Greetings to each of you in the Lord’s name. I am grateful for this new year and excited about the work I’ve already been able to do in the past month.
Ironically, my big news in this report has to do with something I’ve decided not to do. After weeks of thought and prayer, I have made the decision to cancel my plans to publish Brass Tacks as a monthly paper. For a number of years I have been trying to begin this project to help counteract the progressivism at work in many local churches, but it has finally become apparent that I am not going to be able to do this.
I am still concerned about the issues involved in the progressive movement, but I am not capable at this point of taking on the monthly deadline of an eight-page journal. With the health issues I have struggled with the past year, it would not be wise to embark on a project that would have me constantly staring down the gun barrel of a monthly deadline.
In the absence of Brass Tacks as a monthly paper, I will do all I can to use my influence on the subjects the paper would have discussed. I will use my website as a platform for writing on the topic, and I will preach and teach on these issues publicly as I have the opportunity. In time, I would like to produce a set of study lessons on progressivism that could be used by individuals and congregations.
So thanks for your patience while I have tried to get Brass Tacks started. Giving up the idea of doing it has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I truly wanted to do it, and letting go of this project was not easy for me personally. But I believe it will free me to focus on other work with a greater energy.
I have begun writing Obeying the Gospel, the next volume in the WordPoints Daybook Series. The early pages have been enjoyable to write, and I have the feeling that this is going to be a valuable piece of work, if the Lord gives me the opportunity to complete it.
I have several gospel meetings scheduled this year, and it is going to be exciting to return to the pulpit. Lord willing, I will be in Helena AL, Tyler TX, Pasadena TX, Muscle Shoals AL, Hendersonville TN, Greencastle IN, and Tampa FL, as well as a few other places that have not yet been confirmed.
My health situation is improving in some ways. Although there are some other issues that are still ongoing, my hip is finally doing better. I am walking more or less normally, and on most days I am free of pain. As test results come in, I will update you on the other issues I am facing.
I am very thankful for the financial support that I receive, but even more than that, I am grateful for the emotional support and encouragement that so many of you have extended to me recently. Above all, I am thankful for your prayers. More than any other time in my life, this past year has reminded me how important prayer is, both our own prayers and those of brethren who pray on our behalf. So thank you for every time you have said my name to our Father. I simply could not have made it through the past year without your intercessions for me.
Gary Henry — WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com
