Introductions

I’ve had more than my share of introductions in life. From the Pastor who read the entire Seminary produced Biographical Information – both pages, to the man who said, “This man needs no introduction to us. So, here he is.” Some times I’ve had to live up to my introductions, other times I’ve had to further introduce myself in the midst of my presentation in order for an illustration to be understood. Occasionally I’ve needed no introduction, like I got (or failed to get) preaching recently in my home church. It is told that the well-known boxer, Joe Lewis, was having difficulty checking into a hotel once and exclaimed, “If you have to tell ‘em who you is, you ain’t.” Perhaps the first introduction in history was that of Adam introducing Eve, (obviously to no one in particular) in Genesis 2:23, “Adam said: ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’” The more famous biblical introduction was that of John the Baptist to his followers, when he saw Jesus and announced, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)! How do you want to be introduced? Better question, how do you want to be introduced at the final judgment before Almighty God? How about in the words of the early hymn text by James M. Gray, President of Moody Bible Institute, “Only a sinner, saved by grace.” Or the later musical words by Gloria Gaither, “I’m just a sinner, saved by grace.”

Join me this week in praying for the following global concerns:
• Pray for Gary and Carolyn and their “Reboot” discipleship group that launched recently with three married couples, in Debrecen, Hungary.
• Pray for the Collegiate Partnership Visit to Vancouver, Canada that I will lead this week.
• Last week was Chinese New Year. Pray for those who serve among Chinese people.
• Pray for Tommy and Beth as they lead the School of Cross-Cultural Missions in Lima, Peru, March 9-13.