Why It’s Happening

Five years ago this month, as I wrote the Leader Letter, we were on the brink of war. Today we face ever-increasing crises in our nation. What should our focus be now?

We all know that these are really tough times—the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the mortgage crisis, gas and food prices increasing exponentially, the dollar falling and so much more.

What is happening? I think the best book on discipleship ever written—Revelation—best explains what is going on in our world. Have you ever noticed that the seven seals are opened in chapters six and eight in response to prayer?

The four living creatures are in a prayer meeting in Rev. 5:14. Seals 1-4 open as each living creature cries out “Come!” The 5th seal opens in response to the cry of those who have given their lives for the cause of the gospel: “How long, oh Lord?” The 6th seal finds the unbelievers crying out to the mountains: “Hide us from the wrath of the Lamb!” and the last seal brings silence in heaven as the prayers of the saints are gathered up. History is moved by many forces. The greatest of them is prayer.

“Come!” cry the four living creatures. They are praying the second line of the Lord’s prayer: Come, your kingdom! Paul reiterates this in Rom. 8:22; all creation longs to be free from corruption. So what comes? The four horsemen of the Apocalypse! They represent the things that happen when Jesus and the Kingdom begin to press in on the world. As creation and the saints cry out, the forces, which do not want Him and His Kingdom to come, rise up in opposition. Evil conquers through deception and persecution which brings about physical violence. Greed results in hunger, famine and death. Sound familiar?

What about those martyrs? Does God tolerate injustice? His answer: No matter what happens, remain faithful. Paul agrees: “...through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom.” God’s timetable is sure.

The 6th seal opens and the whole cosmos is shaking. God says, “you want to be your own god? Okay, be god.” He stands back, and the cosmos disintegrates. That’s the wrath of the Lamb. No wonder the question, “Who is able to stand?” Only the sealed of the Lamb.

The 7th seal brings silence in heaven. A rabbinical document of John’s time states that the angels sing only at night so God can hear the prayers of the saints during the day. The most revolutionary thing we can do is pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The Kingdom is coming! That’s why there is upheaval in the world; Jesus and his kingdom is being resisted by the kingdom of darkness. Jesus assures us: But take heart! I have overcome the world! (Jn. 16:33)

Are you getting ready for Convention/Graduation?

In celebration of the Reformation (see the back page of this Leader Letter), be sure to bring a pair of JEANS with you to convention! Don’t forget to tell your group. The facilities at both hotels include a pool and a workout room, and various restful spots to do some one-anothering. Remember you get a free breakfast at the hotel. Better bring another pair of jeans one size larger.

Another thing to bring is your smile. You will get to share with other leaders and students from around the nation. You will enjoy fun and fellowship. (Did I mention food? The Friday night banquet is awesome! )

Graduates, you must register as well as send in your Intent to Graduate form.

The Holy Cloth of the Reformation

Did you know that jeans have roots in the early days of the Reformation in France? If you visit the Museum of the Desert in Ales, France, you’ll see the whole family (circa XVI century) all dressed in jeans! The museum is proud to point out that Protestants were very practical in their view of daily life. They wanted to have clothing that was strong and wore well. A Protestant pastor in the town of Nimes suggested they try making pants from the sail cloth of the local boat industry. The idea caught on, and soon the clothing from sailcloth was identified as the “Reformation dress style”.

Jean is a very popular name in France and since many of the pastors were named Jean and they were wearing the sailcloth pants, the clothing acquired that name— jeans! The fabric came from Nimes but in French this translates into de Nimes, which in English is known as de-nim, i.e., denim jeans!!

Thanks to John Tressel for this story. John is the president of the INSTE France board. Yes, he’s Jean, and he wears jeans.

Final Exams: Level 2

Please have your group give you their final exams on a CD, if possible. Send in the exams on CDs (one per student) plus the other forms on paper. It will cost less to mail us the exams, and makes it easier for us to correct. We’ll correct the exams, and send them back to the students with our comments on the disk.

Meet the New Staff Member

We are pleased to announce that Sy Chanthavong has joined our staff as the Shipping and Production Manager. Sy is an INSTE student, and a member of the Asian Church of the Open Bible in Des Moines, Iowa. He has a passion for working with youth. His dream is to be a youth pastor. Sy’s responsibilities at INSTE include the making of many books, printing endless numbers of tests and forms, and making sure everything gets to you in good order and on time. Welcome, Sy!