2021 have in store?

Well…we are ready to go back into some local markets. OKC is the first, then we are targeting Huntsville and Atlanta. We do need supporting congregations in these areas to sponsor the program.

www.findthelordschurch.com launched this past week to point to our church finder.

www.gettheapp.org launched this past week giving easy access to our apps.

Our website is continuing to grow and we hope to add some more articles this next year as well.

Much more to come. And we want to share more. If we can come and meet with you for a presentation on the program at your congregation, we would love to do just that. Give us a call at 931-492-9566.

Until next time…may God bless you and yours with good health and spiritual blessings.

~Joey Ferrell

Director of Operations
Public Relations
Field Rep program/evangelist

"What if I am not sure?" - True conversion story! - Joey Ferrell

One of our viewers recently emailed this question:

 I felt pushed into baptism when I was young. I am 75 years old, and most of my life I have wondered if the baptism “counts”. Should I be baptized again, or continue to ask for the remission of my sins as I have been doing for years. I want to go to heaven.

Mrs. Beverly forwards most of the emails that we get with questions or comments like these to my email as well as Ben’s email. When I saw this question, I wanted to reach out to this person and let her know how intriguing that this communication was to me.

I immediately emailed her in hopes that she would reply…sometimes our email goes to spam folders or goes unanswered. I asked permission to continue discussion with her by telephone. She replied and asked if we could just discuss via email due to the emotional nature of the question being troublesome to her. I can highly respect that request and we did just that.

Over the course of a few days, we emailed back and forth about a half dozen or more times. The questions that she had were fantastic questions, and when I would ask her questions (so we could meet in the middle on knowing where she may be on spiritual ground), she would be very forthcoming and candid in her response.

To share just a bit, this kind lady said that her father was an elder in the church and she had felt pressured into being baptized at a very early age. As was mentioned, she is now 75 years of age and the length of time that she has been “unsure” of her salvation has been quite great. We studied through several passages together about the surety of salvation (making your call and election sure), the desire that all “men” be saved, and what to do when one may realize that they may not be in a saved condition.

The lengthiest email included a discussion of the validity of “re-baptism” and how that stacks up to the bible. In Acts 18, there is a record of Apollos being taught a “more excellent way,” when it was discovered that he had not been teaching Christ fully. He had been teaching of John’s baptism but nothing of the baptism of remission of sins in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Just one chapter later, we find a very interesting passage that shows what happened when Paul came across some of the men that could have possibly been taught by Apollos, or someone that Apollos had taught. There is not an exact scripture to state this; however, it does seem that Paul was on a “mission” to fix this confusion.

What happened with those men? There were 12 of them that Paul discussed with…and verse 5 gives the answer…

“when they heard this, they were baptized.” When they heard what? They heard that they were not saved in the proper manner. What did they do about it? They were baptized! The text doesn’t call it “re-baptized” as sometimes we like to call it; however, they were baptized for the remission of sins…the right process…the right reasons…the right baptism!

What did this lady that wrote in to The Gospel of Christ program do after our discussion on Acts 18 & 19? She went to visit a preacher that she was familiar with…and was BAPTIZED into Christ…the right way…the right reasons…the right baptism!

All glory to God for our new sister in Christ! We are so thankful that God was patient with her.

When I emailed her to check on her earlier this week, her reply was…”all is really great!” I asked her about using this discussion in this article, and her reply was “yes! Maybe it will help someone else that is in a similar situation.”

That is our hope and prayer too! If you need to be baptized for the remission of sins, please do not put it off. If you have been baptized; yet, you are not sure of your salvation, study with someone. Eternity is too long to miss heaven…and just like she stated…I want to go to heaven!

If we can be of any help at TGOC, please reach out by phone or email. No matter where you live, how old you may be, or your spiritual background…if you want to go to heaven, make things right!!

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A couple of neat things happening in the field rep and media world…

We are getting back in churches!!! That is one of the greatest things that has happened in the past several weeks. Our field reps are anxious to come and give you an update. Please see if you may have an opening and contact us today.

Secondly, we re-launched on DTC TV in Middle Tennessee thanks to the Alexandria church of Christ!

Thirdly, our website has hit another all-time number of visits! Over 650 every single day!

We hope you are all staying well and our prayer is for you to be blessed in all things!

My cup runneth over...can I get a refill too? - Joey Ferrell

The song “Count your many blessings” is heard very often in worship services and probably is on your mind now that I have mentioned it. What a concept…but do we really do that? Do we “name them one by one…and see what God has done?” Oh, the riches of God’s love that just pours and pours out. Sure…I know that there are those that have hard times and never seem to “get a leg up” when it comes to finances or material things…but is that all we have to look at when counting our blessings?

Too many times, I find myself taking for granted every blessing that rains down from God Almighty. I am sure that I am not alone in this idea, but it is hard to admit it at times. I remember years ago that if I wanted to send you this article, I would either have to hand write (what a blessing that is to you to not have to read my hand writing!), or maybe type it on that old clunky and loud typewriter…or even when I got my first computer and printed out a letter on the old dot matrix printer…yeah, I am probably a little older than some of you.

Not today…this article will make its way through thousands of emails, and even more interactions through our website and social media in just a few seconds from right now! Isn’t that a great blessing? Well, sure it is! And what a great opportunity that it is to be able to spread the message of God’s love and the redemptive power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in such an expedient and practical way! Maybe you had not thought about that as a blessing lately. It truly is.

I was reminded as my family and I moved homes this past week that “my cup runneth over” more times than it is empty for sure. My wife and I have nice vehicles that help us to travel, we have plenty of food to eat, and now we have a neat small hobby farm raising some goats and chickens - uh yeah…that’s a new one on this city boy! Walking to the barn each morning and being greeted by 13 goats as they wiggle their way into the feed storage area to eat the “crumbs” that fall to the floor as I fill up their feed bucket reminds me of several stories from the Bible, both in a good light…and a bad one. One of the good ones is certainly the thought of the “bucket" running over” when filling feed for them. I have yet to bend over and pick up the little pellets or kernels of corn. Maybe that is wasteful, maybe not so much as it is a joy to have them rubbing up against me as they try to get every last piece they can.

You know what is really funny about these goats though? I will empty the bucket into their bigger feed barrel, then take the bucket back to the barn, and lo and behold, as I turn around…there are 2 to 3 goats right at my ankles…what are they wanting? More feed! It doesn’t matter that there are a few acres of rough for them to eat…or the freshly filled feeding barrel…they want more. Kind of sounds like us some days doesn’t it?

I was in a restaurant a few days ago waiting on a take out order. They have the fountain drinks self-serve and I went and filled up my cup with my favored drink. The order took a little longer than it seemed it should have, and I was quite thirsty…so I drank a big portion of my drink while waiting. Why not? They offer free refills! And…just as they called my number, you know what happened…I filled that drink right on to the top again…almost running over, so I would have plenty to drink - a good value since I had already paid for the drink. The next day or two, I went into a convenience store during our moving adventure. It was hot. I was very thirsty. There was the sign! “Any size fountain drink 99 cents!” So…what would you do? I grabbed the 64 ounce cup! As I start to fill it, I then realize the fine print on the sign, as well as the location that I obtained the cup. It said “excludes xxxx brand and 52 or 64 ounce cups.” I was appalled. “Any size” should mean “any size” right? 99 cents was a great deal for a 64 ounce drink. But fairly, a 44 ounce drink was more than sufficient as I ended up throwing away a part of the drink after it had gone flat and warm.

