SOUNDING
OUT:
Home Bible Fellowships
As I reflect back over my
fifty years Im so thankful for the privilege I have had
of doing so many different things in my life. My exposure
to so many different things as aided me so much in helping
people with Gods Word. Experiences ranging from the Detroit
ghetto to an Indiana farm, from an Ivy league school to
boot-camp in the Army, from being alone in a new place
not knowing anyone to living with a wonderful wife and
6 kids and 500 hundred other people in a huge building,
from being in a controlling cult to enjoying my freedom
in Christ with a wonderful household of believers, have
all given me insight and background for helping people.
But of all the things and
experiences I have ever enjoyed, nothing has had the profound
impact on me as a simple home Bible fellowship. Since
1968 when I committed myself to meet with a friend everyday
in my freshman year of college until now there is nothing
that compares to the impact of a simple home Bible fellowship
on my life.
The Word of God is so absolutely
wonderful. It has brought such deliverance to me and my
family, I cannot begin to document it. The small groups
meeting informally and regularly in the home to explore
Gods wonderful matchless Word were such wonderful environments
for growth and opportunities of service.
Ive participated in healings
of colds and cancer, of broken bones and broken hearts,
spiritual captivity and spiritual new-birth. It still
astonishes and amazes me what God can do with a small
group of believers, unencumbered with religious tradition
and legalism, and committed to God and one another. Gods
Word works when we work it. Gods grace leads the way
and signs, miracles and wonders follow His Word.
Isaiah 55:11:
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:
it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish
that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing
whereto I sent it.
Gods Word never returns
void, and when likeminded workmen pursue it in a family
atmosphere of intimacy and love growth occurs that is
unparalleled to anything else I have ever seen or heard
anywhere. Id like to encourage you to find a convenient
intimate home Bible fellowship in your neighborhood. If
you cannot find one, why not start one.
No one has to be the lone
ranger. There are many materials available to help you
get started. Our family has moved more times than Id
like to count, and each new area we have successful started
home fellowships. My wife is the best I have ever seen
at talking to people and making them feel loved and comfortable.
After all God promised that if we plant and water, He
will give the increase. The Body of Christ is so big and
so varied that Im sure you can find a place to call home.
Ive spent years sharpening
my skills at stimulating, encouraging, and facilitating
home-based Bible fellowships, but that doesnt compare
to the thrill and excitement of simply walking by the
spirit and letting God lead the way.
Romans 8:14:
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they
are the sons of God.
The ministry of reconciliation
is our right as Gods kids. The family of God has all
the resources necessary. God has provided everything we
need for our grand adventure except our freewill decision
to proceed. When Peter was given the opportunity to walk
on water, he had to get out of the boat himself, and when
he did he gained a new intimacy and communion with God
that he had not know before. Sure, we may be faced with
many challenges, but when we hear the invitation, Come.
We still must get out of the boats weve been sitting
in.
One thing I have learned
in the over 35 years Ive had a personal relationship
with God is that, What He has promised He is able also
to perform. The home family fellowship provides such
a fruitful and productive arena for acknowledging not
only what we have personally in Christ, but also our responsibilities
collectively in the Body of Christ. We are members one
of another, and I know of no better place to learn about
than a sweet fertile home Bible fellowship. My prayer
for all of us is from Philemon verses 3-6:
Philemon 3-6:
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my
prayers,
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward
the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual
by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in
you in Christ Jesus.
Phillips Brooks said of
the Bible:
The Bible is like a telescope.
If a man looks through his telescope, then he sees worlds
beyond; but if he looks at his telescope, then he does
not see anything but that. The Bible is a thing to be
looked through, to see that which is beyond.
Im thankful to be starting
2002 with you. Seeing one another as God does, and explore
the panoramic view of what lies before us as we walk out
on Gods wonderful, matchless Word.
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