Recent Experiences

"Oh, the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" (Romans 11:33a NIV) God continues to bless and encourage me this week. Sunday I had the privilege and joy of an invitation to a Brazilian church where I taught some aspects of the resurrection of Christ including its central place in the gospel message, the eye witness proofs that it did happen, the reality of human existence if it had not happened plus two applications. The first is the ample NT evidence that the apostles preached the resurrection in their presentation of the gospel. Do we? The second is the truth of the same resurrection power working within us to overcome sin (disobedience to God) in our lives.                                                                                          Monday morning He gave me time with two precious brothers who are receptive to the revelation of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, men who are teachable, wanting to grow in the truth and love of God. Among other things we looked at the practical realities of Matthew 9:37-38 where Jesus speaks about praying for laborers to send into the abundant harvest.
     Yesterday had deep fellowship around the Word of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit with two other brothers. Mike and Mark are in their fifties, regenerated several years ago, eager to be "rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith..." (Colossians 2:7a NKJV) We had over five hours of solid fellowship in the truth. "Sanctify them by your truth, your word is truth." (John 17:17) We looked at many themes including the ministry of angels, assurance of salvation, free will and God's election. Why does it seem so miraculous to encounter American Christians who actually want to learn and walk out their faith?
     Last night I met a brother named Duane for the first time. What an honor to have fellowship with a faithful  man, who has persevered with God through the ups and downs of life. He is diligent, self-disciplined, eager to encourage and help people in any way that he can. He ministers particularly in the areas of marriage and personal finance, and has seen good fruit in both.
     Finally I received an encouraging e-mail from my mentor Vinci. I continue to study Portuguese, and hope by the time I see him again to communicate more clearly in actual sentences rather than broken fragments.