One of the most popular Psalms that is quoted, and so loved by many is Psalm 23. I am sure you know it, or can look it up very quickly. Sometimes, we read through this Psalm and think…boy…David sure knew how to be thankful didn’t he? One of the verses in this Psalm is where the idea of this article comes. Verse 5.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.” (Psalm 23:5)

The indication from the context seems to be that there is more than plenty enough for the needs of one to be met. How true that statement is now…in the past…and for the future. In the complete context of Psalm 23, David seems to be contrasting his present state as a king - in want of not much at all - to his days as a field shepherd - working long and tedious hours and menial tasks in order to just survive his livelihood. He was thanking God for supplying all his needs…and then some in both times.

You see, many times, we may find ourselves looking ahead to an “empty cup” and already wanting a refill instead of looking at how much overflow is coming from the cup that we already have. God has blessed us in so many ways, so many that the song “Count your many blessings” seems impossible and almost feels like an insult from me to God in saying that I could even begin to number them all. That’s my opinion and verdict upon myself and not necessarily others, but have you counted your blessings today? Sure, we are going through some very difficult times and some very challenging days, but God continues to fill that cup to a point of overflowing every single day in spiritual blessings. After all, even Jesus poured out His blood so that our cup may be full! There won’t be any refills on that cup, so let’s remember to be thankful for the overflowing abundance already given!

~Joey

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From the Field….

We miss you!

Our field rep team has been trying to visit congregations when we can. We know that it is a very difficult time for all, and we are not able to visit everywhere that we would like to. We can, and will do our best, and we will be contacting congregations to see if we can schedule tentative dates soon.

We launched on WGN America last month…and wow! Our phones have been busy, we have had increased visits on the website and app, and lots of people are finding out about this great program.

It is with your help that we can continue to do what we strive to do. Maybe you can tell someone about the program in your area. Share our videos on social media. We just went back on Pinterest, so look for us there as well. We want to Take the Whole Gospel to the Whole World together! 1 Cor 3:6-7. God gives the increase! All glory to Him.

Check out our new stations on the website, as well as some great resources on the app that can be used in bible studies, personal study, or even just to share with others. If you don’t have the app, download it today from one of the app stores!

Until we meet again!

~Joey Ferrell
Director of Operations

And the greatest of these is.... - News from the Field and around the WWW

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13 about the greatest gifts that we hold as God’s children. He spoke of three things…faith, hope, and charity (love). Let’s take a look at these three items for a moment.

Faith - Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1). Without faith, it is impossible to please Him (Heb 11:6). Faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

We often hear the phrase “you just have to have faith.” But, how do we know what faith really is, and when do we have it? Faith is sometimes compared to the element of hope in which that we “believe” that something will in fact happen. Heavenly faith is certainly a characteristic of the child of God, in which one believes in that eternal home described in John 14 and in Revelation 21. Faith and hope have to go hand in hand in order to make a lot of sense it would seem, so let’s look at the next item:

Hope - What is hope? Hope has evolved in definition and usage over the years. Today, when we hear someone talk about hope, it is more of a “wish” being completed it would seem. But, in the vernacular of the Bible, hope is much deeper than that. Peter mentions that we must be able to give an account for the hope in which we have (1 Pet 3:15)…that doesn’t sound quite like a granted wish to me. It sounds more like an assurance of things to come. We may sing the song Blessed Assurance at times…but do we really mean it? If we have hope, we should…and we should show our faith IN our hope!

So that brings us to the last one…

Charity - often quoted as “love”. These two words are pretty interchangeable, but at the same time, the heaviness of the word charity seems to go way beyond the word of “love” in our generic use. We hear the term “love” everywhere these days. On social media, you can even “love” a thought someone has, or a picture they post, and so on. But, that love isn’t quite the same is it? Charity carries the idea of doing good for others in our modern day thoughts. Is that much different than what Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 13? Maybe not so much! Loving someone is a deep care for them. Love is much deeper than a heart emoji. Think about the words of Jesus when He said, “love your neighbor as yourself.” Sometimes, we say it is hard to love ourselves. But, with that thought, I want to share with you how much love that I have for YOU…

If I need to love my neighbor as myself, that first indicates that I need to love my self. I need to love every part of me. That doesn’t mean that I will always have every characteristic that displays the evidence that I can indeed love myself; yet, it also carries a heavy weight that I MUST love myself - why? Because I am made in the image of God! Hmm…Do I love God? Than if I am in the image of God, and I am imitating Christ (see Paul’s comment in 1 Corinthians 11), then I SHOULD be living a life in which it is much easier to love myself - not in an arrogant or a conceited way, but in the manner of loving me…because of me! God has given me me…confused yet?

Let’s all understand what it means to have “the greatest of these is love” mindset. I love your soul friend. I love your soul enough to want you in heaven with…. ME …. see where that love your neighbor as yourself idea carries over? Yes! I need to love YOU as much as I love myself. I need to love myself as God’s child as much as He loves me! If will focus on those ideas…the world will be a much better place while I am here, and my eternal home will be a much better place than this earth can ever afford.

I love you friend! Are you on your journey to heaven to be with me there?

~Joey

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News from the field…

The response to our recent broadcast debut on WGN America is incredible! We are getting so many more calls and emails than ever before. What a difference we are all making together in taking the whole gospel to the whole world!

Our field reps have been able to visit a little, but like many of you, we are limited in what and where we can go. That does not mean that we cannot discuss opportunities together. Maybe we can send a packet of information to the church…maybe we can have a meeting (socially distanced of course) with the eldership to tell you more about our goals and needs. Maybe you might find that during the times we are in, that the program is a very resourceful tool. We would love to hear from you at your congregation to see how we can help more and how you can help us more!

On a major note, we have picked up a couple of new sponsoring congregations and will be returning to DTC TV in Middle Tennessee on Aug 2, as well as adding a new network (NBC) at 6 a.m. in W. Monroe, LA! That means that there will be 2 solid hours in which you can watch The Gospel of Christ in the W. Monroe market beginning at 5:30 am. each Sunday morning!

We also have extended our agreements on KSBI in OKC as well as partnered with a sponsoring congregation for the Mobile/Pensacola market to keep airing each Sunday there locally.

We have other opportunities! You may can sponsor a local broadcast in your area. We would love to talk with you about this!

We are now NATIONWIDE! - WGN America

We began broadcasting on WGN America this past Sunday (June 14). You can find us at 6:30 AM ET/PT and 5:30 CT/MT.

With this new broadcast, you may see us leave some of the local markets. We hope to be back on some of them as well in the future.

Where do we go from here? - New times, new rules, new concerns...

Where do we go from here?

