July-September 2023

TREASURE

Helping Women Fulfill the Great Commission

GOD HAS A PLAN | GOD, WHERE ARE YOU AT WORK? | JAPAN IN OUR JERUSALEM

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TREASURE

ISSN 8960038

Volume 111, Number 3

Editorial Staff

Ruth McDonald, Editor-in-Chief

Phyllis York, Managing Editor

Tori Matlock, Design

WNAC Board

Amy Johnson, Illinois

Sharon Dickey, Texas

Jonda Patton, Kentucky

Sarah Sargent, Ohio

Tracy Payne, Oklahoma

LeeAnn Wilfong, Missouri

Khristi Shores, Oklahoma

Jessica Edwards, Tennessee

Katie Postlewaite, South Carolina

Contributors

Amy Johnson, Michigan

Sarah Sargent, Ohio

Rachel Violanti, New York

Grayson Wolf, Utah

TREASURE (ISSN 8960038) is produced quarterly by Women Nationally Active for Christ of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, Inc., 5233 Mount View Road, Antioch, TN 37013-2306. Copyright privileges reserved. A 2023 Member of Evangelical Press Association. Mail questions or comments to: Treasure, PO Box 5002, Antioch, TN 37011-5002

treasure@wnac.org | wnac.org | @WNACFWB

Catie York, Tennessee

Anna Fox,, Tennessee

Alicia Crowe,Ohio

Ruth McDonald, Tennessee

About the Colunnist:

Amy Johnson chairs the WNAC board of directors. After being away for nearly thirty years, Amy recently moved back to her home state of Michigan. She is looking forward to all God has for her and her husband, Harlen, in this new season of life.

Thoughts From Amy

BY AMY JOHNSON

God always has a plan. From a young age many hear, “God has a plan for your life.” Each season He is molding and making us into what/who we are to be. I believe not only does God have a “grand plan” for our overall life, but He also has a plan for our everyday life.

In the past, it was common for someone to start at a workplace and stay there for the duration of their career. Nowadays, the average time someone stays at a job is about four years. It was also common to buy a house and still be in the same house when the kids left the nest. Now, the average person moves 11 times in their lifetime, according to three (possibly unreliable) on the internet. How do we know and follow God’s plan for our life in this quick-paced, fast-lane society where we are constantly moving?

Recently when visiting with a soon-to-be bride, we talked of seasons and how God uses each season in our life to fulfill His will. She was changing jobs and struggling about how that would affect her future. Her view of God’s will in her life was like a timeline, with every event lining up one after the other; leaving this job did not fit this sequential plan. Our conversation included how great the job had been for that season in her life—definitely in His will. I also pointed out how God could and would use it as a stepping-stone to her next job. The job was God’s plan for that time, but now that time was ending. His will was not ending, just that season. A few weeks later, she mentioned how looking at life and continuing to follow God’s will in seasons helped relieve so much of her stress and anxiety. While it’s important to look at what God has for us in the long term, it can become paralyzing if we try to fit everything together in one continuous line. Think of a puzzle with each piece being a season in your life. Each season fits together to produce a beautiful picture. Each piece is necessary to complete the puzzle, but you don’t put it together in order starting with piece #1, then #2, #3, and ending with the final number. You might work on the left, right, border, and middle sides. All pieces (seasons) come together to make a complete puzzle (life).

Jeremiah 29:11

The key is to allow God to put the pieces together as He sees fit. Each season may be challenging, but it takes all of them to complete the puzzle. You might have a particularly great or longer-lasting season. The important part is to focus on God and remember that He has a plan for your life. He ultimately sees the overall picture of the puzzle but uses each piece at just the right time to complete a beautiful masterpiece.

BY: Catie York

God’s plan for salvation is the key to impacting the chaos in the world around us. This study is designed to reinforce Peter’s concepts and actions for the people at Pentecost while sharing how we can make a similar impact in our world today. It is time for us to stop using the world as an excuse and realize it is the exact time and place God wants us to be. Peter demonstrated that His plan of salvation is powerful and personal.

ACTS 2: 1-13 THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Historically, Pentecost was when all well-practiced Jews traveled to Jerusalem to offer gifts and offerings to God—to celebrate the first fruits of harvest with thanksgiving to God for His provision. It was also time to remember and celebrate The Law, that God had given to Moses, which they had been taught for generations. During the Pentecost denoted in Acts chapter 2, the Holy Spirit came down, and tongues of fire sat on each one in the crowd. Believers spoke in other tongues, and each pilgrim in the audience understood the message of the Gospel in their own language.

That moment at Pentecost was not just a singular occurrence—it was the beginning of something that would continue. The miracle of tongues was indeed a one-time event, but the power manifested that day is still very much alive. Even today, believers live under this supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

Some skeptics in the wider audience mocked the believers, accusing them of being drunk. Peter entered the scene and delivered a sermon to address the crowd, and to reveal God’s plan.

ACTS 2:14-21 PETER’S SERMON AT PENTECOST: THE WHAT

First, Peter confirmed there was no drunkenness causing these events. He even clarified by referencing a prophecy familiar to the crowd from Joel in the Old Testament. He did this to explain exactly what was happening—that is, the Holy Spirit was being poured out on them. Peter spoke to them about how God had created an avenue for all

men to be saved—if they call upon the name of the Lord (verse 21).

Peter then moved to the heart of his message and the focus of this study. In verses 22-41, Peter explains God’s Plan.

ACTS 2:22-36 PETER’S SERMON AT PENTECOST: THE HOW

After Peter established exactly what had just occurred at that special Pentecost, he moved into the rest of his sermon to explain how God’s plan was executed. In these verses, he unpacked all that had culminated to that moment at that Pentecost. He asserted and defended Christ as the Messiah; the One God used to give each person access to the Holy Spirit. Along with this access, Jesus also provided eternal salvation through His death, burial, and resurrection. Peter made it clear that the events Jesus endured were not just a series of unforeseen events but were all in accordance with God’s foreknowledge and His plan from eternity past to eternity future.

