A Message from Pastor Steve
Hello everyone,
Mary and I are doing well as we learn how to navigate this season of our lives. Adjusting to our new roles as retired people has been an adventure for both of us, but God's care has been amazing. Thanks for all the prayers and kind words; they've helped a lot!
I recently felt prompted to send you an update, not focusing on what we've done up until now, but on what we still have ahead of us. As I write this, there are several books in the final stages of preparation which will be printed in the next few months: First, a revised edition of what was previously called Preaching Through Romans has been made more readable, given a new title (Understanding Romans) and a newly styled cover. Second, Understanding Acts has been edited and is being prepared for print. Third, Study Verse by Verse: Hebrews is in its final editing and should be going to the printer in the next few months. Fourth, a Spanish translation of Study Verse by Verse: John is done and will be printed soon. Fifth, The Promise of the Father has been translated into French and we're working on having it printed in France. And sixth, Study Verse by Verse: John is being translated into French.
Now, concerning the future, here are the projects I'm working on. I am presently editing Study Verse by Verse: Revelation, and when that's done will still have three more commentaries on books of the Bible to go: The Gospel of Luke, Genesis and Exodus. I'm also thinking of editing a series of sermons called "The Commands of Christ." Jesus said we are to teach people who become His disciples "all that I have commanded you..." (Mt 28:20), and that raises the question, "What did He command us?" To answer that I taught a 32-week series, and it was very enlightening for me.
And when those are done there are still more books I'd like to write. For years I kept a growing file of notes on Isaiah and Daniel hoping that someday I could use them to write a brief companion guide for the person who wants to know what Isaiah is saying and to whom he is saying it as they are reading along. The same is true for Daniel. And, finally I'd like to address the hard topics that confront us when we read the book of Leviticus. I actually think God has shown me some very helpful insights.
We'll see if I'm able to complete all these projects, but I'm working earnestly at it and constantly feel grateful for your prayers and support. I think we can all see the pressures that are rising against the Lord's church, but if we look closely, we will also see revival and a growing hunger to know what the Bible really says.
And that's why what we're doing together is so important. People need to understand God's Word so it can form us into true disciples.
And that's what these books are designed to do, and, thankfully, God keeps opening doors for us all over the world (in fact, as I'm typing this, we just got a thank you note from someone in Southeast Asia). We are giving books to those who will teach others. Yes, we send them electronically and by thumb drive when possible, but there is still a need for printed books for pastors, missionaries and Bible schools, and you've helped to make all that possible.
I'm writing to let you know Mary and I and our team are in this for the long haul, and insofar as you can partner with us on this journey, we're deeply thankful!
Your brother,
Steve
