BEGINS Wednesday Night, AUGUST 31

8pm @ BSM Building

Come join us Wednesday Night @ 6pm for Hamburgers/Hot Dogs!!!

We will be at BSM building at 2401 13th Street located 1 block behind Varisty Bookstore!!! 

AUGUST 22nd at 5pm at Urbanovsky Park

Check out this youtube video of TechBSM....

http://youtu.be/6Px6i1N0KCg

Summer is an exciting time not just because the ice cream truck comes around more frequently, but because of the opportunity we have to meet new students (specifically freshmen) who are coming to Tech!!

If we have met you at one of the many orientations, we look forward to getting to know you more during the school year. We are going to do our best to keep in touch with you, but you can also follow us on facebook (click here) and this website. Also, feel free to email us or call or whatever if you have any questions or if we can help you in your transition to Tech in any way!!!

We are "pumped" about what is going to happen this fall at BSM!!!

Okay, so I'm not crazy! I was just reading a blog by Tullian Tchividjian (the grandson of Billy Graham) in which he wrote on the topic of many people's idea of spirituality. To be spiritual for many of us it to think about our own personal piety or spiritual formation. Anything wrong with focusing on the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study? Of course not! But just to focus on those things may be one-sided.

The truth of the gospel, according to Tullian, should cause our focus to be more outward than inward. Real spirituality doesn't take us deeper into ourselves, but away from ourselves. The gospel causes us to look up to Christ and what he did, out to our neighbors and what they need, not in to our selves and how we are doing. There's nothing about the gospel that fixes my eyes on me. So to sum it up, Tuillian writes that we are so inwardly conformed by the gospel (see the irony there) that we become upwardly focused on Christ and outwardly focused on our neighbor.

So why does all this not make me crazy? Becaue as the director of the BSM here at Tech, I continue to place in front of myself and everyone else that we do not exist for ourselves, but for others! We are here for the 90% or so of Tech students who are not involved in any church or Bible study on campus. We are here for our neighbor! This is why we serve pancakes at midnight, cook burgers on campus, serve free lunch, and are willing to help anyone in need. As Martin Luther has said, God doesn't need our good works, but our neighbor does.

It's official. Jesus is returning on May 21 of this year. Or at least that is what Christian Radio broadcaster Harold Camping is proposing. Actually, Camping is quite certain that Jesus will return in a few weeks. In fact, he is so confident that Jesus will come back on May 21 that he is not calling this a prediction, but a fact!

Camping has taken some difficult blows for espousing such a prediction, or rather, fact. Even one of the student editors from the Daily Toreador (Tech's University Paper) has taken a few shots at Camping. As I have personally thought about what Camping is predicting, I have been reminded of Matthew 24:14 in which Jesus says, in the midst of his talk on when the end will actually come, that this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

The question we must ask ourselves, if Jesus is returning on May 21, is have all the nations heard the gospel? Now it's important to note that what is meant by the word "nations" in Matthew 24:14 is closer to our understaning of a people group. The word for "nations" in this verse is ethne, which refers to ethnic groups. Though there are more than 190 nations in the word today, there are over 11,000 ethnic or people groups. India, for example, is just one nation, but it has various ethic groups with different languages and cultures.

So, are all ethnic groups reached? According to some mission leaders, there are still close to 6000 people groups who they would consider unreached. In other words, these groups do not have access to the gospel or to a church. They will live and die without hearing about Christ.

Now what about May 21? Is Jesus coming back? According to his own words recorded by Matthew and according to our knowledge of how many unreached peoples there are in our world, there is still too much work to be done for Christ to return. God is not through with calling all nations to himself. There are still those who have not heard. And according to Paul in his letter to the Romans, how can they hear unless someone tells them? And how can we tell them unless we go?

