Letter from the President-April 1, 2013

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Dear FGA,

The celebration of Easter Sunday has come and gone but the importance and impact is forever.

As Faulkner put it; “And so in the end we live not in the darkened shadow of Good Friday but on ground that has been illuminated by the dawn of Easter Sunday.” This is the life giving truth that we have the privilege of proclaiming to a lost and dying world, a gift of God’s Grace. So simple and so wonderful!

One of the great proclaimers and defenders of that gracious message went home to be with the Lord this past month. Dr. Roy Zuck, Senior Professor of Biblical Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary and editor of Bib Sac, was a faithful and gracious man who had been part of FGA from its inception. Roy was also awarded the Trophy of Grace Award this past year at the FGA National Conference in Dallas. Roy was a skilled expositor, educator, and editor and had a way of always remembering his students’ names. His kind demeanor and unassuming presence always manifested the grace of God in his life.                

We also lost another defender of the grace message two months ago, Dr. Howard (Howie) Hendricks. Many of us felt the life changing impact of “Prof” as he was affectionately known, either in the classroom or at a conference.   His commitment to the distinction between discipleship and the reception of eternal life paved the way for many who are part of the FGA.

May both Roy and “Prof” have an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom of their Lord and Savior who they served so loyally.

The passing of both these men reminds us that we are watching a changing of the guard. There are many great leaders, both men and women, who are coming to the end of their time of service for the Lord. This is true of the evangelical church in America as a whole, but it is also particularly true of those who are part of the Free Grace movement. It is ever true: The Lord buries his workmen but His work continues. I hope this motivates you to be sure to pass the torch. I pray that the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy are guiding your time and stay upon the earth;

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2Timothy 2:1-2)

As “Prof” once told me, as I am sure he told others; “Fred, when I come to see you the first question I will have for you is, “Where are your men?”. He did come and visit me and he did ask. And I was able to point him to one of my men. Jesus will be asking as well. So, count the days and make the days count.

Let me encourage you to take a look at the FGA website. We have new resources available. You can now download and listen to previous FGA national conference sessions. Let me also encourage you to view the FGA blog and perhaps even contribute a ministry update or a theological consideration. Finally, let me remind you to look at the information concerning the upcoming FGA Regional Conferences (Salem, Oregon on April 20th ,   Tampa, Florida, May 18th and Charlotte, North Carolina, June 22nd) These conferences are a great way to be personally encouraged and participate in gaining some pastoral and professional education and equipping.

If we can serve you and your ministry please let us know. If you have an idea of how we can serve you better, please share it with us.


Serving Him with You
Until He comes for us,

Fred Chay
President, FGA

 

 

 

 

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