Journey Through The Bible e-letter

The kingdom building ministry of Pastor Charles J. Williams, Jr., M.Div. promoting five Christian disciplines; obedience, prayer, reading and studying the Bible, ministry service, and personal evangelism.  This newsletter version represents the prayerful hope that you will grow closer to God and live the abundant life which only comes through Jesus Christ.

Friday, April 9, 1999

  From God's Word:

  Go And Do Likewise

 

    "But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the a man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on     him. . . ." (Luke 10:33 NIV)

Many believers mistakenly think the only way to serve God is by witnessing door to door, street preaching before reluctant crowds, or forsaking all to answer God's ministry calling.  It's a mindset wrought by years of preaching which overemphasizes evangelism at the expense of ministry service; a mindset that is not only wrong but actually hinders kingdom work which might otherwise be done in God's good name.  Some are called to preach and teach, but as Jesus teaches us today, some believers are to reach out and help where and when help is needed.

    The parable of the Good Samaritan is founded on a simple question posed by a cunning and self-righteous "expert in the law" (vv 25, 29).  His question, recorded for us in verse 29, bears familiarity to that asked today: "how do I do what I know God's Word wants me to do?" Jesus not only provides the seeker an answer but patterns a model for believers today.

    Ministry service grounded on heartfelt love of God and neighbor demonstrates the presence of faith that leads to eternal life.  Believers are not to bypass opportunities of service but are expected to get into the ditches, get involved, and give of oneself if necessary to do what Jesus commands (v 37b).  Such is indeed a powerful message with lasting consequences -- both to individuals, churches and denominations.

    God expects no one to do it all.  Such is why He equips believers with different spiritual gifts.  Some people will never find an injured man or woman in a ditch.  We may, however, discover that there are a great many needs which are not being met.  God's Word shows us what must be done and why -- and in some cases, how to do it.  Your pastor and deacon can help.  They can also prepare and equip you to do what God's Word reveals for you to do.  Talk to them . . . then go and do likewise.

 

Dear Father, You gave Your Word to teach me, to encourage me, and to mold me into the good, pleasing, and perfect image of Your son, Jesus Christ. Help me, I pray, to apply Your word in my life and grow to be the child of God You want me to be. Help me to become involved and remain committed to the task no matter how long it may take. For such is what I recognize You desire of me as Your adopted child . . . In Jesus name, Amen.

Together We Pray

For God to bless us as we seek to help those in need in Honduras via the Honduras Food Project, the Kosovians as opportunities become available, and those within our own community and family as we open our eyes to the needs around us.

    For a Husband and father who was electrocuted and remains in serious condition; thank God for the blessings of family, friends, and the good medical care afforded this brother in Christ during this very trying time.

    For a college student and 16 others preparing for a missions trip to Slovakia this summer.

    For Kosovo: its people and those in harm's way, military personnel seeking to end the brutality and atrocities, relief efforts, and for peace.

    For missionaries in and around Kosovo, especially Bill & Sara Steele, Kyle & Jackie Kirkpatrick, and Lee Bradley.

    For a friend regarding a very important business contract.

    For a child's hearing -- she will have to be tested.

    For a daughter's cough and possible sinus infection.

    For a family who is still looking for a new home.

    For a young man in rebellion and not getting much better.

    In gratitude of the way God is revealing His will over a pool ministry; please pray God will provide leadership and a Summer worker for the project.

    In great gratitude for a sister's second mammogram results.

    For God's presence, provisions and love.  Amen.

Click here to share your prayer concerns and/or updates!

Living By Faith:

They Can't Help If You Don't Use Them

At its inception, the Journey Through the Bible e-letter has been purposed to helping believers live a richer, fuller, more abundant life in Jesus Christ.  For weeks, we've reached people literally all over the globe with that purpose in mind.  It's working!  We've added more than a dozen subscribers this week alone -- that's a new record!  But all this attention, and all our efforts will have been for useless unless you use it.

