My Daily Journal:
What an amazing night we had last night with the first and second graders! These kids are so inspiring in their willingness to shout out the name Jesus, to confess their unwavering belief in Him as their personal savior and friend. As part of the first night we passed out the questions and each child completed the first day including the question related to what they learned about the bible. One little guy wrote, “Gses did 4 me” (Jesus died for me).
One of the things I love about spending time in bible study with young believers is that they don’t waste time and worry, they simply believe the word of God. That was also something I really loved about the notes this week. One of the ways the evil one attempts to cast doubt is to raise the question of whether the bible, particularly the New Testament, is reliable. We see this teaching in organizations such as the Latter Day Saints or in popular fiction writers such as Dan Brown; an argument that the writings in the bible have been corrupted. When we look at the world and see how mankind has corrupted everything else, it can cast doubt. But God didn’t recite the bible word for word, he inspired 40 people to write it and He has inspired others to translate it. God is alive and active. God is the same and He is true and He uses human translators to give us His Holy Word in our language so we can learn about Him and use His Word to guide our life. He does this with translators the same way He did with the original writers. If God can use a man to write it with truth and accuracy, He can use another man to translate it in the exact same way.
I am really excited about the new format and tone of the notes this year. I love the reference out to other books and materials (e.g., Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell). I cut out the “Outline of Matthew’s Gospel” presented in the notes and laminated it and I’m keeping it in my bible this year as we go through the study. If you are not in a study and getting the notes, it is really an important addition – the notes are good!
The Notes are Good 
Thanks for your inspiration and sharing. I am so excited about the study. Can’t wait until tomorrow my first day! What a joy to meet with new and old Christian friends and belivers.
Our BSF starts tomorrow morning…excited to start Matthew!!!
BSF kick-off was great here also in Jos South. We are starting a new class and the venue is so perfect! 30 Ladies for intro.
Greetings and reuniting was so warm. We talk about ASK refreshing and commitment to doing our lessons and getting them done. Oh it is good to be back! Matthew here I come praying to be like Matthew leaving things that hold me back and getting up and following Christ. Pointing and sharing with others about Jesus from the study in Matthew.
Your letter was a great read. Happy to hear the “kick-off” was special.