When May 21 rolls around, if Jesus does not return, instead of us laughing at the prediction of Camping, maybe we should be reminded of the need of so many people to hear the gospel. Maybe we should use that day, if not today, as a wake-up call to what God is doing in the world and then to join him by proclaiming the gospel. We must remember that the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise [Jesus' return] as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

The truth is that Jesus could return at the end of the day, or for that matter, before I complete this sentence. But if he does not, then there is still the opportunity for someone to respond to the gospel message. What are we doing to tell them?

As it gets closer to Easter, discussion concerning the resurrection always seems to circulate. As it does, we at Tech BSM are hoping to help others think about the significance of the resurrection. It is true that there is the question of whether or not it actually happened, but one thing I wonder about is that if Christ did in fact rise from the dead, does it make any difference? I am afraid that there are many in West Texas who might believe in the Resurrection and yet have never thought about the difference such a historical claim should make upon their life.

This is why on Wednesday, April 20th at 8pm in the Matador Room in the Student Union Building on campus, we are going to host a discussion of the resurrection and its significance to all of life. After all, if Christ did rise from the dead, could that mean that he really was who he said he was? And if Christ really was who he said he was, could not his words, life, and death on the cross have huge implications for our lives?

 This Friday Night, April 1, we will be discussing The Trinity at our Friday Night Theologia. 

Friday Night Theologia's are intense times of study and reflection in which we dive into Scripture for the purpose of being transformed by doing some hard thinking about the God we serve. We will start at 8pm and end at 12midnight. Come join us at BSM for an incredible study this Friday Night!!!

In about 28 hours or so, we as Texas Tech BSM will be headed to South Padre Island for Beach Reach. Though it is a crazy week, our hope is that the gospel explodes on the island! There is a great group of students going and they are excited about what can happen on the front lines of ministry this next week.

Consider praying for us! And if you are not going with us this year, consider teaming up with us in 2012.

 Just a quick reminder that February 7th is the deadline for applying!

Go to www.gonowmissions for application and more!

Any questions? Email jeff@techbsm.com

Have YOU PRAYED about serving this summer as a missionary???

Check out what's coming up this Spring Semester...

• PANCAKES IN THE PARK(Urbanovsky Park) on Tuesday, January 11th from 9pm to 11pm (after Tech/UT basketball game) It might be a little cold, but we will have hot pancakes and hot chocolate!
• FIRST FREE LUNCH of Semester on Thursday, January 13th from 11:30am to 1:00pm at BSM Building (1 block behind Varsity Bookstore)
• FIRST MONDAY NIGHT @ BSM will be Monday, January 17th at 8pm at BSM.
• CAMPUS GROUPS - Are you in a small group Bible study? Contact us at info@techbsm.com for more info about these!
• GoNOW MISSIONS. www.gonowmissions.com. Interesting in serving as a missionary this summer?

You also want to MARK YOUR CALENDARS for...

• Friday Night Thelogia, January 21 from 8pm to 12midnight. Topic: Apologetics: Defending the Faith. BSM Building
• ABIDE, January 28-29 in Austin. (ABIDE is a prayer gathering for college students)
• BEACH REACH, March 11-18 at South Padre Island. Cost is $250 which includes lodging, meals, etc....

We welcome Kareen Lively to the BSM staff as our NEW Office Manager! We are excited that she is here!!! Go Kareen!

So what are you doing this summer? Have you given it much thought? As a college student, you should pray about giving a summer to missions. What other time in life are you going to possibly be able to do such a thing?

Check out www.gonowmissions.com and pray about serving somewhere this coming summer. If you have any questions, email us at info@techbsm.com 

What is the role of missions in your life? Is missions just for those who are "super spiritual" or is it God's call for every Christ follower? I hope you understand that missions is not just for those who "feel" called, but for all believers. Now this may not mean you go somewhere, but it does mean that you pray and give. We must remember that missions is not something we invented, but is something that God does. Christ's mission is our mission.

