Do you have a favorite Bible app?

A few weeks back I preached on the importance of becoming Biblically literate and recommended some tools to help read and understand the Bible. We talked about the use of study Bibles, concordances, Bible dictionaries, and reading the Bible on your smartphone.

I had just downloaded the Bible.is app which relates to a wonderful organization “Faith Comes by Hearing.” Their download includes an audio version. There are a number of Bible versions to choose from, including a number of languages. It also has Bible reading and listening plans such as reading the Bible in a year  or listening to the New Testament in 40 days. I think you would be blessed by this program.

There is also My Sword which has some interesting applications in addition to Bible reading.  There is a Strong’s Lexicon and you will also find different translations, commentaries, Bible dictionaries, books, and maps with a place to write some notes. This is downloaded to your phone. I find that these two apps give a lot of opportunity to read and study the Bible, even when I am away from my computer of do not have my big study Bible and other tools along.

You can read about these two apps at the following websites:

http://www.mysword.info/

http://www.bible.is/android

I was recently asked about recommendations I have about Bibles to download to the phone. I like both of these, but I would be interested in hearing from others about other recommendations to help others in finding a good app to aid people in studying the Bible through today’s technology.

The BIBLE is TRUSTWORTHY

Next week is marked on the calendar as national Bible week. Since our GodQuest small groups have focused upon the reliability of the Bible, I wanted to write something that  relates to that. This is particularly the case since this year also marks the 400^th anniversary of the King James Bible. It has been the most influential book in modern history and has had a profound impact upon our nation. Recently, I read the following words of author Paul Gutjahr regarding George Washington taking the oath of office on a copy of the King James Bible. “Chancellor Livingston read the form of oath prescribed by the Constitution; Washington repeated it, resting his hand upon the Bible. Mr. Otis, secretary of the Senate, then took the Bible to raise it to the lips of Washington who stooped to kiss the book.” (Gutjahr in An American Bible: A History of the Good Book in the United States, 1777-1880)

On Sunday evening, in our small group, we discussed the complete trustworthiness of the Bible. It is fascinating to realize that the Bible stands up to the most careful scrutiny. Because of the 25,000 ancient manuscripts, it passes the bibliographical test. This means that there are so many more manuscripts that are much closer to the time originally written than any other ancient writing. Not only is that true but we also know that archaeology only confirms the reliability and accuracy of the words we read in the Bible. Through the centuries, scribes who copied the words of Scripture were careful and even destroyed all they wrote if they made even one mistake in copying.

One of the greatest Biblical scholars was Robert Dick Wilson. Notice the following statement that he made in his book, A Scientific Investigation of the Old Testament. “In 144 cases of transliteration from Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian and Moabite into Hebrew and in 40 cases of the opposite, or184 in all, the evidence shows that for 2300 to 3900 years the text of the proper names in the Hebrew Bible has been transmitted with the most minute accuracy…. There are about forty of these kings living from 2000 B.C. to 400 B.C. Each appears in chronological order…with reference to the kings of the same country and with respect to the kings of other countries…no stronger evidence for the substantial accuracy of the Old Testament records could possibly be imagined that this collection of kings. Mathematically, it is one chance in 750,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 that this accuracy is mere circumstance…. The proof that the copies of the original documents have been handed down with substantial correctness for more than 2,000 years cannot be denied.”

The Bible is accurate and it is the truth for us today just as much as for those living when the words were written. I think the reason that humans do not believe the Bible is more of a heart problem than a head problem. With the head, we must admit it is absolutely reliable according to all the standards set by historians and linguists. However, our problem is that we would rather not believe it. We prefer to go our way and do our thing. We rebel against the authority and righteousness of God.

Perhaps Mark Twain in his own unique style best summarized the reason that so many have chosen not to believe the Bible.

“It ain’t those parts of the Bible that I can’t understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”

GODQUEST FRIEND DAY AT ST. PAUL UMC

Sunday, October 16^th at Our Morning Worship Service

Unchurched Friends and Neighbors Join Us

GodQuest Small Groups Kickoff

GodQuest Sermon Series begins

Fellowship Meal after the Service

Inviting friends is the Biblical way.