Our country (and some places of the world) has been crippled for several months now because of various reasons. There came this virus that grew to a pandemic, that grew to social outrage, that continues to confuse us all it seems. The article posted last month can shed more light on what I mean about that.

Now…we are in the midst of another major challenge with the recent situations in our country that have led to riots, vandalism, destruction, hatred and so on. Many want to blame racism for the recent events. Abuse of the law may be the cause as well. It is not my desire to strike up a debate about who or why is at fault. There are several opinions as to what has happened, and what continues to happen. My prayer is for the world to have a better place to live in with more unity between all mankind. That may never come about, but at least we have to try.

So, what is my point? As a business owner in my “other” work, my heart has become so very heavy to see businesses destroyed that had either little, or maybe no part at all in any of these situations except for the location in which they are situated. People that own businesses oftentimes put very high stakes into them including financial resources and certainly their time. To see it all literally go up in flames is heartbreaking. Anger continues to be stirred when this happens, and likely will cause even more hatred among mankind.

I truly hope that we can see a brighter future. I know one thing, and even though some may say that this cannot be the suggested answer, I know that it is! We know where we go from here!

In John 6, one of the longest chapters in the New Testament, John tallies a few different stories into the context. We have a miraculous feeding explained in full color detail, then we see that turned into an evangelistic effort after the people are confused as to who Jesus really is and what His task is on earth. From there, the Master Teacher begins explaining how the feeding of the physical body can be compared to the spiritual feeding that all need. This was a very hard saying, said some of His disciples. Mainly because they did not understand what Jesus was saying. They seem to have had an idea in which Jesus was saying that they were to become eaters of flesh when Jesus told them that “the bread of God comes down from heaven…(cf v. 33; v. 52). A contention began to rise even more when Jesus says “Whosoever eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life (v. 54 KJV).

When the Jews heard these words, murmurings began and some dissent grew among the disciples. In verse 66, I personally find what I believe is one of the saddest verses in the Bible. “It says, “From that time, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.” What a said turn of events. After the feeding of the multitudes, the witnessing of great miraculous power, time and time again, when the “going got tough…” those that did not comprehend the words of our Lord perhaps gave up on the bigger picture.

But, the heart of this article remains in the next few verses and gives us a paradigm to dig deeper into. Jesus turned to the 12 Apostles and asked them - “Will you also go away?” (v. 67). Peter’s reply is paramount here. “To whom shall we go, YOU have the words of eternal life!” (emphasis my own). The emphatic reply must have been incredible, and then he continues saying “And we believe and are SURE that Thou art the Son of the living God.”

What a powerful statement in a time in which it may have seemed that everyone had given up. Turmoil was present. Dissent was present. No doubt, people were angry with Jesus because of His words that confused them (I inject that it was their confusion and not what Jesus was saying. They may have had some hardened hearts or some other ideology put into their ears that caused so much confusion).

Now, even though our present day situations are so much different than this context, sometimes, I have to think to myself…where do we go from here? It seems as if society is turning a blind eye to relevant issues, there is lawlessness and no respect for government in some situations (see Romans 13 for our duties to government), and just so much anger amongst the world. I have heard people say that the end is near. Well, it is nearer than it was yesterday, that is for sure, but we also must remember that even Jesus himself said that no man would know that time and hour. Some have “plead” for Jesus’ return. It will happen. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but it will. So, where do we go from here? Let’s take the path that Simon Peter and the Apostles chose - and grab that attitude of “where else can we go?”

We need to be sure we are treating others with kindness, respect, honor, and Christ-like in all things. Revenge is sweet…for a brief moment in time. God says that “Vengeance is mine.” He will repay evil for evil and we are called to repay evil with kindness. I know I need to be more kind in some things, and if you do too, let’s work on this together!

~ Joey

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As some areas have begun to start having in-person assemblies recently, our Field Rep team has been working to get around to more congregations. We are so excited about some of the new opportunities that we have in front of us and want to tell you so much more.

If your congregation is back to meeting and would like or allow a visit, we can schedule one in the areas of Texoma (South Oklahoma, Northeast Texas), Central Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Florida, North Mississippi and possibly other areas. We would be happy to discuss.

We hope to hear from you soon!

TGOC Field Rep team

Confusing times? You got that right!

Governing bodies have said we could attend worship…then we couldn’t. Then they said they couldn’t tell us that we couldn’t…and then they said we shouldn’t…

Leadership at congregations said that the church would meet…then they were told they couldn’t. Then leaders said maybe we shouldn’t meet…then they were told that they should.

Creativity came into play. Worship services have been streamed. Parking lot services seemed to be invented (very creative idea). Some folks met at home as a family, either joining a congregation that was online, or maybe worship was just with their own. Some brethren and my family worshiped this past weekend in an amphitheater at a state park that was open! We sang, we studied the word of God, we prayed, we communed, and we chose how to give.

Confusing? You got that right! What are we to do next?

While it is not my thought to place emphasis or judgment on decisions that congregations have made…or even families like my own, I do know this - “God is NOT the author of confusion…” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Our God is still reigning on High. He is still listening to and answering prayers. He still desires our worship and affection toward Him.

These past several weeks have certainly been trying, confusing, and unprecedented times, and we are in constant prayer for those that are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been many personal connections, as well as members of the church that have come into contact with the virus. Thankfully, most have recovered that we know of.

Where do we go from here? I think we are looking at a new landscape not only in the everyday life in how we do things, but we also will see many changes in the “way” we worship and how we reach others with the Gospel message. Many congregations are now looking to stream services. Personally, I think this is great. Why? Because it is an “extension” of the outreach. Don’t get me wrong…it is NOT a substitution for in person worship and fellowship with brethren just because we may want to. It is an extension to reach those who may be ill, bed-ridden, or even those that may not know about the church at all. Let’s remember to use these tools in a very positive way, and not as a crutch. Technology has made its way into our lives in many facets. Why not use it for the good of spreading the gospel? Something to think about! We can give you some ideas as well.

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Now…on to some very big news. As soon as possible, we will be booking presentations in Oklahoma, North Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and possibly more as soon as we can!

We have moved BACK to GEB on DirecTV - Saturday nights at 7:30 PM CT!
We have moved to 11:30 am ET Sunday on The Walk!

Big…make that VERY BIG news is coming soon! A brand new broadcast will air on June 14…more news soon.

*Check for updates on our website or local listings as many markets will be changing.

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Have you seen “Redeemed: Tommy’s search for truth” yet?

This is a story about one man’s search for truth and what changed his mind. It is available NOW on our website, our app, Roku, AppleTV, and more. GBN will also be airing this video soon!

Hoping and praying for all of our health and prosperity in the kingdom!

Until next time!

~Joey Ferrell

Director of Operations and Public Relations

Exciting announcement! - New Offices - New Studio - New Look!

Here is a recent announcement that went out on social media, as well as is being mailed to all supporters.

We are very excited about this announcement and the new opportunities it opens up for us!

The full letter can be seen as an image below.

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Exciting announcement!