So, what are you doing this summer? How are you praying? What are you giving to? Are we willing to do whatever it takes to take the gospel to the nations?

Check out www.gonowmissions.com ways and places to serve this summer! Pray through each place! Pray about what you should give so that others (maybe even you) can go!

So what are Monday nights at BSM about? Is it a worship service? Well…um…not really! Is it a Bible study? Yes, but it might not be the type of Bible study in which most people think of when they think of “Bible study.”

So, what is it? Well, after some thinking, I have determined that Monday Nights at BSM is a gathering of students who are seeking what it means to live out the implications of the gospel. That is, we want to know what it really means to “deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ.”

We are learning what it means to pray for each other and for others. We are seeking to hold each other accountable. We are working at understanding the need to join the war for our souls and for the souls of others. We desire to push back the darkness by sharing the light of Christ found in the message of the cross.

Bottom line: Monday nights are times where we speak the word to each other so that we might speak the word to those that aren’t present. We seek not to meet just to meet, but to do so in order to understand more deeply the meaning of the cross which will in the end, push us deeper into the world!

So come join us on Mondays, but if you cannot make it, no problem for we pray that our Monday nights will spill over in your direction via Campus Groups and other small groups.

Pancakes on Broadway is every Friday night  during HOME FOOTBALL GAMES from 11pm to 2am. We might behind Chimy's!

We start each Friday night by meeting at 9:00pm at BSM for prayer & worship and then head out to make pancakes and meet others. Come join us!

September 17th is our next Pancakes on Broadway!

It's been a crazy, but great week meeting all of you who are new to campus! If you were at Steak Night, we are so glad that you came. We served over 1200 steaks! That is a lot of cow!

As Raider Welcome continues, I want to remind you of everything going on at BSM:

• Cook-OUT on Wednesday, August 25th
• First THURSDAY FREE LUNCH of the Semester will be August 26th
• First MONDAY'S @ BSM will be Monday, August 30th at 8pm
• Campus Groups starting soon all over campus

Also, mark you calendars for our Weekend Getaway on September 10-11.

If you have any questions about anything going on, don't hesitate to send me an email at jeff@techbsm.com.

See you around campus!

Jeff

One of the most exciting times for me is meeting new students who are coming to Tech. Being at each Red Raider Orientation allows us to meet many of you. Though we only meet briefly, we look forward to reconnecting with you when the Fall semester starts.

As you look through our website, we want you to know that we continue to add new stuff so check back occasionally. Also, feel free to contact us or send us an email. We would love to hear from you. AND if we we can help with anything, and we do mean anything, with your transition to Lubbock and Texas Tech, feel free to let us know.

GO TECH

We've updated our website so check it out to see what's going on this summer and what's coming up in the fall!

REMEMBER, we still have FREE LUNCH during the SUMMER! We serve from 11am to 1pm every Thursday at BSM building! Come by and join us for some free lunch! NOTICE: We only serve on Thursdays when summer school is in session.

Hope you have a great summer!

Jeff

For some time now I've been wanting to read through Leviticus and actually study it. Sound crazy? Well, guess what? I'm actually doing it. I'll have to admit it's not like reading the Gospel of John, but it is interesting. I'm still in the first chapters (and might be there for quite some time), but one thing that has really hit me is that sin is a serious thing and is nothing to be taken lightly.

If you read through the first chapters of Leviticus, what you will find are various sacrifices and offerings. Why are these things needed? Because sin is not taken lightly in the sight of the Lord. Why was a bull offered on the alter and killed before God? Because sin deserves punishment. Disobedience to God has consequences. And so it is the bull's blood that satisfies God and pays for one's sin. It was either the bull's life and blood or the sinners, which one would you choose? Somebody or something has to lose one's life. Sin is a serious thing!

As I continued to read through the first several chapters, I was reminded of Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us! Sin is still a serious thing, and Christ came and died in our place. His blood paid the debt for our sin. We must remember that there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. How thankful we should be for the spilling of Christ's blood on the cross!

