by J. Randal Matheny

I returned this morning from giving a four-day seminar on Biblical teachings in the northeastern Brazilian city of Salvador. There, I found

• churches faithful to the words of Christ.

• the gospel being preached in new areas, and churches being established.

• people with a vibrant faith, and joy in salvation.

• dedicated Christian workers who toil under difficult circumstances.

Though I returned drained from the seminar (and two night flights), my own faith was encouraged, my own joy renewed. In a day when we're told that we're a bunch of legalists who are going to die out sooner or later, seeing the church in Salvador tells me different.

According to some bright minds, these people in Salvador can't exist. They tell us smugly that the church can't grow when you preach exclusive salvation in Christ, the necessity of obedience for eternal life, immersion for the forgiveness of sins, and worship defined narrowly according to New Testament patterns.

But then smug faces aren't too bothered by the facts.

Nor by the sound doctrine of the true faith.

So we'll just keep the secret of the sound and vibrant life in Christ seen in Salvador between us. To the glory of God.