March 5, 2014 Steps to Life Newsletter

Dear STL Supporter

Do You Read the Bible? Millions Do!

Bible Gateway, one of the most popular Bible search engines, reports that in the last year from 92 percent of the world's countries - that's 242 countries - people spent 76 million hours reading, searching and studying the Bible in one of the multitude of versions and languages made available, on line.

So what were people wanting to read? Well, from the ten most populous countries - China, India, USA, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Russia, Japan. Note, the majority of the top ten countries have a small percentage of Christians living in them. Rather, the predominate religions are Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, Communist, etc.

Bible Gateway reports that the books of the Bible in most demand from the top ten countries to be - Genesis Chs 1, 2 - 9 countries, not Russia (The Bible's description of creation); Psalms Chs 23, 1, 91, 89 - 9 countries, not Indonesia (Shepherd's Psalm, the way of the righteous and the ungodly, safety in the secret place of the most high, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord); John 1, 3:16 - 8 countries, not Pakistan, Nigeria (In the beginning was the Word, for God so loved the world); 1 Corinthians 13 - 8 countries, not Pakistan, Nigeria (The greatest gift is love). Other books to feature across the countries were the Old Testament books of Proverbs, Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes and the New Testament book of Matthew.

In our evolutionary world there is still enormous interest, if not belief, in the creation account in Genesis. People are still turning to the Bible for comforting and the assurance of God's protection. Agape love is still highly valued by many above the romantic love of pulp fiction, TV, movie shows, and the eros/erotic love of the booming sex industry.

These statistics only record the hits on a single Bible internet search site. Nor do they measure in any way the number of people reading paper versions of the Bible. Sometimes we get the impression that people are finding no relevance in the Bible as they search for life's meaning and purpose. Obviously, this is not true. What Jesus said to his disciples recorded in Matthew 24: 14 springs to mind. Jesus said - And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Technology is certainly helping to fulfill Jesus' prophecy of the spreading of the gospel. Are we ready for the second part of his prophecy which is his second coming? That's what he said would happen, after the spread of the gospel.

New Free Brochures

As part of this Newsletter mail out you will find two free brochures from STL. They are for your use and for you to share with folks who you think would appreciate receiving them. Sweet Truth: Is It Sugar Coated? is a summary of the extensive literature as to why we should cut down on the intake of added sugar in our food and drink. Sugar related medical conditions are costing us our health.

Don't Be a Sausage: A Quick Guide to Spiritual Formation provides a description of the strategy often used to introduce Spiritual Formation into a church, it's origin, the language of Spiritual Formation, prominent promoters and books and authors who unmask it's true nature. Spiritual Formation takes the language used in Christian worship and gives new meanings that introduce different worship practices to unsuspecting congregations. It's origins are predictive of it's destination. The brochures will be available free of charge at our next seminar series happening as per the brochure Walking with Jesus Through the Book of Romans.

Jeff Wehr Returns for Weekend Seminar Series, March 14 to 30

Jeff was with us two years ago. He was greatly appreciated as a clear and interesting Bible expositor. His seminar title this time is Walking with Jesus Through the Book of Romans. There are many similarities between our world and the world the early Roman Christians lived in. Jeff will make the connections and answer questions like 'Do I know if I am justified? Do I know if I am sanctified? Do I know if I will be glorified?' This time round the seminar starts in Brisbane, so check out the flyer carefully to make sure you have the right date and venue.

Letter Box Drop for Jeff Wehr's Melbourne Program.

With the much appreciated assistance of Highwood Health's community contact team, STL will be advertising by letter box drop Jeff Wehr's Melbourne seminar in the neighborhoods around our Box Hill venue. The program will be of interest to all Christians and non Christians who would like to get a grasp on the great salvation by faith message in the book of Romans. The flyers will be placed in letter boxes during the week preceding the seminar, that's March 23 to 27. Can you help with the letter boxing? If so, please phone us to offer your assistance on 03 9739 4093 or email admin@steps.org.au with your details.

Christian and Coby Berdahl, November 2014

Christian, and God willing Coby, Berdahl and their two sons will be leading out in Steps to Life's end of year seminar series this year. We are planning for the whole weekend to be community focused, as well as for those who regularly attend the STL weekend seminars. The theme will be addressing one of the biggest social challenges experienced so far in the 21st century. Christian has already trialed two of his six presentations for the seminar and they were greatly appreciated with the audience wanting more. We will provide more details of the theme as we approach the end of the year. Because the whole series of programs across all the venues the seminar will be conducted from, is primarily for the broader community, STL last year established a fund to help promote it. We are grateful for those who have contributed to date. Thank you very much! The size of this fund will determine how widely we can advertise the Berdahl Seminar. It will also help pay the costs of STL hosting the whole family to Australia. If you are able to financially contribute to the 2014 Berdahl Australian Seminar Fund please donate online, through the mail or by envelope at the coming weekend seminars. Please keep the planning of the seminar in your prayers along with Coby's health challenge.

April 6, Next Sunday Health Seminar, Lilydale

The day will be taken by two new presenters. The morning session will feature vegan recipe preparation and will be led by Julie-Ann Mormon. Julie-Ann has had extensive experience in the hospitality industry in Australia, internationally and on cruise ships, including the QE II. She presently runs a hospitality training firm for young people - both able and disabled. The afternoon session will be taken by the Physiotherapy Manager at the Latrobe Regional Hospital - Elaine Coetzee. Elaine will cover the topics of Practical Neck and Back Care, Recommended Daily Levels of Exercise, The Role of Exercise in Disease Prevention, Treatment and Management. She has worked as a physiotherapist in England, Canada, Russia and now Australia.

Christian greetings from Cherryl and the STL Team

Brian Way/ Program Co-ordinator