Several months ago, as our program grew to many new markets, we began to outgrow our resources, space, and ability to communicate between our team in the offices provided at the Central church of Christ. It was also determined that as our studio set has become dated, that we needed to build a new background.

We are so very thankful to announce that our offices and studio have been combined into one multi-purpose building that will allow for growth and more efficient workflows. 

The Red Hill church of Christ in Manchester, TN had a vacant building on their property that is being transformed into this new workspace. The eldership has graciously made this building available for our use and occupancy for a period of time to allow for this very positive move. 

With this decision to relocate operations, the Central elders along with the executive team, agreed that the program can better be served by moving the oversight of the program. 

The elders of the congregation at the Red Hill church of Christ will be the overseeing eldership and Red Hill church of Christ will be considered our host congregation.  For the legal purposes of a 501(C)3 Non-Profit organization, our current board of trustees will remain i     ntact (including three of the former overseeing elders) along with the addition of Mr. Dale Philpott and Mr. Charles Taylor to the board of trustees.

With exception to these announced changes, no additional changes will be made at this time in regards to our format, speaker (Ben Bailey), staff, programs offered, mailing addresses or base phone numbers. We have, for convenience, added some new phone numbers that are direct lines to different departments. 

We would like to sincerely thank the Central church of Christ, her elders, deacons, and staff for the oversight and opportunity to serve God in such a magnificent way since locating there in 2014. We also want to say a very special thank you to our many volunteers who have helped make the program what it is today. One thank you in particular goes to Frank Reynolds, our former Studio Manager who helped bring the program to many new heights in the television and radio worlds.  Without all of these good Christian folks, The Gospel of Christ would be at a big loss. 

We are looking forward to many new opportunities in the near future and to continue serving in the kingdom in effort to reach the lost and to edify the saints. 

In highest regard and His service,

The Gospel of Christ 

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Spiritual Bullying - Are we evangelizing or winning an argument? - From the Field and Around the WWW.

Spiritual bullying…yes, you read the title right. That is exactly what it says.

What does it mean, though?

Let’s take a brief look and try to understand it better and resolve to help ourselves not become spiritual bullies!

1. Spiritual Bullies are everywhere!
   We attend worship services with them, we engage in social media with them, we see them in stores and public activities, and we may even be married to one!
   
   So, just who is a spiritual bully? Well, there are probably many ways to look at this question, but a few that come to mind are: those educated in scripture that never want to be wrong, those ignorant in scripture that never think they are wrong, those not humble enough to study scriptures and have a change of mind and heart when they are wrong, those who force their traditional beliefs or customs on others, and those who are just plain mean and unkind in their approach to most anything.
   

2. Spiritual Bullies were in the early church!
   A few passages come to mind when I think of spiritual bullies.
   
   1 Timothy 1:20 records Paul’s calling out of Hymaneus and Alexander because they have made shipwreck of their faith. Now, don’t misunderstand, there is no mention that they were bullying anyone, but it seems to me that they had this type of an attitude considering that our brother Paul was also the same person who wrote Ephesians 4:15 and other passages in which we find that he would approach kindness in restoration. Were they being bullies? Evidence is not clear, but their attitude toward their own faith may be certainly evident of that.
   
   3 John 9-10 names another spiritual bully. A man by the name of Diotrophes is recorded here by John. The bullying that we see from Diotrophes is one that may be all too contagious in our society today. Narcissism might be the easiest and best description. Diotrophes had an attitude that he was the greatest and that others needed to agree on all things or they themselves were wrong.
   
   There are many other passages and individuals (or groups) that we can list and think about. We can even remember when Paul himself prior to his own conversion was a spiritual bully for the wrong things! Jesus said that the Scribes and Pharisees wanted the center of attention in Matthew 23:1-7, and of course in Matt 7, Jesus spends a lot of time addressing false prophets/teachers that also bully their way spiritually into sound congregations and taint pure-hearted Christians.
   

3. Spiritual Bullies may be closer than we think!
   As we looked at Diotrophes, I had to take a break for a few minutes as I reflected on my own spiritual behavior and conversations with others. There are probably times in which all of us may find ourselves with too much pride or arrogance to carry on a fruitful conversation, teach an edifying lesson, or evangelize the lost in denominations or the world. I can think of past times in which I had studied with someone and they never obeyed the gospel. As I reflect on these conversations, I am reminded of some statements that I may have made, an opinion that I may have forced, or even an attitude of Diotrophes in wanting to always be right and the greatest.
   
   Spiritual bullying is sometimes hard to spot when we look in the mirror. The reflection sometimes in a mirror may not reveal the closest of things in our imperfections on the outward body, but they never ever reflect all of our imperfections of the heart! That takes a deeper looking into your and my own lives in order to find that attitude, identify how to overcome it, repent, and transform those spiritual bullying concepts into spiritually edifying ones that lead to growth and not disembodiment.
   
   Have you been a spiritual bully? I know I have. If any of us has, we need to be humble enough to admit our wrongs and repent. Pride is a sin that is listed multiple times, and pride is a symptom of spiritual bullying as much as anything else. Turn off the prideful look and look into your own heart today and see if there is a bully lurking around that could change to glorify God better, ease your own burdens, and encourage others.
   
   One last scripture on this thought comes from the wise writer of Proverbs -
   

   "Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18)

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From the field…

Our field rep program has kicked off to a great start this year. We have been in 4 different states meeting with congregations to talk about the program and to introduce congregations to this great work. It is encouraging to meet so many Christians across this great land and to know how we can pray for you and to have you pray for us.

If you have not had a field rep visit to your congregation, we would love to see if that might be possible. Scott Furniss is our Field Rep in the Texoma (Oklahoma/Texas) and would be happy to meet with you. I can meet with congregations in many different areas as well, especially Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and other surrounding areas. We would love to hear from you about scheduling a date! Email joey@thegospelofchrist.com for more information.

Around the WWW

Lots of exciting things are happening in our digital world. We have added more stations as you can see in this newsletter, continue to break statistical records on our website and social media sites, and have added some internal programs to better help our team manage content and contacts.

We hope you are still finding that our resources are as valuable as ever on the website, social media sites, our apps and our FREE Media program. As we continue to strive to reach the lost, we encourage you to tell us how we can do just that…and how we can do it better.

Until next time…

~Joey

Director of Operations & Public Relations
Field Rep Coordinator

When trials seem bigger than God....From the Field and Around the www.

“When it rains…it pours.”

“Why is this happening to me?”

“How can God do this to me?”

These are all statements that can be heard almost daily, and maybe you have said them yourself as well. There certainly are times when our trials seem like they are overbearing. There are times when we just don’t know what else we can take…what we can do…or how we will see out of the situation at hand.

In the book of Job, we can read what might have seemed like a very challenging situation for Job and his family. When I say “might have seemed,” I say this in respect and adoration for Job and his love for God, but also understand that I cannot know what he felt. The pain had to be incredible. I mean, think about it…

Job lost his income, his assets, his possessions, and not even lastly, his own family. Can you imagine? I hope not. I can’t help but think about the poor souls that also had to report all of this devastating news to Job. How hard would it be to say…”Job, your crops are gone?'“ Even more difficult would be “oh yeah, I need to also tell you that your flock is gone.” Then, after the messenger may be seemingly through with the despairing words…here comes the kicker. “And…a storm came…knocked over the house…your children were in the house…they didn’t make it.”

