Friday, February 12, 1999 Vol I, Num 3

Sin Separates Us From God

"Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way. When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments." (Exodus 33:3-4 NIV)

A recent television commercial depicts a well dressed man somewhat curious about his whereabouts. In front of him his a huge pile of delicious cookies. He had never tasted anything so good! Beside him is a refrigerator; he opens the door and finds nothing but empty milk cartons. The scene ends as the man screams in horror -- he realizes he is in hell.

Our text today is filled with such a reality. The dream of living in the land of milk and honey was meaningless if God was not with them. What's more, they realized they were to blame. Their sin had caused God to withdraw from them.

It wasn't Adam's sin, or the sins of their fathers -- they were to blame! They were the ones who had fashioned the Golden Calf and made it their god. They were the ones who bowed down and sacrificed to the idol. They were the ones who indulged in revelry. They were the stiff-necked ones. THEY were to blame! And they knew it. And with it, the stunning reality that sin separates us from Holy God.

But even here we find a message of hope. Even here there is a message of grace. For even here, God shows compassion and mercy. Instead of killing them all, instead of striking each with the due wages of their heinous sins, God withdraws to protect them.

Consider this. God so loved the Israelites that as He brought them out of Egypt, He defended them against Pharaoh, He fed them manna and quail, and more. His desire was to be with them. Now He could not. Why? These people He loved so much sinned against Him. God was grieved but even in His grief He still loved them. Indeed, God loves all stiff necks -- especially YOU.

Dear Lord, the reality of our sins causes us great distress. We mourn at the reality that what we have done, or said, or left undone, necessitates Your very presence to be withdrawn from us. O Father, please forgive us. May we find favor in Your eyes again. May we take refuge in Your presence once again. May we Lord, seek to live a life of obedience and not rebellion. We claim the promise of Scripture and acknowledge the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins. Hear us, O Lord, and forgive us, in Jesus precious name . . . Amen.

Together We Pray

For the healing of a mother recently hospitalized with pneumonia.

For a daughter with a cold -- and nothing worse.

For a couple's travel.

For a friend's successful biopsy -- results pending.

For two families in the process of moving inter-city.

For a father's tests and ongoing battle with cancer.

For a Georgia pastor who underwent colon surgery a few weeks ago; he is finally home, and recovering very slowly.

In thanksgiving for a friend who found a very good job.

For a couple struggling in their marriage.

For an abandoned wife with two children (4 and 18); they are moving into an apartment and searching for work.

For a young mother's favorable biopsy results.

For a gentleman injured during a ski accident.

For national and state leaders -- may God grant us a makeup on our "test of character" -- or at least grade us on a serious curve!

In thanksgiving for our young missionary with cancer -- radiation treatment seems to have worked but upcoming surgery will tell for sure. Praise the Lord!!

For a brother wrestling with a call to ministry.

For a nephew experiencing pre-adolescent rebellion.

For those suffering in South America and Honduras as well as those missionaries, pastors, and relief workers who are seeking to help.

For the persecuted in Iraq and Kosovo.

In great gratitude for God's grace, goodness, and love . . . Amen.

Bible Readings (date, read, focus)
Fri Feb 12	Lev 1:1-4:35; Psm 22	Psalm 22:1
Sat Feb 13	Lev 5:1-8:36; Psm 23	Psalm 23:4
Sun Feb 14	Mat 27:25-27:66; Prov 9:1-8	Mat 27:27-32
Mon Feb 15	Mat 28:1-Mark 1:45; Prov 9:9-12	Mat 28:18-20
Tues Feb 16	Mk 2:1-2:28; Prov 9:13-10:2	Mark 2:18
Wed Feb 17	Mk 3:1-3:35; Prov 10:3-5	Mark 3
Thur Feb 18	Mk 4:1-4:41; Prov 10:6-9	Mark 4:24
Fri Feb 19	Mk 5:1-5:43; Prov 10:10-12	Prov 10:10
The complete one year Bible reading plan is available on the Journey Through the Bible web site.

Computer Corner

If you have children in the house, you well know that the most inportant thing a parent can do is introduce their child to Jesus Christ. Doing so, however, is not always easy. Children tend to bore easily and the mind of teens is always on "other things." Last week, my wife and I came across a wonderful web site that is both fun, interactive, entertaining, and presents the truely wonderful story of Jesus Christ in an exciting way.

At kidzplace.org, you and your family will discover how fun and exciting the Gospel message can be. With a online buddy called "Max" your children learn how God created man, and everything else, and how to live in close, personal fellowship. But sin damaged that relationship and God sent Jesus to help resolve our sin problem. Why even if you don't have children, I would encourage you to check out kidzplace.org to hear an effective presentation of God's Good News.

