I’m sitting here, reading Romans 5:12-14 about how all of us are born in sin through Adam and thus suffer death.
For some reason, my mind went back 7 years ago to my first blog post about Bible Study Fellowship (I’ve come a LONG way since then!).
I want to say I’m proud of you.
It was rough that first year. I was the first person to “blog” or “post” my answers for all to see. I was called many, many names. I can’t tell you the number of times I was told I “was ruining BSF” and how “BSF is not meant to be this way”. One lady (whom I had to permanently delete from comments from my blog) would lambaste me repeatedly about what a terrible person I was. I shed many a tear over my decision to do this.
But you all have hung with me, creating such a warm, inviting environment for others. And I am eternally grateful.
This year with all the changes BSF has done I know in my heart it is partly because of you all on this forum. You all posted your thoughts, your suggestions, your ideas–and BSF has listened! They saw the success of this forum (and the need). They saw you!
Now, those who are home bound can finally have a class to call their own. Or those who live hours from a class can finally get a copy of the notes online. Can attend a satellite group nearby. Can hear a lecture whenever they want. Can leave comments on Facebook. Spread the word about God with a click of the share button.
All because of you!
That’s something to be proud of! Those who need God’s Word most now have access. And, yes, BSF is not the only place to study the Bible, but it is one of the best bible studies in the world.
BSF now has notes in Chinese and Spanish. BSF is focusing on young people and people in developing worlds. They are using social media to reach more and more people (fascinating article HERE in Christianity Today on BSF). People who are hungry for Christ. And you all have a contribution to that!
We all must change or evolve or we die (we die anyways as Paul points out in this Romans passage). And I am so grateful BSF has changed along with the times, so it doesn’t die out. So many need God now more than ever!
Thank you, thank you, thank you all! I wish I could give each and every one of you a hug!
Two things I would like to ask you to pray over:
- If led, please give to your BSF class. You can do it HERE on their website either to BSF in general, to specific areas, or to your class where a portion goes to your host church and other localities. BSF operates solely on donations and every penny counts.
2) If led, you can donate to my blog/writings as well. There’s a donate button on my sidebar. That money goes to supplement my income so I can continue this ministry.
God bless each and every one of you wherever you are at in your journey with Him. He knows. He cares. He listens. He hears. He loves. He works. All for you. Amen!