    As believers, we need to apply what we are learning to be true -- viz., that the full and abundant life includes abiding in Christ each and every day, praying in faith daily, reading and studying God's Word first hand, fellowshipping with believers regularly, ministering and serving needs wherever found, and learning to share our faith naturally.

    The Christian disciplines listed above addresses the very issues Christians struggle with today; struggling with how to reach those around them, how to be more effective Sunday School teachers, Deacons, committee members, and more.  As one new subscriber summarized this week: "I need lots of help!"

    Whether we admit it or not, all believers need help.  But remember, the Journey Through the Bible e-letter can't help you as much as God's Word does.  The e-letter is merely a intermediary between you and God's truth.  It highlights certain Scriptural areas and teachings each week with the intent of drawing you closer to the Living Lord.

    How are you using the e-letter each week?  Better still, how are you using God's Word every day?  One Master of Theology student at Harvard wrote this week: "This place is filled with many non-Christians and your letters would truly help my ministry here."  This young man has a purpose and a goal!  His purpose is to do ministry -- his goal is to be more effective at what he does.

    As we move away from the Easter holidays, may we rededicate ourselves to applying the five spiritual disciplines highlighted in each e-letter.  They can't help if you don't use them . . . and you won't use them unless you make it a point to do so.

    Because I Love Him and You . . . Pastor Williams

 

How has God helped you?  Where have you seen God at work?  Share your story today!

Ministry Needs

Asia Needs 2,000 Evangelicals!  Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japanese and Korean leaders are actually asking for 2,000 Evangelicals to help in partnership campaigns over the next two years. YOU can be a part of this exciting ministry opportunity! Read the whole story and contact information on the JTTB Web site.

 

Honduras Construction Teams -- In addition to the Food Boxes mentioned above, the South Carolina Baptist Convention is working in conjunction with the North Carolina Baptist Convention to help rebuild Honduran homes. The Convention is now seeking volunteers to staff seven construction teams. Dates for the work are April 7-15, May 17-25, June 17-25, July 23-31, August 11-19, September 14-22, and November 2-10.

     If interested in helping, contact me or telephone Cliff Satterwhite, 803-765-0030. And again, share this information with your church and/or church group!

Internet Corner

If you're like me -- and many of you are, you only have one household telephone line. When you're on the internet, you may be missing important telephone calls. Up to now, your caller heard either a busy signal or the phone went unanswered even if you have call waiting. Voice mail helps those who have it but you still miss the call at the time it is made. Now there is a solution.

    Many telephone companies are now offering Caller ID devices that actually displays your callers information when you are using the telephone. With such devices, you no longer have to put your current conversation on hold to learn who is calling you. But what does this have to do with the Internet? A great deal!

    Connect these devices to your computer and it will inform you when someone calls while you're on the Internet. You won't miss a telephone call! Or, if you prefer, you can simply call them back when you done. The name and telephone number of your caller is displayed on the device.

    What could be better? You might get it for FREE! That's right, FREE! Some telephone companies are actually giving the devices away when you sign up for the Caller ID/Call Waiting feature.

    So if you are one of us who shares their home telephone with the Internet, check out this cool device which helps you not miss phone calls . . . its some of the good stuff for the Internet!

 

Have you an idea for "Internet Corner"?  Write us.

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

Want More?

e-mail us at jttb@oocities.com or visit us on the World Wide Web at www.oocities.org/~jttb for the latest updates on Service/Ministry opportunities, the complete one year Bible reading plan, links to web sites that help you grow in Christ, e-letter back issues, biographical data on Pastor Williams, and much more.

God loves you!  (cf John 3:16)

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

Preview subscribers will automatically become subscribers unless we hear from you otherwise.  Send an e-mail to Journey Through the Bible to unsubscribe from this free ministry.  Submitted testimonies and prayer requests are subject to editing by Pastor Williams for length and content.  Bible readings alternate between Old and New Testament selections so as to journey the reader through the Bible in one year.  Reflection verses are suggestions for daily spiritual growth.  When reflecting, ask yourself: "What is God saying to 'me' in the this passage?"  Then ask "What will I say to God in response?"