Ted Wheeler
Added to the Board of Directors

Trevor, Trisha, Troy (front), Renee, Ted

In writing of his work with the church in Ghana, Ted provides insight into his work and service for the Lord. He writes in part as follows:

“It all started back in 1980 when one Sunday evening we first heard of the work being done in Ghana. During the presentation the point was made that when it comes to our obligation to the Lord’s words in Mark 16:15 –we either need to “go” or be helping others to go. Renee and I were both surprised when we returned home and both said that we would like to go. The campaign was just six weeks away. We started getting our vaccinations, arranged to leave Trevor with our parents, took a six week leave of absence from my work and left for six weeks of work in Ghana.

“And our lives have never been the same since. What a blessing to be personally involved in doing mission work and developing lifetime friendships with so many fine brethren both here in the States and in Ghana.

“By mid 1981, Renee and I decided we would like to move to Ghana and work full-time with our brethren there. We put our house up for sale, and in September, while I made another campaign trip, Renee sold our home.

“It was hard to leave family and so many good friends at Redford, Michigan where I had attended for 28 years. On January 1, 1982, we moved to Florida where we began two years of full-time study at the Florida School of Preaching in Lakeland. Again, the Lord blessed us, with many new friends: instructors and other students and members from area congregations. Especially the Orange Street church in Auburndale, which helped us through school and sponsored our family when the time came to move to Ghana.

“In 1984, we completed our studies and in August we moved to Tema, Ghana. During this time we worshiped primarily with the church in Ashaiman and helped establish a number of new congregations. I also had the privilege to teach a number of fine men at NBI (National Bible Institute) overseen by Nsawan Road church in Accra. During this time we were also blessed with two more children: Trisha and Troy.

“In 1989 we made the move back to the States and located with the church in Venice. Again, we were blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful Christians. Since 1989 we have continued to conduct annual campaigns to Ghana, Togo & Senegal.”

Ted not only serves as the full-time evangelist for the congregation in Venice, he is also one of the elders.

Knowing the devotion he and his family have for the cause of Christ, we know you, along with us, are delighted that Ted is willing to serve on the Board of Directors of the Florida School of Preaching. With his devotion to the Lord and wisdom gained by years of mission work, and local work, we believe he will contribute much to the direction of the Florida School of Preaching. ✍

Is Our Building According to Code?
By
Jackie M. Stearsman

Let us consider the following passage, reflecting upon our obligations as the people of God. “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1 Cor. 3:9-17, NKJV).

1. God’s Field/Building

It is most important that we know that the church belongs to God. It has been purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). That which belongs exclusively to another, we have no right to control, modify and or change.

The way a person treats the church of Christ reflects upon the respect and/or lack of respect for the church.

2. The Master Builder

Paul, and the inspired individuals chosen by the Lord, provide the code (a set of moral and spiritual directives) for the Lord’s building. They provide the faithful with all that is necessary to build upon the foundation (Acts 2:42; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 Tim. 3:14-15).

All too often we hear something like, “well God has not said to not do _____,” implying that what is not explicitly prohibited is permitted.

Can you imagine a builder with a set of prints, and instructions to build a building with the philosophy that whatever is not explicitly forbidden is permitted?

Let us suppose he is building a meeting house for brethren. Those contracted to build the building receive the plans and begin to complete the project. You are asked to check on the building progress. You notice that beside the building a large swimming pool is attached. Drive to the other side of the structure and you see a large tennis court, behind the tennis court is a riding stable with horses and equipment. We could go on but surely the point is made. You enquire as to the items listed and you are told, “Well, the plans do not say, do not add them.” You continue to press for justification for such actions and are given this bit of “wisdom”: “I attended a church of Christ recently, and in talking with them about religious matters, they said, ‘Since the Bible does not say do not do something, it must be the case that it is all right to do it.’ Is this true? If it is true in one area, why is it not true in another.”

Who in their right mind can not see that such foolishness would lead to utter chaos in the building industry? Wonder why the religious world is as it is? Think!

3. Mud Hut or Temple of God?

Please note that we are building the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16-17). Precious components (gold, silver, precious stones) should comprise this building. Are we satisfied with wood, hay, and straw “materials”?

Will God accept defective materials? Paul in another picture informs us that in a great house there may be vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor. “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Tim. 2:20-21, NKJV).

4. Our Building Will Be Tested by God.

Let us understand that we are not God, but we are working to build up the church of God.

Our work will be tested by God, but if the work we have done fails due to no fault of our own (implied in the total context), we may be saved even though we suffer loss.

However, it should also be understood that our work must endure severe tests (fervent, fiery tests). “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13, NKJV).

Likewise, we must understand that our labor to build up the temple of God (the church of Christ) may result in condemnation on our part. We may build, and the manner of our building destroys the temple of God.

The temple of God is Holy (different, set apart). Those who equate it with other religious bodies (buildings, fellowships) do greatly err (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1).

5. Corinth Was Reformed

We must never leave Corinth a corrupted temple of God. She repented, cleansed herself of the problems cited by Paul in First Corinthians. Six month later, when Paul wrote Second Corinthians, he commended them in the most favorable terms (2 Cor. 7:8-16).

Conclusion

Are we building the temple of God as His master builder designed it? Our work will be tested by God.

Are we building according to code? Will it stand the tests of God?

✍

"Do You Understand Fellowship?"
28th Annual Bible Lectureship - January 20-23, 2003
[CLICK HERE for Details]