Verses 22-24 and 32-35 very practically lay out the Gospel. Starting with verses 22-24, Peter concisely verifies Jesus as God’s Son and Messiah to all. Through God, Jesus performed supernatural works, signs, and wonders for mankind to witness and recognize He was God in the flesh. Peter quickly pointed out this Jesus was the One whom the unbelieving Jews sentenced to death at the hands of the Romans (verse 23).

Peter used this clever way to unify the Jews and Gentiles as one group entirely respon-

sible for Jesus’ death. They were unified in their desperation and need of a Savior—as is still true today. Every unbelieving person is unified in their sinful nature and their need to know the Savior, Jesus.

Even though Jesus’ death was at the hands of men, it was known and predestined by God. His sovereign plan was to use Jesus as atonement for all, so all could believe in Him and be saved. Only God could work in such a perfect paradox. Christ was crucified by the free will and hands of men and by the hand of God Himself in His sovereignty. What a picture demonstrating how God is truly the Ruler and Creator of all and functions as He pleases. He anticipates and uses our free will as part of His greater purpose and plan. However, Christ’s crucifixion was not the end of the plan; it was the beginning—God raised Christ from death!

In verse 24, Peter described the raising of Jesus as loosening the “pains of death.” The original Greek word for “pains” relates to the pains of childbirth. Note the play on words—the pains of labor bring new life, yet it was the pains of death God removed from Jesus. In his commentary on Acts, Danny Dwyer explains this concept: “Life came from death; the idea is that death could not hold back the resurrection of Christ in the same way a mother cannot hold back childbirth.” When it is time for a birth, there is no stopping the baby. When it was time for Christ to rise again, there was no stopping Him. God’s plan was and is forever inevitable. The victory is His.

Peter continued reinforcing this truth by referring to the Old Testament again. In this way he connected

the dots so everyone in the audience at Pentecost could understand. He wanted them to realize all the aspects that proved God’s promises were true and the fulfillment of His plan for salvation ultimately came through Christ.

In verses 25-31, he quotes and references Psalm 16:811, a psalm of David. David rejoiced over the presence of God—and prophetically spoke of God’s plan for salvation. In Psalm 16:10 (quoted in Acts 2:27), David spoke confidently in the first person, confirming his personal hope beyond the grave while also delivering a Messianic prophecy— “Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” This prophecy from David pointed to Jesus, the Greater David. Some Jews might have thought these words pointed to David, but it could not, because David’s tomb was still occupied in Jerusalem, whereas Christ’s tomb was empty due to His resurrection (verses 29-31).

To readers today, the reference might seem trivial, and even distracting that Peter took such a detour in his proclamation of the Gospel. However, to the Jews, this was a powerful picture. This explanation of the Scripture closed gaps in the prophecies and confirmed Jesus as the Messiah.

Similarly, our consideration of all the truth in Scripture today will allow God to reveal His plans and promises for our lives. That is, for the plan of salvation we must share, as well as our everyday obedience and submission to His will.

Peter did not cease to reference the prophets familiar to

the Jews. In verses 32-35, he recalled his personal witness of the risen Lord and again referred to the words of David to reinforce the truth of Jesus ascending. Peter also mentioned the promise of the Holy Spirit, which God the Father had made. He explicitly correlated that promise to the events of that day at Pentecost. He left no shadow of doubt for the Jews in attendance; he had fully explained the truth of God’s Plan.

ACTS 2:36-39 PETER’S SERMON AT PENTECOST: THE WHY AND WHAT’S NEXT

Peter’s relatable and logically-sound delivery of the Gospel message ended in the next verses, and the response to his message began to bubble in those listening. His firm closing in verse 36 summarizes with direct and unwavering certainty that the prophecies of the Old Testament point to the crucified and resurrected Jesus as the Lord and Messiah. Verse 37 describes the response to Peter’s words. People were “pricked to the heart” and eager to learn what to do in response to the moving explanation of God’s plan.

What reaction do we have to God’s Plan for salvation? The response can’t be superficial; we must allow God to pierce our hearts with His plan and be eager to join Him in the ways He provides for us.

Peter answered them in verses 38-39. He said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you,

and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.” The response is simple: repent and be baptized. Peter was not recommending baptism as a ritual to secure salvation, but as a step of public obedience to Christ. In the Greek, to be baptized means to be “immersed or dipped.” Peter called the new believers to be baptized with the intent to identify with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. They were dipped down in the water to display death to their sin and rose from the water to display Christ’s gift of new life. Again, this practice was not to secure their salvation, but to outwardly express their heart-felt repentance.

Peter also made it a point to express the width and depth of the plan for salvation. He expressed its openness to everyone, in every generation, near or far. The term for those who “are afar off” refers to the Gentiles. Peter again unifies Jew and Gentile, this time in their accessibility to the salvation Jesus offers—a powerful sermon with powerful implications.

ACTS 2:40-41 THE RESULTS

To close the account of Peter’s sermon, the Scripture says he continued to bear witness to the crowds. In verse 40 he urged them to turn away from the crooked generation in which they lived. Those who heard his preaching believed and were baptized, and three thousand were added to the family of God that day (verse 41).

Making God’s Plan Personal

Peter’s sermon was to the crowd at Pentecost on that day when the Holy Spirit came, but there is still so much to glean from his words today. First and foremost, let’s be clear about God’s Plan—that the sacrifice of His Son Jesus is the atonement for all people who believe in Him. Salvation is open to all who are willing to repent and follow Him.

Let’s make that plan more personal. That salvation God promises through Jesus is intended for me, for you, for each person we know, for each person we love, and for the strangers we have never met. This salvation

is available! The sad truth is just like the crowd at Pentecost, there is stirring, confusion, and even some speculation or hostility about this plan for salvation. Some do not know of Christ’s sacrifice for us. Whether they have heard of it or not, it has not been made real and clear to them in their hearts. They have not experienced that “prick in their heart” as the new converts did at Pentecost. We must make it real to them, as Peter did.

