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The Bible Says
“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” The Billy Graham training center Bible explains the meaning of the great commission in the following words: {Starting on Page 919}
Jesus Christ spoke these words, commonly called the “Great Commission,” to His disciples—the men he called one by one to follow Him (Matthew 4:19). In it, He stressed the believer’s role in evangelism, discipleship, teaching, worship, and missions. This command also became a mandate for early social action since part of obeying Christ is to help those in need. The early church believers met together in people’s homes to worship God, read the Scriptures, and pray. They cared for each other’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and encouraged spiritual growth. Acts 2:47 tells us that “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” The church’s mission is evangelism and discipleship. We are to preach the good news of God’s salvation, and we are also to help Christians grow spiritually. Part of evangelism and discipleship is caring of the needs of those within our local churches, within our communities, and across the world.
Of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love. I love to tell the story, Because I know ’tis true; It satisfies my longings As nothing else can do. More wonderful it seems Than all the golden fancies Of all our golden dreams. I love to tell the story, It did so much for me; And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee. For those who know it best Seem hungering and thirsting To hear it like the rest. And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, ‘Twill be the old, old story That I have loved so long. THE LORD BE PRAISED! There is a growing hunger for God here in New York City. One of our biggest problems at Times Square Church is where to put all the people who are pouring in to hear the Word of the Lord. We are planning to add more meetings to accommodate the crowds. People are waiting at the doors at 7:30 on Sunday mornings to attend the 10 o’clock service. Brooklyn Tabernacle is overcrowded as well, and they have added additional meetings to seat the overflow. A number of other evangelical churches here are experiencing the same excitement for the things of God. Our prayer meeting last night was packed. The church was overflowing with people crying out to God. During the meeting, we took a survey and found that more than 86 nationalities were in attendance. It is a wonderful experience to worship and pray with a body of believers from all over the world. Times Square Church is truly a UNITED NATIONS. New York is a city of extremes—full of great wealth and great poverty. God has called us to minister especially to the neediest here: the homeless, the addicted, the hungry and the destitute. Hundreds of street people are fed at our Upper Room ministry. Our mobile food truck (the Raven) goes throughout the city bringing food and the gospel to the homeless, wherever they group together for survival. Timothy House is filled to capacity with street junkies who have given their lives to Christ. Sarah House is ministering to addicted women whose lives are being miraculously healed. Next month we will open Isaiah House, a 175-bed evangelism and ministry center for lost souls. We also are opening an overnight shelter for the homeless. We consider it an honor to be entrusted with a ministry to the poor and the homeless. We have found so many precious jewels for Jesus among the outcasts of society. A number of our workers have come from the streets, who have graduated from our own programs for the poor. The cost of maintaining all of these ministries to the poor and homeless is a huge responsibility. But God made me a promise that if I would minister first to the poor, the fatherless and the homeless, He would meet our every need, without my pleading for money and with no fundraising gimmicks. God has kept His word! He is meeting every need miraculously. Almost all of our funds come from those who receive my monthly messages. Your love and support has set me free to focus on prayer and ministry of His Word. To God be all the glory! And thanks to all who support this work.
His bondservant,
-- The Bible Friend |