From the President -September 2011

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Greetings in the Grace of God,

     The fall brings a new season for ministry. Many of us serve as pastors, elders, missionaries, counselors or directors of diverse ministries. Each new season provides us with new opportunities to live and proclaim the Grace of God. In my role as a seminary professor I have the privilege of teaching a new group of students. One of the joys I have is to pray for discernment as I search for those students who are open to understand the free grace message manifested in the Bible and help them see the theological implications and personal applications.
     As I begin my 18th year as a seminary professor I have the delight of looking back to see many students who have embraced the message of Free Grace and who have gone on to be faithful pastors and teachers of the matchless grace of God. As I watch these men becoming so capable and faithful in their ministry for the Lord, it is truly motivational for me and enables me to keep on keeping on, and I hope it is the same for you. Let me encourage you in whatever aspect of ministry you are serving to make sure you are investing your self in the lives of men and women who will be able to invest in others. In a sense we need to remember the old Greek proverb and see ourselves as, “planting trees whose shade we will never sit under.”  Paul commands us through his words to Timothy, “And the things that you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach to others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). This is labor intensive and can also be at times inconvenient.  But then again, is this not what it means to “make disciples”?
     Free Grace Theology needs to be passed on to the next generation. Some will write books and deliver papers about our views and some will preach sermons.  But for most of us our books, papers, and sermons will be written on the pages of people’s lives in whom we have personally invested our time and talent. 
     Count the Days and Make the Days Count. This is a good perspective for those who know that the return of our Lord could be “today” and know as well that we shall stand before Him to give an account of our lives. A life well lived for the Lord is the topic of the upcoming FGA conference October 10-12 in Phoenix, Arizona. Let me invite you to join us as we explore how we are to “Grow in the Grace of God”.  Our plenary speakers include Dr. Dave Anderson, Dr. Charlie Bing, Dr. Paul Benware, Dr. Mike Stallard, Dr. Michael Cocoris, and Pastor Bob Kerrey, along with 17 workshops leaders. This year’s banquet speaker is John Cross, General Director of Goodseed International. Phoenix is a beautiful place in October with plenty of activities to enjoy pre or post conference. Please come and join us as we seek to grow in grace and honor the Lord.

Serving Him with you
Until He comes for us,

Fred Chay, Ph.D.
President, Free Grace Alliance


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