Is there a conscious existence beyond the grave? Pastor Harold Long

The late Harold Long was a long serving Churches of Christ Pastor.
He was our Pastor at the Church of Christ Grote Street Adelaide  where this was recorded.
He was a very gifted Evangelical Preacher and loved teaching the prophetic message.
 It was through his preaching I was persuaded to become a Christian.
Everyone needs to make sure of their salvation.
Salvation that we cannot possibly ever be good enough to earn but is a free gift from God through Jesus Christ.

Harold and Joyce Long

Passing of Eric Finck

Today Lesley and I attended the funeral of the late Eric Finck.
Eric was 98 years old.
We first met him and his wife Florence and family at the Church of Christ at Grote Street in the 1970's.
Eric was a very scholarly and wise Christian who influenced many lives including our own.
He became an elder at the Grote Street Church and then Elder Emeritus.
Eric came to Jesus as his Lord and Saviour through the late F.C.Payne who was the author of a locally produced and best selling book, "The Seal of God".
Here is a link to a PDF version of The Seal of God.

http://god-help.org/SealOfGod.pdf

The mantle of reprinting and revising the book fell on Eric's shoulders when Mr. Payne died.
One of Eric's loves was wildflowers and native  orchids and photography of these.
He took many slides over the years and used to give talks to groups on the marvels of creation using his slides as illustrations.
I was privileged to spend about an hour with Eric about a month ago looking at some of his digitised collection and talking about the images.
Here is what was written on the service programme today.

"A man with a deep profound faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
A man of integrity,compassion,humility and love.
A faithful servant,a man who walked with God.
Loved and respected by all who had the privilege to know him.
Assuredly today he would have heard these words.
"Well done, good and faithfull servant."
Resting now in his Savior's loving arms.
Till we meet again in Glory."

It was a fitting tribute to Erick and his life.
There were many in attendance.
His daughters Trish,Fran and Christine delivered the eulogy.

Below is a recent pic I took of Eric at his home.
In his younger days he was a  keen collector of mechanical toys.
We had an enjoyable time winding them up.

Eric and Florence and good friends Ruth and David

The Gospel under Canvas

I have in my possession a copy of the book  "The Gospel under Canvas, Sermons for Salvation. by E.C.Henrichsen as compiled by Arnold C. Caldicott.
I had the privilege of knowing E. C.Henrichsen's daughter Mrs Lucy Kruger when she and her husband David were members of the Church of Christ in Grote St. Adelaide.
Arnold Caldicott was our Pastor there for some years as well.
I am thinking I will make a PDF of the book as there does not seem to be a copy for viewing on the internet.
While at a friends place today we were going through old photographs in his family collection.
The 2 pics below were obviously in a tent Gospel meeting and may have been at one of E.C. Henrichsen's meetings.
In fact looking at his picture in the  book, the man at the front by the pole is a striking resemblance.
If you enlarge the blackboard it is a classic presentation of  the steps to salvation as taught by Churches of Christ in that era and one I have no contention with.
"Buried with Christ" refers to  being buried with Christ through your Baptism as outlined in Romans 6.
In these meetings people who came forward for receiving Christ were often baptised on the same night or soon after.
So watch this space for when I post a copy of the book.
It is fascinating to see all the hats on the ladies.
If you would like me to email a PDF copy please contact me on my email address.
The book was printed in 1957.
I have many of Arnold's taped sermons so when I get some spare time will post one of his sermons on my Life Changing Christian Sermons Blog.
Photos from Joe Brooks Collection courtesy of Phil Brooks

"The Coming World Recognition of the Messiah" by Pastor Harold Long

The following taped address is from a series of prophetic messages given by Harold Long in 1978.
This one was on 24/9/78.
I may post some of the others at a later date.
The titles were :
"The Coming World Snatching Away" (The Rapture)
"The Coming World Religion"
"The Coming World Government"
"The Coming World Dictator"
"The Coming World War"
"The Coming World Role of Israel"
and this one.
They were part of the evening gospel service of the Church of Christ at Grote St. Adelaide South Australia.
Harold was the Minister who God used to bring me to Him.
We had the privilege of Harold and also Frank Hunting(on this blog) as our joint Pastors in partnership.
They complimented each other beautifully and had worked in tandem before in other churches.
Harold was very strong on Bible prophecy and also evangelism.
On this tape there is a Bible reading by both Ministers.
Both Ministers are now with their Lord.
You will not hear preaching like this in too many Churches these days.
The message is still as relevant as ever.
It may be that the Lord Jesus returns today or in several years time but if you are alive at the time will you be ready?