Wow. Some might read this and think “how can that be a loving God that will allow such things?” Oh to have the unbelievably forgiving and somewhat understanding heart of Job in that instance that his patience was pressed so long to say such a statement as “the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away…” Not only that, but the next words uttered from the mouth of Job were “blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Job became stronger. He loved God through his trials. The suffering that he had was incredible it seems, yet, never strayed so far from God that he would not be able to feel His loving hand upon him. Matter of fact, once you continue to read the story of Job…you see the bitterness that even his own wife and “friends” showed toward the situations, the more encouragement we can gain from Job as well as the outcome of his situation. God blessed him 10-fold after that. These blessings weren’t necessarily “replacements” for what he had lost, but can certainly be seen as a light at the end of the tunnel in ways of his life having some form of joy equal or greater than ever before.

Today, we also face trials in multiple facets. One may have a bad day at work. He may receive some really bad news. A sister in Christ may have a knock on her door telling her that her husband had been in a fatal accident. Students at college may see their faith tested by a host of “friends” that might end up being much like those of Job. A whole host of matters can take away our joy…and seem like the mountain that we can’t climb.

I am reminded by the words of James that we have a bigger part and lot in the matter at hand. Our trials, although not sent by God, give us an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God, and to shine brightly as Christians in a dark world. This gives hope to others. This builds confidence in ourselves. This helps in our patience, our wisdom, our strength and our understanding. Is the trial bigger than God? Certainly not. It may seem so at first, and if you have not hope of the Father’s help in times of tribulation, indeed…your trial may be bigger than God for YOU. But, there is a way out. There is a better way.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. (James 5:7-11)

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2019 was an incredible year for our team at TGOC. We saw a lot of positive change, more local broadcasts, new congregational support, many blessings of feedback, and most importantly - several reports baptisms and restorations.

This did not come without some trials and some growing pains. When we have a peak, there certainly is often a valley behind it. But, with the encouragement and prayers of many of you daily, we strive on and on to the efforts that we can all celebrate in the end.

2020 looks to be a very beneficial time of opportunity for all of us at The Gospel of Christ and certainly, we want to thank you and your church families for the blessings of your encouragement, prayers, faith in our work, and financial support. Without you, we might be as lost as Job would have been without his faith and patience that carried him through.

We have already been in multiple states this year with the Field Rep program and have more upcoming visits scheduled soon. If Scott can come and visit you in the Texoma/Oklahoma City area, we would love to meet you and tell you more. You can reach Scott at scott@thegospelofchrist.com. I would also like to visit with existing and new congregations personally in the states of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and more and would be willing to discuss opportunities at your convenience. My email is joey@thegospelofchrist.com.

If you happen to be attending either the Freed-Hardeman lectureship in February, or the Faulkner lectureship in March, please stop by and visit with us at our booth/tables. We would love to give you some DVDs and to get to know you.

Keep watching for some great things to happen this year. Lots of new opportunities will abound and we all can grow stronger together serving the Lord in 2020 with great vision!

Until next time!

~Joey Ferrell

How did you do that? - A look at the every day workings at The Gospel of Christ

From time-to-time, we get the question similar to the title - How do you all do what you do at The Gospel of Christ. While it would be extremely difficult to “show” you through this newsletter, I would like to take a few minutes to explain how some of our program works. Highlighted in some of these bulleted points, we would like to open a window for you to be able to see just some of the blessing that this program has and how it works.

• Who oversees the work?
  That is a great question. We believe that the Bible is very clear that this and any evangelistic program should be under the oversight of an eldership. With that said, the Central church of Christ in McMinnville, TN is where we call home. The elders at the Central congregation have lovingly overseen this work since 2014 when the offices and production all moved to the Central facility also utilizing the broadcast studio that was created as a satellite studio for the Gospel Broadcast Network, in which we were already a program that was broadcast on the network.

• Who is the speaker…and do you have multiple speakers?
  Since 2014, the face and voice of the program has been solely that of one of the founding ministers - Ben Bailey. Ben is from East Texas originally and spent many years preaching in the area mostly considered Texoma and nearby. Ben moved to work with the Central congregation in 2011 and continues to be the pulpit minister.
  We do, however, offer a very limited amount of “guest speakers” on our app, streaming platforms, and website. These brethren that are found within those areas are all solid faithful preachers that have a desire to reach the lost. You will find programs like “Word From the Lord” - Johnny Lance, “Bible, the Bible, and More Bible” - Kee Ford, “Lessons on the homes” - James Boyd, and an archive of lessons from our friends at “The Truth in Love” - Robert Dodson.

• What all do you do?
  That is an ever-changing concept. Our mission is to take the whole gospel to the whole world! We do that with three areas of emphasis: Broadcast television (including streaming and podcasts), Digital Evangelism (website, social media, apps), and Free Media. This last effort is a very interesting one. We will mail out our lessons on DVDs to anybody - anywhere in the world at absolutely no charge! We typically will mail out over 1,000 DVDs on average every month. In our Free Media program, we have also moved into the “digital world” allowing ALL of our content to be downloaded absolutely free of charge.

• How are the lessons broadcast?
  Frank Reynolds is our studio manager. Frank coordinates that “taping” with Ben and has our outside video team (Covert Productions) record and edit the main “chunk” of video. After that process, Frank then sees to getting captions ordered, embedded, transcripts sent to Ashley Reep for post-production, and then spends countless hours finishing up, encoding the videos to the proper formats and distributing them to the stations and myself (Joey) to distribute in the digital evangelism world.

• What is Digital Evangelism?
  To say this is original would not be fair, but not knowing the exact original source, it will not be quoted verbatim - “The devil has used technology long enough…it is time for the church to use it!” (Believed to be quoted by John DeBerry)
  
  What does that mean? As of today, there is not a person under the age of 19 that has not lived before the time of “smart” phones. The next generation up has never lived without a personal computer. That is nearly 35 years of technology in our hands, on our desks, in our cars, and across the world. How does that change the perspective of things? Simple…technology is where many go to find the answers to everything in life and then some! With our Digital Evangelism footprint being well established in a very popular website, social media sites, streaming, and apps, we are able to reach not just thousands more, but MILLIONS more than ever before with the soul-saving message of the Gospel! Joey Ferrell oversees this particular area of our work.

• How do you keep everything working fluidly?
  To that…we have to give credit and a lot of it to our office manager - Beverly Ramsey and her many volunteers that work with us almost daily at The Gospel of Christ. Many of the members at Central are actively involved in packing orders, organizing new materials, and a whole other arena of tasks such as keeping everyone in the program in communication and having a good work flow for all aspects.

• How do you “get the word out?”
  We have a Field Rep program that includes Scott Furniss and Joey Ferrell. Scott and Joey visit congregations nearly every Sunday to introduce The Gospel of Christ program to members of the church who may not know about us, as well as give updates about all of the great things going on with the program.

