It’s an amazing fact that no matter where one goes in the world, the Bible is under the same attacks. I do not speak here of the attack that is necessarily from the world, but rather that from within the church.

Last February, Mr. Tony Rupp (our board’s vice president) and I journeyed to Romania for a brief set of meetings. Since, in our efforts to train people in the Scriptures, we have noticed that the most ubiquitous way the Bible is under attack is in it’s account of the origins of the earth, that quite often becomes the focus of our teaching (although not exclusively so).

Very early in this mission endeavor we encountered some stiff opposition. Some Christians who did not understand the importance of the issue of Creation to Science and Theology raised questions about what we were teaching, and why. Accusations were made that those of us who hold to the natural, literal interpretation of Genesis were extremist and closed-minded. In answer to these criticisms, we extended an invitation to a representative of those who opposed to accompany us on the remainder of our journey, to hear more of “our point of view” (as they so quickly termed it), and why we hold it.
Later, while teaching at a Bible School in the village of Talmaciu, a verse of Scripture impressed itself strongly upon me. I instantly knew that this verse contained, in conceptual form, the true nature of the warfare that we face in the world. We’ll call it: The Battle Of The Minds:

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be”(Romans 8:7).

Notice the wording that’s used here: the carnal, or fleshly, mind is considered by God to be an enemy, and not even remotely concerned about being under the dominion of God’s holy law. Therefore, the theories and dogmas that such a mind produces are also diametrically opposed to God’s character and rule.
Is that not what we have in the theory of evolution? It is a theory designed and promoted to destroy belief in God and the Bible. Evolution is the product of carnal minds - minds at war with God.

So then, I ask, what business does the church have in taking such a theory, and trying to incorporate it into it’s doctrine? Indeed, Christians all over the globe not only envelop such thinking, but often replace the teachings of God’s Word - calling it archaic, poetic, or whatever - with these carnal doctrines, calling them “learned, scientific, modern”. But these doctrines are at war against God! If this were physical warfare, such accommodations to the enemy would be termed an act of treason!

And yet, I do wonder in how many other areas, besides the obvious issue of origins, that we so easily, almost imperceptibly, take such a drastic step. How quickly do we forsake God’s way and instead consult the world’s ideas of marriage, child rearing, education, entertainment, finances...?

As I finished teaching that session, I began to see the “lights come on” in some of the students’s faces - even of some who initially opposed. They clearly saw the problem - letting carnal minds dictate our doctrine. But what is the solution? Very simply - regardless of the cost - we must stand firm on the solid foundation built for us in the Word of God. We must reject out of hand any dogma that is not in line with the clear teaching of Scripture. Yes, those who are of a carnal mind may kick, scream, complain, and make all sorts of accusations - but our responsibility is not to them, but to our loving Creator who knows how to communicate with His people.

So let us determine that we will have no other mind, save that which is born of God’s Spirit, through His Word, lest we too be faulted with adopting carnal thinking, thus opposing the work that God is doing in this world.

In His Service,
Stephen Tecklenberg,
President

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Who Are We? Introducing Our Directors...

We thought it would be helpful to our readers to give brief biographical sketches of our board members. It seemed most fitting with this issue to begin with Mr. Eric Stamper, our Secretary and Treasurer, who last February was married to Miss. Jamie Walpole.

Both Eric and Jamie have been involved with ENM since it’s inception in 1995, as participants in our January 1996 Mission to Moscow. (In fact, they met each other as a result of this ministry). During that mission, in addition to his valued contribution as a teacher, Eric’s background in finances was utilized by being our financial administrator. He later returned (with Steve Tecklenberg) to Russia in February of 1998, and then he and Jamie traveled to Romania this past August as a part of our 1998 Euro-Russian Mission team.

As a freshman student at Pennsylvania State University in 1988, through the vocal witness of a street preacher and the life witness of a neighbor, Eric heard and responded to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has attended Fellowship Chapel in Jarrettsville, Md, since 1995, and has served on their deacon board. He has also served on the board of Progressive Restorative Programs (a local prison ministry), and as a teacher / volunteer staff member for several years at Beachmont Christian Camp.

Eric has been a commercial bank manager, financial advisor, and now recently started his own computer technology company (“Essential PC”) after working in that business for several years. Among other business projects, he is presently working with some home schooling organizations to provide computer, software, and internet services for their members.
His recent marriage to Jamie was a fantastic testimony to what a Christian wedding should be, with the spiritual image of the believer’s union with Christ strongly emphasized. We are very happy - and thankful - for both of them, and look forward to the time of service we will have with each other.

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Ministry Reports:

The opening article of this newsletter reviewed our recent trip to Romania. While there, we had the joy of assisting the new Romanian Creationist Society get established, as well as the usual tasks of teaching and preaching. What a joy it is to minister in such a way, especially in Bible Schools, knowing that today’s students are tomorrow’s church leaders. Their eagerness to learn was often demonstrated with long question and answer sessions dealing with just about every Biblical topic imaginable.

We also were privileged to serve stateside with both Answers In Genesis and the Institute for Creation Research at one each of their seminars. We have always believed that people will get out of an event in accordance with the value of what they put into it. We therefore organized some work crews of young people who put in long, sweaty hours of labor, but who also had the chance to hear and learn the foundational message of the authority of Scripture from some of the leading Creation Evangelists.

Finally, on two occasions, Steve Tecklenberg had opportunities to speak at church youth retreats. The message both times was the same: complete devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. Our continued prayer is that these young people would grasp hold of their privileged calling to “walk with God”, regardless of the cost.

For those who prayed with us during these ministry opportunities, we thank you very, very much. Please continue to pray as God should lead you that Eagle’s Nest Ministries would always glorify God’s Name, strengthen His Church, and extend His Kingdom.