John 1:40-42 (NKJV)
⁴⁰ One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹ He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).

Have you signed up for a Small Group?

 The church campaign for this Fall Semester is GodQuest. One group is already full so sign up soon. It is going to be great fun. Let me give you some reasons that you need to sign up for one of the Small Groups.

1. 1. A Small Group will help you grow spiritually.
2. 2. You will connect with others who will love and pray for you.
3. 3. These Small Groups do not last forever as they begin the week of October 16 and end in December.
4. 4. Groups generally meet for an hour and a half each session.
5. 5. GodQuest groups help you answer the big questions about life.

Look at the options that you have in our catalog and choose a group. Let’s go on a GodQuest.

It’s the Adventure of a Lifetime!

Quest: It means to go on a journey in pursuit of something valuable, and in this life, there’s nothing more adventurous than searching for and discovering something, or someone, greater than ourselves. Join one of our small groups as we explore truths and compelling evidence for the existence of God, the beginning of the universe, the reliability of the Bible, the problem of pain and suffering, and the identity of Jesus. It’s a journey you won’t forget!

A recent study by the Barna Group found that 59% of Americans and 40% of born-again Christians believe that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. With the dizzying array of spiritual options, and the increased acceptance of universalism (that all people will eventually go to heaven), is it any wonder that people are confused? This is a wake-up call for churches to focus on the core beliefs of the Christian faith—and on Jesus as the one true path to God.

Title of Book: GodQuest Guidebook                                                                                                                                                                        Author: Sean McDowell and Jennifer Dion

SUN 01                       “GODQUEST”               Sunday 6:00 PM           To Be Announced                    [Randy Thomas]

THUR 01                    “GODQUEST”              Thursday 9:30 AM        To Be Announced                    [Norma Creecy]

THUR 02                    “GODQUEST”             Thursday 7:00 PM           To Be Announced                 [Lavelle Stewart]

FRI 01                        “Be Worshipful (Psalms 1-89)”   Friday 9:30-11:30 AM     Golden Friendship Classroom    [Sharon Woods]

• Title of Book: Be Worshipful
• Author: Warren Wiersbe
• Cost: $8.99

Beloved teacher Dr. Warren Wiersbe leads the journey through the valleys and mountains of Old Testament kings and queens, illuminating the painful confessions, the anger toward God and the holy desires they modeled for generations to come. It’s the unsalted, vulnerable grit of human experience that gives Psalms its credibility and makes it so valuable for building a real relationship with God.

EASY ONE-STEP SIGN UP:

1. 1. Sign-up on the Blue Communication Card.
2. 2. Sign-up at the Small Groups Table in the foyer.
3. 3. Sign-up by calling the church office at 694-2544.

Liberty Fest Coming to St. Paul

Liberty Fest is our exciting patriotic event that starts with Sunday School and will end around 2:30 PM on  July 17. Be sure to invite friends to our worship service, picnic and other events that day. It will be fun. We will be celebrating America and our Vacation Bible School. The church is located at 4501 Thomason. Worship service begins at 10:00 AM. The service will be followed by the picnic and activities.

There will be big toys, activities, and games! There will be barbecue, hot dogs, and lots of food! You don’t want to miss it. Furthermore, you don’t want your friends to miss it, so invite them. Let’s make it a big day of celebrating with our friends by inviting them.

One exciting note. One of our attenders this past Sunday said that it was exciting to see all the younger people in the church service. He said it was the largest number of younger people he had seen in a long time. These are exciting days at St. Paul UMC. I think these are days to pray for a great moving of God’s Spirit and to desire to really be a part of what God wants to do here.

Upcoming Events

I just wanted to mention a couple of upcoming and exciting announcements for St. Paul UMC. If you live in the Midland area, please mark these on your calendar.

Announcement #1  LibertyFest

LibertyFest is coming to St. Paul United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 17^th. It will be a great day to celebrate America and Vacation Bible School, which occurs July 11-15. The worship service will be at 10:00 A.M. The service will be followed by a barbecue picnic, hot dogs, and all the trimmings. There will also be activities, games, and big fun toys for the children on the front lawn. It will be a great day of celebration with our friends in Midland. You may contact the church at 694-2544.

