Thank you Bryanston Bible Church!

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning"

(John 1:1-2)

When I think of Old Testament times and the efforts people had to make to access Scripture and understand Scripture, I feel so deeply grateful!   In those days, the people relied totally on oral teaching and the God-inspired leaders of the day. Later, however, these teachings were painstakingly written down and preserved over the ages for us today. Through the use of today's technology, the Bible and its teachings are literally at our finger-tips.  We have no excuse for ignorance. Are we even aware of how privileged we are? Isn't it incredible that we are be able to simply pick up a Bible, or log onto the Internet and read what God has to say to us? What a privilege!

The Bible - a unique collection of 66 ancient books - is so important to us Human beings.  Whether you like it or not, it provides the answers to life that we so desperately desire.  It is through these old manuscripts that we are able to come to know the great plan of our majestic Maker – our Father God, His incredible Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.  We come to learn about the unique way which God has chosen to redeem us. We are His personally created creatures, He loves us and has provided a way for us to be in communion with Him.

Nowadays, with the Internet, we are able to simply do a Google search and access almost anything. There are many 'bad' things on the Internet, yet amidst this all lies some uniquely good treasures.

Last year, I had the precious privilege of joining a group of similar-minded people at a morning Bible School. With the backing of wonderful lecturers, we had the sole goal of reading through the whole Bible in one year.  I personally needed a better understanding of the foundation of my faith. It was an incredible year and yes, I did achieve this small milestone.  The experience taught me, however, that there is so much more to learn. Throughout our lives, we’ll continue to learn about the amazing workings of God,  and we continue search for more.  We’ll always have questions too…some will be answered, some will remain unanswered. 

The main message during my year at Bible School, however, is the enormous love that God has for us and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us in order to have a relationship with the Almighty. God understands our desperation and provides a way.  Bible School has allowed me to experience such joy in the Scriptures and to appreciate the absolute miracle of my salvation through Jesus Christ. I have so many people to thank, but today I need to make a special mention...

There are two main resources on the Internet which I continue to use – and for these I am extremely grateful.  The first one is BIBLE GATEWAY.  I regularly visit this site and often simply press 'play' to allow the Scriptures to wash over me. There are blogs, commentaries and various versions of the bible which only need a "click" of the button to have God's message in front of you. The bonus is that the Audios are absolutely free!  What a treasure...and I am immensely grateful.

The other incredibly valuable resource on the Internet is attached to a wonderful church that has a very special place in my heart. This is...

  BRYANSTON BIBLE CHURCH (BBC). 

To go to BBC's website, please click HERE.

Both Bible Gateway and BBC have allowed me to gain a deeper insight into the Bible, to discipline me daily, to strengthen my faith and resolve to live a life that Jesus would want me to live. These resources have been there at the times when I really needed them...and I am immensely grateful!

But I need to highlight BRYANSTON BIBLE CHURCH specifically ... and I want to say a very particular and personal,  ‘Thank you!’ to those involved in this website.  I don’t think they know how valuable and helpful these resources are to me (and I am sure to many others). Thank you so much!

The wonderful thing about BBC is that I was BAPTISED there so, although I am a member of another church now, my heart often goes home to BBC. I download and listen to most of their podcasts, and am strengthened and inspired by them.  They are one of the Internet’s treasures.  I want to say a special thank you to Ross, Kevin and the video/podcast production team.  This ministry is absolutely wonderful!  THANK YOU SO MUCH! You guys are awesome, please keep up and be encouraged in the amazing work that you do for our wonderful Father.

I would like to encourage any readers of this blog to visit BBC’s website and explore the amazing resources which they offer.  Perhaps you'd like to join me in a prayer for them too:

“Father God, thank you for BBC! Thank you for their ministries and their outreach.  Thank you that I am able to access these resources, listen to them and feel Your Spirit move through them.  I am grateful for the teaching of Your Word. I know that many others may also benefit from these resources and I am grateful for the spreading of this ministry.  Lord Jesus, I pray that your Holy Spirit will invade all of BBC;  that through their pastors, YOUR WILL BE DONE!  Please guard their ministry against all evil and empower their elders, workers, helpers and congregants.  This I ask in the precious name of Jesus.  Thank you, Lord.”