• Does this cost a lot to maintain?
  The question is a relative one of course. Some evangelistic programs such as this require millions of dollars a year in order to be able to reach their full potential. Some are very fortunate and do not have a lot of overhead expenses and can produce programs such as this for much lower costs.
  
  You might say that we fall into the middle of this spectrum. For many years, The Gospel of Christ has had a smaller footprint in local broadcasts, but in the past several years, we have been blessed to branch out now to over 35 local markets, both major satellite providers, and over 100 regional cable markets on Spectrum, Frontier, and Verizon. Television is obviously the largest expense in this effort…but it also produces the most contacts and potential for Bible study. In 2017, we brought all of our Digital Evangelism efforts “in-house” with exception of our app provider. That means we do not have a huge website bill every month, but a very modest one with Joey, Beverly, Ben, and Frank contributing to the effort to maintain the website and social media sites. Our Free Media program has been redesigned to be more efficient than in times past. We now have our own DVD duplication machine for smaller batches needed, as well as on-demand CD printing, and we out-source all of our major series DVDs to save roughly 20-25% of the cost of production. All of our Free Media program is volunteer based as far as the “labor” side of things, and Frank manages the studio on a very low-cost budget.
  
  We recently added some technology in our office to allow us more utilization, ease of back ups, and so on. Outside of those items, postage and mail outs may be our second largest expense. So, the long answer of the short is that yes…the program does cost a lot to maintain even when it is managed effectively. There are some months we fall short of our budget and we have to carry over from another month. There are other months when we are blessed with extra support from congregations or individuals and it helps us to maintain and grow further in our efforts.

• How can I help?
  Friend…
  
  We need your prayers. Just this year alone, we know of multiple baptisms, many restorations, and countless studies as a result of someone finding this program. Please pray for continued opportunities for doors to be opened for us to spread the gospel.
  
  We need your encouragement. Sometimes, we all get overwhelmed in our efforts. Not only does our staff but also our overseeing eldership. Satan has a tendency to fight harder when he knows that good will prevail, and that is certainly true with our efforts as well. Please consider sending an email or card to our elders if you would to let them know how much the program means to you. (email - mail@thegospelofchrist.com, mail - PO Box 788 McMinnville, TN 37111)
  
  We need opportunities to come see you! Scott and Joey would love to tell you more about the program, share resources with you, and help encourage you. Our Field Rep program allows us to do just that. We would be happy to try to schedule a visit as soon as possible!
  
  We need your financial support. As you can see, this program does take a lot of effort to create, produce, implement, maintain and continue. At the end of every year especially, we encourage you to think about the blessing of helping others. We are a 501(c)3 Non-profit, therefore, donations are tax-deductible and all funds are managed by the authority of the overseeing elders. We pray that you will consider supporting us if you are able - either as a congregation or an individual. We have various ways to do that. You can mail support to PO Box 788, McMinnville, TN 37111, visit our website at www.thegospelofchrist.com and choose Support & Give or call our office today at 1-855-458-3905.

We hope that this “peek” into the inner-workings of The Gospel of Christ helps you to see not only why our mission is what it is, but also how you and others are helping to fulfill the command of The Great Commission through this work!

May God Bless you!

~Joey Ferrell

Our Biggest Broadcast Announcement ever!!!

Beginning December 15, 2019, we will be airing on DirecTV channel 379 (UplifTV).

With this new broadcast, as a bonus, we also will be on in select Spectrum Cable markets (over 100 markets, channels vary), Frontier FIOS nationwide, and Verizon FIOS nationwide!

That puts us at well over 65,000,000 household availability!

Tune in…share the news!

Broadcast information

***Important information for Dish Network subscribers***

We are temporarily airing on Folk TV Channel 218 at 6:00 PM CT.

You may can find us locally on Dish in some major markets such as Nashville, Knoxville, Corpus Christi, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, OKC, Midland/Odessa, Joplin, Anchorage, Denver, Colorado Springs, Texoma and others.

Check local listings or our website for more information.

What Must I Do....when I realize I haven't done? - From the Field and Around the WWW

At The Gospel of Christ, we oftentimes hear from those that watch the program either on television broadcast, or on one of our digital evangelism platforms. Sometimes, we hear a question, other times we have to address confusion in one’s perception of true religion. When we receive communication - every single correspondence, media request, feedback, and opportunity to evangelize - this communication is read by at least two to three people at The Gospel of Christ before a reply, answer, fulfillment or disposition is given to each one. That means that we try our best to make sure that every single valuable comment, suggestion, and even at times - complaints, are heard and addressed as appropriately as they can be in a manner of love and kindness.

Thankfully, some of these communications include such items as we would like to spotlight in this months newsletter.

On October 27, a man in North Alabama viewed our program on broadcast television. In every one of our broadcasts, we encourage each person to pick up their Bible and study along with Ben as he proclaims God’s inerrant word. This particular gentleman did just that! He didn’t pick up a King James Version. He didn’t pick up a New King James, ESV, NASB, RSV, or even an NIV. He picked up his copy of a translation of the Bible that wears the name “New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.” He turned the pages and kept up with the scriptures that were being read and posted on the screen.

Many of you may recognize that this is a translation that is used in the Jehovah’s Witness religious belief system. While I am not able to spend the time in this article to deeply consider each and every challenge that might be found in this particular translation; however, we want to focus more importantly on the process that occurs after the program ended.

This gentleman reached out to the Central church of Christ (our overseeing congregation and “home base”) with an email that suggested that he would like to study more, and that he felt he needed to be baptized. This email made its rounds through our staff and volunteers as an encouragement for the work that is being done. That isn’t where the story stops.

The next day, an email was sent to this man to let him know that we were thankful for his feedback and that we would love to continue helping in his studies if we could. He shared an excitement about that and after a follow-up phone call and a few emails, he agreed to meet with a local preacher in the area and myself to study. Being that he lived about two hours away, we wanted to make every effort to be able to share in this effort with the local church as well. That afternoon, I was blessed to meet with him and the local preacher.

After some time of study, especially surrounding the Deity of Jesus and the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins, the local preacher made the comment that there was actually a congregation near this man’s home that we could meet at and if he was ready to be baptized, we would gladly assist in that occasion. The rest is not only history, but is so joyous in that about 8 p.m. that evening, we gained a new brother in Christ that just days before did not have the full understanding of salvation and eternity. To God be the glory!

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On November 6, we received an email from someone that had found our program recently through the TGOC APP. Read what he had to say (edited for privacy and confidentiality, shared with permission)

Lastly, I would like to offer some insight into how much The Gospel of Christ has been helping me. I moved back to (hidden) in early October after having gone through a divorce (edited), and going back to the denominational world. I started listening to TGOC via the app not too long after I had moved back. The next Sunday -after I started listening- I went to worship at the (hidden) church of Christ, and spoke with (a brother) about being restored. Between the encouragement that I am receiving from the (hidden) congregation, and the work that you all do so wonderfully, I do not worry about where I was in life. Rather, I focus on where I am headed, and where God wants me to be headed (cf. Philippians 3:13, 14). In short, thank you for all that you do. I look forward to many other great lessons that are grounded in the Word of God alone.