I know who my “Peter” was. Actually, I had more than one—several individuals in my life discipled me to Jesus, connected the dots, and made His ways clear to me. God used these vessels to make His plan evident to me and help me form it into the center of my life.

I have a background in Catholicism through my family upbringing where I learned a bunch of rules growing up—how to be good enough, do enough, and earn my way to Heaven. We went to the holy days of obligation and were always in a pew on the big church holidays… mainly to keep my grandma happy. The reality: I was out of touch with the living Word of God. I didn’t know what His plan was or that there was even a plan written out in that old Book I saw in the pews on Sunday. It wasn’t until my “Peter” explained the plan to me that it jumped off that Book’s pages and into real life. I learned what the plan was, how it came to be, why it mattered, and what my next steps should be in response.

Applying and Pondering

My goal for this study is to think about how we can share God’s Plan and become a “Peter” to those who need it.

1. Peter made sense out of the chaos for the crowd. He did this by piecing together the truths of God’s Word so his audience could relate and understand. We all recognize the chaos in our world today, and it worsens as we try to unscramble the mess and interject our opinions. As we navigate a lost world and seek to offer clarity to the plan God has, we need to be wise and educated in what the Scriptures say. Multiple times Peter inserted

Scripture into the conversation and wove it together with personal testimony in an intentional way. Prepare to carefully and intentionally articulate truths from Scripture for those who need it, in the way they need it, and in the time they need it. Some of that is solely provided through divine intervention to guide our words, and some of that is our responsibility to invest in our relationship with God so that we know the details of His plan with certainty.

2. Peter was bold and direct. There is a fine line when being bold for the Gospel. Being bold does not mean demanding our way and forcing the Gospel onto someone with whom God may not be working at that time. Peter was candid with the truths of God’s plan and laid out the facts. He also made it digestible. His sermon was an invitation to the Gospel, where the audience would be challenged to think, understand, and decide. This passage clearly demonstrated that God was at work, and Peter obeyed as he spoke God’s truth and delivered His plan to the people. He did not sugar-coat or dilute it, nor did he deliver God’s message without love or as a fear tactic or harsh.

3. Peter did not just speak; he pointed toward action. Peter could have offered a vague story about the love of God, which lacked spiritual depth, to sell the ‘idea’ of God while avoiding the commitment to be made.

Instead, he made the truth clear and then urged those who believed to act. Repentance is a true heart decision; it is walking east then turning completely towards the west, a newness of life. It is a choice made with commitment. James 2:18-20 comes to mind; faith apart from works is useless. Faith is what saves those that are lost. However, empty faith that produces no action is worthless. If we love God, we ought to obey God and take action to fulfill every request He makes of us and every command He requires.

I encourage you to re-read the passage Acts 2:22-41. Pray and ask God to reveal practical application from this passage for your life. Perhaps, while you pray and study the passage, you can ponder new ways to act more like Peter on that special Pentecost. Maybe God will bring to your mind the crowds, the place, or even the specific person to whom you are to deliver the message of His plan.

About the Writer:

Catie is originally from Buffalo, New York but now resides in Smyrna, Tennesseewith her husband of two years, Andy York. She was discipled to Jesus out of Catholicism at her home church, NorthPoint Church, Depew, New York. She now serves alongside Andy over the youth and family ministry at The Grove Church in Smyrna, Tennessee.

2023 NATIONAL COVENTION

EVENTS AND SEMINARS

Events

Monday, 8:30 p.m. – Laughter and Latté (Tickets are $25)

Tuesday, 10 a.m. – Celebration Service – Melanie Franks

Flourish Seminars

Monday, 1:30 p.m. – How to Help Women Who Are Hurting – Sarah Bracey

Monday, 2:30 p.m. – The Future of Women’s Ministries – Ruth McDonald

Spanish Seminars

Wednesday, 9 a.m. – La Feminidad Biblica – Keren Delgado

Wednesday, 10 a.m. – Nuestra Identidad en Cristo – Viviana Guarin

Shine Seminars

Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. – Greatly Loved – Amy McDonald

Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. – Happily Ever After – Keren Delgado

BY Rachel Violanti

“God has a plan for your life.” How many times have you heard that? Are you sick of it? For the longest time I was, until I realized the truth of that statement. In 2013 I took an American Sign Language (ASL) college course. ASL was never in my plans, but it was in God’s. The professor told me I was good and should take the second class. I told her thanks, but no thanks; I had a different plan for my four years of college. Fast forward a few years, and my career goal changed to ASL interpreter! Turns out that when you fight against God’s plan, He keeps bringing you back.

I located a local Catholic Church which had an interpreter, and I asked if I could work with him; after all, I was Catholic; how hard could it be? I told my ASL professor, and she offered to help me. She explained that she used to be Catholic. That was the first step in my ‘salvation’ journey. God was teaching me that He puts the right people in your life exactly when you need them.

I asked her questions about interpreting, and, to my surprise, I also asked theology questions, for hours. She patiently answered each one. Even though she gave me answers straight from the Bible, I didn’t believe her. I was determined to believe I knew what was right.

Fast forward a couple more years, and I’m at a deaf event at NorthPoint Church (a Free Will Baptist

Church plant in Depew, New York). When it was over, I walked up to the event interpreter (Amanda York) and said, “Hi, my name is Rachel. How do I be you when I grow up?” She laughed and told me to follow Jesus, learn to sign, and find a place to practice interpreting.

Fast forward once again, and I’m sitting in Amanda’s kitchen grilling her and her husband Timothy with questions about the differences between Christianity and Catholicism. Because of the seeds my ASL professor planted, they watered them, and became a part of my growth process.

Then on February 9, 2017, I gave my life to Jesus.

