Strengthening the church

In July I am teaching from the book of Acts each Thursday night, with the theme of how to become a 'world-shaking' church.  Last night our text was Acts 11:25--12:1-4.  By the grace of God, the response continues to be extremely positive and the word of God is growing and multiplying (Acts 12:24).

The Lord has granted me some more unique and unexpected opportunities to witness for Christ.  In Beirut, a man invited me to spend some time with him in the city.  We visited the patriarchate, or 'headquarters' of one of the major traditional Christian sects.  This sect is very influential in Lebanon.  I met a young priest that they seem to be grooming for leadership, and he graciously admitted us to a large reception hall where the head of this sect conducts meetings the top clergy of Lebanon.  Along with some others, I was able to share the gospel of grace with him and prayed!  Surprisingly, the young man was moved and grateful.  He even sent greetings to me later and I hope to visit him again. 

I had a really encouraging conversation with Bekass (the young man with a Majority background whom I mentioned recently made a profession of faith in Christ) and Salim about the Lord.  Bekass talked about how there's nothing in this world that he desires besides Christ.  Not material wealth, not family, only Christ.  He also desires greatly to be baptized.  There's no other explanation for this sort of thing except that the Lord is sovereign!

A friend of mine who founded a pioneer missionary work in a Majority country was here with his family for a few days and we had a wonderful night to fellowship, discuss ministry plans and goals, and generally for me to be sharpened.  I praise the Lord for him and his work, which is a strong example to me of biblical missions, and was really glad we could connect here in Beirut. 

There are five believers being baptized at Christ Evangelical Baptist Church and I look forward to hearing their testimonies tomorrow night.  Many blessings to you all! 

Bent