Wow! What an encouragement to read and talk with this brother in Christ! We are so glad that he is back in a good journey in his life and that God was certainly long-suffering through some rougher times in his life. Again…ALL glory to God almighty!

Many times, we do not get the opportunity to share “every story” with our viewers and supporters, but we wanted to take an opportunity to share these most recent ones.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 these encouraging words that certainly display the efforts that your prayers, encouragement, evangelism and financial support go to working together to bring souls to Christ:

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

From the bottom of our hearts, and to the depths of God’s riches, we are so thankful to be a part of His work with you in the kingdom!

Until next month…

~ Joey

Field Rep Coordinator
Digital Evangelism Minister
Public Relations

From the Field and around the WWW

Once again, this month, our digital world has been a whirlwind of activity.

This article is short due to the nature of trying to give more attention to the items of great importance, as opposed to just a regular article from me.

Did you notice all of the new television broadcasts? There are a LOT! Stay tuned for a couple more announcements this month as well! You can always see the latest listings on our website.

Some of you may have heard about the long-time television program called “The Truth in Love” going off air. This has deeply saddened us; however, working to identify some opportunities, The Gospel of Christ is airing in all but 2 of the former markets of The Truth in Love - and we are doing our best to come back to Dallas as soon as possible.

We also wanted to once again highlight Scott Furniss as our newest Field Rep that will be covering most of the Oklahoma, Texoma, and North Texas area.

We have worked diligently to update our presentation for the program to reflect all of these great new avenues, so if it has been a while since you checked us out….have a Field Rep visit scheduled!

***We are also working on a potential new format for our snail mail quarterly newsletter, therefore, we will not be sending one out this quarter. You can always be added to this mailing list by contacting our office, or entering your name on our website at the appropriate page for newsletter. We hope to resume this process in early 2020!

Until next month!

Joey

Media Minister
Field Rep Coordinator
Public Relations

Lot's of news!!! - From the Field and around the WWW...

You may be wondering why the newsletter is so late this month?

Well, that is this guy’s fault! Yes, I will admit that I am the slow guy in getting my article and posts together for the month. But…before you get too upset, let me explain why!!!

We have had a whirlwind of opportunities and activities play into our world lately. We highlighted several new broadcasts above. That is the “biggie.”

Here is why we are able to offer so many new ones at this time. It is a sad event that spawns a positive event.

After 36 years, a very sound and good program is leaving the air at the end of the month. With this program leaving the broadcast arena, several local markets have opened up and we will instantly have an audience that is familiar with much or what we speak about already.

We hope to also be able to secure new funding to increase our footprint in some of these new markets as well.

Several congregations have been reached out to by phone or by mail, but just so you may share, we are still seeking opportunities in Dallas, Denver, Alexandria (LA), Dothan, Tulsa, and maybe a couple of other markets. We need help to do this. If you know of congregations in this area that would possibly be interested in helping us get these programs going, we would love to speak with them!

In the Field…

Another wonderful and exciting announcement!

You may have seen our Facebook post about this already, but if not, we welcome Scott Furniss on board! Scott will be joining us in the Field Rep department covering OKC, Texoma and many parts of North Texas and Oklahoma.

You can reach Scott at scott@thegospelofchrist.com to schedule a visit! He would be happy to help out filling in if needed as well as presenting the program locally for you.

We have a lot more things in the works, so…until next month!

Blessings,

~Joey Ferrell

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It's NOT God's fault! - News from the Field and around the World

If you are like me, at least once or twice a year, you may be embattled with something that is overwhelming, or tragic happening in your life. It may be the loss of a loved one, or simply a bad day at work that ended in a very serious situation. We all have those types of struggles if we are human…and I suggest that would be every one of us!

But, too often, the blame starts being placed on the wrong emphasis. We might say things like “it’s not my fault,” or “I wonder whose fault this is.” Even at times, we may be tempted to suggest that “it is God’s fault.” That is not, and will never be the case!

I remember a troubling time in my life at the loss of a loved one. One of my family members kept saying over and over again, “this is just not fair! I don’t deserve this God!” Was it God’s fault? Certainly not. Too many times, when we are at our weakest moments, we may look to place blame somewhere and honestly, it might even be a feeling of relief when we are able to “shake off” that blame to others. Sometimes, it might be a bit warranted. After all, remember what Adam said when God asked him about eating from the tree. His response was to blame Eve, and in turn blame the serpent which was blamed sort of on God! Oh boy. I guess that sense of blame must be hereditary all the way down from the first man and father of all, Adam…and yes, we got it too.

This past week has been challenging for many in our home base. Some of you may know the reference, but if not, one of our coworkers at the Central church of Christ saw some very difficult days. His two-year old son had an accident at their backyard pool and a few days later left this earth in the physical life. It was very difficult for me personally to see this. It was hard to believe. Even harder was seeing his family suffering from the sadness that came with those few days, and certainly will continue on. However, as Mike stated so eloquently in the hospital waiting room, “this is not a tragedy, and I want us to celebrate Cooper’s life.”

You see, it would be very easy for us to blame anything on everything, but through the tears, through the hugs, through the hours of prayer, this family saw the blessings of God. They were blessings of knowledge that their precious son is safe in the arms of Jesus. The family has certainly been sad during this time, but they also found happiness in salvation for eternity. One thing that brought such happiness in what otherwise would be a time of reflection - “Super Cooper” lives on in not only in eternity, but through organ donation, in which at least 3 lives have been saved thus far. So certainly, we can rejoice in knowing that Cooper was never far from the Lord.

Talking with someone the day of the funeral, it was mentioned that so many people would simply blame God. And, I suppose that is true. I cannot answer why that they would, and I probably cannot say that maybe I have not thought something similar in tragedy in my own life. But, is it really God’s fault? No. God created man in His own image and He said that all things were good. What we might miss sometimes is that God didn’t create death. That was Satan’s creation through sin. Because of that deception in the Garden of Eden, my body has aches and pains, my heart has sorrow many days, and my life has temptation that separates me from God when I act upon it. That is not God’s fault in any way. Matter of fact, God has done more to save us from being in this state of mind, body and heart than we can ever imagine. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death. That verse isn’t referencing the physical death as much as it is the spiritual death.

Mankind started dying the day that mankind started sinning. God is not to blame. God loves us. God wants us to live forever, and as is stated so beautifully in Revelation 21, there will be no tears, no sorrow, no pain, no suffering. All will be bliss for those that obey Him and keep faithful to His word. And we too can be reunited with Cooper and the saints in glory some day.

…can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. 2 Samuel 12:23

View fullsize

Cooper Swims (2016-2019)

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From the Field and around the World!

We have had several productive weeks in the Field Rep program and the Electronic Media Ministry. Here are some of the highlights:

• Broadcast began in Baton Rouge, LA (thanks to the Gonzales church of Christ for sponsoring this broadcast)

• Our time and day moved to Saturday at 7:00 in Chicago

• We moved to a much bigger network in the Knoxville market

• We have consolidated some of our series to make ordering and viewing much more streamlined

• Our App surpassed 25,000 opens
  

Not only did we have this many exciting things happen, we had two very powerful interactions this month.