For a few years now, I have been an interpreter at NorthPoint Church. This journey started because I tried something in which I had no interest. God can use every aspect of our lives, even if it seems mundane. My ASL professor boldly shared her faith with me and pushed me to look for hard answers. Sometimes His plan takes years to unfold. Even when it seems confusing, hard, and unsteady, His plan is always steadfast and good for us.

About the Writer:

Rachel Violanti is the Coordinator of the American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Department at Niagara University. She is a certified ASL/English interpreter and has been interpreting at her church, NorthPoint since 2016.

THIRTY SOMETHINGS

BY SARAH SARGENT

Take a few seconds and think about your friendship circle. Picture the faces who have become your ‘chosen’ family—the friends you enjoy spending time with. These people are the ones you call when you have a funny story or when tragedy strikes. What would you do for those faces in your mind right now? Would you go if they called and asked for help? Would you give your time, money, or resources if they were in need? Would you show up for them, even if they didn’t ask?

One of my favorite stories in Scripture falls in the middle of Luke chapter five. Let’s look at this story of incredible friends who gave their time, strength, and selves to help their paralytic friend.

Jesus is teaching inside a building, possibly a home, and a large crowd is gathered. The crowd is so large that there is no way to get the sick friend to Jesus through the door or a window. Someone notices folks gathering on nearby roofs, hoping they might hear His words through the windows.

“What if we carried him up onto the roof? Maybe we could lower him into the room. What do you think?”

“It would certainly garner Jesus’ attention.” “Yes, our arms and legs are burning. Yes, carrying him up onto the roof and lowering him down will be strenuous. We are risking his life and ours to cause such a disruption. But it’s for our friend whom we love. Who needs to meet Jesus.”

They did what was necessary to get him to Jesus. Verse 20 says, “And when he saw their faith, he said, Man, your sins are forgiven you.” This man was forgiven because of his friends’ faith. Then Jesus tells him to “rise, pick up your bed and go home” (verse 24 ESV). These

friends carried him to Jesus, and I have no doubt they celebrated and glorified God with him all the way back home.

My friends recently showed up for me like these friends did for this paralytic man. After almost three years in hospice, my Grandma Ellen went home to be with Jesus. She wasn’t just my grandma; she was also one of my ministry mentors, and she meant the world to me. I will forever be grateful for how my friends cared for me during that following week. Amanda drove from New York and, braving her fear of dogs, sat with my big, crazy dogs and me the morning and afternoon of Grandma’s viewing. Kelly drove up from Florida to be here. Many other friends spent time with me during the viewing. Julie drove from Cincinnati for the funeral. Several friends took the day off from work to attend the funeral. After the funeral, Kelly and Katie spent the day with me, so I wouldn’t get overwhelmed by grief.

I am so grateful for these friends—my ‘chosen’ family, God has brought into my life. Many of these special people texted me that week, saying they were praying for me and my family. I know they lifted us up in their prayers because I could feel the results of those prayers. Numerous friends carried me to Jesus that week. You will never have to carry your friends to Jesus physically. However, you may need to give your time and resources to help and support them. Let us always remember that the best thing we can do for a friend is to carry them to Jesus in our prayers. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy” (Philippians1:3-4).

God, Where Are You At Work?

BY Anna Fox

“What do we learn about God, and what do we learn about people in Acts 2:42-47?” I sat waiting for a response from two women in my discipleship group. My questions were sometimes met with silence, while the conversation won’t stop at other times. These are some of the answers that evening:

God:

Is always looking for disciples. Created us for fellowship.

Uses believers to meet others’ physical needs before meeting their spiritual needs.

His plan is for us to go and do.

People:

Fellowship is important to the believer. When we are obedient, God will work. People want to be together and when unified, will do more.

Focus on the task given.

I followed up with, “How will you obey the passage this week?” This question is always the most challenging part of the entire night—obedience. Discussing what we discovered is one thing, but obeying and

sharing how we obeyed is totally different. Discipleship can only happen with accountability. Our discipleship group’s application statement was, “I will pray every day to find a physical need to meet that could lead to a spiritual conversation.”

God speaks through His Word, and we can find truths in His Word by asking these three questions:

1. What do I learn about God?

2. What do I learn about people?

3. How will I obey this passage?

What a neat experience to watch young believers read a passage and work through discovering Who God is by answering those questions and applying them directly to their lives.

I was reminded of this discipleship night while reviewing old notes in preparation for this study. While we may have missed some deeper knowledge and application, we understood the concept of the passage. God revealed Who He is and what our responsibility is. As we dive deeper into Acts 2, you will notice four truths about the early church. First, they cared deeply about sound doctrine. Second, their love for one another

unified them. Third, they broke bread together. Lastly, they were actively involved in the work.

Application: God is always looking for disciples.

What does this mean for us?

How do we join Him in His search for disciples?

Devoted to teaching and learning.

First, in Acts 2, they were continually devoted to teaching and learning. Those believers thought it important to have the correct doctrine and understanding. Being continuously dedicated to proper teaching equips us with a biblical worldview of God and man. As we develop our biblical worldview, the desire to apply and obey what we learn will grow, aligning our hearts, minds, and actions with Christ. We will be replicates of Him.

Correct teaching should transform our lives. When we enter that time of learning, whether in a church service, small group, discipleship group, or personal devotions, we should

help us find ways to obey those teachings immediately.

Ephesians 1:17-19 teaches us to have a spirit of wisdom—good judgment and discernment. Pray for spiritual depth and endeavor to know God and the revelation of Who He is. It is impossible to have a deep relationship with God and continue to make foolish decisions all the time. Knowledge must transform our hearts; it cannot stay in our minds.

Unified by Love

The second truth we learn from Acts 2 is—love unified them. When our lives are transformed by correct knowledge and understanding, the result will be a desire to have fellowship with others. The church in Acts 2 obeyed Jesus’ command in John 13:34-35 (ESV), “love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus did not say to love only those you deem worthy, who share your politics, have your skin color, meet your standards, or participate in your church friend group. No. He said to love one another, and all people will know you are His disciple by your love.

