Our Life Together Vol. 3, Nr. 31 August 8, 1975 Part 1

On one hand this is a rather straight forward exposition of scripture. Ken is exhorting the people to be aware of the deceitfulness of sin. He is being a good pastor; equipping his people for leading a good Christian life. His example of rationalizing adultery reminds me of one of my very early times of "counseling" a person who came forward at the end of a service. This person wanted some guidance. He loved music and his wife couldn't sing of play, but ___ was a wonderful player. They could make so much music together to serve the Lord. Didn't God want them to be together -- he would just quietly divorce his wife and they could serve the Lord together. Over the years, I have heard many similar stories. Ken was right.

On the other hand, Ken was reinforcing the need for the body. We could only keep ourselves right be remaining in relationship with one another and with the Elders. I think that Ken was really right about this, but it also emphasized a major tenet of our community; to be in fellowship keeps us right with God, to be out of fellowship with one another, we just might be out of fellowship with God.
Eleanor Burger was one of our Household Heads; she and her husband George headed up Oaklawn Household. They would later move into another large house and the name would be changed to Bethel. They were two of the older heads of household (at my present age, I realize they weren't really very old.) George was retired from the US Navy. He was in charge of the church maintenance ministry. He was quite capable and kept things operating. He usually had a group of older youth -- some with a few rough edges -- that worked with him in this ministry. I remember that while I was still in the Navy, Eleanor drove a lunch wagon. When I was attending a school, I bought lunch from her. She writes articles in OLT every once in a while. George and Eleanor are still alive and living in Oregon. Eleanor is one of my Face book friends.

Emery passed away just a couple of years ago. He was the "head Elder". He was probably the first member of the church to be "filled with the Spirit." This occurred before Ken came to the church. He was praying for a Spirit Filled pastor -- and here came Ken. Emery was a wonderful support throughout his life at the church. I know I really appreciated him while I was pastor there.