Years ago as I was wrestling with a decision of where to assemble with other believers and worship (commonly referred to as "go to church") a wise elder told me that I would eventually have to get OUT of any denomination I chose. There were no "grace churches" in my area, which recognized the distinctiveness of Paul's ministry. I remember questioning my friend about WHY I could not remain a part of some group, as I had been for several years prior to learning the principals of right division. I was disheartened by our conversation when he insisted that it "wouldn't work" for me to stay within the circle of Christianity where I had been since being saved. He said I wouldn't be accepted. I was surprised and con- fused to think I would not be permitted to continue my fellowship. What difference would my better understanding of the scriptures have? Wouldn't they be glad about my increased knowledge of the Word? I thought of numerous people I could hardly wait to tell of my discovery of the revelation of the mystery! "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery. Eph. 3:9. I was excited and eager to talk about Paul's apostle ship to the Gentiles! Praying for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel ... that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak' Eph. 6:19-20. My "old" friend was predicting doom and gloom for me if I stayed in traditional denomination, and I didn't believe him. I had such good news, I felt all my acquaintances would be rejoice to hear it! He explained that I had these three following options:

1) I could get kicked out.
2) I could sell out.
3) I could come out.

If I openly shared my new-found understanding, I would not be allowed in their congregation. That's being kicked out. If I wanted to stay with them, the only way they would permit me to remain was to be completely quiet about the doctrine. That's selling out. The other response was for me to leave their assembly and talk to them as I would have opportunity outside their established building. That's coming out. My decision was to defy these three outs and spread this mystery message to them all! I got a large supply of tracts and paperback books and began handing them out to everyone who would take one in the parking lot after services. I gave them to the pastor and the deacons as well. My activities were swiftly put to a halt with a meeting by the board where I was instructed to "Immediately STOP propagating my heresy. " Letters were issued to their membership to disassociate with me. I was quickly labeled a trouble- maker and accused of causing division. Badly hurt and saddened, I recalled the counsel of my aged friend.

Although I tried to avoid it, his "three outs" had proved to be true. Being quiet with the message was never a consideration for me. "Let a man so account of us, us of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of 'the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful " I Cor. 4:1-2. 1 was never willing to be silent with such glorious truth. Since I wasn't welcome in denominations, I broadcasted the message by radio. To make a long story short, several families responded, and now we meet together for Bible study twice weekly on a regular basis. ",and the things that thou hast heard of me (Paul) among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful met4 who shall be able to leach others also" 2 Tim. 2:2. So now I have a platform and listeners who are enthusiastic about right division. I am encouraged to see the men (and women) in our group learning to handle the Bible for themselves, and becoming confident wit- nesses, for they have "received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God" I Thess 2:13. They have been charged "that they teach no other doctrine" I Tim. 1:3. I was naive many years ago and thought folks would rejoice in the amazing grace of God of which they sang. Now that I am older and wiser, I have found myself giving the very advise that I once tried to ignore. Many denominations preach Jesus, but only as He was in the flesh (in the four gospels). Paul says, "yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more" 2 Cor 5:16. We must recognize the difference! Paul explains the establishment of the believer by "my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery' Rom. 16:25. Many Christians today are like children, "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine Eph 4:14. God desires us to "grow up" (vs. 15). I had an innocent hope that I would not run into stiff opposition from whom I thought were fellow soldiers. That was prior to my personal experience of the "three OUTS." Regardless of how many or how few stand with me, in the pattern of my apostle, "I am set for the defence of the gospel " Phil 1: 7 and 17. 1 identify with Paul and his companions who "had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention' I Thess. 2:2. Several preachers I know will not openly preach the doctrines they believe (whether they share mine or deny them). They will admit them privately only if pressed by someone who can interpret their deceptive language. They attempt to indoctrinate people without notice by using subtle phrases that cannot be detected by simple minds; I will not hide the wondrous truth I now understand. "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel ac- cording to the power of god " 2 Tim. 1:8. I'm always "up front" with doctrine. "But (we) have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftness. nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every many conscience in the sight of god " 2 Cor 4:2. Unlike others I just mentioned, I don't try to sneak the doctrine in on anyone. "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at, Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured. - But out of them the entire Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" 2 -Tim. 3:10-12. Now in agreement with my elder mentor, I believe you'll have one of three outs, too. It is my hope that you'll not choose to be silent. Paul suffered imprisonment for his mystery message. "Withal praying for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak" Col 4:3-4. Count me OUT of de- nominations. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not en- tangled again with the yoke of bondage" Gal 5: 1. We were not given the mystery to sit on, but to stand for!

This is David Dowell speaking up and saying, "Think about it! Over and OUT!