Application: How well do you love others? Search your heart, then answer the following questions:

Do your everyday actions show this type of love?

Does your Facebook page—what you share and post—show this kind of love?

Do your actions and attitude toward your pastor show this kind of love?

join with our hearts open and our ears ready to hear. We should ask God to reveal our downfalls and shortcomings, reveal truths that He wants us to learn, and

What area of your life needs improvement so all will know you are a disciple of Christ by the way you love?

When our hearts align with Christ and we replicate Him, our lives will produce love and be unified as one body of Christ. We cannot have unity until we

surrender our selfish wants and desires. This type of love in Acts 2 produced a unified group that sold their belongings and combined resources to meet each person’s needs. This required intentional, self-sacrificing love. Stop right here and examine your own life. Are you daily living an intentional life and meeting the physical needs of others? Would you know if someone in your church was struggling and needed support, or would you have to wait for the pastor to tell you? Are you rushing around from place to place, not thinking about the people you encounter?

How many God-ordained appointments have we missed because we are focused on ‘me’ and not on “love one another as I have loved you.”

Breaking Bread Together

The third thing we learn from Acts 2 is breaking bread together. Most commentators agree that when the New Testament church practiced Communion, it was typically with an entire meal. One commentary said the phrase could be described as “Christians fellowshipping together at mealtime” (John-Michael Wong, Opening up Acts, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2010), 31–33). Good news—our church dinners can stay!

Become Involved in God’s Work

The last thing we learn is that the believers did not only worship but also became actively involved in God’s work. It is our duty to be enthusiastically

engaged in the work. This group was known for its faithful attendance and involvement. The church is the avenue in which God has chosen to display His glory, according to Ephesians 3:20-21. Therefore, all ministries begin and end in the local church. If you are not engaged in a local church, then you may not be allowing the power of God to work through you.

Often, we let ourselves off the hook of serving and doing what God has asked us to do by saying, “I can’t; I am not good at that.” What we’re really saying is, “I won’t. I won’t allow myself to be uncomfortable and pushed out of my comfort zone. I want to serve God on my terms and how I think it should be done.”

How does all of this apply to making disciples?

We can only make disciples if our hearts are right. That is where we start. We must align our hearts with God, find where He is at work, and join Him. This mindset might find us needing to radically change our thinking, work on one area of our life displeasing to God, or

to make disciples. Luke 10 is a beautiful chapter that teaches us three lessons about making disciples: the work is hard, the task is dangerous, and discernment is necessary.

First, the work is hard. Luke 10:2 (ESV) says, “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Notice they did not pray for the work to be easier; they prayed for more workers. They understood that the task at hand was difficult and they needed help. How often have we prayed for someone else to do the work we were called to do? Our task is difficult, and we need help. We should pray for more laborers. We must make more disciples.

Second, we learn that the task is dangerous. We must serve with a purpose. Luke 10:3 says we are like sheep in the middle of a wolfpack. Vance Havner said, “Any man who takes Jesus Christ seriously becomes the target of the devil. Most church members do not give Satan enough trouble to arouse his opposition.”

dive deeper into His Word. We will all have different starting points, but everyone needs to aim for the same goal—to align our hearts with Christ, obey Him, and make disciples.

We must understand the seriousness of our calling

Ouch! How convicting is that statement? The job of making disciples is not up to our pastor, his wife, or church leadership. That charge is for every single follower of Jesus. When it says in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples, it means, as you are going, make disciples—it is a lifestyle of making disciples. As we go and do, we need to look for opportunities to make disciples. We need to serve with a purpose.

What does serving with a purpose look like? It looks different for everyone and every church. This is when we put into practice aligning our hearts with Christ to

know where He is leading so we can join Him. We must do more than the programs and activities we enjoy. We must seek the Lord and His wisdom to know what He is asking us personally to do and what He is asking our church to do.

Serving my community in Smyrna, Tennessee may look different from serving the community where you live. Our communities are different and have different needs. Ask yourself, “Am I standing in the way of my church reaching my community because of what I want to happen, not because the Lord is directing?” Remember our discussion earlier about being pushed out of our comfort zones and saying I will instead of I can’t (which means I won’t)?

The third lesson from Luke 10 is the necessity of discernment. Luke 10:6 warns about not having discernment in sharing the Good News. It says, “...if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.” All the lessons we have learned up to this point are essential to having discernment. Be careful about having spiritual conversations with people who are not ready; you could potentially do spiritual damage. Living a life in tune with God prepares us to hear when He speaks and know when to act. We are looking for persons of peace—people in whose hearts the Lord is working. He works, then uses us as the laborers in the harvest.

The theme verse this year for Treasure is Revelation 7:9, “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” How do the lessons from Acts 2:42-47 and Luke 10:1-6 apply to Revelation 7:9? God is always looking for disciples. He uses believers to meet the physical need before meeting the spiritual need. God works through us when we are obedient.

We must align our thoughts and attitudes with Him as we constantly look for disciples—as we are going. Correct teaching and faithful attendance at the local church are vital to our walk, allowing us to have spirits

of wisdom and discernment. A disunified local church cannot reach its community. Fellowship, unity, and a direction of oneness are the ingredients for a church to effectively reach its community and disciple. Discipling is more than encouraging words and checking in. Discipleship is getting in the trenches with someone, teaching them what Scripture says, and living it out as an example.

Our focus must be on the task at hand as we are going to make disciples. Living in America, we have the amazing opportunity of having all nations in our backyard. Remember, we learned that Jesus said we are known as His disciples by how we love one another. How can our love for others help us produce tangible ministries to reach all nations? Let me share a few ways my local church is trying to accomplish this mission.