Announcement #2  Servant Evangelism

Have you ever wanted your life to count for something? What about making a difference in the lives of others. It is important to make an impact in the lives of others in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It’s exactly what we are planning to do beginning this Sunday, June 26, in our small group on Servant Evangelism. By doing deeds of kindness, we are sowing seeds to move people closer to Jesus Christ and involvement in the local church. Our usual meeting time is Sunday evening at 6:00 PM; however, this Sunday only we will meet at 5:00.

At the end of our regular meeting time, those who are interested will be invited to go out and welcome new movers to Midland. We will carry them a welcome packet and offer to help them any way we can. We know that some will not be able to go to people’s homes, but those will be invited to spend a little time in prayer while others go out.

He Touched and Changed Many: Our Loss and Heaven’s Gain

When I was in the eighth grade attending a small rural church in north Texas, the young pastor of that little United Methodist Church handed me a small paperback book. I looked at the title, The Cross and the Switchblade. He told me it was a great book written by a preacher who went to the streets of New York to minister to the gangs of New York City.

I wasn’t one who especially liked to read in those days. I’d rather enjoy the outdoors; however, I opened the book and began reading. I was mesmerized by the story. David Wilkerson, a young preacher in Pennsylvania (I think at the time) felt the call of God to go to New York City and to present the Gospel to those rough gangs. He obeyed God and led dangerous gang leaders like Nicky Cruz to faith in Christ.

Early this morning, I heard about the loss of David Wilkerson in an automobile accident. We need to pray for his wife who was in critical condition yesterday. I think of David Wilkerson in many ways. He was the founder of Teen Challenge that has led to so many lives being changed and delivered from drugs and sin. He called America and the church to repentance as one who sounded forth the trumpet that we need to turn back to God. He pastored the great Times Square Church in New York City for a number of years. One thing is for sure. He was in the business of calling people to God and to holiness.

All I can say is he will be missed. I can only thank the Lord for His gift to the church of people like David Wilkersons. How we need more like him. Below you will find an online article copied from Charisma. In the article, you will find the words from his last blog which I find very appropriate as this tremendous servant of the Lord is parted from us.

Read Wilkerson’s Inspirational Last Words

To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Those were the last published words of David Wilkerson, founder of World Challenge Ministries.

Charisma News first reported Wilkerson was killed Wednesday in a car accident inEast Texas. But his legend will live on through the many books and sermons he delivered.

Here is the text of Wilkerson’s last blog post on David Wilkerson Today. It was posted on April 27, just hours before a head on collision that took his life:

“To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, ‘You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen’ (John 20:29).

“Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.

“Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening.

“That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: ‘Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.’

“Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: ‘Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!’

“Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.

“To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, ‘I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.’

“Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.”

Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/30799-read-wilkersons-inspirational-last-words#ixzz1KsQIa6P6

Easter Excitement

Here’s another edition of our occasional email newsletter. I don’t know about you but I am excited about our upcoming Easter service. I am hearing from those who are inviting five and some even ten guests for Easter. I believe we are going to break our 200 goal on Easter Sunday. After all, God’s plan for the church is growth, numerically and spiritually. Isn’t that what the Great Commission is about, making new disciples and leading them to growth? Isn’t that what our vision and mission is all about: Loving God, Loving Others, Serving the World? As we grow the church, we are carrying out evangelism and it involves loving God (by obedience), loving others (by caring enough to invite them to Jesus), and serving the world (by giving them the only message that will save them).

The Book of Acts should be our model. Look at the results there.

Acts 2:41 (NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

Acts 2:47 (NLT) 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Acts 4:4 (NLT) 4 But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of believers now totaled about 5,000 men, not counting women and children.

I don’t know what the headlines of the newspapers of the day might have said. But it might be fun to speculate. I do know this: the same Holy Spirit is with us today to help us.

Maybe, it would be more fun to think about what the newspapers could say the day after this Easter. I believe it will be as follows: “Over 200 in Attendance.”

