Controversial Issues

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It seems like we love a good argument! At least some of us do. Talk shows and television thrive on endless debate over controversial issues. But, it really does not matter what I think about any controversial issue. It does not matter what your opinion is either. It only matters what God says!

King David wrote this, “Therefore I esteem right all Your precepts concerning everything, I hate every false way.” Psalm 119:128 Only God is Love, the Creator, Omniscient, Omnipotent, and perfect in all of His ways! He alone is Truth, and         right in all of His judgments. We would do well to let Him have the final word!

King Solomon, one of the wisest men to ever live, said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 Wisdom begins with a healthy respect (fear) for the Lord.

Nelson Newsletter April 2013

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Dear ­Friends, ­­­­­­­­­­­

Pastors – Wives Conference Danelle and I attended the Southeast regional pastors/wives conference this month. It was a joy to hear Herschel and Mardean Martindale speak about marriage. They have been happily married for 60 years, and their love for Jesus, one another, and people is an inspiration to all. They also exemplify devotion to Jesus Christ and His mission.

House Church News I have been greatly encouraged recently as a number of us have printed our testimony tracts, and built relationships with unbelievers. Recently we have shared the gospel with several people who we prayed for this past year. God granted us boldness to ask them these thought provoking questions about eternal life, “If you were to die today, would you go to heaven?” And, “If you were to stand before God, and He were to ask you, “Why should I let you into heaven?” what would you say?” Over 40 years ago I was asked these same questions by students at Clemson. It helped me understand I was going to hell, and needed Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior. I realized that doing good deeds was not going to save me. Praise God! Now we are using these same questions to reach people in Atlanta with the gospel of grace.

Publishing Steve’s Book in Spanish Most of you are aware how many Hispanics live in America and many don’t understand that salvation is­­­­­­­­ by grace through faith in Christ. They also need help with relationships and marriage. Recently, we have an opportunity to help meet this need. We found someone who is willing to translate Secure In An Insecure World into Spanish at for a very reasonable rate. Please join us in prayer for God to provide the funds necessary to get it translated and published. You may know some Hispanics who would benefit from reading it.

Family News We have had 5 grandchildren born in the past 10 months, with Sophie Alice Nelson the most recent addition to Scott and Maria’s family. We thank God for all these gifts! (Psalm 127:4) Our youngest daughter, Meredith, will finish her job with Habitat for Humanity in July and is looking for a new job. Please remember her before God.

 

 

Prayer Requests

1. Please pray for the people in Atlanta, with whom we shared Christ, to understand their need and turn to Him.
2. Pray for the funds for translating and printing Secure In An Insecure World into Spanish.
3. Pray for our house church conference in Columbia, May 3-4. Steve and others will teach.
4. Pray for God to provide a job for our daughter Merry where He wants her.
5. Pray for our financial support.

Thankful for your prayers and partnership!

Steve and Danelle

34 Years Ago Today

34 years ago on this date I was ordained as a pastor with Great Commission Churches. Herschel Martindale recognized me as a pastor/elder of the church in Clemson, South Carolina. I was a mature 26 years old at the time. Ha! God’s grace has been sufficient all these years. “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”  1 Peter 2:6 Thank you Lord Jesus!

The Power of a Testimony

My son and I were working on writing his testimony today. In his spiritual story he reminded me that it was I who shared the gospel with him using the bridge diagram while sitting on the steps in our garage. He was about 7 years old at the time he gave his life to Christ. I rejoiced again hearing about his spiritual birthday. Sharing the gospel has a profound effect on us, as well as those we share with!

I pray that you will be active in sharing what you believe. Then you will completely understand every good thing we have in Christ. Philemon 1:6 NIV (Readers)

If you don't understand every good thing you have in Christ, what is one thing that could be missing?