Want to read Leviticus?

As we work and pray about next year's team of leaders for BSM, one thing that is often heard is "I don't think I'm qualified to do that" or "I'm not sure that I would be good." What we should be saying is "why not?" This is not to say that everyone has to be a part of BSM's students leaders, but it does say that in some way, those of us who follow Christ and are committed to him are qualified to lead. True, some might be further along in the Christian journey than others, but this does not mean that you cannot nor should not be a part of a team of leaders. You may not be ready to lead a Bible study on campus yet, but that's the point of serving and connecting with our team of leaders! It's for YOUR GROWTH!

BSM's team of leaders is not a group of students who "have it all together." They struggle, but they struggle together. And they do so as they seek to fulfill what God has commanded and compelled us to do: To make Him known!

So, if asked about serving at BSM, your first thought needs to be "why not?" Then pray about it and venture out in faith to see what awaits you as we walk together as students on the campus of Texas Tech

Thousands of students from all over the nation pounce upon the island of South Padre during Spring Break. Even students from Minnesota seek out the "somewhat nice" beaches of South Texas. Actually, they most likely attend because of the mass of students. It may be the draw of the crowds more than the whiteness of the sands!

Why Beach Reach? Why go to South Padre during Spring Beak? Let me answer this with a story. Last year, I couple of us were driving around in our van and we ended up picking up a student needing a ride back to his condo. As we began to ask this young man where he was from and all the usual questions you ask when you first meet someone, the convesation quickly turned toward a spiritual nature. As we shared some about Christ, he just couldn't grasp that God would forgive him for some of the things he had done. In his mind, he had no hope of ever having being made right before God. We prayed with him and continued to encourage him and then he left. Only God knows where he is today! All we could do was be faithful and care.

This story is what Beach Reach is about! It's about caring for others. It's about joining the huge crowd of students and offering free rides and free pancakes. It's about being friendly and being interested in other people. My prayer for Beach Reach is that it not just be a "trip" that we do, but become an extension of who we are as a ministry. After all, there will be many Tech students on the island during the break.

Will you pray for Beach Reach? Will you consider going? The dates are March 12-19 and the cost is $280. Beach Reach is about being on the front lines of ministry so I hope you will pray and I hope some of you will attend. Email me at jeff@techbsm.com for more info!

I am devastated by my lack of devastation over the tragedy in Haiti.  From this, I have had to repent many times this week and ask God to break me for the 100,000 non-Christians who died on the 13th.  It’s been interesting this week as God has used this to begin to transform my heart for international missions.

Tragedies like the Haiti earthquake remind me of two things.  The first is that we’re not in control, as much as rich-white-america would like to think it.  The second is that there is an extreme urgency to share Jesus with the world.

Join me in praying about spending some time spreading the gospel overseas.  Check out opportunities at gonowmissions.com.

As I was standing in San Antonio counting down to 2010, just seconds remaining in 2009, it hit me - why on earth are we even celebrating a new year?  What really makes it so special?  Let’s be honest, nothing really changes when the clock strikes midnight.  So in the seconds left of 2009 I thought to myself, everyone around me, they’re hoping for a new beginning.  It’s that one time a year where you get a small chance to start over.  You look back at the past year, see the areas you didn’t succeed in, and resolve to succeed in the next.  We celebrate because we hope for a better next year than last year.

It’s funny how in little weird ways, we actually acknowledges our own brokenness.  Like at new years, when exactly a year before, we resolved to do better at things, failed, and again now we’re back, hoping we’ll do better.  We acknowledge we’ve failed, and all we need is a fresh start.  And we’ll do it all again in a year.

What’s also funny is that new years, really, a blurry picture of the gospel.  Where we’ve tried, failed, and failed again, Jesus brings grace and mercy.  He brings us new a new beginning.  He brings grace to cover past mistakes.  He took the shame, guilt, and punishment on the cross so that looking forward all we have is hope for a new tomorrow.  So happy new year - His mercies for you are new.  You have a new beginning.