First, my church has focused on assisting our Spanish pastor, Rufo Gomez, with outreach opportunities in a community close to ours. We helped him with an Easter Egg Hunt—a very neat experience because the people in the apartment complex knew that Brother Rufo was a follower of Jesus, so they were curious about what the Easter Bunny had to do with Jesus. This cultural confusion was a beautiful example of how God was working and opening doors for Brother Rufo to share the Gospel. These people were seeking, and now a new church has been established.

The church has also offered English as a Second Language (ESL). The goal is to meet a physical need and pray for “persons of peace” to be open to spiritual conversations. It takes time, effort, and patience to make disciples.

A third way my church is trying to reach all nations is by examining the population of our community. We participated in the Know Your Community demographic study that the Free Will Baptist Executive Office offers in partnership with Church Answers with Thom Rainer (www.churchanswers.com). The study allowed us to see the demographics around us using five and fifteen-minute drive times. Meeting as a group, we are also learning about the people in our community, pray-

ing for God to speak and show us what outreaches we need to offer. Remember, often God meets the physical need before meeting the spiritual need. Our church is praying together to seek unity in what God asks us to do. God only works when there is unity, and He will guide us if we truly surrender and obey.

The demographic study was insightful! One of the biggest things we learned about our community was that within a 10-minute drive to our church, we have a large single-parent and single-adult demographic. As we have been praying, we feel the Lord leading our women to host fellowship events or classes for the community—freezer meal ideas, wreath making, cooking on a budget, finance or self-defense classes. We are also praying about opening a food pantry and a clothing closet.

These are all tangible opportunities to demonstrate to our community our love and desire to help them. We are not forcing people to commit to church or have a spiritual conversation. Instead, we love on people and work on our intimacy with God so we are prepared when a “person of peace” walks through our doors.

Here are some challenges for you. How can you fulfill

Acts 2 and Luke 10 to make disciples and seek out “people of peace”?

What tangible outreaches can you, your women’s ministry, and your church begin?

How can you first begin meeting the physical needs of your community to meet their spiritual needs?

Start praying and asking the Lord where He is at work in your community so that as you are going—YOU are making disciples.

About the Writer:

Anna Fox works alongside her husband Levi at The Grove Church in Smyrna, Tennessee. Anna is a new mom to Hallie Jo and Baby Fox, who is in Heaven. Anna is involved in American Heritage Girls and English as a Second Language at her church. She also directs the nursery and preschool ministry.

Go Therefore to

Twelve years ago I spent the plane ride to Utah convinced of two things: one, I would live the rest of my life isolated and outcast due to my religious beliefs, and two, it would be almost impossible to see someone of the Mormon faith (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) come to know the true Christ. Fortunately, God is much bigger than I am, and He showed me I was wrong on both counts.

A year into our time in Utah, I began teaching kindergarten at a school near our house. Plugging into my new school community was a launchpad for my developing relationships and finding the purpose God had for me in our new adventure.

I quickly learned many things about the people of the LDS community and, consequently, developed strong, lasting relationships. Twelve years later, I am now the principal of that same school. I have gained trust and been blessed to impact many lives through my position.

Here are some practical suggestions I have learned in sharing my faith here in Utah. This will encourage you as you share your faith with Mormons and any friends, neighbors, or co-workers of different faiths.

1. People want to be loved and respected. Opportunities are lost if your Gospel-sharing approach is argumentative and combative. Be kind and seek first to understand rather than be understood.

2. Talk about differences and ask clarifying questions. LDS members love to talk about church and their faith. Lean into the open door and freely share yours as well.

3. Use Scripture to support what you share. Mormons have their own canon of Scripture in addition to the Bible. In those conversations, try to keep them in the Bible only, and don’t be pulled into a rabbit hole with other Scriptures.

4. Define your terms. Mormons can often talk and act similarly to Christians. It is easy to be confused and think you are discussing the same thing. Define your terms to distinguish exactly what you mean about Jesus, salvation, Heaven, etc.

5. Continuously point them to Jesus. People of the LDS faith are very dedicated and passionate. They love their religion and their Prophet but lose sight of the true personage of Jesus Christ. Point them continuously to Him as the Savior and educate them on whom the Bible says Jesus is.

6. Love them. We are commanded to love, even if they never come to faith in Christ. No one wants to be a project—don’t make them feel like one. Love them genuinely, host them in your home, befriend them, and pray earnestly for their souls.

I would love to connect with you and answer any questions you have about sharing your faith with Mormons. My email is graysonwolf88@yahoo.com.

Continued prayers for the work in Utah are appreciated.

About the Writer:

Grayson Wolf lives in Provo, Utah with her husband Logan and her two sons. Jacob is 6 and in kindergarten and Benny is 2 living the good life at home. Grayson is an elementary school principal and enjoys reading in her free time. Although the mountains of Utah are home now, she still misses the beaches of North Carolina and the BBQ.

Japan in Our Jerusalem

BY Alicia Crowe

Our Kingdom

“Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of Israel?”

Jesus had just risen from the dead! He had defeated death and the kingdom of evil. He had walked out of the tomb and, for 40 days, taught His disciples about the Kingdom of God. Not the kingdom of Israel. And yet they asked Him, as they always had, thus revealing their lack of understanding and belief. Just before He rose into Heaven, He answered them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. BUT you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:6-11 ESV).

I am often so distracted in life by wanting to see my kingdom restored. Politically, spiritually, personally, the kingdom of me for my peace and comfort. Yet, as Jesus told His disciples, He also tells us, it isn’t for you to understand the plan or the timing. But you will be MY witnesses. I have truly witnessed Who He is. He is love. He is holy. He is faithful, merciful, powerful, good, kind, and so much more. Here’s my witness account.

My Witnesses

I was 12 years old at Camp Albemarle on the banks of Bogue Sound, North Carolina, when I stood at the front

of the service and made my commitment to God public. I would go where He wanted me to go. This began my journey of understanding God’s call for us to be His witnesses EVERYWHERE.

