We began this thing called the "New Testament Challenge" on January 1, and I'm pretty sure that it's been the exact right thing for our church this year. Would you agree? So after reading the daily readings, participating in a small group, and preaching messages based on the big New Testament themes, here are a few things that I've learned along the way:

• The "Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew 5-7 is simply AMAZING. I found myself digging out some old commentaries just to get personal insights.
• The apostle Paul is also amazing. Wow. That guy had G-U-T-S (Godliness under the Spirit?). To be abel to stand firm and preach the gospel with the kind of persecution he faced - threats, beatings, devious opponents - I am in awe of that man.
• I've got to discipline myself just like everyone else. If I don't get the reading done first thing in the morning ("Oh, I've got a lot to do, I'll get to it later"), I may wind up missing and have to catch up the next day.
• There is so much to learn! Yes, I've read the New Testament and preached from it for over 30 years - but writing questions for each chapter makes me realize what an astounding amount of study can be put into one book of the Bible, much less the entire New Testament. God's Word is just the BEST.

See you Sunday!
Bob