For the Christian, there’s another new beginning worth celebrating.  When Jesus comes back and sin is no more - when the struggle is over and we get to experience in full the freedom He died to give us.  If you’ve allowed yourself to be trapped in sin, take heart, because nothing but mercy awaits you in 2010.  But even more, take hope, because nothing but righteousness awaits you in the days to come.  That’s what He promised - and that’s what He died to give us.

So for 2010, here’s my broken resolution:  Fight sin with a fury from hell unleashed by a radical hope of heaven so that the glory of Christ might be displayed in me for others to witness.  I just know that if we were to really hope in God for what He’s promised - if we really believe He delivers - our lives would be radically changed.  I think we could actually count our lives as nothing and live for the task set before us - to know him and make him known.  I think our fight against sin would change.  What does this look like for you?  Maybe it looks like getting involved in a small group or a church.  Maybe it looks like making amends in some broken relationships.  Maybe it looks like finally installing that porn blocker.  I think our outreach would change because we would trust in God’s promises and tell people about the great things He’s done being reckless with our pride and reputation.  We would have no shame, because He took it.  We would have no chains, because He broke them.

Let’s fight for our freedom - our freedom from sin, our freedom from shame, and our freedom from fear that God’s not going to show up.  Let’s fight like hell, brothers, because Heaven is just around the corner. 

Who is God? What is He doing in the world? It's important that we find the truth to these questions. Why? Because if God is the creator and sustainer of His creation, our whole purpose for existing is wrapped up in these questions.

On Friday Night, January 22nd from 8pm to 12midnight, we are going to be discussing these questions along with many more. It's important that we base what we do on the truth of who God is and what He is doing. I hope you'll join us.

With the supposed takover of Christmas by materialistic secularists (actually, can the world really take over Christmas? More on that at another time), I hear Christians often remind each other that "Jesus is the reason for the season!" TRUE! I hope we don't forget that, but as I think about it, isn't he much more than the reason for this time of year?

As I read and understand scripture, I am reminded that Jesus is the reason for summer, fall, spring, and winter. He is the reason the world is in existence. He is the reason the sun rises and sets. He is the source of all life. Without Jesus, there would be no earth nor humanity. Without Christ, there is no way of understanding why we exist on this planet. Without Christ, we have no hope in this fallen and depraved world. Without Christ, there is no salvation. He is our redeemer and savior. He is the author and perfector of our faith.

So it's true that Jesus is the reason for the season, but in reality, Jesus is THE reason! A reading and meditating on Colossians 1:15-23 would be a great read this season (actually, any season of the year!). Soak it up!

Jeff

Here are some questions to consider when looking for a church?

• Is this a church where God's Word is faithfully taught?
• Is this a church where sound doctrine matters?
• Is this a church in which the gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed?
• Is this a church committed to reaching non-Christians with the gospel?
• Is this a church whose leaders are characterized by humility and integrity?
• Is this a church where people strive to live by God's Word?
• Is this a church where I can find and cultivate godly relationships?
• Is this a church where members are challenged to serve?
• Is this a church that is willing to kick me out?
• Is this a church I'm willing to join "as is" with enthusiasm and faith in God?

(taken from Stop Dating the Church by Joshua Harris)

Campus Groups are beginning all over the campus at Texas Tech and if you are reading this, I hope you are choosing to be a part of one. As of now, Campus Groups meet in Residence Halls. They are designed to challenge others with the truth of the gospel. Basically, these groups are small group Bible studies on steroids. If you are not in a Campus Group, I encourage you to be a part. I really believe that as you do, you are putting yourself in a position for God to do some unbelievable things in your life. For more info about them contact Oscar Brown at oscar@techbsm.com

Only a few weeks left until the Fall 2009 semester begins! Can you believe it? For new students coming to Tech, I hope you are excited. For returning students, I pray you are ready. It's going to be an incredible year as we begin to try a few new things in order to live lives that are dominated by the glory of Christ! To say the least, I'm excited about where God is leading us! It will take courage to follow, but who wants to play it safe anymore?

