There is no higher calling in anyone's life than being a minister (servant) of God's Word. The ministering of the Word is as broad as humanity itself and isn't the personal domain of any individual or group. It ranges from the home to the heavens.
The writer of this "departure" note came to know the Lord as Saviour as a young man and immediately entered the ministry of teaching and preaching to young people and then further as responsibilities grew. By the grace of God, and the help of a faithful pastor, Brother Ike T. Sidebottom, I have had the privilege and blessings of being His servant for 64 years, in giving out the message of the Gospel of Grace and the giving forth of the teaching of the dispensation of the mystery, by spoken word and the printed page.
In all these years I have also had the privilege of serving as pastor. Forty-four of those years were spent with this congregation of saints here in Fort Worth; twenty years were spent in Denton County as pastor, radio minister, and evangelistic Bible teacher.
There have been other ministry related opportunities across these years. The educational opportunities have afforded a springboard of living and learning to give out the Word. Serving as teacher, counselor, principal, and superintendent of a growing suburban school district afforded many opportunities of "defending the faith" and giving the gospel. These opportunities opened doors to be a witness and testimony to the wonderful grace of God.
A ministry of 64 years involved all the ups and downs, the high-lights and heartaches, the suffering and the glory that accompanies living and trying, by God's grace to serve Him. The results are all to the praise and glory of our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ.
As to the ministry of the Timely Messenger, and related books and pamphlets, there are many faithful saints who will be rewarded for their faithful continued work and support. It was my privilege to be serving as Associate Pastor with Brother Side-bottom when he began the Timely Messenger. My wife and I helped with the first printings, and have had the privilege of contributing lessons in the Timely Messenger all these years. There are many who have served to help in the giving out of the Word through the Timely Messenger. Quenton Goyne has given his time and talent in printing the Timely Messenger all these years. He was a professional printer, but gave his time on the side to be our printer, serving without any financial pay-just the blessing of giving out the Word for His glory. Even in his retirement years, he continues to do the printing. Through many years my wife, Beverly, did the typing and preparing for the printer; before the days of computers. Now much work is saved through the computer. Others have joined to help with the mailing out. Many have contributed articles and Bible study lessons through these years. Many of you readers have helped support this printing ministry with your offerings and prayers, and helping to distribute to others. Your letters and words of encouragement have meant much to us through the years. To all of you, I give my heartfelt thanks for your labor of love.
Having said all that is needed to be said, your long-time editor and friend, is stepping down after having the privilege of "stepping up" to the most wonderful and rewarding work of using this as one means of giving out the Word. This issue will be my last issue as editor of the Timely Messenger. It is left in capable and faithful hands and will continue, by God's grace. Brother Gregg Bing will be the editor beginning in January.
We ask you to continue to pray for this printing ministry and, pray for Brother Gregg. We also ask that you continue to remember Beverly and I as we carry, out what the Lord has for us to do.
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)
Mp3 Studies By Pastor Gregg Bing
| Ephesians - 01 - Introduction |
Ephesians - 03 - Nature of Our Blessings
Ephesians - 04 - The Will of the Father
Ephesians - 05 - The Work of the Son
Ephesians - 06 - The Fullness of the Times
Grace Bible Church
http://www.gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
(A 10 Minute Video)
Posted By Cecil and
Connie Spivey
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