“I’m seriously contemplating leading a weekly interactive online Bible study experience possibly entitled “Digging Deeper” (perhaps kickoff in August). Anyone interested? It would feature an inductive approach to Scripture… Participative, not simply presentation oriented – guided – not simply lecture delivery. Searching for the best app platform for that kind of delivery… You that have been doing “online church” for awhile – recommendations (and reasons)?”
Well, this dream is about to be realized in early September!!! It will be a cooperative endeavor with the Assemblies of God “Bible Engagement Project” (BEP) under the able leadership of a former student, Jon Catron. It will be a weekly online interactive Bible study via Zoom – “100 Great Passages of the Bible” … Be watching for further announcements!!!
Sharon and I are privileged to have RG Huff and Carlita Huff as our neighbors… A wonderful Christian couple who have a long history of serving as Ministers of Music at several churches.
Rg Huff posted the following this morning on FB – his composition – the lyrics and suggested music for a wonderful hymn (a prayer really) for cleansing and renewal. I post it here with his permission…
God of Renewal, Growth and Change Text: R. G. Huff
“God of renewal, growth and change, in our disorder, rearrange all wand’ring thoughts and wayward steps, corrupted motives, secrets kept.
“Here we admit we lean t’ward sin. Your restoration now begin. Into our darkness, transfer light; from drab of gray, show colors bright.
“Stunted in our maturity, settling for less than we could be. Nourish our lives; feed heart and soul that we might flourish in our role.
“Much of our path is still the same. Struggles and brokenness remain. Alter our plans, our dreams renew. This is our goal: to model you.”
Suggested Tune: MARYTON (“O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”)
“Search me Oh God and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! See if there by any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24)
Some experiences just have a “contagious” aura or aspect to them! We find ourselves telling others about them – it’s like we can’t help ourselves! For example: Getting a “great deal” … Experiencing a place with absolutely stunning scenery… A wonderful, delicious meal with attentive service at a great new restaurant… Having a “once in a lifetime experience… Meeting a new friend and experiencing their wholesome, uplifting, stimulating fellowship…
Now those last two are ones I read about this morning in the Bible during my time of “coffee with the Lord!” … A life-changing encounter with Christ! And the “contagious” aspect of that? The resultant “testimony” of that encounter!
The Passage? John 1:35-51 You really need to read it for yourself!
John the Baptist is hanging out with two of his disciples… Jesus happens to walk by and John feels compelled to proclaim to them, “Look! The Lamb of God!” (Not only declaring Jesus was the one who would fulfill Bible prophetic imagery but that He would be the great redemptive “sin bearer!”) I call this one “The Power of Pointing” (pointing out the incredible significance and importance of Jesus Christ to others).
These two guys heard John, and they started to follow Him… Jesus saw them do it and asked, “What do you want?” They wanted to get to know this “Lamb of God” that John had pointed out, and replied, “Rabbi (Teacher), where are you staying?” Jesus said, “Come and see.” And what an afternoon! They ended up spending the rest of the day with Him… Getting to know Jesus, listening to Him, asking questions and frankly being “blown away” by who He was! I call this one, “The Power of Personal Encounter” – and frankly you’ll NEVER be the same after meeting Jesus Christ in a personal way!
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one who spent the afternoon with Jesus. The first thing he does after that experience is find Simon Peter and say to him, “We have found the Messiah (that is the Christ)!” And then Andrew brought his brother to meet Jesus! And Jesus changed Peter’s life! I call this, “The Power of a Testimony!” Listen, NEVER be ashamed, timid, or apologetic about sharing your personal experience with the Lord!” Apostle Paul had it right when he said, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel! It is the power of God for salvation to all who believe!” (Romans 1:16-17)
The next day, Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. He found Philip, and said to Him, “Follow me.” Before they left, Philip found Nathanael and told him “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote!” Just then Jesus did something absolutely mind-boggling and miraculous – He prophetically, with Divine foreknowledge, read Nathaniel’s pedigree in detail! Nathanael’s response? “Rabbi, you are the Son of God!” And this one I call “The Power of the Miraculous” to draw people to the Lord. So if Jesus has done something absolutely miraculous and mind-boggling for you, don’t be afraid to share it… and furthermore, don’t be afraid to encourage people to trust God to do the miraculous in their lives – pray with them about it and see what God can do!
Hey, if you meet Jesus in a personal way it will forever change your life! Not only that, it’s “contagious!”