Jeff

Wow! Can you believe this semester is almost over? This means that it’s not only time to get some rest, but to also become aware of various ministries taking place this summer along with all of the events coming during the Fall 2009 semester.

Are you aware of those doing missions this summer? We are fortunate at BSM because we are reaching the world this summer. There are several students from Tech who will be serving around the nation and overseas in an effort to share the gospel. We need to be praying for them!

Will you pray for new students coming to Tech? This summer, we will be involved in meeting hundreds of new students (mostly freshmen) who will be attending Tech in the fall. What an incredible opportunity we have in praying for them!

Did you know that we are going to have a Campus Group in every residence hall starting in the fall? With our new leadership structure and as we are working more closely with local churches, there will be at least one Campus Group in each dorm this fall. How awesome for local churches to work together for the sake of the gospel! If you want to help with this, please contact us!

Did you know the world comes to Tech? Many new International students will be arriving this summer and in August to attend Tech. We have an opportunity to meet them and help them with furniture or whatever else they need. It’s the great commission in reverse!

Though wearied from a busy semester, I'm excited about the opprotunities that exist in the coming months for us to glorify God on the campus of Texas Tech!

Jeff

As Good Friday approaches, I believe we must continually and consciously focus on the cross. Why? Because without the cross there is no salvation. Without the cross, there is no peace with God. Without the cross, there is no hope for righteousness. Withouth the cross, there is no forgiveness. Without the cross, there is no hope for eternity.

Paul wrote: But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ...(Gal. 6:14). Paul glories in the cross, as should we, because it was the cross in which God was glorified in His Son as He paid for the penalty of our sin. It is at the cross in which both the holiness and grace of God is revealed. Therefore, we must never, and in some sense we cannot, move beyond the cross. We must instead, move to a deeper understanding of it.

We must become cross-centered and cross glorifying people. Though the message of the cross is foolishness to some, to those of us who are saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). Therefore, let's boast in the cross!

Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to the cross I cling.

Jeff

It is vitally important that we know the gospel! What I mean by "know" is that we understand the gospel in such a way that it changes our heart, soul, and mind. We allow it to so encompass our thoughts that it becomes a natural part of our speech and witness. 

I am afraid, however, that many do not know the gospel to the extent to which I am writing. I believe some of this is due to the fact that we think that the gospel is for unbelievers only. We think that since we are now "saved" we can move on to deeper things. The truth is, however, you do not go any deeper than the gospel. 

So, on Tuesdays, we are going to dive in to understanding the gospel and allow it to drive us to evangelism. Can one truly know the gospel and yet remain quiet about it in a "lost" world? 

Though the gospel message will be primary in our dialogue, we will still discuss the fears, concerns, and means of evangelism. SO, I INVITE YOU TO JOIN US on Tuesdays at 9pm at the BSM! On Tuesdays, we hope to learn the how's and why's of being faithful to God's call for us to be heralds of the gospel in this day and time.

Jeff

jeff@techbsm.com

So the other day I was reading through Philippians with some friends and we got stuck on the “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (1:21)  We could understand the “to die is gain;” Heaven being better than earth and all.  But what does Paul mean when he says to live is Christ?  I think he explains it in the next few verses.  Verse 22, “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.” and verse 24, “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”

He says two things.  Paul’s living is more necessary for others (in this case, the Philippians) so that he may continue to help and instruct them.  And secondly, as Paul helps them, his labor will be fruitful.