One note, however. Kidzplace.ord is SLOW. Speed is sacrificed due to the interactive nature of the site. May I suggest you open the site and have it ready for your child or children prior to their sitting down in front of the computer. Still, kidzplace.org is some of the good stuff on the Internet.

For other interesting web sites, check out our list of links on the Journey Through the Bible web site.

Testimony: From Russian Skeptic To Christian Seminary Student

"Jesus did not exist." "The Bible is a nonsensical book of children's stories to be referenced for parables and proverbs but certainly not for historical validity."
That was the "party line" on Christ-ianity and the Bible when Larissa Tiouliandina sought her Ph.D. at St. Petersburg State University in St. Petersburg, Russia, in the late 1980s. Tiouliandina is now an M.Div. student attending the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. What happended? God's Word touched her! Tiouliandina had read portions of the Bible in other works of literature but had never seen one herself. From what she did read, Tiouliandina got the idea that the Bible was a world-famous book and, considering herself an educated person, took a closer look. A friend gave her booklet of the Gospels, which Tiouliandina expected would be full of inconsistencies and historical inaccuracies. "But it had a whole mark of truthfulness about it. Jesus did exist." Still she thought, "Jesus was a good man -- just a little crazy -- like most religious figures, who really died for what he believed, but was not, of course, the Son of God."
The plan of salvation and a prayer were printed in the back of the booklet. So, "for the sake of the game," Tiouliandina said, she insincerely prayed the prayer of repentance and forgiveness. "But God heard it and did not leave me alone." . . .
-- Edited from Baptist Press,
February 4, 1999.
Used by permission
Tiouliandina's story is much too long to reprint here. For her complete story, log onto the Journey Through the Bible web site.
Click here to send us your story!

Ministry Needs

Colombian Relief Effort Continues -- The North American Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention has already released $55,000 for tent type sheeting, and other immediate needs. The organization is now accepting contributions to buy much needed clothing for displaced children who have been separated from their families due to the earthquakes. The most effective way you can help at this time is to make donations to the General Disaster Fund of the SBC. The Board is also in the process of sending doctors and nurses into the area to help meet the needs for medical treatment. If you are a physican, and would like to help, e-mail me at pastor_wms@oocities.com at once!

Go See A Movie! How can going to see a movie be a Ministry Opportunity? On Mission magazine said it like this: "Using The Prince of Egypt to find the Prince of Peace" (Jan-Feb 1999).

Read the whole story at Pastor Williams' web site, Journey Through the Bible (Ministry Opportunities). The latest updates and new ministries are also available here.

This is one ministry opportunity you can DEFINITELY become involved with!

Honduras Relief Opportunities -- Baptist Press reports that more than 1 million people across Honduras were left homeless after Hurricane Mitch struck the country in October last year. Many still need help with such basics as food and shelter. If you would like to get involved, Pastor Williams has complied a number of online sites where you can learn more. In addition, check out the International Missions Board's web site for the latest information on Honduras as well as videos and more.

Local Food Pantry Grows Empty -- The Christian Community Ministry (CCM) of Camden, S.C. is currently experiencing a shortage in its food pantry. Leaders are requesting canned goods, especially canned meats of any kind, to help replenish its supplies. For more information contact the center at 803-432-4131

Yes, We're On the Web

Just in case you missed it, Journey Through the Bible is now on the Internet. It's yet another way my wife and I are seeking to proclaim the Gospel everywhere -- no matter what!

Our web site takes advantage of one of the many offers for free web space on the Internet. I chose GeoCities for its clean content but most of all because I believe God put us there for a reason. We've already received requests for the e-letter from sources previously unknown.

Drop by for a visit and be sure to fill out my guest book while you're there.

want more?

e-mail Pastor Williams at ccwms@rocsoft.net for help in overcoming the storms of life, to share prayer concerns, provide feedback, and more. You may also want to visit Pastor Williams on the World Wide Web at www.oocities.org/heartland/hollow/9254. There you can recieve the latest updates on Service/Ministry opportunities, review & print the entire one year Bible reading plan, share prayer concerns, and more.

God loves you! (cf John 3:16)

(c) 1999 Charles J. Williams, Jr., M.Div. All rights reserved.

Bible readings alternate between Old and New Testament selections that journey the reader through the Bible in one year. Reflection verses are suggested sources for daily spiritual growth. When reflecting, ask yourself: "What is God saying to 'me' in the this passage?" and then "What will I say to God in response?"