Recently the VW mailbox received a notice from someone representing "Another.. Voice in the Wilderness." Suggesting I go check it out. That, perhaps, I might even want to become "involved" with it.

After checking it out, I also went surfing a bit to see how many "other" Voice in the Wildernesses there may be out there, as it's been a while since I've done any surfing..as VW keeps me quite busy. There are a few. Each, with a unique "flavor."

This expression "another...VW" reminded me of commercials that run on TV in the United States periodically. The Bible appears on the screen, and mention is made of the "Testament of Jesus Christ." Then, in serpentine cleverness, the question is raised, "Have there been any 'other' testaments about Jesus?" Then appears the "Book of Mormon." As the words continue, expressing the value of "Another testament..." the Bible fades away, and left standing is the Book of Mormon.

Paul wrote, "if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." -- Gal 1:9 With the boldness of the Holy Spirit, Peter proclaimed about Jesus, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." -- Acts 4:12

One can browse along at the "Athens/Acropolis" wending one's way through the path of "homesteaders" through Wicca, New Age, Christianity Bashing, etc. and come to one version of "A Voice..." You would find ecumenism as their desire, and casual "flippancy" regarding God in their links.

Athens was a collecting point for all sorts of worldly human "wisdom" and idolatry.(Acts17:16) While Paul presented Christ at the Acropolis he did not sink in roots there, but rather "departed from among them" and those so inclined "joined him."(vs33-34)

John the Baptist, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness," when he saw the religious leaders coming, retorted, "Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance." (Mt3:7-8) His message was, "Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight."

No, he was not "ecumenical." And when he considered the coming of Jesus, was so filled with awe that he said, "He...is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose." (Jn1:27)

Some "other" Voices on the "Web" will include warnings about reproducing their materials. As most of you should know by now, anything presented on "this" Voice is encouraged to be "freely copied." Sometimes I chuckle to myself when a subscription request comes in, asking "what the costs" might be...when it is represented as "FREE Subscription." Occasionally someone will ask if it's OK to copy VW articles for further distribution or inclusion on BBS's or other mailing lists. The answer is always the same. "Yes. Please do so." Just, please, do not edit or truncate them.

Paul wrote to the "wealthy" Corinthians that his ministry to them had been "free of charge."(2Cor11:7) The Gospel message is FREE. The Holy Spirit is "freely given" to us.(1Cor2:12) Nor can we work our way to Eternal Life. "Not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Eph2:9)

The message of THIS "A Voice in the Wilderness" is the same as it was 2000 years ago:

"This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' " And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. (John 1:15-18) "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! ...Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight. ...bear fruits worthy of repentance...even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire...He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (~Mt 3:2-12)

This is the message of "A Voice in the Wilderness"

As for your host, I share the sentiments of the Apostle, "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."(1Cor2:2) And my personal goals.."Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."(1Cor4:1-2) And also... "Therefore we make it our aim...to be well pleasing to Him."(2Cor5:9)

Amen!