A Shout Out to Two Friends

Eli and I have a coded language to refer to a series of events a couple years ago. "The Tragedy" or "The Event" is our way of reminiscing back to the days when Hyper-Preterism seemed to be running rampant amongst our circle of friends. For months, this damnable heresy was spreading like gangrene. It was ruining lives; ruining friendships. In the process I lost my best friend, Scotty, and 6 other close friends. This was the most difficult trial the Lord has brought into my life. Thankfully, I had many close friends to support me.

Two friends from our old circle stuck with me through it all: Eli and Adam.

Eli and I met at Stapley Bucks 3 or 4 years ago? I don't recall exactly how we met. We probably noticed each other's Bible and striked up a conversation. Eli was there at the beginning of our group's formation. We'd sit and talk about theology all the time. All the time. What I appreciated about Eli was his passion for the Scriptures. Every day after work, he would read his Bible at Bucks for hours on end. Like Apollos, Eli is "mighty in the Scriptures." He is also passionate about evangelism, and of course, theology =) - which is why we got along so well. Our friendship always felt natural. I still remember two key passages that he would regularly cite: (1) Ephesians 1:13, that every believer has been baptized by the Holy Spirit (compare this with 1 Corinthians 12:13), and (2) Romans 10:9. I learned a lot from him.

When Hyper-Preterism began destroying lives and our apologetics ministry, Eli and I had the same view of how to handle the situation. We contacted the elders of East Valley Bible Church to warn them that two of their regular attendees (both serving in our ministry) were spreading this damnable heresy. Eli and I resigned from that ministry at the same time. I honestly do not think I could have faced these specific trials on my own. God was gracious to give Eli the same convictions He gave me. And I didn't have to face that terrible time alone. He defended the truth before East Valley's elders. He defended my reputation, when articles, books, and other forms of slander were being distributed about me. Most importantly, he remained a constant source of encouragement to me.

For the past 6 months, I have been blessed by hanging out with Eli, and his wife Heather, once again. Our friendship has only grown stronger. Eli and I have a perspective of these trials that no one else has: a first person perspective. We know the whole story of what happened. Nearly everyone else has second hand information. I believe it is because we faced these trials together that our friendship has increased.

But there is more than the bad times. In good times, Eli has been a faithful friend to me. He loves the Lord. He is a God-fearing man, who loves his wife and kids. He is an example to me. I can honestly say that I look forward to years of friendship with Eli.

Who might the other fellow be? Adam Prather =).

It was a week before I resigned from our apologetics ministry that I pulled Adam aside one night while we were at Bucks. I took a chance by opening up to him and explained the situation to him. I informed him about my plans to resign from the ministry and call a meeting with East Valley's elders. Adam responded with more support and encouragement than I expected. Since that night he has proven that he is trustworthy. He has become one of my confidants.

Adam was also a part of our old circle of friends. When we began splitting up because I wouldn't tolerate heresy, Adam was there to back me up. The next few months involved dozens of encounters with our old friends, who had become Hyper-Prets. This caused in us a renewed passion and zeal for the return of Jesus Christ. We were excited for the resurrection, for the final day of judgement, and for the new heavens and earth. We spent hours trying to persuade friends to repent, as well as defend orthodoxy.

In case you were wondering, I also met Adam in Starbucks - at almost the exact table I first met Eli! (weird). The first night we met, we must have appeared to be polar opposites. He was in a suit, I was in shorts and a t-shirt. He had the KJV, I had an NIV. Right off the bat we began talking about Calvinism. Eventually, Adam embraced the Doctrines of Grace, ptL.

Since that time, he has demonstrated a constant desire to know God's Word, and handle it aright. I have seen him mature in his walk with the Lord, and it has been a blessing to witness. Adam is the kind of guy I can talk to about anything, and he listens well. He has a gentle spirit about him. He is a good friend.

The test of time has proven the worth of my friendships with Eli and Adam. They are godly men with whom I can trust. Through the good and the rough times, they have stuck with me, and supported me. I can only say thank you to them, and hope I can return the love they give to me. I could not have made it without you guys.

To two of my best friends, God bless you.

Your Brother in the Saving Faith,
Casey