JUNE 2011 NEWSLETTER

Maybe you remember the Rembrandt (1635 A.D.) painting depicting the Genesis 22 account of the angel of the LORD preventing Abraham from killing his son. For years this chapter was the most demanding chapter in the Bible for me; theologically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Can you relate?

God asks His servant to sacrifice his son, Isaac, whom he loves. It’s a test and Abraham passes. The ram is in the thicket. Abraham, of course, had to make his decision on the dark road to Mount Moriah when everything was perplexing and he didn’t know how the story would end. Our American ears may perceive the passage as dark, cruel and barbaric. How could God ask Abraham to do this?

Isn’t it a great lesson on faith as well as a beautiful allusion to the GOSPEL?  Martin Luther once read this passage to his children for family devotions and his wife, Katie, couldn’t believe God would do such a thing. She said God would never have treated a son like that, but Luther replied, “But He did.” God treated His son that way by sacrificing the son whom He loved, Jesus, on the altar of the cross to make a way of salvation for all. Many people are not aware that Calvary, Golgotha-the place of the skull-is actually a part of Mount Moriah. What imagery … what significance …. what a Savior.

To many, the cross is foolishness, nonsense, absurd, moronic, ridiculous and insane. A crucified Savior is viewed as an oxymoron and so uncool. But to those who get this gracious, scandalous Gospel … it is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe. GRACE ADVENTURES exists to faithfully introduce people to the Jesus of the Bible and to tell the grand story that one man could die on an ancient hill 2000 years ago in an obscure part of the world on a bloody cross and thereby shape the destiny of every person who was ever lived. There is even an empty tomb to prove it. It’s disturbing that so many today are trying to synthesize the gospel into a fashionable, eloquent, clever message that actually shrinks Jesus. Many churches are reinventing, reshaping and repackaging Jesus in an effort to impress an itchy eared world that craves a god made in their own image. Many end up with a loving God who has no wrath, people without sin, Christ without a cross, eternity without hell and salvation without repentance.  Drink deeply into the picture above and the biblical GOSPEL. You can’t help but be amazed by grace and love Jesus more.

The same gospel that impacted the world so mightily 2000 years ago is the same gospel we make known today.  The following are a few highlights from this past month:

MINISTRY  MULTIPLICATION

God’s favor! Let me give you a glimpse of one morning last week. The day started with a brand new study starting with governmental leaders in St. Tammany Parish. What an answer to prayer to see some of our highest elected leaders commit to a weekly Bible study and begin to discover who Jesus really is. This was followed by an appointment that led to sharing the gospel by using the BRIDGE illustration.  It was exciting to see someone move from one side of the bridge to another through faith in Jesus. Later that morning I lead a Bible study on the book of Romans for leaders who have not previously been in a Bible study. What excitement. It doesn’t get any better than this. This is who the Good News is for. One man wants to get together for lunch and talk more. I have been praying for open doors and now my cup runneth over with opportunities to share the gospel and meet with leaders. In the course of the month I have had the opportunity to meet with the Parish President, our area Mayors, State reps, Police Chiefs, judge, Parish Councilmen and many attorneys. Many are now in a Bible studies.

NEXT 52-DAY CHALLENGE

Remember GRACE ADVENTURES is called to reach business and political leaders, but also to serve Spiritual leaders. Over the next 52 days my goal is to reach out to as many Spiritual leaders as possible. I will share the ministry of GRACE ADVENTURES and invite pastors, missionaries and para-church leaders to join a monthly Leader Forum. These forums will be designed to provide a safe, refreshing and encouraging place for spiritual leaders to practice soul care that contributes to longevity, friendships and fruitfulness.

WEDDING JUNE 11th

I have conducted many a wedding but never one for a son. It will be a profound privilege to officiate Jonathan and Patricia’s wedding in Mesquite, Texas on June 11. Jonathan and Patricia each have just found new jobs in Dallas and will be living in the city. Happy Day!!

WEBSITE GOSPEL PRESENTATION

Check out the website at www.graceadventures.info. I have posted a clear new presentation of the gospel story that starts at CREATION and then goes through the FALL, REDEMPTION and RECREATION. You may find it useful as you help others understand the heart of God.

BOOK

I have picked out a publisher. The book is going through final editing over the next 2-3 weeks. We are starting to work though book-cover and layout design. I am hopeful the book will be printed in the next 6-8 weeks.

PRAYER

I’ve been praying Colossians 4:2-6: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”