Now is the time to invite those five people to our Easter Sunday service. Let us pray and work to accomplish the vision God has given us. By the way, after Easter Sunday, we will follow up on those who provide contact information on the blue card. However, just in case, why don’t you call those you invited, thank them for attending, and invite them to come back.

DOUBLE OUR ATTENDANCE SUNDAY AT ST. PAUL UMC

 

Two Hundred people in church at St. Paul United Methodist on Sunday, April 24. Is it possible? Of course, it is possible because God can do anything.

Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)
²⁶ But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Is it possible? Of course, God answers prayer.

Matthew 18:19 (NKJV)
¹⁹ Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

Is it possible? Of course, when God’s people exercise faith.

Mark 11:22-24 (NKJV)
²² So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. ²³ For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. ²⁴ Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Is it possible? Of course, when God’s people work.

Nehemiah 4:6 (NKJV)
⁶ So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

Is it possible? Of course, God’s plan for the church is GROWTH!

Acts 5:14 (NKJV)
¹⁴ And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women….

What’s this all about? This Easter we are going to have 200 people in our Easter morning service, on Sunday, April 24. Let’s pray and work to make it happen.

How can it happen?

GOAL: ATTENDANCE OF 200 ON EASTER SUNDAY

 We are asking everyone in our congregation to participate, whatever your age.

1. Invite five people, preferably the unchurched. Family, relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, someone absent from church awhile, those you know in business dealings, the mailman, waitress, someone you just met.

2. Write down the five names you want to invite on your Invest & Invite Card (or on a sheet of paper).

3. Keep the Invest & Invite Card (list) with you and pray for those people you will invite. We ask you to fast and pray one day each week. You can fast a meal, give up a particular food that day, or fast from something else you like to do. Use the time to spend in prayer for the people on your Card.

4. Extend the invitation to the people you are inviting from 7 to 10 days before Easter, April 14-17. Be sure to give each one an Invite Card to remind them about the service.

5. Write down the names of the people on the blue next step card to compile a prayer list. We will pray over those our whole congregation is inviting at our Good Friday service.

6. We can do it! 200 in our Easter Sunday service.

Small Groups are Beginning at St. Paul UMC!

Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV)
⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. ⁴³ Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, ⁴⁵ and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. ⁴⁶ So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

We are excited about the upcoming small groups in February. On February 20, it will be a great day. It will be a Big Day as we are going to invite our unchurched friends to the church that Sunday morning. It will be the beginning of a brand new series of messages entitled “Stressbusters” which we will share with others. Then, it is the week that our small groups begin. I hope that you are excited about the small groups that we will be having, and I’m sure that we have a small group for you. There will be small groups meeting at different times so that it can accommodate your schedule. The passage above indicates that small groups were a part of the plan of God in the early church. While the church in Jerusalem grew in numbers (“the Lord added to the church daily”), there were the groups that met from “house to house.”

Of course, we have a goal of 100% participation. Here are 20 reasons that you should participate in our small groups:

1. You will be a New Testament Christian. Small groups are Scriptural according to Acts 2:42-47.

2. You will grow spiritually.

3. You will genuinely be a part of God’s family and living a shared life as the early church did.

4. You will have the opportunity to build new and deeper relationships with other believers.

5. Your group will give you the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone as being a part of a group you are always comfortable with prevents growth.

6. The group will provide the authentic relationships that new people in our church need so that they can belong to our congregation and become full members of St. Paul.

7. You will have a part in transforming the lives of others.

8. Your group provides an opportunity for a caring relationship for one another.

9. You will learn more about prayer and become more comfortable by praying in a small group.

10. Your group will pray for you, and you will have the opportunity to pray for the others.

11. You will learn more about the Bible and how to study the Bible.

12. You will be able to apply what the Bible says and what you hear preached.

13. You will be challenged to grow and take steps to live out the lesson you study.

14. You will have the opportunity to serve others through special projects that focus on people outside your group.

15. You will learn to serve Christ with the gifts God has given you.

16. You will be able to handle the stresses of life better.

17. You will deepen your understanding of worship by discovering it is more than the Sunday morning worship service.

18. A small group will keep you from spiritually backsliding.

19. You will have the opportunity to ask questions. Sermons are not dialogue. Nor should they be. But asking questions is a key to understanding and growth.

