Tuesday, September 03, 2019
Jesus Stories, Bible Study, Community, and John became a Christian
I got to know John in Concord, NH when I was up there telling Jesus stories as part of our Herald of Truth campaign. John's wife and mother-in-law are an active part of the church of Christ congregation in Concord. John would visit with them from time to time.
Like many people, John did not grow up in a religious family. But he always had a sense there was something better. Curious about the Jesus way.
I was there on a Sunday thru Thursday night. The crowd was not what we hoped. Half of that small congregation came down sick. It was frustrating. But John was there every night with his family. Stayed locked in. Hearing stories he didn't really know. Getting a glimpse of the Jesus who loved him and died for him.
We had good conversations. His wife and her Mom prayed for him, encouraged him to explore the Jesus way. John wanted a better job, especially a better working environment. But not getting any leads or call-backs from applications. So the church started praying for his job situation. And he started getting better leads. Getting some call-backs. Gave God the credit for the increased activity.
Jay is the preacher in Concord. He asked John if he wanted to visit more about Jesus. Told him he would do his best to answer his questions. Invited him to study the Bible more. John learned a lot about Jesus. Asked for a deeper understanding of what baptism meant.
So Jay studied with him. Jesus and how to die with him in baptism and get a new life. John understood what he needed to do and why. He just had to decide what he wanted to do.
Jesus seed planted by family that loved Jesus and loved John.
Watered by a traveling preacher telling Jesus stories. Watered by a local minister committed to making disciples and willing to study and answer questions from Scripture.
Then waiting for God to give the increase.
So last Sunday Marsha and I got the video. Saw Jay baptize John into Jesus. Saw the new birth of my friend John who is now my brother.
Because John is loved by God, his family, and a community of faith who want to make disciples in their world.
Good decision John.
Go God.
Like many people, John did not grow up in a religious family. But he always had a sense there was something better. Curious about the Jesus way.
I was there on a Sunday thru Thursday night. The crowd was not what we hoped. Half of that small congregation came down sick. It was frustrating. But John was there every night with his family. Stayed locked in. Hearing stories he didn't really know. Getting a glimpse of the Jesus who loved him and died for him.
We had good conversations. His wife and her Mom prayed for him, encouraged him to explore the Jesus way. John wanted a better job, especially a better working environment. But not getting any leads or call-backs from applications. So the church started praying for his job situation. And he started getting better leads. Getting some call-backs. Gave God the credit for the increased activity.
Jay is the preacher in Concord. He asked John if he wanted to visit more about Jesus. Told him he would do his best to answer his questions. Invited him to study the Bible more. John learned a lot about Jesus. Asked for a deeper understanding of what baptism meant.
So Jay studied with him. Jesus and how to die with him in baptism and get a new life. John understood what he needed to do and why. He just had to decide what he wanted to do.
Jesus seed planted by family that loved Jesus and loved John.
Watered by a traveling preacher telling Jesus stories. Watered by a local minister committed to making disciples and willing to study and answer questions from Scripture.
Then waiting for God to give the increase.
So last Sunday Marsha and I got the video. Saw Jay baptize John into Jesus. Saw the new birth of my friend John who is now my brother.
Because John is loved by God, his family, and a community of faith who want to make disciples in their world.
Good decision John.
Go God.
