A popular church had inscribed John 10:9 over their door entering into the worship area. One day, a visitor noticed something was missing from the verse. Calling it to the attention of the pastor, the phrase “he shall be saved” had been omitted.
People in today’s society have developed a strange kind of repulsiveness about the term “saved” — so much so that when someone exclaims, “I am saved,” others think them strange. Instead of people finding a responsive chord with true worshipers of Christ, they simply classify them as fanatics.
Each born-again believer needs to cherish and appreciate the word “saved.” The old hymn says it splendidly — “I was lost, but Jesus found me, found the sheep that went astray, threw His loving arms around me, and drew me back into His way.”
Saved simply means safe: “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:9-10). Jesus is the door to the sheepfold, and we can go in and out traveling in the sheep’s tracts perfectly safe and secure.
From Our Missionaries
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “During the week, we visited several families in domestic hardship and brought them supplies. The expressions of gratitude on their faces were heartwarming. Among the families visited were two young men in wheelchairs, two mothers who had recently given birth and one person who had a leg amputated, all of whom were unable to work in the short term. Two families attend church regularly, while the other three are new contacts. Let us pray that all may be reached with the gospel.
“In our Sunday service, six people decided to dedicate their lives as we concluded the series of studies in the book of Ecclesiastes — challenging the church to fear God, keep His commandments and give their best in service to the Lord. Glory to God for His work in our lives! On Sunday afternoon, a group of brothers and sisters cleaned up leaves in the front yard and around the church. It was exhausting but rewarding as we saw the joy and fellowship of each person. Together, we worked, laughed, ate and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon.
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “I thank God for such a special and different week. My children returned from college to be with us for spring break, and it is always a great blessing to enjoy their company.
“At Ebenezer, we suspended the Bible Discovery Study (BDS) so our brothers could enjoy family time. In addition, we celebrated the wedding of Victor and Veronica, who decided to join their lives. We had been preparing for the event for a month, and it culminated with the past week being filled with rehearsals and finalizing details. Everything was ready for the ceremony last Saturday, and it was full of emotion for them both. That was especially true because they are the only believers in their families. It was a great opportunity to share with their families, and everyone loved the ceremony. We were able to connect with them, and several have expressed their desire to visit Ebenezer. I ask you to pray for these people who wish to visit us that God’s Spirit will guide them. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “What a great week at Faith Chapel! We had some out traveling and a few sick but still had a really good number with several returning and three first-time visitors.
“We have been very busy planning our Wednesday evening youth program and are changing how we do youth Sunday School. We have several excited volunteers to teach the kids, who are excited as well! Praise God! We are also excited to use the Baptist Publishing House (BPH) curriculum for those classes. We are kicking things off on Wednesday, April 9, and the following Sunday morning. Please pray for a successful transition and that our youth will grow in the Word and the Lord through these classes.
“Next, we will begin planning for our Adult Sunday School classes, which we hope to start sometime after Easter. Please pray for that as well.
“We thank you for your prayers and ask that you please continue. God is answering in mighty ways. Thank you for your support as well, and we thank God for you!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “How Great is our God! He always answers our prayers. We have been praying for an opportunity to begin our Sunday morning worship service, and God answered! We held our first Sunday morning service this week. We have been meeting every Sunday evening with our faithful folks for quite some time now, but we wanted to begin a morning service to connect with more people and share the good news of Christ.
It came about this week after our men’s meeting on Tuesday when a couple of the young men expressed interest in starting to have church on Sunday mornings and said they would be there and invite their friends.
We have been praying fervently for a location, and again, God showed up to provide us with the use of The Cabin 3H, the same place where we have been meeting on Sunday nights. Roy and Melaine Hale, the owners, didn’t hesitate to offer their space to begin our worship services and have worked out schedules so it will be available to Faith Journey on Sunday mornings.
The Sunday morning time slot was previously occupied, but God worked out the details according to His timing. Roy and Melaine have become true friends and a wonderful asset to our mission family. We can’t thank them enough for all they bring to Faith Journey. Roy has been faithfully providing our worship services with music, and he brought an amazing time of praise and worship on this first Sunday! We are so excited to see what God has in store for Faith Journey in this latest step of faith!”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “On Monday, Patty met with the women of the church where 12 sisters arrived and spent time together in prayer, Bible teaching and fellowship.
“On Wednesday, we were able to pray together for every brother and family in our congregation. In our Springdale small group, we changed the meeting time to 6 p.m., and we were blessed to be joined by a new family — Ronny, Lili and their two children. They were very attentive to the teaching, then we shared a delicious dinner.
“In our Bible school, we had 20 people very interested and actively participating in the theme of the week, ‘The Battles of the Christian.’ We also had a good time while sharing breakfast together.
It has been a week of a lot of work for our family. Apart from attending to the activities of the ministry, we are also preparing to move next weekend. We appreciate your prayers for the Lord to help us.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “This week was spring break and a great time for our family to get a few days away. We have to take them when we can!
“Just this morning, I was listening to some of the history of some phrases that have become common ‘theological practices’ in churches but have origins of only a few decades ago. It was a reminder of just how many man-made practices slip into the church and then become considered nearly gospel truth. I’m so thankful for the Discovery Bible Study process we use in our groups. It really helps us cut away all the extra stuff we have added to the Bible. Even participants who have been in church for years have commented how they feel like they are really studying the Bible for the first time or that it is impacting them far more than before.”