The first one came with a Media Request for digital downloads. In this request, the person indicated that they were on the verge of committing suicide and found our video titled “How to Make the Devil Mad” and watched it. He went on to say that he realized that it was Satan that was tempting him and that he wanted to get his life straightened out.

The second one was through a Facebook message that said “I need to repent and be baptized TODAY!” After some phone calls and messages, we were able to connect this viewer with a minister in his area and the next day they were able to study together and we now have a new brother in Christ as a result!

Lots of good things coming up as well. We hope that if you are visiting Polishing the Pulpit that you will stop by our booth and meet Beverly or myself and let us know who you are, pick up some DVDs and visit with us a while. We look forward to meeting you!

Until next month, may God continue great blessings and success for your spiritual life.

In Christ,

Joey

Reaching the world! Evangelism...make it simple? - From the Field and Around the www...

One of the most common questions that we get at The Gospel of Christ during Field Rep visits and sometimes feedback from the web and congregations that support the program goes something like this…

“How can we make our evangelism efforts more productive…and simple?”

This question is an absolutely excellent question, but on the surface, the heading of this article really implies the answer rhetorically.

Is evangelism a simple task? The short answer…NO. The long answer…not if it is effective. The most practical answer - YES, Evangelism IS simple…when things are in the right perspective.

When Jesus commanded evangelism in the Bible, there was not a “magic pill” or “universal program” that was described. The command of the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28:18-20 are somewhat generic in nature; however, they are also imperative. We know that we MUST evangelize to be able to carry out this command. Not many can even argue this, and fewer will find any kind of reasoning that would even come close to indicate that this is not still a present day imperative command.

So, how do we do it? We have heard time and time again that the church is “shrinking,” and that is unfortunately true in some areas. However, it is also known that in some mission fields especially, that the church of our Lord is growing faster than any other religious faith in the world! It seems that we have done a great job at focusing our efforts globally to grow the church…but what about in our own back yards?

Is the church suffering because of our focus being too broad? Is it suffering because of too many “programs” that are just there to inject work into the body of the church? Is it suffering because the “preacher” “deacons” and “elders” aren’t doing “their job” in evangelizing?

These are all very important questions that we each need to consider. Who was the command given to? Some say it was only given to the disciples (Apostles) of the time that Jesus said these things, but is that honestly true? Not in the studies that I have personally done, but, I guess one could argue that and possibly win that debate; however, let’s look at the overall purpose of evangelism and growing the church. (By the way…this IS the simple answer right here!) Have WE lost focus on what the OUTCOME of evangelism is supposed to be? Let’s define a few things…

What is the reason for evangelism?

1. To grow the number of people that are attending the local church?

2. To increase our local contributions so we can do more work as the church?

3. To become the popular “church” in town by showing our efforts?

4. To have all of our friends and family as part of our “inner-circle?"

Personally, I have probably seen most of these as potential “reasons” that some will impress evangelism upon the members of a local church. And, on the surface, even though they look a little rough, the heart of these questions of evangelism actually do hold some merit in the broadest sense of evangelism; however, let’s not miss the mark here.

Read this verse:

For the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 (NASB)

In this verse, there is a purpose for that which we call evangelism. Jesus came to seek and save the lost…of those we may be or once were. If that is truly the reason for Jesus coming to this earth as God in the flesh, then wouldn’t it make sense that this same idea should be on the forefront of the Christian’s attitude and mindset about ALL of the lost? That is what evangelism is all about.

If we focus our attitudes, our minds, and our hearts on the purpose of helping those that are lost find the soul-saving message of Jesus Christ to be freed from their sins and find eternity with God in the heavenly abode, our evangelistic efforts should look much different than any attempted effort or program that has not resulted in souls being added to the one true church of our Lord and Savior. Evangelism does not do this…only God can give the increase, but friends…Paul said it best when he spoke these words:

I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NASB)

So…how can we make evangelism simple? Here are some ideas that have worked for some:

• Have the proper attitude. The attitude should be the love for fellow man and their eternal soul, not just an increase of attendance in the local church.

• Try various methods. In some areas, door-knocking is still a classic and tried-true method of evangelism. Many have turned away from this method out of disappointment and fear of rejection. Put together a safe and effective - measurable - program and give it a try.

• WARM MARKET - my background is in retail and business management. I have been around sales all of my life. One of the great opportunities that is missed in the church as far as evangelism is concerned is “warm market.” Those who maybe have attended in the past that have not been faithfully attending. The next door neighbor to the church building. The cousin that just moved back home. Maybe your own family. Your coworkers.

• Random acts of kindness! Yes, this is evangelism. But…do it in a way to give credit to God and if suitable the local church. I have seen programs where members of the church have little business cards with a short statement on them about why an act of kindness was shared with them (sometimes with a Bible verse) and when a member does something nice for someone such as paying for a meal, helping with a flat tire, and so on, a card is handed to the person being helped. The glory is given to God and the church through this card and not an individual.

• Mailers. Our friends at House to House/Heart to Heart have a great mailer program for your local church area that is a wonderful evangelistic tool. (matt@housetohouse.com)

• New movers program where members personally visit new movers after a postcard or mailer has been sent to deliver a goody bag with videos about the church, salvation and local information.

• The Gospel of Christ materials! Yes, in a concentrated effort, we would be happy to help with getting your congregation low cost bulk DVDs of our lessons on the church, salvation, and other series that you might find helpful. What we suggest is that you purchase either an ink stamp or stickers with the church information on them and place this on our DVD covers before handing them out. We have assisted with county fairs, street festivals, back to school events, local book exchange kiosks, and my favorite - leaving DVDs and our quick scan APP cards at places that you visit such as motels, campgrounds, restaurants, stores, and so on.
  
  

We hope that you find these ideas in this article to be helpful. There is never a quick fix, magic pill, or super program that will be 100% successful in every effort, but we have seen some of these work in many different areas. The main thing to remember is to keep the focus of souls and not numbers! If your evangelism efforts result in just one precious soul finding redemption and salvation - friend - it is worth much more than silver and gold!

We want to help you in your efforts to evangelize just as much as we want to be very consistent in our own efforts in Taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World!

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From the Field and around the www…

We have been adding to our broadcasts once again! Keep checking our most current schedule online in order to find new areas and channels where you can watch TGOC each week!

In the media realm, Beverly, Frank and I have been working toward some series consolidations to help cut down on the amount of series, as well as streamline our production costs! Look for some fresh new series names and some great looking new labels on our materials coming very soon!

Spanish DVDs are in the works! 4 of the 8 lessons have been recorded and will be being released as soon as possible.

This week sees Field rep visits in Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida! We hope to see you very soon as well. You can always let us know if you would be willing to have a field rep visit and we will see what we can do to get one scheduled.

Until next month, we hope you find great tools and resources!

In His Service!

~Joey