DEVOTION / A simple story

I recently heard the story of a Jewish man who came to believe in Jesus as his Savior. Like many in this world, he had never read the New Testament. 

The searching led to Scripture

 A college grad, this man was searching for something in his life. He had fallen into drug addiction and called out to God to help him. A few days later, he happened to find a copy of the old Today's English Version Bible. Its stick figure drawings and modern language interested him enough to start reading.

 As he scanned the pages, there were lots of terms and words he didn't understand. Things like "Testament" or "apostles." He was baffled by chapters in this little book entitled Galatians, Ephesians, and Thessalonians. What is a "Philippian" or a "Philemon"? How do you even pronounce those words?

 He started reading in the gospels and was surprised to read of a Jewish baby born in Bethlehem who came to be known as a great teacher and healer. He marveled at his unexpected "end" by being crucified on a cross and his apparent coming back to life. In the end, he had to echo the words of the Roman soldier at the cross: "Truly this man was the Son of God!"

Simple truth enlightens the soul

 Listening to his story of how he came to know Jesus reminded me of how simple sharing the good news of Jesus can be. It's as simple as the passage everyone seems to know: God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

 For those who have been students of the Bible for years, it's good to remember that it's not a matter of knowing all the Bible terminology. It's not about becoming a theologian or being able to explain the mystery of the Trinity. It's about how the seed of the gospel -- enlivened by God's Spirit -- brings light and life to an unknowing soul. 

 316NOW reaches out to many who have never read the Bible. We are blessed to introduce souls to the life-giving Word and the Savior of the world--Jesus.

 Pray that we can keep telling this simple story to our Chinese brothers and sisters to the ends of the earth. To God be the glory!

by Dave Payne