A few weeks after the Willard, OH, conference of June 9, 2000, I defended my "shocking teaching" (that believers must believe certain truths) at another conference in Baldwin, MI. Between the Willard conference and this one, I had fielded many private objections, forcing me to hone my presentation to a finer point. But there was a problem.

 

At the beginning of the conference, I was taken aside and told that I should not speak on the topic of "What is a Believer." Why? I had "upset some people," I was told, "and those people are here today." I seriously considered shelving my talk out of respect for the conference organizers, some of whom were my elders. But I was building a tape series on the topic, and I knew that the points I would be presenting here would provide added understanding to what I considered "loose ends" from June 9. I weighed everything out in my mind while standing in front of the organizers, and I said, "I'm sorry, but I'm pressed in spirit to do this. I know I am speaking personally to this gathering today—and I am sorry if I offend anyone—but this tape series will be heard by perhaps thousands over the years, and it is more important that I speak to THEM."

 

The organizers were not happy, but this teaching was fresh on my mind (I was "full of it"), and I was afraid to let any more time lapse. Besides, I wanted the pressure of a live audience, as this focused my concentration like nothing else. "I'll tell you what," I said. "I'll think about it." Their relief lasted up until I took the podium thirty minutes later, unfurled my notes, and began.

 

The opposition was palpable, but listening to this message twenty-one years later, I can't detect a shred of hesitation in my voice. I was so convicted about this topic—and still am—that the topic took over and directed ME over the next hour. In fact, much of the opposition in that room melted away (I could feel it) as point after logical point hit home, into the hearts of the hearers.

 

It is my prayer that this message hits YOUR heart as well. How can we tell the truth to people if we don't grasp the otherworldly forces opposing it? The forces opposing us are so powerful that they keep those to whom we would bring the truth from hearing our positive declaration. The clutter of lies must therefore be exposed before the smooth road of truth can be laid.

 

I am once again indebted to Rodney Paris of Texas, who took the cassette tape of this conference address, digitized it, and set it to enthralling video, so that an entirely new generation of listeners could ponder these things of consequence.

 

I commend this message to you, and to the Lord Jesus Christ, Who inspired it.

 

—Martin Zender