Donnie McDonald captured the attention of all the young people that circled him after his mission presen tation. He stopped fielding questions about Japan and asked me what I planned on doing now that I had grad uated college. What about a one-year internship in Ja pan? That conversation reminded me of my vow to God 10 years before at Camp Albemarle, and I ran like Jonah. Jonah’s story isn’t about the prophet, his obedience, the people to whom he was sent, or their response. It is all about God and His faithfulness to us. One year turned into two as I served as an English teacher for the northern churches in Japan. Hokkaido, Japan, the frigid, snow-covered arctic tundra that mirrored the cold hearts of the people towards God. God had brought me to the uttermost parts of the world to be His witness and to also witness a people He dearly loves.

For a few months in Japan, Shannon Little was my roommate. When she returned to the United States to pursue her master’s degree, she met Josh Crowe in Chicago at Northwest Church. He shared his desire to go to France, and as she recounted her time in Japan, his heart began to turn towards Japan. Shannon initiated our ‘meeting’ with each other via email. God is faithful.

A little over a year later, back at Camp Albemarle, we were married and vowed to each other and to God to go where He sent us. Eventually He sent us (and fivemonth-old Ruby) to Japan. The next four years marked a season for our family that felt like molding and bending metal before it can be purposed into use. It is no coincidence that our last name, if sounded in Japanese, is Kurou—the Japanese word for trials and difficult situations/seasons.

Our shipping container somehow was punctured and for a month it sat and collected ocean water, humidity, and rain. All our meticulously packed possessions were lost (and we had not even said goodbye to our families and home yet). All except one lone box was ruined—the box containing my grandfather’s precious Word of God and our wedding album. A symbolic reminder to us that nothing but His Word and our marriage would last.

Two months later we began language school, and our thrift store-furnished apartment was robbed. Soon after that, we had to pause language school because of the economic crash of 2009. We witnessed His faithfulness.

One year later, I began hemorrhaging in the middle of the night while attending a women’s Bible retreat at a remote hostel across the island. On that 1-hour ambulance ride, I prayed for God not to take the life within me. Debbie Griffin and Nathan Snow went with me to the hospital and were praying also. God spoke to me during that ride, and I knew my baby would survive, and I would name her Hope. All I could do was praise Him for showing me this. (I didn’t find out she was a girl until five months later.) Despite the doctor’s words that the baby was gone, God showed us her heartbeat, leaving us and even the doctor speechless. Ellie Hope was born a month early and a month after the March 11 tsunami. God is faithful.

We had survived the trial season and were beginning to put down roots. With our three daughters, we started our second term in Saitama, a suburb of Tokyo. It felt more like our home! Almost two years into our term, we heard God calling us separately and then collectively that it was time to follow Him…back to the United

States. I felt like I was giving up my life dream! We resigned from IM in the fall of 2016, and with it came grief that followed us for years. We would not get clear direction from God until February 2019. We waited. God is faithful.

God’s Times and Seasons

Giving up our lifelong dream was extremely difficult. Why would the Good Shepherd lead us as a family across the world, just to lead us back to North Carolina? God took us to the uttermost part of the world then brought us back to Jerusalem. He led us from loss and resignation to surrendering with acceptance and belief. God is faithful.

After three years, Josh worked for his boss and friend— the man who led him to Jesus and who watched Josh leave his dream of being a Chick-fil-A Operator to pursue missions in France. Josh never made it to France, but 20 years later, he applied to be an Operator.

The grueling interview process lasted two years. One day we were praying in the uncertainty of our future and marking out states we didn’t think lined up with where we could live. I put an ‘x’ through one I knew had no Japanese representation. We prayed that whether a ‘yes’ or a ‘no,’ our move would lead us back to Japanese people. But it is not for us to know the times and seasons. In January 2019 we visited a possible store in Dublin, Ohio. As we walked the streets of downtown, it felt like God had sent every Japanese family out at the same time. The place I had marked was God saying ‘x’ marks the spot! A Honda plant was located nearby, and with it came Japanese families for two five-year stints. Chick-fil-A said ‘yes’, and our family of six moved that summer into ‘Little Japan.’

We began attending a Japanese chapel and helping with English classes and International Bible Discovery classes. Simultaneously my dream was fulfilled, and Josh’s prayer was answered! I was a missionary/teacher of Japanese people again and he was now a Chick-fil-A Operator. On the first day of ESL (English as a Second Language), in a class full of Japanese ladies, I shared with tears about God’s faithfulness. They were an

answer to my prayers!

While in the frozen isle of Hokkaido, I had also prayed another prayer—”God, please let us open U.S. homestays for Japanese people. We know their hearts are more open to You when outside their culture.” Many people we met in Japan had become believers when away from their culture. God knows the plan and the time and seasons. Although He did not lead us back to Japan, He answered the prayer He had put into our hearts. He knew best and brought us back to America where we found Japan in our Jerusalem. God is faithful.

His Kingdom Come

His purpose is for all to know Him. And He promised that He would come back just as He went, and He will call us home. He left us with His power, presence, purpose, and promise.

Our story is not about failure, a missed calling, or a lost dream. It is not a missionary story. It is a Kingdom story about surrendering to His great Kingdom call over our own desires. We are witnesses to His faithfulness. We must learn and relearn this as the disciples did. You may not think you have a mission story, but God does. He has us all on mission as His witnesses.

God does not want our ministry, sacrifices, service, and good deeds. He wants our hearts. Our surrender. He doesn’t want to restore our kingdom for us as the Jews wanted then, and as we want now. He is bringing His kingdom to us; we have the uttermost parts of the world surrounding us here.

Do you believe God? Are you staring up into Heaven with questions of now, Lord? Will you restore to me what I want? When? Or are you full of His Spirit’s power, on a mission to share what you know about Him?

