Distributing the Gospel of John Scripture Portion

In order to share the Word of God with others, we too must be growing in the Word through regular reading, study, and prayer. This regular study prepares us personally in our journey through life as His redeemed children. It gives us the courage and desire to share His Word with others. We want to "tell the Good News" so that others might join us in a personal relationship with our Savior and have the same hope that we have in spending eternity with Him in Heaven.

As Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:20 "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." We share the saving Word with others in our own words, in the example of our life, and in the sharing of the Word of Scripture. The Word has great power as the Holy Spirit works through the Words of Scripture to touch the hearts of people. And we are His instruments to spread that Word to all those around us...to all those who have yet to come to the knowledge of the truth. "And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region." Acts 13:49.

I've read the Word, studied the Word, and now I'm changed by that Word. Just as Paul in his letter to the Romans (12:2) says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." That Word of God becomes the very guide for my daily living; it gives me courage and hope in a world that doesn't provide any of that except in "material" things. He has called me as His child and my response is to "bear fruit" for Him...I am His instrument for sharing the Good News and for sharing the blessings of faith. That happens in word, in deed, and in service...for it is service to which the Lord has called me! To Him be the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen!

Some weeks ago in a conversation with my wife we were discussing the "power of the Word of God." She shared an incident in school related to the first grade students using the "pew" Bibles during chapel...they had seen her using her Bible and followed her example. With that conversation came the idea to order a Bible to give to each student as "his/her" own Bible to take to Chapel...to look up the verses in Chapel...to study during times when other work was done. The joy on their faces when they received their very own Bible was delightful! They have been taking that Bible to Chapel with them every week...and asking if they could read it at different times during the day! The "power of God's Word" in the lives of these children moved us to yet another thought when we heard the story from the India Children's Choir that is touring here in America. They are singing, talking, and walking witnesses of the "power of the Word." It all started in 1910, when a missionary, Watkin Roberts, sent the Gospel of John to a Hmar chief. The chief invited Roberts to come and explain the Scriptures. He went despite a ban by the British Colonial rulers, and five young tribesmen came to follow the Lord Jesus. The new followers of Jesus grew in faith and became leaders of a new and growing church. Within two generations, the entire tribe was evangelized. Headhunting stopped and "hearthunting" began. They now carry the Gospel to the corners of the globe and are the driving force behind Bibles For The World's "Billion Bible Campaign"--an ambitious effort to reach every family on earth with the Bible in the next ten years.

The "power of the Word" cannot be taken lightly. Thus, we ordered a case (300) "Gospel of John" Bible portions to begin giving away in our neighborhood, to people we meet, and placing them wherever we are "moved" to distribute them. Inside each Bible is a "foldover" business card with the following information:

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

The Gospel of John contains many of the great teachings of Jesus. Read it! Pray over it!

May the Words open new "life" for you.

We are pleased to share this Gospel of John with you. It holds the foundation of our faith in Jesus Christ and we hope it will provide you with "new life" and "new hope" for eternal life.

If you would like further information or would like to discuss your "journey in faith," please contact

Lou and Martha Jander at:

Godsgoodnews@aol.com

"Peace be with you!"

1. Determine that this is a project you and/or your entire congregation will undertake.

3. If you are involving the entire congregation (or a good portion of it) start talking about the possibilities. Consider having a Bible class studying the Gospel of John. Establish a specific month where this will be an emphasis in the congregation (remember, that is just for "kicking" it off; the project will continue throughout the year). Maybe a sermon series could be planned the month preceding the project "kick off." Even have people sign up for ordering the Bible portions.

5. Give out the portions to people for distribution along with "InviteCards" inviting people to the church...include a map on the "InviteCard" along with other important contact information (address, phone number, email, web location, etc.). You might even invite the people who are given the Bible portions to bring along an "address and information free gift card" to redeem for a complete Bible...those too can be ordered from the same place the portions are ordered from.

6. Order the "InviteCards" from Outreach Inc. There are many different designs that can be ordered. You can check out all that are available by going to the following website: http://www.outreach.com/print/List.asp?sid=421FBC00BBBE17F&N=41+12 There are some designs that are specific to the seasons of the year. You can print them yourself using a computer and printer. Be creative...some great possibilities here.

7. Continue to pray for the effort! Continue to read and study the Gospel of John. Share your experiences in how you have been "giving away" the Word to others. Your ideas might open a "new" door for someone else.

I'm in the process of developing a "training" process for introducing this in congregations. The "process" will include a Bible study on a selection from the Gospel of John, a review of the "mission" the Lord is leading us in, methods of "distributing" the portions, samples of what could be done, and various types of follow up that might be used. This "short" training could be done during Bible class on a Sunday, at an expanded "evangelism" meeting (others besides the committee present), at the beginning of a voters meeting, or some other time that works for your schedule.

The possibilities are endless...the "field" is wide open...the "power of the Word" cannot be taken lightly...remember Isaiah 55:10-11 "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

If you would like to discuss more details or request a "training" time, please contact me at the following: