I Just want to give you a word of encouragement. I have been a Christian since I was ten years old (I will be 50 yrs old in a month). I was Baptized and a Member of a fairly large Baptist Church in the Twin Cities (MN) area. I was fed milk weekly, never growing in my faith, seemingly stuck in neutral.

On Christmas 2008, ironically, a friend gifted me a 2-Yr Bible. I knew it was time to re-read the entire Bible front to back without skipping anything, such as genealogies. Soon after, I still remember sitting at my desk praying for the Holy Spirit to guide me and to grant me the Fathers Wisdom….to actually stop and study if I came across difficult Scripture. What I heard in my spirit was this: "Set ALL that you have learned aside and begin anew."

From that moment on, I, with the leading of the Holy Spirit, began to not only eat the meat of the Word but I also began to crave it. In my studies I have crossed paths with many wonderful Ministers of the Word. Each morning I specifically pray and request that the Lord would prompt me in a teaching if I am veering off the path and to be able to discern error. It took me 35 years to realize that seeking knowledge without engaging the Holy Spirit is folly.

As you know, many Believers have a difficult time transitioning from milk to meat. Quite simply, they have left the Holy Ghost on the sidelines in their studies. Reading the comment section can be disheartening.

Joseph, you are a gifted Minister and Teacher. You cover some incredibly meaty issues with much Grace and forbearance. Your responses to questions/objections are well measured and handled in a tone of love. I really admire this for it is a glaring shortcoming the Lord has directed me to address in my own witness.

I can honestly say there are many things I have learned from your teachings and in all cases, when brought before the Lord I find no objection in my Spirit to any teaching thus far.

Yours is one of the few Christian "Blogs" I've Bookmarked since setting off on my new journey since December of 2008. Without a doubt the Lord brought me to your site.

All that to say this, Joseph. Thank You!!! Thank You!!! Thank You!!! Be encouraged 🙂 Romans 15:5-6

Much love in Christ Jesus,
James Mapston
Apple Valley, MN