Rely on Who He is though you may not understand what He is doing. Are you willing to go wherever He sends you or takes you? To give Him your heart again and again? It is not about our faithfulness. It is not about getting it right as we have planned. God is faithful, and He will be exalted in the nations! His kingdom come; His will be done.

For Further Study:

Read Acts 1:6-11 and Matthew 28:16-20.

Write down what Jesus tells us we have been given. Then write down what Jesus tells us to do with these gifts.

What practical ways can you and your family follow this biblical basis for witnessing from home to the ends of the earth? List those and pray that God would direct you to take the next step with His presence, power, purpose, and promise!

When the ‘no’ comes to your plans/prayers, ask God to show you what He may be doing in and through you. Ask Him to help you trust Him as He takes you beyond your limited understanding and forms a deeper intimacy with Him and dependence on Him. Look for His ‘Yes’!

Read Jonah 4:1-11 and Genesis 45:5-8, 50:19-20.

Compare and contrast the two different responses of Jonah and Joseph to being God’s witnesses. Jonah said, “But God!” in anger versus Joseph’s “But, God…” in gratitude.

Read Luke 22:41-46.

Note Jesus’ perfect response to God’s plan for Him to be His witness. We often say, “But, God. What about my plans/my wishes? But mine.” Instead, Jesus shows us, “Not my will, but thine, be done.”

Write out a prayer of surrender (acceptance in relinquishing and releasing someone/something) to God’s will and your part as His witness. Ask Him to use your life for His good and His glory so that many will believe.

About the Writer:

Alicia Crowe and her husband Josh are missionaries who served formerly in Japan and now reside in “Little Japan” in Dublin, Ohio. She loves sharing God’s story as she wanders through life in wonder of Her Maker and Storywriter! Her biggest adventure has been homeschooling and growing alongside her four kids, Ruby, Ellie, Josie, and Jude and meeting other travelers from “The Land of the Rising Sun” and telling them about the Risen Son.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Each day is a little different; whether we do home visits or community pop-up clinics, a sudden downpour or a single phone call can completely change the day. I start around 5 a.m., before everyone else in the house is awake and have some quiet time with God. I also go for a run or do a quick workout at home. Our family then has breakfast together before going our separate ways.

Here’s what yesterday looked like: Around 8 a.m., I met with Flora, a community worker, and a new doctor and nurse completing their rural year of service required for licensing. We went to a community to follow up with the homebound elderly and children. The truck taxi took us up the gravel road to Alto Pununo, only a few kilometers from our house. However, the drive took about an hour before we were dropped off. Walking to each house, we saw six families.

My friend, Flora, speaks Kichwa and translated the visits into Spanish. As we walked between houses, she taught me new words or phrases in Kichwa. I’m glad I wore boots because the mud is extra squishy today! Since we looked tired, one elderly couple gave us a glass of ‘tomate de arbol’ juice. Around 3 p.m., we caught a ride back to town in the back of a truck.

When we could access cell service again, I saw I had received a text from an ill church member. I walked to their home, provided care, and prayed with them. I walked home and found our electricity had returned, but we were without water. Our mango tree had broken a pipe! I cleaned up with wipes then Moriah, my daughter, and I headed to a ‘quinceañera’ (15th birthday party). We came home around 8 p.m.; it had been dark for two hours. And this time we had a little water pressure; what a blessing! Soon my husband, Adam, and son, Caleb, returned home from a boys’ basketball game.

We finished the day with a hug and a sigh. What will tomorrow bring? God knows the opportunities we will be given to share the Gospel with a people who know His Name but not His Son.

About the Writer:

Adam and Carol Duncan are IM missionaries who have served in Ecuador’s Amazon region since December 2022. Carol is a family nurse practitioner and has worked in health care for over twenty years. They have three children, two of whom, Caleb and Moriah, live and serve with them when not in school or playing basketball. The Duncans are working to share the Gospel through doors opened by medical outreach.

Just Being Ruthful

BY Ruth McDonald

“Well, that was awkward.”

When was the last time you said those words? Maybe you’d stuck your foot in your mouth or had an uncomfortable conversation with someone you don’t really “click” with.

I’m not an expert at many things, but living in another country for decades brought me expertise in one thing: being awkward! Language bloopers, cultural faux pas, and frequent conversations with people who were not at all like me … I got pretty comfortable with being awkward. I wanted to wear a big placard that read, “I’m not as stupid as I sound!”

And, you know what? I learned that awkward situations don’t hurt you. As a matter of fact, I think that all of us who are “in the world but not of it” should strive to become comfortable with being awkward.

The culture around us is changing in ways that make us increasingly uncomfortable. Spending most of our time with those we agree with is pleasant. We naturally seek out those who believe as we do, have the same background, and enjoy the pastimes and hobbies we choose.

I read the words of Paul recently, “I have become all things to all men that by all means I might win some” (I Corinthians 9:22). As we read about the predicaments Paul got into as he shared his faith in various cultures, we must admit that he was often awkward … and even downright uncomfortable and in danger. What is it that we fear about awkward conversations? Rejection? Embarrassment? The possibility that we will look foolish and be laughed at? Been there. Done that. Many times. And you know what? It didn’t kill me.

I have a sneaking suspicion that our awkwardness can even be endearing. Like when you see a child wearing a ridiculous, self-chosen outfit. Most onlookers don’t judge but instead think, “Awww!”Authenticity and bravery are both virtures respected by most. And as for those who judge, reject, or ridicule ... again, it won’t kill us! Paul suffered much worse as He “became all things to all men.”

So, the next time we have an opportunity to reach out in love to someone who makes us a bit nervous for whatever reason, let’s take a deep breath and interact with them anyway. We can have a greater impact when we learn to get comfortable with being awkward.

With love, Ruth

Laughter & Latte

This year’s event will be Monday evening, July 17, at 8:30 pm in RCC Ballroom C. Tickets are $25 and can be ordered when you pre-register or call 877-767-7662, or tickets can be bought at on-site registration for $30.