You could take this several different ways, but I think there’s something big to be grasped here.  When I read this, this is what it says to me: “Every day God keeps me on this earth is because He’s going to use me to change lives.”  It was a chilling realization, that every day I’m here it’s to fruitfully labor for Christ.  To wake up in the morning knowing that the only reason I’m still breathing is so God can use me to change lives today.  As every hour passes, “Why did you leave me here?  What impact am I to make?  Who am I supposed to talk to?”  This is the purpose driven life, if I've ever seen one.  Paul had one purpose, as do we.

My college pastor at home was talking about new years resolutions; his being to live in, live by, and live out the Word of God.  I think if we’re practicing living out the Word, lives can’t help but be changed every day.

I’m hopeful for what’s to come as He uses us to call His children home every day in 2009.

oB

Fall 2008 was one of the best semester's we've had at the BSM and Spring 09 is looking even better!

Are you spiritually healthy? Important question. Many times we evaluate spiritual health with actions such as church attendance, etc..., but spiritual health is much more than just activity. It involves the motivations and attitudes of the heart.  Consider the following questions as you gauge your spiritual health:

1. Do you thirst for God?

2. Are you governed increasingly by God's Word?

3. Are you more loving?

4. Are you more sensitive to God's presence?

5. Do you have a growing concern for the spiritual and temporal needs of others?

6. Do you delight in the bride of Christ (the church)?

7. Are the spiritual disciplines increasingly important to you? (ie. Bible study, prayer)

8. Do you still grieve over sin?

9. Are you forgiving of others?

10. Do you yearn for Heaven and to be with Jesus?

(questions taken from Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Donald Whitney)

I was reading the other day some thoughts by David Wells, a professor of theology at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. What he argues I find very interesting. He basically writes that it takes no courage to "sign up" as a protestant, or in other words, to "say" that you are a church member somewhere or "belong" to a certain Christian denomination takes "no guts!" He does say however, that to BELIEVE in Christ and to ACT upon those beliefs takes tremendous courage. 

So I've been in Alaska the past week on a fishing excursion with the men in my familia. God has been impressing on me the importance of witnessing recently and how poor of a job I have been doing at it. So I decided that I would make it my goal to share the gospel this trip several times, to my family, to our fishing guides, and to just whoever else might cross my path. 

Thus far God has let me share with 3 people. All three of whom were under the impression that as long as you were a good person, helped others, and said you were a Christian, then you were one. And more so, if you were just a good person, it didn't matter what you really believed, you were golden for heaven. As I hear these things from these people I begin to get excited to flex my spiritual muscle a little because, as always, the truth is about to overcome the lies. 

So I tell my new friends why Jesus really died. I tell them it's not because He was a do-gooder that for some reason no one liked but because we fall so short and we need redemption. That we all have done evil and deserve punishment, and so in His death He took that punishment and in His resurrection He conquered sin. I then tell them about how good works come after salvation... How once we trust in Christ, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and this new creation is drawn toward holiness. And this holiness is what produces the fruits we call good deeds. Salvation by faith in Christ produces good works. Not salvation through works produces even more works. 

All three of them responded in the exact same way, "Oh, well that actually makes a lot of sense." What?!

Not the hostile reaction I was expecting, but I'll take it! The gospel, when you think about it, makes perfect sense. I just could never see that until I was saved. Which makes me hopeful that since these people see that with their minds now, they will embrace it in their hearts very soon. 

From the last frontier,

Oscar

This was written by an American doctor serving in India.

I was studying Psalm 43 with a friend in Urdu (their language) the other day. We came to where it says in English, "I will go to the altar of God." As I read along in Urdu, I did not know the word for "altar," so I asked my friend what it was. He didn't know how to translate the word into English, but he gave the following English description: "It is God's bloody place, where the throats of the animals are slit for sacrifice."

Of course. It's an altar.

Sometimes I think of an altar as the carpeted stairs and dais at the front of the church meetinghouse. But it's not. It is a bloody place - a place of sacrifice and death.

I need to remember that. 

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