20. You will have fun together! You will participate in at least one fun activity together.

ADAM: FAILURE IN TEMPTATION

Monday – Today, we begin a brand new study series called “Giants of the Old Testament.” Our particular study this week is “Adam: Failure in Temptation.” Overall, this week we learn that Adam’s sin is the reason for the death and evil that is in the world today. In addition, perhaps we learn from Adam the way we should not deal with temptation. Read:

Genesis 1:1-2:25.  How did God create man? (1:26-27) What did God give to man and woman? (1:29-30)

• Did Adam and Eve obey the command in Gen. 1:28? What command did God give man? (2:16-17) What difference does it make that people are created in the image of God? What would be the result of man becoming united with his wife? (2:24)
• Gen. 1:26-28 speaks of the creation of the first man. How would you say Scripture describes creation, as by evolution or instantaneous creation? Why do you believe this?

 Tuesday – We continue in our study of Adam by examining another chapter in the book of Genesis. Today, we are particularly interested in dealing with the problem of the actual temptation and sin in the Garden of Eden. Read:

• Genesis 3. What did the serpent ask the woman, and how did she respond? (3:1-3) Why did the serpent say that God did not want the woman to eat the forbidden fruit? (3:4-5) What happened when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit? (3:6-7) What did Adam and Eve do when they heard God? Why? (3:8-10) How did Adam and Eve respond when God asked them why they disobeyed? (3:11-13) How did God punish the serpent, the man, and the woman? (3:14-19) Why did God drive Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden? (3:22-24) What lies do people tend to believe these days? How does this original sin affect us on a daily basis? What do these verses tell us about temptation and how to resist it?

 Wednesday – Are genealogies important? Yes, because they establish the historicity of the Bible and the one that we are reading today provides evidence of the curse. Let us continue reading about Adam. Interestingly, the name Adam means “man” and “of the earth”. Read:

• Genesis 5. How did the author summarize God’s creation of people? (5:1-2) What indication is there in the genealogy of chapter 5 of the original sin of Adam and Eve?
• Psalm 8. How is Psalm 8 similar to Genesis 1:26-31? What did David find most amazing about God’s creation? (8:3-4) With what value did God create people? (8:5) How do people fit into the heavenly realm of beings? (8:5) What are some responsibilities that all of us have? (8:5-8) How can this Psalm be applied to Adam?

Thursday – Finally, on the last two days we will examine the implications of Adam’s life upon New Testament teaching. Both Jesus and Paul referred to Adam. Read:

• Matthew 19:1-6 and Genesis 2:24. What trick question did the Pharisees ask Jesus? (19:3) What did Jesus quote? Why? (19:4-5) What did Jesus say is God’s ideal for marriage? (19:6) What are the most devastating consequences of divorce?
• Romans 5:12-21. What did Adam introduce into the world and pass on to his descendants? (5:12) How did the coming of God’s law affect the presence of sin in the world? (5:13) What came into the world through Jesus Christ? (5:15) What is God’s solution to the inevitable problem of sin and death? (5:16-17) In what ways are the acts of Jesus and Adam similar? (5:18-19) What is the relationship between the amount of sin and grace in the world? (5:20) What does sin in this world produce? (5:21) At what point in your life did you realize you were guilty of sin? At what point in your life did you realize God’s love for you? What can you do this week for unsaved friends still suffering from the consequences of sin?

 Friday – We close our study today. This last day takes note of the fact that eternal life has come to us through the last Adam Jesus Christ. Read:

• I Corinthians 15. If Christ had not in fact been raised, what would be true of Christianity and Christians? (15:14-19) According to verses 21-22, what is the relationship between Adam and Jesus Christ? What will be the last enemy destroyed? (15:26) What analogy did Paul use to explain the body’s death and resurrection? (15:36-38) What example did Paul use to explain natural and spiritual bodies? (15:45-49) How will all Christians be changed? When? (15:51-52) How has God given Christians the victory over death? (15:56-57) What hope does Jesus’ resurrection provide for your daily life? What difference does it make that death has been defeated by Christ?

 MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:

Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
⁸ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.